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Plush Living came out with some new fabulous patterns that for sure will make all of your couches happy. Perfect for spring Daphne Black pillow comes in an amazing Tarragon Green. Florence Black Label Pillow looks regal in Dutch Blue.
About a month ago I posted about a site, rompbklyn.com, where you can find cool animal silhouettes made from vintage wall paper. While I was trying to excite you about other way's to decorate your child's room, I forgot to mention my other favorite site for wall decals. Check out Dvider. This site has some great designs and even better prices. I change the color of my walls probably about as often as American Idol begins a new season, so when I happened upon this cool place I discovered a nice way to make a switch without the paint fumes and mess. These easy to use wall decals come in lots of great shapes, themes and colors. My Tangerine walls never looked better since I applied a few of the nature inspired stickers in silver and blue. There is a section of stickers, titled "figures". Personally, I think this section should be called "the best". I am just searching for the best spot for number 8 or 9 right now... Just like my recent obsession with vintage wall paper, I am starting to get a little too preoccupied with the wall decals you can find on this site. I might have to delete this from bookmarks before things get a bit foolish...
Dvider also has some other interesting items, such as...well...their room dividers. There is always a place in every home that could use a little sectioning off if you know what I mean. I know I for one could use a few of these dividers to hide my messy art corner. Well I think it's very inspiring but I've been told it looks like a bomb went off. Okay fine...anyway these dividers may be the solution.
Here's one more source of wall inspiration for you. Check out this groovy, retro concept at 2 Jane. These paint-by-numbers wall strips are another great way to spruce of the walls with some prefab designs. You still get to play artist and fill in the color so not all creativity is lost. I like this idea for a kids room too.
On Pacific Coast Highway, in Sunset Beach, CA, sits a small cottage all in white. Packed with all original, antique furniture from the 1920's and 1930's; it's likely that most people pass by without even knowing it. Every piece, collected from estate sales, garage sales, etc from all over the country; are all white, and in very good condition.
Collecting everything from beds to dinner tables to patio furniture, the Cottage White is always receiving new shipments and is likely have whatever you are looking for; possibly even multiples of what you are looking for! I found an old style vanity that I've been looking for for some time, but now I think I'm leaning toward a nice little desk, like this....
The prices are surprisingly reasonable, which I was not expecting. This might even be a detriment, for me, because now I want to buy everything! Wonder how my husband would feel about a little white cottage of our own....
Unfortunately, the Cottage White does not have a website, yet. So here now, I will bestow to you, their contact info:
Cottage White
10am - 6pm Daily
16792 14th St.
Sunset Beach, CA 90742
(562) 592-4678
I recently stumbled upon my new favorite photoblog and wanted to share this find. Check out 3191. This site was created by two women who have a passion for photography and choose to invite you into their worlds.
What's so cool and tremendously unique about this photoblog is that Stephanie and Mav live 3,191 miles apart and each morning they choose their subject, shoot and post without ever discussing their muse that day.
What is so captivating is the similarities that each day's photos share. Some day's they will both step outside and capture something nature inspired and other day's they will both snap an emotional image indoors. Somehow, the images are bound by likeness and unexpected familiarities.
I swear sometimes I think these ladies have an uncanny ability to tap into eachother's intuitive endeavors and intelligently display art that I can't seem to get enough of.
I think this site is worth bookmarking as a "must check everyday" kind of site. I have found inspiration in this site as an artist and look forward to seeing what these two can come up with each day.
I would have posted a few of their images for you to see but they are very specific about not using images from their site. I completely understand and respect this request so you will have to just check it out for yourself. I swear it's worth it.
Enjoy this visually stimulating site and take it for what it is...Understated, peaceful, creative and surprising.
Modern Outdoor has some great new pieces for Spring! The Etra Club Chair and the Etra Sofa are perfect to freshen up your outdoor room. Made in the USA, the Etra line is to date the line with the most breadth in the collection. It is made with ITTO, or IBAMA certified Ipe wood and Electropolished Stainless Steel. Built to last!
