While I am not typically a huge fan of Thomas Paul pillows, I am officially making an exception for these. Available in a couple different variations of the colors that you see above, these retro-esque pillows are just the thing to bring a little color into your crib. They are all 100% silk twill, which means that they will be just as much fun to touch as they are to look at. The fact that they are available in a variety of colors within a set makes it easy to mix it up a little without worrying if they work together or not. I am usually shocked by the price of a throw pillow, especially a silk one. I was a little surprised that these ones were as inexpensive as they were. Only $40 from 2modern. Shipping is free too!

Available here for $40.

I have blogged before about notNeutral's wonderful modern tableware. Well it look like they are back with a couple of new items just in time for for the holiday season. Unlike the brightly colored glasses I featured last time, these notneutral vases, that are part of the Links dinnerware set are surprisingly neutral. Thats not to say that they are bad. I actually like the nice simple brown graphics on white. The plates, cups etc are equally as nice, in a simple modern way. They are all fairly reasonably priced ($49 for a 5 piece place setting, which includes 1 plate, bowl, salad plate, saucer and cup), and available at Design Public.

Available here.

I was just perusing the Sale Section over at West Elm, and I came across this Tripod Table Lamp. The neutral fabric drum shades cast a nice light into any room, while it is nicely suspended on three bronze-finished iron bases. It's simple shape is easy to incorporate into almost any decor. Personally I think that it is hard to have too many lamps. Best of all is the price, $19. Usually you can't find a lamp even close to that cheap unless it is a paper shade.

Available here.

The Chroma Table is one of those great simple side tables that is easy to take for granted. Its simple, has clean lines, and is pretty darn cheap. For the price you can probably even afford to get one of each size (small $45 and large $65). Atop the chrome wire bases sit the laminate tops, available in Maple, Expresso, or Amber. My personal favorite of course is the Maple. The only place I have found that carries these is MXYPLYZYK which is a cool new store with some great products. They are online, and have a brick and mortar store in New York. Their site is all Flash, and a little slow, but I think its worth it.

Available here.

I probably should have gotten around to posting this a while ago, but for those of you who still don't know, here is my redeeming chance. Target, one of the old fall backs when it comes to affordable modern furniture and design, has a new line by Thomas O'Brien. If you are a fan of Mid Century Modern, which I happen to be, I think you will be very excited. The whole range seem so be pretty MCM, and is surprisingly complete. There are desks, coffee tables, bureaus, bent wood chairs, desks, etc. all for a very reasonable price. For example the Bureau shown here is only $399. Come on, thats almost a no brainer. I haven't had a chance to check them out in person yet, so no comment on the quality. If you have seen them, let us know.

Available here.

I have always loved the whole Dwell line up, although I don't have any of their stuff. Their prices seem to be very reasonable considering the quality you are getting, and the design is fabulous. My wife was especially excited when they introduced their Dwell Baby line, even though we don't have kids. So for those fans of the baby line, you're in luck. It appears as if they have some great new stuff coming out soon. Over at Design Public they have listed on their website a new Dwell Baby burp and bib set. The quality is great as usual (210 thread count egyptian cotton) and it is available in several different colors/patterns. I figured that it would be outrageously priced, but was pleasantly surprised by its meager price tag. Only $35. Looks like it's pre-order only. Should ship in late Dec, just in time for Christmas.

Get it here.

So as the winter months creep in Ainsley, our GoldenDoodle, has started to seek out the comforts of life, namely our couch. The last couple of days we have come home to find him totally lounged out on it like he owned the world. As much as we hate it, we can't help but admit it is a little cute. So, since he is a totally spoiled only child, we decided it was time to bite the bullet and get a dog bed. Of course not just any would do, so the hunt was on. Luckily we stumbled upon Post Modern Pets, your one stop shopping source for modern pet goods. After hunting around we settled on the fatboy dog lounge. The look, although not as modern as the Jonathan Adler, fit our decor just right. The size truly is of lounge proportions and best of all the price doesn't break the budget. Its covered with a heavy duty nylon that is totally washable, and should hold up to the abuse. I have aspirations to make a bentply frame for it. We'll see. Available here for $139.

