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!