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Oh, what to do when you need a wall sconce but you only have around $150 to spend? Turn your eyes toward this straightforward fixture by Sam Stewart available at Artware Editions. A spherical 25-watt bulb hangs from a cotton cloth cord (choose between Solid red, Solid black, Black/white stripe, Red/white stripe, or Golden yellow); just wrap the cord around the wooden mount for the desired height.

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If you’re not particularly detail-oriented when it comes to your desktop/workspace aesthetic, then you won’t care at all about a tape dispenser. However, if well-designed desk accessories makes your heart all aflutter, then you’ll want to know all about the El Casco Chrome Tape Dispenser. It’s all metal, so it’s got a heft that will keep it in place when in use. Oh, and don’t worry about someone appropriating it for their own use at their desk- it has an individual serial number so you can prove your ownership (preferably by memorizing the number and spouting it off as soon as you suspect thievery).
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Ah, yes, hospitality, remember that? When people were nice and appropriate and proper? No? Me neither. Maybe we can bring back a smidgeon of the old times by backing Le Guest Book, a memory-keeper, if you will, for you and your guests. Keep it out on the coffee table so your favorite people can leave you notes and drawings, or maybe they’ll answer the multiple choice questions if they’re not especially handy with a pen. Think of it as a housewarming gift for a friend’s new place, or just get one (or two, or three) for your own home to encourage guests to tell you that you’re an awesome amateur chef- or just plain wonderful in general.
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Even if you’re not the type to pin a pin onto your hat/bag/shirt, these pins by Macon and Lesquoy will tempt you to change your ways. Yes, we’ve featured them before, but there’s a new batch out, and, come on, how could I resist not sharing a Radish, Pipe and Smoke, and Bicycle pin? Or an Apple, Crab, and Peapod pin? Do you not have an urge to pick a few and group them together artfully on a canvas tote? I have a curious urge to find a jean jacket* just so I can have a designated spot for a few favorites.

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Nice! Stylegarage has these stainless steel base sets ($395 CAD) that make the ‘DIY table’ concept super simple. You will need a drill, of course, and a measuring tape, as well as some wood planks or alternative top, but it’s easy from there. Pick whatever length of planks you want to make your ideal table top size- get them from your local hardware store or a lumber or salvage yard. All the steps are listed on the site, but here’s a quick version: lay the planks on the ground, line them up, attach the base with screws, flip the table over, and you’re done!
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Constructed from natural, solid birch wood, this café chair by Tom Dixon is light-weight and robust. Carry it from the dining area to the living room or office for an extra seat without looking like a weakling, or, more importantly, hurting your back. The “quietly pared down character” of japanese architecture was the inspiration for its functional shape.
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Maybe you’re lucky and this coat stand can be shipped to you, but I plugged in Texas as a destination and I was out of luck. It’s a simple, triangular-shaped coat stand, and that’s exactly what makes it special. Angled notches on the front and back allow for coat/clothes and bag storage, and it just leans against the wall, so it’s easy to move anywhere you need it most.
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Your little feline friend could use some new hideouts, and this Kitty Kasa Collection from ArniSays won’t burn your retinas like the other offerings at the pet store. And, as if your cat’s happiness isn’t enough reward, when you buy one of the Kasa items, you’re also saving the life of a shelter cat, as all profits go directly to the ARNI foundation, a 501(C)3, non-profit, no-kill, animal shelter located in Daytona Beach, Florida.

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Rugs that can live indoors or outside are what you should be thinking about, because what’s nicer than an outdoor seating area? An outdoor seating area with a rug, that’s what. Now, there are loads of outdoor area rugs that are available, and this one from Nani Marquina isn’t new, but it is still one of my favorites because it’s made from- you guessed it- recycled rubber bicycle tires. Each rug is made using 130 to 140 bicycle inner tubes, all collected and processed in India. Instead of ending up in a landfill, the hand-loomed inner tubes adds an interesting texture as well as a soft surface for your feet. It’s a win/win kind of product.

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Larger numbers and symbols with more whitespace- plus a few lightning bolts- make these playing cards a sight for sore eyes. The easy-to-see cards will be especially handy if you’re playing a game around a dimly lit table, as it never hurts to have an edge over your competitors.
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You’ll be able to find variations of this Plaza String Light, but just in case you’d rather get lighting for your patio or porch sooner rather than later, this string is a good option. It has the appropriate large-scale look that will add just the right ambience to your outdoor gathering. The total length is 48 feet, with 3 foot spacing between each socket.
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Have an excellent weekend.

Ooo, this light is fun! You’re in charge of the final design pattern, so put your designer hat on and start brainstorming. Each lampshade is made of two sheets of paper with a fine pattern of laser stitches. Punch out the small triangle pieces to create whatever pattern you wish. Yes, you’d have to do a fair amount of punching, but it’d be worth it, right? After a little assembly, hang it up and then stand back and admire your hard work. (Note: free worldwide shipping, so don’t be dissuaded by the ‘€’ in the price.)
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And you thought sticky notes could not be improved. Just take a look at the geometric print on these sets and tell me they’re not terrific. I want all of them, but I will restrain myself and just get one set. Maybe. They’d be handy for notes or reminders that need to stand out amongst all the other papers on our desktops, wouldn’t they?

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Do you remember the Beautiful Insights Storage Boxes we posted last year? If you liked them, but didn’t like the international shipping fee, now you’re in luck as MoMA Store is carrying three sizes (hooray!). You now have a reason to organize, if only to make the Gallery, Hobbyist, or Storekeeper Box functional.
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