Psst... There's a GREAT BIG Jonathan Adler sale going on. Click here to check it out!
(image from jonathan adler via Holly Becker at decor8)
Featuring stainless steel and graphic rubber patterns in matte textural finish, IMOOI accessories are designed for both men and women who focus special attention to modern style, comfort and durability. Love the Axis Ring and the cuff links make great gifts!
Lifepod.net is a hip little site I have just come across, after purchasing one of their flasks at Urban Outfitters. But that's not what they're known for, it's they're hip accessories for iPods, namely speaker handbags, wallets, and backpacks.
Their Groove Master line is the newest edition, and growing fast; at the bottom of each page, it tells you how many requests on a page or item.
Every bag is plug and play for any iPod, satellite radio, mp3 player, Sony PSP, or cd player; since the speakers plug in via the headphone jack. Their Chill Out line is a stereo cooler bag; enjoy your music and cold beverages!
Among their non iPod stuff, they have PSP gear, laptop sleeves, and keychains. Lifepod is ultra hip, being on the cutting edge of technology accessories, with a retro chic not found in too many places. I give them 2 thumbs up and will be a patron of their site soon enough!
You know there's someone out there that you want to be your Valentine. Go ahead just do it. Send the card or text a little something to that guy or girl that's on your mind that day of love.
In case you want to take things a step further, here are a few ideas to win the favor of cupid's aim this week.
Check out Tattooed Steel for some unexpected designs in modern jewelry gifts. I am especially fond of Kris Fry and Iman Zand. These two artist are able to push the limits on urban cuff wear. I am all about the cuff lately, a fashion trend I incorporated into the catholic school get up I was forced to wear for way too many years. So glad it's back...Somehow, the cuff added an edge that you couldn't find on just any parochial school girl circa 1981. Too bad I wasn't rocking the tattooed steel cuffs back then...
Looking for something intelligently modern for the guy who's got your eye? How about one of the witty money clips also found on Tattooed Steel. Check out the 'bombshell money clip' also designed by Kris Fry? Kris's skateboard and punk influence provide dramatic gestures to otherwise simple forms. Take a peek at his whole collection.
Not feeling the love with the steel cuffs or provocative money clips? Need to tone it down a bit for the first gift? Fine, be that way... check out Konzuk.com. This site provides endless modern gift ideas in the jewelry department. Cool find? Anything with concrete. Nothing says love like the sculptural pieces found when you mix stainless steel and a little concrete. You can find gifts for girls and guys on this site. My shopping cart is empty but I am thinking about a cool bracelet I just scoped out.
There are lot's of choices when it comes to spending a little cash on your Valentine. Whether it's a surprise visit from Mr. Cupid himself or a long time love. Don't be boring with chocolates and roses, be modern and fresh with an exquisitely unique gift. Be bold and go for it this time. When was the last time you did?
bombshell moneyclip-designed by Kris Fry tattooedsteel.com
I posted about this on my own blog a few days ago, but want to share the news with 2Modern readers since it's such a tremendous resource in the making. I'd love to see this thing grow because it's an amazing idea...Have you heard about the all new Trunkt LookBook? As many of you know, Trunkt in New York City works very hard to champion independent design entrepreneurs through their brick and mortar store and on their website. Since they've had much success in both areas, and have developed a solid relationship with so many designers, they are branching out with the fabulous new Trunkt LookBook.
What is it, you ask?
The LookBook features the works of members, all art and design entrepreneurs, who use it as a resource to tell the world about what they do so their brand gets noticed. Most indie designers have tons of talent and zero money for PR/Marketing expenses, however you seldom find work if you don't market yourself, right? With Membership at only $99- USD per year, any indie designer can join and start networking - it's totally affordable and who knows where it could lead!
