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This lovely wool and silk rug has a warm gold and red color scheme with just enough pattern to make a room interesting. The simple design on a otherwise flat background has an updated feel to it, and the red/gold almost reads as a neutral because the contrast is somewhat subtle. It’s the sort of piece that would work well with modern or traditional furnishings, which is always a good sign when you’re considering spending a good amount of money.

4′ x 6′

The standard watering can gets the OXO Good Grips treatment with some added functionality and convenience. The spout rotates back for easier filling and efficient storage while easy measuring is made possible with a translucent spout. And of course, the grip is improved with a continuous non-slip handle for carrying and pouring at any height. Available in small, medium, and large sizes, priced at $9.99, $14.99 and $24.99 respectively.

Large — 2 gallon, 13.9” x 7.6” x 9.7”
Medium — 3 quart, 10″ x 4.5″ x 11″
Mini —  1 quart, 8.0’’ x 3.5’’ x 3.5’’

I could’ve sworn that we’ve posted these before, but just as well that we haven’t seeing as they’re a perfect fit for today. Yes, today is Earth Day. What does that mean to you? Hopefully something, as it looks like our little planet needs all the help it can get. If you want to see what else you can do (in addition to recycling, because you already do that, right?), take a look at Worldwatch’s suggestions. I bet there’s a few on there that won’t hurt you to add to your weekly routine.

So, now that’s said, let’s take a look at these fully biodegradable and compostable pieces. Intended for single-use, they’re beautiful alternatives to regular paper plates. Sample kits start at $18.00 and contains one of each of the 14 pieces in the WASARA collection along with a coupon for $20 off your next purchase. Individual pieces in packs of 12 start at $9.00.

Designed in Japan by Shinichiro Ogata / SIMPLICITY
materials: 100% tree-free renewable materials (sugar cane fiber, bamboo, and reed pulp)

Here’s a rather affordable LED lamp that will fit well within a modern workspace. Consuming only 9 watts, this light has a built-in 4 or 6 step dimmer (mini or regular size), giving you the option to pick just the right amount of light that you need for your task.

Available in daylight and warm-white light models.
Available in White, Silver, Red, or Black.
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If you’re a big wine drinker, maybe you’ve thought about having a proper wine cellar one day with plenty of space to store your favorite bottles. While you might be short on space (or cash) to make a proper cellar happen now, this expandable rack could be a good compromise, as it allows your storage to grow as you add to your collection. Made from a mixture of recycled thermoplastic synthetics and paper by-products (i.e. Syntrewood®), these racks are durable and require no tools or connecting pieces. You simply stack them on top of each other; widen or heighten as you wish.

Sold in sets of 3 (= for 12 bottles).

Similar in usage to the French Stacking Carafe, this Stainless Steel Carafe set has cups that stack and nest within the mouth, allowing for easy transport to and from the table. However, unlike the glass of the French Carafe, this 1 litre double-walled carafe will keep your drinks at the temperature you want- hot or cold.

As you use this ‘edgy’ eraser, it becomes rounder like a pebble. The many edges give you a sharper point to erase, making it easier to use than normal erasers.

Available in 3 colors.

Created from salvaged furniture production cutoffs, Xylobooks are handmade blank books with sturdy wood covers for the most important of memories.

Designer: Johnathan Nussbaum and Gary Robbins
Materials: high quality recycled archival paper, cotton twill tape, iron nails. Wood: Bigleaf Maple, White Oak, or Cherry

Specifications: 5.25″L x 4.25″W, 64 leaves, 128 pages.

Remember the Raised Garden Box Kit? If the DIY aspect put you off, Scout Regalia now has an assembled patio garden option. If you’d rather use some elbow grease to save the $100, the DIY kit is still available as well.

SR Patio Garden (Assembled), $185.00
SR Patio Garden Kit DIY (lumber not included), $95.00

For those of you that want a cooler kite to fly when the weather is nice, this little nylon fabric guy will do the trick. Each kite has a different/unique screen printed design with a ribbon tail. Makes you wish for proper spring/summer weather, doesn’t it?

shown above: “little winged demon” by Jan Kallwejt

We’ve featured a few birdhouses before, but this will be the first one where you will get the satisfaction of putting it together yourself. No tools are needed either, it snaps (and unsnaps) together in about a minute. Great for kids or ones not so confident in their hand skills.

Measures 10.5″h x 8.5″w x 9.35″d when assembled.

Just came across these cute lil wooden owls by designer Matt Pugh. Perfect as a desk accessory, I’d say. Available in Oak or Walnut and a variety of colors.

Dimensions: 10cm x 5cm x 5cm
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The Japanese certainly know how to do stationary right, and this Old Book Vintage Masking Tape is no exception. Amongst many other things, I see it being put to good use for all the vintage and DIY-themed weddings I’ve been seeing more and more of as of lately.

Made in Japan
Size: 15mm ×15m

Originally seen in Readymade magazine.
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Something about this light looks like sex incarnate. Maybe it’s the sleek stainless steel finish or maybe it’s because it reminds me of that Hussein Chalayan hat – the one that sucks the girl’s dress up into it. See the video at Style.com and skip to 4:24. I’m no male chauvinist, but some people might consider that better living through design.

Also available in nickel-painted steel.
19.7 x 6.7 inches

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Do you have an extra extension cord lying around? If so, you could make a lamp with this kit. You simply snap the two pieces of the lamp together, insert bulb unit, and then wrap the cord around the lamp using the guide cut outs, and voilà! You have yourself a coil lamp.

Pic of components to follow.
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