In Houzz’s extensive article about our friend Laura Handler’s Harlem renovation, our favorite idea among MANY is Laura’s solution to the problem of “headboard”.
Read MoreSplotches, Spots and Spatters for Art and Personal Decoration
I’ve long collected examples of artist’s works based on splotches, spots, drips and splatters, with the idea of applying the patterns to walls, floors, fridge, clothes, shoes. Here’s how.
Read MoreA Foam-Wrapped Sofa’s Lesson in Problem Solving
We can only imagine the process of making this strangely-compelling foam-wrapped sofa…It made us think of British architect Richard MacCormac’s useful insight…
Read MoreTape in the Hands of Artists Like You Make for Sublime and Unpredictable Outcomes
Eric Timothy Carlson’s abstract tape painting reminds us a) how great ordinary tape is for making stuff, including a la minute artworks b) you don’t need to get crazy about it. It can be a fun, chill few moments of exploration that you rip off the wall when you’re tired of it. Perfect for the weekend.
Read MoreCheap + Stylish: Painted Natural Fiber Rug (Ikea)
The best idea we found among the design blogs came from designer Fay Toogood’s installation using Ikea products during Milan Design Week. Dig what she did to an inexpensive agave rug.
Read MoreAnthophilous? Explode a Big Bouquet into MANY Joys
Whenever I receive a flower arrangement, I use this trick to expand its effect throughout my space. Its a great way to deal with not-great bouquets as well, whether from a florist or deli.
Read MoreHome is Your Canvas, Finger Paint It
Watch this slideshow by photographer Margaret Courtney-Clarke and imagine yourself painting your walls, floors, houses, textiles with your fingers…
Read MoreDept of Unintended Purposes: Soapstone Tile as Flame Tamer
In a moment of random small-stakes invention that occurs often around here, the soapstone sample that I ordered when considering the material for countertops proved the perfect flame tamer/heat diffuser.
Read MoreEtsy Studio for Hard-to-Find Project and Craft Supplies + Ideas
When we were searching for hardware for a bag we are prototyping, we scoured New York City’s garment district and the internet for sources. We were surprised to find the most complete offerings at Etsy. The digital marketplace of crafters and sellers has expanded…
Read MoreDrape Stuff, Like That Scrap of Beautiful Fabric or Vintage Rug
We always scouring cool home ideas the are easy to do. Are we secretly lazy? We sew but try to avoid it or having carpenters come or buying major pieces of furniture. We just want to have a pleasurable, unencumbered time making something fresh out of what we have. Here are two three examples…
Read MoreWhat Happens If You Apologize Every Day?
This sign on Holton Rower’s studio door instantly shifts our perspective: about being more mindful of the potential to hurt someone’s feelings……including our own
Read More10 Ways to Stretch Your Condoms
The AP reports that Cubans who make their own wine employ condoms as inflatable gauges that indicate when the wine is ready. That got us wondering about other uses for the common, incredibly useful material.
Read MoreHomeMade Modern: Smart Stylish DIY with a Mission
We’re smitten with HomeMade Modern’s stylish, DIY-able home goods — from beds to planters — and really smart, detailed designs that empower you to improvise.
Read MoreA Calling Card that Sends Interlopers Away, and Other Unexpected Messages
The calling card Adrien Piper created as an artwork got us thinking of the many potential messages a little, portable card could convey.
Read MoreOur Most Effective Strategy for Problem Solving
An essential question, and strategy, can help find unexpected solutions to problems.
Read MoreMatthew Sporzynski’s Expansive Money and Mindset
Paper artist Matthew Sporzynski has expanded our view for years with his mightily innovative thinking. His stretch money resonates particuarly strongly now.
Read MoreSnow Globe Windows (Spencer Finch) + Colorforms
Artist Spencer Finch transformed a hospital’s visitor’s waiting room by creating a feeling of being in a snow globe. He used what seems like a simple, do-able approach…
Read MoreFound Idea on a Building Wall (Forage Ideas like Mushrooms)
We are ALWAYS on the lookout for ideas that we can apply…somewhere in our life. This snazzy pattern we spotted on the side of a building sent us dreaming.
Read MoreCanvas Floor Mats, Inspired by Marisol
The jazzy black-and-white checkerboard “rug” that defines the living room of artist Marisol’s Tribeca loft reminded us a painted canvas floor cloth: practical, stylish and easy-to-make.
Read MoreA Wondrous Dragon in A Single 2-Minute Stroke w Haiku
This truly astonishing tiny video is a perfect morning mediation with a inbuilt lesson: The ease of this miraculous single stroke-that-became-a-dragon is the result of intense practice and many failures.
Read More