Christmas is reminiscent of festive images of Santa Claus, Snowman, mangers and reindeer and activities like baking cookies and cakes alongside decorating the Christmas trees. The magic glow of the festival makes people merrier while Christians all over the world celebrate the birth of Jesus Christ. Discover how some countries have unusual Christmas traditions and bring diversity into the Christmas festivities.

1. Sweden

Credit: gavleifokus

According to Swedish folklore, Christmas elves go door-to-door on the Yule goat delivering gifts to sleeping children, just like Santa Claus. Hence, the Yule Goat has emerged as a Swedish Christmas symbol. Since 1966 Slottstorget (Castle Square) in central Gävle, Sweden, annually erects a giant straw statue of a Gävle Goat that is more than 42 feet high, 23 feet wide, and weighs 3.6 tons. It marks the beginning of the holiday season that starts from Advent or four Sundays before Christmas until after the New Year when it’s taken down.

2. Japan

Credit: travelz_travel

In Japan, KFC forms an integral part of Christmas day, and the nationwide food tradition is to feast on Kentucky fried chicken. Inspired by the American Christmas dinner, the special family meal-sized boxes include chicken, cake, and wine. This custom was brought forth by Takeshi Okawara, the owner of the first KFC restaurant in Japan. In 1974 KFC launched, it’s ‘Kentucky Christmas’ marketing campaign across Japan, which has been a quintessential part of Christmas celebrations.

3. Philippines

Every year, the city of San Fernando-the “Christmas Capital of the Philippines” holds the Ligligan Parul Sampernandu or the Giant Lantern Festival, on the Saturday before Christmas. The colorful and dazzling lanterns symbolize the Star of Bethlehem, whom the Three kings followed to find Child Jesus in a manger. The six-meter-tall giant lanterns are hung up in the air and are illuminated with thousands of spinning lights that illuminate the night sky and sparkle in a kaleidoscope of patterns.

4. Ukraine

Credit: halloween_is_calling

One of Ukraine’s festive traditions is to decorate the Christmas trees with ornaments that mimic spider webs and are thought to bring good fortune. Folklore goes that a poor widow and her children couldn’t afford ornaments to decorate their Christmas tree. While the children were sleeping, the spiders in the house took pity on the family and spun webs of silver around their branches that looked sparkly and beautiful in the sunlight.

5. New Zealand

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For the Kiwis, Christmas is not a blanket of snow as the festival falls during the summer season. Instead, Christmas in New Zealand revolves around a bar-b-que grill where friends gather for fresh seafood and seasonal vegetables. The Pohutukawa tree is a coastal species with crimson flowers and is the iconic Kiwi Christmas tree that blooms a bright-red color in December. The tree provides shade as the Kiwis sing carols in English and Maori and features in the Christmas cards, decorations and carols.

6. Norway

Norway follows one of the most peculiar Christmas Eve traditions, where people hide their brooms. There is a Norwegian belief that witches and evil spirits come out on Christmas Eve and look for brooms to ride on. Hence, people still hide their sweeping sticks so that the witches won’t be able to find them.

7. Venezuela

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One of the unique Christmas traditions is practiced by Venezuela’s capital Caracas in South America. On Christmas morning, people go to church on roller skates for their mass. The city streets are closed, and traffic is blocked to ensure the safety of the skating congregation. Since Venezuelans love firecrackers, they wake up to the sound of firecrackers on Christmas day alongside the sounds of the church bells during the predawn hours. Before bedtime, the children tie one end of a piece of string to their toe, and the other end dangles out of the window. Next morning, the roller skaters try to wake the children up early by giving a tug to any string they see hanging. After Mass, everyone convenes in the street and at each other’s homes to share food, play music, and dance.

