winter rest

with the new year approaching, it's time for some decluttering. i'm taking the next two days to reorganize and clear out my living space, working space and head space. i love starting a new year with a clean, fresh slate. so i'll return next year (well, next tuesday) with fresh thoughts and a fresh approach to d*s, as well as some exciting changes that are coming in the next month.

in the meantime, how does everyone out there plan to celebrate the new year? any fun plans? here's wishing you all a happy and prosperous new year. see you in 2006. xo, d*s

markegård

designer kim markegård's beautiful felt designs are inspired by "the stoicism an icy and snowbound world". the minimalism in her work is really beautiful and these pieces she designed (available at virgin threads) are lovely (and perfect for protecting hands from the frosty winter air). each piece is created from natural fibers including sheep, alpaca, and llama fleece as well as silk, hemp, and flax among others. you can find more of kim's work right here.

shayla su

san francisco based artist, shayla su designs products that marry simplicity and modern design perfectly. after graduating from uc berkeley where she studied art and architecture, su set up shop in san francisco where she produces her signature works. her "ripple bowl set" is one of my favorites, and is available online right here. you can find more information on ms. su and her work right here. enjoy!

heart-a-tacks

i'll skip the cutesy puns because these are cute enough. black heart tacks ($5 for 24) at fred flare. these will be gracing up my office cork board for sure.

sens furniture

d*s reader, dustin passed along this design team based in san francisco. founded in 2001 by designer david goldenberg, sens furniture specializes in "creating beautiful, functional pieces of custom-made furniture". i like the way they pay a lot of attention to using quality materials and i think a lot of people will like the unusual shapes they use in their designs. you can find more information on sens furniture right here.

svenskt tenn

mark from sparkability always trades the best links with me- this time he passed along the stockholm based team of svenskt tenn. d*s reader my berglund was kind enough to write a bit about them on d*s a while back, but i wanted to add a bit more. svenskt tenn produces beautiful textiles, furniture and accessories for the home, as well as carrying a great selection of antiques. wonderfully modern with plenty of bright, colorful patterns and prints, svenskt tenn's collection is a must-see. for those of us in the us, they're a window-shopping deal (unless you can afford shipping from stockholm or london) but for those of you near stockholm (or liberty in london where svenskt tenn is carried), i highly suggest checking them out or ordering online (the acorn door stop and colored trays are gorgeous).

brad ascalon

designer brad ascalon might be best known to d*s readers as the designer of the "splash storage system", but he recently designed a new series called POP, which includes an outdoor table and chaise that look like they just "popped" out of a sheet of plastic. they remind me of those hostess cupcake containers, but in the best way possible. you can contact brad for more information here. [thanks, brad!]

r. wood studio

based in athens, georgia, r. wood studio designs and produces beautiful pottery pieces for the home. working out of an old produce warehouse, rebecca wood and her team of 12 artists use local red clay to create simple, colorful pieces that have a wonderful "handmade" quality to them. my favorite piece is the nut dish- its uneven colored glaze around the rim is comforting to me- it looks like something i'd use in a country house somewhere (if i had a country house). the collection is divided into everyday, serving, speciality and one-of-a-kind collections- each one full of colorful pieces that are sure to add some color and handmade flair to your home. so, if you're looking for a departure from slick, sleek modern, check out r. wood studio and their beautiful ceramic collection. (shop online or find a retailer near you) enjoy!

lorely furniture

i've been somewhat obsessing over nyc designer, laura yaggy's python print "duncan" table ever since it was on the cover of december's domino. perfectly petite and wonderfully decorative with its cute python print, duncan is a great example of yaggy's work. yaggy's company, lorely furniture currently has 11 pieces, most of which are various forms of tables (console, side, coffee...) available in a number of decorative finishes. i think her refined style lends itself best to classic lacquer finishes, but for those looking for something with a bit more punch, her pieces also come in faux lizard print, python and tortoise. you can find more information on lorely's collection right here. enjoy!

[update: after talking with friends and thinking about it some more by myself, i want to clarify that i'd love this table in a faux python print. i thought it was faux, but apparently it's not. so, hooray to faux but i'll pass on the real stuff...]

agnes & hoss

agnes & hoss launched their debut pillow collection in the fall of 2005, but just started selling online recently. with five designs to choose from (cape seaweed, eucalyptus, larch pinecone, starling and wool grass), a&h's designs are elegant and made of a "signature" heavyweight silk charmeuse front panel, faux suede back panel and piping in a coordinating color. at $173 a piece, they certainly aren't a budget buy, but they're a great splurge piece. available online at 2modern.com.

plexo light

the plexo light is an updated take on a traditional japanese latern. made from flat cut die film, plexo has internal lights that create an optical illusion as you walk past it. plexo can be attached to the wall or sit flat on a table or dresser- and at $70 it won't cost you an arm and a leg. perfect for treating yourself after a stressful holiday season. available online right here. enjoy!

thank you

as i leave to hop on a plane to va for the holidays, i wanted to take my last post of the holiday season to say thank you. i'll be back on tuesday morning, but i wanted to thank you for stopping by this little corner of the internet- thanks for your support and thanks for just hanging out, sharing design news, great new products and anything and everything under the design sun.

it's been a crazy (but good!) year for d*s and i look forward to next year and all the changes it will bring (a redesign, new sections, newsletters, events and much much more). thank you to the advertisers for supporting the site, thank you from ac to all of you who offered to help him find a new job (he did and he's thrilled!) and most of all, thanks to the readers, design fans and wonderfully creative people out there who continue to stop by and say hi, send in new ideas and suggest great ways to expand and better the site. i'll be back on tuesday with some exciting news and details on the new d*s to be launched in 2006. have a safe and happy holiday and i'll see you next week. best, d*s

red+black

i'm really into red and black right now, especially while thinking about how to decorate our new office niche. iomoi's paperweights cost $35-$60 a piece and come in some great red+black patterns, and these great red book cloth pieces ($24-$64) from hold everything would look great on shelves holding magazines and random odds and ends. in a perfect world i'd top it all off with something like this (with a nice black seat pad) and call it a day.

