For the love of pixel! As lovers of '80s and '90s video game classics, a modern take on the quirky cubed design feels so right for every facet of design. From its lo-fi beginnings, pixel-perfect gear is now popping up in places well beyond the TV screen. Read on to see how pixels function as a choice piece of art or stylish accessory.
The future of technology may have been on display last week at the Consumer Electronics Show, but there's always room for a little retro design. If you have a soft spot in your heart (and wallet), these iPhone cases will fill it with style.
Our passion for the lo-res aesthetic of pixels and eight-bit beauty isn't going anywhere regardless of how advanced our digital lives become. For his Fall/Winter 2011 collection, Japanese designer Kunihiko Morinaga took a different take on his clothing label Anrealage season's prints by transforming familiar florals and color blocking into pixel-style cubes.
Kunihiko takes his concept one step further, with the theme carried over to the Anrealage store in the Harajuku neighborhood of Tokyo. Every last detail is a piece out of a pixelated video game dream; from the clothing collection to the large floor rug and the wooden furniture down to the lightbulbs has a touch of lo-fi inspiration. Check out more views of the shop in the gallery, and a peek at what can ordered for home use this Winter.
Etsy seller Miscii has an online store stuffed with things geeks love: pixels, Space Invaders, and retro mix tapes, all in the form of adorable jewelry. Take for example, these Pixel Heart Stud Earrings ($33), which are not only cute and fashionable, but are made from gold plated sterling silver so they go with just about any outfit. Show off your geeky side, and take a gander through some of our other Miscii favorites in the slideshow. I dare you not to whip out your credit card.
Pixelated furniture and accessories aren't just for the geek at heart anymore. These days, pixel-inspired home goods are chic, cool, and totally sophisticated. Just look at the examples from Cristian Zuzunaga — not only did he craft that beautiful couch (that I'm still lusting over), but the pixel bag and scarf could jazz up any ole outfit. Now that I mention it, that rug is his, too. He must be the king of pixels, no? Though The Pixel cabinet would look quite chic in my living room, the $23,000 price tag would not. Want something you can buy now to start your pixel trend? The CB2 Pixel Pillow is just $50. Happy shopping!
You may not know the name Susan Kare, but you know her work. As a digital interface designer, Susan has been crafting computer operational icons for companies like Apple, Intel, and IBM since 1983. Remember the Macintosh bomb? Yeah, that's her. Now, Susan is offering up her work as limited edition prints which have been signed and numbered for your collectible pleasure.
Starting at $89, and working up to $499, you can adorn your geeky walls with her best-known icons like the hand, watch, fill tool, and many others. Check out more images in the gallery, and order your own directly from the KarePrints website!
It's been a while since we've seen a great geeky pillow (like these 10 great picks), but I'm loving this Pixel Pillow ($50) from CB2. The square throw features pixelated detail in shades of orange, yellow, green and blue, perfect for mixing and matching with all types of couches.
Since I'm an admitted sucker for orange, I of course love it. I also love that a geeky, tech-focused design has found its way into a mainstream retail outlet. What do you think?
Check out this Lego table, created using a basic Ikea table and a whole lot of Lego bricks. The creator used a Google Docs spreadsheet to determine the proper aspect ratio and number of Lego pieces it would take to finish the design.
After calculating the necessary amount and colors of pieces necessary, he ordered pieces from Lego and spent a Saturday with friends assembling the table and creating an awesome time-lapse video. I wonder which was harder to put together, the Lego top or the Ikea table itself? And what do you think of it?
CB2 goes RGB this season with its new Digi Pop Bed Linens ($30-$140), duvet and shams featuring a band of pixelated prism of web colors on crisp, white, 250-thread-count cotton. Now you can work, play, and dream in cyberspace!
What do you think? Is CB2 trying too hard with this Internet-inspired design or have they created a picture perfect color scheme? Vote below!
I'm a sucker for pixels, so of course I was drawn to this Icon Watch ($77) from &design. Sure, it's a little clunky to be worn on a tiny wrist, but if you're a loud and proud geek, you could totally pull it off. How awesome would it be paired with the Matthew Williamson pixel scarf?
The watch comes in a dark gray tone and a light off-white, so it could really be suited for you or your guy. Impress your mate with one for Father's Day, then wear it while out with your gals when he's not looking. I won't tell.
