Produced in 1948, the Ball Clock’s playful colors speak to the nation’s optimism and the scientific potential of the era. But the shape—reminiscent of an atom—also carries the shadow of atomic warfare, which haunted the national psyche during the Atomic Age.

Ball clock, designed by George Nelson. Loaned by Vitra Inc. Available at the Dwell Store.

The Ball Clock was the first of more than 150 clocks designed by George Nelson Associates for the Howard Miller Clock Company. Production started in the late 40s and continued through the 80s. Vitra still produces a number of the Nelson clocks, including the Sunburst, the Eye, and the Sunflower.

American designer George Nelson created everyday objects including lamps, clocks, and accessories with the mission of bringing modern design into American homes in the 1950s. Nelson worked with Vitra to create a variety of wall clocks, including the Ball Clock, now a midcentury icon. The design originated from a night of collaborating with Isami Noguchi, Bucky Fuller, and others, and although many designs from the session were considered silly, the sketch of the Ball Clock ended up becoming fully realized. The Ball Clock is currently on sale for 15% off at the Dwell Store until 10/26/2014.

A vintage lamp and George Nelson’s Marshmallow sofa and Spool clock embody the mid-century feel of Soheil and Nima Nakhshab’s design for a California family home.

Don't let its minimalism fool you: the Dandelion Clock hides a fun graphic display in plain sight. Instead of numerals, each hour mark "dandelion" adds another petal, from one to twelve.

Leff Amsterdam's Metlev35 Wall Clock, made of colored glass and aluminum, should help you spring forward in style.

The Steel Wall Clock and Steel Table Clock celebrate materiality, color, and simplicity. Paring down the clock to its most necessary elements, Norm Architects focused on the simple hands and round face of the clock.

Clock by Tung Chiang, $550 for series of four. Photo by Heath Ceramics.

For those seeking to add texture to their timepiece, there's always the Felt Wall Clock desgined by Sebastian Herkner for Leff. Its 60 percent recycled PET felt even has sound-absorbing properties.

The laser cut Cucù is a Diamantini & Domeniconi signature. Although Hill opted for an austere white version, it comes in many different cheerful colors. Price upon request.

A view from the playroom into one of the children's bedrooms. A curated selection of Farrow & Ball vibrant colors was presented to both younger members of the family. The beautiful color selected for this bedroom wall is Oval Room Blue. The two bedrooms also show off one of our all time favorite ceiling fixtures - the Jasper Morrison designed Glo Ball by Flos. We are smitten with quality of light, from full on to fully dimmed, that comes from this deceivingly understated fixture.

Clock by Roger Herman, $850. Photo by Heath Ceramics.

Blurred images inspired designer Ivan Kasner to create the Hazy Wall Clock; its translucent covering uniquely gives the appearance of frosted or foggy glass.

Clock by Natalie Chanin, $1200. Photo by Heath Ceramics.

A paragon of reductive simplicity, the Wyzer Wall Clock eliminates the face all together, allowing any range of decorative moves or custom wall clock faces to be implemented around its hands.

Love the suspended clocks.

A work of American design icon George Nelson, the Nelson Spindle Clock sports twelve turned walnut spindles, accented with luxe brass, that mark the time.

Clock by Commune, $400. Photo by Heath Ceramics.

Clock by Geoff McFetridge, $550. Photo by Heath Ceramics.

Designed by Arne Jacobsen for the Danish National Bank in 1971, Bankers Wall Clock has been faithfully recreated by Rosendahl. Its design uses a brilliantly simple scheme of boxes to balance simplicty with legibility.

Clock by Tung Chiang, $550 for series of four. Photo by Heath Ceramics.

Clock by Commune, $400. Photo by Heath Ceramics.

An alarm clock, designed by Michael Sodeau and Japanese company Suikosha.

The Luminous Electronic Barograph Clock

A square that will fit into nearly any small space, the retro yet modern Braun alarm clock is a must-have for anyone who travels. With its crescendo alarm, you will never miss another flight again. ($30)

The Duomo Cuckoo Clock by Diamanti & Domeniconi, inspired by the Milan Cathedral, is on exhibit for Milan Design Week.

From Menu and Norm Architects, the Norm Steel Table Clock is a simple clock that is perfect for an architect’s—or architecture lover’s desk. Available in a variety of colors, the table clock features a simple fold, appearing to take a wall clock and bend it to accommodate a tabletop. Striking in its minimalism and innovation, this clock can be used in a home office or even on a side table.

A Nelson Ball Clock and subway sign decorate one hallway.

The Luminous Electronic Bargraph Clock - Dark

A miniature Ball Chair.

A Mirror Ball pendant by Tom Dixon hovers over the kitchen counter.

Chroniker the Electroluminescent Tube Clock