8. Iceland

Credit: visit_akureyri

While most countries have a single Santa Claus and celebrate 12 days of Christmas, 13 Yule lads visit Icelandic children and celebrate 13 days of Christmas. They begin their festive celebrations on 12th December, and for 13 nights, children are visited by the 13 sons of legends, Grýla and Leppalúði. According to festive Nordic folklore, children place their shoes by the window on Christmas Eve, and if they have been good, they will receive candies from the Yule lads who descend one by one from the mountains. On the other hand, they would receive rotten potatoes in their shoes if they were naughty.

9. Canada

It’s every child’s dream to receive gifts and letters from Santa Claus. According to Canadian traditions, millions of children send letters, drawings, and artwork to Father Christmas at his address, which is North Pole, H0H 0H0, Canada. If these letters reach Santa’s Mailbox by December 9 with a return address, the children can receive a reply before the holidays in nearly 30 languages, including Braille. Santa’s helpers read every letter for the last forty years and helped Father Christmas respond to more than a million letters to children in Canada and around the world.

10. Mexico

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Las Posadas, or a religious march that enacts the journey of Mary and Joseph, marks the beginning of the Mexican Christmas season in December. The Pastorals are traditional Mexican folk plays performed during the Advent season that recreate the biblical passage where the shepherds follow the Star of Bethlehem to find the newborn Jesus Christ. The shepherds confront the Devil, who will do everything possible to prevent them from completing their mission. Hence, the most important message of these pastoral dramas is that good always overcomes Evil.

11. Ireland

On Christmas Eve, the Irish place a red single-lighted candle on the window that is big enough to burn all night. This is a beautiful tradition of welcoming Christ and is also symbolic of warmth and shelter for the holiday season.

12. Germany

In Germany, it’s tradition to hide an ornamental pickle deep in the branches of the Christmas tree. On Christmas morning, whichever child finds the pickle first is rewarded with an extra present from Santa Claus. The first adult who picks the pickle receives good luck and fortune throughout the year.

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If the past few months have been any indication, THIS is the age of creation. AI tools like Stable Diffusion, DALL• E 2, and ChatGPT are making creation incredibly easy for everyone, and it’s spurring a creator REVOLUTION. Joining this is Snapmaker, with its series of multi-capable modular machines that are capable of 3D printing, laser engraving/cutting, and CNC carving/cutting. Their Christmas Sale sees discounts as high as 40% on some of their flagship modular machines, which let you easily switch between 3D Printing, Laser Engraving/Cutting, CNC carving, and even 4 Axis CNC Machining. Aside from the Christmas discounts (which are on all the way till January 1st), there’s also a 3-hour Flash Sale with even more compelling discounts on the 23rd (from 7 am to 9:59 am PST). Go ahead and kickstart your creative journey! It’s literally never been easier!

Click Here to Buy Now. Use YD coupon code “AFF-sdyvvx” to get an additional 5% discount (except the Artisan, J1, and dual extrusion 3D printer module). Hurry, offer ends on Jan 1st.

Snapmaker 2.0 AT and 2.0 F

The discounts are available across all of Snapmaker’s 3D printers, with as much as 35% off on the Snapmaker 2.0 AT and 2.0 F models. Unveiled just last year at the company’s 5th year anniversary, the Snapmaker 2.0 AT brings a few key upgrades to the company’s popular Snapmaker 2.0 line. The 2.0 AT can either be procured as a standalone bundle, or as a set of upgradeable parts for current Snapmaker 2.0 users. For more diehard 3D printing enthusiasts, the Snapmaker 2.0 F offers reliably precise standalone 3D printing at an incredibly affordable price, with the future promise of upgradeability – something other 3D printers can’t.

Snapmaker Artisan

Snapmaker’s flagship 3-in-1 machine, the Artisan, also receives some major discounts. Launched just this year, the device offers dual-extrusion 3D printing, 10W laser cutting/engraving, and 200W CNC carving/cutting with the same level of modularity that Snapmaker’s other products offer, but with much higher precision, thanks to industrial-grade linear modules that are machined on the micron-level. The modules swap out in an instant and can be intuitively done to alternate between three different functions. The Artisan also offers a massive 400mm*400mm*400mm work area, with a built-in enclosure and a dedicated separate ultrawide 7-inch touchscreen control panel that provides an intuitive user-experience.

