In some sense this object is the opposite of good industrial design, where you're trying to do more with less. This Zero Mk2, seemingly created by engineers for the sake of engineering, is a pen that folds into a credit card form factor. Whatever world this creates convenience in, is not a world I want to live in. The object is admittedly nifty, though obscene from a manufacturing standpoint; it consists of no less than 54 precision-made parts. The startup behind it, Hancept, announces this number as if it's an accomplishment in its own right. I can't picture the situation where carrying a conventional pen is impossible and this thing saves the day. But we're living in a time where people are running out of things to spend money on, and this $170 object will apparently fill some void. At press time this had been successfully Kickstarted with over $80,000 in pledges and 39 days left in the campaign.

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When regular people need a new coffee table in their home, they probably go to furniture stores to look for one or if theyre feeling a bit more hands on, they can even create a simple one on their own. But if youre geeky video creators Martina and Hansi of the Nerdforge YouTube channel, you actually plan and create a handcrafted coffee table with an exquisite miniature library built inside. Just because they can.Designer: Martin and Hansi of NerdforgeMartina and Hansi shared the painstaking but very interesting and intricate process that they went through to create their dream coffee table. The table itself was made from scratch using beech hardwood but the more difficult part was creating the miniature library that they placed in the diorama space or the recessed compartment of the table. It took a lot of woodworking, miniaturization work, gluing, cutting, chiseling (with the worlds smallest chisel), staining, and other handcrafing processes but the result is indeed a masterpiece worth envying (but which they probably will not recreate anytime soon). Watching the video of their entire process is pretty interesting as you feel like you were with them every step of the way (although of course it took longer in real life, as they attested to). They started by making a tiny bookshelf to figure out the design and the techniques they need to use. Then they worked on the structure, including the legs and sidewalls. A CNC machine was used to create the book spines that were placed on the outside part of the table, showing a cool blend of traditional craftsmanship and modern tech. The intricate details they added included creating miniature potions to add to the shelves, using stirring sticks to make the floor, miniature books, and other tiny items to make it realistic and cool. They also added lights to the inside part so that viewers (and the creators themselves) will be able to fully appreciate all the hard work that they put into it. Its like seeing a secret world being unveiled right before our eyes. Transferring the finished product from the workshop to the house was a production as well but it seems that all the hours they put into it was totally worth it. What began as a simple need for a coffee table morphed into an epic journey of creativity and meticulous craftsmanship. Martina and Hansi didnt just build furniture; they conjured a tiny universe, a secret haven for the imagination nestled right in their living room. This isnt just a table; its a conversation starter, a piece of art, and a testament to the boundless possibilities that arise when passion meets skill.The post Coffee table with a hidden miniature library is an enchanting centerpiece for your living room first appeared on Yanko Design.

The Modern Mediterranean interior design style is a perfect blend of rustic warmth and contemporary sophistication, bringing the breezy charm of coastal living into modern homes. Inspired by the sun-drenched villas of Spain, Greece, and Italy, this design aesthetic embraces natural materials, earthy tones, and airy, open spaces. What makes it truly captivating is the seamless mix of old-world textures like stone, wood, and rattan with modern minimalism and clean lines.This style isnt just about aestheticsits about creating a tranquil, welcoming space that feels both luxurious and relaxed. Think neutral walls bathed in soft sunlight, artisanal woven accents, and a harmonious balance between indoor and outdoor living. Whether its a cozy bedroom with natural linen and wooden details or a spacious living area with handcrafted decor and oceanic blues, Modern Mediterranean interiors exude effortless elegance.In this blog, well explore breathtaking designs that embody the essence of Modern Mediterranean interior design, showing you how to infuse your home with the timeless beauty of coastal living.1. Sun-Kissed Mediterranean HavenVisualizer: Svitlana YakovlevaThis living room blends modern simplicity with Mediterranean warmth, creating a serene retreat bathed in natural light. Soft beige tones, light wood flooring, and a ceiling with exposed beams set a breezy, relaxed ambiance. Expansive French doors framed by flowing blue curtains open to lush outdoor greenery, reinforcing the seamless indoor-outdoor connection.An inviting L-shaped sofa, a sculptural wooden rocking chair, and a sleek travertine coffee table create