Designed by Bo Ekstrom of Sweden and manufactured in Belgium from European bent beech wood, this beautiful, functional and space-saving device takes diaper duty seriously. It is certified through a rigorous inspection process by the independent Technical Research Institute of Sweden to withstand a baby up to 33 pounds. Though Bo reports that he tested the strength up to a 110 pound capacity, in case your worst potty training fears are realized and your kid is still in diapers as they’re heading off to college.

While style and elegance may not be the first words you think of when considering diaper duty, this pretty piece may just have you altering your stance on the matter, quite literally – since it’ll spare your posture compared to it’s traditional floor-standing counterparts.

When I first spotted this item making the blog rounds a few years ago, US was, as usual, lagging far behind the design market as it was only available for sale in Europe. We’ve finally caught on! It is now widely available on line and can be had in a price range of $600 – $750, depending of how good you are at finding your bargains. The wall-mounted changing table comes with a choice of green or ivory changing pad and even has a matching diaper dispenser for an additional $150.

Calling all loft dwellers! Do you live in one room that functions as your bedroom, kitchen, dining room, foyer, library, closet, office, bathroom, and all those other rooms than suburban folk actually have walls to separate, but you consider it a small price to pay for living in the heart of a big city? Then you’ll be particularly grateful for any multi-functional piece of furniture that has a tiny footprint. Especially when that piece of furniture also happens to be this gorgeous!

The Home Office Trike is imported from Europe and made from plywood, leather and stainless steel. It is intended to provide all the accommodations of a regular office desk set-up without the space-guzzling that entails.  It’s jam packed with various nooks and crannies to fit all your office supplies as well as provide an adjustable surface to house your laptop.  The wheels allow you to roll your entire home office from one place to another with ease, and the fact that there are three wheels, as opposed to four, provides better stability when in use.

It goes for $2,200 at Deeply Madly Living.  If you’re already spending 90% of your yearly income on your city loft, you probably won’t mind sinking another 2k into this baby because, seriously, how uncomfortable are you in that cramped space as it is?!

Are you one of the millions of people on the market for a tortoise foot stool?

Did I say millions? I meant two. Well, if you’re that other person, then you’re going to fall in love with this beautifully made foot stool with a leather tufted “shell” cushion and hardwood base as much as I have. This little turtle is both cute, elegant and ridiculously expensive. Hey, there are three kinds of people in this world, those who can count and those who can’t.

It is available only at Horchow for only $729.00. If only I had that kinda dough to sink into something so frivolous.

If you’re now aching for a tortoise foot stool though, there are a couple of much cheaper, lesser, and more garish models available at Rooms To Go, JCPenny and Ebay, respectively:

One can only assume this inspiration came from a barbershop chair. Believe it or not, this Hydra Table table has been around for 11 years now. Designer, Gary Gianakis was inspired to create it while living in a small space and needing functional furniture to serve multiple purposes. In it’s lowered position, the piece can serve as a coffee table or raised for dining. The wide, sturdy base easily allows for the significant height adjustment without compromising stability. It’s not only highly functional, it’s also very attractive.

Of course, I keep thinking that if I had this in my house as a kid, I’d totally use it as a seat on which to cut and style my dolls’ hair. And then I’d attempt to glue it back on her head once I’ve completely mutilated her. But I digress…

As it’s name implies, the Hydra Table employs a hydraulic pump to smoothly and effortlessly raise and lower the wide half-inch thick glass top from a range of 17 to 25 inches in height, locking in any desired position. Various customizations include different glass shapes and sizes, polished or brushed chrome base, larger height adjustment range, and optional wheels.

The design has been so well received in the furniture industry that a demand for variating designs (see images below) has arose. Prices start at $1300. Please see Hydra Designs for ordering information and other options.

Isn’t this the most elegant end table you’ve ever seen? No? Well screw you, it’s my blog and I think it is! This Maple Taffy end table is one of many such structurally delicate and intricate designs by woodworker D. Hurwitz who has been honing his craft since he was six years old. I was so impressed with his style that I’m sure to blog more of his pieces in the future, which is a much greater honor than all the awards this man has received in recognition of his work!

As it’s name implies, the table is made of Hard Maple wood with a Birdseye Hard Maple Top (see image after jump).

Many of his pieces have been on display in various galleries and exhibits throughout the world, but you too can exhibit such a stunner in your home. It retails for $2400, but you can get it at Wood Artists Gallery for only $2100. Aren’t you glad this blog exists to find you such discounted prices?!

Watch out! This little duckie may look sweet and innocent, but it’s masterfully designed by Italian designer and architect, Alessandro Mendini. “So what” you ask? Well, the guy holds several international architectural prizes and is renowned for not only his famous buildings around the world but also his very distinctive furniture, such as this Sirfo Goose Table distributed by Zanotta.

So great is this mans name in the design field that a whimsical side table such as this can easily receive a price tag of $3177.00. If you really want it though, don’t despair it is available at Europe by Net for only $2201.00! What a steal!

Still not convinced that some sandblasted cast aluminum is worth it? Well, apparently Mr. Mendini signs each peace himself. So now it’s sandblasted cast aluminum with an autograph of someone you’ve probably just heard of for the first time.

All kidding aside, I can appreciate the lighthearted attitude and sculptural creativity that went into this table and would love to proudly display such a contemporary, designer piece in my home. Assuming my home was an expansive 10 bedroom, 8 bath abode residing on 20-some acres of sprawling, perfectly manicured land with an Olympic sized indoor swimming pool, a two-story library, gaudy marble fountains, a butler… wait.. what was I talking about again?

One of my favorite children’s companies, Haba, not only creates fantastic, creative and safe toys for the little ones, but also dabbles in some equally creative and safe furniture for them. Taking the most elemental childhood desire to play, Haba creates furniture that’s not only functional, but fun! Let’s face it, a bed like this will fare much better at luring the feisty ones in for bed time.

This bed is reconfigurable. Use it as is in the picture you see above, or remove the bed and just set up the walls and canopy to serve as a cabin play fort (see below). This is certainly a piece to spark the imagination. Available at Silly Goose Toys for $1460.00

When my guest bedroom was recently converted into a nursery, I had to come up with another solution to accommodate my guests. I was determined to come up with the most comfortable, space-saving and attractive solution that’s ever been comed up with! Ladies and gentlemen, I give you: The ZZZ Chest!

This baby is not only aesthetically pleasing, compact and comfy, but comes in different facings to match a variety of decors. When folded, this Murphy-Bed inspired item looks deceptively like an armoire. It really is remarkable how comfortable this thing is. Everything from the convenient storage drawer to the optional and surprisingly firm and comfortable futon mattress it comes with is well thought out and very well made.

You can see a video demonstration of how this works here.

My guests have been so comfortable in this thing that they’ve slept right through the cries of the newborn next door!

You can find many on line vendors that carry this item in various finishes. I ordered mine from WillyGoat for $1349, shipped free.

It may not be the most practical piece of furniture in your house, but practicality is not what this blog is about. I mean, look at this thing!

Made from sandblasted roots, this Grove Grand Chair is a marvel. Due to it’s organic form, no two chairs are the same and as such, a set of two can make an even grander impact flanking, say, a cozy fireplace? Or perhaps adorning the far corner of the library?

What no fireplace or library in your house? Well just stand it up next to that tower of pizza boxes you’ve been using as your coffee table.

You can get it here for $850