Snapmaker J1

On the market for a faster, better 3D printer? The Snapmaker J1 High Speed IDEX (independent dual extrusion) printer boasts two extruders with an ultra-fast 350mm/s printing speed, elaborate hardware design, and the ability to print with breakaway and other dissolvable materials. IDEX is the only extrusion system with two separate extruders moving independently on the X-axis, which enables you to run different printing modes such as copy, mirror, and backup mode.

Between December 12th and January 1st, Snapmaker will be providing the following offers:

US/Global Store:
35% off Snapmaker 2.0 A350T/A250T
35% off Snapmaker 2.0 F350/F250
40% off Snapmaker 2.0 A350T/A250T + Rotary Module Combo
40% off A350T/A250T + Enclosure
$150 off Snapmaker Artisan
$250 off Snapmaker J1

EU Store:
35% off Snapmaker 2.0 A350T/A250T Bundle
35% off Snapmaker 2.0 F350/F250
35% off Snapmaker 2.0 A350T/A250T + Rotary Module Combo
35% off A350T/A250T Bundle + Air Purifier Combo
€230 off Snapmaker Artisan
€300 off Snapmaker J1

Yanko Design readers can enjoy an extra 5% discount on all orders for the Snapmaker 2.0 and any other modules and combos (Artisan, J1, and dual extrusion 3D printer module excluded). Just use the code AFF-sdyvvx during checkout. Go ahead, become the power-creator this coming year!

Click Here to Buy Now. Hurry offer ends on Jan 1st.

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The electrification wave is slowly taking over the Formula-1 ranks with the Formula-E racing car teams constantly developing technology for sustainable entertainment without compromising on the speed thrill.

Even Formula-1 is working around the clock to be “Net Zero Carbon” by the end of 2030. One good example is the development of 100% sustainable fuel that’s slated for the 2026 season if everything goes according to plan. Already F1’s new generation cars operate on E10 fuel which is a blend of 90% fuel and purely sustainable 10% renewable ethanol.

Designer: Karfidov Lab

The racing landscape is going to make a radical shift before the decade ends and so will be the dynamics of Formula-1 or Formula-E cars; whichever way the pendulum weighs heavily. One thing is for sure, the prime racing car generation in 2030 will be either powered by pure electric power, a hybrid of electric and sustainable fuel, or even better, completely sustainable fuel. This Formula Polestar racing car is a vision of what’s going to be speeding the challenging circuits at breakneck speeds.

This is a project shortlisted for the Polestar Design Contest 2022 that’s already seen a plethora of impressive entries. Christened the Formula Polestar, this racing car looks like the worthy descendant of the current generation Formula-1 and Formula-E racers. The evolution instinct takes over the front wing that’s recessed behind the monocoque shell protecting the driver. The rear wing is completely gone in favor of a sleek design.

I’m not sure how this Polestar will manage to produce the downforce needed to keep glued to the racing surface at speeds in excess of 300 km/h. As soon as I look closely, the aerodynamic craft impresses me, as the wing is placed parallel to the lower section of the rear wheels. That hints towards an advanced fuel cell technology or a compact battery cell in the underbody, making way for more space to fit in the wing. There’s no exhaust to worry about, so ample space to generate airflow to create superior traction and control. As the brief description of the project puts it rightly, the car is centered on performance with its “active aerodynamics and multifunctional suspension.”

The halo section opens up like a gull-winded supercar’s doors to give the driver access to the racing seat. When the racer is buckled up, the section falls back into place giving the vital head protection that’s paramount in any racing sports. Compared to current generation F1 or Formula E cockpits, this one has a digital display to make the telemetry visible in amber colors.

The post Formula Polestar is a refreshing glimpse into the future of zero emission racing cars first appeared on Yanko Design.

