Technology & Gadget Blog

I think it’s super fun when you can stylishly integrate tech-y elements into your home decor, so when I discovered this pixelated pendant light shade, I was elated. Not garish or overtly geeky, this shade is modern and colourful and would look fab standing out in an all-white home office. Now I just have to get my boyfriend to agree to an all-white home office in our apartment…

$70 US, Meninos.us

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Summer’s in the air! Even though the weather here in Toronto has been so-so, there’s no denying that it looks, smells and feel like summertime. With the sun shining (on most days), take advantage of solar power with the Sunnan desk lamp from IKEA ($20 each). Charged by the sun’s rays, this LED-bulb lamp stays bright for 4 hours on a full charge.

And if you thought that IKEA just couldn’t get any cooler, hear this: for every Sunnan desk lamp sold, IKEA will donate a lamp (with backup rechargeable batteries) to UNICEF, who then sends them to children in underdeveloped countries around the world. The first batch are being sent to children in Pakistan without access to electricity. This allows kids to continue doing homework after dusk.

Props to IKEA for taking care of our planet and our children. For more eco-friendly finds, check out Laurie Grassi’s Natural Chic blog.

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Ignoring that fact that these are bordering on sea-urchin-creepy-looking, don’t you think they’re fabulous? Channeling the artichoke, these table lamps are a serious work of art and their colourful bases and gorgeous shape make them worthy of today’s Tech-free Friday post.

These stunners are constructed from papier mache made of recycled materials, and handcrafted by Haitian artisans. The original comes with a white base, but you can also choose from 15 other colours, all available in low-VOC paints.

My biggest question: how do I pick just one?

Price: $625 US each

Available at: Straydogdesigns.com

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What do you call a lighting solution that’s portable, eco-friendly, stylish and on sale? The Luau Lamp from Design Within Reach, of course!

I’ve been researching solar accessories this week (hint hint, possibly an upcoming Tech Style column?), and while this light isn’t solar-powered, it’s still eco-friendly and just too darn awesome that I simply had to spread the love (thanks to associate design editor Brett Walther for the heads up!).

The good folks at DWR have taken this light to the next level, combining a modern design with energy-saving technology. This rechargeable-battery-powered beauty is not only wireless and portable (think outdoor summer parties), it can also be dimmed just by twisting the bottom in the palm of your hand. How cool is that?

Wait — there’s more. The impact-resistant polyethylene Luau uses energy-efficient LEDs and can light up your world for 6-10 hours when removed from its charging base.

But, WAIT. Just when you think it can’t get any better, it does. Right now, DWR is offering the Luau Lamp for a buy 1, get 1 free deal!

Amazing quality design paired with a fantastic bargain — how can you resist?

Price: $198 US each (add 2 quantities to your online  cart, and the discount will be taken off at checkout)

Available at: Design Within Reach

Eager for more eco-friendly goodies? Check out executive editor Laurie Grassi’s eco blog, Natural Chic.

And, as always, if you know of a neat gadget or tech accessory you’d like me to feature, shoot me an e-mail at