Saturday Mailbox Finds

Periodically, I force myself to go through my email in-box and sort, toss and do something about all those emails that have been collecting over the last month or so.  I receive a lot of pitches for products (some great, some not-so) and I hold onto the products that I like and toss the rest (sorry!). I wanted to share the following interesting products with you.

Tread, in the UK, recycles old tires and turns them into these pretty cool frames and other products. I like how they use the actual tire tread patterns as part of their design. The tires are from Morocco and made in partnership with Moroccan artisans.

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These slightly macabre fabrics are by Philip Barlow design, available exclusively at Bradley Hughes. Fabrics by the yard and ready made pillows are available. These fabrics are a mix of rock & roll and traditional interior design styles.

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If you're looking for some great deals on contemporary kitchen, sliding doors and closet storage systems, check out these excellent products that were former showroom inventory models. At InterniDirect.com.

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How pretty is this Floral lace lucite chair made with Venetian lace and silk upholstery? Available from Floral Art LA. This chair would be so pretty at a vanity or around a small dining table in a conservatory.

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This month's AD showcases dishy Gerard Butler's New York neo-Baroque loft. This space has already been the subject of many other blogger's posts - and not positively, I might add. Methinks he took his tole as The Opera Ghost a bit too seriously.

But, there are some beautiful individual pieces and if any caught your eye, you can purchase them here.  Apparently the most beautiful item is not for sale. Ah well.

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DScale, the hip South End furnishings store of Boston interior designer Dennis Duffy, has got some pretty fabulous items for sale right now. They are making way for a shipment of goodies from Paris, so it's a great time to get a deal.

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Thos. Moser, purveyors of some of the most beautiful classic American furnishings has opening in their "Customer in Residence" program. Talk about a great destination vacation. Visit beautiful Maine and spend one week learning under the tutelage of true master craftsmen. Come away with your own heirloom piece.  Space is still available, but I bet they'll go fast. Boy, this is something my Dad would have loved doing. Perhaps you know someone who would enjoy being sent to a true "fantasy" camp.

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Pam Beattie of Venetian Decor in British Columbia, Canada, creates some pretty fantastical pieces from vintage fur coats and jewelry on reproduction French furniture by Savoia Frames. While real fur furniture is not for everyone and some will likely be completely turned off, it's important to note that she only uses vintage fur and makes it clear on her site that she does not support the trapping of live animals. Vintage furs can be repurposed, extending their usefulness as long as possible.

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Don't you just feel the mist? From Nat Rae Photography.

Okay, I've heard of sheep dogs, but duck dogs?

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My friends Diana and Scott Cooper of Trianon Antiques are expecting a container of fabulous French antiques shortly. Check out what's coming to their showroom at the Boston Design Center.

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Atelier Abagail Ahern, based in the UK, has some pretty fantastic lighting and accessories. Their first US retail store will open later this year.

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Check out Nesting Newbies, a digital online magazine that showcases entertaining and decor.  I have the worst time reading digital magazines on my tiny MacBook screen, but from what I could see, these are smartly produced stories with fantastic photography.

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The folks at Talk Taboo are looking to help folks with their spending dilemmas. If you're struggling with credit card debt or have ever experienced "buyers guilt" after a splurge, there are stories and tips to help you at Talk Taboo. They are also looking for folks to share their positive stories of making good choices when it comes to their spending decisions. Of course, as a design blog, I often showcase high end products (see AD mention above) and it can be difficult to focus on expensive things all day long knowing that the price tag is often out of reach for many of us. Talk Taboo seeks to be the place that opens up this difficult conversation.

Ah.. my in box seems much more manageable again! BTW - what do you think of my new blog header?





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