d*s design shots!

i've always loved apartment therapy's flickr photo section and thought it would be great to incorporate a similar idea into d*s- but with a little twist. i'm someone who clips magazine pages, takes camera photos and is always copying little pictures and filing them away for inspiration- so i thought this might be a great way for us to all share inspiration photos with each other. did you see a fabulous floral display in a shop window on the way to work? snap a photo and send it to d*s and i'll put it up with a description and your name (or no name if you prefer). whether you're inspired by a sunset, beautiful dinner plating or a great rug you saw at the office, send your d*s design shot right here and you'll see it to the left in our communal flick gallery! what a fun way to share inspiration across the globe with everyone! have fun and send away!

d*s reader help!

d*s reader boris (no comma!) and i are trying to figure out who makes this wallpaper. it's on the tip of my tongue and i know i should know, but i don't. i though it was cole and son but no dice. anyone know? this shot is from west elm. thanks!

judy ross (swoon)

i have a huge crush on judy ross and her gorgeous textiles. from runners to pillows and rugs, this nyc designer has you covered. these new pillows are available at 2modern and greenergrassdesign for $188 a piece (not a budget buy, but a wonderful splurge!) and come in a wide range of patterns and wonderfully saturated colors. click here and here for the whole shabang. so, so lovely. enjoy! see you tommorrow. xo, d*s

dumbbells

d*s reader, janet passed this on- too funny: a modern dumbbell for the design-savvy exerciser. it doesn't seem to be carried in the states, but i'll update when i find purchase info for the states (doesn't seem to be at their us rep's store). [thanks, janet!]

d*s paint

forgot to add my personal favorite (sorry, forgot i said i would!): my favorite would be benjamin moore: chelsea gray. had it in my old bedroom and it's fabulous. dark grey in certain lights, blue in others (see ny times shot). so subtle with just the right amount of subtle green undertone. yum.

detour dvd *

d*s reader, kristen just bought this for her tv and thought you guys might like it, too! detour dvd is a collection of "motion graphics" that are basically slow moving dvds that play purely visual "tracks" which can be programmed to loop or play at random. sort of like a screensaver, but a bit more design-y. you can choose from four patterns: op-art, wallflowers 1 and 2 and modular moves (the wallflowers are my fav). each dvd costs $24.95 and you can purchase right here (wallflowers 2 is slightly delayed, you can email them for more info on release date). enjoy! [thanks, kristen!]

jason lewis furniture

d*s reader, jason (not the same jason) passed along his bud jason lewis's furniture for us to check out. lewis works with beautiful woods to create classic, solid furniture that reminds me of some of the danish modern pieces that you see floating around antique shops in new york sometimes. lewis also produces custom furniture, but his ready to buy designs (tables, chairs and storage) are available for around $1000-$1500 a piece. click here for the full selection. [thanks, jason!]

pink is the new sprout *

this is the reason i wish i could afford to go to chicago more (or at all): sprout home. here are some newbies and sale-bies that will add some style without taking away to much dough. the pink bubble vases above are on sale for $38-$58 (sm, med, lg) and the bird ipod sleeve (made of neoprene) is brand new for $12.50. if something a little greener is on your list, try this new lime-green ceramic bowl for $16.50. click here for more sprout home goodness. enjoy! [title is shameless ref to trent's wildly popular (and super fun) gossip blog]

deadly squire (hooray!) *

i'm such a huge fan of deadly squire. and not just because every time i think of them i hear "wake up!" in my head (such a great song). they've just released three great new patterns for pieces like pillows, dog beds, placemats and napkins that are a must-have (they're affordable, too! prices range from $58-$195 for large dog beds). the new patterns are called: berry bush, branches and cameo and they're carried online at design public as well as at clio-home in soho. i'm sure they're all over, but those are my two confirmed sources right now. and of course, you can always check out their "where to by dsq" link to find a store near you. right now i'm just happy to have new patterns to share because i think they're gorgeous- esp the berry bush and cameo styles- love them. great work, tim and anna! click here for more info on the fantastic brooklyn duo known as deadly squire. enjoy!

gus design *

not brand spankin new, but i love this all the same. gus's organic basket made of 100% recycled plastic that's spun to appear "woven". it reminds me of spaghetti noodles, but in a cool way. though i'm sure it might creep some of you out. it's quite nice in person. $90 at id chicago.

d*s paint lovers poll: results!

ok so the poll is closed and man do you guys have a lot to say about paint! here are the results:

• favorite paint brand: good old benjmain moore! (40%), your second and third (and fourth) choices were: behr, pratt and lambert and ralph lauren.
• your favorite paint color family overall is: green! followed closely by blue.
• your favorite color for the bedroom?: blue! (followed closely by green)
• favorite color for the bathroom?: white! followed closely by blue and green.
• for the kitchen?: yellow! followed closely by red and orange.
• the living room?: beige! followed by green.
• dining room?: red! followed by tan (i love how different those two colors are)
• for the home office? white/beige/green all tied.
• and, drumroll, please- your favorite paint color of all time is....."any blue by farrow and ball" and "most greys and beiges from benny moore". yeah i know, not super specific, but no one answered the same name, so i couldn't really draw too many conclusions. BUT your answers did all fall into the categories of BLUES from farrow and ball and grey/beige from benjamin moore. so, those seem to be the big winners! thanks for taking part!

robert le heros *

robert le heros is the hip parisian design team behind this fun, city scene silkscreened pillow. available in a square or rectangle, each pillow has a hidden zipper closure and is made in france. $65.00 - $80.00 right here. enjoy!

[i'm compiling paint survey data, that will be next!]

tick tock

this fun little wallclock has hands that keep track of things, but number cubes that you can configure any number of ways (of course, any number of ways that allow the the clock to function normally). $195 right here.

acrobat *

these fun little vases from the sf moma shop will spin around without falling over- and for only $20 a pop, why not try a few? a lovely way to celebrate the arrival of spring flowers and soft spring breezes. click here for more info and to buy.

accent wall?

i always get my craziest ideas at night, especially for someone who's a renter. i was just thinking about wallpapering a single accent wall in my home (a small but central one) with paper- maybe something subtle but modern from cole and son or mibo. clearly i shouldn't do this with a rental, but that aside, if i was to do this, how hard would it be to get down (on say a 10 by 7 foot section of a wall) when i move out (or paint over?). also, our walls are pretty old and uneven, is wallpaper a nightmare of an idea if you have old walls? any advice is appreciated. xo, the wallpaper novice (aka, d*s).

modern economy (sf) *

genius idea: modern economy is an exclusive sample sale company for design enthusiasts. they hold sales across the country where you'll find your favorite modern, independent designers' samples, overstock, and post-season wares. best of all: prices are 30%-70% off retail! there are GREAT pieces to choose from (check out this list! it's like a who's who of great modern designers!) and the next show is in may in san francisco, so if you're in the hood, check it out! more details here you need to sign up for the mailing list to get sale location details. enjoy!

mibo!

mibo has some GREAT lighting options with their trademark bold patterns and colors that are perfect for adding a little color to your home. i'm considering one of these for my home office (either lulworth or moreton, far left and right). the link to buy online goes to dp which doesn't seem to have them up, but i'll find out what's going on with that and figure out how to buy online (the reps are out of the country until march 13). perhaps they're re-stocking (anyone have any insider info in the meantime?). until then, click here to see some gorgeous pendants and table lamps via their us distributor, lustre. enjoy!

ceiling art *

i'm a sucker for a good ceiling medallion, and i've been looking for the perfect ones for our apt lately so i thought i'd share my finds. these came from architectural depot.com and they have a huge selection available, as well as some that come in two pieces for easier assembly. i just love the contrast between a nice modern pendant and an ornate ceiling medallion. i'm thinking something like this with this. most medallions under $100 and under $50 depending on size. click here for the full collection. have fun!

d*s paint lovers poll!

d*s reader, casey would love to know what everyone's favorite paint colors are. so, i set up a poll to see which paint companies, colors and color families d*s readers love. the poll will be up today and results will be posted tomorrow. have fun! i'll tell you my favorite tomorrow...CLICK HERE TO TAKE THE POLL (no email address required, only 9 questions)

chilewich rings *

love these little napkin rings. simple, chic, affordable: $20 for 2 at velocity.

