Keeping it Realtor

Breaking news - Stool shaped like a giant coffee cup.

I'd never have thought that a vending machine coffee cup would have been the inspiration for a fabulous stool.  But  have a look at this award winning design by Rainer Spehl. Isn't it fabulous?  It's made of a polyethyelene construction and would be perfect for the home or office.  Like the giant cup you can also use this Qoffee stool as a waste-paper basket or giant ice bucket.  It's stackable too so won't take up a lot of room if you're thinking about buying more than one.  I think they would look great on the patio around a picnic table.  Are you inspired yet?     

Giant trash can mug.

Isn't this giant trash can mug a great idea?  Shaped like a giant cup it's actually a really cleverly designed 2 in 1 trash can.  It has a removable mug top which means you can recycle with ease,  or,  and this is how I would probably use it, you can keep all that trash hidden until you're ready to dispose of it.  The mug top also prevents odours escaping, which in an office environment would be a boon.  It also comes in 5 different colours, so something to suit everyone.  Quirky, stylish and functional. 

Dog and cat bowl with food storage.

Personally, I love this but I can't really see a use for this dog bowl and food storage container.  You'd have to know the dog I'm talking about to realise that if there's food on the go a cute cover isn't going to stop him getting at it.  The dog I'm talking about would probably end up eating the cute cover just because it's been near food!  Let's face it if he's tempted by, and eats,  the string that held roast pork together I can't see this cover discouraging him.  However, I like it and if you know a dog or cat that would respect this food storage cover then this would be ideal for them.    

Chop, crush and peel garlic with ease!

There are loads of cooking programmes on television at the moment and I watch them all.  I'm always fascinated at how easy the presenter can make it look to prepare the ingedients.  Chopping, slicing, crushing all seem to be done with a deft movement of hand which I convince myself that I'll be able to copy when I try out the recipe.  However,  I've found out the hard way that my deft hands aren't really deft at all.  Daft maybe, deft ehh,  no!  That's why this colourful cross cutting garlic twist and this handy garlic peeler would be such a help to people, like me, whose hands aren't so deft!  They would make a great little gift too. 

 

Sultan dog stool

I have a limited edition crystal ornament in the shape of a horse's head and it's really quite beautiful.  My parents bought it for me for my birthday one year.  Just after I was married we used to visit John Lewis regularly and I saw the ornament there.  I visited it often but couldn't afford to buy it.  My lovely parents knew it would be perfect for me as I have a passion for glass. Also they knew that anything to do with horses or dogs would always please me.  Anyway,  I love that ornament but I've always been a bit uneasy about its lack of a body.  I look at it and think "you're beautiful but... no body".  So, you can imagine how disturbed I was to find this Sultan dog stool.  No head!   It's got a body but... no head!  I couldn't cope with this.  What do you think? 

Funky shower curtain and guest towels.

The husband won't be able to get on the computer as much as he would like now that H&M have an online shop.  However, he'll be pleased that his wallet won't be taking too much of a hit.  Take at look at this funky shower curtain with an illustration by Lovisa Burfitt.  It's made from water resistant polyester and costs only £14.99!  Also, you've just got to have a look at these fab guest towels at only £2.99.  Check it out there's lots to see and lots of great ideas. 

Writing Desk with 1940's glam.

This very glam writing desk is based on an Italian 1940's design.  With its timeless good looks this writing desk  could have the starring role in any interior.  I would love to have it in my own computer room but I know sooner rather than later, even with its one storage drawer,  it would end up piled high with lots of bumf. So, for that reason I think I'd use it as a console table or a dressing table.  

The Kartell Victoria Ghost chair is also so right for this writing desk because it doesn't detract from it's fabulous 1940's shape.  This is a combo I would love to own.     

Mango Wood Round Stool

Object of desire alert!

After looking at footstools for most of the week I think I've found one that I really, really love. 

Oh yes this Mango wood round stool is my pouffe/footstool/side table of choice.  I love it.  

It's rounded shape and smooth, sanded finish makes me want to hug it.  I only wish that VivaTerra shipped to the UK. 

Tweet Tweet my lovelies.

It seems that not only are we a nation of dog lovers but we're pretty much smitten by birds too.  I don't know if it's because the shape of a resting bird is so cute or because it's easy to stylise.  Anyway the bird image is being used in many decorative and functional ways.  Here's a few that I fancy.   Sorry, but if you have a bird phobia look away now.
Bird bowl by Jonathan Adler at Heals.

 

Flocked Wall Ducks at Heals

 

 

Bird shaped magnetic notice board by Beyond the Fridge

 
Edwina Simone Pink birdy hand drawn plate at Not on the High Street

 

Tea cups and tea pot lamps.

Are you a tea Jenny?   Do you know a tea Jenny?  If you're a bit confused, a tea Jenny is an old Scottish expression for a person, of either sex, who drinks a lot of tea.   I'm pretty sure it won't only be people who like tea who would like to own one or both of these  quirky lamps from Laura Ashley.  The table lamp comes with its own shade and comprises a stack of tea cups and saucers.     However I think my favourite is the tea pot lamp.  These fabulous lamps would make an lovely and unusual gift. Tea Jenny or Lady Gaga you decide.