Deal of the Day
Last-Minute Sale: Vivaterra Bed and Bath
interior-decorating-vivaterra-sale

If you’re in search of a few items to add to your bedroom or bathroom, check out Vivaterra, which is slashing up to 25 percent on some its bestselling...

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  • Posted by Leah Konen on February 9, 2010 at 2:58 PM
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Design Deals for Valentine’s Day
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In honor of the most romantic holiday, we’ve rounded up pretty accessories to sweeten your space and gifts for those you love. Check out our favorite affordable finds, perfect...

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  • Posted by Leah Konen on February 8, 2010 at 1:59 PM
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New Use for Old Magazines
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In one Stockholm office, stacks of glossies become an unlikely construction material To muffle sound and bring a bit of color and texture to their office space,...

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  • Posted by Leah Konen on February 8, 2010 at 1:28 PM
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Hip Houseplants
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Paint, check. Art, check. Furniture, check. Plants? Whether your thumb is green or not, a great houseplant does round out a room. And I’m not talking about a couple of pots...

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  • Posted by Mitchell Owens on February 5, 2010 at 4:48 PM
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Naturally Chic Utensil Rack
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Sometimes, less is more. This streamlined utensil rack by Chabatree is handcrafted from oak. The wall-mounted piece has six hooks to hold measuring spoons, ladles, and other small kitchen tools. It...

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  • Posted by Leah Konen on February 5, 2010 at 11:52 AM
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Around-the-World Style
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Maps add a touch of old-world style and graphic panache to a room. And with so many ways in which to use maps in home decor—from wall hangings and accessories to...

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  • Posted by Leah Konen on February 5, 2010 at 10:34 AM
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Candles by the Half Dozen
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This charming set of candles, designed Michele Dugree is crafted from unglazed porcelain and meant to look like eggshells. The wafer-thin “shells” cast a beautiful glow...

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  • Posted by Leah Konen on February 3, 2010 at 12:57 PM
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Wood-Patterned Wallpaper
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Who doesn’t love the rough-hewn surface of well-aged wood? Bring the weathered, outdoor look inside with the Dutch design firm Studio Ditte’s Scrapwood wallpaper. Each roll is printed with...

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  • Posted by Leah Konen on February 3, 2010 at 11:43 AM
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Menagerie Bottle Stoppers
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Jonathan Adler’s Menagerie tabletop line adds a playful dose of whimsy to the dinner hour. The New York potter and product designer has introduced four cheerful bottle stoppers in classic animal...

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  • Posted by Leah Konen on February 3, 2010 at 10:19 AM
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Natural Accents
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The swirling wood grain pattern of bleached acacia wood brings an organic touch to West Elm’s serving pieces. The line of objects includes bowls, trays, and platters in a variety of...

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  • Posted by Leah Konen on February 2, 2010 at 12:25 PM
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15 Percent Off Knoll Classics
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In the market for midcentury modern pieces? You’re in luck. Furniture retailer Design Within Reach is offering 15 percent off select Knoll furnishings, including classics by Breuer, Knoll-Bassett,...

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  • Posted by Leah Konen on February 1, 2010 at 3:48 PM
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ELLE DECOR Sweeps Bloomingdale’s Challenge
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Yesterday marked the final day of the Bloomingdale’s Big Window Challenge, which pitted the Bloomingdale’s design team against Apartment Therapy and ELLE DECOR in an exciting battle of decorating know-how. The...

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  • Posted by Leah Konen on January 29, 2010 at 7:18 PM
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The Liveliest Bookends
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A wildly fresh take on the expected bracket or figurine, these bookends are actually a glass fishbowl cut in half. The flat side lets your favorite books and friend flipper...

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  • Posted by Kirsten Fields on January 29, 2010 at 12:35 PM
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Glowing Accents
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Porcelain flower votives are an easy, elegant way to add elegance to a dining table or mantle. And while we love them for their sheer decoration, they’re even better when lit....

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  • Posted by Leah Konen on January 28, 2010 at 11:51 AM
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Artful Frames—Hold the Art
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Browsing one of Miami-based interior designer Nacho Vila’s most recent projects, this hallway got us thinking. . . . Who says frames need art to create a dramatic statement on...

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  • Posted by Leah Konen on January 27, 2010 at 1:12 PM
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Lamps for the Modern Patio
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The 2010 Ikea catalogue is out, and among the many smart and affordable finds, we discovered a few pieces that promise to truly shine—a whole new selection of...

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  • Posted by Leah Konen on January 27, 2010 at 12:05 PM
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Design Firm Matches Donations for Haiti
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The visionary artisanal company Stray Dog Designs decided in 2005 to make the daring move of investing in an art and design workshop in Port-au-Prince, Haiti. Most American companies at...

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  • Posted by Anne E. Collins on January 26, 2010 at 11:04 AM
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Cage Lights
kitchen-decorating-ideas-birdcage-lamps

Ballard Designs brings a familiar motif—a bird-cage—to an unlikely object: the pendant lamp. The steel pendant light has a simple gray finish, but its chinoiserie lines give it flair. The...

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  • Posted by Leah Konen on January 26, 2010 at 9:51 AM
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Hopscotch Rug
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Give your kid’s room a retro touch that even a four-year-old can appreciate. With cream “chalk” lines and a deep-gray backdrop reminiscent of asphalt, the new Hopscotch rug...

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  • Posted by Leah Konen on January 25, 2010 at 11:45 AM
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Butterfly Beauty
living-room-decor-butterfly-pillow

The natural linen covering this 20-inch- square pillow by Room Service becomes the canvas for a pretty print that flutters from one corner to the other. Chocolate-brown piping adds a...

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  • Posted by Leah Konen on January 25, 2010 at 11:12 AM
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A Glowing Centerpiece
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This unusual ceramic tray features eight fixed candle holders that create a dramatic display when illuminated. We love how the blue and white glaze seems to drip down the curvy earthenware...

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  • Posted by Leah Konen on January 22, 2010 at 2:55 PM
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Moss on the Walls?
wall-decor-moss-walls

At first glance, the walls of this room appear to be covered with a lovely botanical print wallpaper. But a closer look reveals a much earthier story. The wall project of...

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  • Posted by Leah Konen on January 22, 2010 at 2:26 PM
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John Robshaw Sheets on Sale!
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Inspired by traditional Uzbek, Indian, Chinese and Thai printing methods, John Robshaw’s textiles have an exotic flair. We love the way he blends patterns and techniques—somehow it seems to all...

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  • Posted by Leah Konen on January 21, 2010 at 2:22 PM
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Bloomingdale’s Big Window Challenge 2010
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A few of the nation’s top designers are competing right now to create the most magical and stylish windows at Bloomingdale’s on 59th street in Manhattan. Vote for your...

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  • Posted by Leah Konen on January 20, 2010 at 3:40 PM
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Vases for the Perfect Table Display
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We’ve long been fans of Jamali Garden’s chic yet affordable floral containers, so we were delighted to learn that their glass vases are 15% off through the end of...

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  • Posted by Kirsten Fields on January 20, 2010 at 11:47 AM
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Bamboo Bird Cage
unique-home-decor-bamboo-bird-cage

In 2009, birdcages were the rage. Exotic versions were a dominant theme in home accessories, tabletop pieces, and wall treatments, but in 2010 West Elm is taking a more...

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  • Posted by Leah Konen on January 19, 2010 at 8:41 AM
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The Chicest, Cheapest Kitchen Stools
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Okay, I’m little embarrassed to admit it, but months ago I made the amateur move of buying counter stools without first measuring the height of the island for which they...

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  • Posted by Anne E. Collins on January 16, 2010 at 4:24 PM
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NYC’s Skinniest House Sells for a Fat Price

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What Manhattan’s narrowest residence, at 75½ Bedford Street in the West Village, lacks in square footage, it makes up for in character. Before this 1973 structure became a private home,...

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  • Posted by Leah Konen on January 15, 2010 at 12:45 PM
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Pretty in Pink
table-decor-coasters

Give your drinks a bold landing spot with these striking coasters. Made of rolled pita fibers wrapped into spirals, the four-coaster set is made by SURevolution and will make even a...

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  • Posted by Leah Konen on January 15, 2010 at 10:32 AM
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High/Low: Knitted Pouf
knitted-pouf

We couldn't help but smile when we saw Christien Meindertsma’s Flocks Pouf. Using extra-large knitting needles, Meindertsma created a piece both versatile and visually engaging. While the hand-knit ottoman from CB2...

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  • Posted by Leah Konen on January 14, 2010 at 11:51 AM
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A Novel Cover
unique-home-decor-book-jacket

In our opinion, there’s nothing wrong with obsessing about the latest Twilight or Harry Potter release. But for those few times when you invite, say, a more “scholarly” crowd over...

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  • Posted by Blaire Briody on January 13, 2010 at 12:49 PM
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Passport Style
unique-home-decor-passport

Flying these days is bad enough. But with these chic passport holders, traveling through customs and security lines doesn’t have to be so monotonous. We like this blue-and-white toile pattern...

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  • Posted by Blaire Briody on January 13, 2010 at 10:58 AM
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Drink Service Tray
Entertaining-Ideas-TP-platter

Part of the Luddite collection by Thomas Paul, this piece uses the gorgeous motif of decanters and goblets for a tray that’s full of romance and old-fashioned charm. Though the...

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  • Posted by Leah Konen on January 12, 2010 at 11:33 AM
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Lunar Rug
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As an homage to the 40th anniversary of the moon landing, Austrian designer Martin Mostböck has created a rug like no other. With just a simple cutout pattern, the imagery of...

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  • Posted by Blaire Briody on January 11, 2010 at 1:43 PM
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Lovely Lacelike Platter
table-decor-woven-platter

This pretty platter blends South African hand-weaving techniques with a poppy orange color for a piece both traditional and modern. It measures a full 18" in diameter; we think it would...

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  • Posted by Leah Konen on January 11, 2010 at 9:06 AM
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Finding the Ultimate Reception Venue
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First off, I promise not to turn Design Daily into a wedding blog—but since I’ve just started planning a wedding, I can’t resist telling you about the beginnings...

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  • Posted by Anne E. Collins on January 9, 2010 at 6:19 PM
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Rubber Vase
unique-home-decor-rubber-vase

From afar, this smooth and simple vase looks almost like ceramic, but on closer inspection, it’s actually flexible, unbreakable rubber. Offered in an array of brighter-than-bright colors, this piece adds a...

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  • Posted by Leah Konen on January 8, 2010 at 2:17 PM
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Get Organized: The Living Room
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All week, we’ve been bringing you savvy, stylish decor to get every room in order—at a reasonable price—and our last stop on our house-wide sweep is the living room....

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  • Posted by Leah Konen on January 8, 2010 at 11:57 AM
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Get Organized: Bedroom

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When it comes to organizing the bedroom, tackling the closet may seem  to be the first line of attack. But if it is already filled with shelves, shoe racks,...

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  • Posted by Leah Konen on January 7, 2010 at 11:56 AM
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The Tallest Building in the World
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2,717 feet. More than 160 floors. Views that stretch 60 miles. The Burj Khalifa tower, which opened Monday, in Dubai, has become the tallest building in the world. Designed by...

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  • Posted by Leah Konen on January 6, 2010 at 12:02 PM
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Get Organized: Bathroom
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With hundreds of cosmetics, toiletries, and medicines stored in a typical bathroom, it is one room in the house that’s absolutely prone to clutter. Though in the new year we’ve resolved...

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  • Posted by Leah Konen on January 6, 2010 at 10:23 AM
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Time to Revive a Forgotten Color
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Lately I’ve been pondering colors that have fallen out of fashion in decorating circles for one reason or another. Brick-red, for instance, is a color few people are...

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  • Posted by Mitchell Owens on January 5, 2010 at 1:55 PM
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Get Organized: Kitchen
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If there’s one place in our homes that could probably use more organization, it’s the kitchen. Between the gadgets and the utensils, the spices and the herbs, there’s certainly...

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  • Posted by Leah Konen on January 5, 2010 at 11:57 AM
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Bamboo Dry Erase Board
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We’d long thought that dry erase boards were a necessary evil. They’re less messy than chalk and an easy way to keep up with to-do lists, random notes, and thoughts. But...

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  • Posted by Leah Konen on January 4, 2010 at 1:14 PM
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Get Organized: Home Office
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Now that the holiday parties are over and another year has begun, we’ve reached the inevitable New Year’s resolution period. Since getting organized is always a popular goal for...

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  • Posted by Leah Konen on January 4, 2010 at 10:43 AM
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The Hottest Deals of the Year

We’ve all scaled back a bit in the last year, and often it’s meant pushing big-ticket items lower on the wish list. But a gorgeous little lamp for $5? We can always...

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  • Posted by Leah Konen on December 31, 2009 at 8:49 AM
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The 2010 Decorating To-Do List
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It’s been a productive year at the Collins/Howard household (we built a kitchen island, bought a sofahung bookshelves, installed a...

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  • Posted by Anne E. Collins on December 30, 2009 at 3:12 PM
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Best Kitchen Innovations of the Last Decade
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In a decade full of technological advancements and clever new products, it’s no surprise that the kitchen got a few sensible improvements of its own. Fast Company, a...

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  • Posted by Leah Konen on December 30, 2009 at 1:28 PM
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Conran Shop Annual Sale
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The Conran Shop has long been one of our favorite places to find everything from the classics like Eames and Saarinen furniture to the latest modern accessories, so...

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  • Posted by Leah Konen on December 30, 2009 at 9:03 AM
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Faux Bois Dinnerware
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These square white pieces would be no more than your basic plates if not for the gorgeous texture patterned after tree bark. Grab either the 6.5" appetizer plates or the lovely...

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  • Posted by Leah Konen on December 29, 2009 at 10:35 AM
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BoConcept Sample Sale
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Looking for a big-ticket item for the home? BoConcept, known for its smart, minimalist furnishings, is slashing prices on its inventory in stores nationwide. In addition to their...

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  • Posted by Leah Konen on December 28, 2009 at 12:00 PM
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Curb Cord Clutter
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This fresh outlet cover takes the simple design of the back of your vacuum cleaner to everyday cords and outlets. With two cleats attached to the top and bottom of the...

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  • Posted by Leah Konen on December 28, 2009 at 11:48 AM
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An Unlikely Paper Towel Holder
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For wedding and housewarming gifts for some of our dearest friends, Mike and I like to give handmade sconces. We started this tradition by finding a scalloped antique silver tray,...

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  • Posted by Anne E. Collins on December 24, 2009 at 10:03 AM
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Wild and Wonderful Christmas Trees
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There’s no holiday activity we love quite so much as trimming the Christmas tree. But while we’re big fans of those classic boughs, we have to commend those who buck...

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  • Posted by Leah Konen on December 23, 2009 at 11:30 AM
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Zebra-patterned Glassware
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We’ve long loved these unusual zebra glasses from Brooklyn-based studio New Arcadia. With a basic shape and a hand-drawn pattern, these unique pieces effortlessly blend playful and mod, and are...

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  • Posted by Leah Konen on December 23, 2009 at 9:35 AM
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Up to 40 Percent Off at Ballard Designs

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Ballard Designs is already one of the more affordable home decorating stores, so when we saw that it was offering up to 40 percent off a wide range of accessories...

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  • Posted by Leah Konen on December 22, 2009 at 9:04 AM
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Lego Empire State Building
decor-ideas-lego-bldg

This LEGO replica is perfect for the traveler, N.Y.C.-phile, or architecture fan. Tan bricks and a gray-and-black base create a DIY model that stands just over 7” tall. The set...

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Practical Place Settings
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The concept is simple—a clean white set of dishes with recessed placeholders for silverware. Why didn’t we think of that? No flowers or frills, the utensil silhouettes are a natural but...

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  • Posted by Leah Konen on December 21, 2009 at 11:16 AM
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The Right Rug
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Thank you again to all who voted in the Rug Runoff; the rug has arrived and I couldn’t be more thrilled with your pick!  Le Poeme adds just...