play and go

really lovely little travel game kits at kate's paperie. perfect for the gamer on the go. available in chess, poker and checkers (poker and chess to be restocked in 1-2 weeks) for $25 each.

koo de kir

beyond the fact that i just like to say the words faux bois, i think this mirror is gorgeous. at $1,300 it's way beyond my budget, but hopefully someone can diy themselves a similar version and get the same look. available online at boston's koo de kir. enjoy!

mousepads

need a cute stocking stuffer for the office-y type on your holiday list? check out these colorful patterned options at see jane work, only $8.50 a piece.

sparkability contest winners!!

thank you to everyone who took the time to send in photos of their lovely holiday decorations for the sparkability/d*s holiday giveaway! after all the entries were in, we chose those that struck us as the most creative and reflective of a unique holiday style. so, without further adieu, our winners are....

FIRST PLACE: Laura and her very clever, non-traditional Christmas tree! Congratulations, Laura- I really loved the way you chose to decorate and use materials and objects that were important to you. Your "tree" mannequin looks fantastic. Sparkability will be sending you a beautiful star egg night light so relax with a warm, soft glow all around you.

SECOND PLACE: Lauren and her handmade mini modern homes. I love the way Lauren translated her love of modern homes into a fun, stylish holiday decoration. Well done! I love that you took the time to make the decorations yourself, too. For your beautiful work you'll be receiving one of Thorsten Van Elten's super cool pidgeon lights! Congrats!

thank you again to everyone who sent in pictures- your homes looked wonderful. and thank you to sparkability for donating two great gifts to the lucky winners. honorable mention jenny (and her cute pink "tree") and eric from colorado who must have spent hours fastening hundreds of silver ornaments to his ceiling- that's holiday spirit, man. thanks again and happy holidays!

jezebel...

designer leigh batnick of jezebel stationery made some beautiful holiday cards for the season, this one is my favorite. you can find more of leigh's work right here. [thanks, leigh!]

havana

the havana sofa is one huge hunk of furniture. with a huge base made of aluminum coated wood, it may be an unwieldy purchase, but i love how sleek it looks. makes me want to lie down and take a nap. you can find more info and purchase online right here.

toto

dwr's toto cube lamp provides a soft, ambient glow and can be used as a side table, small dining surface or makeshift coffee table/ottoman (holds up to 198 pounds). you can find more information and purchase online right here.

luisa cevese

italian designer, luisa cevese's ipod bag is a really gorgeous way to tote your music in style. best known for her work that utilizes scrap thread and material, cevese's designs would certainly make for a unique holiday gift. available online at the moma design store.

d*s in bargain style magazine

bargain style magazine (a bh&g special interest pub) was kind enough to mention d*s in their "online gurus" piece in the winter 2005 issue. thanks, guys!

ona

beautiful aubergine tablerunner from ona.com. hand-cut and sewn from broad-weave lithuanian linen, the runner has fringed borders and is machine washable. available online right here.

roost

i love these simple, colorful carafes from roost. available for $17 online at relish.

mueller moebel

lovely, simple sideboard made of painted solid steel. pricey ($849) but pretty, at the magazine.

colorful collection

urban outfitters is carrying a cute little colored furniture collection including a side table and tea table. both come in vivid colors like green, coral and electric yellow- perfect for adding some pop where it's needed. i wish they were a bit cheaper than they are ($120 and $160), but they're still fun pieces to accessorize with. available online right here and here.

scalloped seat

cute little black scalloped stool at urban outfitters. for $28 you can grab a few of em and have some extra seating for poker night or an impromptou get-together. available online right here.

jen corace

artist, jen corace makes the most adorable stationery. you can grab this kit at elsewares for $9 (10 sheets of recycled paper and 8 envelopes).

d*s on metropolis.com

randi greenberg, metropolis' new web editor was kind enough to include my top 5 products of the year in her "design-minded gift guide". it was soo hard to narrow it down, but my favorites of the year were as follows:

1. hanna allijn's geometric curtain

2. david wiseman's pink faceted vase

3. patricia urquiola's crocheted rug for paola lenti

4. softwall by molo

5. silver and acrylic "diamond" jewelry by alissia melka teichroew

you can read the full article here. thanks, randi!

d*s contest!

just a last minute reminder- the d*s/sparkability holiday decoration contest has been extended until tomorrow, tuesday, at 5 pm. so send photos of your best holiday decorations (indoor or out) right here. there are great prizes up for grabs! more details here. happy decorating!

taïr mercier

francophiles rejoice, these parisian designs are actually affordable (all pieces are available for under $35). from their paris studio, the husband and wife team of taïr mercier create beautiful products with "classic french style" that are both affordable and fun. from placemats and plates to beautiful floral lamps, their collection is perfect for any room in the home. find their floral collection online right here, at elsewares.

d*s in new york magazine

thank you to sarah bernard at new york magazine for featuring d*s (4th from the left in the middle row) in their "27 under 26" story. it's on page 50 of this week's issue.

thanks again to sarah and new york magazine and hi! to all the great "under 26's" i got to meet. here's a link to the online story. [all photos by sasha eisenman, bigger version here]

