Designchain is New Zealander Alan Hucks's take on a multi-functional storage solution that also simply looks good as a home decor piece. Though the design's based on the stylings of a bicycle or motorcycle chain, there's little to suggest its mechanistic origins in this clean, fresh approach.

The modular shelving/storage system is made of a strong polycarbonate which makes it safe for kids too. It can be used safely for anything from a wine rack to a spice-jar holder to a stationery organizer. The pieces can be stacked just about any which way, or separated into smaller sets, depending on your needs.

The Designchain also sits pretty by itself, which is what I really like about it. No storage solution is permanent, after all, especially for keeping track of household odds and ends. The Designchain can be used in all sorts of configurations to perk up a room -- then if you need a couple of containers urgently, disassemble parts of it to rescue a messy corner of the house, or just play around with it when your mood changes.

Views of more Designchain arrangements and uses after the jump.