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  • Posted by Anne E. Collins on December 18, 2009 at 2:36 PM
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Trippy Trash
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There is nothing appealing about a bag of trash—or so we thought. Suck UK’s new goldfish bin bags are changing the look of garbage and it couldn’t be cuter. Like...

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  • Posted by Katherine Wong on December 18, 2009 at 1:03 PM
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Jewelry for the Table
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Sometimes, you need just a little luxury to spice up a space, and paired with clean, white napkins, these glamorous rings would do just the trick. Plated in 24K gold, they’re...

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  • Posted by Leah Konen on December 18, 2009 at 9:55 AM
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Artisan-made Candlesticks on Sale
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We’ve long loved Aid to Artisans, which helps artisans and crafters from around the world market their unusual and unique designs on a global scale. These bold candlesticks from Mozambique are...

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  • Posted by Leah Konen on December 17, 2009 at 9:19 AM
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All-in-One Vase
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Turn your buds into a lovely display with this modern ceramic from Urban Outfitters. Made to resemble the floor of a cave, each piece has eight miniature vases to hold your...

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  • Posted by Leah Konen on December 16, 2009 at 2:07 PM
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The Blu Dot Chair Experiment
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What would you do if you saw this chair abandoned on the sidewalk? Keep walking? Or take it?

It's actually a question many New Yorkers pondered in a few weeks...

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  • Posted by Blaire Briody on December 16, 2009 at 12:44 PM
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The Most Lovable Winter Vase

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Made from extra-durable glass, this adorable critter is just the piece to top a mantle or sideboard. Its smooth, sleek form and all-glass construction keeps it understated and modern (unlike...

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  • Posted by Leah Konen on December 15, 2009 at 8:39 AM
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Dry Dry Birdie
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Doing laundry is about as mundane as house chores come but Fabian von Spreckelsen’s new design may make you feel a little warmer towards the clothesline. Fascinated by migratory birds and...

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  • Posted by Blaire Briody on December 14, 2009 at 11:23 AM
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Cute and Handy Coat Rack
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Walking the line between cute and modern, this graphic coat rack manages to maintain a strong sense of style. The two-person hook is the perfect piece for hanging scarves, hats, and...

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  • Posted by Leah Konen on December 14, 2009 at 10:26 AM
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The Most Romantic Hotel
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I’ve stayed in some fancy hotels in the past, but I don’t think I’ve ever found one quite so luxurious (or romantic) as the Rockhouse in Negril, Jamaica.  Mike and...

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  • Posted by Anne E. Collins on December 11, 2009 at 3:16 PM
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John Derian on Sale
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John Derian’s unique use of illustrations has long had us swooning, but paying close to $100 for a plate is tough (even when it is a beauty). So when we saw...

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  • Posted by Leah Konen on December 11, 2009 at 11:48 AM
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A New Notion in Bedding
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Bedding sets always seem to come with a patterned comforter and coordinating pillowcases. It’s a completely accepted standard but one that Russian designer Vadim Cherniy wasn’t going to succumb to. Bucking...

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  • Posted by Blaire Briody on December 11, 2009 at 11:15 AM
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Flowers for the White House
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Since President Chester A. Arthur embraced the glory of Tiffany stained glass in the 1880s, Americans have looked to the White House as an arbiter of national style. Teddy...

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  • Posted by Mitchell Owens on December 10, 2009 at 1:40 PM
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Hanging Vases for the Holidays
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We’ve always loved hanging vases—especially as holiday decoration. In the context of Christmas, the same handblown glass vessels become the most whimsical flower-filled ornaments. Add a pretty bud or mistletoe to...

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  • Posted by Katherine Wong on December 10, 2009 at 11:46 AM
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The Wright Restaurant Celebrates the Guggenheim’s 50th
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Since its completion in 1959, the Guggenheim Museum has been a virtual Mecca for design lovers, and Frank Lloyd Wright’s awe-inspiring ramp-way that corkscrews around the gallery’s exhibition...

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  • Posted by Leah Konen on December 9, 2009 at 2:29 PM
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It's a Ralph Lauren Christmas
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If you come across me window shopping during the holiday season, take note: I’m also closely examining the store decorations to inspire my own visual Christmas greetings. The outstanding display that...

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  • Posted by Mitchell Owens on December 9, 2009 at 11:01 AM
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Let it Snow, Let it Snow, Let it Snow
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There’s nothing we love more for the tree than lots of pretty snowflakes. But if you’re looking for something a bit more tailored than the paper cutout variety, this birch wood...

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  • Posted by Leah Konen on December 9, 2009 at 9:02 AM
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Beautiful Buffet Napkins
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Keep things simple for your next buffet with these smart and stylish napkins that come adorned with a handy pocket to hold silverware, so guests will have a free hand while...

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  • Posted by Leah Konen on December 8, 2009 at 11:40 AM
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Melting Chocolate Ceiling
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This latest expansion of the Godiva “Chocoiste” set of shops sits in Tokyo’s popular Harajuku district and features a design that promises to make the mouth water. Created by Wonderwall, a...

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  • Posted by Leah Konen on December 7, 2009 at 10:47 AM
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Sustainable Cardboard Wreath
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This chic wreath is made from 100 percent recycled cardboard, but you can hardly tell by looking at it. Assembled from laser-cut, leaf-shaped pieces, this clean white piece is far from...

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  • Posted by Leah Konen on December 7, 2009 at 8:31 AM
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Wine Bottle Tumblers
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We’ve seen recycled glasses before, but rarely ones this chic. Made from reclaimed wine bottles, these elegant tumblers feature rich, gorgeous color, and a punt that recalls their wine-bottle past. A...

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  • Posted by Leah Konen on December 4, 2009 at 10:39 AM
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Modern Geometric Mirror
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The strong metal lines radiating from this rectangular mirror from Urban Outfitters make this piece worth a second look. The series of acute angles create a starburst effect that mimics patterns...

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  • Posted by Leah Konen on December 4, 2009 at 8:47 AM
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The Flashlight Revisited
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Because it is usually relegated to the toolbox or the darkness below the sink, the flashlight has a beauty, we’ll admit, we never saw. Call us shortsighted but we couldn’t get...

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  • Posted by Leah Konen on December 3, 2009 at 11:49 AM
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How to Pick the Perfect Ski House
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When I moved to the East Coast from California, I was shivering constantly. I spent the first year finding ways to enjoy myself indoors but the end result was eating, sleeping,...

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  • Posted by Anne E. Collins on December 3, 2009 at 11:13 AM
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Cheers Coasters
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This set of coasters is the easiest way to put your holiday party in good spirits. The eight-piece letterpress set spells out the word “CHEERS” and finishes it off with, not...

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  • Posted by Leah Konen on December 3, 2009 at 9:53 AM
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Gorgeous Wooden Pillar Holder
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In gleaming polished natural wood, this pillar holder by Vivre Selection makes a fabulous addition to the mantel or dining room. At an impressive 6" diameter and 19.5" high, it’s wide...

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  • Posted by Leah Konen on December 2, 2009 at 11:42 AM
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Instant Ribbon
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Basic paper becomes extraordinary with this chic damask-patterned ribbon from Ballard Designs. Not only will its sticky surface make sure every fold stays in place, but it adds a decorative touch...

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  • Posted by Leah Konen on December 1, 2009 at 11:18 AM
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Quote/Unquote
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No matter whether you remember the full plot of every book you’ve read, it’s hard to get a great quote out of your head. To honor the thousands of lines that...

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  • Posted by Leah Konen on November 30, 2009 at 1:23 PM
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Cyber Monday Shopping Deals
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For those afraid of braving the crowds at the mall (or the weekend warriors in search of even more holiday deals), Cyber Monday brings the savings...

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  • Posted by Leah Konen on November 30, 2009 at 11:42 AM
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Chic and Clever Holiday Table Displays
thanksgiving-table-decor-ideas-displays

When it comes to decking out the table, sometimes simplicity is best. Check out three sweet and stunning displays that give the holiday table a lovely natural flair.

...

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  • Posted by Leah Konen on November 25, 2009 at 11:16 AM
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Black Friday Weekend Decor and Furniture Deals
black-friday-weekend-sales-target

Whether you’re in search of a gift or need a few things for yourself, check out some of the seriously deep discounts going on for the most popular shopping...

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  • Posted by Leah Konen on November 25, 2009 at 10:51 AM
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How Comfort Was Born
home-decor-the-age-of-comfort

Count your lucky stars the Age of Enlightenment had as much of an impact on posture and decoration as it did on philosophy, politics, and human rights. In her sprightly...

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  • Posted by Mitchell Owens on November 24, 2009 at 11:50 AM
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Always Have a Vase On-Hand
table-decor-bottle-vase

This sweet vase is a perfect addition to the kitchen cabinet to handle those last-minute floral surprises or purchases.. The cute little contraption made of foam rubber wraps around a leftover...

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  • Posted by Leah Konen on November 24, 2009 at 9:55 AM
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Drawstring Veggie Bags
table-decor-drawstring-veggie-bags

Each year in the U.S., an estimated 100 billion plastic bags end up in the landfills. That includes the standard white plastic grocery bag, but also the thin, clear fruit and...

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  • Posted by Blaire Briody on November 23, 2009 at 5:52 PM
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A Flock of Light
home-decor-birdlight

With just a twist of the socket, Shanghai-based designer Zhili Liu has turned a basic bulb into a bird design. Renowned lighting designer Ingo Maurer may have done it first with...

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  • Posted by Blaire Briody on November 23, 2009 at 11:07 AM
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The Bold Interiors of Broken Embraces
interior-design-broken-embraces

The new movie from Academy Award–winning Spanish director Pedro Almodóvar chronicles the story of a blind filmmaker who experiences flashbacks to the period before a car accident that took both his...

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  • Posted by Leah Konen on November 20, 2009 at 11:59 AM
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Mad Men Pens
design-inspiration-mad-men-pens

It’s been just over a week since the season finale, and we’re already mourning the loss of Mad Men. Our Sundays are a little less bright without those sexy suits, scintillating...

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  • Posted by Leah Konen on November 20, 2009 at 10:07 AM
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Rug Runoff
Home-Decor-Rug-questions

In decorating and politics, Mike and I agree on most issues, but, for some reason, selecting a rug has been an ongoing battle. As hard as I try to get...

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  • Posted by Anne E. Collins on November 19, 2009 at 10:51 AM
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Splashy Desk Lamp
table-decor-tube-lamp

If you love an industrial look, but tire quickly of gray, black and white, this cute little light is just the answer. With an adjustable metal shade and a clean white...

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  • Posted by Leah Konen on November 19, 2009 at 10:02 AM
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Coffee Color Guide
table-decor-color-mug

Never sure exactly how much milk to put in your tea or coffee? The designers over at Suck UK have gotten it down to a science with these color scale mugs....

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  • Posted by Blaire Briody on November 18, 2009 at 12:01 PM
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Blu Dot for Urban Outfitters Table
living-room-decor-blu-dot-table

We’ve long admired the modern simplicity of Blu Dot furnishings, so when we heard that the company was creating a more affordable line for Urban Outfitters, we were thrilled. To add...

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  • Posted by Leah Konen on November 18, 2009 at 8:35 AM
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Snakeskin Trays
table-decor-snake-platters

Not just for shoes and handbags anymore, snakeskin patterns add a definite exoticism and even a little naughty flair to the home. These fashion-forward copper trays from Vivre are covered in...

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  • Posted by Leah Konen on November 17, 2009 at 8:30 AM
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The Modern Mustache
design-trends-mustache-ornament

We saw one and thought it was cute. A couple more turned up, and we wondered what was up. But when we saw this trend go so far as a...

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  • Posted by Leah Konen on November 16, 2009 at 1:13 PM
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Affordable Horn Bowl
table-decor-horn-bowl

We adore the luster of natural horn. This piece is made from that of a water buffalo, then polished, heated, and molded into an organically shaped bowl. Place one on a...

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  • Posted by Leah Konen on November 16, 2009 at 9:00 AM
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Gorgeous Standing Ladle
home-decor-standing-ladle

Japanese for “standing ladle,” Tate Otama is just that, a spoon that stands proudly with a shape to be admired. The bottom has been flattened, allowing it to be easily be...

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  • Posted by Leah Konen on November 13, 2009 at 1:08 PM
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CB2’s “Can Do” Food Drive
home-decor-can-do-drive

CB2 has got a creative way to really drum up giving this holiday season. Until November 25, if you bring five food items to any CB2 store, you’ll receive a 15...

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  • Posted by Leah Konen on November 13, 2009 at 8:53 AM
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Shapely Vase
table-decor-polygon-vase

Facets continue to be hot—but the best part about an enduring trend is it means the prices are bound to drop! With polygon panels in all sorts of shapes, this Rosenthal-esque...

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  • Posted by Leah Konen on November 12, 2009 at 12:33 PM
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Rebirth of the Toast Rack

decor-ideas-toast-track.jpg

As you may have noticed, I’m a big fan of creative reuse. And when it comes to antique tabletop, the possibilities are endless. The Victorians had a special piece of...

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  • Posted by Anne E. Collins on November 12, 2009 at 11:12 AM
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Electrifying Candelabra
table-decor-design-glut-candlestrip

We usually hate power strips. Really hate power strips. They’re bland, ugly, clunky, and a constant reminder of our far too plugged-in lives. But this new “Candlestrip” from Design Glut might...

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  • Posted by Leah Konen on November 11, 2009 at 1:41 PM
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Noteworthy Journal
home-decor-journal

 

For quick jottings and musings, we’re thrilled to put these patterned notebooks to use. Filled with 64 blank pages, they’re perfectly scaled to toss in a bag yet large enough for...

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  • Posted by Kirsten Fields on November 11, 2009 at 10:40 AM
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The Prettiest Pens
design-inspiration-wooden-pens

There is something much more inspiring about a pencil than a pen—like a brilliant idea for a drawing or sonnet will come to us when holding one. Though in a busy...

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  • Posted by Leah Konen on November 10, 2009 at 8:00 AM
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Pop-Up Architecture
design-news-pop-up-architecture

Working in the design world, we see lots of architects’ project submissions, but rarely do we see renderings as exciting as the work itself… so when we saw this modern take...

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  • Posted by Leah Konen on November 9, 2009 at 12:26 PM
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Facets with Flair
glass candleholders

We’re not sure what we love more about these candleholders—the textured, faceted glass that gives them that sweet shimmer, or the rich hues of luscious fuchsia, electric yellow, peacock...

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  • Posted by Leah Konen on November 9, 2009 at 8:21 AM
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Homemade Ketchup
Ketchups

For lovers of Met Home’s Weekend Kitchen on homemade ketchup (September 2009), here’s an update. If you don’t have time to make you own, Oregon-based Dulcet Cuisine, producer of...

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  • Posted by Lisa Higgins on November 6, 2009 at 5:12 PM
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Bubble Wrap Calendar
wall-decor-bubble-wrap-calendar

So let’s start off by ridding ourselves of the notion that bubble wrap is primarily for packing purposes, because, let’s be honest, it’s all about popping those bubbles. So for...

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  • Posted by Leah Konen on November 6, 2009 at 3:25 PM
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Bold, Affordable Block Print
home-decor-robshaw-dhurrie

We’ve long loved John Robshaw’s handprinted dhurries, but we’ve never seen them so inexpensive. This 2' x 3' accent rug is made from soft woven cotton, handprinted with a gorgeous...

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  • Posted by Leah Konen on November 6, 2009 at 8:42 AM
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Go Ahead: Match the Art to the Furniture
miami

Many of the rooms featured in Met Home are designed around collections of art, which makes perfect sense: People who love design usually love art, and vice versa. In...

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  • Posted by Michael Lassell on November 5, 2009 at 2:21 PM
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Get Holiday-Ready With Gorgeous Candles
candles

When we heard the wildly fanciful product and interior designer Marcel Wanders was creating an affordable line of products for the holidays for Target, we knew it had to be good....