366 design

d*s reader, graham passed along some work by design team, 366. the swiss design duo of sergio streun and vincent schertenleib run 366 and produce unique home goods that focus on using recycled and reused materials. their "bobby" decanter made quite a splash when it was introduced- with two spouts, it makes pouring water for two a much faster process (although i'm not sure it was that hard to begin with...). along with bobby come a nickel coated steel coatrack with a pleasing zigzag shape and glass and PET fruitbowl made of an upside down wine glass. 366's collection is full of creative ideas like these, check out their full collection right here and order online right here. enjoy!

esque design

i've long been a fan of portland based esque design. these beautiful pieces are all available at branch online in their "exquisite gifts" section. the "slumped vases", made of recycled glass stock come in fuschia, blue or orange and start at #15. the water drop jugs (my favorite) start at $263 and are made of recycled glass stock in an electric furnace powered by wind energy. if the vases aren't your style, try esque's rocks ice bucket and glasses. the set comes with four glasses and is available at branch for $987. not exactly a budget item, but certainly worth the splurge if you're a frequent entertainer and are looking to invest in a one-of-a-kind piece. all esque pieces are made to order and are shipped in about 4 weeks. enjoy!

fable

vancouver based design studio, fable (formerly known as "very brave") produces beautiful handcrafted goods including stationery and modern quilts (to debut in spring of 2006). their felted journals with folk-inspired graphics make a great last minute holiday gift, or a perfect new year's journal (fresh thoughts are always best written on a fresh journal). you can find more information on fable right here and find purchasing info right here. [via poppytalk]

fold premium bedding

fold's new line of "premium" bedspreads combine wool flannel with raised colored stitching to create a modern, streamlined look. for the "on the go" crowd who don't have time to make the bed in the morning, fold is perfect- just throw the bedspread over the sheets and you've got an instant "made" bed. (just make sure your sheets aren't rumpled.) available in blue, green and grey/red with coordinating pillows, the fold premium bedspreads will set you back $580 (a bit over my own price limit) and are available online at design public (ships in 2-4 weeks). enjoy!

poppytalk: dec 19

[the following post is from d*s reader and kitchen expert, jan of poppytalk. thanks, jan!]

Chantal, well known for their cookware has come out with a new line of ceramic bakeware and serving ware that is inspired by century old designs of tiles and pottery from Spain. The Talavera collection is designed for baking, serving, and storing. Use in the oven, microwave, freezer or dishwasher. Available online here. When I think of Chantal I think of their lovely fondue sets which are great for this time of year. Both in brushed stainless steel with porcelain bowl or any of the Chantal colors, these sets are definitely a must-have for the avid fondue lover. And this gorgeous red soup tureen is so perfect for serving holiday soups or stews. Available also in all the Chantal colors and online for purchase here.

walteria living

walteria living is california based design studio producing works designed by artist, kathleen walsh. the term walteria living comes from walteria, "a small sub-division of los angeles, created in the 1950's to act as a buffer between an affluent hilltop community and the burgeoning sprawl of lower-middle-class communities populating the suburban landscape. walteria living is an analogy for the boundary between high + low culture and the tension created between both." while i'm not sure if i see that expressed in the work per se, the collection is a beautiful series of cast-ceramic pieces like oil candles and simple chandeliers. you can check out the entire collection right here. enjoy!

poppycotton

poppycotton is a great online boutique carrying one of a kind vintage fabric pillows, wall hangings and lampshades. based in my neighborhood, park slope, brooklyn, poppycotton was started by designer, melissa womack, who was inspired to create a line of home furnishings based on her favorite movies: rosemary's baby and the stepford wives. to create her unique designs, womack, "scour[s] online auctions and new york markets and find the vintage printed textiles and trimmings that hearken an era when homes weren’t afraid of a little pop and color". her designs are perfect for warming up a room and adding that last little touch of color to a room that needs it. you can shop melissa's entire collection right here.

darling shoppe

darling holiday cards at the darling shoppe...

BUST magazine holiday craftacular!

ever fabulous BUST magazine is holding their holiday craftacular this weekend, december 17th in williamsburg, brooklyn. if you're in the borough, come on by! i sadly (sniff, sniff) won't be able to make it, but i hope lots of you can go. if you do, please send pictures! i'd love to see all the crafty lads and ladies and their great holiday goodies. more more info click here, or see details below. have fun!

"Join BUST Magazine for a massive holiday shopping bonanza running all day (and all of the night) at the Warsaw in Williamsburg, Brooklyn, featuring crowds of crafters, cocktails, DJs, and dancing! Celebrity crafters/authors Brini Maxwell, Ayun Halliday, Jenny Hart, and more, will be on hand to sign copies of their books! Get jiggy with "Jingle Bells" and a gin and tonic as you browse through hundreds of handmade winter wares, from handbags and knitwear to ornaments, jewelry, and cards. Last-minute holiday shopping to do? Skip the mall and buy DIY! See you ho-ho-hos under the misteltoe!"

WHEN: December 17th, 2005, from 12 noon to 12 midnite WHERE: The Warsaw, Williamsburg, Brooklyn, 261 Driggs Ave [at Eckford] Brooklyn, NY (718) 387-0505 View Map

pop that cork....

design within reach's annual champagne chair contest is back! so, grab some bubbly, uncork that top and take a shot at winning $2,000 in dwr merch. more details here and below:

"Use only the cork, wire and foil from no more than two (2) champagne bottles. Glass is not permitted in this year's contest. Glue is the only permitted adhesive. You are not permitted to use any additional materials—including tape and/or paint. The chair must measure no more than 4" x 4" x 4" in height and be shipped in a box measuring no larger than 12" X 12" X 12". Submissions must arrive at our office no later than Friday, January 6, 2006 at 5pm PT."

