Mike And Mary

Mike and Mary; otherwise know to me as Mid-century Modern Mike and Mary have been designing modern jewelry for eleven years and are examples of those amazing self-taught metal smiths.



Their work has an astral/ industrial look that I love, but don't let that be mistaken for far out or rough. It's very accomplished work. Also available at Etsy.

Kitchens By Ikea

Everyone who considers an Ikea kitchen wonders it the value price means they are getting an inferior product. I've been doing a bit of informal research and the word on the street is , no, you're not getting an inferior product.



Here are some resources to check out before making an Ikea kitchen decision, IKEAFANS, Positive Fanatics, and IKEA hacker.

Small Spaces

Color in small spaces.
Not what you would usually think to do, but these are great examples of how color in small spaces works well.Whether it's a bold mixed palette,
or splashes of color on a white background,

or variations on a color theme through out a room;
there are so many ways to make color work in a small space.
The color choices in these room add a great deal of personality and variety.
For those who tend to be color shy, let these interiors be an inspiration. HGTV

SES Design Jewelry

Jewelry design and fabrication is a great deal of work, but there are times when you just want to have fun and play with it. That's what this work is for me, my fun work. Available at SES Design Jewelry Etsy Story.

Our Small Worlds

For most of us, our individual worlds are pretty small, comprised of family, friends, job and occasional travel. And if we are lucky that's a beautiful thing. The photography of Alex Duret-Lutz put me in mind of that today and I was happy for it. It is also is strikingly gorgeous.

Anthro Mix

Spring fun at Anthropologie. It's always an eclectic mix, but I found the current web design of on the spring collection to be a joy to behold visually. While product is one half of the equation, the look is the other and this is a successful visual campaign.

Carnegie Melon Green Design institute

The Green Design Program at Carnegie Melon has chosen environmental management as a research thrust to address the needs for tools and approaches to assist business in making decisions to reduce their impact on the environment. Developing programs such as what to do with computers and autos, to cost benefit to environmental practices and construction are all part of the many research projects they undertake to push the international corporate world in a responsible direction. It is an honorable endeavor.

Tango Table

Ouch, I think I hurt my leg dancing the Tango. Cute. But the table is a very cool design available at 2bmod. It comes in these two finishes and the half cylindrical legs have a satin metal finish. It would be a nice addition to my living room.

Cut It Out

Howlin Doggie Jewelry & Objects is a master of cutting it out. The designer hails from Sydney Australia and has been a metalsmith for a few decades with a degree in jewelry and object design. Her love of sawpiering is what makes this work so amazing, using positive and negative space to create gorgeous designs.

Melt Candlelight

This is a product that gets right to it. It is what it does. The Melt Candlelight is a fun design.

A New Method

Method Bloq is a series of new personal care products from Method. Shower soap, body lotion, shave cream...with nice scents and good pricing. But what strikes me once again is the attention to design in the product packaging. I love that about Method products. They've done it again.

One Up Modern Wall Graphics

One Up Modern Wall Graphics is a fabulous way to take a blank wall and create your own art installation in less than an hour. You don't have to make the same type of commitment as you would with wallpaper. Each design offers a wide range of colors to choose from and when you're ready for a change, just peel and replace with a new design. While there are well known companies out there making similar products, One Up is more affordable than most and I find the designs quite unique. Most importantly, you're supporting independent design.

The Modern Townhouse

I never thought I would be interested in living in a townhouse, but after owning a 1910 home for 9 years, the idea of a house with no exterior maintenance and on grounds amenities is looking quite good. As someone who loves modern architecture it can be difficult to find townhouses that fit that preference. That is why The Modern Townhouse by James Grayson Trulove is my dream in book form. It covers renovating existing townhouses and new townhouses. I don't know if I'll find a modern beauty like this, but it's nice to dream.

Oh, The Joy Of Oh Joy!

Many blog visitors are quite familiar with the blog Oh Joy!, but the design work of Oh Joy! Studio is equally impressive. When I first stumbled upon Freddy & Ma Custom Handbags I was so impressed by the textile range, and then I realized that most of my favorites were designed by Joy. I was pleasantly surprised because I had been a fan of her blog for so long. Keep an eye on the blog but also keep an eye on Oh Joy! Studio.