Akar Design

Akar Design AKAR located in downtown Iowa City mean "forms and shapes" in Sanskrit. We focus on well designed objects for home and personal use from all around the world.

Design teaches us to look closely.Congratulations to architect, photographer, and AKAR co-founder Sanjay Jani on his Na...
06/05/2026



Design teaches us to look closely.

Congratulations to architect, photographer, and AKAR co-founder Sanjay Jani on his National AIA Photography Award for Shadows Tell the Stories, a photograph that reminds us how light and shadow shape the way we see architecture.

Proof that chocolate is a design object. Beautiful packaging, creative flavors, and a sweet reward inside. 🍫🌈
06/04/2026

Proof that chocolate is a design object. Beautiful packaging, creative flavors, and a sweet reward inside. 🍫🌈

Looking forward to an artsy weekend in downtown Iowa City. 🎨✨The Iowa Arts Festival is one of our favorite summer tradit...
06/04/2026

Looking forward to an artsy weekend in downtown Iowa City. 🎨✨

The Iowa Arts Festival is one of our favorite summer traditions—a chance to celebrate creativity, discover new artists, and enjoy the energy that fills our downtown streets.

🎨

🎨Gallery Walk returns to downtown Iowa City this Friday from 5–8 pm.It’s one of our favorite evenings of the year, brin...
06/03/2026

🎨

Gallery Walk returns to downtown Iowa City this Friday from 5–8 pm.

It’s one of our favorite evenings of the year, bringing together art, creativity, local businesses, and community throughout downtown.

At AKAR, we’ll be featuring wood-fired ceramics by Shumpei Yamaki, who will be present during Gallery Walk.

And with the Iowa Arts Festival taking place all weekend, downtown will be filled with art, music, food, and activity.

We hope you’ll spend some time downtown and enjoy all that the weekend has to offer.

✨New from PEPIN: beautifully designed correspondence sets featuring Japanese-inspired artwork.A Monday thought: handwr...
06/01/2026

✨

New from PEPIN: beautifully designed correspondence sets featuring Japanese-inspired artwork.

A Monday thought: handwritten notes never go out of style.

Whether it’s a thank you after a weekend gathering, a note of congratulations, or simply letting someone know you’re thinking of them, a few thoughtful words can mean a lot.

Who would you write to?

For notes, sketches, lists, and big ideas. ✏️Refillable mechanical pencils from Idlewild Co. bring a graphic touch to th...
05/31/2026

For notes, sketches, lists, and big ideas. ✏️

Refillable mechanical pencils from Idlewild Co. bring a graphic touch to the everyday with bold checkerboard and grid patterns.

Summer colors are on the table. ☀️Vibrant Ekobo tableware pairs beautifully with our modernist striped table runners and...
05/30/2026

Summer colors are on the table. ☀️

Vibrant Ekobo tableware pairs beautifully with our modernist striped table runners and napkins, hand block-printed in Jaipur by an eighth-generation family of artisans. Thoughtfully made, colorful, and ready for everyday meals and summer gatherings.

Design Find Friday ✨We’re starting a new weekly series celebrating thoughtful design.This week: the Stelton vacuum jug.D...
05/29/2026

Design Find Friday ✨

We’re starting a new weekly series celebrating thoughtful design.

This week: the Stelton vacuum jug.

Designed by Erik Magnussen in 1977, it has become a modern design classic. Nearly fifty years later, its clean lines and quiet functionality feel just as relevant as ever.

What we appreciate most is its simplicity. Every element serves a purpose, yet the result feels effortless.

The best designs don’t demand attention. They earn a place in our daily lives and remain useful, beautiful, and enduring over time.

What object in your home has stood the test of time?

We’ll be back next Friday with another Design Find.

05/29/2026

A nod to Le Corbusier. A bottle opener for architects, design lovers, and anyone who appreciates clever objects. 👓

05/29/2026

A bookmark that blooms where you left off 🌸📖

The sweetest companion for your next great read.

Address

257 E Iowa Avenue
Iowa City, IA
52240

Opening Hours

Monday 10am - 6pm
Tuesday 10am - 6pm
Wednesday 10am - 6pm
Thursday 10am - 6pm
Friday 10am - 6pm
Saturday 10am - 6pm
Sunday 12am - 4pm

Telephone

+13193511227

Website

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