This is such a perfect wall graphic for a child's room.

[posted by kris]

These mirrors seem to be pretty special- take a look at the incredible texture and materials. Christian Astuguevieille (pronounced ah-stewg-v'YAY) designed them especially for CoutureLab and after googling him and glimpsing just a tiny peek at his abode and various art objects, I can understand the mystique and appeal surrounding the man behind the name. Also, check out his crazy rope chair, called Moisart...not for the timid decorator/designer/collector.

Mirave Mirror:

The bunched, synthetic lavender of this mirror is dipped in black acrylic paint creating a dense textured frame to the convex glass. The frame is backed in black wood and signed by the artist...Characteristics between individual pieces may vary as each mirror is handmade.

Size: Small 22 x 22 cm
$3,000 approx, Buy it here.

Mirol Mirror:

The domes and spheres which frame this mirror are constructed from braided cotton, the same material that is used to make synthetic flowers. The back of the mirror is lined with muslin and marked with the Christian Astuguevieille atelier stamp...Characteristics between individual pieces may vary as each mirror is handmade.

Rectangular mirror mounted with a saffron red braided cotton frame
Size: Small 29 x 24 cm
$1,251 (approx), Buy it here.

The NYtimes also has an article on Astuguevieille as well.

[posted by katie]

I'm completely in love with these vessel-like shapes by Ernst Gamperl. Taken from trees that have naturally fallen due to effects of time, each one is meticulously carved from wet wood as it dries in order to expose the grain in a new way and form. The detail is really quite amazing, and pulls wood from an otherwise normal material into an extraordinary art piece. If I am ever lucky enough to own one I would honestly consider it a prized possession.

Circular patterns carved into [Gamperl's] sculptures follow ancient Sufi customs and are deep synchronicity with the nature of the raw material itself. After the pieces have been moulded, waxed and polished into their finished shape, those same sculptural objects, appear to highlight the life of the grain and the ineffable force of nature which, in Gamperl's case, has withstood the test of time.

Pricing starts at $546.00 approx. and go up to $7,700.00 (approximately).
Buy it here.

[posted by katie]

As a self-described minimalist, I usually don't like the idea of allowing room for trinkets and such, but it is rather unrealistic to think that in your life you aren't going to acquire some mementos along the way. I like how Marlon and Jace use display domes (as seen in their Apartment Therapy home tour) to create distinct display areas without making the space look cluttered.

[posted by kris]

These Still Lifes (yes, the plural is 'Lifes') by John Murphy remind me a little of Harry Allen's My Brother's Frame, except they're a fraction of the cost and you get the art as well. Go figure.

Archival Pigment Print, Open edition
10 x 12 inches framed (image size 5x7).

Still Life from the series Seeing is Believing, $150.00, Buy it here.
Hand finished frame in Antique Blue. High Luster finish.

Still Life from the series That Way the Feeling Never Ends, $150.00, Buy it here.
Hand finished frame in Chinese Red. Luster finish.

Still Life 2 from the series Seeing is Believing, $150.00, Buy it here.
Hand finished frame in Graphite. Satin finish.

[posted by katie]

Some interesting art pieces can be found at Red Cake, and, best of all, they won't break the bank.

Jellyfish #3 by Elide Endreson, 2007: $300.00, Buy it here.
Vintage lace and tulle; silk.
11.0 x 9.0 x 3.0 inches

Pastel Pink Dog Bunny by Molly Schulps, 2008: $75.00, Buy it here.
Clay, low-fire glazes, multiple-firings.
8.0 x 4.0 x 4.0 inches

Hippo Dog Buns by Molly Schulps, 2007: $125.00, Buy it here.
Clay, low-fire glazes, multiple-firings.
8.0 x 3.5 x 3.5 inches

[posted by katie]

A nice mobile to complement your modern interior...

"hand laminated maple veneer cut to the shape of abstract birds hung from shaped wire - each bird are different size and shapes..."

approx. 24 x 11 inches

[posted by katie]

I think we've posted something like this before, but it was a while ago so it probably deserves another highlight.

"This three dimensional sculpture plays with light and shape in a way that can make a room. Perfect for above a bed or sofa, or any blank wall that needs some pizzazz. Available in white or graphite. Powder coated steel."

(Left) Mirrored Large Op Art, 52" x 30", $279.00, Buy it here.
White Large Op Art, 49"L x 27"W, $179.00 Buy it here.

[posted by katie]

Check out this modernish mobile...there are some fun colors to choose from as well (if your purpose is to enthrall children, might I suggest the 'Fire Fire'):

In Japanese, puka puka means "an object gently floating in space". Every Puka puka mobile is an original, handcrafted piece, balancing the forms and colors to ensure each mobile is one of a kind. Invigorate your interior with a Puka puka mobile. The play of light, shadow, and color will enliven any space. Let the fluid movement of the mobile relax you and enthrall children. Materials used: stainless steel, coated stainless steel wire, silver, polypropylene. Size: 15"W x 26"L.

Available colors: Fire Fire, Leaf, Smokey, or Spectrum.

[posted by katie]

Another cheeky interpretation of vinyl wall stickers. Unfortunately for us in the US, they're really intended for European switches, but I think they're a cute and playful execution of vinyl stickers.

[posted by kris]