Smart looking lighting is a quick and often inexpensive way to make design improvements at home. The Unfold Pendant Lamp by Swedish design team Form Us By Love is an update on a classic form that will fit naturally in creative work spaces. The pendant is made with a soft silicone rubber, giving it a modern and warm appearance, and enables it to be folded into a small package. Available in gray, black, blue, purple & yellow. $198, available at A+R.

For most of us city folk space is limited; instead of going hi-tech with your bike rack, opt for something organic and subtle. Based in San Antonio, Texas, Elevate Woodworks was founded by Brian LaBarbera who couldn’t find storage designs that he liked. He wanted a way to display his bike in a common area, while looking classy. We think he hit the mark. You can view his blog here, or purchase the above poplar rack for $100, on Etsy. (sweet bike not included). Another example: (more…)

James Perse is best known for his collection of chic tee shirts with a relaxed west coast aesthetic, but it’s his lesser-known collection of hand made furniture that is perhaps most impressive. Take this stunning teak and black matte ping pong table for example. Made by hand in the USA from environmentally farmed solid teak, it combines playability with functionality – remove the net and cover with the optional teak table top to convert the game room (more…)

This would be a fun addition to your work space, although it might be difficult to get anything done. The “Fishscape” Fish Bowl by Gaia & Gino & Aruliden. $140, available at A+R. A first-rate design website that’s loaded with beautiful objects for the home.

Aromatherapy is certainly not my thing but there’s something to be said about walking into a room and being taken aback because of the incredible smell. That was the case after a quick stop into the terrific Muji store in Times Square yesterday to get out of the rain. The store smelled like a high end spa, that scent you try to get from a candle but never can quite capture. I was pointed to a table featuring these nifty little gadgets, Ultrasonic Aroma Diffusers. They work quite simply: fill up the diffuser with water, put in a few drops of whichever scent you like and plug it in. The ultrasonic waves work like a humidifier and quickly makes your space feel like a different space. It also glows subtly giving off a calming ambient light. There are (more…)

It’s important to always remember that good style is not limited to your wardrobe. Your choice in artwork, furniture and home design play an integral role. For a beautiful statement piece, consider the ch25 chair by Hans Wegner (1914 – 2007). Wegner was a furniture designer who contributed to the huge success and popularity of mid-century Danish design. Over the course of his career he designed over 500 chairs, several of which are now in the galleries of top museums, including the Museum of Modern Art. Functionality played a key role in his approach and the ch25 chair’s moderate dimensions fit easily into interiors where space is a factor. A prerequisite for urban city living. $3,130, available at Hive Modern.

Here are a few items that will add a little punch to your seasonal entertaining, both from Ballard Designs, a good alternative to the drab repetition of Crate & Barrel, Pottery Barn and West Elm. Consider Ballard a slightly more refined option, with items that at least appear more customized. Door handle bottle stopper with bee emblem or custom monogramming, $35-39. Pedestal champagne bowl, $99.

Beautiful stationary deserves well-designed postage and this set titled “Pioneers of American Industrial Design” is one of the best you’ll ever find. Each stamp features the name of a designer and a photograph of an object created by the designer, as well as a description of the object and the year or years when the object was created. The selvage features a photograph of the iconic “Airflow” fan designed by Robert Heller around 1937. Available at USPS.com

Designed in 1968 by Charles and Ray Eames, the Soft Pad chair is certainly not cheap, but neither is a Rolex. Both are status symbols that evoke prestige, and if placed strategically in your office, power. $3,600, available at Hive Modern.

Widely regarded as one of the the best tee shirt designers in the world, James Perse has quietly developed a handsome and striking furniture collection. The Cross Creek directors chair shown above is part of the (more…)

August is a big month for entertaining and it’s important to get your glassware right. A perfect gin and tonic just looks and tastes better in a proper glass. The Kartio was created by Kaj Franck, a leading Finnish designer (more…)

The Box Sofa from Autoban was designed by Seyhan Ozdemir and Sefer Caglar back in 2007 and draws it’s inspiration from the 1950′s modernist movement. A few calls through to retailers and the price range kept landing around $7K. A bit pricey but not bad for an item that will anchor your living space for years to come.