Happy Friday everyone! And happy April Fools’ Day too. Last year, I went all out and posted what I thought was a funny, and pretty obvious, April Fool’s “product”. I’m not sure whether it was too good, or not good enough, but despite the date on the calendar, people took me seriously. So this year, I decided to skip it. Luckily, Inhabitat stepped up to the plate.

So here’s what I was looking at this week:

1. This History of Curtains is a lot more interesting than you might think at first. (design sponge)

2. You should really take a look at these beautiful prints made from pieces of discarded maps. I particularly love the Japanese Crane, especially because part of the proceeds go to Japan disaster relief. (design sponge)

3. You have to check out this crazy collection of taxidermy antiques in London. (Craft)

4. Est is a new online magazine about “global living with an Australian twist”. (desire to inspire)

5. Here’s a store that really takes sustainable living seriously. All of the products in their store are sourced and crafted in the United States from sustainable materials. (Re-nest)

6. I’m in love with this amazing bench crafted from 5000 recycled New York City Metro cards. (Yanko Design)

7. If you’re short on space, one of these 10 convertible dining tables might just help you squeeze in a little more functionality. (Tree hugger)

That’s it for now.  Happy weekend everyone!

Here is an interesting interview with Marc Schamburg of Australian design firm Schamburg and Alvisse talking about the big pile of “eWaste” behind him and how it can be turned into the chair he is sitting on.

Click here to find out more about their 050 chair.

I’m in the process of trying to catch up on all I’ve missed while I was “enjoying’ my annual Summer cold and laryngitis fest.  As i’ve been plowing through an amazing backlog of design websites, I thought I would share with you one of the trends that really seems to be taking hold – metal origami.

image via Yanko Design

Combining the green design communities love for the efficient use of materials with the energy savings of flatpack design, these three dimensional pieces made of a single sheet of recyclable metal are all the rage.

Here we see the Qbik steel lamp, designed by Enrico Zanolla and Andrea Di FIlippo for Miniforms Spa.  With its boxy form and heat releasing perforated top, this lamp has a very modern industrial feel.  But folded metal can also look a bit softer… Read the rest of this entry »

I had so much fun writing about Bholu wallpaper for kids yesterday that I never managed to show you the two great patterns for those with more grown-up tastes (plus some pretty pillows too).

I love the exuberant free form swirls of the “Nimboo” pattern.  The bright color and large scale are perfect for bigger spaces.  And wait till you see how fun those swirls are on a pillow! Read the rest of this entry »

What kid wouldn’t love this cheeky monkey family?

Mavis Monkey

Just launched last month, the Bholu line of wallpapers from Australia based Porter’s Paints has whimsy aplenty.  Printed on paperstock with low to no VOC paint, this line was created by noted designer Jodie Fried, as part of her Bholu collection of interior products and accessories.

But beyond being cute and environmentally friendly, Bholu wallpaper has another draw… Read the rest of this entry »

I’m in a bit of a silly mood this morning, which you will discover at the end of the post, but for now let me introduce you to a great line of furniture from Australia…

Created from Moso Bamboo, one of the most eco-friendly species of this fast growing plant, the award winning Wambamboo line of furniture by Kent Gration deftly combines a modernist style with an ancient building material.

Very conscientious about the environmental impact of the furniture line, Wambamboo follows the supply chain from it’s beginnings in the Zheijang province of China, where the bamboo boards, veneers and poles are sourced and manufactured, to it’s end point in Brisbane Australia where the furniture is crafted.

Read the rest of this entry »

We got a lovely email on Sunday from Jen Leheny in Australia letting us know that our blog had been written up in their local newspaper, The Canberra Times, as one “…of the most interesting and inspiring home and design blogs from around the world.”  Gee, we’re blushing!

Jen graciously allowed us to borrow her scan of the newspaper article.  She is an accomplished writer in her own right, and I highly encourage you to take a look at her blog www.jenleheny.com, as well as all the other great blogs listed.