"By the way, when I was furniture shopping after I graduated IKEA, I learned something new about veneers that changed my perception of them forever. Correct me if I am wrong furniture designers: Veneers don't necessarily mean cheap, right?? Veneers are found on even high-end furniture where using solid rare woods would not only be uber expensive but wasteful. It's just that Joybird misrepresents their furniture by describing it as "solid wood" when it is not?"

"Ha! I get you, Jeremy. I've also been thinking and saying that for years to any designer that will listen (that DWR is a misnomer); but recently my boss informed me that the name originally was meant to convey that now Mid Century Modern was no longer only accessible by interior designers and their clients (as apparently access to these showrooms to view and purchase high end design was relegated to those in the profession or those with $$$). Still, their stuff is way overpriced (LCW Eames chair for over $1000!!). You can get a knock-off that looks just as good and similar quality for 1/3 of the DWR version. As a woman on a design blog once said in a discussion about reproductions that has stayed with me for years now: "I may have less money, but I have good taste". How do we democratize good design for all?  West Elm is doing a good job of that (I think); they are not cheap they are certainly within reach for middle income families/singles. My entire bedroom set is WE and I got it for 2000K. So I have now the Mid Century look without going broke. "

"Though I appreciate the idea behind the concept... creating something a bit more attractive and smaller than the usual eyesore-ish large A/C's, to me, this product trades one problem for another. Now it looks like someone stuck a Nest or even worse, a 90s car stereo, into a window unit. I would have appreciated something a lot more decorative and beautiful as the "face" of the window unit that blended harmoniously with my contemporary interiors. The Nest works nicely because of its form language; and how discrete it looks when installed on a wall (even if it appears "techy" when on). But this Noria, to me, is still an eyesore. So though I appreciate solving problems (making A/C's small, lighter, easier to install for newbies), I feel it created more problems in terms of aesthetics. My personal design philosophy is if a product typically sits in plain view (esp. an electronic or electrical item) I don't see why it can't look beautiful and blend harmoniously with your interiors. I've uploaded my own favorite examples of adding beauty and attention to form to traditionally ubiquitous and unattractive but necessary items (humidifiers, smoke alarms, paper shredders, space heaters, etc.). "

"I agree. It's so pretentious  and obnoxious; to think that I'd spend that much money JUST because it's designed by Jasper; when a lot of cheaper phones already exist that look almost exactly like his designed by faceless/nameless underpaid industrial designers. I love good design, but at the same time, I abhor unnecessary waste. I ain't no label whore. Reminds me of a good friend of mine when I lived in Miami Beach in the 90s; who was so thrilled to have spent his week's waiter salary on a D&G cotton t-shirt that cost over 300 bucks; just because it was "designer"; meanwhile living way beyond his means. If you can afford Jasper's phone and you make great money, then by all means, get it. I have nothing against rich folks. But there is nothing innovative or different about this phone. "

"Beautiful form, but I don't trust it as a tea cup. With hot liquids? Though I haven't held it, I perceive it to slip from my grip easily. And try cleaning the inside of that. Sometimes I feel that designers make "cool shapes" for the heck of it, without taking into consideration the user. Sorry. Attached is what I consider to be a innovative drinking vessel; where the shape is not different for difference sake, but very purposeful (indents for grippage)."

"That is why as soon as I got a much better paying design job, I treated myself to bedroom furniture from West Elm. The quality to me is a lot higher; well constructed from real wood/wood veneers (veneers are NOT mdf or necessarily cheap as even expensive wood furniture have veneers) and comfy. Sure, it was a heck of a lot more expensive than IKEA and I could furnish an entire apartment with IKEA for what I paid for my bedroom set (even if I still don't have living room furniture), BUT at least I know it is quality, and will last forever. Can you pass down IKEA to your kids (or would you want to?). I let go of my immediate gratification mentality and will buy a living room set once the bedroom is paid for (0 percent interest for 12 months). This Grey Cork looks like IKEA but better materials, but not comfy or homey at all. Like a bunch of thick dowels with rectilinear seating. Modern, yes, but not warm or cozy. Sorry to say but it still looks cheap."

"You can always wear a metal condom. ;)"

"I think it's a gorgeous design; especially the roll-over hinged lid, BUT I believe it still does not solve my own frustration with carrying lunch to work/elsewhere. I have tried so-called "leak-proof" containers made by several companies (Pyrex, etc) and they always manage to leak; especially because if you have a narrow bag (messenger, purse, etc), you have to place said containers in sideways. My own work-around was to get a wide-footed bag (Jack Spade Dipped Coal Bag - GORGEOUS!!) and to invest in narrow, rectangular glass containers to stack VERTICALLY. I've had no leaks that way, ever. This Bento would have been better had they done what a few other Bento designs have done; stick to vertical stacking (attached examples).Not totally sold on the "app" feature. Maybe I am just not the demographic; as I don't need an app to help me find recipes or stick to a diet.  :)"

"This "deterrent solution" reminds me of the moldy sandwich one from years ago."