It seems like I come across lots of indie woodworking shops that are making nice modern furniture, but rarely do I find quality lighting. Studio Dunn has it both. While the furniture is amazing, it's a little expensive for me. The Cumberland Lamps on the other hand are both gorgeous and affordable. These beautiful hand blown lamps have a simple elegant shape that would look great in any modern home.
Available from Studio Dunn for $130 $175.
Staying in line with Capree's theme today our way back when features a beautiful coloring toy designed by Ray and Charles Eames in 1954.
I'm a huge fan of toys that encourage creativity and imaginative play, so when I spotted these wooden toys from British design duo MillerGoodman, I got pretty excited! Choose between the ShapeMaker and PlayShapes sets, either way I don't think you'll be disappointed (and neither will your kid - I almost forgot these were for children)!
The ShapeMaker set is comprised of 25 colorful, geometric, hand-printed blocks that can be arranged in a seemingly infinite series of shapes and images. PlayShapes is a modular set of 74 geometric, wooden shapes that can be arranged and stacked to create 3D images. Each set is made of environmentally friendly rubberwood.
For a hint at all the possibilities, check out the clever video above!
Wooden Toys by MillerGoodman available from Unica Home: $75 - $150
When it comes to Kartell products I usually find myself on the fence. While I think they do some innovative and amazing things with plastic, to me they usually come off looking "cheap" even though the price is not. This E' Pendant lamp however may redeem itself. The price really is inexpensive, and if you choose the matte white or black then it may actually look really good.
Kartell E' Pendant lamp available from Design Public for $106
I'm not usually one for "nautical" themed decor, but this Barnacle Centerpiece is cool enough to have me make an exception. Each barnacle is about the size of a baseball and can exist simply as part of an objet d'art or be put to use as a vase.
Barnacle Centerpiece available from Anthropologie: $38
I absolutely love it when designers take common materials and rethink how they should be used. Especially when that material is something as inexpensive as styrofoam. The Lior N2 pendant (polyester scratching lamp) is made of polystyrene. It starts as a clean simple form but changes both in it's light quality and shape when scratched. Absolutely beautiful. More photo's after the jump.
I popped into Urban Outfitters the other day to check out any new home good they might have when I spotted these mid-century inspired pots and mugs. I love the available colors and the pretty, two-tone design. The overall shape and feel was quite nice, as well.
The coffee pot is available in lime and the tea pot in red, but the mugs are available in four coordinating colors: black, red, lime, and slate blue. Check them out in person if you can, or order online. The mugs are currently on sale! Made of glazed earthenware.
Fin Handle Pots + Mugs: $16 pots / $8 mugs (currently on sale 2 for $10)
Being cooped up all winter long inside has gotten me antsy to get outside and do some landscaping this year. If you are like me, and looking for some inspiration, make sure you check out UK based Modular. They have designed and installed some gorgeous modern gardens that make me swoon.
Sol Linero is an Argentinian illustrator and animator with a cheerful, retro aesthetic. I love her Tea Time series especially as well as this beautiful spot she did for the EACH campaign. You can find prints through her Etsy shop or The Working Proof, where a percentage of sales goes towards Doctors Without Borders. Be sure to check out the rest of her portfolio at www.sollinero.com.
Ok, I'll be the first to admit that I have absolutely no need for a metal matchbox cover. That being said, if I ever did, this white matchbox cover with see-through motive from 1936 "Tandstickspojken" would be my first choice. Available in white or black.
White Matchbox Cover available from Swedishness for $19
Candy-colored and sized just for kids, with a price tag parents will love, the Kapsule Chair by Karim Rashid is made of sturdy, injection molded polypropylene. The chair separates into two pieces (think plastic Easter eggs) to stow away toys and other objects - a hole in the back allows for quick deposits. Light weight, compact, and child friendly. Available in purple, blue, orange, or green.
Kapsule Chair by Karim Rashid available from GNR8: $49
Here is a great clip of Philip Johnson talking with Susan Sontag about the great Seagram building in New York.
Spring is in the air and outdoor soirees will soon be upon us! Get your party on and reduce the waste with these reusable, acrylic party straws from Crate & Barrel. If you're like me, you don't even need an occasion - straws are a daily habit. The idea of just tossing these in the dishwasher makes me feel a little better about it, though. Available in pink/orange or blue/green.
Reusable Party Straws from Crate & Barrel: $4.95 / set of six
I love a side table with a little personality. The Modern Pointer Utility Block from Zuo Modern manages to grab my attention in a good way. Available in several different colors to match your interior.
Modern Pointer Utility Block available from Evinco Design for $75 (free shipping)
These porcelain containers are not only beautiful, but offer a creative solution for everyday storage. Designed by Louis Campbell for Kahler, each pot comes with six different colored rubber bands, providing a secure method for holding the lid and an organizational system to boot. Whether you choose blue for "salt" or orange for "flour", you'll be able to easily identify the contents. Available in three sizes.
Cammeo Storage Pots by Kähler: $46 - $55
I love it when things get stripped down to the most functional level. This battery flashlight designed by Reno is about as simple as you can get. Three small LED lights that clip on to your standard 9V battery. And don't worry, this time the battery is included.
Battery Flashlight available from kikkerlandshop for $9
When I spotted these cutting boards by designers Karen Olze and Gisa Wilkens, I just had to smile. There's a certain childlike wonder behind the concept that I absolutely adore. Look at the grain and what do you see? A moonscape? A golf course? It's exciting to see designers bring this kind of playfulness and creativity to what is otherwise a very utilitarian object. Made of acacia wood, these cutting boards are available in a variety of motifs/styles. Check them out and see if they don't bring a smile to your face!
Cutting Boards available from Sleek Identity: $36
While I would be hard pressed to give up my Sigg water bottle, the "My water bottle" by Stelton is not bad looking. The 0.5 litre bottle has a fabric grip and a removable top that turns into a cup.
My water bottle available from the Scandinavian Design Center for $23
These hanging ceramic pods are designed specifically for air plants (Tillandsia) and come ready to hang with an all-natural hemp cord. Glazed inside and out in a bright, glossy white, each pod is handmade by ceramicist Mike McDowell of MudPuppy Ceramics. They're sold individually, but a cluster of pods would look pretty cool hanging outside on the porch or patio!
Hanging Pods by MudPuppy (plant not included): $32
The more I delve into the world of modern design, the more I am drawn to the classic scandinavian design. It's clean, functional and manages to be organic and warm at the same time. These Design House Stockholm tables are my crush of the day. I'll take one in each color please.
Design House Stockholm table available from Huset for $90.