Ricami Stool

A light-as-air table that is actually rock solid. Made entirely of laser-cut steel, this stool/side table is also 100% recyclable. Bonus? The manufacturer (Arktura) uses a zero-VOC powder coat finish that is nearly indestructible but 100% earth-friendly. Available from online merchant Zwello http://yhst-37542584897213.stores.yahoo.net/ark-ricami-stool.html in white or black finish.

Repurpose a pigeon's home - for your home

Looking for a wow piece for your living room? How about this chat-worthy cocktail table from Bobo Intriguing Objects (available through online merchant Wild Flower Organics). http://www.wildflowerorganics.com/product.php?productid=563

OK - it's pricey ($1,125), but how do you put a price on a good conversation starter? The basket is a recycled French pigeon basket - that's right - a pigeon basket! The rough edges have been refined with the addition of a glass top but the cool work-a-day vibe is preserved by (a) a trap door that opens to allow for storage and (b) the tables' oversized casters.

For Pete's sake...use this fabric!

How wonderful is this Marimekko fabric - doesn't it make you want to take a nature hike?

http://www.finnstyle.com/latvassa.html

I would love this fabric as a sliding panel or room divider. Pair it with a curtain ceiling track to make a sliding panel to cover the laundry area, a messy closet, or a sliding patio door. You can find do-it-yourself components for curtain track at Riley Designs online:(http://www.shop.curtaintrax.com/product.sc?productId=5.

An excellent addition to the track, particularly if used as a room divider in a loft or open-concept space, is a bottom rail. The bottom rail provides more weight and keeps the fabric hanging straight. PosterHanger is a simple solution - just slide the finished bottom edge of the fabric into the hanger: http://www.posterhanger.com/

Neglected corner no more!

You know that neglected corner in the living room/ study/ bedroom/ sunroom that you keep meaning to address. Well here's a quick fix:

A canary print orange chair (courtesy of our friends at Target) http://www.target.com/Canary-Print-Armless-Chair-Orange/dp/B001L5HKH4/ref=pd_ecc_rvi_1?ie=UTF8&pf_rd_r=048V72SGK00JGCTNRDHA&pf_rd_p=447415501&pf_rd_i=B0012W8OH6&pf_rd_s=left-5&pf_rd_m=A1VC38T7YXB528&pf_rd_t=201

Shine some light on the gorgeous print with a versatile floor lamp (like this one, also available online from Target)

http://www.target.com/Swivel-Mount-Floor-Lamp-Silver/dp/B0012W8OH6/ref=pd_ecc_rvi_1?ie=UTF8&pf_rd_r=1Q2N4BKJF47NRT19VT06&pf_rd_p=447415501&pf_rd_i=B001L5HKH4&pf_rd_s=left-5&pf_rd_m=A1VC38T7YXB528&pf_rd_t=201

and add this tongue-in-cheek pillow (available at PillowDecor.com) for a wonderful contrast and you are ready to curl up with your favorite book.

http://www.pillowdecor.com/Bergere-Chair-on-Deep-Silk-LT-Throw-Pillow-p/lb1-0016-01-16.htm

My kind of floral display!

Striking silver stems of phalaenopsis orchid blooms (available online from Burke Decor) coupled with a dramatic floor vase (found online at The Travelled Home) are a perfect compliment to today's contemporary living spaces. And the best part - no watering!

http://www.burkedecor.com/Set_of_Six_Silver_Philaenopsis_Flowers_p/twosil009-a.htm http://www.thetravelledhome.com/tall-wood-floor-vase.html

Retro mod end table

Can you believe this retro mod end table is only $110? Urban Outfitters offers the table online in orange, lime, and white. Want to bump the wow up a notch? Just drill a hole in the center bottom, thread the cord of a puck light through the hole, and glue the puck light in place. Now you have a groovy, glowing table that would even make Austin Powers proud!

http://www.urbanoutfitters.com/urban/index.jsp

Shelter from the storm

Aren't we all looking for a little shelter from the storm? This extraordinary sofa - that looks so 'now' - is from a 1971 design by Danish designer Børge Mogensen.

Remember yesterday when I talked about investment pieces? Well, this is truly an investment piece with a price tag of $21,900 at the online Danish Design Store:

http://www.danishdesignstore.com/products/borge-mogensen-2192-sofa-1

But here's an idea...take a picture to your local furniture upholsterer or high-fabric/design store. Many shops can build furniture and replicate your favorite design. Save even more money by purchasing the fabric yourself at a fabric outlet store. Odds are, you can get the same look for 1/10th of the price!

A sideboard to slobber over...

Don't you think this sideboard looks like an 'investment piece'? Want the good news - it does not come at an 'investment' price - it's priced at $499 for the hand-finished beauty. Want better news? Wisteria's online store is offering 20% off every online purchase over $200 (hurry - sale ends 4/30/09). Wisteria, one of my favorite online merchants and a locally-owned company, has the exclusive design. http://www.wisteria.com/Stacked-Sideboard/productinfo/W2264/ . Lovely table - let me count your many uses...

• in a dining room as a buffet. toss in a few banana leaf or sea grass baskets to hold tableware, linens, and wine bottles, and you are organized and stylish. this basket from White Harvest Trading Company would be perfect:

https://whiteharvesttradingco.com/store/index.php?main_page=product_info&products_id=152&zenid=q2m1jabpkkk89cj5894d1aaig5tpbin7main_page=product_info&products_id=152&zenid=q2m1jabpkkk89cj5894d1aaig5tpbin7

in a mud room for shoe and bag storage. how about adding galvanized steel bins to corral wayward backpacks, sports equipment, and Fido's leash? These bins can be purchased separately at Pottery Barn and come with label holders to really help you get organized.

http://www.potterybarn.com/products/p12600/index.cfm?pkey=chome%2Doffice%2Dorganization

1. in a sunroom as a sofa table
2. in a home office for storage and extra work space
3. in a spa bath for towels and "jams and jellies" (as Candice Olson says)

What I think is particularly wonderful about the design is that the sideboard would be equally at home in a modern loft, mid-century ranch, french country cottage, or transitional townhome. One thing for sure - wherever you place it, it will be perfect!

The Ultimate Cat Bed

Looking for great home design for your - pets?

Check out this beautiful and (even better!) green product, from Marmalade. The cat chaise lounge is made from natural materials (at least 35% recycled post consumer) that are good for kitty and the environment. And when your furry friend tires of the cat bed (or you redecorate the room) the bed is 100% recyclable.

One giant scratch post in the form of modern art. Talk about sublime - pamper your pet while beautifying your home. Does it get any better than that?

The chaise lounge is available at online merchant Exclusively Home at:

http://www.exclusivelyhome.com/cheeky-chaise-scratcher-p-3169.html

You can also find two versions on Amazon at:

http://www.amazon.com/Marmalade-Pet-Sweet-Lounge-Cat/dp/B000RLAM0A/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&s=home-garden&qid=1240447294&sr=1-1

-and-

http://www.amazon.com/Marmalade-Pet-Cheeky-Chaise-Cat/dp/B000RLAM1O/ref=sr_1_2?ie=UTF8&s=home-garden&qid=1240447294&sr=1-2