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  • Posted by Leah Konen on November 5, 2009 at 10:12 AM
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Home Fitness
Dining

Everyone likes the idea of staying in shape, but a treadmill in the living room isn’t exactly the definition of stylish décor. Luckily, Lucie Koldova has derived a series of...

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  • Posted by Rachel Lexier on November 4, 2009 at 2:26 PM
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Charming Bug Catcher
home-decor-bug-catcher

Bug traps usually run from gross to hideous—fly-covered sticky paper, neon electric zappers, cheap plastic contraptions; none are exactly aesthetically pleasing. That's why we're very excited about this ceramic bug trap...

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  • Posted by Blaire Briody on November 4, 2009 at 1:02 PM
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Rustic Charm
table-decor-fall-vase

Pieced Sheesham wood creates a gorgeous cylindrical patchwork look on this chunky new tabletop collection from West Elm. We adore the light and dark variations in the wood, and the tongue...

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  • Posted by Leah Konen on November 4, 2009 at 10:44 AM
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Chicago Celebrates Bauhaus
Bauhaus Chicago

The 90th Anniversary of Bauhaus isn’t until 2010, but the tributes have already begun. Learning Modern, a new exhibit on view now through January 9 at the SAIC Sullivan...

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  • Posted by Jessica Mischner on November 3, 2009 at 2:40 PM
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Saarinen in Full
saarinen chairs and tables

If you will be in New York City between November 10 and January 31, 2010, might I take the liberty of suggesting a visit to the

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  • Posted by Mitchell Owens on November 3, 2009 at 2:08 PM
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Clever Cutting Board
kitchen-decor-mezalluna-chopper

This lovely mezzaluna herb chopper by designer Lovisa Wattman is the perfect tool for dicing up basil or parsley, and tucks handily away into the accompanying cutting board. Fitted together, it’s...

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  • Posted by Leah Konen on November 3, 2009 at 9:52 AM
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My New Favorite Flea Market
decorating-ideas-la-flea-market

I grew up being dragged to flea markets around greater Los Angeles—and though I have fond memories of the Rose Bowl and Long Beach fleas, I think I remember them...

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  • Posted by Anne E. Collins on November 3, 2009 at 9:06 AM
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No Rules Mirror
angled mirror

With an unusual 90-degree bend, this framed mirror can read like an optical illusion or function as some of the most inventive shelving. It’s freestanding, so prop it up on...

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  • Posted by Leah Konen on November 2, 2009 at 3:25 PM
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Chic Showers
shower curtain

It’s fall, and it’s raining a lot here in New York City, and instead of complaining like we usually do, we’d rather celebrate the downpour with this fun “Singin’...

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  • Posted by Blaire Briody on November 2, 2009 at 10:15 AM
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Real Ghost Towns
remodeling-homes-ghost-town.jpg

We don't know what it is exactly, but there is something strangely beautiful about abandoned spaces—the eerie silence, muted colors, crumbling architecture, a mysterious past. And during the Halloween season,...

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  • Posted by Blaire Briody on October 30, 2009 at 5:28 PM
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Frog Hollow Farm Pears
Farmer Al

When it comes to food, if it’s good enough for Alice Waters, it’s more than good enough for the masses. The famed chef and restaurateur serves the little known Warren...

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  • Posted by Courtney Woods on October 30, 2009 at 3:53 PM
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Stylish Sandwich Bags
entertaining-ideas-lunch-skin

In this economy, packing a lunch instead of splurging at the café every day is smart. And with these adorable Lunch Skin sandwich bags, your PB & J just got...

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  • Posted by Blaire Briody on October 30, 2009 at 10:33 AM
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Fashion-Forward Furniture from London's Jimmie Martin
opening image

Readers of “I on Design” already know that I am mad about Jimmie Martin, the couture London-based company whose furniture is about as cutting edge as it gets these days....

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  • Posted by Michael Lassell on October 29, 2009 at 1:49 PM
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Cute (And Cheap) Leather Trays
home-decor-animal-tray

With dynamic animal silhouettes against bright colors, these leather trays from MollaSpace take cute to sophisticated. Choose from a butterfly on turquoise, rabbit on pink, a deer on yellow, an...

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  • Posted by Blaire Briody on October 29, 2009 at 8:21 AM
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"Traffic Patterns" Exhibit Opens
KAthy ertemann

Studio ceramist Kathy Erteman's "Traffic Patterns" exhibition recently opened at the Greenwich House Pottery's Jane Hartsook Gallery in New York City. The self-proclaimed urban voyeur drew inspiration from...

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  • Posted by Callie Jenschke on October 28, 2009 at 12:20 PM
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Elevated Erasing
eraser

Forget the Pink Pearl classics; we’re falling over Anything’s new graphic eraser. Created by British designer Michael Sodeau for the Japanese company Suikosha, this asterisk-shaped rubber eraser neatly cleans up...

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  • Posted by Kirsten Fields on October 28, 2009 at 8:33 AM
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Designer Trash Cans
Mike Perry

Your trash bin may not be your most exciting possession (ours is decidedly hidden under the sink), but for their 70th anniversary, the company Vipp--of the iconic Vipp pedal...

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  • Posted by Blaire Briody on October 27, 2009 at 5:16 PM
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The Comfiest and Prettiest Sofa

3

After 14 months of sitting on camping chairs, I am thrilled to announce, we own a couch. Yes, you may remember me mentioning this very sofa, the Grayson, sometime...

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  • Posted by Anne E. Collins on October 27, 2009 at 11:49 AM
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Dripless Cone Candles
Cone candle

We love the look of candles but hate the lumps of wax that inevitably end up on our tables and cloths. Enter these dripless, non-toxic cone candles that come in...

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  • Posted by Rachel Lexier on October 27, 2009 at 10:51 AM
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Mother-of-Pearl Mirror
mirror

Your wall promises to be the fairest of them all with this gorgeous and girlie mirror from Anthropologie. Luscious mother-of-pearl tiles surround the glass, creating an eye-catching accent piece. And...

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  • Posted by Leah Konen on October 27, 2009 at 9:32 AM
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Modern Personalized Platter
platter

Looking for the perfect wedding gift or way to say, “I love you”? While personalization can easily fall into the cheesy, boring, and not-so-chic categories, when done right, there’s really...

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  • Posted by Leah Konen on October 26, 2009 at 2:42 PM
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Darling Decanter
decanter

Forget the bottle, and turn your wine into a lovely table centerpiece with this gorgeous glass decanter by Sagaform. Though decanting was originally used to remove sediment from the bottle...

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  • Posted by Leah Konen on October 26, 2009 at 9:12 AM
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Dual-Function Ironing Board
ironing board

We’ll admit; there are days we’d take wrinkles in our outfit over the hassle of pulling out the ironing board. Designer Aissa Logerot knows how we feel and has...

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  • Posted by Leah Konen on October 23, 2009 at 2:28 PM
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Cape Town Wine Auction
Heritage Square Wine

Heritage Square, a property trust made up of the oldest buildings in Cape Town, will be auctioning four artist-decorated, limited-edition magnums of Cape Riesling wine that they’ve produced from...

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  • Posted by Lenora Jane Estes on October 23, 2009 at 12:02 PM
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Charming Snakes
serpent tray

A winding snake coils and loops into a gorgeous pattern on these glimmering trays by Eduardo Garza for Vivre. Though snakes generally creep us out, this curling interpretation in...

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  • Posted by Leah Konen on October 23, 2009 at 9:09 AM
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How to Read a (Nearly) Empty Room
living room

People who live in modern houses don’t generally go in for clutter. The look is spare, open, uninflected. “Less is more” is decidedly the clarion call of modernism. But one...

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  • Posted by Michael Lassell on October 22, 2009 at 11:01 AM
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Eva Zeisel Lounge Chair
Eva Zeisel Chair

Eva Zeisel fans rejoice! After four years between her last furniture release, the acclaimed designer’s grandson, Adam, is selling her new lounge chair online during the month of November...

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Rain Can
Rain can

Sure, turning on a faucet or hooking up a hose is easy, but with fresh, clean water being a precious commodity in most of...

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  • Posted by Blaire Briody on October 21, 2009 at 11:37 AM
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Cheery Wine Bags
wine bags

With the holiday season fast approaching, these cloth wine bags are definitely something to have on-hand in the pantry. Be it for Thanksgiving or Christmas, a party or a...

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  • Posted by Leah Konen on October 21, 2009 at 9:02 AM
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Fresh Food Delivery in Detroit
Peaches truck

Peaches, greens and other seasonal produce are easy to access in most of America, but in inner city Detroit, not so much until now. For the past year, a tricked...

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  • Posted by LJ Estes on October 20, 2009 at 6:08 PM
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Easy Bedroom Glamour
pillow

We’ve long been fans of Suzani patterns, and this Uzbek-inspired pillow by Viva Terra is a beautiful interpretation in rich glimmering gold. At 18˝ square, it’s a fabulous accent to...

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  • Posted by Leah Konen on October 20, 2009 at 9:34 AM
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Birdcage Craze
birdcage

In our daily wanderings through the design world, we can’t help but notice—birdcages are everywhere! Birds perched on branches have long been (perhaps too long) a popular motif but now the...

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  • Posted by Blaire Briody on October 19, 2009 at 1:45 PM
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Lovely Leather Serveware
serverware

Take your table display up a notch with this ultra-chic serving set from Jayson Home and Garden. The stainless steel set is practical for serving everything from meats to salads, but...

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  • Posted by Leah Konen on October 19, 2009 at 10:16 AM
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Trendy Terrariums
Domsai

Matteo Cibic describes his Domsai Terrariums as the next wave in virtual pets, a sort of Tamagotchi (remember those?) for your side table or desk. Except instead of virtual “food,” these...

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  • Posted by Rachel Lexier on October 16, 2009 at 12:11 PM
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A Table Lamp Both Chic and Affordable
table-decor-west-elm-lamp

At just 6.5˝ across and 17˝ high, this slim light is perfectly suited to top a bedside or end table. A teardrop shape and basic colors make it simple, sleek and...

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  • Posted by Leah Konen on October 16, 2009 at 8:34 AM
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Know Your Design Biases
Decor-ideas-Brick-makers-table

I’m a sucker for Frenchie furniture. I love feminine lines, the movement of a curved back, and most decor that could be linked back to the sensuous...

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  • Posted by Anne E. Collins on October 16, 2009 at 8:33 AM
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Step Up to Origami
origami footstool

We may be a little rusty on our paper crane folding skills, but we still love the look of the Japanese paper art form. So when...

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  • Posted by Blaire Briody on October 15, 2009 at 4:17 PM
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California Comfort Food at Huckleberry
Huckleberry Cafe

Helmed by baker-chef-owner Zoe Nathan, Huckleberry is charming, sunny new bakery and café in Santa Monica. Not only is it pretty much the perfect spot to grab a morning...

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  • Posted by Jessica Mischner on October 15, 2009 at 11:46 AM
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The 10 Best Chairs Ever, Part 2
aeron chair

Last week, I divulged some of my picks for the most iconic modern seats. This week, read on to see the final five unveiled ...

The Aeron Chair...

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  • Posted by Michael Lassell on October 15, 2009 at 11:42 AM
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The Skyscraper Sculpture
unique-home-decor-skyscrapers

Often, the great cities are best displayed by their signature buildings, but plastic statue souvenirs are not exactly the chicest way to show your civic pride. These skeletal hand-tied, bamboo interpretations...

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  • Posted by Blaire Briody on October 15, 2009 at 10:49 AM
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The Coolest Windows Ever
clock-tower

At first, a house covered in clocks may sound more kitschy than chic. But when we saw this $25 million apartment on ShelterPop.com, we were definitely impressed. The open...

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  • Posted by Leah Konen on October 14, 2009 at 11:19 AM
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Nesting Cups
unique-home-decor-nesting-dolls

If you’re tired of the clamoring, clunky ring-bound variety of measuring cups, Fred Flare has dreamed up something way more practical and definitely more chic. Patterned after the classic Russian nesting...

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  • Posted by Leah Konen on October 14, 2009 at 11:00 AM
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Sassy Glass
table-decor-glass-carafe

Designed by Lotta Odelius, this handblown glass decanter goes way beyond basic with a sexy hourglass shape and a lime- or orange-colored bottom decal that adds a splash of color. As...

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  • Posted by Leah Konen on October 13, 2009 at 10:13 AM
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With a Modern Twist
Modern Twist

What’s the point of placemats that spot or stain? Modern Twist’s elegant mats and coasters help us stay stylish even when we’re messy. The FDA-grade hand-silk-screened silicone cleans...

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  • Posted by Katherine Nelson on October 13, 2009 at 10:02 AM
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Heirloom Update
table-decor-antiques

Grandma’s vintage jewelry? Amazing. Her tarnished ornate tea service? Not so much. Since we’ve long been detracted by heavy and formal silver, we were delightfully surprised to discover Urban General’s modern...

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  • Posted by Kirsten Fields on October 9, 2009 at 11:43 AM
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Lobmeyr Drinking Set
Decanter

Lovely enough to use for special occasions, but designed with an eye toward the everyday, Lobmeyr's Drinking Set No. 281, also know as "Grip" is a nod to traditional Italian...

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  • Posted by Rachel Lexier on October 9, 2009 at 11:04 AM
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Chic Table Update
table-decor-anthropologie-tablecloth

With a punchy petunia pattern, this Anthropologie tablecloth has a definite bohemian vibe but remains modern in bold black and ivory. Made of sturdy cotton canvas that’s machine-washable, it’s the perfect...

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  • Posted by Leah Konen on October 9, 2009 at 8:50 AM
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The 10 Best Chairs Ever, Part 1
home-decor-chairs

The first chair a human ever sat on was probably a rock. Handy, durable, not very portable, inexpensive. Happily the species evolved a sense of style, which is...

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  • Posted by Michael Lassell on October 8, 2009 at 1:20 PM
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Shopping for a Cause
home-decor-breast-cancer-research

In honor of National Breast Cancer Awareness Month, one of our favorite bedding and accessories retailers, Blissliving Home, is donating 20 percent of its proceeds from delightfully...

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  • Posted by Leah Konen on October 8, 2009 at 9:57 AM
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Barry Goralnick Collections for Stark Carpet
Goralnick

Designer Barry Goralnick's new carpet and rug collection for Stark has got us seeing stars. Part glamour, part subtle elegance, his Tibetan and hand-knotted collection reinterprets pattern, scale, and color by using weaves...

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  • Posted by Callie Jenschke on October 7, 2009 at 5:24 PM
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Wine Light
table-decor-wine-candleholder

We’ve tried the trick of popping a taper candle into an empty wine bottle, and we’ve spent the following morning cleaning melted wax off the table. To avoid the messy cleanup,...

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  • Posted by Kirsten Fields on October 7, 2009 at 2:14 PM
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Reversible Runner
table-decor-cb2-runner

Sometimes a little black and white is all you need to turn dated into modern. At least it is with this graphic find from CB2, a piece that promises to give...

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  • Posted by Leah Konen on October 7, 2009 at 10:37 AM
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The Best Way to View Art
design-ideas-artists-tour.

I’m a big museum fan but if given the choice to see the art in the climate-controlled rooms of the Met or the studio where art is being made, I’ll...

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  • Posted by Anne E. Collins on October 6, 2009 at 5:18 PM
  • Comments (1)
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Artista Espresso Machine Online Auction
Kelly Hoppen

Today through October 18 Delonghi, the Italian manufacturer of some of the world’s coolest coffee makers, is sponsoring an online charity auction of its top-of-the line Artista Series espresso machines....

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  • Posted by Katherine Nelson on October 6, 2009 at 2:28 PM
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Instant Candlelight
entertaining-ideas-5-minute-candles

What’s the secret to style and flair at a moment’s notice? A very deep purse. Within our bag of tricks we try and keep as many accessories for as many...

