Some relatively affordable outdoor furniture from West Elm:

metal mesh lounge chair w/cushion, $349.00 special: $296.00
wood-slat single lounger, $359.00 (cushion, $89.00)
sydney single lounger, $449.00 special: $359.00 (cushion, $89.00)
sydney lounge chair w/cushion, $379.00 special: $303.00 (cushion, $31.00)

[posted by katie]

Whoa...impressive. How much you want to bet this huge orchid-like light costs more than a small pre-owned car?

designer: Peter Jansen
manufacturer: .MGX by Materialise, Belgium
materials: epoxy resin (built through Stereolithography); accommodates two 11 watt energy saving bulbs
dimensions: 42.5" x 15.75", height: 26.75"
price upon request, Buy it here.

[posted by katie]

Here's another great station to corral all your gadgets whilst charging.

One outlet, four electronic thingamajigs to plug in, let the Juice Box help balance that equation. Mitered walnut box with felted wool removable top tames the tangle of cords, while concealing a power strip of your choosing.

Specs: (Inches) 4h x 15.5w x 8d
$129.00, Buy it here.

[posted by katie]

If you're going to play some cards, these are a fun set to have on hand...also might be a good host/hostess gift perhaps?

54-card deck of poker size playing cards, plus one marker card. Unlimited edition. Originally executed by artist Donald Sultan in March of 1989 as charcoal and conté crayon drawings on handmade paper.

Designer: Donald Sultan, 1989
Manufacturer: A/D Gallery, New York
Materials: Paper 3.25" x 2.5"
$25.00, Buy it here.

[posted by katie]

Anything can be art when you present it in the right way. Case in point are these pieces by designer fift; either tissues or your pick of various objects becomes something contemplative when hung in a handmade wooden frame on the wall.

eninal Tissue Case, $249.00, Buy it here.

"Tissue Case" is a hanging, canvas tissue dispenser. The piece cleverly frames an everyday object/function, creating the possibility of looking at it as conceptual art. Every time a tissue is dispensed, the piece changes subtly. 19"W x 22"H x 1.4"D

eninal Tray, $249.00-$292.00, Buy it here.

Behind the Tray's white canvas, powerful Neojiumu magnets are arranged at approximately 1" intervals, allowing you to store (and/or create minimalist art pieces out of) your favorite household objects. Or, release your inner artist and create your own compositions with any metal object (within reason). 19"W x 22"H x 1.4"D (Magnet area: Large: 12"W, 14"H (143 magnets) Small: 6"W, 7"H (42 magnets))

[posted by katie]

Plastic is soo blasé. (Not really, but these are pretty cool.)

Each available in a set of 10.
Set of 10: $8.00, Buy it here.

[via happy mundane]

[posted by katie]

These have been a long time coming in the blogosphere. Choose between four different groups to personalize your 'jewry' look*.

Tord Boontje's Charming is an iconic nature-based jewelry collection. The 18K gold pieces, playfully representing creatures and flowers, embrace the delicate nature of fine jewelry. The charms are integrated with a large hook and are designed to be customizable. Bundle a set on a chain or break the charms apart to further adorn any accessory.

Materials: 18K Plated Gold.
Sold in packs of three: $39.00, Buy it here.

*the word 'jewry' is used in reference to the mispronounciation of 'jewelry' that tends to proliferate on one of bravo's reality shows, just in case you were about to write me a angry email.

[posted by katie]

This is one snazzy table. I love the angular legs and parquet detailing, and, to sweeten the deal, there's a removable leaf for versatility.

Our Parquet Dining Table is a solid, classic design that demonstrates our commitment to craft. Crisp, angular legs and an impeccably crafted oak tabletop are delightful for entertaining. The center leaf is surprisingly easy to remove for an intimate gathering.

quarter-sawn oak, includes a removable 22" leaf
94" long x 36" wide at center x 30" high (72" long without leaf)
$3,800.00, Buy it here.

[posted by katie]

Yes, they're a bit expensive, but they're entirely cute (in a tchotsky-esque sort of way).

This artisan iterpreted the classic western movie characters "IL Cattivo" the bad and "IL Buono" the good with a look to 60's craft.

Material: Ceramic
Designer: Pernilla Jansson
Dimensions: 11" x 5.5" / 27 X 14 CM (HxW)
$202.00, Buy it here.

[posted by katie]

This definitely has a spring-time feel, which might help lighten up some of those darker rooms. (Also, don't be afraid of florals; they won't hurt you.)

Wool; cotton backing
$78.00-$1,098.00, Buy it here.

[posted by katie]