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Fresh Designs From Alain Gilles for XL BOOM

Designer Alain Gilles has put some serious thought behind his latest work for XL BOOM – the Carry Away set, the Emoji, and the Laps collection. While each performs their own duty, such as office organization, bookshelf accessory, and dinner ambiance, together they shine.

Taking into account our daily routines, the Carry Away pen holder is easy to transport wherever we choose to do our work. The divided interior organizes items while the high sides keep larger items, such as a stapler, and clutter out of view without the need of a lid. Combine Carry Away with an additional tray to handle other small items you might need close at hand. Made of aluminum and available in several finishes and colors.

The graphic Carry Away paperweight keeps your papers from doing just that. Reminiscent of old-fashioned weights, this version is much lighter yet still up for the job. The T-shaped handle makes it easy to use, while the cast aluminum and marble it’s available in makes it simply distinctive.

So simple yet so expressive, the Emoji bookends play with several aspects of gravity in their design. The curve gives us one short and chunky end and one long and thin, the name recognizing a dual personality. The idea is that they be used accordingly to support larger or smaller books, though they’d look just as stunning with no books in sight. Available in cast aluminum or marble.

Even when not in use, the Laps candleholder is a stylized piece that manages to catch the light with its generous proportions and mimicked balancing act of the base. Warm and inviting, the name notes the way a candle consumes itself as it burns, casting shadow on the “steps” to mark the passing of time. Choose from a variety of finishes and materials, including cast aluminum and marble.

Cast aluminum Laps coolers bring geometric Brutalist architecture to mind, but with a warmer design style. The “steps” at the lip of each cooler ties them together with the Laps candleholders. The interior adds depth, featuring a different color than the exterior, and making this a piece that loves the play of light and shadow.

Kelly Beall is Director of Branded Content at Design Milk. The Pittsburgh-based writer and designer has had a deep love of art and design for as long as she can remember, from Fashion Plates to MoMA and far beyond. When not searching out the visual arts, she's likely sharing her favorite finds with others. Kelly can also be found tracking down new music, teaching herself to play the ukulele, or on the couch with her three pets – Bebe, Rainey, and Remy. Find her @designcrush on social.