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  • Posted by Kirsten Fields on October 6, 2009 at 10:32 AM
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Pretty Clean
dish-cloths

Dishwashing can be dull, but leave it to Marimekko to pep things up. Ten dollars buys a pack of two different patterned kitchen cloths: choose from the graphic flower and squirrel...

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  • Posted by Kirsten Fields on October 5, 2009 at 10:21 AM
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Switch Up
home-decor-working-class-lamps

Some decorating decisions do not come easily, so products with options usually come with a sense of relief. And Working Class Studio’s versatile new lamp appeases both our fickle and...

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  • Posted by Kirsten Fields on October 5, 2009 at 9:18 AM
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21st Century General Store
518 Store

At not even a year old, Carrol Garden's Store 518, owned by Nadia Tarr (designer of the celebrated Butter by Nadia dresses), is a treasure trove of amazing doo-dads,...

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Something to Talk About
unique-home-decor-chat-bubbles

We love a little chitchat, so we were pretty excited to see talk bubbles popping up as a home décor icon. Of course they’re bold and graphic,...

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  • Posted by Leah Konen on October 2, 2009 at 2:12 PM
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Clean Greens
green-cleaning-products

As much as we love to eat organic fruits and veggies, the chemically coated kind has sadly become the standard. We rinse our produce, of course, but we still wonder...

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  • Posted by Kirsten Fields on October 2, 2009 at 2:03 PM
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Affordable Quick Fixes for Any Room in the House
home-decor-quick-fixes

So I assume you’ve heard there’s a recession going on. Depressing. And most people are holding tight to their increasingly hard-to-earn greenbacks. So, yes, the major renovation plans...

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  • Posted by Michael Lassell on October 1, 2009 at 1:31 PM
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Halloween Table Decor
skull plates

We love a good costume as much as anyone else, but for us Halloween is obviously about the decorations. Since we don’t exactly reap the benefits of trick...

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  • Posted by Leah Konen on October 1, 2009 at 10:41 AM
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Classic Gadget Cases
unique-home-decor-thomas-paul-cases

There’s no way to escape the digital age, but at least with these covers from Thomas Paul, you can dream about a time when life was a bit simpler. Each zip-up...

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  • Posted by Leah Konen on October 1, 2009 at 9:49 AM
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The Look for Less: Shapely Table Lamp
table-decor-table-lamps

There were two things that impressed us about this IKEA table lamp. First off, $5 is a price that can hardly be beat for chic, functional lighting. And secondly, it...

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  • Posted by Leah Konen on September 30, 2009 at 11:10 AM
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"Well Considered" Furniture
Conran Shop

Consisting of intelligently designed, essential products for the home, The Conran Shop's "Well Considered" collection offers exceptionally good value furniture for a young generation of customers. Heavy on color and...

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  • Posted by Callie Jenschke on September 29, 2009 at 12:40 PM
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Cupboard Must-Haves
Kitchen-decor-lidded-bowls

After a summer of barbeques, picnics, and house parties (if you’re anything like us), you may have lost a few serving pieces. So if you’re short on cooking storage, you...

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Light My Fire
Royal V

The new Mood Flame from Royal VKB makes us smile. Packed with tons of personality and charm, the pint-size silicone tea light brings to mind a kind of glowing magic...

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  • Posted by Katherine Nelson on September 28, 2009 at 4:59 PM
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Money Pig
Home-Decor-Piggy-bank

This latest piggy bank from CB2 adds mega value to your pennies. The papier-mâché porker is made from color copies of U.S. and foreign bills, and features a coin slot...

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  • Posted by Leah Konen on September 28, 2009 at 11:09 AM
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Beautiful Branch Table
home-decor-branch-table

Branchlike legs make this lovely side table rustic, but a white finish keeps it light, fresh, and stylish. At 21.5-by-18-inches, it’s an ideal table to add a natural flair to the...

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  • Posted by Leah Konen on September 28, 2009 at 9:11 AM
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The Ultimate Trivet
Alessi-trivet

We’ve long loved Alessi’s combination of smart and sleek, and this new trivet marries the two effortlessly. This three-piece wonder can be arranged in a number of ways to hold...

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  • Posted on September 25, 2009 at 3:35 PM
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Designs for the Next 90 Years
Steamer

What does the future hold? Electrolux, the major appliance manufacturer that celebrates its 90 year anniversary this year, enlisted the help of young international design students to help envision what...

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  • Posted by Callie Jenschke on September 25, 2009 at 2:17 PM
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Rubber Duckie, You’re the One
unique-home-decor-rubber-duckie

We love the sunny yellow color and the simple, iconic shape of the bath time rubber duck. But unless you’re under the age of five, it doesn’t really have much use....

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  • Posted by Leah Konen on September 25, 2009 at 9:45 AM
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Design Icon: The Sputnik Chandelier
home-decor-sputnik-chandeliers

Every once in awhile, I am moved to do a little research on an object that has become a style icon, like the “Sputnik”-style chandeliers that...

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  • Posted by Michael Lassell on September 24, 2009 at 9:40 AM
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A Touch of French Flair

Created in the tradition of 19th century French wirework, these lovely little place-card holders promise to take any dinner party up a notch. Made from iron wire with a weathered bronze...

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  • Posted by Leah Konen on September 24, 2009 at 9:10 AM
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Toy Dishes for Grown-ups
table-decor-lego-dishes

Since entering the toy scene in the 1950s, Legos have never ceased to capture a child's imagination, and we understand why: the bright colors, the interlocking teeth, and of course, the...

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  • Posted by Blaire Briody on September 23, 2009 at 11:34 AM
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A Chicer Home Office
wall-decor-bulletin-board

Bulletin boards are crucial to get your desk space organized, but the typical plywood rectangle tends to be the antithesis of chic. We’ve done all the DIY tricks before—covering one...

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  • Posted by Leah Konen on September 23, 2009 at 9:00 AM
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Chimney Lights
Chimmney

Produced in a small pottery studio in Wales, England, designer Benjamin Hubert utilizes local clay from the region to create his new Chimney collection of hand thrown, kiln fired clay pendant...

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  • Posted by Callie Jenschke on September 22, 2009 at 5:08 PM
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A Summer Farewell
outside-living-05.jpg

An invitation that involves a river, friends, and free lodging makes all the details about...

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  • Posted by Anne E. Collins on September 22, 2009 at 12:04 PM
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Caged Candle
unique-home-decor-candle

Recently, we’ve been seeing birdcages just about everywhere. No longer just a decorative accessory or home for a feathered friend, birdcages are being turned into pieces for a host of other...

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  • Posted by Leah Konen on September 22, 2009 at 11:02 AM
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Designing Obama
Obama Book

We’re sure that when you think of our new President, the word “design” might be the last thing that comes to mind. But with this newly published collection of art...

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  • Posted by Rachel Lexier on September 22, 2009 at 10:40 AM
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Inspiration from the Emmys: Grey Gardens
celebrity-interiors-grey-gardens

We love the glitz and glamour of the Emmys, and last night's ceremony was no disappointment, especially when it comes to set design. Sure, the Emmys are primarily meant to honor exemplary...

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  • Posted by Leah Konen on September 21, 2009 at 11:07 AM
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Artful Olive Oil
table-decor-olive-oil-dish

Unfilled, this piece is a gorgeous porcelain dish featuring a concentric, leaf-shaped pattern. But fill it up with your favorite olive oil, and the leaf’s different levels become a gradation of...

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  • Posted by Leah Konen on September 21, 2009 at 9:52 AM
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Racing Recliner
unique-home-decor-race-car-chair

Now might not be the time to splurge on that Porsche racing through our dreams but how about something with that same sleek and sexy form? Tell us more. The Italian...

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  • Posted by Blaire Briody on September 18, 2009 at 4:27 PM
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London Design Festival
American Chateau

This Friday marks the beginning of The London Design Festival, the annual event established to celebrate and promote London as one of the creative capitals of the world. With...

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  • Posted by Callie Jenschke on September 18, 2009 at 2:16 PM
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Functional Menagerie
moma-calendar

Trade your boring desktop calendar for something a bit more playful. This unique collection is made up of six different paper animal cut-outs with cute little feet stands. Each creature features...

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  • Posted by Leah Konen on September 18, 2009 at 10:05 AM
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Crosby Street: A Great New York Hotel
travel-crosby-steet-hotel

Everyone has a theme song. Mine is “I Love a Hotel” (sung to the tune of Harold Arlen’s 1931 “I Love a Parade”). In my travel writing days, I...

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  • Posted by Michael Lassell on September 17, 2009 at 5:02 PM
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Kidrobot’s Cool David Weeks Collectible
Dunny

Okay we admit it. We want a dunny. The dunny is a limited edtion vinyl collectible from urban cool Kidrobot that gets a makeover each year from various artists....

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  • Posted by Katherine Nelson on September 16, 2009 at 3:58 PM
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Tea and Origami
table-decor-origami-tea-bags

If we think we made a statement at the Boston Tea Party, imagine a sea of these. Inspired by the beauty and craft of Japanese origami, Russian designer Nathalia Ponomareva has...

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  • Posted by Blaire Briody on September 16, 2009 at 1:04 PM
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Towel Tapestry
bathroom-decor-anthropologie-towels

Bad economy or not, we’re always looking for accessories worth the coin and the real estate in our home. And these jacquard terry towels from Anthropologie fit the bill. Scrolling white...

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  • Posted by Alexandra Martell on September 16, 2009 at 10:18 AM
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Goddess of Book Love
aphrodite-shelf

Always the muse, Aphrodite is back in rare form. The Grecian beauty’s silhouette is now a stunning shelf. It's made to stack books and magazines or to simply admire the goddess...

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  • Posted by Blaire Briody on September 15, 2009 at 4:07 PM
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Bernhardt Area Tables
ARea Collection

After making its international debut in Milan at Salone del Mobile in Milan 2009, New York based architect Marc Thorpe's new Area collection for Bernhardt Designs has finally arrived state...

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Dual Function Chandelier
glass-Cluster-1

When filled with goblets or flutes, this simple glass rack becomes a breathtaking chandelier. Capitalizing on the simple chic shape of the wine glass, this lit-up rack holds either 16 or...

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  • Posted by Leah Konen on September 14, 2009 at 8:57 AM
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Trendier Thermos
moma-carafe-1

Keep coffee hot or your iced tea cool for the picnic, campfire, or even just the kitchen table. While we love this clever carafe from MoMA because it’s so practical –...

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  • Posted by Leah Konen on September 14, 2009 at 8:50 AM
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Brown Bag It
unique-home-decor-lunch-bags

Ask any kid what his or her favorite class in school is, and you’ll almost always get the same response—lunch. Make that highlight of their day a...

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  • Posted by Alexandra Martell on September 11, 2009 at 1:32 PM
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Sweet Serving Tray
table-decor-melamine-tray

We love the mix of classic Baroque lines and modern melamine in this chic extra-large platter. The piece is chocolate brown on top, pistachio green on the bottom, and undeniably yummy...

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  • Posted by Leah Konen on September 10, 2009 at 4:44 PM
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Big Ideas for the Bath
bathroom-designs-big-ideas

Like many a big-city apartment dweller, I have bathroom envy. I have a bathroom, of course, but it's strictly by the numbers. Functional.
Practical. Small. There...

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  • Posted by Michael Lassell on September 10, 2009 at 2:00 PM
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Chicer Salad Service
table-decor-sagaform-salad-bowl

If you were looking for an excuse to eat more greens, here it is. This simple and stylish salad bowl pairs a handblown glass bottom with a leaf-patterned lid. Its clear...

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  • Posted by Leah Konen on September 10, 2009 at 8:35 AM
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On a Roll
Roll Out

If you can roll it, you can grow it. English designer Chris Chapman wanted to make growing fresh veggies easier for busy individuals and families. His design, a mat...

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Repurposed Plates
table-decor-antique-plates

We love the idea of using our antique china. It reminds us of our grandmother’s hutch, the table set for Thanksgiving, and all those other memorable family occasions. But...

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  • Posted by Leah Konen on September 9, 2009 at 1:17 PM
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Faceted Lamp on Sale
unique-home-decor-facted-pendant-lamp

We’ve been pining for this unusual faceted piece ever since we first saw it in ELLE DECOR's April Trend Alert. We love its geometric form and the clear glass...

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  • Posted by Leah Konen on September 9, 2009 at 9:00 AM
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Landscape Rugs
Area Rug

Reading a map often invokes thoughts of arguing with Dad during a long vacation. But these aerial-view rugs from 

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  • Posted by Rachel Lexier on September 8, 2009 at 11:29 AM
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Pioneers of Change–Dutch Design Festival
Pioneer of Change

The Dutch are coming! The Dutch are coming! Well, in truth, they have been here all along. In celebration of the 400th anniversary of the arrival of the Dutch...

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  • Posted by Callie Jenschke on September 8, 2009 at 9:45 AM
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Personalized Plate
table-decor-initially-yours-plates

Personalization is nice, but monograms aren’t the only way to go. The alternative? This chic script plate from Rosanna Inc. Each one features a subtle scalloped edge, and a delicately drawn...

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  • Posted by Leah Konen on September 8, 2009 at 8:15 AM
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Jigsaw Style
unique-home-decor-puzzle-trend

Forget the picture on the puzzle box; it’s the shapes that piece it all together that have inspired furniture designers. We started seeing puzzle-inspired decor last year...

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  • Posted by Leah Konen on September 4, 2009 at 11:29 AM
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Honeycomb Bracket
wall-decor-honeycomb-bracket

Honey or not, we think this shelf is pretty sweet. So ditch your boring brackets, and replace them with these from Urban Outfitters. With a hexagonal pattern shaped like honeycomb and...

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  • Posted by Leah Konen on September 4, 2009 at 9:05 AM
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All About the Details
Storefront_opener.jpg

Talk about a hot bed of design, JF & Son Storefront opens its doors today. Founder Jesse Finkelstein and partner Kathryn B. King have created a space where the new breed...

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  • Posted by Callie Jenschke on September 3, 2009 at 2:58 PM
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Up to 50 Percent Off Dramatic Drapery
home-decorating-fabrics-drapes

We’ve long been fans of the lush fabrics at the Silk Trading Company. Primarily working with materials like silks, silk taffetas, and silk organzas, the company specializes in dramatic...

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  • Posted by Leah Konen on September 3, 2009 at 10:01 AM
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Herman Miller Hits the Road
hermanmiller_opener.jpg

The Muskegon Museum of Art is kicking off Good Design: Stories from Herman Miller, a 15-city traveling exhibition that opened last week in Michigan at the MMA, and will travel to...

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  • Posted by Rachel Lexier on September 2, 2009 at 2:05 PM
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Not Your Grandfather’s Grandfather Clock
wall-decor-wall-decals

We love the classic shape, the unbeatable lines, and the grandeur of a grandfather clock. But a modern space deserves something a bit more … modern. The great compromise is here...

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  • Posted by Leah Konen on September 2, 2009 at 10:10 AM
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Unusual Wire Taper Holders
table-decor-anthropologie-tapers

Let’s face it, the brass candlesticks you inherited are nice but they don’t exactly say fresh or fabulous. These new iron taper holders from Anthropologie are the perfect contemporary...

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  • Posted by Leah Konen on September 2, 2009 at 9:36 AM
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Dutch Treat
DUTCHOPENER.gif

Sometimes we just can’t get enough of that kooky, clever Dutch Design. Luckily, two of that country’s leading creative cities, Amsterdam and Utrecht, are here to help our design habit by...

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  • Posted by Katherine Nelson on September 1, 2009 at 12:48 PM
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Chic Simrin Trays on Sale
table-decor-simrin-trays

Crafted from handprinted cotton fabrics coated in clear laminate, these botanical trays from Simrin combine natural texture and graphic pattern to bring sophisticated flair to the table, wall, or anywhere they’re...

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  • Posted by Leah Konen on September 1, 2009 at 9:19 AM
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Fit for a King
home-decorating-trends-crowns

If the word “royal” sounds old, stuffy, and way too traditional, think again. Unusual regal accessories are popping up in top home décor stores, and they’re just as chic...

