Linje Espressomaker

When I saw this espresso maker, I seriously considered redecorating my kitchen. Unfortunately, this design is only a prototype - for now. Created by Øsyten Helle Husby, Audun Grimstad, Åsne Kydland and Mariko Kurioka Rohde as a design school assignment, it brings a Nordic approach to coffee.  I give it an A+++++.  To see more, visit their website.  

Computer Safari

When I work in my home office, my mind often drifts thinking of all the places I want to see in the world. Prague, Mount Rushmore, St. Petersburg. But my dream always starts and ends in Africa on safari. So I immediately "connected" with these cute little animal USB memory drives from Japan. Now, I can have my own little elephant sitting on my desk.  

These USB pets are from Japanese company Marubeni InfoTech. Available in both walnut and maple, you can choose between a 1 GB dog, pig, elephant, hippo, or swan. Or get them all and have your very own herd. They could have chosen a better place for the USB cord but hey, they are so cute I can overlook this design flaw.  

Available at the monoDO website for 7,980 yen, which is about $73 US. (website is in Japanese, but I’ve linked to the translated version). Thanks to Geek Alerts and Paige + Modern for bringing a piece of the animal kingdom to me! 

Fire Damage

 
For those of you who have been to my home, you know how much I adore my oven.  It is the original General Electric that was installed when our house was built in 1957. When my husband and I found the house, his first home improvement item was to replace the oven. My response was "over my dead body."  Needless to say I have a lot vested in this oven. 

So, last week when it caught on fire while cooking a yummy steak, I knew I had to protect it - not just against my husband's wrath but also from itself.

We couldn't remember the last time we replaced our fire extinguishers. We could get a generic replacement at Costco for $70 but didn't my oven deserve something better after all those years of service? Something to express its personality?  Something that is so pretty it could be on display?  Or even better, a fire extinguisher that we could custom design?

As luck would have it, the French think like I do.  Enter www.fire-design.fr.  Ooh-la-la!

Tree House?

Spheres in the sky. The ultimate tree house.  This "Sphere" is outfitted with a microwave, sink and refrigerator. It sleeps 3 people comfortably.  To purchase your own, you can "shell out" $150,000+ but if you want to test drive it first, head up to Vancouver Island.  Nightly rates for as low as $125.  I might have to book one for the 2010 Vancouver Olympics!  For more info: Free Spirit Spheres

Pick a Letter

"P" for Pants, "S" for Socks, "R" for running gear.....Mmmmmmmm it would be nice to be that organized. Inspired by vintage printing blocks, this beautifully finished chest of 26 drawers is made from solid oak - the perfect place to file everything from A-Z!

Decorative Stickers

I have been spending a lot of time in my home office lately and realized that the monochromatic decor leaves a lot to be desired. I found inspiration at Harmonie Interieurs.  I especially like the green paint with alphabet stickers.  When visiting their website, don't miss the section showing pictures of the artist's home.  Truly beautiful.