With summer just around the corner, it can only mean one thing. New items from Ikea! Summer will be bringing some new seasonal items, as well as some updates to current lines. A lot of these things are already in stores, I know my wife picked up a set of the snazzy red barbecue tools already.

Some of my other favorites include the funky bold African inspired VILMIE collection of pillows, curtains, and throws. ($7 - $30)

A nice update to an old line is the new colors for the KARLSTAD sofa. I swear I don't ever remember this little guy looking so good. I'm still on the fence about the leather version with the headrests though. ($499 - $899)

There are some great new colorful kids duvet sets as well. These things are just screaming summer. ($20)

So what is your favorite new item?

Made from 100% post consumer recycled plastic, this new birdhouse from Loll has a great modern look. The design is simple enough, that with a little know how, I think you could easily build your own version. But if you'd rather not, rest assured that the Pitch Birdhouse requires no assembly and mounts easily. Available in six fantastic colors: black, sky, white, chocolate, leaf, and apple.

Pitch Birdhouse by Loll: $68

This weeks way back when is in honor of the amazing Eva Zeisel. Born in Hungary in 1906, Eva is well know for her work with ceramics. She was the first woman to have a one woman show at MoMA and continues to design at age 103. She gave a lovely talk at TED at age 92 that is definitely worth a watch as well.

EvaZeisel.org

Eva Zeisel at TED

For the little budding explorer or animal lover in your life, these lights are sure to please! Sized just right for a nightstand or tabletop and made of unbreakable polypropylene, these lamps do not heat up and are safe for use around children. Designed by Ramin Razani for Officine CREA. Though there are 9 different styles, I was only able to find the Giraffe and Elephant readily available for U.S. customers.

See the whole Zzzoolight collection here.

Giraffe and Elephant available from PID.se: $94

Grassrootsmodern has been stumbling along for a long time with what I think is fairly mediocre web design. Problem is I've always been too cheep to shell out any cash to get "professional" help. Well folks, the time has come. I actually need a good web designer/ graphic designer for a couple different projects. I have three specific needs. If you fit one or all of the above, contact me or leave a comment.

1. A competent wordpress template designer.

2. A plain jane website web designer.

3. A flash designer (don't even get me started about how much I hate flash, just trust me on this one.)

In all areas I'm looking for someone who can produce a simple clean web standards compliant site. Bonus points for thinking outside the box and not costing me my firstborn. Yeah, did I mention I'm a cheapskate?

Interested? Contact me! This could be the beginning of a beautiful new relationship.

Modern and Motel 6 are not two words that I typically put together in the same sentence. In fact when I think about a Motel 6 room I cringe at the sea of beige and maroon that washes over me. That is why I was completely shocked to hear that Motel 6 is changing their tune. Shown above is their Phoenix prototype room which is the "now mandatory teimplate for future renovations at all 1,0345 company-owned and franchise properties". Has anyone seen one of these rooms in person? According to the article most Chicago area hotels have already been converted.

Full press release here.

Additional photos available here.

Tampa Tribune article here.

Another item for the Eames freak! This time the designers get the coaster treatment with Medium Control's cedar coasters. This set of flocked, wooden coasters features four different angles of the iconic LCW chair. So, protect those surfaces and show off your MCM love in one fell swoop! Each set is made to order and sized at 3.5" x 3.5".

Eames Chair Coasters by Medium Control: $22 / set of 4

Designer Diana Lin is redefining the traditional lamp with the creation of her D Light Bubbles. This string of 12 food grade silicon bubbles have an LED light in each "pod". You can squeeze them, hang them, or pile them up. Whatever you want. The light quality changes depending on how you have them arranged and just how squishy you happen to be feeling.

Available from GNR8 for $149 or direct from Diana Lin for $140.

Ah, it's that time of year when the design gods start showering us with new collections. And I'm certainly not complaining - I'm super excited about these new pieces from Heath Ceramics. The Summer 2010 collection represents an ongoing series of glaze experiments, where two glazes overlap to create a third color. I don't know about you, but I like this new direction!

To me, these colors just ooze 'summer'. I can almost feel the warm sun and taste the homemade lemonade just by looking at them! Each piece is hand dipped and the result resembles "the horizon line of a summer meadow – the inspiration for the Summer collection." Sounds absolutely dreamy.

This new collection is comprised of a pitcher; 12x12 platter; large modern cup; tumbler; bud vases; 6x12 platter; deep serving bowl; vegetable bowl; and a vase collection: bulb vase, single stem vase, and multi-stem vase. These items may be purchased individually or as sets of various configurations.

