A chair that manages to stand on just two legs, albeit with the assistance of its very own “shadow,” is a chair worth getting to know (and sitting in as well).  The Shadow Chair by Duffy London (available at Duffy London for approximately $1,230) uses an integrated steel base (i.e. shadow) which is built into its frame, to support the Shadow Chair while perpetuating the illusion of its independence from a couple of extra legs.  Available in a number of finishes and constructed from wood sourced from managed forests and other controlled sources, the Shadow Chair is both a sustainable and stylish seating option, however you may look at it.

Partnerships are often fraught with tension and disagreements (see: marriage), and familial ties can complicate things even further.  However, the design partnership between two brothers proves that two highly talented (and related) individuals can harmoniously coexist and work together as seen in the Toio Floor Lamp by Achille and Pier Giacomo Castiglioni (available at Moss for $1,212).  Designed in 1962, the Toio is an adjustable floor lamp with an enameled steel base, nickel-plated brass stem, and a 300 watt incandescent bulb.  Available in both red and black, the Toio exhibits an industrial simplicity that continues to transcend time, looking every bit as relevant today as it did almost five decades ago.

The argument is typically gas vs. charcoal, but the Grillery Standard by Grillworks (available at Grillworks for $2,475) evokes the ethos of campfire grilling, albeit with some more serious hardware, by focusing on the simplicity and primal beauty of grilling that can only be achieved with wood.  A wheel allows you to adjust the height of the 20″ wide x 19″ deep single grill surface based on the intensity of the flames from the burning wood.  Rendered juices also run along v-slanted channels for collection so you can baste your meat or use for the base of sauces.  This American-made wood burning grill uniquely satisfies those backyard grilling aficionados who, when it comes to mastery of their outdoor cooking festivities this summer, desire a little (if not a lot) more control over every conceivable detail, all the way down to the type of wood that goes into fueling their fire.

We have fond memories of spending birthdays at a certain establishment featuring an abundance of pizza and an oversized mouse as a mascot.  And in particular, we recall just how much we loved playing air hockey and hearing the clickety clack of the puck as it made its cacophonous and often arbitrary way across the air hockey table .  And while the thought of getting a full size air hockey table has its appeal, the cost of one tends to diminish the realization of such musings.  Well at least you can relive some of your birthday memories with the Mini Air Hockey Table (available at fredflare.com for $30) on a smaller scale (and without the mouse).  Just pop in eight AA batteries to get the mini fan going, and with two paddles and two pucks, you’ll be hearing the clickety clack of pucks a flying in no time.

You may not have a sweet tooth, but there’s a strong chance somebody that you know (and perhaps want to impress) does.  And last we checked, summertime means it’s prime ice cream season and while you could run out to the local store and grab a pint, take control over what goes into your next scoop with the Cuisinart Classic Ice Cream Maker (available at Sur La Table for $50).  Without the need for ice, salt (or chemicals for that matter), this fully automatic ice cream maker simply requires a few natural ingredients of your choice and then with just a flip of the switch, you’re just a few minutes away from a home made ice cream, frozen yogurt, or sorbet of your own design.  Available in five colors, the Cuisinart Classic Ice Cream Maker even comes with a matching scooper, something that you and your ice cream-craving guests will appreciate when it’s time to start, well, scooping.

Beer is good.  Cold beer is better.  So make sure your beer is at its chilled best by pouring your next brew into a PAVINA Beer Glass by BODUM (available at BODUM for $20).  With a 12 oz capacity, each PAVINA Beer Glass is made of heat and scratch resistant glass (Borosilicate) that’s not only stronger than traditional glassware, but also weighs less (not to mention being both dishwasher and microwave safe).  And with its double wall, insulated glass, the PAVINA keeps your beer cold without the mess of condensation or need for a coaster (your coffee table will thank you).

As we see it, playing ping pong has never been considered remotely sexy (unless you count Maggie Q in Balls of Fury).  That said, the Puma CHALK Ping Pong Table (available at The Conran Shop for $3,900) is not only aesthetically transcendent (for a ping pong table) with its bold black and white color scheme and simple, yet compelling lines, but also inspiring of actual ping pong play in a manner never imagined before.  Designed by aruliden (a product design consultancy) for Puma, each CHALK Table is hand made and features a functional MDF/chalk top (meaning, you can tag it up with chalk, as you see fit), a steel chain-link net (a standard net is also included, but completely subordinate to steel), and beautifully angled ash wood legs.  The table itself also doubles as storage for your array of ping pong paraphernalia and cold beverages, solidifying the CHALK as the absolute pinnacle of ping pong perfection.  As to how you play or enjoy it is entirely up to you.

There’s no better way to tell somebody how you feel than with a memento mori (of sorts).  Show somebody you care with the D.L. & Co. Skull Correspondence Box with Skull Stationary (available at D.L. & Co. for $175).  This black resin cast box is intricately detailed and comes with 12 beautifully textured skull notecards, enough for one mortality-reminding piece of correspondence for each month of the year.  Just break out that pen and start writing, something your recipient may actually appreciate, given how long it’s probably been since anybody got to critique your flawless penmanship.

Your loose change and keys have found their new home (within your home) in the A&G Merch Coinage Coin Bank (available at A&G Merch for $37).  With an aesthetic that rests comfortably between minimalist and a touch vintage in its own subtle way, the Coinage Coin Bank, available in either black or white, represents highly functional design for a highly affordable cost.