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  • Posted by Leah Konen on August 31, 2009 at 11:48 AM
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Room-Reviving Pillows for $50 or Less
bedroom-decorating-pillows-sale

Don’t be fooled by its simple name. PillowsandThrows.com cuts right to the chase with a spectacular selection of pillows, throws, and luxurious linens. Stocking names like Blissliving Home,...

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  • Posted by Leah Konen on August 31, 2009 at 9:45 AM
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Hand Mirrors as Wall Art
design-ideas-antique-mirrors.jpg

When my grandmother passed away a few years ago, my aunt Chris decided to decorate a room in her honor. Perhaps the most touching design concept I can possibly think...

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Areaware’s ‘Design To Go’
Areaware

When New Yorkers think of Port Authority, “fun” and “design” probably aren’t the first things that come to mind. Areaware, a New York store specializing in decorative objects and distinctly...

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  • Posted by Rachel Lexier on August 28, 2009 at 2:01 PM
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You and Me Card
design-ideas-you-me-card

It’s hard to find a good greeting card—especially when most of them seem to feature open-armed teddy bears or ribbon-tied bouquets. We’d almost given up entirely but we found a...

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  • Posted by Leah Konen on August 28, 2009 at 11:00 AM
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Glam Glitz Table
table-decor-chilewich-runner

Made from pressed vinyl, this table runner from Chilewich has the lightness and flexibility of fine linen, but is more durable and holds up to messes. Though we’ve seen their pressed...

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  • Posted by Leah Konen on August 28, 2009 at 8:00 AM
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5 Dos of Drapes
home-decorating-fabrics-drapes

For years it seemed that every designer under the sun was maximizing each room’s exposure to the sun’s rays by leaving windows starkers. But modernism has now embraced ye...

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  • Posted by Michael Lassell on August 27, 2009 at 11:49 AM
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Whimsical Wall Organizer
wall-decor-wire-basket

Let’s be honest. Most wall organizers are made of cheap plastic or phony wood and are about the farthest thing from chic. But this wall-mounted wire basket in an antique bronze...

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  • Posted by Leah Konen on August 27, 2009 at 8:23 AM
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Sip of Light
Clutch

Those colorful plastic straws are no longer limited to sipping soda. This Clutch Light by Scott Jarvie not only adds a quirky ray of light to your home but also...

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  • Posted by Molly Raisch on August 26, 2009 at 3:26 PM
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The History of the Chair
Untitled Document

retro-decor-inhabit-pillows

So you haven’t saved up enough for your Eames lounger just yet? Not to worry. We know there’s...

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  • Posted by Leah Konen on August 26, 2009 at 12:53 PM
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Affordable Luxury

unique-home-decor-perfume-decanter-1

We’ll admit it; we’ve never filled a perfume bottle in our lives. However, there is something about this gorgeous little vessel that makes us desperately want to funnel our eau...

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  • Posted by Leah Konen on August 26, 2009 at 8:37 AM
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Waste Not
Joey

Last week, the New York International Gift Fair held court at NYC’s Jacob Javitt’s Center. Hundreds, if not thousands, of vendors from across the US and abroad set up shop displaying...

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  • Posted by Callie Jenschke on August 25, 2009 at 2:07 PM
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Sale Alert! Up to 75 Percent Off at Vivre!
home-decor-vivre-sale

We’ve long loved Eva Jeanbart-Lorenzotti’s chic online shopping site, Vivre, so we flipped when we heard about this week’s enormous drop in prices. Their Home...

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  • Posted by Leah Konen on August 25, 2009 at 8:40 AM
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Hot or Cold Mug
entertaining-ideas-hot-cold-mug

There’s nothing that disturbs your morning Zen like a sip of cold coffee. But when you’re wrapped up in the Sunday Times, it’s hard to remember how long you’ve been there,...

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  • Posted on August 24, 2009 at 2:14 PM
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Slashed Prices on a Sophisticated Desk Set

unique-home-decor-reality-desk-set

Made from white resin cast from real objects, these desk accessories from Harry Allen’s Reality line are a delightful addition to a modern desk space. The resin rubber band ball...

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  • Posted by Leah Konen on August 24, 2009 at 8:27 AM
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The Polaroid Camera Revived
wall-decor-polaroid-frames-1

Digital cameras are smart, quick, and ultimately, way more cost-efficient than shooting on film. But we’ll be honest. Our hearts broke a little when we learned that Polaroid announced it would...

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  • Posted by Leah Konen on August 21, 2009 at 11:18 AM
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Modular Textiles
ModTextile1.jpg

Completely knock your socks off inspiring, artist Eunsuk Hur’s Nomadic Wonderland, an interchangeable modular system of textile pieces, was showcased at this year’s Salone in Milan. Laser cut pieces of leather,...

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  • Posted by Callie Jenschke on August 21, 2009 at 11:06 AM
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Kindle: Yes or No?
design-ideas-amazon-kindle

Build a better mousetrap, the saying goes, and the world will beat a path to your door. Fine. As it should be. After all, function is the soul of design. If...

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  • Posted by Michael Lassell on August 20, 2009 at 2:12 PM
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Trendy Tray on Sale
table-decor-acapulco-tray

We’re big fans of Jonathan Adler, and we’ve particularly enjoyed the fact that our favorite potter extraordinaire is adding more affordable tabletop pieces to his poppy lines—especially when said pieces are...

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  • Posted by Leah Konen on August 20, 2009 at 11:59 AM
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Slashed Prices at ABC Carpet and Home
living-room-decorating-ideas-abc-home

So first things first, we were thrilled to learn that as of the end of July, ABC Carpet and Home, one of our favorite retailers for rugs and unique...

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  • Posted by Leah Konen on August 20, 2009 at 11:52 AM
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Super Size It
XL Lounge

Full disclosure, these fatty versions of the classic Eames Lounge chairs and ottomans are art done in response to the apparent consequences of the over-consumption of goods and materials of...

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  • Posted by Callie Jenschke on August 19, 2009 at 1:15 PM
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Rug Reminder
unique-home-decor-urban-rug

When was the last time you found yourself dashing back inside for a forgotten set of keys, a phone or wallet? (If you’re like us, probably this morning.) We don’t know...

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  • Posted by Alexandra Martell on August 19, 2009 at 10:31 AM
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Pineapple Lantern
unique-home-decor-pineapple-lantern

There are few things we love more than fresh summer fruit…. and we aren’t just talking about taste. The look of these pineapple candleholders is just the thing to sweeten a...

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  • Posted by Alexandra Martell on August 19, 2009 at 9:30 AM
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Check Mate
The Tournament

The ever-kooky but always mind-blowing creative designer Jaime Hayón takes on the thinking man’s game during this year’s London Design Festival. Located in the heart of London, in Trafalgar Square,...

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  • Posted by Callie Jenschke on August 18, 2009 at 11:28 AM
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A Chicer Vanity Mirror
bedroom-decorating-ideas-twig-vanity-mirror

We’ve got to admit we’ve got a little bit of a thing for faux bois but this piece goes above and beyond this decorative motif. Cast in recycled metal from real...

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  • Posted by Leah Konen on August 18, 2009 at 8:06 AM
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Obama’s Mother’s Batik Collection
barack-obamas-mothers-batik

We’re always interested in incorporating a little global glamour into our design scheme, so when we heard the president’s mother felt the same way—and has an exhibit at the...

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  • Posted by Leah Konen on August 17, 2009 at 12:58 PM
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Cage Light Craze
DesignIdeas-DesignStockholm.jpg

Last March, when I suggested construction site light bulb safety cages as a great idea for a modern pendant lamp—I thought I was going out on a limb....

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The Look for Less: International Wall Art
living-room-decorating-ideas-maps

We’ve long been in love with this wall decal from Ferm Living. Bold and graphic, it promises to jazz up any room but also reminds us how much we...

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  • Posted by Leah Konen on August 17, 2009 at 10:46 AM
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Domestic Wall Decals
WallDecalFEATURED.jpg

We’re all for custom wallcoverings, but what if you lack the space or ambition to paper a whole room? Enter the wall decal, a temporary solution to a permanent décor dilemma....

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  • Posted by Rachel Lexier on August 14, 2009 at 11:00 AM
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Modern Portable Typewriter
retro-decor-moma-laptop-case

As editors, we spend a lot of time writing, and while we love the utility of a laptop, nothing has ever been quite so romantic as the clicking keys of an...

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  • Posted by Leah Konen on August 14, 2009 at 11:00 AM
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Sweetest Little Lampshade
home-decor-idas-urban-outfitters-shade

With a pretty dotty pattern, this shade makes us want to hop in the DeLorean and head straight for the ‘40s. Its sweet scalloped edges in simple linen make it a...

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  • Posted by Leah Konen on August 14, 2009 at 8:00 AM
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10 Quick Fixes
Decorating_home_Improvement_quick_fixes

Change is good, but renovation is long and costly. The good news, for those of us who like to change the looks of our homes frequently but who aren’t blessed...

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  • Posted by Michael Lassell on August 13, 2009 at 2:15 PM
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Two-Dollar Placemats
table_decor_felt_two_dollar_placemats

New placemats can transform your dining table—so why limit your stash? When we see a cute set on sale, we can’t resist but flesh out our collection. At $2 each,...

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  • Posted by Leah Konen on August 13, 2009 at 8:14 AM
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Power to the Plants
unique_home_decor_cell_adaptor

There are few people who dislike the ugly cords taking over our offices and bedrooms more than we do, and hiding them is usually more trouble than it's worth. So...

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  • Posted by Blaire Briody on August 12, 2009 at 1:31 PM
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Chic Seating Assignments
table_decor_chalkboard_napkin_rings

Big dinner party in T minus 19 minutes. Your married friends need to sit together, you and your sister most definitely do not, and you’ve been trying to set your best...

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  • Posted by Leah Konen on August 12, 2009 at 12:37 PM
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School of Fish Plates
table_decor_fish_plates

These plates suit us just swimmingly (sorry, we had to). But seriously, these stoneware fishies are perfect as accent plates for bread or appetizers, use in the kitchen as spoon...

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  • Posted by Leah Konen on August 11, 2009 at 1:33 PM
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Touching Flash Cards
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Hello Haptic, designed by Korean designer's Rhea Jeong , Young Soo Hong, Sunmin Lee and Sae Hee Lee, is a flash card kit that educates visually impaired children about their...

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  • Posted by Callie Jenschke on August 11, 2009 at 12:42 PM
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Furniture of Fashion
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Avant-garde, and in my opinion, just down right cool, fashion designer Rick Owens will debut his Evolution collection at London’s Sebastian + Barque gallery in September. The collection, originally conceived in...

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  • Posted by Callie Jenschke on August 11, 2009 at 10:57 AM
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Architectural Ceiling Lights
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The savvy “Shining” collection of lights by German designer Peter Buning turn shadows and light from simple round shades into dramatic ceiling decoration reminiscent of the most intricate and ornate...

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  • Posted by Leah Konen on August 10, 2009 at 11:57 AM
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Stock Up for Your Next Party
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As home editors, we usually try to skip over the typical candleholders. Sure, there are plenty of chic ones out there but there are only so many ways to reinvent...

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  • Posted by Leah Konen on August 10, 2009 at 8:43 AM
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Better Breakfast in Bed
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There are few things more thoughtful than breakfast in bed—not just because the meal was made in our honor but because the server endured a juggling act to get it...

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  • Posted by Leah Konen on August 7, 2009 at 11:14 AM
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Glass Pool Tiles
PoolTilesOPENER.jpg

Glass mosaic tiles look best in unexpected places - don’t just restrict them to the kitchen or bath! The owners of this gorgeous home in Turkey used a dramatic glass tile...

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  • Posted by Rachel Lexier on August 7, 2009 at 9:14 AM
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O’Snap Foldable Waste Basket
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This geometric waste bin from designer Chris Collicott gives every bathroom a clear architectural edge. The clean white, multi-planed piece is a definite eye-catcher, but even cooler, it ships flat and...

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  • Posted by Leah Konen on August 7, 2009 at 8:32 AM
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Details that Make a Room Stronger
Home Decor Ideas Details Stronger

It seems that most of the transformations of rooms that I get to take a very long time. I am about to finish a project that has...

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  • Posted by Mark Cutler on August 6, 2009 at 4:58 PM
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Instant Glamour
Home Decor Ideas Lessons From Glamour

Like many a college freshman, I first studied poetry from John Ciardi’s “How Does a Poem Mean?” It famously addressed the tools employed by the poets...

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  • Posted by Michael Lassell on August 6, 2009 at 2:45 PM
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Trinket Trio
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Though a $36 objet isn’t one of our lowest priced deals, it may be one of our chicest for the money. The finely etched stoneware with a matte finish says...

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  • Posted by Alexandra Martell on August 6, 2009 at 12:12 PM
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Nothing but the Kitchen Sink
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This incredibly inventive structure by architects 2012 Architechten has a façade made entirely of reclaimed kitchen sinks. Held together with scaffolding, wire, and waterproof multiplex boards, it turns what was once...

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  • Posted by Leah Konen on August 5, 2009 at 11:15 AM
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Spruce Up Drink Service
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Make your ice tea even cooler with these fresh new linen cocktail napkins from DwellStudio. Bold graphics and soft neutral colors make this linen line the ideal marriage of strong...

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  • Posted by Leah Konen on August 5, 2009 at 8:32 AM
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Color Palette Generator
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As a devoted Flickr user and self-affirmed blogaholic, I can’t get enough of scrolling through image after image online looking for the next great layout, color combination, or story inspiration. Designer...

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  • Posted by Callie Jenschke on August 4, 2009 at 2:01 PM
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Written in the Sand
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Inspired by the crop circle phenom in England, California artist Andres Amador’s large-scaled works on the beach reflect his fascination with the geometric designs found in nature. Done between tides, these...

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  • Posted by Callie Jenschke on August 4, 2009 at 11:34 AM
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Must-have Dessert Dishes
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Made from fine thin white porcelain ornamented with delicate patterns and rippled edges, the Landscape line from Patricia Urquiola has long been on our hostess gift wish list. So we are...

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  • Posted by Leah Konen on August 4, 2009 at 10:27 AM
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Lamp Sculpture
unique-home-decor-moma-lamp

 

New at the Museum of Modern Art, the PizzaKobra lamp by Ron Arad is a sculptable lighting delight. Perhaps its name describes it best. Coiled up, it makes a circular pattern...

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  • Posted by Leah Konen on August 3, 2009 at 5:37 PM
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Easy Desk Makeover
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We’ve had our eyes on this clean modern lamp for quite a while. In a high-gloss lacquer finish in sparkling white, this classic pharmacy lamp is equally suited for a...

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  • Posted by Leah Konen on August 3, 2009 at 9:17 AM
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Furniture-Inspired Fashion
FURNI-TGrey.jpg

Certainly owning an iconic piece of furniture is something we all aspire to. But for those of us who can’t decide between a Barcelona or an Egg Chair, a lounger...

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  • Posted by Rachel Lexier on July 31, 2009 at 3:27 PM
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Two-in-One Table
Home Decor Mag Table

Why didn’t we think of this? We’ve seen this mag-type table before but we would have never thought it could moonlight as a desk! Horizontally, it’s what we...

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  • Posted by Leah Konen on July 31, 2009 at 11:12 AM
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Window Sill Update
table decor flower pot

Pretty pots for just a dollar each? It sounds impossible, but Ikea’s proven otherwise with Kardemumma (we’re guessing that’s Swedish for really, really cheap). These perfect little planters...

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  • Posted by Leah Konen on July 31, 2009 at 11:00 AM
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Clever Candle
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If you’re ever caught in a blackout, this is one bulb that does not require electricity. Playing off the iconic lightbulb shape, this candle adds a little humor and light to...

