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The official beginning of summer is almost upon us, and the summer means backyard grilling. And, if you do any backyard grilling, you need a basting brush. This brush and beaker by Eva Solo is a smart little set to aid you in your outdoor cooking, as the silicone brush rests upon the side of the beaker to keep things tidy. It’d be a handsome addition to your other grilling tools.
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Stay sane with a daily reminder that everything is, in fact, going to be okay. Take a deep breath, put on your jewelry/pick up your keys/etc., and head out for the day. Similarly, at the end of your how-the-heck-did-end-up-with-a-12-hour-a-day work schedule, take off your jewelry/put down your keys, and relax. This small dish might just be the one spot where things won’t get lost.
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You won’t like the price of this step stool, but you will understand it once you see that it packs a lot more punch and pizzazz than anything you’d find at a hardware store. Architect-turned-furniture designer Aaron Poritz designed the Hardwood Step Stool with storage in mind. Slide-away storage panels for books- or anything else you’d rather not see on a daily basis- are tucked in between each step, making it a handy storage option and side table as well as a functional step stool. Nicaraguan craftsmen make the Hardwood Step Stools from century old Nancinton trees felled during the destruction of Hurricane Felix.
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What’s so great about an Aluminum Tray? Other than the fact it’s from Piet Hein Eek and his fascination of the technical possibilities of aluminum (specifically, when combined with a stamping machine), you can rest easy knowing that it’ll take a beating and still do the job of holding whatever you might need to transport to and from the desk or dining table. Or, if you intend to set it upon a surface merely to corral mail and/or other miscellany, it certainly adds a certain machine aesthetic that you may find as a nice contrast to your other wooden pieces.

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Sure, you could use these solid brass stands as paperweights or placeholders, but why not have them out all the time as photo holders? It might encourage you to switch out photos more often, as there’s no fumbling about with picture frames. Buy them as a set ($60), or individually ($22 each).
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Lovely, aren’t they? Don’t get too attached if you’re on a tight budget, but if you’ve a healthy allotment for pendant lights, then add these blown borosilicate glass lights to your list. Utilizing direct and reflected light, these pendants are wonderfully elegant; they’ll not steal the show, yet will withstand any manner of fads and changes to your home’s color scheme. There’s also a Floor Lamp, Wall Light, and Table Lamp along the same lines.
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Aside from not having more US distributers, Hay can do no wrong in my book. These reversible Mega Dot Quilts hit the target for lighter summer bedding, yet, as usual, be prepared to pay a little extra for the spot-on subtle pattern and colors. I recently purchased one, and it’s the perfect weight for summer nights. If you’d rather have a smaller size as a throw for the cooler spring/summer nights, or for a smaller children’s bed, there’s the Mini Dot Quilt for $186.00.
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Here’s a perpetual calendar that offers you endless combinations of color compositions. Switch the day, month, and date each day, and, as your schedule permits, switch the six reversible PVC sheets around to make interesting color plays. The designer part of you will be happy discovering new combinations as the days tick by. From Israeli designer Dan Reisinger (1987 was the design year, can you believe it?).
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If you’re opening a bottle, you should probably have both hands on board, but we’ll make one small exception for this bottle opener. Now your other hand can be free to wave at your friends, show off your other bicep, your amazing coordination skills (juggling?), or maybe even get two Kebo Bottle Openers so you’ll look like a cowboy bartender with his/her Six Shooters. That’s my vote. Rush Dixon, the designer, was inspired by the Theodore Low bottle opener from the 1930s.
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The name might refer to a landslide on a Swiss mountain, but you can appreciate gravity on a smaller and safer scale with this card stand that keeps your papers organized. Wooden counterweights loosely set on a sloped base will hold your papers or cards upright where you may enjoy them- or keep them handy for reference- and the Japanese oak will look fine on any desktop surface.
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These small pendant lights are made of recycled cardboard egg cartons, and that’s good news in itself, but it also means the cost is very affordable at $48 each. Mix the three different styles for an eclectic feel above a small dining table or bar or stick with just one in a special spot, either way you can feel good about supporting sustainable practices within the lighting marketplace.

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If you’re a camper (or glamper, there’s room enough for all), chances are that you’ll appreciate the Hozuki Lantern by Snow Peak. It has a Candle Mode setting that lets the LED respond to wind or sound with a flicker, just like a real candle but without the fire hazard. At its lowest setting, it will last for 80 hours; at its highest, 8 hours. The Hozuki Lantern is powered by four AA batteries (Alkaline or NiMh/Zrb rechargeable) or may be powered by a USB cord as well.
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Sitting outside on a summer’s night is made all the more enjoyable with a little fire… and s’mores, of course. The Boo Fire Basket will help contain several logs for an outdoor fire, or, flip it over for a perfect spot to hold a lantern. It’s a good option for a non-permanent fire feature and would be easy to move around an outdoor area as needed.

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What should you do on a windy, sunny day? Go fly a kite, of course. Should you not already be in possession of a semi-wonderful wind instrument, Haptic Lab will set you up right with one of their Signature Kites. Traditional/semi-tradional shapes made from patterned nylon fabric will keep your eyes entertained, while the removable hardwood spars give structure. Each kite is slightly different, as they are handmade, yet all feature one (or two) of Haptic Lab’s signature ten-foot-long patchwork kite tail. Use it as a wall hanging when you’re stuck at your desk.

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We’ve featured some things from Iris Hantverk before, but seeing as Father’s Day is fast approaching, it seems appropriate to spotlight their Concrete Shaving Kit. Designed by Lovisa Wattman, the kit includes a soft concrete shaving dish, shaving soap, and a shaving brush with badger hair bristles. Iris Hantverk is known for their handmade brushes, so you know you’re getting high quality. Plus, join the Ode to Things mailing list and receive 15% off (do take a look at their collection-you’ll like it, I promise).
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