A majority of smartphones today use a handful of common parts. Most smartphones rely on Samsung for displays, on Sony for camera sensors, and on Qualcomm for chips. The only things that are really different are the outer aesthetic, some of the hardware, and the user experience. Now imagine if cars could do that too. An SUV, a minivan, a sedan, a pickup truck, all powered by the same electric platform. That’s pretty much what Chinese EV startup U POWER is envisioning with its UP Super Board. Designed to be an electrified chassis on which the car itself sits, the UP Super Board helps simplify the carmaking process, allowing EV makers to launch a diverse product portfolio in a shorter development cycle. The beauty of the UP Super Board is the fact that it’s car-agnostic too, supporting a variety of car types and sizes with only minor changes being made to the platform itself in terms of wheel size, ground clearance, and probably other performance aspects like torque, range, etc.

Designer: U Power

“The UP Super Board is a skateboard chassis that incorporates four leading technologies: chassis-by-wire, ring-network based EEA with pluggable design, CTC battery system and highly integrated thermal system,” says Paul Li, founder and CEO at U Power. “As a platform-based software and hardware-integrated operating system, UP Super Board enables automakers to focus more on styling, space and intelligent user experience and operation.”

To help further demonstrate the platform’s versatility, U Power also unveiled the UP Space Concept cars, a collection of automobiles that all use the UP Super Board platform underneath. The 5 car categories include a sedan, MPV, SUV, pick-up, and van, all of which sit on the same UP Super Board platform. All cars have the same wheelbase, but have chassis and track modifications based on the car type.

This entire process does to cars what standardized parts did for smartphones. Almost every smartphone runs on Android, but uses its own version/variation of it. As is the case with the processor, display, and camera modules. U Power’s standardized electric skateboard makes creating your own automobile easy too. Companies can build and modify concepts, experimenting with forms, aerodynamics, and interiors without having to focus on the underlying electrical and electronic components that actually power the EV. Moreover, they can make their own modifications to the platform too, getting the most out of it.

The UP Super Board and UP Space Concepts are winners of the Red Dot Design Concept Award for the year 2022.

The Red Dot Awards: Design Concept is now accepting entries for its 2023 edition. Click here to participate or visit the Red Dot Awards website to learn more. Early Submission Phase ends on January 18th, 2023.

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Concrete is not something you’d immediately associate with flexibility and comfort, especially as applied to chairs and tables. The material is great for making outdoor furniture that remains rooted in place until they’re damaged beyond use and repair. They often have fixed forms, too, considering they’re not the easiest things to move or change anyway. That, however, means lost opportunity in shattering expectations and pushing the envelope of what you can do with the material. Fortunately, not everyone is easily intimidated by concrete’s rough demeanor, and this modular stool system demonstrates what’s possible when you start playing around with shapes, colors, and materials.

Designers: one J, Jeongjin Ko, Jinsu Du, Keetae Kim (Superkomma)

In its most basic configuration, the CONECTO stool looks like any ordinary cylindrical stool with a colorful top. That, however, is an illusion, given that the seemingly whole concrete base is actually two half cylinders joined at their flat side. You might take for granted how this “half shape” can be used in a modular fashion, but almost like LEGO, they can become the building blocks of larger stools that can accommodate more people at once.

Joining the two halves on their curved side allows a square “cover” to be put on top for a more traditional stool. Putting half a cylinder on one side extends it a bit for a more comfortable arrangement, but adding yet another half on the opposite side creates an oblong bench. If, on the other hand, you put three full cylinders together in a triangular formation, you can have a bench that can accommodate as many as three people.

Part of the CONECTO’s modularity is thanks to the acrylic top that joins different pieces together. This material also provides a striking contrast to the concrete base, creating a visually interesting outdoor furniture design. Where concrete is cold, raw, and rough, the translucent acrylic top is softer, colorful, and alive. The stool, whether alone or with others, provides a mix of brutalism and minimalism that could attract people to look and even sit.