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  • Posted by Leah Konen on July 30, 2009 at 12:13 PM
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Chandeliers I Covet, Part 2
Interior_decorating_ideas_chandeliers2

Yes, yes, I know: I blogged about chandeliers last week. But I so did not get through my list of favorite hanging things that light up the dining room (or any...

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  • Posted by Michael Lassell on July 30, 2009 at 11:17 AM
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Wave of Change
SurfboardLEAD

Thomas Meyerhoffer has designed everything from translucent computers to Cappellini chairs, wraparound ski goggles to paper-towel dispensers. After he left Apple in 1998, the daily surfer sought a different...

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  • Posted by Callie Jenschke on July 29, 2009 at 11:14 AM
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Easy Chic Wall Decorations
wall_decor_summer_house_wall_decorating

I really love working on summer houses. People tend to be a bit more relaxed about what they are looking for, and operating on a tighter budget can force you to...

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  • Posted by Mark Cutler on July 29, 2009 at 10:11 AM
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The Handiest Keychain
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Next time your necklace breaks or a screw comes loose, fret not. This smart stainless steel keychain unfolds into spring-loaded pliers, a wire cutter, and a flathead and Phillips screwdriver—leaving...

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  • Posted by Leah Konen on July 29, 2009 at 9:38 AM
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The Spoon Dish
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When it comes to the tabletop world, typically it is the bigger pieces that get all the attention. But with its curvaceous figure and look-at-me black matte glaze, this petite...

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  • Posted by Allison Lind on July 29, 2009 at 9:32 AM
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The Perfect Coffee Cup
Table Decor Coffee Bowls

For me, nothing is better on a lazy weekend morning than a mug of hot coffee lightened with a heavy dose of equally warm milk. Let me correct...

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  • Posted by Mitchell Owens on July 28, 2009 at 2:03 PM
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Lobmeyr Beer Glass
Otto Lobmeyr Beer Glass

We recommend that you leave your lederhosen at home when sipping from the sophisticated black glass Otto beer stein. This sculptural statement piece, a mouthblown, hand carved design...

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  • Posted by Katherine Nelson on July 28, 2009 at 11:21 AM
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Three of Hearts
home_decor_heart_sachets

Say goodbye to those fuddy-duddy overdone sachets and grab a few of these sweet lavender-filled delights. Throw one in a dresser drawer, one in your linen closet, and one in...

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  • Posted by Leah Konen on July 28, 2009 at 8:02 AM
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Salvaged Spoke Mirror
wall_decor_spoke_mirrors

We were surprised to see something so rustic from CB2, but most definitely impressed. Crafted from a reclaimed iron bicycle wheel, this mirror turns the used and unwanted into the...

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  • Posted by Leah Konen on July 27, 2009 at 10:36 AM
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Just My Type
kitchen_decorating_ideas_typewriter_magnets

So we might not be ready to trade our MacBook for a typewriter and white-out, but these adorable magnets made to look like tap-able keys are a great throwback to simpler...

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  • Posted by Leah Konen on July 27, 2009 at 8:16 AM
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The Perfect Island Light
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When we moved into our apartment last year, we worked as quickly as possible to make it our own—painting, wallpapering, changing hardware, excavating fireplaces, and...

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Picture This
FujiFilm Instax 07S

Gone are the Polaroid instant cameras and film that defined an era. But, stop that sobbing because FujiFilm’s groovy Instax Mini 7S lets you capture an image and take...

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  • Posted by Callie Jenschke on July 24, 2009 at 4:40 PM
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For Here or To Go?
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Need a place to set those spring rolls? A few of these plates are perfect for all your takeout delights. The clean, simple graphic makes these plates perfect. But look...

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  • Posted by Leah Konen on July 24, 2009 at 11:12 AM
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Not-So-Traditional Coat Rack
unique_home_decor_3d_coat_rack

Lately it seems like everyone is designing wall decals, and with good reason—there is no easier way to decorate a wall for less. But we’ve seen few that merge beauty...

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  • Posted by Alexandra Martell on July 24, 2009 at 10:02 AM
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Chandeliers I Covet
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I don’t know about you, but I was raised on the 10 Commandments, King James Version. And I knew I wasn’t supposed to covet my neighbor’s wife or maidservant or cattle....

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  • Posted by Michael Lassell on July 23, 2009 at 12:01 PM
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Up to 50 Percent Off at Jayson Home and Garden
interior_decorating_ideas_Jayson_sale

We’ve long drooled over the unusual and unique furnishings on Jayson Home and Garden’s website, and with recent markdowns these pine-worthy pieces are much more within reach. If you’re looking...

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  • Posted by Leah Konen on July 23, 2009 at 10:32 AM
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Designing in Large Spaces
interior_decorating_ideas_large_spaces

A lot of times the rooms that we are challenged to design are not always ideal. Sometimes their greatest feature is the one that is hardest to work with. Take...

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  • Posted by Mark Cutler on July 23, 2009 at 10:17 AM
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Lamps with Total Whimsy
unique_home_decor_birdcage_lamps

Bird and cage become one in these incredibly inventive lamps by Mexican designers Caterina Moretti and Hector Mendoza. We adore the simple look of the natural encino plywood (a renewable material)...

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  • Posted by Leah Konen on July 22, 2009 at 12:38 PM
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Fashionable Foscarini Lamps
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Diesel’s Successful Living, the newest partnership between the internationally recognized denim company and Italian lighting designers Foscarini, is one part fashion and one part décor–and completely rock and roll....

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  • Posted by Rachel Lexier on July 22, 2009 at 11:39 AM
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For the Chef in Training
entertaining_at_home_dog_knives

Perfect for budding chefs, these knives by designer Kuhn Rikon are just sharp enough to dice soft foods but not small hands. The tail on these dog-shaped knives may be just...

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  • Posted by Alexandra Martell on July 22, 2009 at 10:12 AM
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‘One Off’ at Merci, Paris
Paola Navone-1

Call it do-good designer shopping if you must. Master craftswoman Paola Navone lends her inventive mind and tireless creativity to the exhibition cum sale ‘One Off’ at Merci Gallery in...

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  • Posted by Callie Jenschke on July 21, 2009 at 1:38 PM
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Wine-in-One
wine_decor_3_in_one_

Complete with curved corkscrew, bottle collar, and pouring spout, this padded bottle-shaped case has everything you need to easily enjoy a glass or two. Plus in all black, it will...

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  • Posted by Alexandra Martell on July 21, 2009 at 11:04 AM
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Fabulous Design Ideas
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Some folks can’t make a design decision without consulting any or all of the classic books by British interior decorator David Hicks. Others swear by Jeffrey Bilhuber’s latest guide, Defining...

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  • Posted by Mitchell Owens on July 20, 2009 at 4:29 PM
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Sweetheart Teapot
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Playing off the heart’s true form, designer Christian Ghion softens the organic shape into something clean, simple, and ultimately seductive. By melding the shape of the heart into a functional porcelain...

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  • Posted by Leah Konen on July 20, 2009 at 9:24 AM
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Cheap Chic Outdoor Pillow
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People will think you're crazy to leave these pillows out, but with a weather-resistant fabric their style can withstand any storm. The rectangular shape (12- by-21 inches) creates the perfect...

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  • Posted on July 20, 2009 at 9:18 AM
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Minimalist Birdhouse for a Nominal Price
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No nails or hammers required; this modern birdhouse fits together in a cinch. It's made of sturdy cardboard (with waterproof coating) and comes with a wooden dowel for the...

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  • Posted by Sarah Newell on July 17, 2009 at 12:08 PM
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Jain Monk Bowls For CB2
Jain Bowls

The story attached to a beautiful piece of design makes it truly unique–so major kudos to CB2 for launching their on-line 'One Of A Finds' program, which offers limited edition...

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  • Posted by Linda O'Keeffe on July 17, 2009 at 11:24 AM
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One Mississippi
unique_home_decor_second_clock

How long is a second? When a clock isn’t at our disposal, the classic Mississippi count is the best way to find out. The state’s name was invaluable to our childhood...

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  • Posted by Alexandra Martell on July 17, 2009 at 11:15 AM
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My Fantasy Dining Room
Home Decorating Ideas Lassell Dining Room

I live in a very small apartment, too small for a proper dining room. I dine, or “eat,” as I generally call it, on my grandmother’s...

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  • Posted by Michael Lassell on July 16, 2009 at 1:50 PM
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An English Bedroom
Interior Design Ideas Cutler English Bedroom

This room is probably one of my favorite rooms I have ever done. Even though I designed it for a showcase house back in...

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  • Posted by Mark Cutler on July 16, 2009 at 9:15 AM
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For Shore
unique-home-decor-stone-candles

Love long walks on the beach? So do we. Achieve the serenity of a sunset stroll with this Tumbled Stone Candle Set from Zanisa. The set includes 12 seafoam-colored tapers and...

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  • Posted by Allison Lind on July 16, 2009 at 8:00 AM
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Aloha, Waikiki!
LuxHotelOPENER

After an $85 million renovation, the Royal Hawaiian (royal-hawaiian.com) hotel, part of Starwood’s Luxury Collection, reopened earlier this year. Architect Robert Iopa of Honolulu–based WCIT Architecture worked with interior...

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  • Posted by Jessica Mischner on July 15, 2009 at 2:00 PM
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Bicoastal Coasters
table_decor_bicoastal_coasters

New York or L.A.? Pacific or Atlantic? With this coaster set, you just might have to choose your allegiance. As a group of West Coasters living in New York we...

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  • Posted by Leah Konen on July 15, 2009 at 11:12 AM
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Chalkboard Masterpiece
Wall Decor Chalkboard

Whether it’s a note to buy milk, a game of tic-tac-toe, or an attempt at the Mona Lisa, all your memos and doodles will look better when captured in...

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  • Posted by Leah Konen on July 15, 2009 at 8:00 AM
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Zest Gourmet Plates
Zest

It’s been said that we eat with our eyes before we ever taste what’s on our plate. If that’s the case, Absolute Appetite Studio’s ZEST Gourmet Plates ensure that even the...

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  • Posted by Rachel Lexier on July 14, 2009 at 1:04 PM
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Wallpaper Your World
Wall Decor Wallpaper

Inspired by picture frames wrapped in decorative handmade papers that she spotted on a trip to Venice, Italy, a friend of mine had the bright idea of commissioning similar...

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  • Posted by Mitchell Owens on July 14, 2009 at 11:00 AM
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Ski Shelves
simple-home-decorating-project

Mike has been collecting antique skis since he was 16 years old—and as adorable as that is, we now have more than 30 seven-foot-long objects collecting dust in a storage...

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  • Posted by Anne E. Collins on July 14, 2009 at 10:47 AM
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2-D Vase
Table Decor 2D Vase

We love a little trompe l’oeil—especially when it doesn’t require any painting skills. To get the classic look without the work, simply unfold the bottom of this vase,...

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  • Posted by Alexandra Martell on July 14, 2009 at 8:00 AM
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Chic Cuckoo Clock
unique-home-decor-cuckoo

When architect Pascal Tarabay came out with his modern interpretation of the cuckoo clock a few years ago, we were obsessed. So you can imagine how excited we were...

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  • Posted by Alexandra Martell on July 13, 2009 at 12:05 PM
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Grill Anywhere
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We’ve seen plenty of portable grills, but none at a price this hot! But with a chrome-plated iron grate and galvanized steel body, there is nothing cheap about it....

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  • Posted by Leah Konen on July 13, 2009 at 8:00 AM
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A Picnic Basket Like No Other
Party Planning Picnic Set

Picnic sets usually go the way of wicker baskets and buffalo checks but Simplicitas is bucking the trend. Made of ABS plastic (it's dishwasher safe and won't...

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  • Posted by Sarah Newell on July 10, 2009 at 11:00 AM
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Last Minute Deal! Huge Designer’s Guild Sale
Cheap Home Decor Designers Guild Sale

We’ve always been a little obsessed with Designer’s Guild. Their unique fabrics, linens, wallcoverings, and rugs make us swoon each season without fail. So when we...

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  • Posted by Leah Konen on July 10, 2009 at 10:45 AM
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French Design Goes East
wajima0

As one set of Met Home's most favorite designing brother duos, the Bouroullec Brothers' new Wajima Collection has the French duo overseas to utilize ancient Japanese lacquer ware technique of...

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  • Posted by Callie Jenschke on July 10, 2009 at 10:15 AM
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Design Your Own Lamp
Creative Home Decorating Lamps

Want a better way to display the kids’ creations than with a refrigerator magnet? This simple table lamp has a double-walled shade—slip a drawing inside and watch it...

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  • Posted by Leah Konen on July 9, 2009 at 11:22 AM
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Wing Chairs, Old And New
interior_design_trends_wing_chair

Once upon a time, when I was a callow lad, the house I wanted had a library just like the duplex model Henry Higgins had in the film version of...

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  • Posted by Michael Lassell on July 9, 2009 at 9:15 AM
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For the Wine Snob
Party Planning Wine Coasters

In a post-Sideways world, everyone seems to be a wine critic. For the pseudo-sommelier in your life, or to lighten the mood at your...

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  • Posted by Allison Lind on July 8, 2009 at 11:00 PM
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IKEA Hack Lighting

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Reduce, reuse…repurpose? That seems to be Randall Kramer’s motto when it comes to furniture design. In the midst of helping his girlfriend remodel her condominium on a budget, Kramer stumbled...

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  • Posted by Rachel Lexier on July 8, 2009 at 9:40 AM
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Doily News
table_decor_doilynews

We have always loved the lacy, cutout shape of doilies, but admit this classic could use a little update.  Cut from pieces of newspaper, rather than the traditional bleached-white paper,...

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  • Posted by Leah Konen on July 7, 2009 at 11:00 PM
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A Chic Souvenir
home-decor-ideas-picture-frames

If you’re heading out of town this summer, might I make a souvenir-hunting suggestion? Picture frames.

“Frames are the greatest things to find on your travels,” photographer Pieter Estersohn...

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  • Posted by Mitchell Owens on July 7, 2009 at 10:04 AM
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Save in Style
unique_home_decor_piggy_bank

Watch the pennies pile up with this chic, playful piggy bank in clear glass from Roost. Its small, flopped ears, petite feet, and curlicue tail are irresistible, and a wooden...

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  • Posted by Leah Konen on July 7, 2009 at 9:56 AM
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The Most Adorable Bookends Ever
unique-home-decor-zuny-bookends

Thought you’d outgrown your stuffed animal days? Think again. Sure they’re silly, but these animal bookends are definitely their own brand of cool. Handcrafted from leather and polyester, then filled with...

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  • Posted by Leah Konen on July 6, 2009 at 1:00 PM
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Between the Sheets
bedroom_decorating_marimekko_keidas

This pattern is from the 1960s? Like with most of Marimekko’s classic designs, we would have never guessed. CB2 got the exclusive on the famed Annika Rimala’s 1966 pattern and...

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  • Posted by Sarah Newell on July 6, 2009 at 8:12 AM
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America the Beautiful
wall_decor_USA_map

If Americana is a little much for you, this modern map wall decal depicts the states without the red, white, and blue—or the kitsch. Made of black vinyl, this piece...

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  • Posted by Leah Konen on July 3, 2009 at 11:21 AM
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Fabulous Fourth of July Tableware
table_decor_July_4th

In honor of July 4, we were inspired to do a little hunting for goods to spark a little American spirit. But forget the flag-patterned plates and napkins—we’ve pulled together a...

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  • Posted by Leah Konen on July 3, 2009 at 9:12 AM
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Suitcases as Storage and Sculpture
Bedroom Decorating Ideas Suitcase Storage

In our early decorating days, I spotted three gorgeous sets of vintage leather suitcases at a yard sale and swooned on the spot. After I saw this...

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  • Posted by Anne Collins on July 3, 2009 at 8:00 AM
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The Grooviest Grill
FuegoGrillOPENER

Let’s just start by saying: this is not your traditional tailgating tool. The Fuego Element might be a compact grill ideal for outdoor cooking, but the similarities end there. Cast in...

