Take 5: A Colorful Camera Collab, Habit Tracker, Cable Organizer + More!
Twice a month we invite one of the Design Milk team members to share five personal favorites – an opportunity for each of us to reveal the sort of designs we love and appreciate in our own lives from a more personal perspective. Editor-in-Chief Caroline Williamson returns this week for our Take 5 series.
1. Not Work Related Ceramics
I’ve been a big fan of Not Work Related’s ceramics for several years now, even including them in a gift guide back in 2019. Every single time they pop up on my Instagram feed, I immediately want whatever it is that they’re sharing, and so does everyone else because they always sell out immediately after restocking. The Brooklyn-based brand was launched by former architect Sarah Hussaini, who brings a playful yet sophisticated approach to tumblers, mugs, vases, bowls, and planters with fun, geometric patterns in delightful colors. Counting down the days till I get to enjoy owning one of her pieces and living with it every day!
2. Contax G2 Camera Collaboration between Casablanca and MAD Paris
A collaboration I still think about since its release in August 2023. I love cameras of all shapes and sizes (I do have a degree in photography, after all), and this collaboration reimagining old Contax G2 cameras is next level. Casablanca and MAD Paris joined up to bring new life to the model, which was produced between 1996 and 2005, and was one of the most advanced rangefinder cameras of its time. The MAD Casablanca Contax G2 Camera edition is finished with hand-applied ceramic coatings in multiple bold colors and topped off with Casablanca’s signature diamond logo. Sadly, this release will only live in my dreams as it immediately sold out, even with a price tag of €7,500, which is equivalent to approximately $8,140.43 in US dollars.
3. MUJI Winding Cable Case
I spotted this clever case on TikTok going down another rabbit hole. Originally, they were only available in Japan but I spotted them on Amazon after doing some Googling (although they’re much cheaper from MUJI if you can score them). If you’re like me, you have wads of cables for every device you’ve ever owned in various areas around your house and no matter how well you try to organize them, they never stay that way. Imagine having a bunch of these cases that will keep your cables neatly arranged in a drawer. Even better, label the cases so you can quickly grab which one you need when it’s time.
Photos: Ruth Ward
4. Cubes by Sophie Smallhorn
I discovered Sophie Smallhorn’s work how I do most people’s – going down an Instagram rabbit hole. While scrolling through the London-based artist’s page, I came across her Cube sculptures and they had me immediately intrigued. The cube-like sculptures are made up of colorful shapes fit together like a puzzle. Mounted on the wall, one or a group of them would definitely make a fun statement. I can’t imagine anyone not having a smile on their face after after seeing them.
5. Arched Habit Tracker Sticky Notes by Cloth & Paper
I’m always trying to start and keep up with new habits, but sometimes they change frequently based on how realistic they are and/or how quickly I’m able to adopt and maintain them. This 3″ x 3″ design comprises 50 sticky sheets you can adhere anywhere you want to help you stay on track. Each sheet allows you to keep up with 6 habits at a time, which is much more manageable than other trackers I see. And at $5 per pack, you won’t feel bad tossing a sheet if you want to start over.
