Dornob | Design Ideas Daily

Caffeine Rush: Clever Coffee Mugs Will Never Be Empty

Posted: 17 Apr 2014 08:00 AM PDT

starbucks never empty mugs

Die-hard coffee lovers would give almost anything for a never-ending cup of coffee, but since that isn’t possible, Japanese design firm Nendo worked with Starbucks to create the next best thing.

latte americano caramel macchiato starbucks mugs

Nendo’s never-ending coffee mugs come in three varieties: Americano, Latte, and Caramel Macchiato. The mugs are full even when they are empty thanks to some clever trompe l’oeil (trick of the eye) graphics on their bottoms.

cleverly painted starbucks mugs

When turned upside down for drying or storing, the mugs appear to be full of the drink they are named after. According to Nendo, the mugs represent Starbucks’ ambition of seeing the world as half-full, not half-empty. The playful mugs will be used in Starbucks throughout Japan.

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Traditional Dip-Dyed Porcelain Tiles: Little Pieces of Art

Posted: 16 Apr 2014 02:00 PM PDT

cle japanese tiles

The Watermark tile series from designer Deborah Osburn is a beautiful example of traditional Japanese textile dying techniques. Each tile is hand-formed and slow-fired, then carefully dyed in a traditional Japanese method.

watermark japanese tiles

Each tile is individual and embodies the name of the series: Watermark. Authentic indigo and gold verdigris pigments are used to dip, wash and stain each tile.

japanese traditional dyed tiles

The series was inspired by Osburn’s experiments with unglazed porcelain tiles and cups of indigo pigment. She placed one end of the tiles into the cups, creating a lovely and natural ombré effect.

cle watermark japanese tiles

Each tile absorbs the pigment differently, making each its own individual work of art. The tiles can be used either indoors or out, and the different styles of dye patterns can be combined for an even more unique look.

tiles traditionally japanese dyed

The organic style of the tiles would look amazing on floors or on walls. Osburn’s tile creations can be intense or gentle, ethereal or solid. Regardless of how you choose to arrange them, the tiles create a stunning effect.