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Ironic home furnishings are such special things. They make my fingers itch to own and collect, and, as luck would have it, these aren’t so expensive.

“The humble can has been given a glamorous makeover as a tongue-in-cheek vase.”

Silver or
Gold.

4″dia. x 6″H

Beanbags normally have negative associations, but these are too good of a price to rule out just because you had one when you were a kid.

“Lounge in comfort. Durable, water-resistant poly shell with poly fill. Generously sized. Versatile as a coffee or side table, foot-rest or extra seating. Gold or white.”

Coffee Table, 31″sq x 11″h., $179.00
Chair, 40″diam x 30″h., $179.00

Changing out your doorbell to one of these might just be the thing to add some polish to your home’s entrance.

“Create a clean exterior aesthetic with the addition of a modern Doorbell. This Small Doorbell can be installed vertically or horizontally and its pared down design fits a variety of architectural styles. The button has a satisfying touch resistance and the brushed stainless steel can complement our Neutra House Numbers. Necessary hardware for installation is included. The doorbell will work with most existing bells. Made in Germany.”

Brushed stainless steel.

Small: H 1.4″ W 5″, $125.00, available at DWR

Large: H 3″ W 3″, $150.00, available at DWR

(This item’s link and price was updated 05/05/10.)

Take a look at these fancy wastebaskets (‘fancy’ meaning ornamental). And, look, they’re affordable, unlike other designer items that jack up the price just because they can.

“simply shaped, affordable, and stylish waste baskets from umbra made out of degradable virgin polypropylene with a printed graphic exterior.”

Design: Joshua Davis/David Quan
shown left to right: red, ocean blue, kiwi

14″h x 10″dia. (3 gallon capacity)

Not such a bad price for an indoor/outdoor chair- I especially like the block-like angles.

“Inspired by the aesthetic of comics from the 1940s, Philippe Starck’s Toy Armchair (1999) strikes a balance between work and play, sophistication and childlike fantasy. Molded of a single piece of polypropylene, the Armchair is suitable indoors or out, for dining and lounge areas. Stackable up to 14 high for convenient storage, the Toy Armchair has a drainage hole to avoid seat puddles in rainy weather. Made in Italy.”

Green, Orange, or White.
Polypropylene.

H 30.5″ W 24″ D 22.5″ (Seat H 17″ Arm H 25″)

Whether you’re into the semi-decorative or not, rugs are a great way to add pattern and interest to a room.

Hand-tufted 100% New Zealand Wool
8mm/10mm cut and loop pile

8 x 10 ft

This fluttery mobile would add a soft movement to a corner spot or area, don’t you think? Shown in white with green accents.

7 x 36 inches.

I posted Sarah Cihat’s Rehabilitated Dishware oh-so-long ago, and was pleased to find some of her new(ish) handmade cups.

Handmade cups with floral art.

3″ high by 3″ dia

This bench is something worth taking a look at. The low profile and interesting silhouette amount to an altogether unique outdoor seating solution.

“Each bench is made from furniture grade kiln dried Western Red Cedar. All fixtures are stainless steel and are tucked away on the back and inside. The main joints are all put together using dado cuts. While this makes the manufacturing more complex, it greatly increases its strength…The bench is shipped in a flat box through UPS right to your door. It arrives in five pieces, along with easy to follow assembly instructions, tools and hardware. About ten minutes are all it takes to put it together.”

70″l x 24.5″h x 29″w, seat height: 10″

Update: This item looks like it is no longer available through the designer, though you might want to email to check. (11/19/09)

Even though this rug’s pattern is barely there, and not at all ‘pattern-y’, there’s a nice quality that adds some interest without distraction.

“Created in a colorway that’s only available at DWR, the Grace Rug (1999) was named in honor of Angela Adams’ great aunt. “I always thought my aunt Grace was very cool because she could whistle with two fingers,” says Adams. Capturing a pattern that could represent a burst of light or sound (or Grace’s whistle), the Rug’s depth and texture is highlighted by Adams’ use of color and thick pile. Hand tufted out of 100% New Zealand wool, the Grace Rug’s 1″ pile is soft and inviting. The edging is resolved without having to use a band, and the smooth cotton backing is attached using a natural rubber latex adhesive.”

100% New Zealand wool; cotton monk’s cloth; natural rubber latex.

W 8′ D 10′($1699.00) or W 5′ D 8′ ($899.00)

Chances are if you’re shopping for modern (& affordable) furniture, you’ll have heard of Blu Dot. Right now at UMA there’s 15% off of all Blu Dot merchandise with free shipping online. Just enter this coupon code during checkout: BLUDOT15

Sale runs through the end of the month.

Charging stations are abundant nowadays, but it’s rare that one comes so close to simplicity as this one.

“The simple and compact design conceals a universal charger compatible with over 1500 electronic devices from most major brands and a USB port allowing hundreds more electronic devices to be charged using just The Sanctuary. Users can from now on charge their cell phone, PDA, Blackberry, iPod, MP3 player, and bluetooth headset simultaneously in one location.”

Available in White or Black, $129.00

If you’ve got a lot of time on your hands, you might consider taking up a hobby, let’s say something like covering a chair with tiny pieces of a map. Or, if you don’t have the time you could of course buy this one. It’s slightly pricey, but considering that someone did this by hand, and that you’re paying for convenience, it’s not as bad as it could be.

“The chair shown here is hand covered in a vintage edition map of the east London area. The map is cut into small squares using the printed grid lines & then joined back together with the Thames river flowing across the seat & then across the back of the chair. This particular chair is in stock & ready to ship but is also available made to order with an location map you wish. It is fully glazed in a durable, wipe clean, child safe lacquer.”

This is as ‘cheap as chips’ or so the saying goes. For $100, you can now afford to dine outside on your patio (if you have one) and enjoy the fine weather soon to arrive.

“This folding Patio Set is the perfect thing for impromptu barbecues or every day. The table top is 24″ in diameter. Includes the table with two chairs. Shipping $20.”

Update: This item is unfortunately no longer available. (10/5/09)

This console would be ideal for an entryway or behind a sofa. It has the detailing of the traditional Chinese medallion console to add interest but wouldn’t take up too much visual space. (I’m a big fan of mixing different styles and periods of furniture- something like this would provide an interesting contrast to a super modern sofa or chair.)

Satin-black or red lacquer

52″w x 12″d x 35″h (exterior)