While I admire a lot of the design concepts, I've chosen to avoid modernism and "urban zen" in decorating my home -- mostly because I find it too sleek and impersonal.

However, this little gadget is so fantastic-looking, that I'm actually tempted to buy it (that, and I'm in the market for a hand-held vacuum). Not only is the design exceptionally cool (especially for a home appliance), it's very practical -- stainless steel, fully rechargeable, and able to pick up both solids and liquids.

According to the product site, the vacuum was created by Stefano Giovannoni, "an international award-winning industrial/interior designer and architect." Apparently his work also appears at the Museum of Modern Art in New York.

As you might suspect, that much street cred carries a hefty price tag. You'll spend $140 for th pleasure of cleaning with Mr. Giovannoni's masterpiece. But for the uber-style-conscious among you, it might just be worth it.