Serveware as Art

I love this serving bowl from Iggloo. It's modern. It's functional. I love that it has its own wooden platform and matching spoon. But how often do I host a dinner party where I could showcase something like this?

So I wonder how else could I use it. Perhaps as a simple display piece? But, for me, what makes a design is the combination of beauty and function.

The piece has a 5" diameter. I can picture it in a spa setting filled with bath salt. Or even on a bathroom shelf filled with rolled hand towels.

It might also work as a bowl for keys and mail on an entry table.

Large Ball Serving Bowl, £11.00.

Via Crib Candy.

Entryway Minimalism

Here's an answer for a tight entry-hall or a door that opens directly into a living area without any transition. It's a plain, magnetic knob. You simply stick your keys to it.

I love the look, but I've got a car key, two alarm remotes, two house keys, plus a computer key. How will this work for my bulky key chain?

Sleek? Yes. But better suited for those with fewer locks.

Magnetic Knob, $22 for 2. Via BLTD.

Making an Entrance (and an Exit)

Coming home can be frustrating. You’ve got your keys, your mail, your purse, a computer bag, maybe some groceries.

Most of us aren’t blessed with a palatial grand entryway. Where do you put all this stuff? You're lucky if you have even a coat closet in urban homes. Here are a few ideas for organizing even the smallest entryway:

The OTA Message Center. Via Apartment Therapy.

Art with hooks from Fluffy Co. Shown here, Lemon Bicycle. Via Design Sponge.

Kitchen Stickers

A functional way to dress up a dated kitchen? Yneko has designed stickers for your utensil drawer, refrigerator and cleaning-supply cabinet.

Via Design Spotter.

JC Penney Surprises

JC Penney is having a home sale with up to 60% off some lovely, classic pieces. I honestly didn't expect to find much, but Penney's has taken a page from Target's book and updated their wares. I wasn't impressed by their upholstery, but their wood furniture is quite nice.

See more of my Penney's picks at Shak In Style.

Sanders Cove Buffet and Hutch, now $749.

Uptown Bedroom by Studio, $999 for the 5-piece King set.

Crochet Coral Reef

The Institute For Figuring is creating a crochet model of a coral reef. The photos are amazing.

It's so interesting to watch the emergence of new uses for what I grew up thinking were old crafts like crochet, needlepoint, and knitting. All I ever learned to make with yarn was a lopsided scarf.

Via Bluelines.

Karmasheetra

Just in case the pictures in the book weren't self-explanatory: Karmasheetra.

Via the AdverLab.

CB's New Catalog: One of these pages is not like the others...

I received the new Crate and Barrel catalog this weekend and began to flip through casually, seeing exactly what I'd expected: classic, simple furniture in outdoorsy neutrals.

Then I got to page 142 and saw this room-scape.

Wow. What a shock.

The styling is nothing like that in the rest of the catalog. The black/white contrast, the antiqued Hollywood-ish mirrors, the swirl plate, the Brocade-esque chandelier, that giant vase??

To be honest, I'm not too fond of most of these pieces, especially not together. The chair isn't my taste at all, and it's sweet floral print feels out of place with these harded-edged pieces. The lamp reminds me of the 80s in a bad way and the glassware is just a little too boring.

But, I am ignoring all of that because I am madly, madly in love with that fabulous black cabinet.

The Francesca, as she is called, is a modern, black transformation of the traditionally ornate French bombe. The hard edge of the black finish has been smoothed by the romantic lines and the deep, almost waxy finish. The interiors of the drawers are lined with a subtle English wallpaper, which is the sort of detail that is too often neglected by big-box stores.

All and all, I hope to see more pieces like the Francesca appearing this year. Any thoughts on the rest of CB's page 142?

Francesca Cabinet, $999.

Cuckoo Clock Print

A simple cuckoo clock print from Etsy. I love cuckoo clocks. They a whimsical, over-wrought quality that adds tons of personality to a room. This is an inexpensive way to get one with out having to dust all those intricate carvings.

$20 on etsy.