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

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

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

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

This past Saturday I headed across the Brooklyn Bridge. Living in Manhattan, I don’t make this trip very often; but, every time I do, I’m reminded of Brooklyn’s fabulous offerings and I always promise myself I’ll get there more often. The purpose of my journey this time was the 6th annual BKLYN DESIGNS show held in Dumbo. As usual, this small and well-edited design show was filled with a nice selection of handcrafted, contemporary wares by those ever-creative Brooklynites. Throughout its 70 booths, designers and manufacturers exhibited everything from metallic wall coverings and concrete countertops to linen table runners and melamine platters. An additional bonus this year was the emphasis on sustainable design.

One of my favorite discoveries was Charlie C Brokate. It was Charlie’s drum lamps with graphic hand-painted patterns that first caught my eye, but it was his shades combining nostalgic images with those patterns that I really loved. Inspired by his love of vintage textiles, old photographs, and children’s book illustrations, Charlie layers his colorful gouache designs with his original pencil-drawn illustrations of images from photographs he finds at thrift stores. The results are modern and nostalgic all at once.

Get more information about Charlie and his lamps.

For an organic, contemporary look, I really liked this glass Dome lamp from glassblower and designer Williams Couig of furthurdesign. His earth-toned palette felt rich and sophisticated and the design would complement most surroundings.

Visit his site for additional lamp and pendant designs.

Check back Wednesday and Friday for more of my favorite finds from BKLYN DESIGNS.

— Jennifer Kopf

Technorati Tags: lamps, bklyn designs, dumbo, charlie c. Brokate, gouache designs, designer, modern, nostalgic, Dome lamp, glassblower, designer Williams Couig, furthurdesign, further design, new york, brooklyn

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

Technorati Tags: Mary Emmerling, Beach Cottage, book, review, interior, design, decorating, style, tips, photos

OK, so I have a little problem: I’m a bit obsessed with ceramics. Especially ones with unusual glazes and arresting profiles. I can’t get enough, yet I already have too many to fit in my petite home. But, really, that’s the beauty of pottery. You can always find more room for it! If you run out of tabletops, place a few on a bookcase. If you run out of shelf space, sit them in your windowsills. No more ledge space? Get an artful planter for the floor. And on and on it goes. To me, a piece of pottery is like sculpture–but with more use value.

So you can only imagine my excitement at discovering Teco. Designed by acolytes of Frank Lloyd Wright’s Prairie School, these strikingly modernist vases were originally produced between 1899 and 1920 by the American Terra Cotta & Ceramics Company (i.e. TeCo). Now, the Prairie Arts Studio (run by husband-wife team Bryan and Lisa Kelly plus Lisa’s brother, Eric O’Malley) is putting a select few back into production. Slip-cast formed and glazed by hand, the seven shapes come in six retro-ish hues.

Check ‘em out here: Teco Art Pottery Collection, through Prairie Arts. –Jen Renzi

Exotic, ethnic, tribal, global–whatever you call it, this motif has been a favorite since European explorers returned from the Far East laden with delicate porcelain, hand-painted tiles, and brightly patterned rugs.

Over the past few years, as imports from distant lands have become more easily available, exotic designs have emerged as a simple way to add panache to a room without taxing your budget.

I like to call it the “Aladdin’s Lamp Effect”–adding as many colorful accessories and hand-carved furnishings as you like to inspire you to dream of exotic locals such as India, Morocco, Tibet, Nepal, and Bali. A virtual trot around the globe if you will.

Luckily, an amazing array of stores, catalogs and online e-tailers have cropped up offer an overwhelming amount of inexpensive pieces. Some, like Pier 1 Imports and Cost Plus World Market, have been around for many years. Other companies, such as West Elm, E Bella Designs and Anthropologie, offer contemporary twists on classic ethnic motifs.

