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While you might have to take out a small loan in order to own all of this collection, it’s certainly worth considering a piece or two.

highball glasses, set of 2, $195.00
whiskey glasses, set of 2, $200.00
wine glasses, set of 2, $270.00
whiskey bottle $275.00
champagne flutes, set of 2, $320.00
ice bucket $635.00

VerTerra specializes in eco-friendly single-use dinnerware and their signature collection (shown above) is a heck of a lot better looking than paper plates.

“Each piece is made from 100% renewable and compostable plant matter and water. No chemicals, waxes or dyes, like those found in disposable paper and plastic options. No harmful toxins that can leach into your food. No worrying. It’s also the most durable and versatile single-use product available; use it to reheat in the microwave, bake in the oven, or cool in the fridge.”

(more…)

After some sleuthing (and pdf downloading), I found out this foldable watering can is actually a topical re-design from the 1970s. Does that matter? Not really, but it’s floral and foldable, which makes it oddly intriguing. Go figure.

winner of the design plus award, this watering can is foldable for easy storage or colorful enough to hang on the wall when not in use.

measurements: 14″ 11 x 3 when open.

$18.50, Buy it here.

If you’re a pet owner, you might add this bowl to your shortlist of upgrades for your little friend.

These stylish pet food bowls are perfect for your favorite pampered pet! Raised off the floor, they aid in proper digestion. Made of wood & dishwasher safe ceramic. The bowls are removable.

Small (double):14x7x5H, (bowl size 5.25″ square by 2″ deep), $55.00
Large (double bowl) 20x10x7H (bowl size 7.75″ x 3″ deep), $90.00
Single 10x10x7, $55.00

Buy it here.

Check out this wrinkly chair (that most of us will never be able to afford).

The “Sponge” chair represents the debut of young Dutch designer Peter Traag, a graduate of London’s Royal College. Its shape, inspired by sea sponges, is the result of a technological innovation that allows it to obtain a firm yet invitingly soft seat. Polyurethane foam has been injected directly into an overly large “upholstery” shell, which has been reinforced by a special fluorocarbon polyester thread. This production technique results in a unique chair, forming “elephant-skin” random folds that mimic a well-worn classic armchair.

33.5″ x 37″, height 29.5″

leather: $9,330.00, Buy it here.
$7,895.00, Buy it here.

If you’re serious about losing some pounds, this scale might help with its fancy ‘bioelectrical analysis’…plus, if you’ve got to have a scale, you might as well have a futuristic (or old-school eighties) looking one, right?

With a digital readout over four inches tall, this body-analyzing scale measures several critical health metrics and displays them in numbers large enough to read without glasses. In addition to precise weight measurement in 0.2-lb. increments, the scale uses bioelectrical impedance analysis–a harmless electrical impulse–to calculate body fat percentage, body water, muscle mass, body mass index, and basal metabolic rate, providing important data that helps you maintain a healthy lifestyle…The scale’s memory stores data for up to 12 individuals. Rust-resistant stainless-steel platform has black mirror accents. 400-lb. capacity. Requires four AAA batteries.

1″ H x 11 3/4″ W x 11 3/4″ L

$99.95, Buy it here.

[via coolmaterial]

Man, I’ve got to tell you this book is the ‘go-to’ travel bible if you care about staying in hotels that have that extra special something. Mr & Mrs Smith, the boutique & luxury hotel specialists, have compiled 30 of their favorite hotels around the world with personal reviews from well-known names, various local knowledge, tips, and things ‘worth getting out of bed for’. You’ll get inside information from those in-the-know: which restaurant and bars to visit, what room to book, and some worthy sightseeing if you feel like stretching your legs. Each hand-picked hotel has a unique look and atmosphere that are more than easy on the eyes (i.e. gorgeous), so you’ll be able to rest and relax in style.

You also get an exclusive free BlackSmith card inside the book, entitling you to a year’s membership which will garner you upgrades, discounts, and extras (massages, bottles of wine, etc.) whenever you book online at mrandmrssmith.com.

$24.95, Buy it here.

Other Mr & Mrs Smith books available: European Cities, European Coast & Country, UK/Ireland, and UK/Ireland Volume 2.

I think it’s appropriate to say we’ve come full circle, considering we can now purchase a more sophisticated version of a stone for multitasking in the kitchen.

