Happy Halloween.

Halve Bookends.

These Halve bookends from The Well Dressed Home are a lot of fun. They are adorable and whimsical and able to be personalized. It is possible to create your own look by placing things like corks, match books, buttons, sand, shells or even water and gold fish in them. I especially like the gold fish and it is because of that cool idea that I chose to post this here.

Thom Browne for Baccarat

Fashion Designer, Thom Browne recently announced that he is collaborating with the world renowned Baccarat to produce his own line of stemware. The collection includes five pieces: water glass, white wine glass, short Champagne coupe, tall Champagne coupe, and red wine glass.

Mr. Browne sought inspiration from his collection of vintage Champagne coupes and his personal collection of china in designing the pieces. To add an additional twist to this elegant and sophisticated stemware ensemble, Thom Browne also included some sporty elements, the shapes and height of a visual display of aligned trophies. This exquisite stemware retails for $3,500.00 for the five pieces.

Moose Head.

If you are craving something very extraordinary, unique and ravishingly expensive for over your fireplace mantle then look no further. Dutch designer, Marcel Wanders has created the "One Minute Moose Head". The sculpture is made from glazed clay with a golden luster. Perhaps a modern home of an art collector would be the perfect place to install this Moose Head. I certainly cannot see it hanging in a cozy ski lodge. I like how imaginative this piece is and therefore I wanted to post it here.

Laser Cut Lampshades.

A beautiful collection of Laser Cut Lampshades is available from Stellavie. The range consists of whimsical themes to more classic or even baroque styles. The lampshades are made from premium quality fine paper and is then laser cut. When switched on the pattern is evenly illuminated by a light diffusing inlay shade made of polystyrene. The lampshade is constructed by three identical pieces of paper which achieve a diameter of 25cm when joined.
Thereby sewn-like looking transitions are created, which connect the lampshade in three symmetrical pieces. The paper in use shows a slightly structured, beautifully shimmering surface in a golden color. The shades are unique, eye-catching and can instantly add some new personality to a old lamp base.

Butler Tables.

These Butler Tables are not just ordinary tray tables. They are beautiful and highly versatile pieces of furniture that are easily set up and taken down. The tables shown here, from B&N Industries, are available in extremely durable vinyl laminate, acrylic, and high grade leather vinyls that perfectly mimic Buffalo, Crocodile, and Shagreen. Glass tops are available by special order. The base of each table is made from a sophisticated, polished stainless steel. The overall look is contemporary and elegant. They are available in a variety of sizes and will not only work in a residential setting, but also in a retail store or even a corporate office. The functionality of these tables are quite vast!

Hollywood Glamour.

One of the easiest ways to make a room look and appear larger is to add a mirror. In the case of this triple floor mirror it would also add a touch of sophistication and glamour to a room. It reminds me of the Hollywood Glamour popular throughout the 1950s and 1960s. This mirror is trimmed with exotic leather, is beautifully beveled with a suede studded frame and punctuated by chrome trim. The mirror is custom made in about 6-8 weeks and is available from Plantation in custom sizes.

Mushroom Lamps

These lamps from Japan, use mushroom-shaped LEDs and found bits of driftwood and salvage lumber to create something that has a kitsch or whimsical quality. They are surely different and some of the most unique lamps I have seen. I have yet to decide where I would place such a lamp, but they are sure fun to post here.

Bicycle.

I am currently shopping for a bicycle. I think it will be a great way to get around the city as well as get some great exercise. While looking I ran into this bicycle from Hermès. I must say I was surprised to see that it is now possible to purchase a bicycle from Hermès. While it is not my first choice, I could not resist posting it here. The bicycle comes in a lacquered stainless steel. The frame, handles and saddle is finished in Taurillon Clemence leather. It comes with a kickstand, front and back lighting, carrier with bungy cord, mud flap and spoke protector. It is priced at around $4,000.00

Suitcase Chair.

While Katie Thompson's collection of Suitcase Chairs may not be my first selection when furnishing a home, her imaginative and whimsical creation is just plain fun. Artistic and clever, this broken old brown suitcase, having been around the block a few times, through Africa and via Dover now takes on a glamorous new functional life as a comfortable occasional chair. Using a steel reinforced internal structure, upholstered in a contemporary wide purple stripe fabric and dark timber tapered legs. The fun does not stop there, Thompson also offers an extensive range of recycled lighting and decorative accessories.

Hand-Painted Ricepaper.

Wallpaper is an exciting way to dress up walls and create more impact than just paint alone. It can also be considered art for the walls. There are so many different varieties available that it may sometimes be difficult to choose. I recently discovered a collection of Hand-Painted Ricepaper Wall Coverings from Anya Larkin that is simply beautiful.

Taken from the Anya Larkin website, "Anya Larkin is a most passionate designer who brings the highest level of artistry to everything she touches. Wall coverings, like fine works of art, add feeling and depth to a room. It is a pleasant emotion - created by layers of uncompromising craftsmanship. Larkin patiently mixes subtle reflections of light, with thoughtful, intellectual patterns and textures reminiscent of the sublime Zen of oriental art. For Larkin the wall and the spaces in between are vast canvases for her endless artistry.

Larkin's work is both infinite and timeless, reflecting a passion for nature, antiquity and that elusive element...comfortable elegance. Her designs are a fine balance between contrasts. Classic, yet modern. Asian in mood, yet European in opulence. Practical, yet theatrical.

Larkin occupies an important place in the modern era of design as a creator whose talent moves through unlimited horizons. Trained as a fine artist, Larkin has also applied her artistry to "fine silk canvases" created for many of the world's best-known couturiers and worn by the world's most notable women. Larkin's artistic integrity and genius has been recognized both by the Louvre's Decorative Arts Museum and the Victoria and Albert Museum in London. Her wallpapers are housed in their permanent collection and are frequently on public display."

Unexpected Lighting for Children?

This artistic lamp available from Urban Electric Company would be a fun sculptural detail in almost any room of the house. I, however, saw this lamp and thought it might be a cool floor lamp to sit in a child's room. It certainly is not typical or expected and that is just what I like about it. It is whimsical and fun and doesn't take itself too seriously. It makes a statement, may even be considered a bit silly and is certainly quite playful. So, why not try something totally different in a playroom and fun bedroom or anywhere a distinct eclectic statement may work well? It's unusual and sometimes that will go a long way in creating a design that is out of the ordinary.