a cozy yet sophisticated seating arrangement. Built-in wall niches showcase artisanal ceramics and coastal artwork, adding depth and authenticity. A statement olive tree infuses the space with Mediterranean charm, while woven pendant lights enhance the organic, earthy aesthetic. Coastal blue accents in throw pillows and textiles subtly nod to the sea, completing the look. This modern Mediterranean living room is a perfect fusion of nature, texture, and timeless elegance.2. Modern Mediterranean MinimalismVisualizer: Svitlana YakovlevaThis space perfectly captures the essence of Modern Mediterranean Interior Design, blending minimalism with warm, coastal elegance. The living area features a plush, modular sofa in a soft neutral tone, paired with a textured woven rug and a boucle accent chair, creating a cozy yet refined atmosphere. A sleek, built-in fireplace with a black metal finish adds a contemporary edge, while expansive floor-to-ceiling windows flood the room with natural light, seamlessly connecting the indoors with the lush outdoor landscape.In the adjoining kitchen, smooth plastered walls, handle-free beige cabinetry, and a minimalist island reflect Mediterranean simplicity. The built-in dining bench, adorned with plush cushions, enhances the relaxed, inviting feel, while sculptural chairs and a modern pendant light complete the look. Every elementfrom natural materials to soft, earthy huesevokes a sense of effortless sophistication, making this interior a true embodiment of modern Mediterranean minimalism.3. A Tranquil Mediterranean BedroomVisualizer: Hazrat AsgarliThis modern Mediterranean bedroom exudes warmth and natural sophistication through a rich palette of earthy neutrals and organic textures. The raw plaster walls, paired with a slatted wood ceiling, establish a rustic yet refined ambiance. A statement straw-framed mirror becomes the focal point above the bed, reinforcing the natural, artisanal aesthetic. The bed itself, dressed in textured, sandy-toned linens, harmonizes with the wooden bench and floating nightstands, creating a seamless, cohesive look.Pendant lights with a handcrafted, stone-like finish add a sculptural element, casting soft, ambient lighting. Floor-to-ceiling curtains frame a large window, inviting in natural light and enhancing the airy feel of the space. Every detail, from the woven textiles to the use of raw materials, speaks to a modern Mediterranean sensibilityeffortlessly blending contemporary minimalism with rustic charm.4. Seamless Indoor-Outdoor Living Visualizer: Weronika DoboszThis luxurious living space epitomizes modern Mediterranean interior design by blending contemporary elegance with the breezy openness of coastal living. Floor-to-ceiling windows serve as the rooms focal point, offering an uninterrupted view of the ocean while flooding the space with natural light. The neutral color palette, featuring shades of soft gray, beige, and muted blue, mirrors the hues of the sea and sky, creating a calming and cohesive atmosphere.The low-profile modular sofa, upholstered in textured gray fabric, adds a relaxed yet refined touch, inviting both comfort and conversation. A floating black fireplace in the corner enhances the rooms warmth without obstructing the view. Minimalist, sculptural lighting fixtures contribute to the modern aesthetic, while decorative accents, such as spherical lamps and abstract ceramics, introduce an organic, Mediterranean-inspired feel.5. Warm Minimalist Mediterranean RetreatVisualizer: Hazrat AsgarliThis cozy living room and kitchen combination captures the essence of modern Mediterranean interior design through its soft, neutral color palette and natural materials. The light wood cabinetry, curved archways, and textured stone elements evoke a warm coastal charm, while the minimalist furniture keeps the space feeling fresh and contemporary. The plush, low-profile sofa with cylindrical armrests enhances the relaxed ambiance, complementing the organic wooden coffee tables.Layered lighting, including sculptural pendant lamps and recessed ceiling fixtures, adds depth and warmth to the room. Soft linen curtains frame the large windows, allowing natural light to filter through and brighten the space. The open kitchen design, with a marble-clad island and wooden bar stools, balances rustic Mediterranean aesthetics with sleek, functional modernity. This seamless blend of old-world Mediterranean influences and contemporary refinement makes the space feel effortlessly invitingideal for both relaxed evenings and stylish entertaining.6. Coastal Serenity in the KitchenVisualizer: Tatiana SapianaThis Modern Mediterranean kitchen embodies a serene coastal charm with its soft sage-green cabinetry, natural wood accents, and airy ambiance. The floor-to-ceiling cabinetry offers both ample storage and a sleek, uncluttered look, enhanced by the classic panel detailing and warm brass hardware. A butcher-block countertop seamlessly blends with the natural tones, while the white subway tile backsplash adds a crisp, refreshing contrast. The central wooden island, with its raw, rustic appeal, creates a warm focal point and invites casual dining. Black metal chairs introduce a modern contrast, while the trio of matte black pendant lights adds a touch of industrial refinement.Large glass windows flood the space