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.
Sex toys are a topic that don't get a lot of attention on design blogs, and for good reason. Most of them are at best semi discrete, and at worst an embarrassment to look at. There is however one company that has stood out among the crowd in a good way for a while, Jimmyjane. I like to think of Jimmyjane as the Apple Computer of the pleasure toy world. Their products are aesthetically pleasing, well made, and innovative. Their about page says it best:
Jimmy Jane Form series Since launching in late 2004, Jimmyjane has redefined the context and perception of sexual wellbeing. Combining sophisticated product development with proprietary technology, our collection encourages connection and excitement without compromising style, wellbeing or personal values.
So if you have a special lady in your life, may I suggest two words for the holiday season. Stocking Stuffer.
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.
If I was cool enough to have an iPad, I would totally carry it around in one of these cases from Poketo. I'm not sure which version I like best though: the envelope, three dot, or two-toned leather. What's your pick?
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.
Looking for something to do to break yourself out of your Turkey induced stupor? How about a nice civilized game of bocce with this limited edition set by New York based Fredericks and Mae. These are pretty much the best looking bocce set I have ever seen, and once they are gone, they are gone. I think that justifies the $250 AUD price tag.
Fredericks and Mae bocce set. $250 AUD
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!
Gnomes! With gold hats! There is absolutely nothing not to love.
I find myself strangely attracted to this moss wall hanging planter by Mr Lentz. It's a simple plank of cedar stained with walnut husks and black tea then sealed with a little flax seed oil. It's topped with a piece of dried moss. While it reads more like the ingredients for a exotic salad, it actually makes a nice piece of wall art.
The Offset Bench from West Elm is the perfect entryway piece, especially if yours is a "shoes off, please" home. With a nicely upholstered cushion (available in red, beige, or grey), taking those shoes off or tying them back on just got a whole lot easier for guests--and yourself! As for the extra storage on the side? BONUS!