About Katie: Katie has been a product and textile designer, an art restoration specialist, and an interior designer/merchandiser. Her interests are focused on finding well designed items that improve daily life as well as reading fiction and making stuff. (View Profile)
Written by Katie on October 27, 2008. Permalink
A very simple alternative to the many hooks and boxes out there. I wonder if the magnet is strong enough to toss your keys at it and have them stick…if so, it’d be a neat trick.
This magnetic key holder by Arik Levy can be mounted to the wall right near your door so you never misplace your keys again! Genius.
Dimensions: 3″w x 6.25″h x 1.5″d
$40.00, Buy it here.
Written by Katie on October 24, 2008. Permalink
Barnes & Noble recently expanded their inventory to include home items and other miscellany, and look what had me looking twice- this elegant messenger bag made from natural recycled leather for $56 buckaroos. This same style is also available in the orientation of a regular briefcase for $59.00: Buy it here.
Hand crafted in Fabriano, Italy, this handsome Messenger Bag boasts a simple yet striking design. With a retractable handle/shoulder strap and enough room for folders, magazines, portfolios, etc., it’s the perfect combination of functionality and style. Plus it’s made from natural recycled leather, a rugged, environmentally friendly material that is used for furniture and other heavy-duty applications. Easy to care for and extremely resistant to stains, wear, and tear.
by San Lorenzo International, Inc.
Also available in Cognac.
12.5″ x 10.5″ x 2″
$55.95, Buy it here.
Written by Katie on October 24, 2008. Permalink
Here are two smart (and affordable) organizers for keeping mail and keys at bay:
Magnetter in Natural, 8″ x 6″: $13.95, Buy it here.
Lettro Organizer, 8″ x 4″ x 2″: $15.95, Buy it here.
Source: Via
Written by Katie on October 24, 2008. Permalink
In the spirit of spookiness, why not add a vertebrae lamp to your decor?*
Finally, lighting with a spine. This fascinating fragmented tower of stacked ceramic ribs was created by South African artisans Gerhard Swart and Anthony Harris, who’ve made an international name for themselves by pushing the boundaries of ceramic expression with both humor and a passion for sculpture and function. Individually cast and assembled ceramic vertebrae.
Measures 46″ with shade.
*(Oh, right, because it’s $2,800…good answer.)
[posted by katie]
Purchase Information:
No longer available.
Written by Katie on October 24, 2008. Permalink
Check out this low, slouchy, deep sofa. It looks quite comfortable and in a pinch it could easily double as a sleeping spot too.
Long, lean, super deep unicushion for hanging out low to the floor. For tapas low at the coffee table. For slouching with the lights low, the volume high. For laying low…off with the back cushion and two can nap. The price for such comfort? Amazingly low considering its high-end nature: Euro sleek in casual slubby grey linen with an air (or is that heir?) of the Hamptons about it.
Certified sustainable, kiln-dried hardwood frame
Seat cushion is soy-based polyfoam and down blend
82″Wx44.5″Dx28″H (15″H seat)
Also, the large red and taupe patterned pillow shown above:
Henna Pillow, 23″ sq., $59.95,
Buy it here.
Written by Katie on October 24, 2008. Permalink
Ah, the memories. I’d opt for no streamers, but that’s just me…
There were lots of ways to get around when we were young…pedal cars, roller skates and skate boards all come to mind. But from the banana seats to the baseball card spokes, nothing beat the classic bikes from the seventies. In honor of those hot wheels, we present the Stingray Vase, sure to bring back memories of every wheelie you ever popped. Hand-sculpted to resemble a handlebar grip from those classic bikes, this 14″ tall beauty looks great on any shelf, and is guaranteed to start up a conversation. Comes with removable streamers!
Colors: Black vase w/choice of red, white, blue, black, or mixed streamers.
Materials: Polyurethane rubber shell
14″ tall w/4″ diameter
$120.00, Buy it here.
Written by Katie on October 23, 2008. Permalink
Massive, indeed. This chunky table is sure to add a solid presence to any dining area. It would look great with the right pairing of modern chairs.