spaltana

spaltana is a beautiful online boutique specializing in unique, elegant products for the home and gift-giving. their collection emphasizes natural materials and the raw elegance of stone, shell and gemstone. my favorites are the nautical series inspired by the artist's love of the beaches of zanzibar. click here for the full collection. enjoy!

newbies

2modern has some great finds in their "what's new": a fabulous selection of colored umbrella holders ($98, bright colors are perfect for days when you need an umbrella), a gorgeous red screen ($1,870) and a swirly pattern table ($1,935) fit for any room that needs some 'pop'. available online right here. enjoy!

focus: science and sons

the canadian design team of science and sons have just launched a beautiful collection called "plastidermy" containing wall mounts, sconces and chandeliers made of beautiful "swiss glacial acrylic".

founded by tristan zimmermann, james casey and kathryn tait (who met while studying at the ontario college of art and design), science and sons have taken the idea of taxidermy to a whole new level. their "plastidermy" describes itself as, "an ironically beautiful approach to to decorating with dead animals- partially free unpleasant odors or questionable ethics". while the idea of decorating with dead animals is horrifying to me in the first place, i'm glad these guys came up with a way to riff on the idea of it without having to hurt or kill any animals.

the collection currently contains a deer, swan and hare form available as a wall mount, simple sconce or stunning chandelier. my favorite is of course the chandelier (admitted: chandelier addict). you can view their entire collection right here (more animals to be added soon). [thanks, james!]

happy friday!

it's a wonderful friday here at d*s and the holidays are near, so i just wanted to extend some holiday cheer and kick off the day with a post from creede at grassrootsmodern. thanks, creede!

"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 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."

holiday cards: part 12

lovely holiday coasters from paper monkey press. they come with envelopes so you can write on them and mail them if you wish. $8 for 8 cards with envelopes, email rori here to order. enjoy!

holiday cards: part 11

quite possibly my favorite holiday cards of the season, bella muse's collection is perfect for the card-giver with a sense of humor. full of beautiful old drawings with funny little sayings, these cards are a must-have if your relatives and friends can take a little holiday joking. available online right here. happy holiday card-ing!

holiday cards: part 10

elum makes beautiful, beautiful cards. these holiday cards aren't my absolute favorites (i like their regular designs better), but they're still lovely. available all over, click right here to find a store near you. enjoy!

holiday cards: part nine

lovely modern holiday cards at sugar paper...envelopes almost too cute to open. online right here. enjoy!

holiday cards: part eight

super simple holiday cards from letterpressed.com. for the understanded look...

holiday cards: part seven

potion brand cards has lovely holiday designs available this season, shop online right here and right here. enjoy!

holiday cards: part six

i've always loved two piglets, they make the cutest cards. these holiday selections are sure to be a hit. available online right here.

holiday cards: part five

oakland's carrot and stick press has some great basics for the holiday season (i love that car with the tree on top...). available online right here. enjoy!

holiday cards: part four

for cards that are a little edgier, check out the great selection from the ladies of tennis, anyone?. these chicago gals churn out some really great designs...available online right here. enjoy!

holiday cards: part three

i didn't even know that inleaf design made cards, but thanks to stacy at pancake and franks, know i know they make gorgeous floral cards that are perfect for the holiday season. while they don't knock you over the head with "holiday", they have a wintery feel to them that make them perfect for sending this time of year. available online right here. [thanks, stac!]

holiday cards: part two

celandine paper makes some of the most beautiful letterpress cards around. these holiday cards are an elegant way to celebrate the holidays on paper...available online right here (six for $20). enjoy!

holiday cards: part one

if you haven't sent your holiday cards yet, here are some great options from which to choose: these fun holiday penguins are by lisa at good on paper design. you can buy them individually or in a pack of sick for $16 online. happy mailing!

contests and cards....

update: posting delayed until tomorrow. work on the site and an exciting new side project to work on this afternoon...the holiday season is really chaotic. will be back tomorrow with a great selection of the season's best holiday cards and a whole slew of design news and great products. don't forget to enter your home's holiday decorations in the sparkability holiday giveaway contest! contest ends friday...see you at 1:30

geometric rug

beautiful, beautiful rug via mocoloco- pictures and text below via their site :

"Hand made floor rug composed of 33 wool felt triangles by Vilde Form. "The rug's form is derived from terrain modeling - a triangular mesh representing a digitised aerial view of a stretch of land. The four shades of grey, representing land contours, create an illusion of three-dimensional space.""

lisa dejohn cards

wonderfully unique cards passed on to me by d*s reader, rachel. designed by lisa dejohn, each card uses, "found objects, photographs and various ephemera to create collages and paintings that represent stories and ideas from her own life"- beautiful stuff. thanks, rachel! available online right here. enjoy!

a fortes design

great new pillow designs from nyc based artist, janessa bautista. available online via her website for $44 and $56 a piece. enjoy!

bel 'occhio

interesting new light from pablo- it functions as both a spotlight and ambient lighting device. its construction allows it to be adjusted by hand to an infinite number of positions (thanks for the shell being cradled in a base). made of an inner and outter shade, bel 'occhio comes with a dimmer that controls light intensity. available online right here. enjoy!

attention new yorkers

thomas paul, the pillow king, is having a huge holiday sample sale this weekend. check it out if you're in town:

"Thomas Paul is having a holiday sample sale this weekend...Silk pillow cases will be $20.00, journals and albums will be $5-10, melamine plates will be $5.00.

This saturday from 11am until 6pm-at 400 w. 37th street suite 14T"

modern union yoga bags

[the following post is by d*s reader and fellow design blogger, creede- who runs a great design blog called grass roots modern. thanks, creede!]

