Cool Stuff: Michael Niederberger's Branch Series

Designed by Michael Niederberger of Switzerland, these branch holders make it appear as if a tree is growing straight out of your wall.

I doubt flowering branches would survive very long displayed this way without water, but wouldn't it make an incredible decoration for a party or a springtime brunch with friends? The rest of the time, you could use non-flowering branches -- my local flower market sells lichen-dotted oak branches that last forever, for instance -- or even realistic-looking faux blooms.

Niederberger has also designed coordinating tables and chairs that "absorb" branches, which then act as legs. It's a unique way to bring the outdoors in, and to meld super-modern design with rustic materials.

I'm not sure if or where the Branch Series is available for sale at this point, but you can read more about it here.