**ds reader recs!**

hi guys, d*s reader missy needs our help. here is her question:

"Hi! I'm designing a two-year-old girl's room and would love ideas. It is smallish and has a small "secret playroom" built into the gable of this 1929 Tudor house that we are renovating and expanding. I plan on doing an understated bird theme (even though I know you are over this). I need ideas for this little playspace and some other outstanding items in the room. Paint color of the entire room (including ceilings, b/c they slope with the roofline) will be a light pink. There is a 10" baseboard painted chocolate brown. Here's what I've got so far: -Bird light: found on your site and am getting a wider pink silk or brown linen shade, -Thinking of doing a stencil on maybe one of the walls a la this pattern in brown or white, and lastly, this wallhanging".

what missy needs is: a dresser, twin bed, bedding and ideas of to do with the "secret playspace" and of course, any ideas that you've got to share with her. i'm sure you guys are full of great ideas so, feel free to talk to missy below!

beeboard desk

designer piet boon was asked to create mobile houseing for some of the worl'd vast refugee population- during this process he discovered an ecologically low-impact solution for the home office: beeboard. beeboard is a layered cardboard with a honeycomb structure. from this material he created the beeboard desk and storage structure at dwr, which allow the beeboard to remain exposed, creating a richly textured surface that contrasts with its apparent lightness. finished with an acrylic overlay to provide a smooth work surface, the desk is available for $678 (in white or black) at dwr. caution: the surface is flammable, so keep away from lighters, fires, etc.

b-pop

i'm a sucker for colorful stripes and this new side/dining chair from dwr is no exception. the b-pop chair was designed by omar de biaggio and made of bent birch plywood with a melamine laminate. the stiped version (it also comes in wenge and walnut for $198) is $218 at dwr. enjoy!

pirouette mirror

this limited edition (only 100 were made) wall mirror by matt carr for umbra's u+ studio line was designed with decorative spinning pillars. each pillar rotates to reveal three sides: a rococo pattern etched mirror surface, a plain mirror surface and a black wood veneered surface. you can rotate and change the position of the panels to create a number of looks. available at foster's in philly for $699.

angela adams for marshall field's

mark at sparkability just passed this on- lovely bedding by designer, angela adams in her trademark colorful style. prices range from $130 to $160. click here to purchase.

anthropologie

i'm loving these dyed velvet silk pillows at anthropologie. $148 each, right here.

welcome to the new d*s!

i thought the day would never come, but my little facelift is complete! thanks to help from my designer (she rules), coder and kay at site-basics (who stepped in to save the day), we're finally up and running. i'm sure there will be little glitches here and there, so please stick with us while we work out any problems that may come up. please feel free to send an email if something's not looking right on your computer. be sure to check out the mini-trends to your left (that will change every week), the new blogroll that will expand as i work on it and the buttons for the d*s shop (coming soon!) , guide and newsletter (all coming soon!).

some faq's answered: yes, a search option is coming and yes, posts arranged by categories is coming (it takes a long time to go back through all 1,773 posts and do that, but i promise i'm working on it as fast as i can)

so, again, thanks for your patience and enjoy!

[ps: the pics look a little smooshy on my pc this morning so i'm on it]

things to come (part II)

things have been crazy at d*s lately and i wanted to thank all of you for your support, emails and tolerance of the numerous coding snags we've had trying to get the new site up (my coder and designer are saints for putting up with me through this). i'm talking with another coder tomorrow morning to try and get this thing up and running, so in the meantime, i wanted to give you a sneak peek into what's coming on monday (new look or not):

• d*s mini trends!: this little sponge likes to window shop new trends, so why not share my finds with everyone? this column will be a weekly look into micro trends cropping up in the industry and examples (with links!) of how to bring each look into your home. the first trend article will set sail next monday...
• sponged!: links to the latest and greatest on the design world (including magazine, newspaper and design articles that are must reads for the week)
• ask d*s!: i get so many emails during the day asking for shopping suggestions, so i'm going to share the results with readers twice a week so we can all benefit from a little spongey research
• d*s reader recs!: you guys know your stuff so now d*s readers can take advantage of our design savvy audience by sending in a picture of their own home for advice on paint colors, furniture arranging, furniture, etc. send in YOUR photo now for next week (subject: reader rec)! once or twice a week depending on demand)

see you monday! xo, d*s

sexy lady *

i love sarah cihat's work- it's so fun. her sexy lady plates are some of my favorites. ok, they're not really called sexy lady plates, but that's what i call them. available at the future perfect, clio home and various retail locations (pricing may vary at retail locations, but they're all quite affordable). enjoy!

cats and dogs *

greener grass design just launched a cute little section for dog and cat design. i'm digging these catnip-filled mice in designer fabrics. sort of splurg-y for pets ($8, life-size), but i do spoil my fuzzies to the point of ridiculousness. click here to buy or shop more greener grass.

happy owl *

i'm loving this sweet little nightlight from happy owl glassworks. these little penguins can be yours for $45 right here.

d*s (and others!) in artkrush

artkrush, flavorpill's art-centric sibling was kind enough to feature several design blogs in their current issue: apartment therapy, mocoloco, d*s and others. thanks, artkrush!

paper table

matt gagnon studio's paper table is made of recycled newsprint boards cut and fused to create a coffee table that has space to hold your reading materials and various paper (it sort of has this caveman look to it in my opinion, but i think that could be cool in some context). you can get a hollow or solid version for around $3,400 at 2modern, but i think it's interesting inspiration for a similar diy style. although i'm not sure i could fuse anything on my own. but i love the idea of recycled reading material being turned into something to hold reading material. click here for more info and online purchasing at 2modern.

border by numbers *

designer, jenny wilkinson's paint by numbers wallpaper was all the rage last year, now she adds some fun border options to her collection. each print depicts an "active" scene with a pre-colored background and a 4-color numbered palette that can be filled in or left untouched. you can use acrylic, latex, or craft paints, as well as colored pencils, crayons, finger paints, markers, or pastels. very cool and very fun. each pattern is $20 per roll at the moma store. enjoy!

rare flowers cardset *

i'm a sucker for nice cards and these are gorgeous. by the looks of it you get 8 cards for $22 (at elsewares), but it's not super clear. if i'm just missing something, please let me know. each card is decorated with illustrations of rare, endangered, and beautiful flowers hand printed on fine creme paper. anyway, quite lovely.

triple wide wallet *

i don't normally write about personal accessories, but i like these- triple wide wallets in 4 patterns at elsewares ($38 a pop). have fun!

strings crib set

for all you modern parents- check out denyse schmidt's fresh new line of classic baby quilts with a modern spin. the 3-piece set includes the crib quilt, sham and bumper for $199 at modernseed [whoops! $199 not $120, i'm blind]. enjoy!

cat interiors

d*s reader, lori passed along this cool link for a german design company making modern cat goods! the prices are a bit high and they're only in europe right now, but i think there are a fair amount of you in europe who might be like this...

cat interiors specializes in modern cat furniture and toys made from materials like felt, leather and wicker. i'm enamored of their cat nooks that stand on metal poles and can attach to the wall. i think our cats would be crazy about them- and the little felt cat toys that would be fun to dip in catnip and let the kitties attack. anyway, fun stuff. click here for more info, thanks lori!

chair couture

chair couture has been around for a while i believe, but i'm a big fan. new york based designer, margaret elman reaquires antique furniture and reupholsters it in unexpected patterns and modern fabric designs. the louie look is still in, so i'm sure her business is booming, but i think her work will be timeless for many of us. the idea of reusing something beautiful and updating it to reflect your own personal style and a new time is a concept that will never grow old. you can contact margaret at chair couture right here to see which pieces she currently has in stock. but, if something like this isn't in your price range, consider using craigslist, ebay or flea market (or roadside) shopping to find vintage pieces you can refinish and reupholster for less! enjoy! [thanks to d*s reader, robyn for the tip!]

modernica LA sale *

for all you cali readers, mark from sparkability reminded me about modernica LA's huge warehouse sale coming up. on sat, march 4 from 10 am to 4 pm, modernica will be selling pieces for as much as 50% off! so if you're in the area, swing by! [photo from modernica soho store, by me]

mateo ilasco

berkeley based designer, meg mateo ilasco creates beautiful, timeless designs for the home. from her studio in california, meg has created two lines of pillows and a lovely line of cards with foil-stamped illustrations. meg describes herself as, "prefer[ing] not to introduce items that are merely pretty or driven by market trends. instead, my creative propulsion is often personal and strives to communicate an idea or deliver a narrative. with a penchant for old-fashioned methods, humble materials, manual design, and physical craft, my tools of choice are quite simply an x-acto knife, a pen, paper and glue. naturally, letterpress and screenprinting are my preferred printing methods."

meg has two lines of pillows: the literacy and motion lines. literacy (which reminds me of a calder mobile- which i love), "explores the expressiveness of writing, particularly its duality in relaying both a direct message in word as well as an abstract visual message in form. here, illustrations that seem like fanciful blobs transform into literal messages when rotated." each pillow is around $28 and can be purchased online at meg's shop. the motion line is a series of, "simple illustrations conveying complex emotional experiences. together, the illustrations create a visual narrative, but the story that unfolds is up to the interpretation and imagination of the user." each motion pillow is $16 and can be purchased right here.

