The reality of sunshine and rainbows is right around the corner and has me dreaming of outdoor living spaces. In this imaginary world wherein I actually have an outdoor area large enough to own outdoor furniture and thus accessorize said furniture, I own pillows like this. And I have a pool… and a million dollars. And swanky friends who lounge around drinking martinis and talk about politics. OK, maybe not that last one.

About:
Designed by Andrea Gray (M.F.A. candidate, fibers, SCAD) and Leah Jewer (M.F.A., graphic design, SCAD), these delightful pillows are printed on a durable, machine-washable polyester sateen. The cases are filled with an outdoor-grade 18-inch polyester insert and feature a coordinating solid back. Available in three designs and three colors–green, brown and black/white. Dimensions: 18″ x 18″

Outdoor Pillows by Working Class Studio available from shopSCAD: $30

Spotted this cool, reclaimed wood bike rack on Etsy the other day and thought some of you DIYers would appreciate it. It seems simple enough for a moderately handy person to create, plus you’d have your choice of wood/finish to make it something truly remarkable. If you’re not particularly handy, you can purchase this wall mounted bike rack from Cantilever and Press for $75.

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Goodness, gracious, great balls of fire! (Sorry, I couldn’t resist.) The Lighthouse Ball is available as a tea light holder or outdoor oil lamp, in glossy black or white porcelain. I think a few of the oil lamps scattered around a garden or near an entryway would look pretty sweet. Designed by Christian Bjorn for Menu.

Lighthouse Ball available from Emmo Home: $35.95 Set of 2 Tea Light Holders // $119.95 Outdoor Oil Lamp

P.S. Don’t forget! Today is the last day to enter the Fabulous Stationery giveaway! The lucky winner will be announced tomorrow. Good luck!

I love it when companies take everyday objects and make them interesting and exciting again, and that’s exactly what Alice Supply Co has in mind. Named after the Brady Bunch’s witty housekeeper, Alice Supply Co has been adding an exciting array of colors to everyday objects, and keeping them affordable. With everything from sponges to toolboxes, prices are the same as you would pay for boring browns and blues, but the Alice way is so much better.

Available from Alice Supply Co

It’s been a long while since we have been looking at strollers. Our Bob Revolution is still a strong performer and will only be retired when we move up to the double. That being said, if we were in the market, this Japanese stroller from Curio would be causing a great deal of envy. Designed for the compact environment of city streets in Japan, the Avventura is compact, versatile and efficient. It will pass through even the skinniest of subway gates, has room for a grocery basket, and the fabric section is even removable for washing. If anyone has information on pricing, pass it on in the comments. More pics after the jump.

Curio website (translated)

Via Spoon and Tamago

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I’m a big fan of “running bikes” for kids. Simple bikes with no pedals that help you kids learn their sense of balance on two wheels. Wishbone bikes have taken it even a step further. Their bike starts as a tricycle and then converts to a low slung two wheeler. When your kid gets bigger you can even flip the frame to accommodate the growing size of your little one. All that flexibility makes the $249 price tag seen not quite as bad.

Available from 2modern for $249.

As my little kid starts to get older I have been thinking about how fun it would be for him to have a little modern playhouse play in. While the selection of off the shelf modern playhouses is pretty sparse and costly there are some really nice examples. My favorite outdoor example is done by modern shed and retails for $2,600. I assume you could probably pull of a DIY version for about half that. Speaking of DIY the indoor modern shelter by Studiomama is a great example of what could be done with a little imagination.

1. Modern Play Shed $2,600

2. Kids on Roof cardboard playhouse $49

3. Nido $1,289

4. Studiomama DIY

5. Metroshed Metroplay $5,850

“Modern” and “porch swing” are two words that you don’t typically hear used together. If you’ve ever thought about getting a porch swing for your modern house, you know that the choices are pretty few and far between. Now there is at least one choice. This little beauty was designed by David Cano and Rick Brown and can be made in a myriad of colors. The design is simple and functional, just the way it should be.

Via Urban Kitty.

*update* The price is $700.00 plus shipping

contact info: brown studios
brownstudios@bellsouth.net

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This weeks way back when is a mix of the old with the new…

This house is just down the street from mine, and I have been slowly watching it transform as Tyler works on it. He has done an amazing job making a fairly typical 50’s home look good. I didn’t know just how good until Tyler sent me some pictures of the interior and then I was literally speechless. I’m usually a fan of preserving mid century architecture in it’s original form, but this is one update that is both respectful of the original structure, and so much better than it ever was. The house has been completely gutted and redone on the inside, and the pool area in the back yard makes me feel like I am in Palm Springs again. This is a wonderful example of breathing new life into an old house. Ohh and did I mention it’s for sale? Anyone have $749,000 they want to give to me?

3602 Apollo

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For whatever reason, I am fascinated with bird houses. And for an equally obscure reason, I am fascinated with the Hepper Roost Bird House designed by Jed Crystal. Blame it on the seductive angles or the rust-proof aluminum construction, but this particular bird house has my number. Available in four colors, the Hepper Roost Bird House seems a wonderful gift for your favorite avian friends. Luckily for you (and your wallet) it’s currently on sale for $99. Nice!

Hepper Roost Bird House available from Design Public: regularly $125 on sale for $99