Kristan Cunningham » accessories – Trends and Design Ideas – Kristan Cunningham

Object Lovers Unite!

Kristan — Thu, 12 May 2011 17:10:08 +0000

From the co-owner of one of my favorite sites, Rare Device, there is a new book that I just love leafing through. Lisa Congdon’s A Collection A Day Book is the culmination of her 2010 Collection a Day project: a daily documentation of arrangements of items she has amassed, posted online on her blog. Some are real and photographed, some are imagined and drawn…all are eye-candy for object lovers everywhere and proof that utter beauty is in the regular “stuff” we live with everyday…

Screw it? Nah, Just Push It

Kristan — Mon, 02 May 2011 21:31:21 +0000

Yet another way to dress up your boring old bulletin board. Maybe it is just the DIY-er in me, but I loooove the look of these Screw Push Pins from Kikkerland, a design studio that makes all sorts of clever and intriguing things for the home. Barely more expensive than the regular plastic yawn-inducing pins, you can get a set of 12 of these babies from Amazon for just $4.99.

Headline image courtesy of selectism.com

Marimekko Comes Stateside!

Kristan — Wed, 27 Apr 2011 18:34:55 +0000

I am thrilled to report that according to WWDRetail, one of my all time fave textile design companies, the famed Finnish company Marimekko, (they also make decor products, apparel and accessories, BTW) will be expanding its US presence this summer when it launches its US e-commerce site. WWD reports:

“Marimekko’s online shop will go live this summer. The Finnish firm is working in partnership with Method in New York to develop the site. In addition, by the end of 2013, Crate & Barrel plans to open 22 Marimekko shop-in-shops in its stores. This spring, shops will open in New York, Chicago, Los Angeles and San Francisco. The first Marimekko shop opened in the SoHo Crate & Barrel in October. A Marimekko shop will also be added to the Crate & Barrel e-commerce site.”

All I can say is, FINALLY!

Photos Courtesy of Marimekko Blog

SupermarketHQ for You?

Kristan — Wed, 13 Apr 2011 13:02:58 +0000

If you follow this blog at all, you know by now that I love Etsy. So do a lot of people, however, and the downside of its popularity is that it’s huge and can be crazypants overwhelming… especially when you’re just browsing. That’s why I like copycat site SupermarketHQ .

Sleek and petite, SupermarketHQ is sorta like early Etsy- manageable and shopable without all the crazy new tools Etsy now needs to help its shoppers. They divide their wares into three categories: wear + carry, space + place & paper + prints. Yet another way to connect with great designers all over the globe and another opportunity to make your home, your life and your wardrobe uniquely you!

Le Petite Sterling Silver Bike with Hearts Necklace from Rachel Pfeffer Designs $76
BA 8×10 photo from hassography, $89
Small Nest, Aqua from Heather Palmer, $60
Kimono Sleeve Top in Red from finch-design, $39
Grey Ceramic Cable Knit Cups from Reshape Studio, $28
Disc String Lights Custom Glazed from Pigeon Toe, $164

Pin-up Model

Kristan — Tue, 12 Apr 2011 14:09:13 +0000

Sometimes going back to the old way of doing things makes you realize that you really can’t improve on perfection. Hanging clothes to dry reduces shrinkage, gives them a fresh smell without perfumes, and slows you down in this world of go-go-go. This spring, if you have a quiet sunny Sunday, take some time to dry your clothes the old-fashioned way. And if you do, use the o-g style clothes pins. They have no metal that will eventually rust and age just makes them look better. Plus they’ll look beautiful in an old Ball jar in your laundry room.

Honey Can Do Clothes Pins from Kmart, $2.49 for 24 pack

Vintage Jars from OddzanEndz on Etsy, $12

Headline image courtesy of MommyCoddle

Diamonds are Forever (But Mostly for April)

Kristan — Mon, 11 Apr 2011 18:04:04 +0000

What can you say about diamonds that hasn’t already been said? They’re the quintessential gemstone, the cat’s pajamas, the end all be all… and as far as taking design inspiration from them, it is a no-brainer. Glittery, shiny and sparkly! Who’s home-scratch that- who’s life couldn’t use more razzle dazzle?

