Natural Fibers

The ability to mix and weave natural fibers into unique statement pieces has been the hallmark of Palecek's distinctive line of furniture, lighting and accessories for years. In addition to signature rattan and wicker, Palecek has created extraordinary collections featuring hard wood, seagrass and abaca weaves. The result of this innovative styling is a collection of furnishings that suit any setting. A lovely way to decorate with sustainable and natural materials.

Lucite Trunk

Made by world class furniture creator Serge de Troyer, this Lucite trunk is stylish, sophisticated and a wonderful 'jewel piece' for the right room. It would add a nice contemporary twist to a traditional setting or be right at home in a more modern interior. This trunk is great for use as a coffee table or under a console table for "visible" storage. It is made of quality thick lucite with silver metal hinges and retails for about $2,950.00 at Tonic Home.

Snake Dinnerware

How about inviting someone unexpected to dinner tonight? Designed by Laura Zindel and made in the United States the black snake dinnerware is available at Barneys New York. In addition to this slithering creature design, check out the ceramic collections featuring Harlequin Beetles, spiders and butterflies. Dinner may never be the same!

Quirky

Depending on how you look at it the Pearl Table Lamp from Shine may be considered silly, quirky, unexpected or just plain cool. It certainly would inspire conversation and add a fun, whimsical touch to just the right room. I could see this lamp as part of an eclectic beach home decor.

Blox

Blox is a super cool and very modern way to divide and conquer your living space. This playful grid of intersecting soft squares is both a dynamic freestanding screen and an intriguing sculptural artwork. Crafted of sturdy steel tubing with a plate steel base, Blox has a controlled yet random quality - something a little different for contemporary environments. It is available in six finishes, including pearl white from Elite Manufacturing Corporation.

Ikat!

Rich hues of blue, green, yellow, and fuschia are incorporated into the distinct Icat weave of these lovely silk pillows. The weaving method uses a resist dyeing process similar to tie-dye on either the warp or weft before the threads are woven to create the fluid design. I especially like the coconut bead trim that finishes these pillows. They are available at Maison 24 along with a selection of ikat print bedding and throws.

Martin Luther King, Jr.

Concrete

Foster+Partners has designed a dining table named Arc for Molteni&C, inspired by the temporary fabric structures, which are increasingly used in contemporary architectural design, and here shape the base of this soft, fluid table.

The base, made of an innovative material composed of cement mixed with organic fibers, is resistant and elastic at the same time, and lends itself to complex structures. It is also waterproof, and the mass-colored base in white and two tones of grey, ensures the color stays fresh throughout its lifespan. These materials allow outdoor usage. Arc complements its base with tempered glass tops, either 140 or 150 cm in diameter, in extra light and smoked finishes.

Cage Lighting

This whimsical light pendant would be a fun addition to a child's room. It is known as the Mary Ohl pendant from Stray Dog designs. A single bulb drops dramatically from a scalloped tin collar, illuminating two lovely birds perched high in a cage. An impossibly chic little pendant of oxidized tin and papier mache. The birds come in white or hand painted in your choice of low VOC paint colors. This delightful light pendant is hand-crafted from recycled and recyclable materials. Check it out here.

Mid-Century Style for Pets!

Even man's best friend or a feline companion deserves to luxuriate in style. The inspiration for this wonderful pet sofa comes from vintage Le Corbusier seating for humans. It's timeless mid-century design is cherished by furniture lovers and collectors worldwide. It's removable vinyl cover is available in black, white, tobacco, or grey. Even a genuine cowhide! The fully welded steel frame is available in chrome or black powder coat. The pet sofa, which is available in four sizes, is made in Italy exclusively for Dog Bar.

Hollywood Regency Style

Read all about it. Hollywood Regency Style, (Page 30), as featured in the Washington Examiner: AT HOME, Sunday 10 January 2010. Here. Page 30.

The Canvas Nursery

Artificial plants and foliage have never been a favorite of mine until I discovered some of the product offerings from The Canvas Nursery. What makes these beautiful botanical creations so unique is that the are artisan crafted using canvas. The large selection of plants, palm trees and foliage arrangements are available in a variety of styles. These are accessories that require little maintenance and would look lovely in simple decorative containers.

Monsieur DressUp

Whimsical and functional are two words that describe the Monsieur DressUp. Tailored collar, cuff and pocket. Used individually or all at once. Monsieur DressUp can wear your jacket, scarf, umbrella and mail. Undress and redress at the door, by the bed, or in the changing room. Monsieur DressUp is a new and fun idea for hanging that special article of clothing. Maintaining the delicacy, integrity and shape of a shirt of scarf. They are designed by Loyal Loot Collective and are made of Maple wood.

Burl Wood and Lucite

I am fond of the use of burl wood and lucite in this desk and console from 'pieces'. Both feature construction of Mappa wood with lucite panels. Stainless steel hardware punctuates both pieces. The desk can also function as a vanity, while the console works beautifully as a media cabinet, or dining console. Either the desk or console are available here.