apartment therapy changing the world, one room at a time

Pratt's Design for a Dollar was full of all sorts of cool ideas, from a version of Maxwell's famous clementine candles (David Steinvurzel's Orange Votive Candle) to a table fashioned from cement (Daniel Jeffries' Cumulus Table) to vintage plates sandblasted to give them a modern spin (Cat Merrick's The Drip Plate). One of our favorite items was this corner bookshelf constructed of heavy cord and cup hooks. Lara Knutson's Three String Shelf. Abstract, sculptural and intriguing, we'd love this in a bathroom where it could double as a drying rack.

Another item were these side tables, made from magazines (Li-Rong Liao, Mag Stool/Rebecca Cole Marshall, The Paper Bailout Bag (in background)

And this one: a sweater sleeve slipped over a plastic apple juice bottle and wired for light (Sara Ebert, Sleeve)

Wallpaper is always a favorite of ours. This version from Tracy Kendall intrigued us with its texture. On closer examination, we noticed that it was composed of puzzle pieces, attached to the backing material with what looks like the plastic ties that usually bind price tags to clothing. At home, try attaching pieces to the wall with glue; paint over them for a uniquely textured wall.

Inspired by their slogan, "Yes we can," Kikkerland's display tables use soup cans for a base. Try it yourself using multiples of the same can and a glass or plastic top for something that's pop and classic at the same time.

At Umbra, a George Nelson-inspired clock made of vintage neckties.

Fuz makes these great placemats and napkin rings. Make your own from heavy paper using a gingerbread cookie cutter as a template. For something a bit more durable, use felt.

Ikea's booth was full of great new additions to their PS line. These cups hung on the wall reminded us of Julia Child's classic wall of hanging pots. This idea doesn't have to be limited to the kitchen; anything hung in multiples or versions can be pleasing; it's practical and sculptural at the same time, elevating ordinary objects into something more.

Another product (which Maxwell's blogged before; it's previously been available in Europe) from Ikea's PS line, this bookcase of stacked boxes is definitely diy-able.

Maarten De Ceulaer's iron-shaped rubber bookends had us thinking that we'd love to scour up some ordinary household items, paint them primary colours and use them as sculptural objects, whether as bookends, as doorstops or coffee table objects.