Design*Sponge

home terrain

Grace Bonney — Mon, 21 May 2012 14:00:36 +0000

When summer comes, I love rolling up the heavy winter wool rugs and swapping them out for something softer and lighter. These patterned rugs are handmade by Lydia Trott using 100% reclaimed fabrics. Each small rug is machine washable and would be perfect to use in a bathroom, kitchen or entryway. I really love the patterns Lydia managed to create while still keeping a soft, worn color palette. You can check out the full reversible, 2 x 3 foot collection of rugs and shop online right here. xo, grace

crowded teeth: fancy stamp ring

Grace Bonney — Mon, 21 May 2012 13:00:45 +0000

I am an unabashed supporter of Kickstarter. It has introduced me to some of my favorite projects and continues allowing independent makers to fund their dreams, big and small. In the world of small (in terms of size) dreams, this awesome stamp ring from Michelle Romo at Crowded Teeth is a new favorite of mine. This project doesn’t need to be over thought — it’s an adorable ring with interchangeable stamps that you can use to leave notes on anything. I’ve never met a cute stamp I didn’t like, so this one is definitely going on my funding list. If you want to read more about the ring, click here to check it out. xo, grace

*PS: I’m recording two radio shows today, so I’m ending a little early this afternoon (12pm instead of 1pm). Starting tomorrow, I’ll be sharing our pictures and posts from this year’s ICFF and National Stationery Show.

oh joy mouse

Grace Bonney — Mon, 21 May 2012 12:00:48 +0000

It has got to be some sort of blogger rite of passage to have anything tech-related tied to your brand or website. And for the very lovely Joy Cho of Oh Joy!, that moment has come. Joy was invited to collaborate with Microsoft on an artist series of wireless mice that are designed for easy use while traveling. Each arc touch mouse has one of Joy’s gold and silver patterns on it and would look pretty adorable next to any computer. I sadly don’t use a mouse at work, but Amy does, so I may have to convince her that we need one of these for the office. If you use a mouse and want to upgrade to something both comfy and cute, click here to check out and shop Joy’s new mouse online. xo, grace

weekly wrap up + studio choo

Stephanie — Fri, 18 May 2012 17:00:57 +0000

Sometimes, something is so beautiful that I can’t put it into words. All I can do is respond to my embarrassing and overwhelming desire to eat it. I know, I’ve got some problems. When I look at the incredible photos above (created by some of our fave D*S alum, Studio Choo), I’m torn between a very visceral need to bury myself in them or turn them into something I can wear on a daily basis, like a crown. To prevent myself from further embarrassment, I’ll just post these and try to curb my desire to in some way consume them. But if you’re like me and enjoy some serious flower porn, click here to check out more of Studio Choo’s recent work. You can also check out their full archive of posts on D*S right here.

I’m heading out to meet friends who are in town for the shows this weekend, and then tomorrow and Sunday it’s off to Javits for ICFF and the National Stationery Show. Next week is going to be a SEA of new product posts, so stay tuned. I can’t wait. Have a great weekend, and I’ll see you back here on Monday. xo, grace

Below is a summary of this week’s highlights:

After the Jump (DS Radio): Third Ward Interview (mp3)
Brimfield 2012: What We Brought Home
Living In: Empire Records
City Guide: Gainesville, FL
Biz Ladies: Social Media Secrets for Sold-out Events
Sneak Peeks: Lucy and Richard Young, Jamie Lyn and Jessica Fowler, Zoe Johns and Max Catalano
DIY Projects: Hanging Notepad, Textured Planters
Upholstery Basics: Room Divider Bulletin Board
Before & After: Dresser Transformation, Ombre Booth Walls
At Home With: Broad City’s Abbi Jacobson + Ilana Glazer
In the Kitchen With: Gabriela Iancu’s Beer-Batter Onion Rings
Small Measures: Homemade Eau de Perfume
Misc.: Spectra Glasses, Zak + Fox, Quirky Tech Accessories, Dahlhaus, Knotty, Fig. 2 Design Studio, Banquet Stationery, Stitch by Stitch, Jill Malek Wallpapers, Oh-boya, Holler Design, Type Perfume

in the kitchen with: gabriela iancu’s beer-batter onion rings

Kristina Gill — Fri, 18 May 2012 15:00:27 +0000

I admit that for me, onion rings are synonymous with Burger King. There, I said it! French fries = McDonald’s, onion rings = Burger King. And as with most fast food/junk food, there is a homemade recipe out there waiting to put the store versions to shame. This week we have just that recipe for Beer-Batter Onion Rings by freelance photographer Gabriela Iancu. It comes all the way from Czech Republic via a lovely summer spent in Ocean City, Maryland. Gabriela, author of the blog What Liberty Ate, tried to re-create her memories of the USA and finally came up with a recipe she likes. Find out what her no-longer-secret ingredients are after the jump! — Kristina

About Gabriela: Romanian-born Gabriela Iancu is an IT professional and freelance food photographer based in Czech Republic. She is the author and photographer behind the food blog What Liberty Ate, a journal of photographic stories celebrating that freedom of speech that we sometimes lose. Her work has been featured in Romanian wine and craft magazines as well as food design websites. In the fall of 2011, she launched What Liberty Ate Magazine, an online project that aims to speak about and promote food photography around the world and lifestyle design projects. In addition to her blog, you can find her on Facebook and Twitter.

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wythe hotel

Amy Azzarito — Fri, 18 May 2012 15:00:16 +0000

Grace and I spend most of our time bouncing between Williamsburg and Greenpoint here in Brooklyn. I live in Williamsburg, she’s in Greenpoint and our office is in Greenpoint. Between all the stores and restaurants in the two neighborhoods, we could stay busy for weeks. Friends are always asking us where to stay in the ‘hood, but so far, we haven’t had any good options. Then we heard about a new hotel built by Andrew Tarlow of Williamsburg restaurant favorites Marlow & Sons and Diner. So on a beautiful sunny day last week, Grace and I walked over to the Wythe Hotel to check it out for ourselves. — Amy Azzarito

Fancy hotel hits Williamsburg! The hotel is housed in a textile factory built in 1901, and the owners made sure that the 72-room hotel would retain much of its industrial character, like its concave corner entrance, original pine beams, masonry, arched windows and cast-iron columns. Andrew Tarlow is managing the hotel’s food and beverage program, including Reynards, a ground floor restaurant and bar with courtyard seating, and Ides, a sixth floor bar with Manhattan views and an outdoor terrace. While I don’t think I can justify staying in a hotel a few blocks away from my apartment, I’m definitely planning to become a brunch regular.

More images of the Wythe Hotel after the jump . . .

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