my favorite pieces of meg's are her "seeds" cards, which are part of a series of cards testing different materials or concepts. most of the products are limited in quantity or are available for a limited time. currently you can buy a trio of her cards for $8 that depict cups, cactus flowers, or lamps. each card has white foil-stamped illustrations on walnut veneer. more more info on meg's work (including additional cards and dishtowels), please click here. enjoy!

help!

hi guys, im losing my mind (and not just because blogger is being a pain in the you know what)- ac and i have been trying to find a new couch for ages and we're dealing with one of the worst old apt quirks ever- a 23 inch hallway opening (no other entrance, and we can't go through windows). we can't take the molding out (too old, too many layers of paint- it's a rental). so we're trying to find a couch with a low, low back and detachable legs so we can take them off and try to squish it through. does anyone have any brilliant ideas? sources? solutions? i'm losing my mind and don't want to sit on beanbags forever...thanks so much for any suggestions. xo, d*s [examples of our desired look from room and board, don't think they'll fit though..]

pappelina

hi guys, just a heads up, blogger is being a pain today so if posting seems to stop that's why. i'm trying, but it keeps eating my posts and then just not working. hopefully this will go through, sorry. d*s reader, viola passed online these fun swedish rugs from pappelina. they are available through a us agent right here, but in the meantime, here are some lovely pictures. this pattern, siri, was my favorite: it's a two colored jacquard woven rug available in four sizes and four different colors. click here for more info. [thanks, viola!]

jonathan adler

for some reason i think i hit a jonathan adler peak last year and haven't been as into the adler look for a while. but after seeing ms. lena corwin's house in glamour (so, so cool) i'm starting to enjoy mr. adler's signature works used strategically throughout the house. i think i just burned out on all those vases and seeing every television show set, magazine house and friends' homes full of them arranged the same way. they're clearly popular for a reason (they're quite lovely), but i think i just needed a little break. but i'm warming myself back up with these gorgeous couches (ranging from appx $2k to $3k) and my favorite lamp- the giraffe lamp, $375 (which lena has in her home). they're wonderful pieces that blend well into a number of existing looks. you can check out mr. adler's beautifully updated site right here and shop his newest pieces right here as well. enjoy!

spectrum paper lamp

i'm loving this colorful lamp. this origami-inspired piece might be a but juvenile if used with too many colors and patterns in a room, but i think in the right space it could be wonderfully cheery. $118 at chiasso.

at, the book *

apartment therapy is about to launch their first book that they worked so hard on for all of 2004- you can catch a sneak peek right here. can't wait to see the finished result. congrats, guys!

clay gourd lamp

lovely table lamp made of glazed porcelain. and i love the faux reptile lampshade, it's subtle enough to be just the right amount of pattern. but i know it's not everyone's cup of tea...you can find this lamp ($355) at inside avenue. enjoy!

sprout home *

i couldn't possibly love chicago's sprout home more than i do- i'll have to get out there in person one of these days. today i'm loving this springy yellow pillow from k studio ($98) and this rustic wooden shelf ($37.25) made of colonial railroad ties from india. too cool. click here for more newbies at sprout home. enjoy!

sprouting *

i love these springy pillows from inhabit at 2modern. so colorful and light- reminds me that winter won't last forever. $60 each in custard or chocolate at 2modern.

student design contest

calling all students: the aia is having a home accessories design competition, woohoo!

"For our second annual student competition, we are looking for your designs for HOME ACCESSORIES & PERSONAL OBJECTS that work with the concept of RE-cycling (metal, plastics, paper, glass, textiles). Creating new products out of old. Bring a fresh approach to the tired topic of trash! AWARDS: The designers of the winning entries will be granted with cash prize awards: First prize $500, Second prize $300, Third prize $100. Winning entries and a selection of the works submitted will be shown during the city-wide design festival, DesignPhiladelphia at the AIA Bookstore & Design Center from April 1 through 9, 2006. Winning entries will also be featured in The Philadelphia Architect newsletter. Design Criteria: Participants must be Art and/or Design Students. Registration Deadline: Application registration will be accepted through March 6, 2006. "

sounds like fun- click here to apply. good luck!

cali sale! *

hey all you lucky californians- silho home (one of my fav cali design shops) is having a sale from february 21st - march 1st. sihlo will be giving 15% off all special orders and 20%-40% off all in-stock accessories (minus the broad beach lighting). so, if you're in the area, stop on by! (142 N. La Brea, Los Angeles, CA 90036 / 323-935-9955)

the modern playshed

stylish playhomes for the modern child have just arrived- courtesy of grey design studio and velocity. the modern playshed is a child’s prefab playhouse with clean, modern, customizable design. designed by ryan grey smith (architect and parent) in collaboration with velocity, the playshed is, "thoughtfully constructed to be as much fun to put together and decorate as it is for playtime".

each playshed is pre-fabricated and requires fairly simple assembly. basic tools required are: a power drill, level, hammer, tape measure, small wrench, utility knife (optional), caulk gun (optional for sealing windows or attaching optional floor tiles). in addition, a foundation is not required- a simple level surface (like a bed of gravel) is all that is required. for the seriously modern child, it certainly beats those plastic playhouses from toys r us. prices start at $2,995. click here for more info.

rose cobb

d*s reader, tracy reminded me about talented british artist, rose cobb. i love rose's work- it's so delicate, yet modern. one of her newest pieces, the unity pendant light (which immediately reminds me of dave chappelle doing rick james) is a gorgeous porcelain pendant lamp with a choice of two patterns- rose moth and pansy moth- on the inside. like the rest of her work, the unity lamp is a great way to bring a unique look into your home and support an independent artist. you can contact rose right here for info on pricing and purchasing. i have a meeting today so i have to run- be back tomorrow! xo, d*s [thanks, tracy!]

d*s music *

i promise i won't delve into music all the time, but i wanted to do a quick post about this. i just downloaded (finally) the matisyahu album and i've loving it. if you don't know matisyahu yet, you will. he's a crown heights, brooklyn based hasidic reggae singer. now, i don't normally like reggae (at all), but something about this is really interesting. what's even better is i used to work with matisyahu's record label pres., aaron bisman. we were both ropeadope crew and when i left i knew he was destined for big things. bisman started j-dub records to celebrate jewish music and i'm so thrilled to see how big the label's gotten and how big one of his artist's has become. very cool stuff. if you're into checking out something different, click here. i suggest starting with "king without a crown". enjoy!

spongey slinks? *

wanted to post a few good links i found on miss holly's website, decor8. but i had a quick question. when i link to people i normally say, via so and so. but i'd love to come with a clever name- apartment therapy has "slinks", mocoloco has "meta moco"...any good ideas for a section based on links? i don't think i'm going to institute a weekly links column, but when i link, wouldn't it be fun to have a name for it? so, if you have any clever naming suggestions, drop em below- i'm curious to see what YOU think.

in the meantime, i wanted to share these two design links from decor8: peace industry rugs and an update from well dressed home (i haven't posted in them in way, way too long). well dressed home has a great under $25 section (check out those pillows!) and an adorable starfish tealight votive that satisfies my nautical fetish. and, for something a bit more "investment" worthy- check out peace industry's rugs. designed by melina raisnnia, peace industriy's rugs are a collaboration between master iranian felt-maker, asghar aliyari and melina. each rug is made by hand using natural shades of wool and vegetable dyes. the designs are made using an ancient technique of felting different colors of wool together to create a pattern. i love it. click here for more info. enjoy!

lindsey adams adelman

i'm a big fan of pen and ink drawings- especially combined with watercolor or gauche. when i was last in matter for a ny home photo shoot they had a gorgeous selection of artwork by lindsey adams adelman. sadly they're out of my price range, but i'm hoping to save up for an original in the next year. while reading lena corwin's blog i found a post about linsdey's work and though it was about time i write something about her work.

based in new york, adelman creates beautiful works that combine delicate lines with gorgeous color in a way that makes her works feel almost otherworldly. floral imagery and "sketch" like doodles are common in her work; she manages to elevate what some people would think of as "sketching" to a beautiful place. i think each piece is breathtaking enough to speak for itself, so please click here to see lindsey's work in person and contact her about purchase or for further information. she's phenomemenally talented and i highly suggest checking out her work- i'm a big, big lindsey fan. [all images by lindsay adams adelman, via her website]

designmouse

i don't think i can recommend this blog enough- i'm a big fan of my's work with this site. this 26 year old design addict living in sweden has some great finds you should def. check out. i've been watching her blog for a while now and i feel like she's my sister blogger across the pond. well, in the sense that we're both young women blogging about our design obsession. plus she's just the sweetest. you can view her blog right here- she's got your scandinavian design needs covered.

