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We are surrounded by items, buildings, and even software that was designed one way or another. It tends to stick out when something is so poorly considered that we have to stop and wonder “what were they thinking?” Fortunately, most of the things around us conform to our expectations. A table is a table and a street sign is a street sign. 

However, every once and a while, creative people make a novel take on a conventional object. So scroll down and enjoy this list of innovative and cool ideas people have made into reality. And if this article doesn’t scratch your awesome design itch, check out Bored Panda’s other collections here, here, and here. And if you want something a bit different, check out our list of terrible designs here.  

#1

Shark Culling Laws Poster

Shark Culling Laws Poster

BlkShpp Report

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    #2

    Park Bench With Built In Shelter For The Homeless

    Park Bench With Built In Shelter For The Homeless

    rockhavenrick Report

    Tall Tomatoe
    Community Member
    2 years ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    this so much better than those stupid spiky dumb chairs

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    #3

    Convenient Simple Storage

    Convenient Simple Storage

    Orla Reynolds Report

    If this list leaves you particularly inspired, maybe to make some changes around your own home, it can be helpful to approach an area holistically. Or, to put it another way, to have a comprehensive, unified plan. Keeping to the design tenants of a specific style can really help bring a space together and make it look more cohesive. Let’s take a look at Scandinavian design as an example. 

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    First and foremost, think about local, natural materials. We associate Scandinavian furniture and houses with wood, no doubt harvested in some primeval pine forests. But the core idea is to use local materials to establish a sense of place and style. This extends to building techniques as well, as most traditional architecture is firstly functional. French doors do not help insulate a house while thatched roofs are probably too warm for southern climates.

    #4

    The ~spooky Forest~ Chandelier

    The ~spooky Forest~ Chandelier

    Dr_Zol_Epstein_III Report

    #5

    Child Safety Awareness Ad

    Child Safety Awareness Ad

    Brone9 Report

    #6

    The Jacket I Just Got Has Tiny Skulls As The Zipper

    The Jacket I Just Got Has Tiny Skulls As The Zipper

    LeSexyMemer Report

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    Scandinavian design also prioritizes functionality, which is often, subtly, emphasized by the use of neutral colors. Small wonder that the creators of Lego would approach furniture with an eye for practicality. Sometimes this does express itself as a sort of minimalism as one might see in an Ikea catalog. But there are myriad examples of more decorative or flashy items made by acclaimed Scandinavian designers that are also in keeping with the style's core tenants.

    #7

    Paint Sample Cubes, Instead Of Flat Swatches, So You Can See The Colors With Shadows

    Paint Sample Cubes, Instead Of Flat Swatches, So You Can See The Colors With Shadows

    KevlarYarmulke Report

    James016
    Community Member
    2 years ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    I could stare at this image all day. Also: Q-bert

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    #8

    Nicely Done, Barilla

    Nicely Done, Barilla

    zhivojin Report

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    #9

    "Wear A Seatbelt" Ad

    "Wear A Seatbelt" Ad

    jacob_lian Report

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    Design has also changed over the last century, with new styles coming and going. For example, the iconic Empire State building still stands out today as an Art Deco skyscraper among a forest of glass buildings. This style itself was a reaction to Art Nouveau which had been so popular at the turn of the century. While less ornate, Art Deco tended to use expensive materials like gold, and furniture in the style would feature exotic leathers like sharkskin.

    #10

    Drunk Driving Ad By Hyundai

    Drunk Driving Ad By Hyundai

    dave69dave Report

    #11

    Oak Wood Imperial Staircase In Castel Savoia

    Oak Wood Imperial Staircase In Castel Savoia

    Dr_Zol_Epstein_III Report

    #12

    Shark Fin "Wet Floor" Caution Sign

    Shark Fin "Wet Floor" Caution Sign

    Dr_Zol_Epstein_III Report

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    Modern design principles are less constrained by form and materials, so the guiding philosophy focuses more on the user. Sometimes this is referred to as literally user-centric design, though some will also call it human-scale design. The core idea is to make everything intuitive at a glance, even if you have never seen an object before. Maybe you are familiar with the design principles of Don Norman or at least the Norman door. Imagine a door with no handle, just a metal plate. Naturally, since you know it’s a door, it must move to let a person pass through. So with no handle, your only option left is to push.

