Den Plettede Gris Cafe | Copenhagen (DK)

Papirøen, a former paper mill harbourside plot in the Christianshavn neighbourhood, has a new coffee shop by Danish designer Henrik Vibskov. The creative talent who is largely known for his eponymous fashion label opened Den Plettede Gris (The Spotted Pig) after a condition on his nearby office lease stated that the land must include a public coffee bar. The social hangout occupies a nineteenth century farmhouse style building and is painted black with the exterior design said to be inspired by the interior of a piano.

Vibskov, who regularly hosts his Copenhagen Fashion Week shows in Papirøen's industrial surround, ensured that the cafe is filled with natural light and features homemade furniture and improvised sitting solutions in order to create a comfortable environment not overpowered by the dark facade. If you get the chance to visit, take a moment to enjoy the view of the tranquil harbour.

Patatap by Jono Brandel | San Franciso (USA)

Patatap is a simple yet amusing interactive instrument that builds compositions (animations and melodies together) with your computer keyboard or tablet device. Co-created by San Francisco based Jono Brandel, the instrument relies on a clever combination of graphic design and computer programming.

Brandel co-created the project with music composers Lullatone, the melody design unit of Shawn James Seymour and Yoshimi Seymour who are based in Nagoya, Japan. The duo devised compelling sounds to accompany the animations that feature a colour palette unique to the sounds. The sounds encourages users to tap away in the most melodic manner possible, similar to playing a keyboard or drum pads.

Encyclopedia of Flowers | Baden (SWZ)

The Encyclopedia of flowers is a visual exploration of the floral arrangements by acclaimed floral artist Makoto Azuma. Printed by Swiss publishing house Lars Müller and designed by Kenya Hara, the Encyclopedia of Flowers includes an index identifying all 2,000 pictured species and showcases a floral universe of extraordinary beauty.

Details: 16.5 × 24.8 cm, 6 ½ × 9 ½ in | 512 pages | 203 colour illustrations | paperback in a transparent slipcase | 2012

Available at The Garden Edit

Cotton Love M.01 Jacket | Newcastle (UK)

Admirers of practical clothing should look to Newcastle based design studio Cotton Love and their M.01 cotton twill jacket for the ideal over-shirt layer. Crafted from a lightweight 8oz cotton twill, the M.01 jacket is the type of outerwear that’s durable and can withstand strenuous movement and adverse conditions. Founded in 2006 and expanded in 2011, Cotton Love is an independent label that focuses on quality and craftsmanship, fabric and function§ as well as good design. Expect clean lines, confident proportions and considered detailing.

A modern farm: Westwind Orchard | New York (USA)

The Westwind Orchard, first planted by Chester Khon in the 1930s, is a 32-acre apple orchard farm in the Hudson River Valley owned by partners Laura Ferrara and Fabio Chizzola. Inspired by apple growing, the fashion editor/stylist and photographer-turned-farmers have dramatically renovated the farmhouse over the last eight years to create 'a vision of a local farming future for our region'. The farm grows pears, raspberries, garlic, grapes and squash and also houses a flock of chickens, honey beehives and maple trees. The interior of the farmhouse is a delicate blend of traditional and contemporary design and neatly reflects the couple’s unconventional yet sophisticated taste. The rustic dark wood that lines the floors and walls is offset by soft furnishings including quilts, long pile carpets and custom-made furniture to create a warm yet rustic space.

Read more about Westwind Orchard.