The LookBook contains the profiles of designers, along with product shots and descriptions, industry jobs, events, and many other cool features.
Learn more here.
(image from trunkt)
Any Mac user knows about, and probably uses on a daily basis, Apple's Dashboard and it's Widgets. Handy dandy little applications that sit on a "dashboard" that covers your whole desktop, and sweeps in and out at the click of a button. On a recent Daily Show interview with Bill Gates, Jon Stewart asked him what the F12 button does. Well, if your on a Mac, it brings in the Dashboard!
But now Apple has gone and given something wonderful to all the Widget-Lovers hungry for more: a free, open source custom Widget builder called Dashcode. Dashcode is still in Beta, but with Apple, that is hardly an issue. Apple.com shows you in detail what you should know, and how to get started making your own wonderful Widgets. And if you're still lost, you can check out some sample code. If you already happen to know a little html, css, or even Java, then your good to go! Widgets are fun and easy to make, and are very versatile in what you can have them do: countdown, monitor, inform, play games, or just look pretty.
When your done, you can share your Widgets with the world on Apple's Dashboard Download page.
Gus* does it again with fabulous new modern pieces! Favorites are the Span Dining Table - a mid-century inspired dining table, featuring a thick wood slab tabletop supported by a solid oak truss-style base, the Oliver Chair - upholstered dining chair with a solid oak frame, and the Audrey Sofa - a compact frame with transitional styling and a wood base.
If your walls could talk, they would be telling you to choose drama and go green with a cool product, American Clay. With this easy to apply, earth plaster, you can transform your walls into a modern loft look in a weekend. Chosen as the "Outstanding Green Product" last year by the National Association of Home Builders, it makes sense to investigate this smart, 100% natural product before you choose anything else.
Made from natural clays and recycled industrial waste such as marble dust, American Clay is available in 40 plus colors and 3 finishes. It's mold and fade resistant and easy to repair if you get too carried away at your next party...
The American Clay website is full of photos, product descriptions and application instructions. So, check it out if you think this is the product you have been looking for to crate a modern look in you home. At first glance, this product does not appear to be for the modern dweller but I really think with the appropriate color selection, a smooth surfaced, clay wall can be as simple and understated as any modern structure out there. Distinctly sophisticated, this is a durable alternative to standard gypsum or acrylic plasters being widely used today.
If you are working with an architect, designer, or builder mention that this product will earn them up to 4 LEED credits. LEED stands for Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design. It is a nationally accepted benchmark for the design, construction and operation of sustainable buildings.
I love to discover products which give back or at least don't take away from our precious environment. Pass this find along to anyone you know who may be working on a building project of any size.
By: Holly Becker, decor8
German designer Jan Kath creates amazing rugs that cater to the modern design lover in us all. Kath, based in lovely Hamburg, combines exquisite modern design with traditional Himalayan handiwork resulting in rugs so glorious that you could easily display them as art. But, they're much more practical on the floor, so I suggest keeping them there. ;) I was in Hamburg, Germany this past November and got to see some of her rugs in person and can stand behind what I'm saying here - they are exquisite.
View all of Kath's rugs online, or visit Carpetti if you're interested in making a purchase.
(images from jann kath)
Who doesn't love a good cocktail? And who doesn't hate a bad one? Well you don't have to suffer through the bad ones anymore thanks to www.ExtraTasty.com. Extra Tasty supplies drink recipes, and the best part, a drink voting system, which rates each drink based on customer feedback. You can customize with your favorite drinks, send recipes to friends, experiment with making your own drink recipe, and search for drinks by drink content. You can also have text messages sent to your phone with new recipes; or even download recipes to your iPod and turn it into your own little iBartender!
From someone who's also looking for new and better drink recipes and sites, this one tops the chart. It's the most convenient one-stop place to look up my own customized drink recipe book, or check out new recipes made by other people. And since I enjoy experimenting with making my own new concoctions, it's great to get feedback from people who have tried them!