The rooted stability, uncommon character and marbleized grain of acacia wood bring the impressive strength and authentic beauty of massive timber framing to our bodacious dining table. Sanded, sealed and waxed to a smooth luster, this handsome, handcrafted table is equally at ease in rustic retreat or city sanctuary, a perfect social centerpiece wherever your happy home may be.
Additional shipping, $450.
82″W x 39″D x 30-1/2″H.
$1,495.00, Buy it here.
Written by Katie on October 23, 2008. Permalink
This Grey Skies Rug offers an airy reference without straying from the basic black/white/grey scheme which gives you a fair amount of freedom when it comes to completely changing your décor.
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Written by Katie on October 23, 2008. Permalink
11 kitchen tools for 55 bucks…seems like a good deal to me.
Scanwood designs simple, strong everyday living products with an instantly recognizable Scandanavian aesthetic. In business since 1919, it cuts products from renewable wood resources such as the beechwood used here. These 11 essential kitchen tools light and durable…and gorgeous: spatula, stirrer, tongs, perforated spoon, stirrer spoon, scraping spoon and two salad sets (small and large).
$55.00, Buy it here.
Purchase Information:
No longer available.
Written by Katie on October 22, 2008. Permalink
I’ve yet to find an inexpensive travel wallet that I like, but in the meantime here are two that are nice to look at.
This wallet contains three sections, to keep your travel documents from traveling around…Postalco began in Brooklyn, New York. Curious about the international transport of mail, their logo is the carrier pigeon.
Carefully considered and beautifully handmade in Japan, their accessories simply cannot be improved upon.
Designer:
Mike Abelson
$215.00, Buy it here.
Written by Katie on October 22, 2008. Permalink
Now this is a show stopper, no doubt about it.
The Constellation table’s interest derives from its algorithmically-generated pattern which explores some of the mathematical roots behind the formation and organization of the cosmos. Laser cut and powder coated in gloss white, the piece is available in multiple sizes as shown, and each size comes with a glass top.
All of our steel and aluminum pieces are made using recycled content ranging from 35%-100%, and are completely recyclable. They are also produced with zero landfill waste generated during their production. The finishes are zero VOC which don’t pollute during manufacturing and will not release toxins in the home…
Designer: Chris Kabatsi for Arktura
Coffee table: 59″ W x 29.5″ D x 13″ H, $3795.00
Side table: 20″ W x 20″ D x 20″ H, $1290.00
Buy it here.
Written by Katie on October 22, 2008. Permalink
If you’re in need of wall art but don’t want to spend anything more than $25, then take a look at this site- they’ve got loads of graphic posters to choose from that won’t break the bank.
18″x24″: $16.99
12″x18″: $10.99
Two 12″ x 18″ Posters for $20
Buy it here.
Written by Katie on October 22, 2008. Permalink
Show your love for cats or dogs (or both) with these quirky pillows from k studio.
Great design, green materials, and social responsibility need not be at odds with one another. In fact, at k studio they think these ideas are inseparable. They started this company with just this idea in mind.
At Shelly and Mary Klein’s growing studio in Grand Rapids, Michigan, they manage each product from start to finish. They start with fabric made from some of the most sustainable materials available such as hemp, organic cotton, and recycled wool. K studio designs are generated in house and are then embroidered, assembled, packaged, and shipped by their skilled team.
appx. 14″ square
Dog Pillow: $110.00,
Buy it here.
Cat Pillow: $110.00,
Buy it here.
Written by Katie on October 21, 2008. Permalink
The rich colors of this rug capture autumn perfectly.
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Written by Katie on October 21, 2008. Permalink
Does this clock have way too much going on or not enough? Or is it ‘just right’?
This mesmerizing clock is not as timeless as its name implies. Look closely and the numbers 3, 6, 9, and 12 will give you a good idea of the hour. But, based on aesthetics alone, the name may just be appropriate after all.
Designer: Pascal Tarabay
Lacquered metal frame, 19.75″ dia.
$349.00, Buy it here.