TrendCentral: Instead of erecting another structure in crowded Beijing, the designers of the recently opened Liyuan Library opted to build near a village two hours outside of the metropolis. With a concept for a serenity-focused public space in mind, they used the mountain landscape as inspiration.

The resulting building is constructed from sticks gathered in the village and lets in only natural light, helping the modest structure blend into its surroundings while delivering a soft ambiance.

This unusual architectural work provides a meditative environment not only for residents of the village but also for the stressed creative pros of Beijing who need to escape the city to get their juices flowing.

Checking Out [TrendCentral]

TrendHunter: An ultra-modern design, the T-Bone House by Coast Office Architecture is an exploration in contemporary and eco-friendly design.

The structure of the T-Bone House, as its name suggests, seems to take on the shape of the letter ‘T,’ with floor-to-ceiling glass windows on either side of the building helping to create this illusion. One of these sides is actually a space where you can park your car; the glass encasing essentially turns your garage into a luxurious vehicle showroom.

T-Bone House by Coast Office Architecture Offers a Cool Geometric Facade [TrendHunter]

Shoebox Dwelling: Ukrainian design couple Valeriy Kuznetsov and Ekaterina Kuznetsova of Decorkuznetsov studio created a series of fun and functional side tables that can double as seating. Made of ash and birch wood, these unusual creations are compact in size, contain storage and offer a lot in a way of character. Each seating table features a decorative backrest, which can also be used as a hook for clothes and other items. Side table on a daily basis, an extra seat in a party situation, and a strong statement at all times…

Seating Table [Shoebox Dwelling]

Soft and luxurious design hats in a lovely blend of alpaca, lamb’s wool and reflective material.

2-in-1 hats from Morild Norway. With a lovely bled of alpaca and lamb’s wool, that in addition to keeping you warm and comfy, make you visible in the dark. In our soft wool quality we have added our “secret ingredient”; reflective yarn. At first glance you have a stylish Norwegian designer hat, but when darkness falls and car lights hits you, you will be glowing in the dark!

Idea contributed by Tore Mørch. Thanks!

Versetta bags are designed specifically to make carrying and interacting with your iPad simple and intuitive—like it was supposed to be! Each bag features an incorporated frame, with a protective flap, which securely holds the iPad (version 1 or 2). Once the flap is opened, the iPad, and it’s ports, can be accessed without removing it from the bag.

While the benefit of having your handbag double as a work station is obvious, it’s the bags’ style and color choices that are exciting customers. Whatever one’s personal preference in bags – tote, satchel, hobo, attaché – there’s a Versetta bag available, in colors ranging from business black and brown to turquoise, pink, sunny yellow and trendy coral.

Idea contributed by Susan Scott. Thanks!

SwissMiss: How much fun is this secret passageway switch? You can use it to activate a secret passageway (or turn on a lamp). When placed in a bookshelf, this electrical switch uses your favorite hard-bound book, without damaging it, to conceal its true function. It totally made me chuckle. It’s an idea by Ben Light who is also the force behind this Mobile that’s hanging above my desk.

Secret Passageway Switch [SwissMiss]

Swiss Miss: ‘Horsey‘ is an attachable bicycle ornament/accessory which makes one’s bicycle look horsey! The ‘horsey’ package includes wooden ornaments (horsey shape body), metal parts, and screws. While it probably makes a spill way more dangerous, it definitely made me smile.

Horsey [Swiss Miss]

Shoebox Dwelling: How delightful is this? Swedish company Matroshka Furniture AB managed to squeeze living room, dining room, bedroom and study in just 15m² (about 160 square feet). This was achieved by inventing a piece of furniture that is able to transform into all of the above spaces. Matroshka system was inspired by Russian nesting dolls. Here too pieces fit into each other and save space.

Matroshka Furniture [Shoebox Dwelling]

Shoebox Dwelling: Accessories, fun as they are, inevitably cost us in space. Unless, in addition to their decorative role they can also perform some functional ones. These pillows from Ronel Jordaan are a good example. Shaped as pebbles and rocks, they can add a nice zen-like touch to your interior. And when extra seating is needed these ‘rocks’ can demonstrate their soft side. Made from 100% wool, hand dyed and hand felted, the rock pillows come in a variety of sizes and shapes.

These Pillows Rock [Shoebox Dwelling]

The Move is a holder for the iPhone 4/iPod touch that enables you to attach your device anywhere on your clothing (and won’t affect the material in any way.) The really cool thing is that there are no straps/clips/velcro/magnets required, only the screen of your iPhone 4/iPod touch will be visible. Even if you have no pockets, you can keep in touch on the go.

Idea contributed by Jonathan Mushey. Thanks!