The Museum of Modern Art Store is one of my top go-to spots for some of the most innovative, useful and stylish products in the world.

Recently they began a series that showcases emerging designers and design themes from around the world. Each one spotlights a different city or region–such as Finnish design, Danish crafts and Argentine design–and the revenue from the series supports programs and exhibitions at the museum (always a good reason to buy).

MoMA’s most recent series, Destination: Japan, highlights “lifestyle products” that are usually only found in Japan. Many of the pieces are playful interpretations of everyday objects, and all were created by established or emerging Japanese designers.

With more than 100 items in the collection I only have space to showcase a few of my favorites, but definitely check out the website for many incredibly kawaii (cute in Japanese), pieces.

Apple Jar with Spoon
$55
Made by Tatsuya Okazaki, 2006, this hand-made, apple-shaped sugar pot includes a wooden spoon as the apple core. Clever isn’t it?

Chat Plates
$45.00/set of three
Designed to resemble conversation bubbles from Japanese comics, these quirky ceramics are sure to spur conversation at your next dinner party.

Twisted Chopstick Rests
$30/set of five
These funky little chopstick rests have a slit in the middle. You twist one end and insert it into the slit to complete the shape. Made of silicone for max durability. A very cool gift idea for the sushi enthusiast.

Soy Sauce Dispenser
$40.00
A much more elegant soy sauce dispenser than the usual American-Japanese restaurant version we are used to. The spout and glass body are ideally designed to perfectly control the pace at which the liquid is poured.

Recycled Dish and Bowl
$10.00-$15.00
Made from potter’s clay and 20% recycled clay, this durable, heat-resistant recycled dinnerware is made by collecting used ceramic goods and incorporating them into new products. Made by Noriyuki Matsubara in 2001.

–By Kate Bailey

Technorati Tags: Museum of Modern Art Store new products, Japanese design, modern Japanese, Japanese decor, MoMA design store, Moma home design, chic home design, chic japanese design

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Inspiration for interior design can come from high fashion, art, music, landscapes, and other cultures. This shot from Domino magazine nearly sent me into a frenzy, lusting after bright pops of color to update my rooms.

The warm weather must have something to do with it as well–all of the colorful, vibrant flowers peeking up out of the ground, the cerulean blue skies, and playful summer fashions in haven’t-seen-since-the-80s hues. Did you see the Chris Benz S/S 08 collection? Crazy neons! I love them…it’s like Prozac for the mind and soul.

Instead of painting an entire room, such as above, it is less time consuming (and less permanent) to add a few colorful accessories that will provide ample visual punch to any room. Here are a few of my favorites.

Denyse Schmidt Pillows
$50-$60
ThreePotatoFourShop.com

Little Caymen Plates
$0.95 each
CB2.com

Artecnica: KnoWhere Clock - You & Me
$81.00
VelocityArtandDesign.com

Componibili 12.5 in. Stacking
$105.00-$167.00
Design Within Reach

Supernatural Chair by Ross Lovegrove
$208.00
MossOnline.com

Sitting Buddha by YO CO
$450.00 each
Vivre.com

Two Tone Voile Curtain
$19.99-$36.00
Urban Outfitters

–By Kate Bailey

Technorati Tags: bright home design, vibrant accessories, bright pink, bright blue, bright green, bright colors, new colors for home design, neon furnishings

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Margaret and Josh Smith of Dovetail Studio produce some of the most fresh, simple and quirky ceramics on the market. I love their unexpected designs, ranging from sketches of “neighborhood” buildings, to my favorite, a flying skull mug ($28).

Each piece has an organic quality to it, the edges are slightly imperfect, and you can see and feel that every one was crafted by hand.

The Toaster Doves, which contain a hidden rattle in the base($20/ea), make perfect gifts for brides-to-be (after all, it is almost wedding season). Or you can combine several different plate designs ($20-$30) for a whimsical outdoor table setting.

Browse their online shop, or see if the duo’s pieces are carried at a shop near you. I know you are going to love them!

