Growing up, my parents collected unique chess sets that they found throughout their travels. Though I haven't carried the tradition along in my own family, I've always been intrigued and charmed by the many, many forms a chess set can take. I'm particularly fond of this minimal, cherry and maple wood set from Lanier Graham, designed in 1966. I love how it reduces the pieces to such basic forms and symbols; it's no wonder that it resides in the MoMA's permanent collection! Luckily for us, it's re-emerged and is available for purchase. I may just have to get one!

Chess Set by Lanier Graham available from the MoMA Store: $65 / $52 for Members
[Price includes pieces only.]

Brooklyn-based architecture firm Delson or Sherman has a way with light. Looking through their portfolio, it's the one thing that really stood out (other than how amazing all their projects are)! By combining plenty of access to natural light, translucent materials, and lots of reflective surfaces, many of their residential spaces have a distinctly clean and understated feel. I would definitely be happy in any of these homes!

Check out the rest of their portfolio here.

Lots of images after the jump!

I'm a bit intrigued by this candle holder from Dutch designer Hanna Zoon. It seems the classic object got something of a face lift, a very modern, sexy face lift that is. I'm not sure I would have much need to actually carry it around, but it certainly would be lovely as a decorative object! Made of aluminum, it fits any standard dinner candle. Available in white, grey, and a particularly cheery yellow.

Candle Holder by Hanna Zoon available from GSelect: $22

The Bendino Lamp boils the traditional desk lamp into 2 dimensions. Made of powder coated steel this flat metal lamp sits 10" high and comes in a variety of colors. Produced by Pulpo.

Bendino Lamp available from Sleek Identity for $72

Red Cap Cards was founded in Beverly Hills, California by Hal Mertz and illustrator Carrie Gifford. They offer a range of cards from seven international artists, including my personal favorite Blanca Gómez. Be sure to check out the whole quirky collection here!

Greeting cards from Red Cap Cards: $3.95

[Top Images: Blanco Gómez // Bottom Images: Jon Klassen]

I've never really felt the need to have a folding "card" table until now. The hairpin legs and orange top on this beauty are tempting enough, but when you consider the $66 price tag it's almost a no brainer.

Orange folding table $66 from Kikkerland

I found out about this event about a month too late, unfortunately! From the looks of it, it might be worth the trek to Portland. Until I can make that happen, these photos will just have to do.

About:
Street of Eames is Portland's annual modern home tour. Each April, this citywide event recognizes the city's best examples of mid-century modern and contemporary modern residential architecture. The goal of the tour is to raise money for after-school programs for homeless students at two of Portland's public schools. Street of Eames is essentially a home tour to help the homeless. In the past four years, the tour has raised over $400,000. This event is 100% volunteer effort, so every dollar raised goes directly to after-school programs.

Have any of you been to this event - or - do you know of any similar events taking place? Share in the comments!

Learn more: www.streetofeames.com

More eye candy after the jump!

I just noticed that Gilt has Menu Kitchenware on sale for 50% off normal prices. I absolutely love their porcelain tea pots and cups. Gilt also has some other great sales going on right now like Jonathan Adler, Alessi, Thomas Paul, Modern Twist, and Nooka Watches to name a few. Gilt is members only, so if you are already a member, you know what to do. If you aren't a member yet, it's free to sign up.

Sign up with Gilt now.

MoMA currently is featuring products from Portugal in their online store.

Destination: Portugal, a new MoMA-exclusive product collection, highlights more than 100 lifestyle products usually found only in Portugal. Available for a limited time only, the collection presents fresh, contemporary interpretations of the country’s colors, forms, materials, and traditions by established and emerging Portuguese designers.

My favorite's are these cork and ceramic items from the "Whistler" collection. Items include a teapot ($25), tea cup ($10), sugar and creamer ($12) and a spice rack ($75).

Destination Portugal at MoMA

I just spent way too much time playing with InMod's "design your own pillow" tool - it's so cool! They have patterns to suit just about anyone's taste, including a Modern Classics theme featuring silhouettes of iconic chairs. I really like their Organic and Retro themes the most, though. After you've picked a pattern, you can play around with different fabric choices and colors. The pillows are surprisingly affordable too, especially considering they're "custom". So, head over and check it out. Be warned, you may lose a good chunk of time!