helen felcey

d*s reader, luke passed this along to me: helen felcey is a british designer based in manchester. felcey works in ceramic, creating beautiful hand-made objects for the home. i've drawn mainly to the soft, undulating forms in her work that beg to be touched. her work is currently available in england, but you can contact ms. felcey right here for more information and inquries into state-side purchases. [thanks, luke!]

cupacoco *

i love all things french, and these napkins are no exception. classic french stripe, $14.80 for a set of two at cupacoco.

fabric fun *

i've been looking for fun vintage fabric for our apt for ages now and i thought this site, reprodepot had some fun patterns. divided by era and style, reprodepot has some fun (and kitschy) fabrics that won't break the bank. i know horses and cowgirls seem nutty, but i was immediately drawn to that colors and kitschy-ness of it. i'm sure some of you will want to puke when you see them, but i think- done well- they could be super cute in a mid-cent room or something with a bit of quirk. i can hear ac moaning now, "oh god don't bring those fabrics home..".

if cowgirls and horses aren't for you, check out their great collection of fabrics from the 20's, 30's and 40's-70's- they're full of affordable designs with bright colors and bold patterns. perfect for small scale use (i'd think some of them would knock you out if used in a large scale way). click here for the full selection. enjoy!

quel objet *

i'm wild about these tea towels. they're not my personal style per se, but i love the colors and patterns- so french. each woven jacquard tea towel is availble for $18 in a huge array of patterns and colors (40 to be precise) at quel objet. enjoy!

palm springs suggestions?

d*s reader, jules is heading off to sunny palm springs tomorrow and wanted a few design recs for the area. i don't know much out that way so i thought you design savvy readers might? jules and i thank you in advance. xo, d*s

[ps: thanks for all the web help yesterday, i think we're back on track. and thanks for everyone's patience as we work out the kinks. i really appreciate it]

president's day (argh)

happy president's day everyone. i'm off today but i'll be back tomorrow. in more argh-inspiring news, my designer (the patient angel that she is) and i have hit yet another snag with our coding and decided to reach out to all your talented people out there.

it seems our finalized design (that had been ready for today) isn't compat. with mac internet explorer or safari. i don't want to leave a single reader out so we're trying to figure out what's wrong, but need some help. does anyone know about coding within blogspot? blogspot seems to be the problem, so if anyone knows how to code within blogger and has done it before, please please drop me a note and i'm happy to pay for your services to help. we have almost everything done, but can't figure out what the heck is goin on. thanks so much, be back tomorrow with oodles of posts saved up from this weekend. xo, d*s

citrust nesting tables

loving these citrus colored tables from inside avenue design. $345 for the set of two in yellow and green. [via decor8, thanks holly!]

project runway

i'm a huge fan of this show and have avoided gushing about it too much this year (i'm not as impressed with the designers this season), but i've gotten a ton of emails about the show so i thought i'd open it up (since it's design related)- what did you think of this year's cast/talent? who do you think will win?

my thoughts? i can't get enough of tim gunn (or santino's version of tim gunn). i want santino to win, at least he's taken some chances (and well, they didn't all work out). daniel just isn't my type (and is it just me or did his model lose a lot of weight during the course of the show?). i saw some shots of the runway shows (click here for spoiler photos) and i still like santino the best (though he clearly can't fit a garment as well as daniel and chloe can...sigh). i miss jay and austin. anyway, chat away...

cha cha *

i'm loving this cha cha wine rack, it reminds me of the bouroullecs' cloud shelving for cappellini(gorgeous). the price is pretty nice, too- $19.95 a module (each module holds 4 bottles) at wrapables.

what do you think?

ok i'm torn. i can't decide if these are fabulous or borderline icky. i don't know. i'm drawn to the cutout circles, but wonder if they'll look sort of grandma's house with the dangly bits. thoughts? cool or not so cool? (disc pillows at neiman marcus, $315 a piece, eesh!)

cc+ for moma *

danish crafts (one of my favorite design groups) worked with 20 of the country's most innovative and talented designers to develop cc+ for moma. the collection includes products that "evoke the color, vitality, and lightness of spirit associated with danish design". there are 9 pieces in the collection right now and they're really quite affordable- you can view the entire group right here. enjoy!

design in japan?

d*s reader, jill is heading to japan in march and wanted some help with shopping- does anyone know of any great stores in tokyo and kyoto? i've never been so i'm afraid i'm no help, but i figured you guys might know something...thanks!

goldie *

i think this is the most precious bowl. for only $10 you can pick up this little cutie and bring it home to hold your keys or any other little doodads you have laying around. it isn't microwave or dishwasher safe, so be careful...click here to buy at patina.

girly anyone? *

painfully girly, but sometimes that's just what you need. this little $34 chandy at urban would be lovely for a bathroom or bedroom that needed a touch of glam. (charms are made of clear resin) click here to find more info and shop online.

eat up *

some fun little graphic ceramic plates from urban. this set of 4 plates is available for $24 and come with 4 different patterns. you can pick them up right here.

tgif frame *

this week has flown by and i'm so glad it's friday. i hope everyone has smashing plans for the weekend. ac and i will be indulging in belated valentine's day pampering at area spa in carroll gardens. in the meantime, i'll be finishing up redesign details with my lovely coder and designer who've been saints trying to get through the maze that is redesigning within blogspot constraints. but enough of that, back to design...

i love this chippendale frame from urban outfitters. i'd love to see it in a brighter color, but this black will do for now. the frame has nine spaces for photos, each in a different shape. you can buy one for $44 at urban outfitters right here.

chilewich *

chilewich has released a new pattern called "vintage checks" that has a nice, retro-feel to it. extremely durable and easy to care for, chilewhich's latest vinyl place settings are available in four color choices: wasabi, pewter, loden, and aqua for $11.50 each at unica home. enjoy!

salon

i've always loved classic black and white, and this classy lamp from lights up! is perfect for adding a little audrey hepburn style to your room. the salon lamp was designed by rachel simon and jesse james with printed silk fabrics designed by thomas fernez of thomas paul. $290 at 2modern.

fruit bowl no. 6

what a lovely minimalist way to store fruit. designed by ron gilad for designfenzider and available at retro modern for $280. definitely one pricey fruit holder, but nice to look at nonetheless. i'd love to see a homespun version of this made of wood in someone's garage- i think it'd be just as nice.

orloff *

i'm a fan of most things that patricia urquiola designs, and this gorgeous geodesic bowl is no exception. made of polished stainless steel and available for $58 at fitzsu.

alessi

i think i must have been taking a nap when this came out, but i wanted to share this anyway- alessi's beautiful handheld vacuum. it's one heck of a slick dustbuster. and if you have as much cat hair on your couch as i do, you know how great these little guys are. you can check out this alessi version and buy ($130) right here at fitzsu. happy vacuuming!

tsé & tsé

ac and i are planning a trip to paris and amsterdam this spring and top among my list of studios to visit is the dynamic duo of tsé & tsé. run by catherine and sigolene of paris, this studio produces some of the most elegant and creative accessories for the home. their designs, especially their gorgeous tableware, are distinctly french and wonderfully unique- each piece has something slightly "wobbly" about it- whether it's a slightly uneven rim, undulating form or subtely slanting shape- but it's absolutely perfect that way. each piece is like a tiny jewel that's begging to be added to your collection and who am i to fight it. until i head to paris, i'll have to stock up at stores like illico design, fitzsu, takashimaya, the conran shop and clio home that sell their goods. but you can also browse their entire collection right here. be warned, their site has lots of animation and clicks and beeps- click on the light to get the main menu. enjoy!

oeuf

aside from the fact that i just like to say the word, "oeuf", i really love this changing table. i clearly don't have any need for one, but if you do, i highly suggest this modern number- so slick! $870 at sparkability.

sale, anyone?

while i was buried in coding mess yesterday i missed this sale announcement (thanks, trish)! so hurry over to jonathan adler for as much as 50% off of his ridiculously popular designs (including bedding, ceramics, pillows...). not a bad way to stock up on the adler look for a little bit less.

on the redesign front, still bogged down in some blogger bumps and hiccups, but we'll be ready to roll any day now. for those of you looking for a hint? let's just say this little sponge will be leaving her spots behind.

working...working...

the gears are turning here at d*s and a new look should be launching any day now. finalizing details and testing out the new look today with my trusty web crew- so please check back soon, it should be ready as soon as we get all the coding tied up. see you soon (with a little face-lift!). xo, d*s

red maloo *

just saw this in dwell and had to pass it on- this thick felt laptop sleeve comes in grey or orange and provides a protective surface for your laptop. available in five sizes (all for macs, but i bet regular pcs would fit as well) for appx $82 (plus intl shipping), these handy little cases are a great way to avoid scratching surfaces or minor bumps and dents. more info and purchase options right here. [via dwell magazine]

branches *

have a dinner party on the horizon? try these golden branch napkin ring holders. for only $10 a pop you can bring this sweet but simple scandinavian design to your table. imported from sweden and available right here. enjoy!