If you're eager to get your hands on these little bursts of sunshine, be patient. The Summer '10 collection debuts April 1st. Until then, feel free to "Oo" and "Ah" over Heath Ceramics' other collections!

www.heathceramics.com

If you are like me, and it has been a while since you have checked in with the 100k house guys, maybe it's time you get over there. First off, Chad and his lovely wife have been in the home for some time now, and inspired by unhappy hipsters have taken a wonderful series of interior photographs. You can see the whole set on Flickr. Feel free to add captions where appropriate.

Secondly, the Postgreen team has broken ground on their second house, dubbed the Skinny Project, and are well on their way in the planning of a third development known as none other than Awesometown. I have the utmost respect for the Postgreen guys, and it's exciting to see them having so much success!

100k House Blog

Postgreen Website

I know a lot of people having babies these days and typically I dole out Blabla dolls like some sort of fairy godmother whenever a new kiddo arrives. But these handmade animals from Sopa de Principe have me reconsidering my usual go-to gift. Each little animal is made in Buenos Aries and baby friendly (the eyes are soft, cloth "buttons"). They're a little pricey, sure, but they're unique and actually quite large. (Sizes range from 9x7" all the way up to 43x40" - the Perro Grande.) I'm sure though, with a little know how, you'd be able to make something similar - and one of a kind. These quirky dolls are available from LAMA (Latin America in the Modern Age).

Cute dolls all the way from Argentina available through LAMA Designs: $30 - $80

My obsession with anything white and porcelain continues, and this month it appears that it is sponsored by Sprout Home. They have a couple great new items including these porcelain jars that look like tin cans. Sure the whole "I look like a (insert misc common item) but I'm made of porcelain" craze is getting played out quick, but I still fall for it every time. Prices on these beauties are $12 - $15. If you are feeling a little more obscure, you may be more inclined to pick up a porcelain milk carton for $14.

Available from Sprout home.

I've been a fan of Pigeon Toe Ceramics since they first debuted in 2009. Each handmade piece is so beautiful, clean, and tactile. The new 2010 collection does not disappoint, either. Fromcolorful nesting bowls to hanging test tube vases, each product offers a fresh new approach to a very old and traditional medium.

Like all of Pigeon Toe products, these new pieces are infused with a sense of wit and charm. The faceted hanging tray is definitely my favorite new item in the collection. What's yours?

Pigeon Toe Ceramics Spring 2010 Collection: $28 - $144

Louis Kahn was one of the greats. In this compelling 2003 film My Architect, his only son Nathaniel explores the relationship that he never had with his father. The clip above is the first 10 minutes of the film. The DVD can be purchased from Amazon for $10 - $30.

My Architect website.

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

I don't quite remember the bread crumb trail I followed to get to Per Ranung's portfolio, but I can say it was worth it! This Swedish photographer has an eye for simplicity and a total control of lighting. He makes all these amazing interiors look even better, a task that's harder than you might think. Be sure to check out the rest of his work and bask in the beauty of all those Swedish homes!

Per Ranung Photography

In the comments for the Kidz Box placemats last week, GRM reader Geoff mentioned his friend make a coloring book. I checked out "The Peculiar Coloring Book" and I have to admit it's pretty cool. For a mere $8 you get 24 pages of coloring book fun, enough to entertain kids and adults alike for hours.

The Peculiar coloring book direct from the artist for $8.

I have blogged about Form 3 before. Based out of Tomales California they design and build amazing homes and custom furniture. They just finished up a recent project that I thought was worth sharing. The home shown above is new construction, but they were able to reclaim 80% of the wood from the old home.

The interior is full of custom furniture in typical Form 3 style. I really love the contrast of concrete and wood that they use in a lot of their projects. This whole home was built for around $200 a square foot, which is not cheap but by California standards it's not bad at all. More photo's after the jump.

Form 3

All I can say is WOW! Have you seen the new wagon and push toys from Kaiku? Made of bent plywood, natural rubber and steel the Kaiku line is simple and beautiful. The zen wagon makes me want to lock my stroller in the closet and start dragging my kids around in style. If the construction on these are as good as the design, these are almost a no brainer. Cost is reasonable considering there is really nothing else comparable.

Kaiku available from Design Public from $149 - $319

A fun twist on the ol' piggy bank, the Emergency Money Box made me a chuckle. If you want to get to your money, be prepared to break the glass! Designed by Suck UK.

Emergency Money Box by Suck UK, available from Sirtified: $16