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.

A Nelson Ball Clock and subway sign decorate one hallway.

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.

More prized possessions that made the cut: A George Nelson Half-Nelson lamp sits atop an Alexander Girard bedside table.

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.

Now considered an icon of mid-century design, the Sunflower Clock is a distinct departure from traditional clocks with faces enclosed in glass—alternatively, the Sunflower Clock is comprised of birch petals, the interior of which include 12 small time markers, instead of a conventionally numbered face. The clock hands are a brilliant white set on a black center, nodding to the seeded center of a sunflower.

Now considered an icon of midcentury design, the Ball Clock is a distinct departure from traditional clocks with faces enclosed in glass—alternatively, the Ball Clock is comprised of twelve brass spindles that end in solid hardwood spheres that mark the time, instead of a conventionally numbered face. The clock hands have clearly marked indicators, which is consistent with many of George Nelson’s other clock designs. This clock, along with other Vitra designs, is 15% off until October 22, 2015.

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.

Petting Zoo by Minimaforms (2013) Theodore and Stephen Spyropoulos created these robotic “pets,” which adapt and change their behavior based on interactions with humans. Image courtesy of Apostolos Despotidis

Nelson Ball Clock, $395 at the Dwell Store An icon of midcentury design, the Ball Clock is a distinct departure from traditional clocks with faces enclosed in glass—alternatively, the Ball Clock is comprised of twelve brass spindles that end in solid hardwood spheres that mark the time, instead of a conventionally numbered face. Bold and colorful, this clock is a standout on a wall.

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.

The scale will handle up to 11 pounds of foodstuffs. The top is glass, so it can be wiped down clean after weigh-ins. It has a kitchen timer built in as well.

She also designed the 1957 Eye Clock for George Nelson.

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.

The project also invovled deepening and revitalizing the existing pond. "Designing a pond to be 20 feet deep instead of three feet deep improves the oxygen level and the water quality," Gang explains.

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.

The structure is designed to open up the pond ecosystem to visitors and serve as an outdoor classroom space.

Due to the prefab construction of the wood frame, installation on site only took about five days. A fiberglass dome protects the shelter from rain.

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 Sunburst Clock, rendered here in multi-color. The Nelson clock is an iconic emblem of midcentury design.

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.

Playfully designed for Alessi by renowned Finnish designer Eero Aarnio, the Yellow Duck Timer will add a whimsical touch to cooking and baking. A part of Alessi’s “A di Alessi” line, which provides superior design at an affordable price, the timer is made in a durable, easy-to-clean thermoplastic resin. The quirky duck harmonizes both modern and traditional timer technology.

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.