Elliott Puckette Print

Sorry for the lack of posts lately. My new job has taken over my life, but I'm so excited to share what I've been working on with all of you soon! In the midst of all my craziness, Ben surprised me the other night with a "just because" gift, which is by far my favorite kind of gift. We've been together for so long, we often just skip the whole Valentine's Day and anniversary gift exchange, and instead give each other something increasingly precious and rare - time together. But let's face it, who doesn't love a present now and again? He surprised me with my very own Elliott Puckette print, which I'd spied in September's VOGUE and desperately wanted, but never would have purchased for myself. If there are any other Elliott Puckette fans out there (or boyfriends of an EP fan), check out this great offer at the Condé Nast Store.

Sweet Bella

Ever since the lovely Susan Hable of Hable Construction turned me on to Sweet Bella, their booth at the NY Gift Show has been one of my favorites. For the longest time they didn't have a website or a catalog, making it very hard to source them for stories, but that's all changed. Not only is their website charming and completely indicative of the company's aesthetic, their wonderful selection of unique items are now available for perusing. How great are these old-school telephones from the British General Post Office!! Below are a few more of their offerings that I'll be attempting to work into my fall budget.

The New Yorker: Kelly Wearstler

Be sure to pick up the newest issue of The New Yorker for a profile of Kelly Wearstler, entitled "Lady of the House." There are a few juicy revelations (yes, Playboy is mentioned, but who among us didn't already know about that little tidbit) including the secret nickname other designers have bestowed upon Michael Smith - "Granny Smith." Kelly's upcoming book HUE is also mentioned, and here's a sneak peak, courtesy of Amazon.

MUJI

If you're looking for an alternative to the now somewhat ubiquitous West Elm Parsons Desk, check out the new MUJI manufactured by THONET collection of furniture. As always, MUJI manages to pack tons of style into their unbranded brand of housewares, this time using a mix of tubular steel and beech bentwood. This workstation makes me want to create some self-imposed homework assignment in honor of fall, and a set of these chairs would look amazing around a dining room table. I'm also loving their light grey desk chair, which comes in just under $200.

I really can't mention MUJI without telling you about my absolute favorite MUJI discovery - their "My" Linen Napkins. For $21.75, you get two gorgeous, natural linen dinner napkins, red embroidery thread, and instructions for how to embroider every letter in the alphabet, as well as a few choice designs. It's become my go-to thank you gift for crafty friends. You could also buy two packs, embroider a loved one's initials on the corner of all four napkins, and present it as a homemade, personalized gift. How wouldn't love that?! The natural linen and red together just ooze French charm. If you start now, you could have a set for all your family and friends finished in time for Christmas.

MET Treasure Trove

The Shaker Room

A few weeks ago I met a friend at the Met to see the new American Wing, which as it turns out is far too vast for a single visit. All the period rooms were spectacular, and a few of the furniture pieces were screaming for a modern day knockoff. I particularly loved the quiet simplicity of the Shaker room. Although I'm generally not a huge fan of Shaker style furniture, the carefully considered lines of every piece were a real testament to the craftsmanship that went into making them.

The most exciting moment of the day however was the discovery of the Met's decorative arts archive, a veritable treasure trove of inspiration. Row after row of furniture, lighting, tableware, decorative pieces, and much more, all displayed Moss-style, in huge glass display cases. Unfortunately most of the items didn't have labels explaining their provenance, but it was thrilling none the less. The scope and breadth of this collection is definitely worth braving the crowds to see, and whatever you do, don't forget your camera.

And now....the treasure trove!

Marbleizing

It all began with an episode of The Martha Stewart Show. Then, a visit to John Derian's amazing booth at the recent NY Gift Show took it right over the edge. I'm officially obsessed with marbleizing. I even felt compelled to dig up the feature on Nick Olsen's place in a back issue of Domino, to once again marvel at the genius behind his idea to cover an IKEA coffee table in marbleized paper from Paper Mojo. Something about this age-old technique feels really fresh to me right now, with just the right touch of glamour.

One viewing of the Martha segment and I promise, you too will be hooked. There are definitely some marbleized magazine caddies in my near future.

Not only are these John Derian goblets gorgeous on the outside, but the inside was done in a DIFFERENT marbleized pattern!

These papers are just a taste of the gorgeousness they create during the Martha segment.

Images: Domino, November 2006, Paul Costello; marthastewart.com

IKEA Rugs

Speaking of rugs, it looks like IKEA has borrowed a page from the Madeline Weinrib playbook:

IKEA Stockholm Rug, $179

IKEA PS Stuga Rug, $299

With a little bit of Oscar and Missoni thrown in the mix...

Jorun Rug, $179

Gedser Rug, $249