XMAS

Looking ahead, I came across some alternatives to the garden (farm) variety Christmas tree. Here are some of the things people have done to kick the pine habit.

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[via re-nest]

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[via apartment therapy]

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[via Alex Ostrowski]

MATTER: HANDPRINTED WALLPAPER

As promised [below], here are some example of handprinted wallpaper that we’re noticing.

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Katherine Morris’ wallpaper

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Anna Dove’s wallpaper 

 

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Deborah Bowness‘ fake books

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The Selby Strikes Again: click here.

TREND: STAMPING and PRINTING

This month, we’ll be featuring several examples of stamping, block printing, and stenciling that we’re seeing in tasty home decor. These crafts are no longer the provinence of the scrapbooking set! To get you started, we recommend Lena Corwin’s Printing By Hand.

 

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INSPIRATION: WOOD

We’re inspired by the work of Patrick McDaniel, and we’re hoping to spread our love around.  If you have ever attempted to turn a piece of wood, then you know these vases are not only beauties, but minor miracles. These would make beautiful gifts for someone you love. All the wood is twice turned. You can find out more about Patrick’s process, here.

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MATTER: CERAMICS

Klein & Reid are two of our favorite ceramicists. Their new pieces are on our wish list, including the out of stock top set for Herman Miller.

 

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FONTS

If you’re font-crazy, you’ll love this site. You can download new fonts–free! I love 3-D Salter and Abba Regular.

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RECORD PLAYER

Record players are coming back. Again. We’ve noticed a number of new models that play your vinyl while turning the records into mp3’s at the same time. Crosleymakes some retro beauties:

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I like this one, too:

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Cozy and coupling

As the weather turns cooler, you might want to get a little closer to your loved ones. Snuggle. Here are a few things that make such coupling a little easier.

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Chairs by Allan Wexler

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Teton Sports Mammoth O-degree Sleeping Bag

 

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Love Pillows [available here]

 

knockoffs, and other ethical questions

Many of us are looking to pinch pennies right now. But those of us in the design world know that if everyone pinched pennies, we might be out of work. Good design can, perhaps, change the world, but most of our products are luxury–they can be bought uglier and cheaper. So how do you feel when it comes to knockoffs? When quality is sacrificed for the veneer of good taste? The debate has rippled through the design and fashion world. I want to know what you think.Can you spot the “real” and the “fake”? Or the more expensive and less expensive models?

tuliptable_dwr1.jpgtuliptable_ikea.jpg metalchair_anthropologie_orange.jpgmetalchair_dwr_orange.jpgin order: tulip table design within reach ($1431) tulip table ikea ($269) metal chair anthropologie ($201.06) metal chair design within reach ($250)