with natural light, framing breathtaking views of the Mediterranean landscape and emphasizing the seamless indoor-outdoor connection that defines this design style. The patterned tile flooring, reminiscent of Mediterranean heritage, anchors the space with a touch of old-world charm while maintaining a fresh, modern aesthetic.7. Mediterranean Interior with Rustic EleganceVisualizer: Sinem BilkiThis stunning interior exemplifies Modern Mediterranean Interior Design, merging rustic warmth with contemporary sophistication. The living space features exposed wooden beams that add character against crisp white walls, while a plush white sectional with blue and neutral-toned pillows creates a relaxed coastal feel. The fireplace, framed by textured stone, anchors the room, with arched built-in shelving adding a touch of Mediterranean charm. A wrought-iron chandelier and natural wood elements bring balance between tradition and modernity.The open dining area continues this aesthetic, with a grand wooden table, elegant white chairs, and striking black iron chandeliers. The floating staircase, with wooden treads and integrated lighting, enhances the spaces airy ambiance. Large glass doors flood the room with natural light, seamlessly blending indoor and outdoor living.8. Warm & Inviting Mediterranean EleganceVisualizer: Linda HarfoucheThis modern Mediterranean interior seamlessly blends coastal charm with contemporary minimalism. The living space features soft white walls, arched built-in shelving, and light wood flooring that exudes warmth. Natural rattan light fixtures, a surfboard-inspired wall accent, and greenery introduce a relaxed, earthy feel. The open-plan layout, combined with a wooden dining set and woven textures, enhances the breezy, sunlit atmosphere.In the bedroom, a bold tropical wallpaper creates a stunning focal point, evoking the lush Mediterranean outdoors. The light-toned bedding, layered with soft linens and textured pillows, enhances the airy ambiance. A woven pendant light and wooden bedside tables add rustic charm, while large windows draped in sheer curtains invite natural light. This modern Mediterranean retreat balances simplicity with nature-inspired elegance, offering a serene yet stylish escape.9. Modern Mediterranean-Style KitchenVisualizer: Angelica IgnativaThis kitchen is the perfect blend of Mediterranean warmth and modern sophistication. It feels effortlessly stylish yet cozy, with natural textures and earthy tones setting the mood. The sleek marble backsplash adds a touch of luxury, while the warm wooden cabinetry keeps it grounded and inviting.At the heart of the space is a minimalist island with a slim metal frame, offering the perfect spot for casual breakfasts or evening drinks. The stone tile flooring adds character, giving off that rustic, sun-soaked Mediterranean charm. Overhead, woven pendant lights cast a soft, warm glow, enhancing the cozy ambiance. And lets not forget the open fireplacebringing both warmth and an undeniable sense of luxury.Its a space thats both functional and beautiful, where cooking, gathering, and unwinding all feel equally at home.10. Tranquil Mediterranean Retreat Visualizer: Sarah AhmedThis Modern Mediterranean bedroom design is a harmonious blend of natural textures, soft earth tones, and contemporary sophistication. The warm wooden platform bed, complemented by a woven cane headboard, sets the stage for a cozy yet refined aesthetic. A striking stone-textured accent wall adds a rustic, organic feel, while woven pendant lights and a tiered rattan chandelier enhance the relaxed, coastal vibe. The carefully curated blue and white textiles, from the intricately patterned pillows to the soft area rug, inject a sense of serenity reminiscent of the Mediterranean coastline.On one side, a built-in wardrobe with glass-paneled, rattan-clad doors brings functionality without sacrificing style, allowing a glimpse of the neatly arranged space inside.Every detail in this Mediterranean-style bedroom contributes to an environment that feels both rejuvenating and timeless, capturing the essence of contemporary coastal living.11. Coastal Chic Living RoomVisualizer: Sarah AhmedThis modern Mediterranean living space blends natural textures and coastal-inspired colors, creating a relaxed yet refined atmosphere. The stone-clad accent wall behind the TV instantly draws the eye, grounding the room with a rustic Mediterranean touch. Crisp white sofas, adorned with blue and mustard-toned pillows, provide a cozy contrast against the neutral backdrop. Handwoven wall decor, rattan pendant lighting, and wooden furniture pieces infuse warmth, enhancing the natural Mediterranean aesthetic.The open layout seamlessly connects the living and dining areas, with a soft blue color scheme tying the spaces together. Dark navy curtains, geometric armchairs, and an earthy-toned area rug introduce depth and sophistication, making this a perfect retreat that balances comfort with elegance.Finishing NotesFor more inspiring interior ideas, be sure to explore Home Designing, where we bring you the latest trends, expert insights, and beautifully curated spaces to spark your creativity. Whether youre redesigning a single room or reimagining your entire home, let these Modern Mediterranean interiors be your guide to effortless coastal elegance.

