For those of us that don’t have a budget of thousands to spend on Christmas gifts, here’s a list of goodies that are just as cool.  I like my house to be filled only with the things I love, from chairs to coffee cups to trash cans.  If I don’t enjoy seeing it every day, it doesn’t belong.  These gifts definitely belong.

Bamboo Salad Bowls, $22-64

“Analog Nights” Pillow by Aimee Wilder, $50

Bicycle Wheel Coasters, about $30

Spiegelau Vino Grande White Wine Glasses, $20 for 2

ACF Red Cappuccino Cups, $24 for 2

Lodis F1 Small Billfold, $42

“Objectified” DVD by Gary Hustwit, $20

Tres Tray Tray, $94

Albero Cuckoo Clock, $385

Atomix Fractal Generator, $75

That’s it for now, perhaps more to come in the next few days.  Happy shopping!

I grew up listening to my dad’s collection of soul music, and by far Sam Cooke was my favorite artist of the era.  His voice makes everything just feel like it’s gonna be alright.  Today marks the 45th anniversary of his death, the day a supreme talent was taken away far too soon.  In my mind, there is no better evening than one spent sitting with a loved one in a softly lit room, sipping on cocktails, and listening to Sam Cooke’s beautiful sound.  Rest in peace, Sam.

Sam Cooke – Fool’s Paradise

Part of the fun of the Christmas holidays is shopping for presents for your friends, and (even better) getting some goodies yourself.  As I’ve poked around the stores, I’ve found quite a few things that I wouldn’t mind receiving.  This list, however, includes the things that are so expensive there’s no way I can afford them, let alone ask someone else to buy them for me.  For all those loaded secret Santas out there…

First up, two sofas.  Because finding the perfect sofa is so difficult, I’d like both.  The “Neo” sofa by Bensen, and the “Hepburn” sofa by De La Espada.  Gorgeous, comfortable and pricey.

Next, the 2010 Audi S4.  A friend of mine just splurged on one of these, and I’m smitten.

The Hans Wegner Ch445 “Wing” chair has been on my list for a long time now.  It’s the most comfortable chair I’ve ever used, and has a price to match.

While we’re talking ridiculous, chalk up a few nights in Room 606 at the Royal SAS Hotel in Copenhagen.  It’s the only one that kept its original Arne Jacobsen design, all the way down to the silverware and door hardware.

Lastly, no design geek is complete without a MacBook Pro.  So shiny!

I just now noticed that my awesome RSS subscribers may not have seen any new posts since I moved to a new server. Problem solved! Sorry about that.

I’ve always dreamed of owning a wood cottage in the mountains.  Designed by Turnbull Griffin Haesloop Architects, this modern home in Sebastopol, California (just north of SF) is exactly what I had in mind.  At 1700 square feet, it has just enough room to cozily vacation with your family while comfortably absorbing the breathtaking landscape and redwood trees.  The uniformity and structure of the front of the home is balanced nicely by the natural grace of the materials used, including a cedar roof, Douglas fir ceiling and ipe wood floors.  Sign me up!

(via Decoist)

Just like sofas, finding the right dining table can take an extraordinarily long time.  Not only do you want it to match your dining chairs and room layout, but usually they’re on the high end of your furniture budget.  You want the table to be solid, comfortable for gatherings, usable as a work surface and, of course, simply gorgeous.

Enter De La Espada.  I’ve been smitten by this Portuguese company’s woodcraft for years, and we ended up selecting a table from their Atlantico line.  The entire table is constructed using mortise and tenon joinery, and the legs separate from the top for easy moving.  The oiled white oak is silky smooth, stunning in the sunlight and has a deep, rich golden brown grain.  De La Espada doesn’t just make tables; they do chairs, sideboards and beds as well.  No matter what piece you pick, their work is modern and yet timeless, fitting in with nearly any décor.

Despite the woes of the last decade, there is still plenty to be thankful for.  Take some time today to remember who and what those are to you.  Happy Thanksgiving!

Google posted another design-inspired logo today celebrating sculptor and furniture designer Isamu Noguchi’s birthday. Happy birthday Isamu!

Speaking of celebrations, this blog is now officially 100 posts and 529 days old. Thanks to all of you readers!  Don’t forget to become a fan on our Facebook page!

We’re now running on a slick new server and everything should be migrated over. Let me know if you see anything broken and I’ll fix it ASAP!

Even though I’m partial to modern work, I can’t help but enjoy classic Greek architecture.  These Corinthian column bookends are a perfect way to show your own appreciation for timeless beauty.  Hand-casted in plaster and hand-finished in England, available from the Monticello museum store.