    #13

    This IKEA Ad

    This IKEA Ad

    shxni Report

    #14

    Any Love For Packaging Here? Very Thoughtful Hardware Package Design

    Any Love For Packaging Here? Very Thoughtful Hardware Package Design

    effinwhitey Report

    Shyla Bouche
    Community Member
    2 years ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    I used to work in a home for the developmentally disabled. They went to "work" on weekdays, to a rehab type program that taught life skills. Some of the more intelligent clients had actual jobs, where they packed hardware for appliances and furniture. They each had a paper with life-size drawings of each item. The client would cover each picture with the matching part (like a toddler's jigsaw puzzle). Once each picture had its part, the client bagged the pieces.

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    #15

    Ad For Superman Movie

    Ad For Superman Movie

    Brone9 Report

    #16

    Anti-Pollution Sign By A Lake In Evergreen, Colorado

    Anti-Pollution Sign By A Lake In Evergreen, Colorado

    lalala850 Report

    #17

    Book Benches, Bulgaria

    Book Benches, Bulgaria

    Pumuckl4Life Report

    Laugh or not
    Community Member
    2 years ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    It would be the best if they had readable poems or extracts from books to tempt you to read the entire books.

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    #18

    This Teacher's Wall Art

    This Teacher's Wall Art

    JakeNatschke Report

    #19

    Was Told This Would Be Appreciated Here. Sooo Here Ya Go!

    Was Told This Would Be Appreciated Here. Sooo Here Ya Go!

    sgabe1010 Report

    A_Cat_To_The_Past
    Community Member
    2 years ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    I literally need that please tell me where I can find that

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    #20

    "Piece By Piece Alzheimer's Takes Away The Memory". Campaign For Alzheimer Forschung Initiative

    "Piece By Piece Alzheimer's Takes Away The Memory". Campaign For Alzheimer Forschung Initiative

    BlkShpp Report

    Ziggyc
    Community Member
    2 years ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    Watched my MIL suffer from this,it's a horrible disease,this poster really.speaks volumes

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    #21

    Colorful Glass Canopy In Sonoma, California. By: Olafur Eliasson And Architect Sebastian Behmann

    Colorful Glass Canopy In Sonoma, California. By: Olafur Eliasson And Architect Sebastian Behmann

    Arkitek_Yorkshire Report

    #22

    Door Handles On A Theatre

    Door Handles On A Theatre

    Killdestroy Report

    #23

    Newly Constructed 'Danish Prison Cells' Are Designed Better Than My Apartment

    Newly Constructed 'Danish Prison Cells' Are Designed Better Than My Apartment

    Dr_Zol_Epstein_III Report

    Seth
    Community Member
    2 years ago (edited) Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    You know you live in a prison state when accomodations that are beyond the means of a minimum wage laborer are considered a punishment elsewhere in the world.

    Iva Kazalova
    Community Member
    2 years ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    Scandinavia actually makes a point of reintegrating its offenders back into society, and very successfully so

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    Emma S
    Community Member
    2 years ago (edited) Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    It's been shown that 'nice' prisons like this have much lower reoffender rates than 'tough' prisons. People who are given an opportunity to get an education or training, and therefore a decent paying job and a secure home after release have little reason to return to a life of crime. Putting people back into the poverty they were in before they went to prison means they often reoffend due to necessity.

    Nitka Tsar
    Community Member
    2 years ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    That‘s why most countries make rehabilitation their main goal, instead of just punishment.

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    magix (they/them)
    Community Member
    2 years ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    that's a prison cell?! it looks like a hotel room! i'm gonna need to commit some danish crimes...

    Christel Nellemann
    Community Member
    2 years ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    Well, danish criminals really dislike having their freedom taken away and beoing locked up. But . We really have inequality problems in the world. (And the cells are not all that new and greatlooking anyways.

