In high school I was obsessed with learning everything I could about Japan, and there was a period where I was happily immersed in the country’s language, history, religion and art. Sadly, my grasp of Japanese has dwindled to just a few common phrases, but my love of Japanese culture, particularly its visual culture, has…
I love it when designers move from one medium to another. When I heard about Katie Deedy from Grow House Grow’s expansion into ceramic tiles, I knew they would be beautiful, and after seeing them in person, I was even more impressed. Katie’s latest tile design is a continuation of her Captain Smith pattern, inspired…
I’m having a serious moment with these bottle openers from Fort Standard. I always tell myself I have no reason to buy these because I don’t really drink, but I’m starting to consider buying bottles of root beer so I have an excuse to use one. Hand carved from wax and cast in brass, each…
I love seeing brick-and-mortar versions of my favorite web shops. I’ve never been to Stockholm, but if I ever get to go, I will definitely be swinging by the HAPPYsthlm shop. They just opened in the Old City area of Stockholm, and the shop looks beautiful. I love all the color and pattern in their…
Remember the animals I mentioned in the last post? They get me every time. This sweet new range of kitchenware is from the team at Our WorkShop. “Bliss in the Woods“ includes a tray, teapot, jugs, mugs, storage containers, measuring spoons, salt & pepper shakers, bowls and cutting boards. The owl spaghetti container and bluebell tray…
Ever since Grace’s talk with Megan Auman a few weeks ago, I’ve been trying to be more mindful about my relationship with objects — not just the ones I physically own, but also the ones I consume visually. Objects that combine superior form (beauty), function (durability, design, ease of use) and story (where, how, and…
Oh well hello, dream knives. It may seem weird that a knife could be the object of one’s dreams, but if I’m going to dream about kitchen utensils, they’re sure as heck going to be striped. These beautiful Florentine Kitchen Knives are the work of Tomer Botner, an industrial designer from south Tel Aviv, Israel….
I’m neither a wine drinker nor a homeowner with a place for a mailbox, but that’s not going to stop me from wanting both of these pieces at BHLDN. Who wouldn’t want to get love letters in a heart mailbox? And if you’re pouring someone special a glass of wine, why not cork it with…
It’s always great to see companies collaborating with some of our favorite independent artists. West Elm just paired with Shanna Murray on this new Flag Conversions tea towel that is not only cute, but also super handy to have around the kitchen. Shanna’s towels have a sweet ribbon pattern that helps you convert common measurements…
‘Throwaway Culture’ was one of the first things I covered when I started Design*Sponge. Back in 2003 and 2004, designers in Brooklyn were constantly creating pieces that commented on the nature of so-called disposable goods. But rather than continuing to make ‘throwaway’ goods more permanent, over the past few years some artists seem to be…
It always makes me happy to end the week with pink. After trying to strike it from my life, I’ve pulled a complete 180 and have embraced choosing it as a color for just about everything. So it seems fitting to wrap up this week with some gorgeous pink designs from Bonnie and Neil in…
If I could give awards to shop keepers, I would. Maybe I should. Some sort of store appreciation award is definitely in order for Leif. I am constantly bookmarking or posting everything in their “new” section because the owners do an impeccable job of curating. When a shop is that spot on, someone behind the…
I’ve only been to the Milan Furniture Fair once, back when I was fortunate enough to travel on assignment for House & Garden (and on their budget). It was a whirlwind experience, and I found myself longing for a little more whimsy in the designs (I later found some in the satellite shows). I haven’t…
Leif has become one of my go-to shops for new design because their collection always satiates my need for mini trends like agate, marbling and geometric patterns. Their newest pieces are no exception, and I find myself wanting to stuff all of these in my bag and run. The mini paperweights are so pretty and…
Whenever I think of chalkboards, I can’t help but think (and laugh) about this post that pretty much nailed the hipster design community perfectly. In addition to the spot-on observation that this community “would be wondering around in a leather apron if it could,” blogger Russell Davies added, “And blackboards. Everywhere there’s blackboards.” Oh, Russell….
I don’t think I’ve written a purple post in at least four years. Which is precisely how often I feel drawn to that color. Purple and I have a very touch-and-go relationship, primarily because it reminds me of my elementary school bedroom, which had a grape vine theme (I know). But every now and then…
Sadly, baking is not part of my everyday life right now. Despite cutting back on work a bit and making more time for home life, I still can’t find the time (or energy) to bake. It seems so precise and persnickety, and I’m more of a “throw everything in a pot and see what happens” type…
Speaking of foxes, this pink and red tray from Lush Designs and Ary Trays is pretty fantastic. The color palette is exactly what I’m craving these days and the sweet fox artwork is cute and quirky enough to work as artwork if you wanted to hang this when it wasn’t in use. Click here to…
As far as I’m concerned, a cute cake stand is reason enough to eat cake. Whether you pick up a cute one on the way home or bake something in your kitchen, it’s always the right time for good old yellow cake with chocolate icing (the best combo in my book). These colorful cake stands…
Though I typically wait until Friday to post about food-related goods, these were too cute to pass up. Baked Ideas is a NYC-based group that creates impeccably precise and beautiful custom cakes and cookies. They just launched a sweet new set of cookie cutters that would be perfect for Easter or, if you’re like me,…
