As the daughter of a painter and an organic farmer, artist Molly Hatch spent her youth alternating between creative play and physical labor. This early training ground would prove important later in life, providing the discipline and hard work for life as an artist. Today, Molly's colorful designs and illustrations adorn tableware, wallpaper and furniture. 

A delicious drink is one of life's simple pleasures. Whether you like to take your drink cold or warm, inside or outside, a covered mug will keep it fresh until your next sip. 

Artist Justin Teilhet has come a long way since starting out as a self-taught  ceramicist. His works are at once simple and yet incredibly dynamic while maintaining a soothing effect on the eye. They are special because they function as both art in and of themselves, as well as functional pieces that can be used as a vessel or a vase. 

Architects Tania Garbe and Ida Polzer want to mix good design with good stewardship. Their new webshop, Design With Benefits, offers unique, high design accessories that are socially and environmentally conscious. We're talking radios from an Indonesian plant that teaches former farmers craftsmanship skills and jewelry made from a salvaged historic Frank Lloyd Wright roof. Fun stuff!

Is it Spring yet? This bedroom, from Australian company Salvation Jane, screams out warmer weather, school vacation, and just good old plain fun. Luckily, it's also really easy to achieve in your own home. Just choose three bright bold colors, and find a balance of furniture and decor in those solid shades. Here's how you get the look: 

Michael Shaikin, owner of Ottawa-based The Modern Shop, wants to bring a fresh take on modern design to Canada. As the former owner of a vintage resell shop, Michael certainly has the retail chops for this venture. And with an eye for great designs from Europe and the US, he has style covered, too.

For years IKEA's EXPEDIT has been a ubiquitous storage solution for homes everywhere. But recently the Swedish furnishing giant's VITTSJÖ has been showing up more and more on my design radar. It doesn't scream IKEA, and you'd never guess the system starts as low as $40. The black metal and glass shelving system has a nice industrial quality on its own, but it seems to really shine when it's given a bright coat of paint. Here are five really great examples of VITTSJÖ's potential. More

Seattle ceramicist Lauren Burman named her adorable Little Shirley vase after her grandmother. It's quite fitting, actually. It's largely due to her grandmother's early encouragement that Lauren has the confidence and drive to run a small business. Learn more of Lauren's story in her Meet the Maker survey after the jump… More

Orange is a gorgeous color with different hues like tangerine, coral, terracotta and titian. It was 2012's color of the year and is still immensely popular. With its beautiful optimistic glow, it's no wonder orange continues to be a favorite. More