We love Jan Willem Wennekes, aka Zeptonn. We love his silliness, his monsters, and his humorously fitting scholastic background in Artificial Intelligence and Philosophy. We’re also pretty into his new designs for blik (a vinyl art company that, incidentally enough, we also love), two awesome wall decals that feature more of Zeptonn’s classically fun-hunting beasts. Also, some good news: last time we wrote about Zeptonn, we painfully reported the sold-out status of his art book, Stingermania, however, judging by the reappearance of said book in the pages (wallspace?) of blik, the situation has been pleasantly rectified. You can even nab the book for cheap(er) if you buy it along with some Critters or Tumblers, so go get ‘em!

Stefano Merlo, an Italian designer, is behind this Edison-worthy bucket that collects light. In an interesting visual take on the ephemeral concept of storing natural energy, Merlo used photovoltaic panels to power a set of LEDs encased in the buckets housing. The panels collect enough organic energy during the daytime to give back at sundown in the form of an illuminated bucket, offering a nice glow for the year’s last outdoor dinner parties, as well as a subject of meaningful conversation. No word on whether Merlo has any intention to create more of these light buckets, but as a creative visualization of a complex concept, it seems probable that they could wind up getting the attention they need to back widespread distribution.

Via Inhabitat

French company Maison De Vacances was founded in 1995 by Emmanuelle Fouks and Nicolas Mauriac, an ex-fashion designer and art director who see little difference between pillows and catwalks. Modern, open-minded, and heartfelt, the line of home accoutrements features bold colors, fabrics and designs that create eye-tingling, textured, and comforting combinations. The composing elements of Maison De Vacances designs, while confident in their resolute presence, also succeed in creating a certain sensuality. While one might initially suspect such fabrics as patent leathers, metallics and furs to create a cooling effect, it is this very sensuality that encourages a very different warming, and even welcoming, reaction. You can find Maison De Vacances pillows, bedding and other interior elements at select US distributors (primarily those found in large cities — the exact locations of which I can’t tell you as the site seems to lack a listing), or while visiting their store in Paris (the best way to shop, obviously).

While some husband and wife teams prefer to limit their creativity to a bedroom setting, the couple that comprises ThussFarrell Design immerse each other’s aesthetic sensibility in the place of business. Rebecca Thuss (former Style Director of Martha Stewart Weddings and editor of the premier issue of Blueprint), along with her husband Patrick Farrell (founder of the multidisciplinary firm, Branch Design Office), serve as jort of a Jack-and-Jill of all design trades. The dynamic duo’s design company specializes in visual communications for print and interactive media, bringing years of experience to the table in fields such as web site development, brand identity development, furniture design, photography, and creative direction. ThussFarrell showcase their many talents through their work with an eclectic cross section of clients. They’ve done everything from create logos for the types of Daniel Boulud company to construct websites for dressmakers…but that’s just the tip of the iceberg. Check them out for yourself.

Taking a different approach to the steadily but slow growing digital picture frame market, the RedPost/Kit from the Goshen, Indiana startup which shares the same name gives the home hacker a way to jumpstart a project that will result in a professional-looking display, suitable for office or living room. The unit measures about 18 x 15 inches and is nearly 3 inches deep. It comes in a variety of frame colors (all steel) and includes a diskless mini-pc and 19″ LCD. The unit boots off a 1GB USB flash key running Damn Small Linux with customizations done via the RedPost open source project. With Flickr support in its latest iteration (which still on the drawing boards for other commercially available frames), the possibilities for customization are endless. The multiple mounting options and inclusion of all necessary hardware round out this kit as an excellent value for the money (and trust me, I’ve checked). Definitely a welcome improvement on the digital picture frames of late.

Algae inspired decorations? Only from Vitra. Every time I walk through their West Village showroom, I lust after the decorative, snap-together pieces of their Algue — or Algae — system. It creates a beautiful combination of organic, natural lines that compliment the hard lines of the home perfectly. I’d always seen it used on a wall or wrapped around an interior column; it wasn’t until I came across Swiss design studio Fulguro’s design for Bar Nestle on Dezeen that I saw Vitra’s Algae in an outdoor setting.

The Algae provide a beautiful, delicate fence on their outdoor terrace, creating a dividing line without the visual impact of a wall or fence. Of course, if I’d ever bothered to click over to Vitra’s Site for the Algue system, I would have seen their picture of it in use outside as well. Regardless, the system works just as perfectly outside as it does mounted on a wall.