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Guest Picks: Mad Science
Get inspired by science fiction with 20 decorative items pulled straight from your favorite B movie
I'm a Canadian collage illustrator and the editor of automatism, a blog where I share whatever I find inspiring, interesting, or simply beautiful in interiors, design, art, illustration and other creative fields. You can visit automatism here: http://lorilangille.blogspot.com/
I'm a Canadian collage illustrator and the editor of automatism, a blog... More »
Want to add a little personality to your home, but aren't interested in trendy knickknacks? This month I'm looking to vintage movie science for inspiring and offbeat ways to accessorize the home. Think of all those great sets in silent films and B-movie classics with their fun gadgets and astonishing effects. Here are a few ideas that'll add a little jolt of life to the most moribund decor! — Lori from automatism
by Mr Perswall
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Turn the dullest room into an instant Einstein hangout with this amazing vinyl wallpaper from the Swedish company Mr. Perswall. Called "The Art of Learning," this fun design by K. Edgren Nyborg would definitely make any office an inspirational one.
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This fantastic WWII air-raid siren has been cleverly retrofitted as a loudspeaker for your stereo, computer or iPod. In a pinch you also can use it to warn the neighboring villagers if your monster gets loose again!
by Crate&Barrel
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Long hours in the lab will leave even the most dedicated mad scientist with a case of the munchies. Having the aluminum Missoula Bowl from Crate and Barrel on hand and filled with pretzels (or whatever it is that mad scientists like to snack on) will keep the work going right into the wee hours — which is when all the exciting stuff usually happens, anyway.
| You'll need something to sit on when you head back to the drawing board after another experiment goes awry. This pair of German, 1930s Vintage Bauhaus Steel Cafe Stools from Modern 50 would make a comfortable perch while you work out that formula. Again. |
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Reminiscent of test tubes, these sweet little terrariums of air plants in corked glass bottles are 3 inches tall and a little over half an inch wide, perfect for anyone with limited space. They make great conversation pieces, too — just say you found them growing on a strange glowing meteorite that landed in your backyard.
by Crate&Barrel
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Why not watch your transformation from mild-mannered scientist to Wolf Man or Woman in style with this retro-influenced Dorado Nickel Square Mirror? You'll look good both before and after.
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Looking like part of the equipment used to animate the monster in Frankenstein's lab, this large, midcentury, chrome table lamp would look good adding a little light during a late-night reading of Mary Shelley's classic novel.
| It's always handy to have a big work surface in the lab, and this lovely folding table from Modern 50 will definitely give you plenty of room for all of the reports, test tubes and other paraphernalia that you'll need to get cracking on those experiments. |
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Reminding me a little of formula diagrams in old science textbooks, the elegant interlocked cell design of the Plinko Wool Rug would look great in either a traditional or a modern home. It would add a little structured pattern to even the most casual space.
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I love this Molecule Building Set; it's a decorative object that can be assembled any way you wish. The bright, cheerful colors would definitely add a playful note to any interior. It would be great for working out how to turn that fish into a walking swamp monster.
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If you're spending a lot of time in the lab, you'll need a comfy chair to sit and brood over where you went wrong with that formula. The Gates Chair from West Elm is an elegant update of the classic wing chair, and it will definitely give you a nice place to rethink those numbers.
by Haus Interior
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Make sure you've got just the right amount of wolfsbane with this great vintage scale from Haus. Concocting that secret potion just got more stylish!
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Keep your work desk looking good with a pair of these elegant Tajika Cast Iron Scissors. They are perfect for snipping off the string from mysterious parcels from faraway lands.
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Add a bright note to your home with this Giant Antique 1920s Mazda Westinghouse Lightbulb. It'll look like you're in the middle of working on your giant robot.
| Keep your secret formula safely out of harm's way in this amazing cabinet from Modern 50. I love the patina and shape of this unique piece. |
by Crate&Barrel
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Show off your collection of scientific curiosities in the sleek, freestanding, brass and glass shadow box from Crate and Barrel. A hinged door makes it easy to change up your displays too: this week, fossils; next week, who knows.
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Keep dinner simmering nicely while you work on the details of your time machine in this classic Cast-Iron Casserole. And if the time machine works out, you can see firsthand the original inspiration for this design.
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This great print by photographer Todd McLellan is a disassembled flip clock. It's perfect for adorning the walls of your secret underground lab, where you tend to spend a lot of time working on putting together your robot army (that also has a lot of fiddly bits).
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Hang up your lab coat at the end of the day on this solid wood coat rack from West Elm. Its simple form is a nice contrast to all that scientific clutter in your workplace.
by Modern Karibou
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Add a little style straight out of the classic silent film Metropolis to your work area with this geometric vase by Ferm Living. It'll store pencils and rulers just as nicely as it'll store flowers.
Next: Geek Chic: When Left and Right Brains Live in Harmony
Next: Geek Chic: When Left and Right Brains Live in Harmony
Comments
Denise Vilim Love these!!
15 months ago · Like
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Rikki Snyder I love those scissors and that wallpaper is awesome!
15 months ago · Like
eddiebrom What is that metal wall in several of the pictures?
15 months ago · Like
timespast What is the wattage of the giant lightbulb?
15 months ago · Like
Lori Langille Thanks so much for your lovely comments, all — so appreciated! Eddiebrom, I think those are zinc panels — you can always try contacting modern50.com to ask them. Timespast, the giant vintage lightbulbs were for display only — and it looks like they've been sold, sadly (there were only two in stock at the shop).
15 months ago · Like
Laurie at Bird in Hand VTG Fantastic post! My husband is a science teacher and still can't believe that people actually want the "lab look" in their homes (that limits me a bit). Love the look and the fact that you featured some genuine vintage items instead of all mass-produced, big-box store stuff - thanks!
15 months ago · Like
Ocurrente Design Speaking of Mad scientists-Check out the pendant by Leucos I used in this kitchen 
15 months ago · Like
Lori Langille Thanks so much, Laurie — so glad you enjoyed this! I love that your science teacher husband is bemused by the popularity of science items in the home, but hopefully this will encourage him to see how cool they really are! :)
11 months ago · Like
Ideabook published on March 6, 2012.
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