Looking for a nice inexpensive lamp to go with your Echo Wall Clock. Well, it only makes sense to look for it at Umbra. Designed by David Quan, the Flow Table lamp complements the Echo clock wonderfully. It shares the same nice curved organic lines that the Echo has. It is nickel plated with a fabric shade, and even sports the classic pull chain switch. Best of all, it won't cost you a fortune. In fact, it is even less expensive than the Echo clock. For only $66 it seems like a bargain to me. Check out the Umbra Store for more great deals.

Available here for $66

I personally love clocks that don't have numbers, and this one is no exception to the rule. With its walnut veneer, and organic concentric curves, the Echo Clock by Umbra brings the warmth of mother nature into any modernist's home. The wood rings are backed with clear acrylic, which gives it the illusion that they are all floating perfectly in place. The softly repeating rings remind me of ripples across the water surface. This could be just the thing to soften up a room, and help you be on time for all those important dates.

Available here for $70

I am not sure if you have heard of J.Fold before, but they have some pretty nice stuff. I have been seeing their wallets over at Elsewares for a while now, and finally decided to check out their web site. Well besides wallets, they have a new line of messenger bags that I fell in love with. They are all 100% leather with a zip front pocket under the flap. I like the simplicity of of the one pictured to the left, but they do have some other designs as well. They go for $130 direct from J.Fold which isn't bad, considering what you get.

Get them here.

Yesterday I posted about some cool letterpressed cards, today, I am back with some more. This time they are from a great little store I discovered over at designsponge. 16 Sparrows carries all sort of wonderful cards and invitations. They are all hand silk screened on heavy weight bag kraft paper produced from 100% recycled fiber. If you haven't checked them out already, make sure you do.

Buy them here.

Via designsponge.

***UPDATE*** Owl Print above is by http://www.etsy.com/listing/42898497/owl-portrait-5-by-7-inch-letterpress Looking for that perfect card to say "best wishes" or "congratulations"? Believe me, I feel your pain. I have spent way to many hours at Hallmark looking at drab humorless cards that just don't even come close to saying what you feel. I have always resorted to making my own cards, with my own messages. For those of you not up to the challenge of designing your own cards, check out these hip letterpressed cards from Sprout Home. They are all hand printed on antique letterpresses. The images are transfered by relief method, so the designs can both be seen and felt. Each card also comes with a vellum envelope.

Available here for $6.

Following in line with my previous post I present you the Henry Kloss Model One® AM-FM Table Radio. It is made by Tivoli Audio, makers of beautifully simple modern electronics. The Henry Kloss Model One® comes in many different color combinations to fit into any decor. My favorite is the Classic/Walnut (shown to the right), but they also have Black/Silver or White/Silver for you minamalists. As with the Lexon dolman mini radio simplicity on the outside does not mean simple on the inside. This little guy is about as high tech as a AM/FM radio can get. It even has an aux in and record out, so you can hook it up to all your other toys.

Available here for $120.

Via Apartment Therapy

During the last several weeks, I have come across several radio's that were both simple, affordable, and attractive. In this age of technology where electronics seem to be becoming more and more complex, I thought it a breath of fresh air to find something so beautifully basic. The first radio I found was the Lexon dolman mini radio. This simple wooden radio with metal rotary dials is the perfect combination of simplicity and style. The stainless steel knobs and buttons add the perfect accent to the dark wood enclosure. Don't be fooled by the simplicity though. Inside is a state of the art digital AM/FM radio and amplifier.

Available here for $74.

Via Better Living Through Design.

No, that's not a type-o, I do know how to spell bamboo. These are some hip new bowls from a company called Bambu. They come in a six inch soup sized bowl, and a 11.5 inch serving bowl. The inside of the hand-coiled bowls are left their natural bamboo color, but are lacquered so that they are waterproof and food safe. The outsides are lacquered as well, and come in either natural, (naked) blueberry, or my personal favorite, tomato. Besides just being very handsome bowls, they are very earth friendly since they are made from bamboo, which is a great renewable resource. All that goodness for a price you can't beat. A set of three 6-inch bowls is only $39, and the 11.5-inch serving bowl is $45.

Via Charles and Marie

Available here.