Pearly Dew Drops Photograph from irenesuchoki on etsy, $15
Diamond Lights by Eric Thermer, photo by Jesper Lindstrom, coming to US soon I hope!!
Vintage Light Catcher from kiamichi7 on etsy, $24
Vintage Murano Perfume Bottle from Ann Primrose on etsy, $24.99
Sequin Swirl Pillow from Urban Outfitters, $32
Diamond Sculpture from Chiasso, $24

Counter Top-Worthy Kitchen Cuties

Kristan — Tue, 29 Mar 2011 15:46:09 +0000

A small kitchen is an exceedingly common dilemma. If you’re short on storage space, a good trick is to find items that’d otherwise take up drawer or cabinet space and have them live on the counter top, or on exposed shelves and act as decor as well as be available for their task. Here are a few great finds that can clear out some extra space in your drawers and cupboards.

Roost Carved Wood Bottle Opener, $25 from Velocity Art and Design

Set of 3 Mixing Bowls from Bram, $79

Milk Bottle Measuring Cups from Anthropologie, $24

Le Cuistot Cast Iron Mortar and Pestle Small $21.50 from Amazon.com

Crate & Barrel Salt Pig with Scoop, $12.95

IKEA PS Spraka Spice Mill, $19.99

Bamboozled!

Kristan — Thu, 10 Mar 2011 17:21:51 +0000

We have all heard by now how sustainable bamboo is…it’s an all around fantastic material, in so many ways. It also happens to look great, with a warm honey tone perfect for a light minimalist feel. The best news is, it’s not just good for flooring! Check out these fantastic bamboo finds that not only make a small impact on the environment, but on your bank account too!

Bamboo Bowls from West Elm, $5-29

IZOLA Numerals Toothbrush Set from Velocity Art and Design $11

IKEA Boja Table Lamp $39.99

Bamboo Dry Erase Board from CB2 $59.95

Dragan Jar with Lid Set of 3 (Painted Bamboo) from IKEA $14.99

Bamboo Box Knife Holders from Viva Terra $49-$89

Bamboo Basket/Shopping Bag from Pearl River $14.35

Aquamarine Dream: March Means Spring!

Kristan — Wed, 09 Mar 2011 15:12:57 +0000

Like the month it represents, aquamarine connotes to me the coming of spring. It makes me think of warmer days, salt water and sea breezes, robin’s eggs and fireflies at dusk. Open the doors and windows, pack up the wool sweaters in cedar chests and shake out your cotton blankets! Look up at that blue blue sky and know, spring is sprung.

Rustic Wood Flowers set of 12, from uncommon on etsy $40
Hive Vase from West Elm $29
Original Ray Ban Wayfarer in Aqua from Ushades $145
Vintage Blue Mason Jar Ball Set of 3, keeky27 on etsy $28
Saltwater Fedora from Anthropologie $48
Marie Full Set from Heath Ceramics $130
Twinkle photo by irenesuchocki on etsy $30

Inspiration & Ideas from Iacoli & McAlister

Kristan — Fri, 04 Mar 2011 19:34:34 +0000

The Seattle-based design studio Iacoli & McAlister make indisputably beautiful objects. Lighting, furniture, jewelry, all approached with the same careful attention to proportion and negative space. They also have a unique way of recycling existing objects and giving them new life, something you know I’ve got nothing but love for. Like this 7 lb. wrench they simply powder coated pink and hung on the wall.

Or these one of a kind pedestals, using vintage candlesticks as the base and a solid surfacing top.

These guys are filled with great ideas. I also love their simple stripped down approach to furniture and lighting. It really gets the creative juices flowing. These feel like things you can emulate, create your own version. Think industrial items + reclaimed wood + spray paint! Of course, you can always save yourself the trouble, everything you see here is for sale on their site!!