The concept for CONECTO’s design also has sustainability as its goal from the get-go, using high-strength UHPC concrete with no harmful compounds. It the future, it is planned to also make use of recycled waste materials, creating an ecosystem that is not only free in its flexibility but also free from negative effects on the environment.

The post This modular concrete stool blends contrasting elements in a brutalist package first appeared on Yanko Design.

We’ve seen dozens, if not hundreds, of designs for pens so far, but these are not the only writing instruments you will have on your desk or inside your drawers. Although some might balk at the idea of leaving permanent marks on a book, highlighting text in documents or notes isn’t an uncommon practice to help zero in on important points. Compared to pens, highlighters don’t get as much attention or love, which almost suggests that there’s no room for improvement or creativity with their design. That’s not the case, of course, but it might require a little more outside-the-box thinking to get something that’s interesting and useful at the same time. Fortunately, there are designers that have taken up that challenge, and this fun-looking highlighter definitely checks those boxes and might even have the potential to be a sustainable design as well.

Designer: Wonjun Jo

Different countries have different train systems, some arguably better than others. Countries in East Asia, like South Korea and Japan, are known for color-coded lines that easily tell where a particular train is going, at least once you’ve memorized which color is assigned to which line. There’s an analogy there in how we also assign different meanings to different colors when we highlight books or notes, with similar colors forming a distinct line of thought or topic. It’s no coincidence, then, that this highlighter design gets its inspiration from Korea’s subway trains, but the way it implements this inspiration goes far beyond just color.

For one, the highlighter is shaped like a train, with the first or front car serving as the cap. A rectangular block like this might be the most ergonomic shape for a pen, but a highlighter can get away with it because you don’t use it for long periods of time. Unlike a real-world train that travels along a single colored line only, the highlighter has removable segments of different colors designed as individual train carts or carriages. And just like a real train, these pieces can be separated and rearranged as needed.

What this means is that you don’t need to have a different highlighter for a different color and only need to move the appropriate card to the front. The design doesn’t explicitly mention it, but there seems to be room to refill the “carts” or even replace the tips. In other words, you’ll only need one highlighter and one highlighter only, making the design more sustainable than regular highlighters, especially single-use highlighters.

The train inspiration can be seen even in the packaging, which mimics design cues from train maps and transit cards. LINE definitely gives this oft-ignored tool a refreshing and enjoyable design, highlighting how there can be plenty of opportunities to improve its experience.

The post This toy-like modular highlighter is inspired by the flexibility of subway trains first appeared on Yanko Design.

Based in Stockholm, the architecture and spatial design studio HelgessonGonzaga created a minimal and dark timber cabin in the coastal nature reserve Tjurpannan in West Sweden. The home is quite accurately named House Tjurpannan and has been coated in tar, in an ode to the boathouses and jetties located closeby. The home also doubles up as a base for outdoor activities at the nature reserve.

Designer: HelgessonGonzaga

House Tjurpannan functions as an open and flexible living space that occupies 90 square meters. The spacious yet simple home is deeply influenced by the exposed personality of the site, as well as the generous number of boathouses found in the region. The boathouses are positioned above the ground, to mitigate the risk of flooding, and coated in black tar to provide protection against extreme weather conditions, which the home beautifully mimics. “The positioning of the house follows a traditional train of thoughts, paying close attention to topography, direction, and importance of elements in the cultural landscape. The spatial structure suggests the possibility of spontaneous and unexpected use, hence the house could be seen as a luxurious way of camping,” said co-founder Andreas Gonzaga.

A rocky and natural path paves the way to the cabin and intersects with a wooden ramp that provides access to the raised floor plate. The cabin is marked by massive, full-height glazing, which provides the rooms with stunning views of the landscape, and an entry into the narrow wooden terraces. The various rooms seamlessly flow into one another, all thanks to the addition of simple partition walls. Although it should be noted, that the bathroom has its own distinct and separate space.

