Ladies and gentlemen, spring has sprung! Well, sort of. In some parts of the country—including my home base, New York City—the weather has not quite caught up with the calendar. If you suffer from such a plight, coax in the sunshine and balmy weather with these spirited, springy finds:
1. Shitake Stool (top)
Everything Wanders designs exhibits grown-up fairy-tale charm, and his Shitake stool for Moroso is no exception. Made of roto-molded plastic embossed with a lacy crochet pattern reminiscent of his iconic Knotted chair, these waterproof, UV-resistant wonders withstand April showers. Although designed for outdoor use, the stools would look just as cheery sprouting in your living room.
2. Strida bike:
There’s no better way to enjoy the great outdoors than by…commuting to work on the subway? Hardly! Work out en route to work—while soaking in the sun—with Strida’s super handy bike. While the innovative triangular frame looks a touch awkward, the lightweight wonder folds down smaller than a Fendi handbag and is easily maneuvered up stairs. And it’s especially great for the ladies: the low cross bar and greaseless chain means you can ride it wearing your favorite Marc Jacobs skirt. (And it comes in so many colors—pink, orange, yellow—you can even match it to your outfit!) Sold via Areaware: check out their website for more fabulous designs plus a demo of how it folds.
3. David Wiseman porcelain vase:
Fresh-cut flowers are one of the easiest and most affordable ways to channel spring. With beautiful blooms, you don’t even need a fancy vase. But, heck, why not splurge for one anyway? I’ve certainly been looking for the perfect excuse to indulge in David Wiseman’s pink porcelain confection. (He designed a similar series of faceted, colored crystal tumblers for Czech glassmaker Artel that are just as divine.) Take a peek at his inspiring website for more loveliness, like the porcelain floral sculptures he installs on ceilings (bottom) and fireplaces. The much-missed Blueprint mag did a great interview with Wiseman back in December.
4. John Robshaw’s ethnic-chic cotton textiles:
I’m an advocate of the dying art of switching your décor seasonally, swapping out nubby winter wools and cozier throw pillows for lighter, more boldly colored textiles in warmer months. Try these: I’m such a sucker for everything John Robshaw creates, including these machine-washable hand-printed cotton drapes (a great alternative to wallpaper for commitment phobes who want to add a little graphic punch) and Greek-inspired pillows. Bright and cheery enough to add seasonal sass, but also timeless year-round.
5. Madeleine Weinrib’s cotton flatweaves:
I’m working on a longer post on Madi’s newest designs (including eco-friendly pillows and some fabulous new furnishings), which I checked out a few weeks ago. But in the meantime, let me turn your attention to her super affordable cotton flatweaves in an array of colors, all emboldened with her abstracted Middle Eastern motifs. Swap out your blah rugs with these pretties, or layer them over wall-to-wall carpeting or more neutral design. This is the one I’m currently coveting:
Technorati Tags: Spring decor must haves, modern indoor/outdoor furniture, folding commuter bicycles, Marcel Wanders designs, Moroso, Strida bike, John Robshaw, ethnic-print textiles, Madeline Weinrib, colorful contemporary carpets, David Wiseman, modern glassware, Czech glass
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