Anyone who has ever purchased a handcrafted item at an art or craft show (or even etsy) is familiar with that sense of pride that is passed along from the artist. Hearing directly from the maker about the design process imparts new meaning into an inanimate object — and often leads to great dinner conversations. Wood Design works with independent designers to bring their stories and products to the wider world. More

Name: Wesley (19 months)
Location: Canada

We decided not to find out the sex of our baby, so a gender-neutral nursery was a must. I had envisioned a soft and soothing space with touches of whimsy, and since the room is quite small, we wanted to stick with a light palette. More

Sources
(help us complete the list in the comments below)

Burled Walnut Sofa Table: Vintage
White Chairs: BLVD
Glass Bowl: Calvin Klein
Multicolor Mousetrap Painting: Ryan Barrett
Sofa: _____
Garden Stools: ______
Cocktail Table: ______

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Name: Jean
Location: Laval, Quebec

This is a 610 square foot condo, located in Laval, a suburb near Montreal, Canada. I've redesigned the way we use this space because I needed to have a desk to work, a place to eat and also a place to watch TV. I also had to address the lack of cooking space. More

I love the brown and gray flecks in the clay of earthy pottery like stoneware. Today's Scavenger items add welcome texture and utility. Enjoy!

• Chicago, IL: Russel Wright Pitcher - $40
• Brooklyn, NY: Pottery Lamp - $100
• Baltimore, MD: Stoneware Crock - $45
• Toronto, ON: Stoneware Vase - $44
• Melrose Park, IL: Mid Century Vase - $100
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Name: Natalie and Kevin
Location: Parkdale, Toronto, Canada
Size: Approx. 1500 square feet
Years lived in: 9 months; Rented

When searching for a new place to call home, Natalie and Kevin never dreamed they could find such a spacious, bright, and charming place within their budget in the city. Nine months after moving in, Natalie is still pinching herself. While the bones of their two story apartment are good, it is Natalie's stylish touch and absurdly capable hands that make the place a truly perfect pad.

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Bright colors and graphic figures are all hallmarks of great folk art. It's great to see new goods carrying on the tradition.

• Toronto, CN: South American Earthenware - $54
• South Hamilton, MA: Folk Wall Hanging - $30
• Alachua, FL: Marimekko Inspired Cake Stand - $135
• Queens, NY: Dutch Needlepoint - $45
• Queens, NY: Framed Needlepoint - $25 More

Whether you need to refinish your bathroom, or simply love it as an accent, today's Scavenger has bright, beautiful tile in many colors and patterns. Explore your options in our Classifieds!

• Toronto, ON: Islamic Tile - $47
• Arlington, VA: Mosaic Tile Table - $35
• Palo Alto, CA: Solistone Tessen Table- $2036
• Los Angeles, CA: Tiled Mirror - $65
• Brooklyn, NY: Antique Entry Table - $150
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Tess' recent post on San Francisco Homes as Galleries reminded us of the well-known Toronto gallery/home of Olga Korper. Before Olga moved in (in 1989), the space was a foundry, then part of a garbage disposal for a mattress factory. About 4,000 of the 10,000 square foot building is now used as living space. More

Have you heard of Little Free Libraries? They've been spreading around the world in the last year or so and are now sprouting up around Toronto in the Annex and Beach neighborhoods. These birdhouse-sized libraries offer free books with the request that if you take a book, you leave a book. More