[ps: be sure to check back tomorrow...things may look a little different at d*s]

more brunklaus

leave it to the dutch to design something this whimsical...certainly not for everyone (but perhaps a great choice for a dressing room or something else equally feminine) these silk curtains with printed blond hair were designed by nicolette brunklaus and sell for $400 a set. enjoy! [shipping takes a few weeks, they come directly from amsterdam]

brunklaus beauties

designed by celebrated dutch artist, nicolette brunklaus, this trio of bird patterned lamps has a silk shade imprinted with a wooden pattern and imported directly from amsterdam. the price is steep, but brunklaus' designs seem to be selling for top dollar these days. i'd love to make my own out of a great faux bois wallpaper and plastic...you can buy this set online at lekker home for $425.

notes on porcelain *

why shouldn't you write notes on your dinnerware? what better place to jot down thoughts on what you just ate or draw a little picture for the person sitting next to you. each kit comes with a porcelain dinner piece and special writing utensil for $30 and under. each piece is dishwasher and microwave safe. click here for more info and purchasing.

valentine's day

happy valentine's day. just a little something red in honor of today ($175 at lekker home, arriving soon). ac and i are having a low key night- what are everyone else's plans? anything fun?

lights up!

i'm loving these new pendant lights from lights up- especially the faux bois pattern. ranging in price from $160-$240, the pendants come in eight shade options and are available right here. enjoy!

a little change

just a heads up, blogger is on the fritz today so if i disappear for a while, that's why...i just wanted to post small changes going on with the d*s apt project. more pictures to come asap- i've been slow to take pictures. if you remember, i bought a stripped down sideboard at ikea and have now painted it a glossy black and added some silver coral knobs from anthropologie (these are similar models). i'm happy with the look. slightly less ikea. i'm hoping this will go with pale grey walls or possibly something in the light blue family...update coming soon...

absolute zero degrees

keith and the gang at absolute zero degrees are churning out a new line of children's wallpaper to add to their existing collection of modern wallpaper for the home. these patterns won't be out until june, but you can plan ahead and check out absolute zero degrees here. enjoy! [thanks, keith!]

dna 11

do you think your dna is work of art? well, dna11 does. this ontario based studio creates unique dna portraits through a combination of science and art. the process starts with a simple, non-invasive technique: depositing your saliva into a tube. dna11 then takes your sample to a certified laboratory, where the dna is extracted to create a unique genetic fingerprint. the end result is a group of different sized pieces of dna which dna11 "runs" on a gel and stains with a fluorescent dye and illuminates with UV light. then a special camera captures the image which is then digitally enhanced, cropped and color adjusted. each piece is then printed as a giclee fine art piece on an acid free polyester-cotton canvas, using pigmented inks designed to resist fading. it is then sealed with a non-yellowing protective varnish to further prolong the print life. i think it's a fun idea, but what about you guys? creepy or cool? [thanks to d*s reader, holly for passing along dna11]

want my job?

as of march 13, i'll be leaving my wonderful day job to pursue a new consulting position and work with d*s full time (hooray!). so, i'm looking for a replacement for my day job and thought i'd check with this design savvy audience first...clearly this is a personal post so feel free to skip if you're not job hunting.

my employer, a small public relations firm in brooklyn, ny is looking for a junior public relations associate that loves design and pr. (we deal with high-end design clients specializing in furniture and textiles). the job is a full time gig in brooklyn, working in a lovely historic brownstone. you'd be dealing with clients, the press, handling some billing and paperwork, but nothing too crazy. if you're interested and have some experience in pr or design, please send an email right here (with your resume, please) for more details. thanks! it really is a wonderful job...

flor the birds *

i know, i should be shot for that title. some of you i'm sure will gag at the thought of more bird products, but i seem to get a neverending stream of emails from people who are looking for bird related flooring and wallcovering options. it looks like flor has heard your cries for bird-themed flooring and released "party line"- a line of velvet cut pile carpet tiles that comes in three neutral colorways for $15.99 a tile. depending on how big your space is, this could be a budget buy or something a bit pricier. i'm personally moving away from my bird phase (but deeper into my nautical obsession), but i think these might still be up some of your avian alleys. you can click here to order tiles in green, blue and grey (backordered until next week though, due to demand). enjoy!

brad ascalon *

designer brad ascalon (best know to d*s readers as the designer of splash and pop) has two new pieces to add to his already impressive collection of furniture designs- the butter bench and february table. i'm quite partial to the february table with it's stained cherry and silkscreened ceramic tiles, but the butter bench is nice too- although a bit more office-like than i think i'd put in my own home. would look lovely in an office waiting room though, or a restaurant. you can find more information on brad and contact him right here.

judy ross

in a perfect world i'd have a few grand to drop on gorgeous judy ross textiles, but in the meantime, i'll continue to window shop her beautiful pillows and some newer pieces like these gorgeous runners. each one is around $1,050, but the craftsmanship is stunning. ms. ross' textiles are known for their oversized patterns and use of rich, saturated colors, but you can be the judge by clicking right here to check out the full collection. i highly suggest the floral patterns, i saw them in person and thought i'd gone to heaven- the color is gorgeous.

molo martini *

i just bought these myself, so i wanted to submit a first hand testimony about molo's martini glasses. in simple terms: they're slick. i bought a set of four and we've been happily sipping away ever since. they're small, light and perfect to showcase something fizzy and colorful. each glass is carefully handcrafted by master glassblowers in the czech republic using the highest quality german borosilicate glass- you can buy a set of 2 (4 oz) glasses for $99 right here. enjoy!

happa *

need a colorful way to prop open your doors? try these happa doorstops (the name is means leaf in japanese) by ideaco & associates of osaka. for $25 a piece you can keep all your doors propped in style. [ps: for those of you new to d*s, the * after any title means the post will contain a d*s budget buy, ie: products under $100]

honesty stamps *

i've mentioned these before, but they seem to be especially fitting this time of year. have you been less than rosey this valentine's day? try these honesty stamps for an original way to say you're sorry. $26 at greener grass design.

jefdesigns

portland, oregon based designer and artist, joe futschik is one of my favorites. his work combines latex paint with woods like teak and walnut to create a unique, modern look. what i like best perhaps if joe's use of color- his work is always vibrant and sophisticated, with just the right amount of color and pattern. he's introduced a few new designs to his collection and you can check them out right here. prices range from around $240 to $400. enjoy!

the habitat hotel

i don't normally post about conceptual projects, or things that aren't available for the general public, but i really enjoyed this project and wanted to share it with you guys. architect, enric ruiz of cloud 9 architecture created the "habitat hotel" (a working scale model) for the exhibition "new spanish architects" at the moma. aside from being a stunning structure, the hotel has an "energy mesh" wrapped around it that has inidividual "nodes" that collect the sun's energy during the day and at night gives off a specific color according to the amount of energy collected. the hotel isn't in production yet, but you can enjoy the concept and some additional images right here. enjoy!

d*s in new york mag

just wanted to say a little thank you to new york magazine for including me in their issue about blogs. d*s was listed among the top 5 new blogs to check out- thanks, guys! you can read the article here. to those of you new to d*s, welcome and please be sure to check back on wed of this week when d*s will debut a new look- spruced up for 2006. [thanks to sonia from ny mag for including d*s!]

maharam newbies

renowned textile design manufacturer, maharam has introduced a few new pillow designs to their already impressive collection. the latest designs have simple patterns, understated but elegant colors and the trademark sophisticated maharam look. at around $115 a piece, they're certainly not a budget buy, but they're beautiful, well-made pieces that are worth the investment. you can find the entire collection (including designs by verner panton and charles and ray eames) right here at velocity. enjoy!

skagerak denmark

vermont-based d*s reader, lucy sent me a link to danish design firm, skagerak. their work is beautiful, simple and focused on quality materials. what i loved so much about their work was the sturdy feel of each object and the purity of the design- clean lines, beautiful materials. you can purchase skagerak furniture and accessories through their us distributor, ttd inc. in vermont. [thanks, lucy!] [i also noticed one of my favorite scandinavian sites, design mouse, also posted about skagerak, click here for more info]

beanbag votive *

nambe is well known for their beautiful collection of home accessories that have sensual, organic forms. this time, they've brought their trademark look to a simple votive that takes it shape and name from that classic 70's icon- the beanbag. available in blue, white, orange, red and green (5.5" in size), the beanbag votive is available at nambe online for $45.

cds *

for some reason i burn a lot of cds during the day, and sometimes sprucing up the covers would be nice. so perhaps these might come in handy for you as well- mixit's patterned cd covers come in packs of 8 for $6. lots of patterns to choose from (i prefer the dots and stripes)- a bit jazzy, but nice if you're tired of the same old look.