Modern Union bags were created when yoga studio owners Stephanie Ofanankis and Belinda Osborne were unable to find a yoga bag that suited their modern tastes. They enrolled the help of exepert modern textile designers Inhabit Living. The result is a clean, attractive set of messanger style yoga bags. The are made of durable cordura, so they should hold up well to the wear and tear of the hard core yoga folk and they have all the pockets and straps you need for your yoga mat and blocks. They are currently available in four colors/prints. Personally I am torn between the Saffron and the Metro. Available here.

late start

bit of a late start today, but will be posting in full after lunch. am compiling a list of my top 5 products of 2005 for metropolis magazine online...

sparkability holiday giveaway!

tis the season for holiday giveaway! sparkability is sponsoring a must-enter holiday contest on d*s this week and will be giving away one of thorsten van elten's famous pidgeon lights and j schatz' star egg nightlights. both work smashingly for children and adults alike.

the theme of the contest is BEST HOLIDAY DECORATIONS. so send in pictures of your best indoor and outdoor holiday decorations (done by yourself please, no hired interior designer work) and sparkability and i will choose a first and second place winner. first place will receive one of the beautiful star egg lights and second place will receive one of the fantastic pidgeon lights. please send your entries here (with your name, address and titled "sparkability contest") through FRIDAY AT 5PM. winners will be announced on MONDAY!

happy holiday giveaway!

lighting

d*s reader, dustin passed on this gorgeous lamp from cultivate lighting [via mocoloco]. the "josephine" light is made from engraved pmma sheets illuminated by a special dimmable fluorescent bulb. to quote dustin, "I think it is one of the most beautiful lamps ever created." more info right here.

birdcage

i'm rather obsessed with this gorgeous print at velocity by brooklyn designers klein reid. it would look so lovely in the red/black/white office i'm planning for our new apt. those guys are just so good. limited editions available online at velocity. enjoy!

le pod

super hip wallpaper studio flavor paper teamed up with online boutique, your sister's moustache (ysmny) to create these cute little ipod bags made of flavor paper's famous graphic designs. available in three patterns for $20 a piece, they make a great stocking stuffer. [thanks, lara!]

bodyform chair

beautiful bent ply dining/side chair at vivavi. $370. perfect for modern dining.

poppytalk

[kicking off monday with a post from d*s reader, jan and her blog, poppytalk. thanks, jan!]

I am loving the design of this new Bialetti Cappuccino Maker! So cute! And i bet they make the BEST coffee ever! They've now added the milk frother to the mix. all on the stove top. Just fill the base with water, the filter with finely ground coffee or espresso, and the top carafe with milk. place on the stove at medium-high heat, and in just five minutes you'll have a barrista-quality cappuccino or latte--without using a frothing wand. brews two cups. At Crate and Barrel $89.95.

If you haven't seen these amazing cups yet by Bodum, you have to give them a double take. Made of laboratory glass (so very durable yet thin) they are designed to keep hot drinks hot (without being able to feel the heat) and cold drinks cold. $19.95 also from Crate and Barrel.

For appetizers, condiments or whatever your heart desires these Wovo Twist Bowls can definitely be the answer (three bowls in one). Love the shape and colors! Kitchen Shop, $12.95.

And also from the same line, this ice bucket has festive written all over it and only $29.95. from the Kitchen Shop online.

I never saw a toast holder until i went to England, but they never were as fun as this one designed by Duo King Kong for Alessi. In stainless steel from Unica Home.

gift guide: under $150

lille in chicago is full of elegant gift ideas. these under $150 beauties caught my eye after lunch....the eve tealight and vase ($39), beautiful "duck egg" blue lacquer boxes from $55-$95 each, heath's earthy but urban coup line ($25-$30 a piece) and the elegant "piano" servers for $105. enjoy! have a lovely weekend...

gift guide: under $150

i'm mad about these retro pieces from garnet hill. the bread box is such a cute shape ($52, in red, white or orange) and the juicer ($44) is just so fun. both under $150 at garnet hill. enjoy! (sorry, the photos are sorta fuzzy on the website)

BUMMER AND A HALF, AS OF AN HOUR AGO THE BREADBOX IS GONE! SO SORRY! I'M SO BUMMED...

kleinreid sale!

one of my favorite brooklyn design studios, kleinreid is having a studio sample sale. come check it out this saturday and next if you have time- great deals on everything! details below:

HOLIDAY STUDIO SAMPLE SALE--Lovely Firsts, One-of-a-kind Samples and Lovable Seconds.

Sat. December 10 & Sat. December 17, Noon to 5 p.m. (and by appointment Dec. 12 - Dec. 16).

475 Keap St. Williamsburg, Brooklyn 718.388.9331. CASH ONLY PLEASE.

SUBWAY: L to Lorimer stop (second stop in Brooklyn, 5 minutes from Union Sq.) or G to Metropolitan, exit train (rear of L, front of G) to Metropolitan and Union intersection, one half block south across from a gas station is a large red factory building -- that's us. 3rd floor- follow the signs.

holiday giveaway winners!

thank you to everyone who entered the standard motion/holiday haiku giveaway contest. winners will receive gifts like prints, buttons and a standard motion shirt. jon has chosen his top two, and they are as follows. thanks so much guys! happy holidays.

