built-ins

I am a huge fan of built-in furniture. It is one of the most minimal ways to obtain multiple benefits from a single design. You can customize pieces specifically to the needs and uses of the inhabitant, and they are one with the architecture of the building. I love that built-ins reduce the amount of free-standing furniture pieces floating in the room, and allow the architecture to stand alone and shine. This is an excellent example of a built-in dining banquette with storage by the LA-based firm, Marmol Radziner:

nursery art prints

I love these art prints from Avalisa for nurseries and little children's bedrooms! They are so sweet, the color and composition are excellent, and they are conveniently coordinated. They're canvas hand-stretched over a wood frame.

pendants

I like these modern, very reasonably-priced pendants from School House Electric:

original art

This is a really cool visual medium using layered paper to create an artful topographical landscape. Shown is one of Manhattan that is particularly cool, but I'd recommend checking out the rest of the collection here.

baby gift

These hand-made little wooden baby/toddler toys are excellent gifts for babies and kids of friends:
Just Hatched

pendant

This is a modern and minimal pendant that is sizable enough (23"H x 10"W) to stand on its own in a smaller space, or would look good in multiples where space permits. I'd like to see two hanging over a larger kitchen island. This would also be nice for a bedside fixture - installed hanging low just above bedside tables.
$189

phone old/new

I love this idea. It's an excellent piece for those wanting a bit of traditional telephone-talking, but who also enjoy modern gadgets. It would look great in a home office or living room. Its construction seems sturdy and carefully built. iRetrofone from Etsy.

mirror grouping

This is a balanced arrangement of well-designed mirrors. I like the frames. They're called Porthole Mirror Collection from Viva Terra, available here for $369.

dining table

This is an awesome new dining table from CB2.  It's walnut veneer on a bent wood base that is truly stunning. 42" Diam, $349.

ceramic planter

These ceramic planters from West Elm are pretty nice and are reasonably priced ($69-79).

porcelain hurricanes

I love these new perforated porcelain hurricanes from West Elm.

From $19-$49.

Star Wars bedding

Ok, now this is what dreams are made of, am I right?

Star Wars bedding available through Pottery Barn Kids.

cool clock

I just discovered this awesome wall clocks, designed by Keith Moore.  Here are a few of my favorites:

They can be purchased from his storefront on Etsy.  Here is the link:

http://www.etsy.com/people/pilotdesign

From $64-$99

       

dual gas cooktop

For the cook in need of some serious heat:

http://www.sabaf.it./

scale

What a great looking scale from Crate & Barrel.  Almost makes me want to get on it...

dining or office chair

I came across this chair when posting about the Pratt LED lamp from West Elm and thought it was excellent.  Also designed in collaboration with students from the Pratt Institute, this chair would be a great dining chair.  It's made from eco-friendly materials (FSC-certified eucalyptus wood/ powder-coated steel), and stackable.  

Pratt Office Chair  $119

111 Archer Avenue

This print is fantastic.  It is a depiction of the house from the film The Royal Tenenbaums.  The illustrator is named Max Dalton, and this is his website.  The print is 11" x 16", and is $35.  There are only 250 prints made, so it is a limited edition piece.  I love the muted color scheme, and the fact that it's a rendered section drawing.  To buy the print, click here.

task lights

Affordable task lights (for your desk or workspace) are pretty tough to find.  I've noticed that West Elm has recently come out with a few that are attractive and priced affordably.  

1. Collector Task Lamp $79.99

Note: this lamp only works if you can clip it onto you desk as shown in the image. 

2. Industrial Task Table Lamp $59.00

3. Pratt LED Table Lamp $129

This lamp was designed in collaboration with students from The Pratt Institude, a design school in Brooklyn, NY.  LED is an excellent option for lighting because it uses significantly less energy than incandescent bulbs.  The LED bulbs also last practically forever. 

California coffee table

I love this coffee table from San Francisco-based designer, Jared Rusten.  It's like having a piece of art in the room that is functional.  That's my favorite kind of furniture.

From his website:

This coffee table, carefully cut into the iconic shape of California is crafted from native, salvaged Claro Walnut for the top, and native, salvaged, White Oak for the base.  Dimensions: 56″ long (tip to tip), 15.5″ tall, approx. 18″ wide.  $2500

PB Teen Throw Pillows

I recently checked out Pottery Barn Teen for the first time and was pleasantly surprised!  I'd never thought to look through their products before because I do not have any teens and am not a teen myself, but found a few items that appealed to my adult self.  The stuff is youthful, fun, and cheery.  While I'd recommend going more neutral with larger pieces, such as sofas, etc. (because you'll get more years out of them), it's totally OK to play around with bright accents like pillows.

 De-Vine Pillow Cover

 Zig-Zag Pillow Cover

 Tulips Toss Pillow

Love Organic Pillow Cover