Agility gives these three objects a delightful sense of form meeting function.
Turn, turn, turn
The shade on the Melampo Terra table lamp by Artemide adjusts three ways–from down as usual; to tilted for a direct, reading light; to all the way around for a moody uplight. The shade is made of a silk blend; the stem and base are of aluminum. Price is $575 for the table lamp, $650 for a floor version at Lightology, now at 300 W. Superior St., but in late October moving to 215 W. Chicago Ave., 312-944-1000. The entire Artemide line can be seen at the Artemide showroom, at 223 W. Erie St., 312-475-0100.
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Tip-top tea
Those who take afternoon tea at the Four Seasons Hotel Chicago are treated to individual bone china teapots (with loose tea floating inside) that require explanation. For medium-strength tea, tilt the pot back on its heels. Tip it back yet again–all the way on its back–and the brew gets stronger yet. Made in Germany exclusively for the hotel, the 7-inch-tall Sleeping Tea Pot can be purchased for $80 in the Four Seasons Gift Shop, 120 E. Delaware Pl., 7th floor lobby, 312-280-8800. An extra lid is included.
Family-friendly flip
Always clever, the young designers at Minneapolis-based Blu Dot came up with a Modernist dining table–that is also kid-friendly. Flip-Me has one top-side of wood veneer; the other is a white laminate the little ones can mark up with crayons, etc. Knobs located in the center of both sides lock the top in place. The table measures 76 inches long by 36 inches wide by 29 inches high and has a rift-sawn, white oak veneer frame. It costs $1,199 and will be available in mid-November at European Furniture Warehouse, 2145 W. Grand Ave., 312-243-1955, and Innerview Home, 2813 N. Broadway, 773-472-2300.