Design Your Own Pillow from InMod: $40 - $50

P.S. They also have a coordinating design your own bedding tool!

This morning I woke up to the most awful sight out side. Snow. Just when I was sure that it was all gone it sneaks it's way back into my life. It makes me want to grab a hot drink and curl up on the couch until another day. This Cup and Saucer set from Not Neutral will do just right.

Not Neutral Intelligentsia Cappuccino Cup and Saucer set available from Design Public for $32.

I looove this pendant light from San Francisco based design collective tbD. The Jar Light was made from a modified 22.5 ounce canning jar. With a little know how, I think you could easily create a similar version yourself. (For some great tips for just such a project, check out this video my friend Megan created for turning mason jars into pendant lights!) Can you think of any other creative DIY lighting ideas? Share in the comments!

Jar Light by tbD: $185

That glossy incarnation of Besta is getting a face lift in a new, on-trend grey! While I still prefer white over the other high gloss options, I think the grey is a nice addition. Coupled with the red and black, this series definitely seems a bit bachelor pad-ish, though. What do you think of the new color? Should it stay or go?

Besta Burs from IKEA - TV/Storage Combo: $349

So I got this email tip the other day. All it said was "These guys deserve some action..." and had a link to doublebutter.com. All it took was one quick glance at the website and all I could think was yes. Yes they do.

Based out of Denver the creative minds behind Double Butter are kicking out some amazing scandinavian inspired modern pieces. Don't expect to get them at Ikea prices, but do expect amazing hand built pieces that you can be proud of for years to come.

See the rest of the line at Double Butter

Thanks Jacob for the tip.

Sleek and minimal, just the way I like it. This clock from Swedish company SMD Design is a bare faced beauty in white lacquered aluminum. Clean and simple, it would look great pulling time-telling duty in the bedroom, kitchen, living room, or office! Where would you put it? I'm thinking it might look pretty sexy on top of our piano!

SMD Table Clock available from Scandinavian Design Center: $47

Where do you keep your wash cloth in your super clean zero radius kitchen sink? For years, we have been rocking a little suction cup metal basket that we scored at Muji, but this Magisso cloth holder is looking pretty sweet. Instead of using suction cups, it uses two magnets to keep it in place. On that is stuck to the backside of the sink with double stick tape, and one attached to the stainless steel cloth holder. Simple genius.

Available from Urban Butik for $40.

OK, this light is a little scary looking - I'm afraid it might come to life and sting me. But, the idea behind it is pretty genius. The Trask Lamp is an LED light source that ships flat packed and can be sculpted into table, task, or track lighting. Totally customizable and downright brilliant!

According to MIO, the Trask Lamp is a true example of eco-centric design. Its size, shape, light source, and packaging were all chosen based on material and manufacturing efficiencies. In addition, this lamp welcomes the user as co-designer, pushing the boundaries of design and self-assembly.

Designed by Jaime Salm and Roger Allen for MIO. Made in the USA of laser-cut, powder coated steel (recycled content) and LED strips. Available in silver, white, and chartreuse. Ships August 1, 2010.

Trask Lamp by MIO: $225

With the birth of the digital age, more and more people are able to work from home now. If you are like me, when you are at home you still feel the need to go somewhere to concentrate on your work. Back yard sheds as offices are growing in popularity, and make a lot of sense. Shedworking; The Alternative Workplace Revolution follows this growing trend and documents some of the best looking back yard sheds you have seen.

Shedworking available from Amazon for $20

More great Shedworking info at the authors website http://www.shedworking.co.uk/

Equal parts Ball Clock and Chemistry 101 make up the formula/inspiration for this Decorative Molecules set from Ferm Living. A playful decorative accessory for kid's rooms and living rooms alike. Each set consists of 24 molecules (4 colors, 6 pieces of each color), and wooden sticks to connect the dots. Ships in a wooden gift box.

Decorative Molecules available from Huset: $65.75

I was looking through some pictures of my friends capital hill home for sale, and fell in love with his DIY electrical conduit handrail. The effect is simple, functional and totally fits in this late 1800's home with a modern interior. The staircase and railing become the center point of the home and look great against those old brick walls.

More info on the home for sale here

and more great pictures after the jump.