When Coldplay’s Viva la Vida came out, I loved the title song. I loved it so much, in fact, that I decided it would be a great idea to wake up to it every morning. After about a month, I hated Viva la Vida. I still jolt into a post-sleep scare whenever my ears pick up the now haunting intro strings. Surely there has to be a better way to wake up.

Designer Josh Renouf has been making news in a big way over the last week because of his newest creation: the Barisieur.

The Barisieur is an alarm clock and coffee brewer. It eases the user into the day with the subtle movement of stainless steel ballbearings that boil the water through induction heating, accompanied by the smell of freshly brewed coffee. It encourages a ritual before going to sleep, signalling to the body and mind that it is time to unwind and relax. Living slow even when times are fast.

The Barisieur looks exactly like what I would want an alarm-clock-turned-automagic-coffee maker to look. Sleek. Sexy. Like it belongs in George Jetson’s home if he moved to Portland, Oregon and wore flannel scarves to work every day.

The method behind the Barisieur is fairly simple: you load up the coffee contraption before heading to bed, then set the alarm. When you wake up, a piping hot cup of freshly brewed pour-over coffee is ready for you. The setup even includes a milk container and a drawer for grounds and sugar.

I’m not sure I’d ever purchase the Barisieur, mainly because I enjoy the full ritual of brewing coffee too much. That said, I certainly approve of the form-factor and the heart behind this invention. Even if I did want one, unfortunately they aren’t for sale – yet. Renouf’s website says that when it launches, the Barisieur will retail for between $250-$420. Quite a price spread for something that may end up ruining your bed sheets if you’re inclined to an early morning arm stretch.

Keep your eyes peeled and your wallets waiting if you want the Barisieur when it comes out. My sincere hope is that this never turns into someone’s Viva la Vida.

Until it debuts, why not pick up an Aeropress for 1/8th of the price?

The Coffee Guy