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    𝓚𝓮𝓲𝓽𝓱
    Community Member
    2 years ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    An experiment showed that prisoners preferred Dutch mails because although the cells are nice, the guards and prison system in these prisons are les friendly

    rob
    Community Member
    2 years ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    What experiment was done? I would actually like to read some more about the subject.

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    LokisLilButterknife
    Community Member
    2 years ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    This would be considered a nice "affordable" apartment in New York or London.

    Xenon
    Community Member
    2 years ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    Doubt affordable, in NYC a closet goes for $2000 a month.

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    Stephanie A Mutti
    Community Member
    2 years ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    Some of the northern eastern countries are handling incarceration in such a more humane and successful manner than some of the western counter-parts. We have so much to learn.

    Old Roadie
    Community Member
    2 years ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    Aye. But we have over 33,000 gangs doing business in America. Most are not home-grown. They have no regard for American law and mores (much like our politicians). Those individual gangs represent millions of gang members all fighting for territory, all fighting to protect their business interests. Our aging prison system cannot keep up... it just can't.

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    tHeBoRdEsTpAnDa
    Community Member
    2 years ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    Lets go commit crimes in Denmark! Who's with me?

    Em
    Community Member
    2 years ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    Were going on a trip to Europe kids

    David
    Community Member
    2 years ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    So I googled. That part that really surprises me is this is a maximum security prison. Their class 1 or whatever they call it. Storstrøm Prison

    kath morgan
    Community Member
    2 years ago (edited) Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    It looks nicer than the student accommodation I had to pay for!

    Mari Mar Pinta
    Community Member
    2 years ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    This looks like a room that is meant for a prisoner who is doing well and has a successful chance at being reintroduced to society... I don't think high-level offenders are deserving of something like this. I mean not even our Homeless Veterans get to stay in rooms like this.....

    der sebbl
    Community Member
    2 years ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    Maybe the us government should rethink a few things

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    Marie Dahme
    Community Member
    2 years ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    I currently reside in an US skilled nursing facility (temporarily!!!!)….and while they take all my money albeit $50, these accommodations are far superior than what they provide for our disabled and elderly here. So in other words.Danish prisoners are given better treatment than US disabled/elderly in the US !! What the ever loving fvck….

    Upil
    Community Member
    2 years ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    I think it wont work here in my country, how ever good the prison room is i think most people will turn back to comitting crime. It is not about how they treat you in the prison, because when they get out they will face the same problem that got them to the prison in the first place, being poor. It is so sad knowing how hard it is to make a living here, even when you have a skill you still need money to start over.

    der sebbl
    Community Member
    2 years ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    That's why it's not only the room here, there is also work done to educate people while in jail so they have a chance of starting a better life

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    Paul Werner
    Community Member
    2 years ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    definitely nicer and bigger than alot of NYC apartments

    Burnt Bagel
    Community Member
    2 years ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    Hmmm…treating prisoners like they are still people. Interesting concept!!!

    Mistiekim
    Community Member
    2 years ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    I thought that was a giant bug on the wall in the bathroom

    Shiven
    Community Member
    2 years ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    Is it available on make my trip

    Surfing Panda
    Community Member
    2 years ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    My elderly mother would love to find an affordable place that looks like that...

    Casey B
    Community Member
    2 years ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    And there is actually a question as to why criminals have no fear of going to prison... Seriously

    SydneyP
    Community Member
    2 years ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    Way nicer than my first apartment!

    Pandasizing World Peace
    Community Member
    Premium
    2 years ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    Shoot, nice accommodations, free rent, three free meals a day? Just give me something to play computer games on and I'm set for life!

    tuzdayschild
    Community Member
    2 years ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    I going to Denmark to steal a pack of gum. This is an introvert dream.

    Grahamalama09
    Community Member
    2 years ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    "the best way to stop prison escapes is to give the prisoners no reason to want to leave" - these people

    Sydnie Laney
    Community Member
    2 years ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    Thats because they humanize people unlike here in America, they treat people with dignity instead of like trash, which all the adult Americans think are horrible and say is injustable. Another reason why im leaving the country when i have enough money and im old enough

    elcee
    Community Member
    2 years ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    dang these r pretty nice! lots of natural light (?) I bet they would even let u have a plant or two

    Mel Schmidt
    Community Member
    2 years ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    Treating prisoners humanely is a win win situation.