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  • Posted by Rachel Lexier on July 3, 2009 at 8:00 AM
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Hello Birdie!
Table Decor Aviary Plate

We must admit we’re a bit tired of our feathered friends showing up everywhere in the home décor market. But with a simple gimmick like chinoiserie cages, suddenly...

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  • Posted by Leah Konen on July 2, 2009 at 4:08 PM
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An Auction of Style
elegant_home_decorating_auction_main

Everyone runs out of storage space. Especially interior decorators and antiques dealers, who can’t help but stock up on mirrors, sofas, and all manner of ornamental folderol for their clients....

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  • Posted by Mitchell Owens on July 1, 2009 at 1:06 PM
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Day-to-Night Centerpiece
fruit dish

By day, this porcelain piece is a creative and unusual fruit bowl, balancing on legs of different lengths, with recessed openings to hold your every plum or orange. But...

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  • Posted by Leah Konen on July 1, 2009 at 11:00 AM
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The Vertical Garden
LivingWALLOPENER_1

How well does your garden grow...inside? Woolly Pocket Garden Company's Woolly Wally, Woolly Patch, Woolly Ridge, and Woolly Knoll pockets make your wall art come alive–literally. Made of two main components–a breathable felt made of...

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  • Posted by Callie Jenschke on July 1, 2009 at 10:59 AM
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Little Lampshades
lamp-shades

It’s rare to find inexpensive lampshades beyond the taupe, cream, and black variety—but no one bucks a trend better than the artisans of Etsy. At Gabriella Boccardo’s shop...

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  • Posted by Alexandra Martell on July 1, 2009 at 9:48 AM
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Dornbracht’s Global Street Food Exhibit

StreetFOOD-3

What if your kitchen wasn’t a kitchen at all, but instead a Vietnamese market boat, a Sudanese tea stand, or an Argentinean charcuterie cart? That’s the idea behind Global Street Food,...

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  • Posted by Rachel Lexier on June 30, 2009 at 11:36 AM
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The Most Elegant Bookcase Ladder
home-decor-ideas-stepladder

Sometimes the most unassuming elements make a lasting decorating impact. A case in point was a library ladder I literally bumped into following a luncheon at a breathtaking apartment in New...

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  • Posted by Mitchell Owens on June 30, 2009 at 11:14 AM
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Cute and Clever Magnetic Bookmarks
creative_home_decorating_origami_bookmark

Forget about lost bookmarks and stop dog-earing pages, because a new placeholder has come to town. These origami bookmarks literally bend over backward to hold your page for you. Strong...

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  • Posted by Sarah Newell on June 30, 2009 at 9:49 AM
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Cute Clothes Hamper
Home Improvement Hamper

Anything that makes dirty laundry a bit more palatable is A-okay in our book. And this hamper does that job and more. Black and white with a sweet bird...

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  • Posted by Sarah Newell on June 29, 2009 at 9:00 AM
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Cake Pan Wall Art
Wall Decor Cake Pan

We love the appeal of a clean white kitchen, but if you’re looking to add a little color and texture, this crafty and clever idea might just...

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  • Posted by Leah Konen on June 28, 2009 at 11:00 PM
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Bike Lights
unique-home-decor-tea-lights

Let’s be honest – old bike parts aren’t our first pick for topping the table. Then again, we’ve never seen them so stylish. These tea light holders have a gritty...

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  • Posted by Leah Konen on June 26, 2009 at 11:00 AM
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Colorful Chalkboard Paint
HudsonPaintOpener

We thought chalkboard paint came in one shade: black and boring. But Hudson Paint’s abundant palette punches up walls and is at home in any room in the house. The brainchild...

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  • Posted by Rachel Lexier on June 26, 2009 at 9:00 AM
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Map Trivets and Coasters
Table_decor_map_coasters

Move over, MapQuest, and make way for these distinctive new trivets and coasters. A+R collaborated with Japanese artist Nobuhiro Sato to create these pieces, which feature maps of either Silver...

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  • Posted by Alexandra Martell on June 26, 2009 at 8:00 AM
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Furniture that Makes Rooms Look Bigger
decorating-tips-rooms

The rooms we see in magazines generally share a spaciousness that far exceeds the confines of the rooms many of us inhabit. There are, however, tried and true ways...

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  • Posted by Michael Lassell on June 25, 2009 at 4:53 PM
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Lantern Magic
Cheap_decorating_ideas_Moroccan_lanterns

Moroccan flair has held court in the decor scene for a few summers now—but at such a discount? We don’t think so. For $8, it’s time to go exotic with...

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  • Posted by Leah Konen on June 25, 2009 at 12:45 PM
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My Pet Dresser
home-decor-ibride-mule

If you can’t handle the workload, have Martin carry it for you. Our favorite new mule and the latest incarnation from iBride, debuted at this year’s

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  • Posted by Leah Konen on June 24, 2009 at 12:05 PM
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Painted Floors
home_remodeling_ideas_showstopping_floors_

There’s an infinite list of possibilities when it comes to floors, whether you use something natural like stone or wood, or manufactured like carpet or linoleum. Within any of those groups...

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  • Posted by Mark Cutler on June 24, 2009 at 10:13 AM
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Summer Lounger
Outdoor_entertaining_summer_lounger_01

A roll up mat with matching pillow and ties says you take your relaxing very seriously—oh, and we do. At 70” inches long, this water-resistant cotton cover is ready for...

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  • Posted by Sarah Newell on June 24, 2009 at 9:05 AM
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Melted Murano Lighting
MeltMeee-Opener

We knew that the famous Murano glass had to be melted in order to be molded, but we never expected form to follow function so literally. The ethereal shapes of “Melt...

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  • Posted by Rachel Lexier on June 23, 2009 at 11:07 AM
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Do-It-Yourself Glamour
home-decor-ideas-figurines

I have craved the fine white Asian porcelain known as blanc de Chine for more years than I care to admit. The real stuff is rather dear, so I don’t own...

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  • Posted by Mitchell Owens on June 23, 2009 at 11:00 AM
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Retro Timer
Kitchen_Decorating_Ideas_retro_timer

Who wants to use one of those gray-faced digital timers when you can pop this one on the fridge (yes, it’s magnetic)? Made by Kikkerland, this timer’s circular design, non-nerdy...

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  • Posted by Leah Konen on June 23, 2009 at 10:04 AM
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Merry Time Summer Tableware
paperboat_opener-1

Summer is here! (officially, though judging by the weather in the northeast, you wouldn't know it) If your inner-captain is ready to set sail, Form Us With Love's "Paper Boat" Table...

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  • Posted by Callie Jenschke on June 22, 2009 at 3:58 PM
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Cupcake Flags
entertaining-at-home-cupcake-flags

We saw Blue Ribbon Design’s letterpress flags and we immediately started planning our next dinner party. Imagine a decadent cupcake at each place setting with each guest’s name written across...

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  • Posted by Kirsten Fields on June 22, 2009 at 11:07 AM
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Half off the Perfect Patio Chairs
outdoor-entertaining-cb2-chairs

One look at these cool turquoise, sunny yellow, and bright white chairs and we were sitting in a sundress with a cool glass of lemonade (oversized dark sunglasses included)....

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  • Posted by Leah Konen on June 22, 2009 at 9:27 AM
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We Love City Guides
designtrends-postcards

Wanderlust is a bit of a must to work at Metropolitan Home – we gravitate toward far-off places and exotic locales, funky food trends and adventurous art. So naturally we fell...

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  • Posted by Rachel Lexier on June 19, 2009 at 3:51 PM
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Handy Helper
Entertaining-ideas-wrench-opener

In honor of dad, we present a manly décor favorite. At first glance it may look like a normal wrench, but this one wasn’t made to crank or twist. Instead,...

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  • Posted by Leah Konen on June 19, 2009 at 11:05 AM
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Towering Tea Set
kitchen-decorating-ideas-tea-set

We can’t get enough of Anthropologie’s new take on the tea set. The five-piece set includes a teapot, mug, creamer, miniature sugar bowl, and a saucer—everything you need to make...

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  • Posted by Alexandra Martell on June 19, 2009 at 11:02 AM
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Living with Red
interior-design-trends

Red. Such a great color. Children love it, which suggests a kind of primal human affinity for the warm end of the spectrum. And yet, it’s so difficult to use in...

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  • Posted by Michael Lassell on June 18, 2009 at 2:54 PM
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Ice Tray Meets Wine Cooler
Table Decor Ice

Ice bucket meets tray meets wine cooler—this is a first for us, maybe the world. At first glance we were a bit confused but here is how this silicone...

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  • Posted by Sarah Newell on June 18, 2009 at 8:43 AM
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A Helping Hand
unique-home-decor-hands

Who couldn’t use an extra set of hands? Of course a personal assistant would be ideal, but Other Edge’s malleable metal design is a pretty good alternative. A fun...

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  • Posted by Kirsten Fields on June 17, 2009 at 11:12 AM
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Making a Living Room Work
living_room_interior_design_complicated_SoCal

Today, I wanted to share a living room that we did in a beach community in Southern California. The room looks out to a beautiful view of the water on one...

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Modern Cocktail Napkins
Party Planning Napkins

Paper cocktail napkins are an accepted standard—but for a mere $18, these cool cotton napkins are worth the upgrade. A modern geometric print in black and white will dress...

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  • Posted by Alexandra Martell on June 16, 2009 at 11:09 PM
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The Freshest Fabrics
Interior Design: Studio Bon

Texas-born textile designer Bonnee Sharp may have inherited her vision and creativity from her mother—but we’re convinced that the saturated geometrics, modern florals and delicate scallops that feature...

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The Butter-Dish Alternative
Butter dish

Today’s style alert is an understated note of glamour anyone can copy—a chilled marble tile for serving butter at the table. That’s how it’s done at the Carlyle,...

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  • Posted by Mitchell Owens on June 16, 2009 at 2:38 PM
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Picture Perfect Paint Inspiration
ColorSnap_landin

Love that green shirt your sister was wearing in your family snapshot? Turn it into paint color with a touch of a button. The new ColorSnap app from Sherwin-Williams works with...

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Hot House Candleholder
Table Decor House Candles

We love a classic candelabrum but these are way more fun. Sonodesign’s ceramic house candleholder replaces a chimney with a candlestick for the ultimate modern whimsy. The holder...

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  • Posted by Kirsten Fields on June 16, 2009 at 8:30 AM
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All Ears Cup
kitchen-decor-ear-cup-moma

Focus on just one edge, and this teacup is not so different than the classic vessel, but with the duplicate handle on the other side and the spaces filled in,...

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  • Posted by Leah Konen on June 15, 2009 at 11:14 AM
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Owl Juicer
unique-home-decor-juicer

When it comes to delightful kitchen décor, juicers rarely make the list. Sick of the utilitarian shape and color, Anthropologie decided to make a change. Rather than a faceless ridged...

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  • Posted by Alexandra Martell on June 15, 2009 at 8:30 AM
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Building A Birch Log Table
birch-log-table_above

I often overestimate my handiness. And one of my most overzealous projects to date began when Mike and I spotted a fabulous Brent Comber side table in...

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Found My Animal (a New Leash)
Found my animal leash

Not only will your pup pant for Found Your Pet's hand-crafted leashes, he'll be extra-proud of his mom and dad for purchasing a collar and leash that helps to...

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  • Posted by Callie Jenschke on June 12, 2009 at 4:57 PM
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Wooden Wallpaper?
interior-design-wood-veneer

Leave all your former notions of wallpaper at the door. Though it rolls up and applies with adhesive, this is not your average wall covering. Constructed of veneers made from...

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  • Posted by Leah Konen on June 12, 2009 at 11:03 AM
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Bright Ideas Notebooks
design-inspiration-notebooks

When writer’s block hits, we think it’s best to walk away from the computer and return to paper. We head for fresh air with hopes of fresher thoughts—no guarantees, but we...

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  • Posted by Kirsten Fields on June 12, 2009 at 10:54 AM
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Hammock Happy

backyard-entertaining-ideas

Now that summer is here, our favorite furniture is fresh, stylish, and sunshine-ready. And for the day, this cute, fold-up hammock is at the top of the love list. Designed...

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  • Posted by Kirsten Fields on June 11, 2009 at 12:47 PM
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Bear Market
Creative Home Decorating Wooden Bear

I am a fan of humor. More than that, I believe that laughter, like good design, is healthy. Both make me feel better. Both are as...

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  • Posted by Michael Lassell on June 11, 2009 at 9:58 AM
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Making a New Bath Look Old
Bathroom-decorating-ideas-new-bath-old

Last week I talked about how to make a new kitchen look like it was original to the house. This week I am still on the same theme, but this time...

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  • Posted by Mark Cutler on June 10, 2009 at 2:24 PM
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Fur Sure
Cipria Sofa
Fuzzy wuzzy was a…sofa? That seems to be the case with Cipria, the Campana Brothers’ newest design for Italian furniture manufacturers Edra. Made of eco-friendly...

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  • Posted by Rachel Lexier on June 10, 2009 at 2:11 PM
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A Shopkeeper’s Stellar Style
shop window

Shop windows rarely tell tales. But R. Louis Bofferding, a well-known antiques shop in New York City, always has a window with a story behind it.

An antiques...

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  • Posted by Mitchell Owens on June 10, 2009 at 8:24 AM
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New Use for Plastic Bottles
ecorating-ideas-bottlecap-tripod01

One man’s trash is another man’s … tripod? For anyone who’s taken an awkward photo with outstretched arms, or perched a camera precariously on a ledge to get that great...

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  • Posted by Leah Konen on June 10, 2009 at 8:05 AM
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Tattooed Tables
living-room-interior-design-tattoo-wood

Raw and edgy, this collection of tables captures tattoo artistry at its most refined. Whether you’re a tattoo aficionado or prefer to display art on places other than your skin, these...

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  • Posted by Leah Konen on June 10, 2009 at 2:01 AM
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The Ultimate Folding Bicycle
IF Mode Folding Bike

Here at Metropolitan Home, we’re a bit obsessed with bicycles – we’ve had numerous debates about the inclusion of “too many bike things” in our annual 

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  • Posted by Rachel Lexier on June 9, 2009 at 1:22 PM
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Tray Chic!
unique-home-decor-jayson-trays

Designed as letters and decidedly French, these fine ceramic trays take us right to the heart of Paris. Just one look and we’re sitting, beret-clad in a café on the Champs...

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  • Posted by Leah Konen on June 9, 2009 at 12:54 PM
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Clever Cup and Saucer
kitchen-decor-teacup

New York designer Re Jin Lee of Bailey Doesn’t Bark has created some spectacular tableware, but the simplicity of this white porcelain pair is an all-time favorite. We don’t sit...

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  • Posted by Leah Konen on June 8, 2009 at 11:35 AM
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Lighten Up the Office
Bulletin Board

Perfect for a dorm room, a teenager’s bedroom, or a home office in need of a laugh, this talk bubble message board adds a humorous flair to the basic...

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  • Posted by Leah Konen on June 8, 2009 at 11:14 AM
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Scrunchable Water Bucket
home-improvement-bucket

A sweet solution for cramped sheds and garages from Design Within Reach, the canvas water bucket is made from heavyweight canvas that can hold any liquid without it seeping through....

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  • Posted by Leah Konen on June 5, 2009 at 11:01 AM
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15% Off Herman Miller Furnishings
Herman Miller

What modern icon have you been dreaming about? An iconic Eames lounger? The yummy Nelson marshmallow sofa? Whatever modern piece fulfills your decorative fantasies, there is a good chance it’s...

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  • Posted by Leah Konen on June 5, 2009 at 2:43 AM
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Dryer du Jour
Clothespin dryer

With warm weather and clear skies on the way, we say forget the automatic dryer and let sunshine do its handiwork. And when line drying in the sunshine isn’t...

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  • Posted by Sarah Newell on June 4, 2009 at 11:49 AM
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Hang It All
wall-decor-hang-it-all

Giorgio and Claudine Lostao, the husband-and-wife interior architecture duo behind Ridiculous Design LLC, have combined their brilliance once again to create Artwork in a Bag, a fabulous solution for...

