I am not sure what the pug is thinking but these pug hats are super cute/funny. Designed and handmade by Jessica Furtado, in the US they are sold through Etsy for $20. The pug as a cat hat is quite a conversation point....lets hope the pug doesn't quite get it...
Featured recently in design milk, we can't help but agree that this apartment in Kiev, Ukraine is totally different and breaks the traditional idea of shape and decor. Designed by Sergey Makhno this ultra modern apartment features irregularly shaped walls, which jut out at strange angles, creating unique spaces and shapes. The darker shades of blue and green on the walls help to reinforce the angles. The furniture features non-rectilinear lines and the cross lighting is really striking.
Waldo Pancake is the chosen alias of illustrator Jim Smith, based in the UK. Jim has teamed up with Really Good to bring to the marketplace witty, sarcastic and all-round cool giftware products. Browsing through Really Good's website we have picked our favs including for girls this cosmetic bag (£8.50) and hairbrush and comb set (£6.50), for the office the chunky note block (£6.50) and address book (£7.50) and for the home the inner granny cake tin (£12), coasters (£1.75) and wall clock (£10). Waldo Pancake brings that pop of humour to anyone's life and we like!
For couples that do not want to go along with the whole classic wedding theme but prefer to inject a bit more originality and fun into their big day then we think the tepee experience from MagnaKata is a brilliant idea and a great alternative to the traditional marquee experience. These giant tepees (also called Katas) can be used as a single structure, or joined together to accommodate up to 300 seated guests. The lighting and soft furnishing arrangements can make for a more informal, bohemian setting and we think they just look amazing for any special occasion.
There are tons of online kitsch jewellery stores but Jenny and Jimbob is a little different. Established by LA-based couple..Jenny and Jimbob, they have put that extra bit of thought into their business and came up with totally unique matchbox presentation boxes with their own unique messages and artwork. They are so adorable and both the design of the pendants and message statements are witty and fun. The pendants come on a 17'' chain in either pewter ($30) or gold-plated ($40).
Hidden Art is another brilliant design-inspired, fantastically quirky online store injecting more fun into the home. I love the creative wall hook products including knife hooks (£22), saucepan (£25) and their range of finger gesture ones (£90) are also pretty cool. Also like the supersized biro top desk tidy (£10) and the climbing wall light (£32.35) would make for an amazing feature in a bedroom.
www.hiddenartshop.com
It is that time of year when we are all frantically trying to find novel pressies. These socks from Uncommon Goods are really fun without being naff.
Countries that get their fair share of rain should take inspiration from the city Dresden in Germany where they will find an all-inspiring and very colourful musical wall feature. Drains and gutters shaped as musical instruments apparently bring sweet music to the ears of passer-bys every time it rains. Very clever!
By: Valerie Brown
Surfing through the various online stores there are a few stores I love because of their large range of fun home-related items which are designed to make people smile. Two stores which I discovered and particularly like are Utility and Pedlars. Their design inspired items are yes a little bit more expensive but I do believe you get what you pay for and surely a smile doesn't carry a price tag! I came across a few great doormats and if you are entertaining a load of friends at Christmas - then surely a great entrance as a talking point is not a bad thing! I love the 'I am not a doormat' from Pedlars (£26.95),Utility have a larger range with my three favourites being the Vegas inspired one (£27.50), 'Oh No! Not You Again (£25) and the very edgy (for a doormat!) tattoo one (£27.50)
By: Valerie Brown
