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.
August 18th, 2006 at 6:31 am
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
August 18th, 2006 at 3:40 pm
The staff in both stores is extremely unfriendly and unhelpful.
August 21st, 2006 at 1:11 am
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.
August 22nd, 2006 at 6:35 pm
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.