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  • Posted by Rachel Lexier on June 4, 2009 at 11:11 AM
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Bustin' Dust
home-improvement-vaccuum

My father gave my mother a Dustbuster for Christmas in 1979 (among other things—it was her “joke” gift). We had heard of the glories of this new Black & Decker...

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  • Posted by Michael Lassell on June 4, 2009 at 10:17 AM
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Making a New Kitchen Look Original
kitchen-design-cutler-lead

This week I thought I would write about something that I really love–kitchens! They are often the bane of people’s lives. Not only are they expensive to redo, but, especially...

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  • Posted by Mark Cutler on June 3, 2009 at 5:30 PM
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Time Flies Clock
unique-home-decor-butterfly

Butterflies are in the air lately (see ELLE DECOR’s recent Trend Alert). The motif seems to have swarmed the design scene but this clock stood out in the crowd....

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  • Posted by Alexandra Martell on June 3, 2009 at 11:24 AM
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Totally Tubular Organization
Tubby lead

Stop trying to jam all those utensils into one small space. This simple, clear acrylic kitchen organizer features five cylinders of different heights to hold your every measuring spoon,...

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  • Posted by Leah Konen on June 3, 2009 at 8:39 AM
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Eight is Enough
bedroom-design-ideas-monticello

Changing the shape of a room doesn’t always require demolition. I’ve loved non-square spaces since I visited Monticello, the most famous of Thomas Jefferson’s Virginia houses. As I...

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  • Posted by Mitchell Owens on June 2, 2009 at 12:10 PM
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The Prettiest Citronella Candles
entertaining-ideas-citronella-candles

Citronella candles are useful, yes, but they’re not always the prettiest. For the summer, these votives are a chic solution. The dainty and delicate insect designs are filled with bug-repelling citronella...

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  • Posted by Leah Konen on June 2, 2009 at 8:50 AM
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Slashed Prices on Summer Towels
bathroom-decor-west-elm-towels

It’s summer. Between the pool, the guests, and sticky Popsicle spills, you can never have too many towels. Normally, we’d say just stock up on the basics, but with West Elm’s...

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  • Posted by Leah Konen on June 1, 2009 at 11:24 AM
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Trash Chic
Pink Trash Bags

As the old adage goes, "One man's trash is another man's treasure!" And when it comes in the form of shiny pink polka-dotted bags, it’s easy to agree. You...

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  • Posted by Sarah Newell on June 1, 2009 at 9:23 AM
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Lawn Lounger
chaise lawn

If you live in a city like us, you probably find yourself pining for some greenery once in a while. Solve that problem with Deger Cengiz’s Chaise-lawn. One part lounge...

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  • Posted by Alexandra Martell on May 29, 2009 at 10:27 AM
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The Best Accommodations for Group Vacations
Santa-Fe-House

Last weekend my sister, cousin, their significant others, and Mike and I rented a house in Santa Fe —the central location between our homes in L.A., Denver, and...

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  • Posted by Anne E. Collins on May 29, 2009 at 9:55 AM
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High-Impact Vase
vase

Composed of off-white porcelain carved with dozens of divots, this vase may stand at just ten inches, but the impact is much greater. We love the mix of the strong geometric,...

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  • Posted by Leah Konen on May 29, 2009 at 8:38 AM
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Wallpaper with a Twist
wall-decor-cartier

When you’re confronted with rooms full of jewels once worn by some of the world’s most glamorous women—among them Princess Grace of Monaco, sewing machine heiress Daisy Fellowes,...

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  • Posted by Mitchell Owens on May 28, 2009 at 3:40 PM
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Lotus Blossom Soaps
soaps

We love personalized hostess gifts but in a busy world, we’ve learned to keep a few pretty things on hand. Lovely pink lotus-shaped soaps, presented perfectly on a ceramic lily pad...

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  • Posted by Leah Konen on May 28, 2009 at 10:32 AM
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The Guggenheim at 50
art-deco-interior-design-guggenheim

I’ll never forget my first glimpse of the Guggenheim—the original one, on Fifth Avenue, the one that is called, in full: The Solomon R. Guggenheim Museum. It...

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  • Posted by Michael Lassell on May 27, 2009 at 4:57 PM
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Transformer Lights
transformer

We fell in love with dozens of products at the International Contemporary Furniture Fair, but Chunwei Liao’s Transformer lights, based off of his previous Transformer coffee table/seat, are truly one of...

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  • Posted by Alexandra Martell on May 27, 2009 at 11:01 AM
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Not Your Grandmother’s Doilies
doileez

There’s no easier way to dress up a cake than a doily—but we ran out of those years ago. The look of the lacey white paper is a bit dated and...

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Functional Wall Decor
hanger

Even covered in fabric and crisscrossed with ribbons, a bulletin board is still a bulletin board. But in graceful golden wire, this message board is more like a decorative accent than...

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  • Posted by Leah Konen on May 26, 2009 at 10:03 AM
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Hip Drip Clips
Paper clip

For those that love kitchens and baths as much as we do, we present Drip Clips—a magnetic paper clip holder and desk tchotchke like no other. These hysterical droplet shaped...

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  • Posted by Alexandra Martell on May 25, 2009 at 12:11 PM
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Year-Round Tabletop
bailey cup

Seasons change, but your tableware doesn’t have to. Bailey Doesn’t Bark’s newest porcelain collection features trees at their various seasonal stages and the time of...

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  • Posted by Kirsten Fields on May 22, 2009 at 11:30 AM
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Accent Rugs that Won’t Break the Bank
rugs

We love a great accent rug. And if our favorites were a little less expensive we’d keep a few on hand for varying moods or seasons. Urban Outfitters knows us...

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  • Posted by Leah Konen on May 22, 2009 at 9:28 AM
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Affordable Original Art
George

You never know who will be the next Picasso—but the artists at U-Gallery are a pretty good guess. Ugallery.com features the work of promising art students and...

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  • Posted by Sarah Newell on May 22, 2009 at 12:21 AM
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Lighting Finds at Auction
wright

I like to troll the web sites of furniture retailers and auction houses, especially those dedicated to modern product. I rarely buy anything or even bid, but I do learn a...

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  • Posted by Michael Lassell on May 21, 2009 at 3:07 PM
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Five Books to Read this Summer
books

Villa by John Saladino

Ever wonder what goes through the mind of a designer as they take on a new project? Well, wonder no more. This new book by master...

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  • Posted by Mark Cutler on May 20, 2009 at 2:38 PM
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Skeleton Keys
unique-home-decor-skeleton-key

Secret gardens. Hidden places. There’s just something charming, classic, and even a little mysterious about the skeleton key. So of course we were hooked when we saw...

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  • Posted by Leah Konen on May 20, 2009 at 11:26 AM
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Designer Storage Bags
bag

Designer Todd Oldham’s work has spanned everything from fashion to home to his latest, the sandwich baggie. Sure it might seem a bit over-the-top for a school lunch, but when you...

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  • Posted by Leah Konen on May 20, 2009 at 9:01 AM
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Latin Luxe
mexico

Mexico has always had incredible allure, from its pantheon of glamour girls such as María Félix and Gloria Guinness to the eternal chic of the mountain resort of San Miguel de...

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  • Posted by Mitchell Owens on May 19, 2009 at 1:51 PM
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Votives for Any Setting
votives

At less than $15 for a set of three, these chain-linked candleholders are where today’s lunch money is going. Depending on the setting, these holders could take on an urban edge...

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  • Posted by Leah Konen on May 19, 2009 at 8:11 AM
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All-in-One Card Stamp
party-ideas-card-stamp

Hey, it’s a recession and our budget for things like stationary is a little slim. Designer Ji Lee makes correspondence a bit easier with this All-In-One Card Stamp (still in...

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  • Posted by Leah Konen on May 18, 2009 at 9:29 AM
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For the Newspaper Hoarder

home-decor-offi-newspaper

This modern, clean-lined newspaper holder by Offi is the best way to keep yesterday’s news looking fresh. Others have tried to emulate its design, but nothing comes close to Offi’s perfect...

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Woodsy Modern Lights
lighting

We can’t get enough of these woodsy lighting fixtures by Isabelle Sicart, which are a whimsical hybrid of modern and organic. Crafted from a variety of materials including resin...

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  • Posted by Rachel Lexier on May 15, 2009 at 11:49 AM
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A Lil' Bit of Lichtenstein
unique-home-decor-comic-plate

Not only do these comic plates appeal to our love of Pop Art—they’ve channeled our inner super hero. Ooo!, Yum, and Mmm…we want all three! Virtually nothing can defeat these...

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  • Posted by Sarah Newell on May 15, 2009 at 8:56 AM
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Loving the Unloved Carnation
spring-table-decor-chessy

Flowers are on my mind at the moment, for good reason. Purple irises have unfurled in front of my apartment building, and bleeding hearts are blossoming beneath a 200-year-old...

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  • Posted by Mitchell Owens on May 15, 2009 at 8:00 AM
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Met Home's New Book
interior-design-ideas-glamour-book

There are people who think I lead a glamorous life. And there have been times when I thought so, too. After all, I’ve chatted about diamonds with Liz Taylor   in New...

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  • Posted by Michael Lassell on May 14, 2009 at 12:38 PM
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Picnic Time!
outdoor-entertaining-picnic-basket

Ahh, the romance of a warm summer picnic. Whether you use this for a feast in the park, to carry snacks to the pool, or to tote treats to the backyard—this...

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  • Posted by Leah Konen on May 14, 2009 at 8:28 AM
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Savvy Site: Generate
gnr8

Design junkies like us love Generate, an edgy web retailer that always trades in buzz-worthy buys. Take Kouichi Okamoto’s sconce and table Liquid Lamps, crafted out of iron plate and resembling...

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  • Posted by Katherine Nelson on May 13, 2009 at 11:09 AM
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Crème de la Cream
creamer

This blown-glass creamer brings back one of our favorite childhood memories—recess. In paper we never thought much about the shape of the disposable carton, but strip away the colors and the...

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  • Posted by Alexandra Martell on May 12, 2009 at 12:04 PM
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Bottle Opener Objet
roost

Roost always wins us with its rustic objets and animal motifs, but these wooden bottle openers are some of our favorites to date. When not in action at the bar, these...

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  • Posted by Leah Konen on May 12, 2009 at 9:32 AM
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A Handmade Proposal
box

We love things that come in tiny packages, especially when the package becomes part of the gift. For an instant “ooh la la,” give a tiny trinket in a delicate Eiffel...

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  • Posted by Kirsten Fields on May 11, 2009 at 11:34 AM
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A Chic Bug Catcher?
bug catcher

Made from recycled glass in the shape of a beehive, these pieces are gorgeous enough to be decorative lanterns, but sugar water turns them into chemical-free wasp- and bee-catchers. Hang...

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  • Posted by Leah Konen on May 11, 2009 at 8:24 AM
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Origins of Taste
LA-Garden-ideas.jpg

In honor of Mother’s Day, I need to give my mom some credit. If I have good taste, it started with her. An East Coaster by birth, a former...

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  • Posted by Anne Collins on May 10, 2009 at 11:04 AM
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Fashion Underfoot
home-decorating-ideas-fashion-rugs

What’s in the wardrobe and what’s in the living room often play off of each other but never before have we seen a collection of rugs so purely runway-inspired....

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  • Posted by Leah Konen on May 8, 2009 at 4:15 PM
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Transforming a Dining Room
entertaining-at-home-dining-room

Curiously a lot of the work I do is new construction. Without much of a history, these spaces often have a long way to go when it comes to...

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  • Posted by Mark Cutler on May 8, 2009 at 11:20 AM
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Four-in-One Smasher
masher

We love the high style and functionality of the Smasher, DesignWright’s newest for Brit kitchen connoisseurs Joseph Joseph. The spring-loaded mechanism beats the pulp out of lumps and its spunky acid-green...

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  • Posted by Rachel Lexier on May 8, 2009 at 8:34 AM
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I on Design a Met Home blog
Picture Perfect
interior-design-pictures-kathy-kelly

A picture, it has been endlessly said, is worth a passel of words, and design magazines are full of them. So I thought it might be useful to look...

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  • Posted by Michael Lassell on May 7, 2009 at 2:05 PM
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Stylemonger an ELLE DECOR blog
A Marble Bath With High Style
bath-design-viceroy-2

I like baths to resemble either laboratories (clean, crisp, and clinical) or living rooms (pictures, patterns, and comfortable furniture). Both styles make me happy. Though it was pretty spare, my bath...

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  • Posted by Mitchell Owens on May 7, 2009 at 1:20 PM
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Love These Candleholders!
tapers

Eclectic, imperfect, and très chic, these holders are made from bendable iron handwoven into three different classic candlestick forms. And in fun summer hues, they’re a welcome change from brass! Grab...

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  • Posted by Leah Konen on May 7, 2009 at 8:22 AM
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A Fruit Bowl Like No Other
bowl

We weren’t sure it was possible, but it’s true—we’ve fallen head over heels in love with a fruit bowl. But don’t laugh just yet—have you looked at that pattern? The vibrant...

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  • Posted by Leah Konen on May 6, 2009 at 11:25 AM
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Porcelain Flowers
flowers

Doll up the dining table with exquisite floral accents from the New York Botanical Garden Shop that won’t ever wilt. We’ve seen porcelain petals before, but none this delicate or lifelike....

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  • Posted by Leah Konen on May 6, 2009 at 8:42 AM
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Stylemonger an ELLE DECOR blog
Design Ideas from the Viceroy Hotel
table

If you’re stumped for home-improvement or interior-design ideas, consider following the lead of great hotels. Designed to catch the eye and make a memorable impression, the best hotels often are rich...

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  • Posted by Mitchell Owens on May 5, 2009 at 8:50 AM
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A Tidy Desk Accessory
ORGANIZER

You can never be too organized—or too stylish for that matter. And we adore this sculptural desk accessory because it finally lets us be both at once. Business cards, pens, clips,...

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  • Posted by Sarah Newell on May 5, 2009 at 8:36 AM
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A Modern Wall of Ivy
ivy

A coat rack has never had such artistic potential. Using individual Y-shaped pieces that hook together through four different connector types, Ivy puts the creative direction in your very own...

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  • Posted by Leah Konen on May 4, 2009 at 11:30 AM
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Beautify the Bulletin Board
pins

Great for the office, the bulletin board at home, or as a gift for a coworker or a teacher, these sets of nine chic pushpins are irresistible. Whether you go for...

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Inside K/BIS
kitchen-decorating-ideas-kbis

And the worldwide trade show tour continues . . . Today Editor in Chief Donna Warner and the editors of Met Home are live blogging from K/BIS , the...

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  • Posted by Donna Warner on May 1, 2009 at 5:15 PM
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The Most Compact Dining Set
table

Small spaces sometimes call for desperate measures. We’ve seen compact dining tables before, but this one takes the cake. All folded up, this impressively tiny table measures just 25”...

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  • Posted by Leah Konen on May 1, 2009 at 11:00 AM
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Silver Spoon Accoutrements
spoon rest

Leave no detail overlooked! This silver-plated attachment clips to the side of any casserole dish and keeps your serving utensils in place. Rest your spoons between the pineapple-adorned prongs to...

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I on Design a Met Home blog
Top Five Sources for Color Inspiration
interior-design-color-trends-art

In spring a design maven’s fancy turns to color. It seems that the long winter hibernation brings out the desire to paint the cave come warm weather, and we...

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  • Posted by Michael Lassell on April 30, 2009 at 3:21 PM
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Stylemonger an ELLE DECOR blog
Art Smarts
baker

Last Saturday I was lecturing at the Los Angeles Antiques Show, and once I finished talking about the American interior decorator Billy Baldwin and his work at Villa Fiorentina,...

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  • Posted by Mitchell Owens on April 30, 2009 at 11:13 AM
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