First Place (Allison Reeves):

My Brooklyn Bridge soars

Above the icy waters

Take me safely home

Second Place (Craig Mackay):

Snow is not falling

Santa's sleigh is a hybrid

I live in L.A.

gift guide: under $150

viva terra has some lovely under $150 gift ideas: notable are the recycled paper vases (on sale for $31), porcelain sea sponge bowl ($79) and recycled metal branch candle holders ($59-$149). enjoy!

gift guide: under $150

west elm has some great nesting tables for only $150. not a bad set for that price (available in white, chocolate and blonde). while you're there check out the mercury candle holders ($9-$14) and platinum banded barware ($16-$29, perfect for the party-throwers on your list). enjoy!

gift guide: under $150

wingard in san francisco has a wonderful selection of really stunning under $150 gifts. most notable are their glossy vase collections ($44-$98 per vase) available in a range of bold colors. if vases are what you're looking for- check out their star mo-bil-e-o's (6 stars for $92) that would look lovely arranged like the picture below. enjoy!

gift guide: under $150

uncommon goods (hi, lindsay!) has a great selection of electic gift picks- my favorites are: the frisky t-rex staple remover ($50, great for that office shut-in), the message-bearing candle votives (2 for $18), pidegon pillows from salvor ($36, and they're much cleaner in pillow form), michael aram's gorgeous olive branch menorah (it's $165, but not too far off, yes?) and a simply breathtaking tree mezuzah ($90) that's a must have for those in need of a modern mezuzah. everything is available at uncommon goods! enjoy!

gift guide: under $250

clio home has to be one of my favorite stores of all time- i could spend hours there looking at all the gorgeous tableware and accessories they have. if you're in ny, i highly suggest stopping by- you're bound to find something beautiful for your home. for the holidays, they have a wonderful selection of under $150 gifts- my favorites are: the mirza teapot (such a pleasing shape), black forest dinnerware (so elegant), the "improved crockery" dinnerware, deadly squire oven mitt and potholder, hungry bowls (small and low versions under $150), medium and small "dented" bowls (such a beautiful shape), gorgeous black lacquer nesting bowls ($117), handblown capucine glasses and colorful blossom glasses (6 for $98), wonderful "grandma" teacups (6 for $120), and the hey vases (all but the large are under $150). enjoy!

gift guide: under $150

relish has a beautiful collection of modern gifts all under $150. from decorative accessories to elegant glassware and jewelry- you'll find it all for a price that won't break the bank. my holiday picks at relish are: gorgeous ceramic vessels from sara paloma, the grand cru bowl set (elegant clear dining), rosendahl's super hip wine tube, grand cru's water pitcher (perfect for a bedside carafe), a 6-star modern holiday tree (for the festive modernist), colorful spring stem earrings, silver "diamond" rings, lovely teardrop ornaments from portland's esque studio, lotta jansdotter totes and festive padouk ornaments. enjoy!

gift guide: under $150

despite being heartbroken that i missed the premier of season 2 of project runway (no cable hookup yet, sob sob), the gift guide trudges on! two more days and hopefully plenty more ideas to make everyone's shopping season a bit more bearable.

amadon has beautiful modern gift ideas that are right for everyone's budget. with a large selection under $50, and even more under $150, amadon has surely got something for everyone. my favorites are the colorful little tape measurers ($8.50), perch piggy bank ($49) and a gorgeous selection of eva zeisel for klein reid vases ($129). all under $150 at amadon. enjoy!

gift guide: mid-week rest

very busy here at d*s today, exciting news to come soon...will be out for the afternoon, but will be back tomorrow with fresh finds just in time for the holidays. have a wonderful day, xo, d*s

gift guide: under $150

sprout home has some lovely pieces for under $150 that i just had to throw in: a gridded vase ($58.40), great modern op art wall display ($90) and gorgeous brass sunburst clock for $120 that would add warmth to any home. enjoy!

gift guide: under $150

alphabets nyc always has fun gift ideas that make great stocking stuffers and host gifts. jme's big head coasters are a fun way to say thanks for a swingin cocktail party, while the manorisms wine set of 6 different colored glasses ($75) is a good way to get that party started. don't miss the simple, modern crinkle cups ($58) and playful davey crackit nut cracker ($45). tis the season...

gift guide: under $150

generate's under $150 gift selection has some really great pieces to choose from: my favorite being thorsten van elten's famous pidgeon light ($99) which would look oh so adorable in a child's room. if a pink pidgeon isn't exactly up your alley, check out the ambient light orb ($149 and perfect for creating "mood" lighting), the $55 "cupple" system that holds mugs to the wall with a cute interlocking system, modern salt and pepper shakers for $69, tord's until dawn curtain for $89 (great room divider) and the nifty perpetual calendar for $119. enjoy!

gift guide: under $150

design public's gift guide for under $150 has a lot to offer. my picks are the super handy chop chop cutting board from vessel ($76, that doubles as a breakfast tray!), offi's walnut flip stool on sale for $99 (perfect for playrooms, extra storage and seating), mibo's gorgeous small pendant lamps (only $86!), teardrop vases by urbana (starting at $60), vessel's handy squat benches that can stack to form shelves for $149 a piece, offi's overlap tray ($99-139) that's perfect for computing in bed, mibo's small table lamps for $136 and various fun yoga mats starting at $60-$120. enjoy!

gift guide: under $150

brooklyn's 3rliving is a fantastic resource for environmentally friendly gifts (all of which are available through their online store). my favorites are they fun bike chain frames and bottle openers (both under $13!) and the eco-friendly recycled red glass vases and hemp dog toys. all under $150 (way under!) and available online right here.

gift guide: under $150

d*s reader, gregg passed on this fun gift idea from csa images. these great dish sets come with 4 plates for $40 in funky, retro inspired patterns. they'd make a great gift for the homeowner with whimsy who could use a little funkiness at the dinner table. they'd look great serving hors doeuvres, too. view the full collection online (only $40!) right here (click on the plates at the bottom of the page) you should be able to order by calling 1-888-339-1263 (let me know if it doesn't work and i'll check it out). thanks, gregg!

