Finnish Design brand Muuto are striving to expand the Scandinavian design tradition with fresh and original perspectives. In fact, thei name Muuto, inspired by the Finnish word muutos, means fresh perspective. This fall they are launching a new product for hot drinks. Modern people don’t just have coffee; they have lattés, cappuccino, espresso, tea or Chai. Everyday Holy is a mug which looks and works equally well no matter the content. Designer Ilkka Suppanen was inspired by the iconic Holy Grail in the shaping of the mug.

Technorati Tags: accessories, Charles & Marie, decoration, design, Modern Living, vases

The aesthetical and practical Double timer from Swedish company Bengt Ek is a 60 minutes and a 20 minutes timer at the same time!

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For all of you bodacious babes who like to burn (candles, that is), Seeay has launched a collection that pays homage to the Golden State. And they’re inspired by a few of our favorite places. There’s the Malibu, made for those of you who love the scents of vanilla and tropical sun tan oils (brown Sugar and Coconut are the main notes), the Half Moon Bay for vanilla lovers (think sweet vanilla and cream combined with white chocolate scents), and the Pacific Coast Highway (so enticing with juniper, vetiver, and sandalwood). Intoxicating, indeed.

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We’re crazy for California-based Art de Toilette, specializing
in whimsical, one-of-a-kind art for the bathroom. If you haven’t already, snap up one of designer Wendy Gold’s custom handmade bathroom scales (we introduced them months ago), or her too-cute toilet seats using any materials from tax forms, to wallpaper, to personal photos of your friends (or enemies). Brilliant!

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Our loyal readers are always in pursuit of far-out design furniture and home accessories. When only those from far flung locales will do, scope out Colcha where the selection runs the gamut from elegant and organic to full-on opulent (count on a variety of found objects, from hacienda doors to farmhouse tables, each one with its own remarkable story). An interior design consultancy has grown out of the shop’s cult-like following which includes A-list clientele such as Jessica Biel, Elijah Wood, and Adrian Grenier. Intimate dinner parties and art openings are ongoing at the store, so peruse the events page for listings and times. And be sure to tell them we sent you.

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If your home is more colorful than stark raving mod, take a whirl through Calypso Twist where even the lemon-hued walls are sure to lift your mood. The store showcases the works of more than 200 artists and craftspeople, and customized pieces can be created to suit your every whim. These shelves by David Coddaire look like they were plucked from the pages of a Dr. Seuss book, don’t you agree? Sidewalk sales beckon passersby on summer afternoons and inside you’ll find that perfect housewarming gift. There’s furniture, picture frames, lamps, cookware and other accessories from which to choose.

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Feast your pretty peepers on one-of-a-kind floor mats by Inghua Ting (they’re handmade at TING studios based in London). The creation of these mats is nothing short of impressive. You see, recycled vintage leather belts (rescued from waist and waste) have been artfully assembled onto reconstituted leather with nothing but water-based glue. They’re eco-friendly and they look fetching. The company also makes a handsome selection of bags from seat belts. Scope ‘em out.

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Sometimes a hostess just wants to make a splash with her choice of dinner table décor. These bold polka dot napkins will help you do just that. They’re created by Northern California-based artist Sally Russell who credits her adoration for vivid colors, organic textures and playful patterns to her hometown region (and she credits her parents for encouraging her to explore her burgeoning talents while never complaining about the resulting mess). There are several colors from which to choose. The bolder, the better for sure.

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Marimekko’s interiors collection, ranging from terry towels to table-setting textiles, are made from cotton and linens printed at the company’s own factory. We’re particularly enamored by the bedclothes collection featuring patterns and colors for people with discerning taste (that’s you, we trust). Prints run the gamut from romantic and ornamental to crisp and geometric. Peruse the duvet covers and matching pillowcases, made from pure cotton. They were awarded the Öko-Tex Standard 100 environmental certificate which means no nasty chemicals were used to manufacture them.

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This Italian-inspired Alora Ambiance reed diffuser smells divine (think lavender, chamomile, bergamot and rose) and looks like art, which means you can use it as a centerpiece and an air freshener. You get one 8 oz. bottle with sticks that are about 14 inches tall and they last approximately two to three months with regular use. The deliciously scented liquid travels up through the sticks, filling the room and putting a smile on your beautiful face.

Technorati Tags: accessories, Charles & Marie, decoration, hip home, Modern Living, wellness