I didn't even know it was possible to get an AM radio anymore. The saving grace for this one is (a) it has an auxiliary in source for your iDevice, (b) it looks gorgeous. Hand made by Devin Ward of LA, the Wooden MP3 and AM Radio is a one of a kind production. Literally. You won't find an other one like it anywhere.
I love these minimal Christmas decorations, especially that funny little santa guy! Each of these lacquered wood pieces is on sale right now from West Elm--but WAIT! Have you seen this modern DIY nutcracker our buddy Chris at Curbly made?? It looks just like the white West Elm one and is a fraction of the cost. Check it out. Make it. But also pick up one of those weird santas.
I love me a good modern table. The only thing better is 3 modern tables. I stumbled across these beauties this week and I absolutely love each of them for very different reasons.
The Koota table by Marc Haldemann is a great example of classic woodworking craftsmanship applied in a modern aesthetic. Constructed with absolutely no screws, glue or the like, the desk relies on precision mortise and tenons to stay together. Instead of hiding the construction method, it's tastefully integrated into the final design. Bravo.
While simple is great, that doesn't mean that complex is bad. "The Desk" by Christofer Odmark is far from simple in appearance, and it's absolutely stunning. I'm a sucker for a good table leg, and Christofer takes the classic hairpin leg and adds a touch of spice to it. The butcher block top plays off the wedge shape of the legs, also lending a sense of motion to the table. It's not all about looks however, the core of the top is hollowed out to house a plug strip and cable management. My favorite detail is the recessed plug underneath the top that powers the whole table. Hot.
Last and certainly not least is David Week's Ribbon Table. Aptly named for it's thin dramatic leg, the Ribbon table is a nice mix between the two tables above. It's visually simple and easy on the eye, but has some subtle complexity hiding underneath the skin. Literally. Each leg attaches to the top via a two long metal stretchers that are recessed into the table. The top itself is plywood with what looks like a white laminate on each side. Fantastic.
Coolest. Vases. Ever. I need to get my hands on one of these beauties from Oregon-based glass works studio Vitreluxe ASAP! The "Apollo" design is truly my favorite, though every collection is out-of-control-good. Check them all out here.
Remember books? Those things with all the pieces of paper with words on them. Word on the street is that people are still reading them. I know I've spent a few nights reading in bed lately. For like minded bed readers, may I introduce you to lililite. Besides being a handsome bookshelf/light, it's also an ingenious bookmark. Leaving an open book on top keeps the light turned off, pick it up, and you've got light.
Nothing says Scandinavian like some hand carved curled birch Christmas trees. Finnish folk artist can put even the most modern of Santas elves to shame. Now if I can just figure out how to get a life sized one made...
Curled Birch Christmas Tree $26 (small 9") $34 (large 12")
Inspired by his wife's pregnant belly (endearing?), these pot bellied piggy banks from designer George Lee are a fun twist on a classic style. Available in glossy white or matte black porcelain.
Just what you need to quench your bedside thirst without compromising your modern sensibilities.
Sometimes all you need is a little bit of confetti to get you going! Thankfully, you can get the party started every day with one of these hand-printed calendars from Red Star Ink. Printed on heavy recycled felt stock, this sturdy wall calendar will hold up through a year's worth of shenanigans.
"Fashioned by" was formed in 2011 as a collaboration between Farrah Sit and Dana D'Amico who met in 2005 and together designed for Calvin Klein Home. Rooted in a shared design philosophy and common aesthetic, Farrah and Dana have created a collection reflecting honesty to materials and a timeless, minimalistic beauty.
What I love about the collection most is the thoughtful materials used. The porcelain hanging pots come with a vegetable tanned leather strap and antique brass fastener. The desk items have a similarly strong set of materials. Leather, walnut, ash, brass, porcelain, you just can't go wrong.
I'm guessing the name of this new chair from DwellStudio is an ode to Hans Wegner because there's definitely a little (okay a lot) of Mid-Century Danish flair going on. Which is a-okay by me. I'm trying to decide which I like better though: the "caramel" leather color or the "dove" grey! Yum.
I love the modern and festive simplicity of these Christmas cards from Portland-based screen print and stationery studio Merci Bleh Bleh. They've got just the right amount of holiday flair! But what I'm really gushing over are their super awesome everyday cards--they're like little hand-printed works of art! Check 'em out below.
It turns out that neon rabbits isn't just a good name for a synth pop band, it's also a great idea for a scandinavian inspired pillow cover. Available in pink, blue, or orange these fantastic pillow covers from La La Label in Stockholm Sweden are as thoughtfully designed as they are good looking. You can pick up a insert/filler from your local Ikea for a perfect fit.
While the Torch Light by Sylvain Willenz is not breaking news (It won Best in Lighting, Elle Decoration International Design Awards, 2009 and Grand Designs Best in Lighting Designs 2009) it is an old favorite. While it doesn't seem like there are a lot of good sources to buy this stateside, Haus London has them on sale currently.
I love food, so it goes without saying that I like spending some quality time in the kitchen cooking. When it comes to food storage I'm always a fan of glass, especially gorgeous scandinavian inspired glass jars like these Viitri Storage Containers designed by Sarah Böttger.
Viitri Storage Containers $29 - $39
Oh mortar and pestles, I love you... especially when you're handcrafted from porcelain and your pestle is all quirky and cute and dipped in color!
We all know that a copy is never as good as an original, and generally speaking the thought of an Eames Lounge knockoff is about enough to get me into a rant, but I'm prepared to make an exception. Over the holiday weekend (yay turkey!) I spotted this little guy at a friends house. It's just different enough from the Eames Lounge to make me like it, and I LOVE the bent plywood detail on the base. The love affair was sealed when I could see the darkening of the wood where some loyal owners hand had rested on the sides while spending hours pouring over the local newspaper or a good book.
All photo's via Flatout Design.
Yet another item to add to my ever-growing list of Japanese products I'm craving... Seriously, is this not the most beautiful cast iron skillet you've ever seen in your life?? There is beauty in the ordinary, people.
When I think "bench" almost automatically the next word to come into my mind is Nelson. Undoubtedly the Nelson bench is one of the most iconic bench designs out there, so it's no surprise to see many present day versions trying to get in on some of the classic flavor. The Sixty-Two bench from Petrified Design takes a standard Nelson style top made of reclaimed cedar and pairs it with a rough steel base. While it still doesn't hold up to the original, you can't deny it's a good looking bench.
For all those DIY inspired people out there, make sure you check out Chris's how to on making your own Nelson bench. Thoroughly informative with good step by step instructions.
Kate Stokes of Australian Coco Flip sure does know how to make some beautiful lighting. The Coco Pendant and Coco Pendant Mini (shown here) is a beautiful combination of turned victorian ash and powder coated spun aluminum. Don't let the "mini" fool you either, its 15" diameter is only small compared to the original 23" Coco Pendant.
Thanks to Kathryn for the tip!