–By Kate Bailey

Technorati Tags: sculptural ceramics, fun sketches, funky vases, chic mugs, whimsical dinnerware, funky ceramics, stylish plates, skull mug, gift for bride

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Eva Solo Bird Feeder
$135

Strolling through the park last weekend I found myself giddy from the sweet chatter of birds returning from their winter grounds; it is Mother Nature’s quintessential soundtrack to the onset of spring. I was instantly inspired to jump online to do a little research on cool, stylish birdfeeders. What better way to add some life to your patio or terrace than with some pretty little feathered friends snacking on seeds?

First, I must confess that the word “birdhouse” initially makes me shudder–insert image of the cheesy little wooden houses hanging from my aunt’s patio. But today there are SO many beautiful, sculptural and downright chic birdfeeders that will not only attract birds (and sometimes the occasional squirrel), but are also sure to illicit a compliment from style-savvy friends.

Here are a few of my favorite picks. Choose one or buy several and hang them in a row. The different colors and shapes will create the effect of a quirky, stylish sculpture collection.

Egg Birdfeeder
$135.00
Uncommon Goods
It doesn’t get much more elegant than this modernist feeder, shown above. Despite the gorgeous sculptural silhouette and stunning blue color, the egg’s shape and slippery surface help keep squirrels away!

Porcelain Plate Bird Feeder
$75.00
Uncommon Goods
Ok…I admit that Uncommon Goods has an excellent selection of cool birdfeeders, including this clever shape (above), designed by Marcel Wanders, that is a cheeky version of the human dining experience. The little dinner set up comes with a tiny slanted roof for shade and protection.

Popoutz Birdfeeders and Seed (set of 3)
$25.00
www.dwr.com
Made from recyclable polypropylene, lightweight and super simple to assemble and fill, this funky set (red, black and clear) includes a pack of insect-flavored birdseed. All they require is a simple piece of string and a place to hang! Perfect for those who like to keep it simple.

Windowpane Birdfeeder
$69.00
www.smithandhawken.com
There is always room for something a little more classic in our style repertoire, and this beauty, inspired by paned windows, is crafted of solid brass with a black-bronze finish that will weather with style and grace.

“Lunchbox” Birdfeeder
$84.00
www.branchhome.com
Designed by Amy Adams of Perch! in Brooklyn, NY, this follow up to Adams’ very popular Perch birdfeeder offers easier access for larger birds (very democratic of her). Choose from whatever color of ribbon suits your fancy (light blue, brown or orange) and then hang from the nearest wall, fence or tree.

–By Kate Bailey

Technorati Tags: birdfeeder, birdfeeders, ceramic, stylish, chic, glass, windowpane, birds, birdfeed, outdoor, furnishings, design, decor, outdoor design

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I love books! My apartment may be tiny, but my stacks of books are huge! It’s always such a treat when I can escape into a bookstore and explore what’s on the shelves. Hot off the press is Mary Emmerling’s Beach Cottages, the 20th+ book from decorating editor and author, Mary Emmerling. This coffee table beauty features the rooms and outdoor spaces of 17 dreamy beach cottages located coast to coast.

Even if, like me, you only dream of life on the beach, you’ll get plenty of ideas and inspiration to help you bring a little of the look to your home. And, don’t just take in the pretty pictures; Mary’s included a primer on beach house essentials, a huge list of shopping sources, and, one of my favorite parts, clever lists of everything beachy.

Mary and I worked together for 10 years at Country Home magazine and is my long-time friend and mentor. We met at my favorite neighborhood restaurant, Morandi, to chat about life at the beach.

JK: What do you love most about living in a beach cottage?
ME: I love the freshness of it: the ocean smells and breezes; the flowers and produce in the summer; and sunsets enjoyed with friends.

JK: What do you consider the essential elements of a beach house?
ME: I love slipcovers, white ironstone, blue and white fabrics, natural materials such as rattan and sisal, candles, and breezy curtains.

JK: I love the touches of humor in your decorating. How do you keep a room fun?
ME: Don’t take decorating too seriously and surround yourself with fun things—like beach balls, colorful jewelry, and family photos that make you smile. Also, look in your closet for unexpected decorating accessories; beach bags, straw hats, and sarongs add great color and style.

Mary Emmerling’s Beach Cottages is available at Amazon or Barnes & Noble.

Photos by Carter Berg. Photos courtesy of Clarkson Potter/Publishers.

— Jennifer Kopf

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