gift guide: under $150 (and down under)

i often get emails from australian readers looking for products they won't have to have shipped from several continents over. so i thought i'd try to add in a few australian resources as they came. this morning i hear from polli, an australian design team whose work can be found all over australia. designed by maja bartlett and tess murray, polli's work is fun, modern and festive. my favorites are their beautiful mobiles, which come in different colors and sizes, most of which are under $150 australian dollars. they also designed some lovely holiday decorations that add just the right amount of color and sparkle to your home. check out their full collection here and click here for stockists near you in australia. enjoy!

gift guide: under $150

rena tom has some great gift finds online in her "rare picks" section. you can browse and purchase online in honor of the holidays...my favorites are the abitax felt "small gadgets case" and the passport case made from scraps of old courier bags. enjoy!

gift guide: under $150

i just discovered branch- a phenomenal online store that carries sustainable products for the modern home. as someone who looks at way too many online stores a day, branch was extremely refreshing. the site was simple, easy to navigate and had great photography for each piece- not to mention many products i'd never seen before (like the cork chair below). my hat is off to branch and their great new store- it's sure to be a huge hit with the design crowd as well as the eco-friendly crowd.

branch had a great selection of items under $150 for the holidays. for children, branch has adorable "cub" cork chairs ($138) made entirely of cast cork which has a dense texture and a visually appealing look. for older children, try mio's grid wall pocket ($60) for storing all sorts of extra goodies that pile up on the floor (papers, homework, magazines...). for the rest of the family try mio's capsule lights (they cast a wonderfully soft light for only $64), GORGEOUS ultrasuede pillows, pillows from k studio, beautiful cork bowls for fruit, etc, salad bowls by bambu ($24) and vintage magazine notecards ($9), sure to please. enjoy!

gift guide: under $150

2modern has a great online guide according to price- my favorites from their under $150 section (and their under $50 section, too) are intoto's colorful billow pillow (perfect for kids, new homeowners, people who need some color in their lives...) and drop glass (so simple and elegant), j schtaz's dobo vase (such a gorgeous blue), offi's zumi stool (2 for $149), pablo's little silver isabella lamp and skram's adorable vidalia vase (even cuter in person) and thomas paul's holiday tee pee pillows. all great choices, enjoy!

gift guide: under $150

elsewares has a great new product that i'm so happy i get to include in the gift guide. "lumen", designed by brooklyn artist, adam frank, is a stunningly simple shadow projector. made of acid-etched stainless steel, this oil lamp that throws a soft, luminous tree-shaped shadow on the wall. it comes with two odorless, clean-burning 17-hour fuel cells that meet or exceed all relevant safety standards. i just love it. it makes a wonderful gift ($48) for the person who has everything, for the younger people on your gift list, or anyone who loves the soft reflection of trees on their walls.

if you've got someone a bit edgier on your list, why not check out brooklyn design team deadly squire's super hip skate decks. available in three modern patterns, these are perfect for the skaters on your list.

if you're still looking for something a bit more traditional, check out inleaf's beautiful collection of textiles with leaf imprints- subtle, simple and perfect for holiday entertaining. enjoy!

gift guide: under $150

iluren has a great selection of bowls and glassware for under $150 that i just had to add- along with a really cute pair of cufflinks and a tie clip that aren't quite under $150 (they're under $200) but i just had to add anyway. the wonderfully colorful "hefty bowls" at iluren are perfect for adding some color to your home. they work well as housewarming gifts, gifts for parents and for an especially nice guest gift. if glassware if more your style, check out iluren's selection of glassware like the groove vase and angled groove vase- both would look lovely on a table or holding wintery branches. find it all online right here. enjoy!

gift guide: under $150

it's time for week two of d*s' holiday gift guide, and this time it's products under $150. a bit pricier, but still within the realm of possibility. next week will be splurge items, but they'll be peppered with additional posts, since i doubt most people are really in the market for gifts between the prices of $150 and $500, at least for most people on their list. so, let the under $150 guide begin!

when you're looking for great modern gifts, you can always find something for everyone at velocity, a seattle-based store with a great online catalog as well. my favorites cover gifts for friends, family and pets, too! my favorite gift under right off the bat is a set of beautiful tea, martini or wine glasses from canada's molo design. the simple, elegant design is perfect as a nice housewarming gift, guest gift, gift for wine lovers or just those with a love of modern design. a set of two cups will run you between $69 or $89 depending on which set you choose. my favorites are the martini glasses. if those aren't up your alley, check out the great collection of chilewich tablecloths and placemats they have (people always bring up off-gassing here, please discuss below if you've experienced these products yourself...), a great modern pet dish for fido or feline, gorgeous botanical pillows from ann fiason and amy ruppel and great affordable prints from hyrbid home. enjoy!

holiday haiku giveaway!

brooklyn artist, jon setzen of standard motion studio makes the most beautiful prints and tshirts. this holiday season he was kind enough to give a special gift to 2 lucky d*s readers: jon is giving away one of his much sought-after "boxer" t-shirts, two button packs and two prints of the winner's choice. the contest is this:

send in your best holiday haiku (written by YOU, with three lines: 5 syllables in the first line, 7 syllables in the second and 5 syllables in the third) and jon will pick his favorite two. first place will receive a boxer t, super hip button pack and a gorgeous print of their choice. second place will receive a button pack and a print of their choice as well. send your entries right here, submissions will be accepted today through thursday afternoon at 5pm. please send your mailing address along with your entry so jon can send you your prize on friday!

happy holidays and happy haiku-ing!

