Sweet Scandinavian Style for a sweet price (and a few steps up from Ikea)

I'm starting to like CB2 more and more these days. They seem to be offering more versatile furniture and accessories, instead of all cold steel modern furnishings. Here are some things I'd love to have from their first look 09 catalog.

I *love* this Platform coffee table - it has two drawers (hello storage), and I love the modern retro design. I also love the $399 price tag. The Dane table lamp - only $99, and oh so pretty. I'm not usually one for wall decals and wall "sculpture," but I thought these rubber decor forms were sort of pretty. They'd look nice down a hallway wall.

Those cute and simple tea light sconces are only $2.50! One also can't have enough simple cylindrical vases in various sizes. Sadly mine broke last time I moved, and I've been meaning to get more. They're a great option for people who only get flowers occasionally, because in between bouquets you can fit all sorts of interesting objets d'art. The Darjeeling dining table is a favorite of mine, the wood grain is gorgeous. Rare saal wood is reclaimed from old Indian railroad ties, restored, and pieced in a natural plank mosaic.

via CB2

Image background swatch from Scandinavian Design Center

The Office

While visiting my old workplace yesterday, I couldn't help but notice the lack attention paid to the aesthetics of the office. This is by no means uncommon, which if you think about it is surprising considering the amount of time we all spend in the office. It's been proven through and through that good office design can promote productivity. It doesn't take much to improve your workspace either. For example, add some orange to your cubicle, and it will aid creativity. Get a small desk lamp with an incandescent bulb, and give your eyes a rest from constantly flickering fluorescents. Add a small floor rug to make your space feel more like home, and hang art or pictures on your walls that motivate you.

A small rug or mat can take the industrial edge off your work station. UrbanOutfitters, $28

This Pentagram 2008 Typography Calendar features a new typeface every month, $22 , or $36 for jumbo size.


Touch Table lamp from Target, $24

Magazine files keep your reference materials easy to find.

Fun aluminum letters add some visual interest, $8 from UrbanOutfitters

Love this calendar tin, also available in red, $10, UrbanOutfitters

Dozi magnetic paper clip holder, $23, Amazon


Fun sticky notes! $3.29, Merlin's Box


The Office magnets, $5, UrbanOutfitters

Geometric design mouse pad, $15.99, KippyGo Contempo


Thomas Paul pencil cup, $6, seejanework.com

Seascape Lamps has a great selection of competitively-priced modern and retro lighting solutions. I was really impressed by all the great fabric and pattern choices. Now if only I could choose...