design*sponge salutes: thorsten van elten

well folks, i've met my match. i've found my design soulmate and he's only a few thousand miles way. his name is thorsten van elten and i'm smitten. thorsten set up tve in 2002 in order to quote, "work with people i like on products i love". man, this guy has my dream job. when i set out to start this blog, my only goal was to share the things i loved with people who i thought might like them too. i think people who work hard and make interesting, creative things deserve attention and if i'm in a position to help in any way, then gosh darn it, i will. i love that thorsten is doing exactly what i set out to do, and helping scores of talented designers along the way. d*s salutes you thorsten- keep up the wonderful work!

i love thorsten because he does what i wish i could do- he represents great people who make great products. his all-star line up includes: electricwig (love them!), details, czechmania, trico and interior tools. but really, you can't go wrong, the man has impeccable taste. i've chosen a sampling below of my favorite things. but if you must know, the pidgeon light by ed carpenter (see above) is my favorite.

(for apartment therapy's bit on thorsten click here).

MESSY MESSY [stamp cups*caleria miglioli and barnaby barford] i love the name barnaby. and the fact that they turned a mistake into art.

OUCH OUCH [hot mug*electricwig] great way to ease the pain of a hot mug. you can switch back and forth!

KNIT WIT [crochet lampshade*electricwig]

TUBEY [tube candleholder*olgoj chorchoj] czechmania!

FILIGREE ME [filigrane vase*daniel pirsc]

TICK TOCK [koekoek clock*chris koens]