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MacworldFollowing the announcement Tuesday that an incredible WWDC 2025 event will run from June 9-13, Apple fans are rightfully excited to know more about the big software updates coming this year. As always, the biggest of all is iOS 19, the next major iteration of the iPhones operating system, and a number of screenshots making the rounds purport to show the visual changes and new features we can expect. But one pundit has warned that these are not representative and should be treated with caution.Posting on X (formerly Twitter) Tuesday, the Bloomberg reporter Mark Gurman, a reputable source of Apple intel, warned that, while exciting for Apple watchers, the iOS 19 images in circulation are not representative of what we will see at WWDC 2025.They look to be based on either very old builds or vague descriptions, Gurman commented, missing key features. Expect more from Apple in June. He did not elaborate on what those key features might be.To illustrate the point, Gurman made another post shortly afterward and included an old pre-announcement image of iOS 7, a software update that was famous for its dramatic and controversial revamp of iOSs aesthetic. That was the year, readers may recall, when skeuomorphism died. But the leaked image still has the old quasi-realistic icons for apps such as Newsstand (wooden shelves), Camera (a camera lens), and Photos (a sunflower) rather than the more symbolic icons they would get by the time iOS 7 came out, and still have, with some tweaks and with the exception of the now-defunct Newsstand, to this day.This was a real iOS 7 image from six months prior to its announcement, the writer explains. Obviously the actual thing was very different.Gurman doesnt specify any particular screenshots, but hes probably talking about Jon Prosser. The leaker and YouTuber, having demonstrated a mockup of the iOS 19 Camera app earlier this month, showed off what he claimed was a screenshot of iOS 19 Messages in the Genius Bar podcast on Tuesday, and was generally dismissive about the much-anticipated redesign across the OS. Let me just say that Im not impressed by the Home Screen, Prosser said, arguing that iOS 19 does not and probably will not meet peoples high expectations. He also called out Gurman by name and claimed his predictions were faulty.In fairness, Prosser does very briefly point out (in an alarmingly high voice, just before a sponsor break) that things could be added before launch, largely matching Gurmans argument. But this is a single and rather sarcastically delivered line in what is otherwise an almost entirely negative analysis of the major disappointment that is iOS 19.So turn that frown upside down, Jon! iOS 19 might still be great. Well find out in June when Apple showcases iOS 19, as well as iPadOS 19, macOS 16, and many more software updates. But until then, dont get too caught up in screenshots or rumorsthey might not tell the whole story.

MacworldVision Pro has been a flop, plain and simple. By most accounts, it is not even close to meeting Apples own meager internal sales expectations. And worse, it is out of the public consciousness entirely, to where even Apple fans often forget about it.Better, cheaper hardware is one way to breathe more life into spatial computing, but since thats not coming soon, Apple needs to double down on software. VisionOS 2 felt like visionOS 1.4 than a major step up, probably because it came so soon after the headsets release.VisionOS 3, which will be announced at WWDC on June 9 and released later this year, is the first real opportunity for Apple to fully address feedback from actual customers and developers. If they want us to start strapping on the headset every day, these are some of the things we want to see.Work smarterMy biggest issue with the Vision Pro is that its just bad at anything that isnt 3D video or mildly interactive entertainment. When it comes to productivity, and that includes not just business spreadsheets but also taking notes, managing my calendar, or researching which coffee grinder to buy, its awful.Its difficult to run multiple apps at the same time without difficult context-switching between them, and the windows all take up way too much space. Entering text is slow and painful. You can hunt and peck with your eyes on a virtual keyboard or use voice transcription, which never works as well as it should. Of course, you can always use a Bluetooth keyboard, but moving your hands between interacting with the visionOS interface and down to the keyboard is tiresome. And the video passthrough struggles enough in low light that it can be hard to see your keyboard clearly.Why not add a follow option here to make windows follow the user?FoundryObviously, this isnt an easy problem to solve, but its pretty damning that the best way to be productive with your Vision Pro is to use it as a virtual display for a Mac, which is the device youre actually being productive with.One productivity problem that does seem easy to solve is the need to chase down an application windows location in physical space (or else reset/rearrange them all). The way Vision Pro anchors a window in space is impressive, but what if I dont want a window to stay in the physical space I set it? What if I