cella

i'm a sucker for anything geometric, and this puzzle is no exception. cella, designed by peer clahson, is a lovely wooden puzzle that has endless configurations and would make for a wonderful desk-gift for an architect or anyone who likes to fidget and put things together and then take them apart. cella comes with 9 "shells" and is made of sustainably harvested maple wood with non-toxic paints. you can buy cella for $198 at branch home. enjoy!

oh joy!

i just wanted to pass along this site i've been loving for a while now- oh joy! is run by a philly based graphic and home accessories designer. it's FULL of gorgeous inspiration photos and all sorts of beautiful collections of accessories, fashion, graphic design and objects. it's a great place to go when you need some creative inspiration. plus, im in love with her logo banner- such gorgeous, saturated colors.

doryn's dish

doryn, of doryn's dish fame, was kind enough to include me in her weekly web dish feature- you can read the entire interview right here. [thanks, doryn!]

inspiration

i'm feeling really inspired by this photo from o at home. and the quotation under it. i'm trying to finish our bedroom and i want it to feel like a soft, comfortable retreat- like this picture. soft, warm and light. however our current space is cold- both temperature and aesthetic wise. im sort of feeling blank about color choices- does anyone have a great color for the bedroom that soothing and simple, without being white? thanks...im hitting a color wall...[photo from o at home magazine]

the o is for outstanding *

i've been a fan of o at home magazine since it came out- it carries oprah's sense of style and love of life into the home in such a lovely way. she's someone who always seems to really cherish the finer things in life, as well as the small things- and to me this magazine oozes that ten fold. her newest venture into the home and design world is full of lush, colorful spreads jam-packed with great ideas for your home (with a wide range of prices). this past issue had a few great pieces i wanted to share in case you missed the issue: zyliss's electric green cutting knife ($2.99) made entirely of plastic (it comes in blue and red as well), shades of light's fun little bird lamp ($165, for those of you still loving the birds- i'd like to see it with a wider shade) and roost's galle glassware that make me want to have a glass of oj right now (set of six 12-ounce tumblers, $80 at paul smith: 212-627-9770). [all photos from oprah.com]

missoni for dinner *

i'm a big fan of italian fashion house, missoni. designer, ottavio missoni founded the house 1958 and now the line is carried on by angela missoni, who has maintained the trademark missoni look: bold colors and zig zag patterns in deeply saturated hues. this time missoni moves to the table with their margherita line of dinnerware. with prices ranging from $59 to $308, there's a piece in the collection for everyone's budget. margherita is full of vivid floral patterns and bold, bright colors. you can choose from plates and terrines to teacups and sugar bowls right here at macys. enjoy!

black history month

i think diversity in design is something that's often overlooked, and i'm a prime example. in honor of black history month, i'm working on a piece for my inquirer column on african american designers (product and furniture) and can't seem to think of too many. so i thought i'd reach out to my knowledgeable audience and see if you knew of any african american designer that should be nominated? the results will be discussed on d*s as well as in my philly column next friday.

curtain call *

i'm trying to decide between various marimekko patterns for our curtains. they're not cheap, but they won't take all my savings ($42 per yard). i'm drawn to these purpely blues...they're sort of cool and i'm trying to pick warm colors, but i can't help it. i love cool blues and purples. i really suggest checking out their collection if you'd like to add some color to your apt. i may even buy some to reupholster our dining room chairs (if ac lets me). click here for the full selection online (they offer online shopping and shipping).

marimekko umbrellas *

it's not raining today, but when it does, these colorful marimekko umbrellas will come in handy ($45). each stick umbrellas is available in a variety of colors in the kivet and mini unikko patterns. and who doesn't need a little color on a rainy day? click here for more info and purchasing.

izola *

these guys have a major buzz around them these days and seem to be in every publication i open, so i thought i'd open this up to you guys. ac can attest to the fact that i sort of have a thing against clear plastic shower curtains, but i actually like some of these designs. i don't know what it is about plastic curtains, but they remind me of college dorms of something. but izola, a new york based design studio, released a collection of 15 clear shower curtain designs that are getting rave reviews. i personally like the feather design (it's simple and clean) but can't get past the clear thing. i just don't like seeing the inside of my shower all the time (even when it IS clean). they're priced at $35 a piece and include black and white photographs of iconic images like the brooklyn bridge and the colosseum in rome, as well as patterns like bamboo, feathers and sake cases. i'm not entirely sold, but what do you guys think? [share your 2 cents below]

whip up

for the crafty crafters out there, here's a fun new crafting site run by kathreen ricketson. whip up is a, "multi author site with contributors from around the world united by a passion for making things, for beautiful design and for a desire to share ideas with others." i love inspirational sites and thought some of you might as well.

joy by mel lim *

san diego based designer, mel lim has produced a stunning line of papers and boxes called "joy" that combine modern design with traditional asian imagery. lim's line of wrapping papers, stationery, boxes and gift baskets are truly a work of art- each piece uses wonderfully saturated colors and 100% post-consumer elemental chlorine free fibers (for eco-conscious shoppers). what i love the most about the "joy" collection is its use of color and pattern to create a rich, modern look that's perfect for any occasion. and best of all, d*s readers will love the prices- cards and wraps range from around $6 to $28 for boxes of multiple cards [gift baskets are a bit more, around $120]. you can view ans shop the joy collection right here. enjoy! [thanks, mel!]

wow bow london

for the pampered pet: wow bow pet accessories designed with modern homes in mind. these luxury pet beds, toys and "dining tables" are clearly for those who enjoy pampering their pet- in a major way. these beautiful pet designs (for dog and cat) look right at home next to your collection of mid-century furniture and sleek, 21st century designs. beds and feeders are available in a range of translucent colors or solid white, for the ultimate in minimalist pet design. while they'll set you back $135 to $1300, their really beautiful items if you're in the market for luxury pet design. i'll stick to my holden designs, which are a bit more affordable, but for you lucky pet splurgers, click here to shop and find more information on wow bow.

[i'm feeling a bit under the weather today so i'll be back tomorrow morning.]

clio home *

on the rare occasion that i go into manhattan to shop, clio home is a must-visit. this gem of a store is tucked into a small, but warm, space on thompson street in soho and is packed full of beautiful objects for the table. one of my favorite things about clio is how well-edited their collection is and the fact that the products represent a wide range of prices- there's really something for everyone's budget here. one of my favorite pieces there is this cute handmade plate and tumbler set ($29 and $22) with simple line drawings- in my world it's the ideal milk and cookies plate. although they'd have to be skinny cookies to fit in the glass. perhaps pirouettes...

karin eriksson

swedish designer, karin eriksson is one of my favorite artists working with porcelain and stoneware. her designs manage to combine an earthy quality and a sense of delicacy in both decoration and form. karin's work, whether in tableware or elegant hanging chandeliers and mobiles, is truly unique and deserves a spot on many a table here in the us. my favorite thing about these pieces is their subtle decoration, whether it's a well-placed butterfly or floral image or a subtle line drawing. her sense of ornamentation is refined and perfect for the scale and style of the pieces she creates. you can find more information on karin's work right here and purchase online or via phone at clio home, rare device and weego home.

slamp

d*s reader, clark is a big fan of the italian design firm, slamp. he passed along some of their new work and i thought i'd share. they seem to be based in rome and i'm having a hard time finding us distribution, so i'll add that as soon as i find it (and ask clark). but in the meantime i wanted to share these lovely lighting designs. you can find more information on slamp right here.

munimula

michigan-based design studio, munimula creates beautiful home and garden products with industrial materials. their look is clean and minimal and their designs are definitely worth checking out. my personal favorites are their garden planters and clever wine tray that lets you carry your favorite bottle and glasses all in one. you can find munimula products right here at 2modern. prices range from $98 for the wine tray to $1,900 for larger furniture. enjoy!

das blau *

mark at sparkability is always passing on the best links. he saw this handy ipod case on designspotter this morning and thought d*s readers might like it...and i agreed. das blau was founded in september 2005 after designers johanna campos and katja hirche wanted to find a way to protect their personal ipod nanos. they designed a leather case that wrapped around the ipod and had a feature that propped it up for watching videos. their design became the "versa" which is now available for the 5g ipod with video. key features include: a belt clip that turns into a stand, a dock connector that's accessible when in "stand" mode, high quality leather with stylish fabric patterns. the versa starts shipping on feb 17 and you can order yours (there are 8 styles from which to choose) right here for $46.99. enjoy!

panek tobin *

thought we could all use a little color on a day as gloomy as this one. the winter wind is howling in brooklyn so i thought panek tobin's colorful tableware might be a nice way to remind me that spring isn't terribly far away. san francisco, my favorite panek tobin pattern, is a colorful wavy pattern that brings warmth and vibrancy to any table. rain, my second favorite (or perhaps they're tied for first...) pattern, is a calm but refreshing style that looks smashing next to those pomegranates in the photograph...and who doesn't need a little vibrant red in their life on a day like this? you can find panek tobin goods online right here, here and here (for a retailer near you, follow the link to keena). enjoy! see you tomorrow...[all photos from panek tobin]

rare device web*

design rena tom just launched the e-commerce version of her recently opened brooklyn design shop, rare device. chock full of great "rare" finds from international and smaller, independant artists, rare device has already become known for its eclectic collection of home goods. with the new site, rare takes its business to the web with a small, but well-edited collection of tableware and home decor. my personal favorites are the gorgeous black glass sake set from sugahara ($72) and hanna werning's colorful wallpaper posters ($18). now those of you outside of brooklyn can shop rare's collection of unique designs. click here to browse the new site. enjoy!