While I am mentioning great retro looking design, I thought I would put in a good word for notNeutral. They are certainly not the new kids on the block. They are a division of Rios Clementi Hale Studio's which was founded by Mark Rios in 1985. They are an amazingly diverse company with designs from bags to furniture to glassware. Their website is definately worth checking out, as most of their prices are quite resonable. Ever since I was in the phillippines, I have been looking for hip retro glassware like I found there. Just the other day I stumbled across some nice notNeutral glassware over at Velocity Art and Design, and it was exactly what I was looking for. They have a great half-tone meets tetris pattern on them, and are available in Red, Apple Green, Light Orange, Dark Orange and Acid-Etched for the minimalist's.

Available here for $24 for a set of 4.

Lets face it, nothing says retro quite like those original fabric prints you see in second hand stores. Problem is, how do you introduce that vintage moo moo into your chic flat without making it look like an expensive salvation army? Well fret no more, Melissa Womack of Poppycotton has done all the hard work for you. She searches out all the best vintage prints, and turns them into beautiful pillows and lampshades. The pillows are 100% cotton with bright vintage prints on the front, and more subdued earthy textured prints on the back. They are definitly all classic retro one of a kind pillows, but multiple pillows, and matching lamps are available for some prints. Check her website for availability.

via Inhabitat

Well, as things start to cool down for us northerners its time to start thinking about the winter months, and all the joys that come with them, including scraping your car windows. Now, I know what your thinking, its not even Halloween yet, I don't want to think about scraping my windows, but when you see this great new scraper, you'll be begging for a chance to start scraping. If you are anything like me, you don't get around to buying a scraper until you have almost ruined your drivers license scraping windows. Finally you realize you have to buy yet another scraper (what did I do with last years?). You go down to the local supermarket and browse through the hideous collection of 3 foot long scrapers in electric blue, and forest green, and finally settle for a fairly plain black one. Sure it serves you well for the winter, but then what are you supposed to do with it. Its too awkward to fit in your glove box and ends up rolling around under your seat until you finally throw it away in frustration. It's a vicious cycle. But there is hope. Introducing the Rosendahl Ice Scraper designed by Erik Bagger. This functional work of art, is the perfect size to be useful, but not awkward 10cm x 15cm (4" x 6") and was designed with the help of physical therapists so as to not cause undue stress on the hand or arm. One side is soft for dew (think squeegee) while the other is hard to bust through the toughest of ice. Sure the price is a little steep at $29, but think of the stress you will save by not having to go through your old routine.

Available from Yanko Design for $29.

Becky and Drew over at Design Public are excited about finally discovering where to get Lights up! lamps, and rightfully so. Lights up has been around since 1987, making quality modern lighting with an emphasis on quality and functionality. They have some great lamps available, like the Cancan Table Lamps available over at Design Public for $98-$120 depending on size. Besides the super clean look of these nickel plated lamps, I think one of the best parts are the shades. There are about 10 different shade options that you can get for them from "...restrained to wild." They are sure to have just the perfect one for whatever room is lacking that finishing touch. Design Public has a pretty good selection of Lights up! products, and if you don't find what you are looking for there, make sure you check out ylighting. They also have a good selection, many of which are on sale now.

It's hard enough to find a couch with a decent design these days at an affordable price, and when you throw green built into the whole equation, it becomes almost impossible. Well I think that the guys over at EcoFurniture.com have done a pretty decent job with their Savoy Collection of sofa's, loveseats, and armchairs. The sofa seems to be the best value to me, coming in just under $1000 for a custom built couch. Constructed of a solid wood frame that is kiln dried to prevent warping. Plywood used for shaping is always backed with solid wood. All wood used is from sustainably harvested sources. See their environmental policy here. Here is what they have to say about it:

The Savoy Collection uses a skilled combination of minimal lines and lush cushioning to give a modern, balanced look to your living room. These pieces feature generous, squared off, wide-set arms that offer a stylish symmetry. The smooth, semi-attached back pillows are as supportive as they are pleasing to the eye. Loose, boxed seat cushions provide a responsive comfort with clean lines that still add allure. A combination of double and single top stitching gives a well tailored charm, and extra-wide wooden legs provide compact style.

It is available with a number of different fabric choices in a sofa, loveseat, armchair, or ottoman.