The structural grid of the home has been primarily left exposed and empty and is amped with ceilings lined with planks of pale timber, and walls accentuated with finishes of dark-stained wood, that beautifully mimic the tar-coated exterior of the home. The furniture and fittings in the home follow a dark palette as well, further complementing the wooden interiors of the home.

“The overall volume of the house is typical and the structural grid is largely defined by standard wooden elements in the local hardware store. We wanted a dark interior to frame nature outside. By drawing attention to nature in this way, we expand the spatial boundary and connect the house to its specific exterior context,” concluded Gonzaga.

The post This tar-coated dark timber cabin in Sweden features an exposed structural grid first appeared on Yanko Design.

Those who have limited spaces at home will always be on the lookout for furniture that can have multiple purposes. Some furniture can serve dual functions while there are those that can be both decorative and useful. There are also those that can be stored quickly when not in use, therefore giving you more space while also making what limited space you may have look better. Finding something that can do all of that can be a challenge but there are a lot of creative furniture designers out there that are up to that challenge.

Designer: Robert van Embricq

The Flow Wall Desk is something that might be able to fit all of those requirements for a piece of furniture. When “stored” and folded up, it looks like a piece of art on your wall with its minimalist, geometric shapes. Initially it’s a flat canvas and when you unfold it, it looks like a “spiraling caterpillar” and you realize that it is turning into a desk where you can work, read, or write on your journal. Despite its multi-functionality, it has a pretty simple design that is also sustainable.

For it to turn from a contemporary work of art on your wall to a functional piece of furniture, all you have to do is unfold it and turn it on its axis. There are hinges that help turn it from art to a desk. From a flatpack design, it becomes a tabletop where you can work, relax, or even eat if you don’t have a dining table in your apartment. The table has wooden slats surrounding it to add to the design and to also give you a sense of privacy when you’re working or going about your business.

Once you’re done using it and you need to have more space in your area, you can just put it back up and it becomes part of your house’s decoration once again. Actually, even when it’s unfolded into a desk, you still get a pretty good-looking piece of furniture which reminds me of those bamboo organs but on a smaller scale. I wouldn’t mind having the Flow Wall Desk on my wall and as a smaller desk for me when I need a minimalist space for work.

The post Flow Wall Desk transforms from a work of art into a functional table first appeared on Yanko Design.

Traditional Christmas décor can be overwhelming and feel stressful. For a fresher, laid-back and yet inviting vibe, one can opt for the minimalist approach or the Nordic feel that celebrates a warm neutral palette. Minimalist interiors are all about creating a simple yet elegant décor to bring in the holiday cheer. It also means having less but quality décor as it saves time and money so that one can focus on things that are more important. This interior style breaks away from the traditional red color and accommodates hues of white, natural wood, gray, and green that forms the key components of a Scandinavian Christmas décor. Discover how to create a joyful environment that feels warm and inviting with a clean, minimal, pared-down look.

1. An Earthy Tablescape

Credit: jennifer_enid_rodgers

Earthy colors and the natural hues of Christmas form an essential component of minimalistic décor. An alternate arrangement of candles, mini Christmas trees, and differently-sized pumpkins form an interesting composition. The earthy-hued table linen adds texture and softens the table, while the cozy glow of candles can create an intimate table setting that encourages conversations.

2. A Bare Christmas Tree

Credit: aysyluberlin

Why go for an artificial tree when you have a real one? Keep it simple and bring a real Christmas tree in a concrete planter. Skip the traditional Christmas ornaments and focus on a limited number of essentials like a Santa, fairy, etc. to infuse the pared-down festive vibe.

3. A Woodsy Look

Credit: jonet.greenfield

The minimalist trend revolves around natural materials like wood and the feeling of being close to nature. In this example, white stockings are hung from a woody plank to infuse warmth and create a festive feel. Add a garland to the shelf to give the space a special flair.

4. Santa-inspired Tableware

Credit: thisblisslife

Brighten up the Christmas décor with the accent coffee mugs that are functional too. The classic red color and beautiful Santa Claus décor makes a statement on the dining table.