    Cybele Spanjaard
    Community Member
    2 years ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    A few good books meals delivered and a TV maybe a laptop.. who wants to be good?

    Lee Henderson
    Community Member
    2 years ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    Try to tell America that Charles Manson or Jeffrey Epstein would serve their sentence in that kind of cell...

    Ben
    Community Member
    2 years ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    Mental note. Break the law in this country.

    Bernie Lynch
    Community Member
    2 years ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    Movie: Denmark. A down-on-his-luck Welshman travels across Europe with one crazy goal: to get himself arrested and sent to a Danish prison where the beds are warm and the water is hot.

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    Supllll
    Community Member
    2 years ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    I would commit a crime just to get to spend my life here

    Jrizzy Jay
    Community Member
    2 years ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    conjugal visits and Im all set.

    Rosie Red
    Community Member
    2 years ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    Over here, if this were a rental unit, it would cost you $1,000/month.

    Mykidsartrocks
    Community Member
    2 years ago (edited) Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    How do I go to prison here?

    Kate Jones
    Community Member
    2 years ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    You mean I can have this and not work? Sign me up. I'll have to try and sneak in wifi and a laptop and maybe a pillow and comforter, then it'll be perfect.

    StarlightPanda!
    Community Member
    2 years ago

    This comment is hidden. Click here to view.

    This is messed up..

    der sebbl
    Community Member
    2 years ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    Why, because humans are treated as...humans?

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    #24

    Forget Abs Of Steel And Buns Of Steel. Get Abs Of Buns

    Forget Abs Of Steel And Buns Of Steel. Get Abs Of Buns

    unbuggy Report

    Jaaawn
    Community Member
    2 years ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    Screw that. I'll stick with my rolls of fat...

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    #25

    This Bar Has A Chilled Strip To Keep Your Drink Cold

    This Bar Has A Chilled Strip To Keep Your Drink Cold

    MMZane8 Report

    Katie Lutesinger
    Community Member
    2 years ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    Of course you just know some idiot is going to get their tongue stuck to it after a particularly ill-advised bar bet.

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    #26

    Translation: (Their) Love Slipped A Little Bit? No, This Is Violence (Anti Domestic Violence Poster)

    Translation: (Their) Love Slipped A Little Bit? No, This Is Violence (Anti Domestic Violence Poster)

    Stock_Quality_5523 Report

    #27

    Clever Little Airline Logo From A Recent Flight

    Clever Little Airline Logo From A Recent Flight

    petefromwetwang Report

    #28

    My Vacuum Cleaner Filter Displays Taps When It's Wet After Cleaning, So You Know When It's Fully Dry

    My Vacuum Cleaner Filter Displays Taps When It's Wet After Cleaning, So You Know When It's Fully Dry

    MichaelCG8 Report

    ~blobcow
    Community Member
    2 years ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    wow work of some braincells right there

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    See Also on Bored Panda
    #29

    A Bar Of Soap That Gets Sad As It Approaches Its Demise

    A Bar Of Soap That Gets Sad As It Approaches Its Demise

    wallflowerface Report

    Lurking Panda
    Community Member
    2 years ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    So the more you use the soap, the sadder it gets? Not sure if that's particularly great design, might discourage people from using it.

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    #31

    Solution/Pollution French Sign

    Solution/Pollution French Sign

    Sakuyxio Report

    #32

    This Barcode That Looks Like A Waterfall

    This Barcode That Looks Like A Waterfall

    retardednotretired Report

    #33

    Samsung’s Galaxy Flip Phone Advertisement At A Bus Stop In Belgium

    Samsung’s Galaxy Flip Phone Advertisement At A Bus Stop In Belgium

    UnwantedJason Report

    Kim Fielding
    Community Member
    2 years ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    Honest question for people in countries where English isn't the primary language: Do you get annoyed at all the English in advertisements in your country? As an English-speaker, I've appreciated the ubiquity of the language when I've traveled, but I'm wondering if it's irritating for the people who live there. (Where I live in California, all the ads are in English or Spanish; I don't mind the Spanish because it helps me practice my very basic language skills.)