DWRjax

design within reach's DWRjax program has some great pieces for modern moms and dads looking for outfit their childrens' rooms in style. this great new bassinet from scott wilson at ooba comes with a walnut or maple veneers and a cotton upholstered cover surrounding both the frame and bent wire rim. their debut product, ooba's nest bassinet was created to fit comfortably in a parent's room to keep a newborn close at hand. i think it's one of the more beautiful bassinet designs out there- you can purchase ($500) the nest bassinet and find more information on the design right here at dwr.

design sponge budget buys *

some of you have noticed the asterisks that are now appearing next to some post titles- so i thought i'd introduce a new feature of d*s- design*sponge budget buys!

when you see an asterisk next to any post title, it will indicate a d*s budget buy- meaning, products that are affordable for those of us on a budget! clearly some people will have different definitions of "affordable", but for the most part, i'll try to keep it to products $100 and under. so, keep an eye out for asterisks and have fun budget browsing!

i hope the d*s budget buys can highlight affordable goods without distracting from the goal of the site- to showcase the best and most beautiful products in the design world. so, now those of you looking for budget buys can scan for asterisks and those of you who enjoy a good window shop regardless of price can continue to read away. xo, d*s

viva terra *

viva terra always has wonderful finds for the home and garden that stay true to their motto of "eco living with style". their latest additions are perfect for adding a little natural flair to your home.

barn beam tables lend a warm, worn-in feel to a city home (or a country home) and these versions are hand-hewn by vermont artisans and crafted from "found" american lumber up to 200 years old. imperfections in the wood were left in to add character and warmth ($340-$375 + $25 shipping).

for storing winter plants and kitchen herbs, try this cachepot made from driftwood found on the beach ($54)- perfect for bringing the outdoors in. sticking with the flora theme, these stone flower holders are made from recycled metal for $49.

stone pedestal bowls are always a nice way to show off beautiful objects- these basalt stone versions are $29-$39 and have a lovely nest-like wire bowl on top. last but not least, tableware- my favorite. try having your morning juice in these recycled glass glasses and carafe ($24 for the carafe, $39 for 6 glasses) and storing fruit in these cute white porcelain aviary bowls ($69-$119).

lena corwin

my favorite fort greene based designer, lena corwin is always creating beautiful new objects for the home and table. having worked as a textile designer for marithé + françois girbaud, calvin klein, and jill stuart, corwin struck out on her own to designer her own line of beautiful tableware and textiles. her pillows (on d*s last feb) are now joined by a great line of melamine plates ($15 each) that share the same patterns of lena's signature pillows. available in four patterns, lena's dinnerware is perfect for sprucing up your winter table. you can purchase lena's designs online right here, and you can check out her excellent blog (full of great design inspiration) right here. enjoy! [thanks, lena!]

dot kite

founded in 2005, dot kit design is a group of designers producing elegant, minimalist designs for the home. their latest pieces, four chairs made of fiber-reinforced plastic with a scratch resistent coating, are simple and understated for today's modern home. each chair has a chalk white finish that adds to the crisp, clean lines of the design and is equal parts sculptural and functional. you can find more information on dot kite design right here. enjoy!

heaven- in cupcake form *

i have just eaten the world's greatest cupcake. i'm sure everyone will have their own opinion on what their personal best is, but after walking past blue apron this afternoon on my coffee break, i noticed NEW cupcakes in the window, cupcakes that definitely weren't blue apron's variety (although those are good, too). i was instantly drawn to the store and plunked down my $2 for what has to be the best thing ever to come out of an oven.

after asking who made these, i found out it was red hook's finest bakery, baked. after finding their site i realized they have garnered quite their share of press- and it's well deserved. after inhaling a red velvet cupcake with cream cheese icing (with a hint of cinnamon and a red hot on top) i realized i'd found a new favorite cupcake maker. i highly suggest that you check them out if you're in the nyc area. they're painfully delicious. [if you like cupcakes, you should definitely check out not martha- she's the cupcake queen]

the dutch do valentine's day

dutch by design's new site, design my world, has some lovely valentine's day appropriate pillows available from british textile designer, anna whitford. whitford's pillows are made of faux suede and felt and are available right here for $95.

diamonds are forever *

had to repost these, too good to pass up for vday...faux diamond rings made by alissia melka-teichroew. $12 for red, $10 for clear at relish.

pink

it's hard to escape pink on this holiday, so why not find a way to do pink tastefully? these pieces from iluren are great ways to celebrate traditional valentine's day colors with style, and not an overwhelming dose of pepto pink. this rose quartz necklace ($300) has a modern heart accent, while this elegant pink vase from artist, william couig is just the right shade of vday pink ($260).

sterling place vday *

brooklyn's sterling place has some cute offerings for vday gifts this year- these red and white spotted "manhattan" teacups from panek-tobin are perfect for sipping fancy teas on wet winter days (like today). they're sold online for $12 a piece. if your special someone likes to journal, check out sterling place's bright red ladybug journal for $32- cute and affordable.

committed *

not for the casual daters, these valentine's day gifts are more along the lines of a couple that's been dating for a long time- or at least anyone who's willing to drop a few grand on their loved one. and hey, you never know, maybe someone out there is in the market for a huge splurge present?

dwr's gorgeous red murano glass chandelier guarantees romantic dinners for years to come with its delicate leaf and flower motifs ($2,598). and while you're looking at furniture, why not check out george nelson's classic marshmallow sofa in lipstick red. for $2,695, that's one hot seat. available online at design within reach.

heavy hearts *

iomoi makes the most beautiful paperweights. i own one (thanks, mom!) and can vouch for how effectively they can keep stacks of paper in order. this holiday, check out iomoi's adorable valentine's day paperweights. for $35-$60 you can have an oval, round or dome shaped paperweight monogrammed with a short message, initials or your love's name. available online at iomoi. enjoy!

candlelight *

why not dine by candlelight this valentine's day? and why not modern candlelight? these modern candleholders by harry allen design are made of color-infused plastic and are available right here for $35 a piece. try the red and pink for an especially "valentine's day" dinner...[overnight shipping is available]

pancake does vday *

stacy pancake is one of my favorite graphic designers around- her work at pancake and franks is always cute, simple and modern. these cards (each around $5) for valentine's day are no different- their simple, understated designs are perfect for sending a sweet message to your special someone without overdosing on hearts, red roses or cupids. my personal favorite is the peppermint card...you can find pancake and franks cards here, here and here [you may need to call to place an order]. enjoy!

say it with stationery *

greener grass design has some great new designs from sesame letterpress and two piglets that are perfect for valentine's day greetings. each design is simple, modern and get's across the whole "love" idea pretty well. click here for more vday finds at greener grass design.