5. Create a Centerpiece

Credit: trueivorydesigns

Sometimes less is more! Create a centerpiece with a natural feel and a seasonal aesthetic. The statement deer head in gold forms the accent piece in the bowl, where the bling of metal is balanced with greenery and pine cones that add texture and create the perfect holiday feel.

6. Decorate with Wreaths

Credit: leonardomcewen

Wreaths are one of the easiest and most interesting ways to add a festive touch and decorate for the holidays. Combining fresh and dried greenery and some fresh fruits adds depth and drama to the wreath.

7. A Pleasing Entrance

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Decorate the entrance to create a warm and inviting feel that sets the tone for festivities. Transform the look of the doorway with a pair of wreaths.

8. Incorporate Evergreens

Credit: thecozy.place

Break the monotony of an all-white décor with a clever arrangement of a green wreath around one side of the round mirror. Don’t miss the Christmas tray with reindeer, snow-clad trees and ornaments. The décor enhances the minimal aesthetics of the home and subtly adds festivity to the space.

9. A Minimal Christmas Tree

Credit: texasdiymama

Reminiscent of a Christmas tree, a wooden triangle evokes the Christmas charm and is cheery enough to delight the space. This contemporary alternative to the traditional Christmas tree combines a green plant in a white planter to weave the look.

10. Use Wooden Nativity Elements

Credit: lovethisfor_you

Dedicate an alcove or one section of the home for adding thoughtfully chosen wooden Christmas figures and shepherds that bring the perfect Christmas vibe. This is a simple and interesting way to inject a festive flair into the home alongside a fuss-free holiday vibe into the home.

11. Decorate the Fireplace

Credit: minimalist_christmas

The fireplace usually forms the centerpiece of any room and is perfect for adding some tasteful décor. Strategically place the cascading garland to create a minimalist yet festive feel. Mixing fresh greenery and varying heights of white candles effortlessly set up the classic look.

12. Repurpose Old Glass Jars

Credit: minimalist_christmas

Repurpose and decorate existing glass jars with moss and leaves to infuse a refreshing vibe into the home décor. Arrange the evergreens with a simple row of candles to infuse a warm and cozy feel. This arrangement transforms into a beautiful centerpiece and works perfectly with festive decor.

13. A minimal 3D star

Credit: thisblisslife

An eye-catching 3D star and white paper garland grabs attention and infuses a festive vibe into the home décor. A red cookie jar on a white cake stand and wooden base complete the Christmas look.

14. A Christmas Corner

Credit: herecomeskatherine

Create a minimalist Christmas corner with white candles and a pair of contrast- colored gray and white stockings, and a garland. The black candle holder with white candles on a circular table offers a Nordic feel.

15. Decorate the Stairs

Credit: _brittanycash_

Evergreen garlands are always nice for a minimalist décor. In this all-white staircase, a green garland wraps around the stair railing to offer contrast and create a light and airy feel. The white stockings add depth and dimension to bare white walls and impart a layered look.

16. Clean and Sleek Look

Credit: camrynmglackin

Who says that a clean and sleek design cannot be warm and cozy? In this example, the branches on the flat surfaces and a wreath combine with knit stockings to form a perfect wintery accent.

17. Hang a Garland

Credit: minimalist_christmas

Imbue a festive look with garlands across all the windows of the home. Elevate the aesthetics with a garland of fresh fruits and citrus fruits that smells fresh and adds subtle fragrance, gorgeous color and texture. It is a fantastic way to weave festivities into different areas of the home.

18. Bring Nature into the Decor

Credit: dcorstore_

The tree forms the center of attraction during the holiday season so one must make sure to decorate it with a few white and silver ornaments to get the minimalist Christmas look. A soft color scheme in gray and various shades of green creates a layered look. The cane baskets alongside the natural display of greenery, plants and a textured cushion infuse a Nordic vibe into the space.

