Two new(?) items from Muuto that I'm particularly liking are this vase and carafe.

Closely Separated Vase: (also available in yellow, 10.6" h), $162.00, Buy it here.
by Michael Geertsen for Muuto

Abstract bowls, plates and cups are merged in an intuitive way. Reminding us of the beauty in disharmony and how old things can lead to new, if we change our perspective. The object works on its own, but is given a function if flowers are added.

I'm Boo Carafe: (3.39" dia. x 10.8" h), $94.00, Buy it here.
by Norway Says for Muuto

Boo is like the skin, or a balloon surrounding the water with openings that tell the simple story of fluid motion in and out of the glass. The carafe exudes a strong personality, as if it's saying "I'm Boo, who are you?"

[posted by katie]

On first glance this bookstand looks to be rather small, but when made from stone and measuring 8.5" across it's got to be quite hefty.

Alone, this hand-carved natural stone sculpture is a handsome addition to a coffee table, side board or desk, but add a treasured book and this cubist rock becomes the coolest bookstand around. Whether it’s a photography book from a favorite artist, a vintage first-edition novel by a beloved author, or a cookbook containing your next culinary challenge, Liveroche holds your tome firmly and elegantly. The resulting angle of the book keeps the pages open yet encourages browsing.

[posted by katie]

Buck the old trend of pigs and save your money in a bird.

(Have you ever wondered why a "Piggy" bank ever became so popular? Wikipedia has a few ideas if you want to know.)

[posted by katie]

These vases are intriguing (and a little disturbing).

Gala Vase, $230.00, Buy it here.
Georgia Porcelain Vase, $440.00, Buy it here.
Salvador Vase, $90.00, Buy it here.

[posted by katie]

The hand hooks by Harry Allen are now available in frosted acrylic(!).

Bestow Vase/Candle Holder, $75.00, Buy it here. "Flowers and candles are nice, but they look so much nicer when displayed with some panache." 3.5" x 5.75" x 9"

C'mere Hand Hook, $75.00, Buy it here. "A cast of the designers hand, this piece acts as a coat hanger, key holder, etc. Easily wall mountable." 4" x 3.5" x 7"

Offer Hand Hook, $75.00, Buy it here. "A cast of the designers hand, this piece is great as a soap dish, change holder etc. Easily wall mountable." 4" x 2.5" x 7"

[posted by katie]

If you haven't checked out MoMA's Destination: Japan, head on over there and take a look- it's kind of fascinating.

Crystal Cloud, Yumiko Yoshimoto, 1979:
"Water in this cloud-shaped glass sculpture creates repeating natural phenomena such as forming water drops, becoming cloudy based on temperature, and shining when the water sways. Created by glass sculptor Yumiko Yoshimoto, each Crystal Cloud is mouth blown and shaped by hand. Made of borosilicate glass filled with distilled water and a polished chromium-plated brass stand. Hand-wash only."
Size: 2.75h x 3l x 1.5"diam.

$100.00, $90.00 Members, Buy it here.

Pig Cooking Lid, Marna Inc., 2001:
"Made of soft silicone with a pig face in the center, this multipurpose lid can be placed directly over ingredients in a pot to help them cook evenly, releasing steam through the pig's snout. It can also be used to cover food in the microwave, and as a grip to open lids. Dishwasher and microwave safe."
Size: 1h x 7"diam.

$18.00, $16.20 Members, Buy it here.

[posted by katie]

Such a perfect modern home for our feathered friends...

"Designers Gavin Christman and Kate Knapp created the Bird House as a response to the disappearing habitats of small North American birds. Its understated spherical design and small entry hole make it impervious to the advances of squirrels and other predators, and it's sized to offer a safe nesting spot for blue tits, coal tits and marsh tits. The Bird House comes in recyclable packaging and includes stainless steel brackets and all the necessary hardware." Diameter 7"

Wall Mounted Bird House (on left): "Made from all-natural, unfinished clay, the Wall Mounted Bird House (2003) attaches easily to walls, sheds or fences, making an attractive, but not ostentatious, home for garden birds."
$95.00, Buy it here.

Terracotta Bird House: "Made from all-natural clay, the Terracotta Bird House (2003) is an attractive, but not ostentatious, home for garden birds...The Bird House comes in recyclable packaging and includes a steel wire for hanging and a plastic protector to prevent tree damage."
$95.00, Buy it here.

[posted by katie]

Here are some various (smaller) items worth a post...(especially the planter- I love the way it looks more like a sculpture than a plant stake). The baskets could be perfect for gardening supplies or a catch-all for newspapers and magazines, and while a regular shoe box might be okay for storing shoe cleaning supplies, the Cleaning Shoes box seems to store those same supplies while adding a little more specialness to the ritual.

My Beautiful Garden: $72.00, Buy it here.
"My Beautiful Garden, designed by Arik Levy, each ceramic pot includes a shapely stake to help the baby plant grow." Materials: ceramic and solid wood. W4.75 x D4.75 x H5 in.

Wire Log Basket:$175.00, Buy it here.
"Simple and sturdy, a straightforward log basket devoid of rustic overtones." Materials: Iron, W24 x D17 x H19 in.

Cleaning Shoes Box:$99.00, Buy it here.
"Keep your favorite shoes in top form with regular cleaning and polishing. This simple shoes box by Donata Paruccini allows you to store your polish, brush and cloth required to keep your favorite footwear looking sharp and lasting long." Materials: beech wood, nylon brush, W8.25 x D4.75 x H4 in.

Spirograph Log Basket:$95.00, Buy it here.
"Inspired by shapes created using the popular '60s toy, this hand-crafted wire log basket, which is deceptively strong, is exclusive to The Conran Shop." Materials: Iron, W23 x D23 x H17 in.

[posted by katie]

This could possibly become a classic in the years to come.

"A very simple but very chic design, the LED watch successfully brings digital iconography into the world of fashion. Ideal for those whose tastes straddle the divide between classic design and modern technology."

Materials: ABS, sus, polyurethane

1.25"W x 8.75"L x 0.25"H

[posted by katie]

Jason Miller now has a set of dinner plates (four on left) and dessert plates (four on right, not shown to scale) to continue with his "Seconds" series. While I liked the tea sets, I absolutely love the plates. Well done.

'Products that are "seconds" are products that are not quite right. Jason Miller's Seconds series challenges the rules that surround modern day consumer items. Who says the decoration has to be in the center? Who says a whole bird is better than half a bird? Made through conventional methods of mass production, the decals on Jason Miller's tableware are intentionally applied "incorrectly."'

Each set of four contains 4 unique patterns.
Dinner Plates, set of four, $120.00, Buy it here.
Dessert Plates, set of four, $80.00, Buy it here.

Available August 1, 2008

[posted by katie]