[this week's gift guide- gifts under $150 will start at 11!]

gift guide: under $50

buh bu-dah-dah! the d*s under $50 gift guide is now 100 products strong and still kicking. i'll post as many more as possible before calling it a day, but i hope you've all enjoyed it and been able to find a gift or two for the special people in your life. next week i'll be back with a special contest giveaway and another fresh guide, but this time for products between $50 and $200. have a fantastic weekend!

these selections are all from wrapables, a fun online boutique with a gift guide organized by price. my favorites are above and below, all found in the under $50 section at wrapables...enjoy!

gift guide: under $50

greener grass design is another great site with an online gift guide organized by price. highlights of their under $50 collection include gorgeous stainless steel outdoor torches (for when it warms up...or if you're lucky enough to live somewhere that's warm right now...), portia wells' unique pen and pencil holders made from found vessels, gorgeous modern serving vessels from robex, tube sets that include 4 glasses (perfect for housewarmings, with a bottle of wine), plastic lamps made from the material they use to package toothbrushes, etc, wood veneer bowls from publique living and beautiful jewelry from one of my favorites, ronni kappos. enjoy!

gift guide: under $50

dutch by design carries a wide range of design-themed gifts from various international designers and studios. my favorite under $50 picks are the crumpled trashcans (perfect for the office), elegant hangover candles, little photo holders that look like men and women and a series of clocks inspired by tile and wallpaper patterns. all under $50 at dutch by design. enjoy!

gift guide: under $50

perch makes some wonderful ceramic accessories that would be a great present for anyone. the playful shake a leg salt and pepper shakers and let me take a look at you vases are perfect housewarming gifts to say thank you for a wonderful holiday meal. online at velocity, all under $50. enjoy!

gift guide: under $50

i'm so excited- salvor just release more of their fauna mini pillows, but this time with dog designs! so for all of you dog lovers, scoop up these great modern pillows in dachsund, chow, boston terrier, jack russell and spaniel designs (only $36 a piece!) at velocity online. enjoy!

gift guide: under $50

gnr8 has a great gift guide set up according to price for the holidays. my favorites? the photo coat hooks and his/her key holders from jme design (both of which i own. there's nothing happier than to hang your coat on pictures of your favorite pets). if those aren't your style, try the vasemaker- which turns any cup into an elegant, last-minute vase. last minute fun ideas? try a glowing LED necklace, fun chopstick holders, or a "captain hook" chalboard that's perfect for jotting down all sorts of things...enjoy!

gift guide: under $50

i have long been a fan of williamsburg design studio, decoradar and their beautiful mural work. this summer that introduced a gorgeous series of diy paint projects that come complete with wall accessories, a paint kit and a pattern to paint. the first kit was "southern", but this season the ladies of decorader are heading north with their "north" painting kit which comes with a winter themed scene to paint and a set of sculptural owls perched on a bare, painted branch. perfect for kids rooms, playrooms, cold day craft projects, entry ways or those who have a bit of a creative itch and are dying to add some fun to a little corner of their home. (and i'll have to say that includes me, i think i'll be one of the first to purchase this kit, because well, i still have a thing for owls). you can purchase your own kit online for $50 at decoradar (click on the log in the creek to purchase). enjoy!

gift guide: under $50

just as cool now as they were when they first came out- muji's cardboard speakers emphasize simple materials and simple packaging. i'd say they're simply beautiful. available for $42 at the momastore.

gift guide: under $50

you're a whole lotta modern, but your best friend is a whole lotta traditional: give her (or him) these beautiful european style linens at the linen house. these 'bastide' napkins and table runner are both under $50! enjoy.

gift guide: under $50

toast the new year (or just the fact that you finished your holiday shopping) with these gilded glasses at environment 337, only $14 a piece. enjoy!

gift guide: under $50

the picture is not what i was hoping for, but this wonderfully sophisticated passport cover from flight 001 is perfect for that crazy jet setting sibling on your list. available in red, blue, or brown for only $15, it's sure to make their next flight a stylish one. available online (starting next thursday) at flight 001. enjoy!

gift guide: under $50

tri as you might, you might not find a better affordable audio gift for your ipod owning friends this year. the tripod mp3 speaker is only $40 and acts as a super light (2 oz!) portable speaker for your mp3 player, cd player or camera. i'm not sure about it's blow-you-away sound quality, but for those on the go, it's a fun idea. more details are right here (adjustable legs, rubber footing, powered by one "aaa" battery). enjoy!

gift guide: under $50

well, we're finally moved in...for the mostpart. it turns out our bed and entertainment center don't quite fit in the rooms they need to go in (narrow hallway door entrance) so we get to spend our weekend disassembling furniture. but, the fun part is, you'll get to watch and laugh along with us, because i'm going to blog the entire redecorating process. i was scared to share my most private space with the whole web world, but i think it might be a fun way to see how certain products, furniture, paint and diy projects work or DON'T work for real people. hey, why not learn together, right?

but in the meantime, back to the gift guide! i saw these adorable little licorice piglets in the real simple gift guide and ordered them immediately. nestled in their cute little red and black tin, these piggies are sure to please. and they're $14 price tag should, too! available online at route 29 napa. enjoy!

welcome, washington post readers!

welcome, washington post readers! design*sponge was thrilled to be mentioned in the paper this morning, along with my fellow design bloggers, mocoloco, apartment therapy and funfurde. d*s is celebrating the holidays this month by providing a gift guide organized by pricing. this week features great gift ideas under $50 (70 ideas so far...) and will features items under $150 next week, and so on...

however, today i am moving apartments from one section of brooklyn to another so i'll be back tomorrow with at least 30 new ideas. i promise to list at least 100 great under $50 gift ideas before the week ends. thanks for stopping by!

[d*s update: in the new year look for a whole new *sponge: a redesign is on the way, new features, the much sought after category buttons and a whole section devoted to a special topic that's dear to my heart. also, the belated d*s contest will take place in january of 2006 to celebrate the launch of the new d*s. and...a fun journal project i'm working on to document some real life diy-projects of the home kind]