CraftedSystems, Doing Good with Design

CraftedSystems, of Portland Oregon, has combined the art of handcrafted felt weaving with skill development and economic empowerment for women. In partnership with the YMCA women's shelter, CraftedSystems produces innovative designs in felt. Interlocking, geometric wool pieces are transformed into vessels, wall art, floor coverings, lighting and table accessories in an environment that encourages collaborative and communal work. This ecological and people friendly company is the creation of designer Aurelie Tu. For more information on this inspiring use of design and craft or to purchase products, visit CraftedSystems.

Uncommon Rugs

It's so easy to go simple or basic when picking a rug for a room, but a rug can be such a fabulous design decision if one is willing to make a bold choice. Here are just a few uncommon rugs that can make a huge difference in your space. See Spacify for many more options.

Dwell Bedding

I've posted in the past about bedding from Dwell, but always for the kids. Here are some interesting designs for grown-ups from Dwell.

Fokus Fabrik

From Finnish designers Tiia Eronen, Eeva Heikkinen, Laura Jarvelanen and Hanna Kerman come these sharp graphic fabrics and pillows for home design. Black and white never looked so good.

Bulldang Seat

Bulldang is a wonderfully deconstructed form that you can mold into the seating structure you desire.

Anne Quinn

Anne Quinn Floor Cushions have great texture and sleek design. It's minimal gone wild.

Pfeifer Studios

Surrounding yourself in natural elements compliments a modern interior. Wool, glass, linen, ceramic, wood, leather... all of these objects have a warm feel to them that make home a great retreat.

Carpet

A new addition to the already long list of amazing Dutch designers at Generate - his name is Laurens van Wieringen, and he's producing some very innovative design. A case in point is "Carpet", a colorful, topographical landscape made out of "many" little bars of polyurethane foam - brilliant!

Marimekko Spring Line

Marimekko has some fabulous new fabrics this Spring that have a vintage modern look to them. Imagine them as wall art, pillows, bags or any other object you like.

Gotland Sheepskin

I grew up with a sheepskin on a leather slingback chair in front of our fireplace. It was a treasured place to sit as a small child, and I have two infront of my fireplace today. This is a stunning beauty of a sheepskin that would be a warm addition to my room and yours.

Lotta Jansdotter

Scandinavian born Lotta Anderson's label reflects a lifestyle. From her beloved medium of screen printing to the earthy tones and neutral fabrics, her modern nature themes fit in perfectly. Her line covers a wide variety of items from bags to household goods to paper. It's a natural development.

Flake Interior Element

Designer Mia Cullin has created this origami like room divider entitled Flake that is comprised of 160 pieces of Tyvek and covers an area of 8"6". It looks great!

Meabh Warburton Textile Art

These are just a few of Meabh Warburton's weavings and felt collages. Her focus is on abstraction that uses simple forms and color to express a larger truth. They're wonderful.

New Bold Botanicals

New Ikea items sport bold botanical prints.

A Big Thanks To Apartment Therapy NY

To say thanks to Apartment Thearapy NY, a wonderful blog, for featuring us, I wanted to share more inspiration on mixing designs. Fabric designer Amy Butler has some spectacular examples of florals with modern interiors. I have to tell ya, I've never been a florals person myself, but I think there is real potential here for unique blends.