19. Buy Christmas Candles

Credit: jeune.home

You don’t need a Christmas tree when you have mini Christmas tree-shaped candles. The warmth of candlelight creates a cozy setting, while fewer objects offer a festive aesthetic that’s trendy and yet tasteful. These functional pieces have a purpose and are not just meant for a festive visual appeal.

20. A Woody Decor

Credit: cb_creative_boutique

For a stylish minimalist space, turn to the corner table to add a little holiday cheer and choose accents that blend with the overall décor. Some cane and woody decoration that looks rustic and imparts an earthy vibe without making the place look overdone.

21. Create a Terrannium

Credit: dom_stodola_na_wsi

Take a glass vase and set up the perfect winter scene that can add some cheer on the kitchen island or the center table. Reminiscent of a walk through the snowy woods, create the Terrarium with an illuminated white house with lighting, mini snow-clad faux trees and a lamp post.

22. Add Santa-inspired Accessories

Credit: pearlandhometeam

Cute Santa’s always look great in any room. This is the simplest way to infuse the festive vibe in unexpected places to complete the Christmas look.

The post 22 minimal ways to impart a festive christmas look   first appeared on Yanko Design.

There’s a famous Jerry Seinfeld bit from the late 80s that really hits the spot. “They’re manufacturing millions of pens… I must have bought 6000 pens in my life, I’ve used maybe two of them”, the comedian says, ending with the most important question of our time. “Where’s the rest of them??” They’re in landfills, Jerry. They’re either lost under the seat of your car, behind your desk, or in a landfill. The reason this happens is because single-use pens weren’t designed to have a good design or memorable user experience. They’re only made for convenience – a price that the planet finally pays. Deviating from that approach, the ADD-APT pen’s wonderful design gets you to adopt and adapt to the idea of changing for the better. The pen’s form looks nothing like any other pen you’ve seen. It’s elegant and eye-catching, and comes with a replaceable refill design that’ll make you hold onto the ADD-APT for ages. Another little-known detail is the fact that the ADD-APT is made entirely using 3D printing – a process that dramatically reduces the waste created by the pen’s production process!

Designer: Richard Ward

Click Here to Buy Now: $74 $84 (12% off). Hurry, for a limited time only!

The ADD-APT name comes from its unique design, which adapts to every user’s style. The pen’s artistic form factor has a unique teardrop-shaped cross-section that be ergonomically gripped by both left-handed and right-handed users (it even allows neutral and inverted-neutral holding styles), and the notched grip provides the right kind of texture needed to provide a reliable amount of friction without requiring a separate rubber/silicone sleeve for a grip.

Each pen comes 3D printed from tough nylon, and docks a Monteverde D1 ink refill in the hollow top of its otherwise unibody design. The pen’s capped off with perhaps one of the most eye-catching caps ever. Each cap is made from cast brass, coated with either gold or platinum to truly make it the crown jewel of the ADD-APT pen. However, this crown jewel has a functional detail too in the form of a tiny hole that lets you grip the pen’s nib and slide the empty refill out before you put a new one in.

Ultimately, as eye-catching, unique, and ergonomic as the ADD-APT is, its sustainability is designer Richard Ward’s prime focus. Mass-produced single-use pens require expensive molds, large factories, and generate a lot of wasted plastic in the injection molding process. The ADD-APT circumvents it all by relying on 3D printing, which generates far less waste and has a much smaller footprint thanks to the fact that 3D printers are much more compact than industrial injection molding machines.

Moreover, the ADD-APT’s beautiful design, coupled with its infinitely reusable nature instantly makes it the kind of pen you’ll want to keep and constantly write with. It’s designed to look beautiful so you don’t accidentally leave it at the bank after signing papers or forget about it in some lone corner of your home. It’s a sheer masterclass in how emotional design can push a user to love and cherish a pen more, making you use it for decades instead of days, and be more sustainable over its lifespan!

Click Here to Buy Now: $74 $84 (12% off). Hurry, for a limited time only!

The post This gold-capped 3D printed pen’s unique design is making sustainability sexy first appeared on Yanko Design.