Articles Written by Katie

Katie

About Katie: Katie has been a product and textile designer, an art restoration specialist, and an interior designer/merchandiser. Her interests are focused on finding well designed items that improve daily life as well as reading fiction and making stuff. (View Profile)

 
 

Zig, Strata, and River Rock Rugs

Rugs! On sale! If you’ve any bare floors that your feet don’t like, it’s time to throw down a rug or two. Three of my favorites are shown above, and they’re all 20% off with free shipping. The sale ends today, so you’ll not have much time for deliberation, but there are several gender-neutral-patterned options to consider in addition to those linked to below.

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Purchase Information:

Price: $20% off
Available from: Serena Lily

Dot Coat Hooks

Hmm, maybe these are a direct attempt at copying the Coatrack Dots, or maybe it’s just a coincidence. Either way, $10 for a set of 3 coat hooks isn’t too bad of a deal, even if they are just flat, wooden disks without the rounded, smooth edges of the higher-end alternative. However, do be sure to consider the one review so you know what you’re getting.
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Purchase Information:

Price: $9.95
Available from: CB2

Cotton Umbrella

For goodness’ sake, get yourself a decent umbrella. There’s few things worse than inadequate protection on a cold and rainy day, so invest a little more money to keep yourself dry. In the case of this cotton umbrella, it’ll do that job and more, as you’ll look a tad more put together, maybe even dapper. There’s several bright(er) colors to choose from if black is too somber for your wardrobe.
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Purchase Information:

Price: $60.00
Available from: Nalata Nalata

Hang Around Cooking/Serving Set

These cooking/serving tools designed by Danish design firm KiBiSi have notches on the back so that they may gently rest on a pot or pan while you work. Made from white beech, they’re functionally minimal (or minimally functional?) as can only be expected from the manufacturer, Muuto.

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Purchase Information:

Price: $42.00
Available from: Finnish Design Shop

Like-It Door Hook Organizer

Okay, let’s make a deal. We won’t hate this door hook organizer thing if we all agree to put it only where it’s absolutely necessary. That will be discretionary, of course, but I think we can all trust each other to use it to organize and de-clutter those spots that are magnets to miscellany- hall closets, laundry rooms, kid’s rooms (better in a kid’s closet), some bathrooms, etc. Each strap has 6 height-adjustable hooks that hold up up to 1kg (2.2 lb) on each hook.
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Purchase Information:

Price: $15.00
Available from: IPPINKA

Framework Credenza

Still on the search for media storage? Join the club. If your budget is around the $500-$700 range, you could do a whole lot worse than this credenza. It won’t take care of tidying your cables for you, but it sure does have plenty of space for all manner of receivers, DVRs, and other such gadgets. The sleek iron frame with acacia wood planks are easy on the eyes as well.
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Purchase Information:

Price: $599.00
Available from: CB2

Save The Date Cards

You know there are classier ways to send out a ‘save the date’ request than through email, right? And I’m talking about actual cards, those paper invites that the post office may still bring to our doors, if we’re lucky. Each card in this set is designed like a ticket, giving adequate space to note the date and event. Envelopes aren’t included, but that just means you can pick your own color scheme. Maybe liven things up a bit with a bright color?
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Purchase Information:

Price: £12.50
Available from: Cox & Cox

Bamboo Round Bento Box

With all that effort that goes into selecting and packing your lunch, shouldn’t you pack it into something that’s perfectly sized and thoughtfully crafted? Perhaps like this Bamboo Bento Box? Bento boxes are classic Japanese lunch/snack carriers, and you’d do well to take a page out of the traditional book when it comes to serving sizes. At 4″ long, 6″ wide, and 5″ deep, you’ll not pack too much, and, as bamboo is durable and lightweight, it’ll suit your commute quite well. Two layers of containers stack vertically with an elastic band for security. Also available in a Rectanglar version.
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Purchase Information:

Price: $105.00
Available from: Baum-Kuchen

Pablo Tube Top Pendant

The Pablo Tube Top lamps have been around for years- before 2007 at least – but this pendant takes the stretcher idea to new heights (so to speak). While the 36″ wide version, shown above, is perfectly proportioned for a rectangular dining area, the smaller 7″ or 14″ could work quite well above a bar or as a pendant above a bedside table.
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Purchase Information:

Price: $160.00 - 450.00
Available from: 2modern

Silicone Leaf Plates

The next time you have a meal or appetizers outdoors, forego your regular dishes and dine on leaves! Silicone leaves, that is, so you’ll not be too Tarzan-ish. The leaves are made of flexible and durable food-safe silicone, and you’ll find that each one has a slightly different shape and shade of green.
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Purchase Information:

Price: $90.00, s/4
Available from: MoMA Store

Friday Links

  • An excerpt from a 1928 letter to teenage Jackson Pollock from his dad.
  • Surface Tension Lamp by FRONT. “the lamp has no bulb in the traditional sense, but, instead, spews a constant chain of bubbles, each of which pops at the touch before being replaced by the next in line.”
  • The Light That Generates Space, 2010, Carlo Bernardini
  • Like Mark Rothko’s art? The NGA has a nice synopsis of his life and work: Mark Rothko (click arrows to follow time line).
  • Montage of Kickstarter Project Videos That Start With “Oh Hey, I Didn’t See You There”
  • Why did men stop wearing high heels?
  • That’s it for this week. Enjoy your February 1st, 2nd and 3rd. See you back here on the 4th.

    Mantis Desk

    Perhaps you should take this desk’s name in reference to Mantises being highly visual organisms that are skilled in mimicry rather than their tendency for occasional sexual cannibalism, for the Mantis Desk does successfully blend in as a simple, modern workspace by hiding all manner of cables (via a discreet cable management system) and providing just enough space for notes and office supplies (see noteboard and drawer- there’s a double bookend as well). In multiples or alone, this desk would do well in keeping your officemates- or just you- organized and on task.
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    Purchase Information:

    Price: $1,095.00
    Available from: DWR

    Holo Tape Dispenser

    Is there anything wrong with your tape dispenser? Because if there is, you have an excellent reason to try out this circular approach by the Japanese brand METAPHYS. Not only does the case allow you to hold the dispenser firmly in your hand, but it also lends itself to easily hang on a hook. Less desktop clutter = excellent.
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    Purchase Information:

    Price: $20.00
    Available from: Leibal

    Hand Carved Geometry Stamp Set

    Just try not wanting this Geometry Stamp set, I dare you. Think of the reports you could stamp, the note to your boss or accountant! Oh, the fun to be had with an ink pad and a little geometry! Each set is hand-carved in good-quality hard rubber, and don’t be shy about asking for custom stamps as the artist welcomes commissions.
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    Purchase Information:

    Price: $12.00
    Available from: this is just to say

    Peg Lounge Chair, Set of 2

    The Peg Lounge Chair, you say, haven’t we featured that before? Nope, we’ve featured the Peg Chair, but not the lounge version. Dixon wanted a mix of of traditional pub furniture with a modern edge, and this durable chair was the end result. And, good news, the price listed is for two chairs, so no googly eyes needed. The dark brown finish is intended to deepen with age and was particularly chosen as an antithesis to the recent Scandinavian blond wood furniture craze (which is still acceptable in many interiors, of course).
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    Purchase Information:

    Price: $1,400.00 set/2
    Available from: YLiving