want it to follow me as I walk around? Anchoring a window to the user, rather than the environment, should be a quick toggle I can flip on every new window.Walking around with my open apps following me automatically while keeping my hands free is a productivity feature no phone, tablet, or laptop could match.Embrace realityFor a platform that is all about spatial computing, there are far too many apps that are anything but. Many Vision Pro apps, including Apples own, are just big flat floating windows. I dont need an entirely new platform and a $3,500 device to run iPad apps as though they were five feet wide.The notable exceptions are 3D video and games, but I cant understand why the Clock app, for example, is literally a compatible iPad app. How on earth does the Clock app not allow me to hang a virtual clock on the wall, or click a virtual stopwatch in my hand?The Mail app could have a view where you open a virtual mailbox to open to check your messages. Find My could show a little virtual overhead 3D view, like looking down on a model town (even an unpainted one) with the person or device in question highlighted. The TV+ app could let you place a virtual TV set in your home (with various models through the ages) and place a remote in your hand. Photos could put an album of images into an actual virtual photo album object, where you flip pages and scribble in the margins.Why is this the clock app, instead of actual 3D clocks I can place around my environment?FoundryHow cool would it be to be able to map Home app controls to the actual lights, plugs, and switches in my house, so you can seamlessly control those smart home devices as I walk around without opening up an app or window? Even if its not the ideal way to get things done, cool little virtual reality touches would do a lot more to sell the idea of spatial computing than the current floating windows do.Stack the deckIn visionOS, every new application, and every window within an application, is a separate floating billboard hanging in the air around you. With just three or four windows open I have to turn and look in all directions to simply move from one app, or one window, to the next.Contrast that with a Mac screen, where windows layer on top of each other, and switching between applications is a keyboard shortcut or click away. On my MacBook, I often run windows maximized and on separate desktop spaces, where I can switch between them with a multi-finger swipe on the touchpad.I can have a dozen browser tabs and 10 different applications open, and they all occupy the same 27-inch monitor. I can context-switch without turning my head around and moving to see anything, and when I want to not be working, its as simple as not looking at my monitor.Vision Pro needs a solution for this. Apple needs to let multiple applications live in a single window stack that I can flip through the way someone flips through index cards full of notes when giving a speech. And I need a quick gesture that hides everything when I want to pay attention to the real world briefly and brings it all back in an instant.Get serious about funWe get it, Vision Pro a superb 3D video viewing device. But thats never going to be the main draw of a headset, not until Vision Pro is so ubiquitous that two or more people can watch things together in the same space.Apple could start by allowing two people wearing Vision Pro headsets to see the same virtual screen in the same environment. Let me have a movie night with my wife on a virtual beach while we both watch the same giant floating screen up over the waves. I dont want to see her Persona, I want us to be physically present and watching the same thing in the same place.Making Playstation VR controllers compatible with Vision Pro is a great idea, but should be just the start.FoundryPople love VR for gaming, and the gaming situation on Vision Pro is even more dire than it is on the Mac. Theres a relatively small selection of games that fit firmly into the lite mobile fare category and nothing that makes you think this device could possibly cost what it does. So-called real gaming needs controllers. You need to push buttons, pull triggers, and precisely track hand movement and orientation in a way that is beyond the lauded hand-tracking capabilities (and latency) of visionOS.Apple is allegedly considering supporting PlayStation VR controllers on Vision Pro. Thats an awesome idea, and one they should really run withmake it the de facto default gaming controller for Vision Pro. Sell them at Apple Stores. Make it an add-on accessory at the point of purchase. Work with Sony to publish some Playstation VR games on Vision Pro the way they publish some of their Playstation games on Windows PCs. Talk with Valve about making Vision Pro work as a wireless Steam VR headset.And Apple should stop fighting with Microsoft and others over game streaming and let them put an Xbox app on Vision Pro that allows users to play streaming Xbox cloud games on a big virtual TV. The companys principled stance about app stores isnt protecting its customers, its protecting its revenue cut at the expense of making other hardware better for gamers. Vision Pro and visionOS need as much content as it can get, and relaxing the rules on third-party app stores will make it happen.