When my kids go to the doctor, they always get a "token" that they can use to put into a modified gumball machine. Out comes one of any number of useless toys, housed in one of those bubble canisters that is impossible to open. Usually, I try to dispose of the offending items (fake teeth, plastic bracelets, rubber lizards and the like) as quickly and surreptitiously as possible. But what if I could actually use them as decor? More

Kartell is an Italian company that throughout its 59-year history has paid special attention to the latest technology developing their furniture line. Kartell combines creativity, innovation and glamour to create a unique collection of design classics. More

Everything's designed. Not necessarily with aesthetics in mind, but with sort of intent: safety, strength, affordability, etc. There are some objects out there, though, that didn't set out to win over the design set but wound up doing it anyway. Here's my pick for five "un-designer" objects that appeal to the designer in me: More

If there was a top ten list of the most recognizable modern design pieces ever, there's no doubt George Nelson's Bubble Lamps would be on it. Though they come in quite the variety of sizes and shapes, their core design — a space-ship like, self-webbing plastic lamp — is the look that many folks gravitate to when looking for an element to add a touch of modern design to a space. More

Now that you know how to remove an old ceiling light and install a new one, you can see that changing out the lighting is a quick way to update a room — even in a rental. To give your room a completely original feature, check out these handcrafted lighting options. More

The fall catalogue deluge has begun and with it comes plenty of design finds. Surprisingly, many of the best ones seem to be from kids' stores. Alternately sophisticated, whimsical, and just well-priced, they'll work whether you have kids at home or not. More

Looking through Jessica & Jonathan's house tour, it was love at first sight. Everything about this living room works. From the line of industrial bar stools tucked under the counter to that interesting mix of modern shaped chairs with a natural coffee table, this space has character. We may not all be able to live in a space like this, but we can latch on to some of the style by shopping for similar furniture… More

Finding a reprieve in a colorful escape somewhere along the coast of Mexico, swaying in a hammock with a margarita in hand, would be the perfect way to melt away the stress of city life.

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One man's trash is another man's inspiration! In this case, old bottles, cameras and other detritus have been transformed into lighting. More

I love the Philippines. I married into a Filipino family, and some of my favorite trips are visiting their family and friends back home. I won't lie; Manila isn't the top of my list for prettiest cities in the world; in fact it's far from it. As a gateway to the rest of the country, however, it arguably takes you to the most beautiful places you'll ever go in your lifetime.

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