store we're psyched about: museum of useful things, cambridge
I’ve been a fan of the wonderful Museum of Useful Things for ages, but after visiting their brick and mortar store in Cambridge, MA last weekend, I had to shout about it a little bit. Dedicated to mundane objects that are so well-crafted that they’re bound to make your life better, MUT has something for everyone. Office products, kitchen gear, laundry stuff, silly gift ideas, you name it. I couldn’t help but pick up a few things there during my visit, including this Cue Ball Flip Calendar (which I couldn’t find on the MUT site, but you can find it here) and a very clever ForLIfe Tea Strainer and dish. Click here for more info on The Museum of Useful Things. And definitely stop by the store if you’re nearby! — Angela M.
i LOVE this store! also check out the sister-store “blank ink” in harvard square next time you’re in town.
keep up the good work :)
The staff in both stores is extremely unfriendly and unhelpful.
Is Black Ink in Harvard Square now? The last time I was there (2000) they were right next to each other on a side street in Cambridge, near an elementary school. There is a house just across the street, on a corner, and a good friend of mine used to live in an apartment there.
Anyway, I quite enjoyed the stores! I think I said here a few months ago that they sold those cute Lumibar gummi-bear-style lights and backpacks there. It seemed that MOUT sold more industrial, library-type stuff and Black Ink sold more witty or design-oriented housewares.
I don’t recall the staff being super-friendly or super-rude; I didn’t buy anything there, mostly just wandered around. IIRC they were kind of off in their own little world. But, you know, six years ago.
there are two black inks, one in harvard square and one on charles street. as i can recollect, the harvard one is a little more zany and artsily ironic, while the charles street had more design books and stationery-type things (like gocco supplies). but they both are connected with a lovely, playful, europhilic style.
if you’re in cambridge another time, another store i can definitely recommend is abodeon on mass ave between harvard and porter squares. half the store is vintage finds and the other half is artful and well-designed home accoutrements. you’ll always discover something new; i always succumb to some lovely thing or another.
i know they’re in many places, but paper source is always a treat with four locations in the boston area. so many beautiful things you can make with paper, your hands, and an effusive creative spirit… book-binding skills are especially sexy.