Here are a few of my favorites:

Moroccan tea glasses ($30 for 6)


ikat-print pillows ($19 each)

hand-carved mango wood vase ($15 to $25 each)

modern white cutout lanterns

The best part? The look works well with almost any interior. A few wooden vases or woven bowls will soften a contemporary room. Tribal patterns work beautifully with classic designs, and many of the newer designs are moderately priced so you don’t have to sell your car to buy one.

If you want to go all-out, stick with the mantra that more is more. Layer vibrant colors and prints with carved woods, woven rattans, and soft textures. You will feel as though you are lounging in a souk’s tent with nothing but sunshine and sand for miles.

However, if you are shy of overdosing on color, start with something simple, a candle that hints of cardamom or coriander, or a set of curtains from John Robshaw ($140 each).

No matter what you choose, I guarantee that it will have you longing for your own genie lamp to grant you three wishes too.

Tea Stick Infuser
Tea is warm, soothing, comforting, and a perfect excuse for a couple of chocolate-covered biscotti in the afternoon. Wrap this stylish, portable tea infuser with an assortment of high-end loose teas (Jasmine Pearls, Yunnan and Keemun are some of my favorites), and a few homemade cookies. Then, make sure to set a date for your next mother/daughter tête a tête. $24.

Rose Petal Truffles
A bouquet of roses is a dead giveaway that you only remembered Mother’s Day because your best friend muttered something about it through mouthfuls of chicken sandwich at lunch. These exquisite handmade, dark-chocolate truffles might not last much longer than flowers, but they will be infinitely more memorable. Each one is filled with dark-chocolate, rose-water ganache, and topped with a real rose petal…OMG. $40.00/for 20.

Hope Basket from the Heifer Project
There is nothing—and I mean nothing—better than helping others in need. The Heifer Project helps impoverished farmers and families around the world via donations of livestock. Their Basket of Hope is filled with baby chicks that will eventually lay eggs and provide manure for gardens, and bunnies (how much more can we tug at your heartstrings), that quickly reproduce so their owners can sell the offspring. If this doesn’t bring a smile to her face. $50.

Pearls in Bud Earrings
You can never go wrong with a simple, stunning pair of pearl studs. However, these delicate gems, set in sterling silver petals, are more than just pretty. They have an intriguing meaning behind their beauty. Tell your mum that in ancient Rome pearls were considered the ultimate symbol of wealth and social standing, and to the Greeks, pearls were associated with love and marriage. She will be sure to wear them with a gleam in her eye. $38.

Dr. Hunter’s Hand Crème
Hand cream for Mother’s Day? Trust me. Dr. Hunter’s is not just hand cream…it is quite simply the most luscious, lavish, delectable crème ever! I received it as a birthday present from a friend and have been hooked ever since. Not only is it the softest, most luxurious thing you can put on your skin, but it has a gorgeous, faint scent of roses. Add a set of emery boards, a poppy-hued nail polish and voila!…instant manicure. After all, whose mother doesn’t need a little pampering? $12.

Finding a good-looking and affordable rug is hard to do. But, thanks to the folks at Dash & Albert Rug Company, the task just got a little easier. They’ve just released a full color catalog packed with beautiful photos of their entire 100+ rug collection. With images of rugs in room settings and against picturesque outdoor backdrops, you get a real sense of how these beauties can enhance your home. Plus, you get to see lots of pictures of cute Clumber Spaniel puppies.

The right rug can really help you pull a room together (even one with the most jumbled collection of mismatched furniture!). Whatever your style, casual or formal, muted or bright, playful or romantic, Dash & Albert’s cotton woven and wool hooked designs are up for the job.

Tequila Sunrise Spice

Spinnaker

One of the newest additions to their offerings is a collection of indoor/outdoor rugs, including lots of stripes and geometrics in festive colors. They’re guaranteed to help turn any outdoor space into a well-defined room and are ideal for all of those high-traffic indoor spaces. And they’re woven of polypropylene, so you just hose off and let dry. Just in time for all those summer gatherings!

Lighthouse Indoor/Outdoor

Visit dashandalbert.com to order the catalog, peruse their rug designs, and find a retailer near you.