Marie Garnier designed these beautiful sandstone Homo Sapiens that can be used as a knife sharpener, crushing or grinding stone (pestle).

2.75″ x 2″ x 6.5″h

For those of you who prefer to not grab a glass when thirsty, this contraption will make your life a little bit easier.

turns a faucet into a drinking fountain
easy to install, just slip it on
does not interfere with normal faucet use
use in kitchen or bathroom
fits faucets approximately .75″ diameter
plastic

1.5″w x 2.5″ d x 1.5″h

$3.95, Buy it here.

This lamp combines materials in a thoughtful, functional design that’s somehow new and vintage at the same time. I absolutely love it.

Update: Apologies, I didn’t catch that it’s available for preorder from DWR…thanks LYD.

“We have chosen honest materials that carry clear messages,” says Ilse Crawford, designer of the w084t Lamp (2008). “Iron for its feelings of stability, reliability and trust; wood with its warmth and life; and a glass, chalk and plastic blend for its intimate glow and tactility.” Even the fabric-covered cord was chosen for its familiarity, and along the stem, it remains visible by following a groove in the wood. It would be an understatement to say there is nothing slick about this lamp, and that’s exactly the point. A hands-on experience, the lamp swivels on a cast iron base that grinds a bit as the two plates slide against each other, and the arms are adjusted by turning wing nuts. The light source, however, is a new generation of low-heat halogen, which is energy efficient and dimmable.

H 23.5″ W 23.5″ D 5.25″
available 02-06-2009

$550.00, Buy it at DWR.

(or for £323.00, at twentytwentyone)

Reclaimed wood and simple styling makes this bed a no-brainer.

Our reclaimed Douglas fir Plank bed adds a contemporary green twist to it’s traditional design and honors the character of the rare first-growth fir used in its construction. Up to a century old, the aged wood-from razed buildings-shows off its rich hue, deep patina, and tight grain. The wood is hand-planed to smooth its surface while preserving the distinctive character of the vintage fir’s imperfections. Our bed’s eco-friendly wax finish highlights the wood’s singular beauty. Includes headboard and bed frame. Assembly required. Made in USA. Allow 5 weeks for delivery.

light or dark finish.

SPECIAL: was $1,995.00-2,095.00 – save 15% (limited time, ends Feb 5th)
$1675.00-$1775.00, Buy it here.

Here’s a porcelain and maple board that eases the transfer from cutting to pot or plate, though I might say the Rinse and Chop Board seems to do the same with the extra added function of draining.

Cut & Paste is a useful design by Klaus Hackl. Simply cut, slide and pour! Porcelain maple.

Dimensions: 11.25″l x 5.75″ x 2.25″h

$70.00, Buy it here.

Secret hotels around the world that usually cost less than $200/night? I think I’m adding this book to my ‘need’ list.

Compiled by the editors of Budget Travel magazine, this out-of-the-ordinary guidebook acquaints you with an enticing array of lodgings—from beachside cottages, to hilltop villas, to gracious, family-run guesthouses—where you’ll vacation in comfort and style without having to worry about breaking the bank. Setting its sights on eight of the world’s top travel destinations—Provence, Tuscany, Tahiti, the Caribbean, Costa Rica, Cornwall, Bali, and the French Riviera—Secret Hotels scopes out the hidden treasures that, till now, have mostly been known only to the locals. The description of each hotel is accompanied by sumptuous color photos of the grounds and interiors, and contact information and rates (usually less than $200 per night) are provided.

$15.61, Buy it here.

This is a beautiful table lamp…one of those items to put on the ‘when-I-can-afford-it’ wish list.

Table lamp composed of a satin ribbon that envelops a delicate black metal frame. Dress is a dynamic garment that expresses both solidity and transparency, the elegant personality of a garment dressed in light.

Manufactured by Fambuena.
Small: 10 3/4h x 8w, 60w bulb, $463.50
Medium: 17 3/4h x 15w, 150w bulb, $1,012.50
Buy it here.

The easiest way not to lose your flash drive is to wear it, and considering that lanyards are sometimes hard to pull off as ‘cool’, this band/bracelet is a perfect alternative.

never lose your flash drive again!
512mb capacity, usb interface
soft, black silcone band
easy to put on and take off
(6) compatible with windows98 or higher/ mac os 9.0 or higher

$29.95, Buy it here.