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    #34

    Very Clever Logo With A Double Message

    Very Clever Logo With A Double Message

    scientisttiger Report

    #36

    Jeep's European Marketing

    Jeep's European Marketing

    EDIT_ID Report

    Marco Richter
    Community Member
    2 years ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    so they empower parking on a walkway? That's actually bad design.

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    #37

    The Logo For A Band Called The Makepeace Brothers. I Always Thought It Was So Clever

    The Logo For A Band Called The Makepeace Brothers. I Always Thought It Was So Clever

    pertnear Report

    Kristine Johnson
    Community Member
    2 years ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    The letters are supposed to also be a hand giving a peace sign. Took me ages to see it.

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    #38

    These Room Numbers In My Hotel

    These Room Numbers In My Hotel

    chai-knees Report

    See Also on Bored Panda
    #39

    Cd Package Design For Chinese Folk Rock Band 五条人

    Cd Package Design For Chinese Folk Rock Band 五条人

    UMEBA Report

    #40

    IKEA Advertisement

    IKEA Advertisement

    Brone9 Report

    SabbeRubbish
    Community Member
    2 years ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    They can laugh with themselves, or is it the customers they are making fun of? 🤣

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    #41

    Less Talking, More Listening

    Less Talking, More Listening

    xer0_1 Report

    #42

    House Of The Dragon Street Promotion

    House Of The Dragon Street Promotion

    EDIT_ID Report

    𝓚𝓮𝓲𝓽𝓱
    Community Member
    2 years ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    The wet weather takes a way from it a bit but still great execution and design

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    #43

    Business Card & Cockroach Trap

    Business Card & Cockroach Trap

    Dr_Zol_Epstein_III Report

    #44

    Sink Drain Design At The Minneapolis Airport

    Sink Drain Design At The Minneapolis Airport

    Jiganska Report

    #45

    Logo For Lune Croissanterie - A Pâtisserie Specialising In Croissants

    Logo For Lune Croissanterie - A Pâtisserie Specialising In Croissants

    whocanduncan Report

    Frank
    Community Member
    2 years ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    "croissant" stands for "lune croissante" in French, meaning waxing moon (because of the form). So the name of the shop is quite nice too. And then the moon rocket... Some visual jokes translate badly ;-) Just like English word plays (sound plays?) with K9 (canine, dog) or French ones with K7 (cassette).

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    #46

    This Bike Rack Shaped Like A Bike

    This Bike Rack Shaped Like A Bike

    LikeTearsInRainScoob Report

    #47

    Substation, Detail Of Cornice, Hans Heinrich Müller

    Substation, Detail Of Cornice, Hans Heinrich Müller

    NoConsideration1777 Report

    #48

    Minimal Clock Design

    Minimal Clock Design

    Brone9 Report

    See Also on Bored Panda
    #49

    Deadpool Knife Caddy

    Deadpool Knife Caddy

    Dr_Zol_Epstein_III Report

    #50

    KV Bjørnøya, The Newest Vessel Being Built For The Norwegian Coast Guard

    KV Bjørnøya, The Newest Vessel Being Built For The Norwegian Coast Guard

    iltifaat_yousuf Report

    #51

    The Starfield Logo Is So Pleasing To Look At

    The Starfield Logo Is So Pleasing To Look At

    ceeashi Report

    #52

    Saw This Soft Serve Machine When I Was Visiting Vancouver

    Saw This Soft Serve Machine When I Was Visiting Vancouver

    Flinnnx Report

    #53

    S'all Good, Man

    S'all Good, Man

    skyderper13 Report

    ~blobcow
    Community Member
    2 years ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    omg that periodic table one really hit me off

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    #54

    Aluminum Can Of Gin From Italy. Can't Spell Engine Oil Without Gin!

    Aluminum Can Of Gin From Italy. Can't Spell Engine Oil Without Gin!

    LifehacksMe Report

    J.Lomax
    Community Member
    2 years ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    When he says he is just gonna 'Fix the car'

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