Friday Favorites 8/26/2011

Kara Lashley, Associate Editor
Maybe I’m just craving sushi, but the new Maki pendant from Foscarini looks awfully good. Though the design seems simple–two metallic sheets rolled up together, like paper–it creates an intriguing play of light and shadow. The pendant was designed by Japanese firm Nendo and comes in the wonderfully minimalist hues of pure white and warm gray.

Photos courtesy of Foscarini

Stacy Kunstel, Homes Editor
I first stumbled on Hammocks & High Tea through Twitter, which led me to its clever and inspirational blog. I was immediately crazy for the colors and patterns, the stories of founder Karen Young’s grandmother and the history behind each of her creations. Tea towels and drawer liners are her specialty and both pack a punch of color and pattern. She’s expanded into pillows and dopp kits, which both pulse with a British-Caribbean vibe. I’m crazy for the Ashford Tea Towel with its classic lines and punchy colors. (I also found out, after writing this post, that Kyle Hoepner included a Hammocks & High Tea napkin as his “It’s Personal” pick in our September/October issue. Great minds…)

Photo courtesy of Hammocks & High Tea

Jared Ainscough, Assistant Art Director
While Jeff Soderbergh is known for his reclaimed farm tables and furniture, he is also a skilled sculptor and artist. This Grandfather mirror is a combination of his two skills. I love the playful chair legs that keep the mirror perched as it leans against a wall. The mirror relies on a number of visual puns, both that of a grandfather clock, a chair and window (from which the frame was reclaimed). The design is clever, playful and smart–a hard balance to reach in a piece of furniture.