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All right, what did you think this was at first glance? A strange hair decoration? A fireplace accessory? Nope, it’s a sturdy support for your leggy plants to climb and grow upon. The 3-D box design keeps things modern while contrasting nicely with the curvy lines of vines and foliage. Use them indoors or outside, as they’re made of powder-coated steel.
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I know next to nothing about birds, but that doesn’t stop me from wanting a birdhouse. And, hey, there’s no way I’m going to settle for just any birdhouse, because there are standards to uphold, aren’t there? This Arbor House is made from recycled high density polyethylene (HDPE)- that translates into 24 recycled milk jugs- and thermally modified maple. That means no maintenance whatsoever, except for cleaning it out each season, of course. There’s also the Pitch, Rapson, and Cube birdhouses to consider, all in various colors from Loll Designs.
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Geez, another modern beach towel? We’re up to our eyeballs here with all the choices, and this one is very tempting price-wise. I guess it doesn’t hurt to have a stack of them ready to go whenever the mood strikes- it is summer, after all. Take note of this tidbit so you can sound smart when you get compliments: this towel is designed by Dee Clements- she was inspired by architectural stained glass from the Arts and Crafts movement.
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Is it time for a picnic? I think so, especially if you had this basket from Danish brand Menu. It’s a sort of hybrid between a basket and tray, with two air-tight containers with bamboo lids, two cooling pads, and a felt liner. Stick the cooling pads in the freezer before you head out to keep your food cool. It’s like a bento-box-basket, isn’t it? You could, of course, also use it off-duty around the house (as shown in last image) to corral all manner of odds and ends; there’s no need to keep it just for outdoor activities.
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Stripes! It evokes a certain Memphis Group flavor, don’t you think? And, yes, you could probably make something similar if you had the tools (so, go ahead, make one). If you know you’re too lazy, then this little lamp by Brendan Timmins will set you back $160. A small price to pay for a cheery, striped light with a pink cord, don’t you think? More designs and colors are on Brendan Timmins’ site; contact him directly for those options.
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Do you remember the harmless Pon Push Pin? The same folks have a new version (aptly named Pon+) that’s a bit bigger and has a smart pull tab. Pull the tab and slide your pictures/artwork underneath for easy display and no puncture wounds. The bigger size means it can hold larger loads as well.
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“What’s through there?” That’s what your friends will be saying until they smack their foreheads against this mirror (they’re not too bright, those friends of yours, poor things). Just think, your place will look like it gained another room at first glance, thanks to the elegant optical illusion of the arched design. Look closely and you’ll see several varying tints create a shaded effect; a small detail, yes, but quite effective. There’s the floor sized version (shown) as well as a smaller 32″ height that would work well on a console or credenza. And, if you want to go crazy, take a look at the Dune Mirror.
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Running low on notebooks? Don’t let those ideas float away- jot them down in one of these notebooks by Metaphys. The Blanc Notebook’s pages are rounded to avoid snagging and bent corners while the semi-rigid cover protects the high-quality Japanese paper. Pages take ink beautifully and tear out easily. Did you notice the subtle gray dotted lines? They give you a graph if you need it; they’re light enough to ignore if you don’t.
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Why, yes, these pedestals are Sottsass-inspired, as you can tell by their circular, contrasting layers. Aren’t they just the thing to elevate certain things around your home? Perhaps you’ll place your hors d’oeuvres, your prized possessions, or, as suggested, your potted plants upon them, so that those items might shine slightly brighter for being seen.
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Keep time with the Dotty Clock, designed by Abi Alice. You can probably see where sticky dots had something to do with the design, as the ends of the hands are clear to spot from across the room. If you’re a fan of Charles and Ray Eames, you may even see a little Dot Pattern fabric flavor when the hands cross just so… or even planetary orbit paths… or is that just me?
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Will having a greenhouse make your thumbs more green? I bet it will, because how could you have a greenhouse like this without lovingly attending to the plants inside? This miniature conservatory is made from lacquered solid ash timber, a galvanized metal planting tray, and toughened glass panes. Both sides open so you can easily care for all your greenery, and if you prefer it not to rest on an existing table or countertop, there’s an optional stand (+$235).
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A big dose of cheerful, rainbow color in the morning would do everyone some good, don’t you think? The Heller Mugs are iconic tableware pieces, first winning the Compasso d’Oro Award in 1964, if you can believe it. This classic set will match any existing vintage pieces, as they’re made using the same molds.
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You won’t be able to fit any large plants into these wooden containers by Boyce Studio, so don’t even try. However, do plan to place a few small succulents into the smaller receptacles, as they’ll be right at home. The shaped planters are fashioned from wood and finished with a low VOC oil and wax combo. Pick a couple and group them together for a bigger statement.
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Aside from not having more US distributers, Hay can do no wrong in my book. These reversible Mega Dot Quilts hit the target for lighter summer bedding. I recently purchased another one for my home, as it’s the perfect weight for summer nights, and was delighted to find the price has decreased quite a bit from a couple of years ago. That certainly doesn’t happen often. If you’d rather have a smaller size as a throw for the cooler evenings or for a smaller children’s bed, there’s the Baby Dot Quilt for $99.00.
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You’d be forgiven for thinking this glass cylinder is some sort of lantern, for it certainly looks like a sleek little light. However, it packs a punch in sound quality. Crystal-clear sound is reverberated through the glass cylinder, the vibration giving a unique “lifelike sound experience.” Lightweight and portable, the Glass Sound Speaker is ideal for use both indoors and out. And, yes, of course, it connects to your device via Bluetooth.
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