[i'm out for the day, but will be back tomorrow with great vday cards and more ideas for the holiday]

what's cookin *

if the special person in your life loves to cook, check out these fun finds at crate and barrel- silicone heart muffin pans ($11.95), spatulas with hearts enclosed ($5.95) and a nice modern fondue set ($23) for romantic dining...

z gallerie vday goods *

z gallerie always has a nice, reliable collection of mostly affordable home accessories. this holiday why not try some of their super sleek column shakers ($19.95) in red or pink? they'll help you mix something extra sweet when paired with their colorful martini glasses (4 for $24). if drinks aren't in your future, how about some simple red hurricanes ($9.95) or vases ($35-$40)? they're always a hit. z gallerie doesn't have a collection of vday items per se, but you can browse their entire collection for gift ideas right here.

an uncommon vday *

uncommon goods has a cute little selection of vday gifts for him and her. my favorites are this simple pink glass vase ($28) and these modern steel bouquet- a nice alternative to the red roses look ($48 for 18 silver-plated blossoms). you can shop vday goods online at uncommon goods right here. enjoy!

pamper your pooch *

sococo, short for "social conscious companion" is a fun little nyc based company that creates accessories for your pets. all sococo goods are hand crafted in cape town, south africa by local artisans out of galvanized steel wire and glass beads. 10% of the proceeds from any sococo purchase directly helps provide food, shelter and medical care to aids orphans in south africa. so, if you're looking to dote on your dog this valentine's day, why not with something for a good cause? charms range from $20-$25 and are available online right here. enjoy!

fred flare knows v-day *

fred flare is THE place to go for fun, inexpensive v-day trimmings. whether your special someone is a crafty lady or just someone who could use a few extra hearts in her (or his!) day, fred flare has got you covered (all for under $20). for ladies who like to build, how about this hot pink tool kit ($20)? i'm not sure you can do any heavy carpentry with it, but it's great for around the house fix-its. and while you're fixing, why not make use of fred flare's cute heart measuring tape ($3)? or if baking and crafts are more your thing, check out their lovey dovey cookie cutters ($6) and heart tape ($5). perfect for reminding your special someone how much you care. check out fred flare's fun (and completely affordable) vday selection (perfect for extras and small accessories). enjoy!

the art of love *

this valentine's day, why not surprised your special person with some original artwork from los angeles based studio, pbcb? artist, christin ciaccio briggs creates these adorable painting "valentines" that make for a truly original gift. with prices ranging from $12-$175, there's a gift here for everyone's budget. click here to view pbcb's full collection on etsy. enjoy! [gifts purchased from the v-day collection come with free gift wrap]

mood lighting

nothing quite says "love" like...well, a lamp that says love. the "love lamp" from lwindesign is made of reclaimed acrylic rods from nyu. each lamp aims to express "3d visual joy and passion" with its rich colors and romantic message. for pricing information and purchase, please contact lwindesign right here. enjoy!

salvor kiosk

did you know that salvor, the designers of the fauna pillows that have been such a smash lately, have a shop called salvor kiosk? specializing in design items from across the globe, salvor kiosk carries some really unique pieces that rotate in and out on a regular basis. i'm a fan of the pieces from mexico, but you can check out the collection for yourself right here. enjoy! [thanks, tim!]

v-day on the way *

today will be all about valentine's day gift ideas. the 14th is fast approaching so what better time to talk about great ideas for the special people in your life? the following finds all come from unica home, which offers overnight shipping if needed.

for me, valentine's day gifts are all about simplicity, rather than pieces dripping with pink, lace and bright red hearts. these espresso and ice cream spoons from alessi are a perfect example- romantic, simple and elegant enough to not knock you over the head with valentine's day trimmings ($9-$26). if spoons aren't your thing, how about simple red "double happiness" chopsticks? for $6 a set you and your sweetie can eat with chopsticks adorned with the chinese symbol for happiness. lastly, if you'd prefer something small and sweet, check out alessi's girotondo small boxes for $30 a piece. the heart box is a nice choice for hiding special gifts and surprises. check out unica's v-day collection right here. enjoy!

the results are in...

after a few nights on the couch tabulating results of the survey, the results are in! first and foremost, thank you to EVERYONE for taking the time to fill it out- it was immensely helpful in formulating the redesign of the site and to get a better idea of who you all are and what you like (and don't like). so, good stuff first, yes? the winners! four winners were chosen with a randomization program that allowed me to enter and get winners without viewing your answers, location and name. and the winners are:

1. first place: leigh of brooklyn! leigh will be receiving a gorgeous scando table from modernseed (thanks, modernseed!)
2. second place: elise of manhattan! elise will be receiving a sweet modern cookie jar from sparkability [thanks, sparkability!]
3. third place: missy of atlanta (hooray south!)- missy will be receiving a great "weee!" pillow from 2modern. [thanks, 2modern!]
4. fourth place: julie of brooklyn! (two brooklynites!)- julie will be receving a $75 gift certificate from iluren design [thanks, iluren!]

so, back to the results! i was so excited to get a better picture of all of you out there, so here are some of the most interesting answers...

• over half of you have been reading for a little under or over a year (thanks so much!) and the other half of you are new to d*s- so welcome!
• 60% of you check d*s at least once a day, if not more!
• 96% of you have wanted something you saw on d*s and 50% of you have purchased something you saw on d*s
• 80% of you are women! that's right, the ladies have a home on d*s
• 85% of you are in the us, %68 percent of you are in urban areas and the big states tuning in to d*s are: new york, california, illinois, massachusetts, pennsylvania and oregon, texas, washington, ohio and good old new jersey.
• d*s intl is not to be forgotten though- of the internation readers, 40% are canadian, 5% are british, 3% are french, 9% are australian, 3% singapore/germany/italy and there's even representation in estonia, malaysia, serbia, jordan, kuwait, china, japan, bulgaria and iceland!
• 53% of you rent, 44% own and you've spent, on average, a whopping $7,000 dollars a year on your homes! wow!
• 42% of you are single and 57% of you are married or partnered. and, you make on average 50-75k a year.
• like me, you guys are busy internet bees- excluding email and work use, you spent 10-19 hours a week online! (and almost all of you use a highspeed connection)
• d*s readers are smart cookies! almost 80% of you have an undergrad or graduate degree of some type
• like, me 60% of you are between 25 and 34, then it's evenly split between the 18-24 and 35-44 age groups.
• and lastly, 100% of you deserve to be thanked from the bottom of my heart for making it all the way through that survey...thanks so much, guys!

and i think that's it- thanks so much guys!

fedora design

gorgeous silk pillow from federica tondato at fedora designs. splurge worthy at $325 each? you decide. it's hard to tell from this photo but the stitching is really quite stunning. more information at fedora's website right here.

ige

los angeles-based designer, helen ige creates beautiful, nature-inspired pieces for the home. her current smash hit is a line of pillows called the "gilded luxe insects" collection that combines men's pinstripe suiting material with insect imagery. while i don't think i'd put a beetle on my couch, i could live with a butterfly or something slightly less girly, but less unsettling than a beetle. the pillows are selling for $110 a piece through ige design in los angeles, or you can order them through loom in brooklyn. loom also carries ige's gorgeous velvet pillows that look similar to these, but with rich teal and magenta velvet in place of the men's suit material. you can contact ige design right here or loom at 718-789-0061. enjoy!

emmerson troop

metropolitan home magazine had some beautiful finds this month. one of which was designer, emmerson troop, who's furniture store and debut furniture collection are full of great pieces. although a bit more traditional than my own tastes (and above my own price range considerably), the et collection is full of great finds like organic sconce and pendant light designs, beautiful antique bottles and great armchairs that are definitely splurge worthy if you have the budget (of my dreams). for more information on emmerson troop, please click here.

love/no love for the laser cut

personally i'm nearing my maxium capacity for laser cut designs, but they seem to still be popping up everywhere. d*s reader, and fellow design reporter, kristina of three layer cake, was at the imm cologne furniture fair and sent these pictures of the zanotta booth- covered in the laser cut motif. apparently it was all over the show in a major way (in both fashion and home design). i think it's a beautiful technique but for me, i'm nearing "over it" status. what do you guys think? everyone has their own threshold for trends, so...love for the laser cut or no love? [photos from three layer cake, designs by zanotta italy]

pillows, anyone? *

it's been said that i have something of a pillow fixation and well, i'm not ashamed of it. ac and i are trying to choose a bedding theme and i decided to try and be inspired by accent pillows, as they often add that punch of color that brings a room to life. while looking for affordable (and i mean affordable, under $30 at least) pillows, i found west elm's impressive collection of colorful designs. full of something for everyone, their accent pillow collection is perfect for adding color and pattern where it's needed- with a small and powerful punch. i think we'll end up choosing this pattern or this pattern for our own bedroom (i'll let ya know when i update the d*s apt project next week), but hopefully you guys can find something for your own home among these- they're certainly worth checking out because they're both affordable and fun. enjoy!

don't tread on me

dutch designer, doreen westphal of krejci designs bags made of used and flat bicycle tires from amsterdam. and if you've ever been to amsterdam, you know they have plenty of them. i don't normally post about bags and fashion, but i love the way doreen reexamined a waste material and made it into something beautiful. you can contact ms. westphal right here for more information on purchasing and pricing. enjoy! [thanks, doreen!]

nick baxter knows chairs

i've never been a tattoo person (too permanent), but these are a trip. talk about design fanatic-i've got nothing on these guys. i can't ever imagining tattooing an eames chair on my arm, but hey, more power to ya. gives new meaning to the term, "armchair". [tattoos and images by artist, nick baxter, sent via d*s reader, angelune]

the golden tree

maria of port2port press makes the most beautiful cards from her studio in maine. this card, her special edition for february, is a beautiful tree print printed with gorgeous metallic copper ink. the golden tree is part of port2port's special card program that includes a special new card every month printed in a limited edition. once each card is sold out it's gone (sniff) forever. i'm a big fan of maria's work so i can't wait to see what comes next month. in the meantime, you can view and purchase "the golden tree" online right here for $4. enjoy!