If Mark Malkoff's mug looks familiar, it's probably because you watched the online flick chronicling his 24-hour marathon to visit all 171 Starbucks in Manhattan. Now the comedian and filmmaker has focused his obsessive tendencies on Swedish interior mecca Ikea, somehow convincing the retailer to let him live in the Paramus, N.J., store for six days straight. In addition to escaping his apartment's fumigation, this 'round-the-clock effort gave Malkoff the chance to throw a housewarming party, find the perfect bed and capture all the highlights on video. He may be adept at generating internet buzz, but at least one Ikea cashier appears to think Malkoff is short a few marbles.
http://marklivesinikea.com/

Today, some of San Francisco's top cultural venues open an exhibit showing off the latest in left-coast design. From lamps and furniture to a swoon-worthy tricycle, New West Coast Design brings together objects that impact how people live. The exhibit features an impressive range of work and designers, allowing young guns to shine alongside established professionals and sports equipment to mix with a glowing garden installation. Make your way to the San Francisco Museum of Craft+Design or several satellite locations through April 27.
http://www.sfmcd.com

When a design genius shares his thoughts on genius design, it's hard not to come away with a contact high. John Maeda—champion of simplicity and soon-to-be president of the Rhode Island School of Design—created an iGoogle gadget that delivers inspiration to your homepage. This simple application gives you a tiny slideshow featuring some of Maeda's favorite National Design Award winners. Click through to the online gallery to find out what Maeda thinks about such iconic designs as the iPod and Nelson marshmallow sofa. The works here are all familiar, yet Maeda's brief-but-compelling insights make you consider each item in a new light.
http://www.cooperhewitt.org/maeda/