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Maybe you heard about the LIFX bulbs via Kickstarter, or maybe you’ll be jumping up and down right after you learn that you can control this light bulb with your smartphone. Each energy efficient LED light bulb bulb uses WiFi to connect to multiple devices through an app, so you can control the lumens, color temperature and range. That means a very customized lighting program, all thanks to a single bulb. Available now for preorder; ships August/September 2013.

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If you’re not in need of a tray or two to catch miscellany around your home or office, congratulations, you deserve a tip of the hat. For the rest of us, a felt tray would be an excellent spot to keep our smaller devices, keys, wallet, remotes, etc. The felt material would soften the clatter of contents, and give you a designated catch-all for whatever you deem appropriate.
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What might be made from wooden pallets? Lamp shades, of course! There’s a little assembly required, but that means less shipping costs from the UK, so can those complaints and count your cash. No gluing, screwing, or hammering needed, just click each piece in place. Each shade is slightly different as wooden pallets vary, but you can pick the color of elastic to unify a set or grouping.
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So, what’s your best guess? It’s around 16″ deep, with one side about 4.5″ in length and the other about 7.5″. It’s not a table per se, but it does function as a surface. (Hint: it has something to do with a sofa.)

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Prepare yourself for a higher-than-normal price tag, and then admire how this lamp hides most of its technical side under a very simple and clean exterior. As a task lamp, rotation and counter balance are necessary, and the designer, Claesson Koivisto Rune, intended to make this lamp self-explanatory and no-nonsense. As he states, “This lamp almost designed itself. Arm, elbow, head. And light.” 30-year rated 9W LEDs equals a very low level of power consumption.
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Okay, bear with me here, I know this just looks like a regular curtain rod/bracket, but it has something the sets it apart, and if you’ve ever been annoyed by light creeping in around your curtains- at night or in the morning- you’ll understand why this particular one is special. The Twilight bracket wraps around so that your curtains can lay flat against the wall. Such a small detail, but it certainly makes a big difference to those of us persnickety about dark rooms. So, no more little slivers of moonlight/sunlight that tend to find your face while you’re trying to catch some much needed sleep.
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How about a handmade carafe or two (or three)? Carafes are the sort of thing you think you don’t need, and then when you have one you realize just how useful they can be. The larger sizes would be appropriate for water, juice, or wine at the table, while the smaller size could work for milk or cream during coffee/tea time. Made of French porcelain, these carafes are more durable than glass and have a matte finish that gives a nice texture and grip. Handmade by a small team in Sydney, Australia.
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If you’re still misplacing your keys, for goodness’ sake, do something about it! There’s quite a few options for corralling keys, one of which is this little key holder and shelf. Magnets are embedded underneath to give you an easy place to hang your keys, while the shelf above is a snug spot to keep your sunglasses, wallet and phone- just the essentials. If you’re looking for a beefier coat rack, try this one: Coat Rack & Personal Organizer ($95).
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Yeah, it’s just a watering can, big deal. And, yes, a single metal tube is bent three times (hence the name) to create the handle and the pour spout. The copper is nice, as are the colors. The handle allows it to be held from the top when full and at the side when watering. All those things plus a semi-decent price tag must mean that this year you’ll finally take decent care of your plants- with a watering can like this, who wouldn’t? Just don’t over water.
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Who doesn’t want small 3D type to spell out their company’s name? These ready-for-assembly letters are available in three different sizes: 2″, 4″, and 8″. The 2″ are borderline irresistible, but hey, go big if you can afford it. This first series is based on Gotham Typeface by H&FJ, and you can submit customizations on the I Heart SolidType blog.

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A tiny bit of texture goes a long way in a room, and this pillow will provide that plus a little lumbar support. Made of perforated soft felt with interwoven threads in several colors.

Shown above: Canevas Medium Abstract Cushion, 26″ x 15″, $245.00
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Flat-panel LED technology makes quite the difference, as seen in the specs of this Cielo Pendant Light. It lasts for 50 thousand hours or 25 years of daily use. Pretty different from those regular bulbs we all had (and may still have) in our homes. LED technology has allowed this efficiency, and in the case of this lamp, it used only 8 watts of power. Contrast that with a regular 60 watt bulb and you’ll understand the savings. As an extra bonus, the Cielo is glare free, warm (color temperature: 3000K), and dimmable.
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Remember the Kukka Blocks? Well, they’re now on a slight sale- and yes, it’s a very slight sale- but you’ll at least be able to buy a few coffees with the savings, so that’s something. Because the Kukka set is modular, you can move the 4 pieces around to make it fit your own personal preferences. Also available directly from Kukka for £ 60.

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How about a little DIY lighting? Dino Sanchez has added a new (and affordable) table lamp to brighten up any small, dreary spot. All the pieces are included, so just add your own elbow grease and in no time at all you’ll have your lamp assembled. (Available for pre-order; it will begin shipping 03/25/2013.)
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What’s better than a black and white patterned rug? A reversible, indoor-outdoor black and white patterned rug, of course. Recycled polypropylene won’t be the softest on the soles of your feet, but the trade off is that you simply hose it down to clean. That means toting it out to the patio, park or beach is perfectly acceptable, if not encouraged.

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