Inspiration for interior design can come from high fashion, art, music, landscapes, and other cultures. This shot from Domino magazine nearly sent me into a frenzy, lusting after bright pops of color to update my rooms.

The warm weather must have something to do with it as well–all of the colorful, vibrant flowers peeking up out of the ground, the cerulean blue skies, and playful summer fashions in haven’t-seen-since-the-80s hues. Did you see the Chris Benz S/S 08 collection? Crazy neons! I love them…it’s like Prozac for the mind and soul.

Instead of painting an entire room, such as above, it is less time consuming (and less permanent) to add a few colorful accessories that will provide ample visual punch to any room. Here are a few of my favorites.

Denyse Schmidt Pillows
$50-$60
ThreePotatoFourShop.com

Little Caymen Plates
$0.95 each
CB2.com

Artecnica: KnoWhere Clock - You & Me
$81.00
VelocityArtandDesign.com

Componibili 12.5 in. Stacking
$105.00-$167.00
Design Within Reach

Supernatural Chair by Ross Lovegrove
$208.00
MossOnline.com

Sitting Buddha by YO CO
$450.00 each
Vivre.com

Two Tone Voile Curtain
$19.99-$36.00
Urban Outfitters

Technorati Tags: bright home design, vibrant accessories, bright pink, bright blue, bright green, bright colors, new colors for home design, neon furnishings

Margaret and Josh Smith of Dovetail Studio produce some of the most fresh, simple and quirky ceramics on the market. I love their unexpected designs, ranging from sketches of “neighborhood” buildings, to my favorite, a flying skull mug.

Each piece has an organic quality to it, the edges are slightly imperfect, and you can see and feel that every one was crafted by hand.

The Toaster Doves, which contain a hidden rattle in the base, make perfect gifts for brides-to-be (after all, it is almost wedding season). Or you can combine several different plate designs for a whimsical outdoor table setting.

Browse their online shop, or see if the duo’s pieces are carried at a shop near you. I know you are going to love them!

Technorati Tags: sculptural ceramics, fun sketches, funky vases, chic mugs, whimsical dinnerware, funky ceramics, stylish plates, skull mug, gift for bride

Strolling through the park last weekend I found myself giddy from the sweet chatter of birds returning from their winter grounds; it is Mother Natures quintessential soundtrack to the onset of spring. I was instantly inspired to jump online to do a little research on cool, stylish birdfeeders. What better way to add some life to your patio or terrace than with some pretty little feathered friends snacking on seeds?

First, I must confess that the word birdhouse initially makes me shudder–insert image of the cheesy little wooden houses hanging from my aunts patio. But today there are SO many beautiful, sculptural and downright chic birdfeeders that will not only attract birds (and sometimes the occasional squirrel), but are also sure to illicit a compliment from style-savvy friends.

Here are a few of my favorite picks. Choose one or buy several and hang them in a row. The different colors and shapes will create the effect of a quirky, stylish sculpture collection.

Egg Birdfeeder
$135.00
www.uncommongoods.com
It doesnt get much more elegant than this modernist feeder. Despite the gorgeous sculptural silhouette and stunning blue color, the eggs shape and slippery surface help keep squirrels away!

Porcelain Plate Bird Feeder
$75.00
www.uncommongoods.com
Ok…I admit that uncommongoods.com has an excellent selection of cool birdfeeders, including this clever shape, designed by Marcel Wanders, that is a cheeky version of the human dining experience. The little dinner set up comes with a tiny slanted roof for shade and protection.

Popoutz Birdfeeders and Seed (set of 3)
$25.00
www.dwr.com
Made from recyclable polypropylene, lightweight and super simple to assemble and fill, this funky set (red, black and clear) includes a pack of insect-flavored birdseed. All they require is a simple piece of string and a place to hang! Perfect for those who like to keep it simple.

Windowpane Birdfeeder
$69.00
www.smithandhawken.com
There is always room for something a little more classic in our style repertoire, and this beauty, inspired by paned windows, is crafted of solid brass with a black-bronze finish that will weather with style and grace.

Lunchbox Birdfeeder
$84.00
www.branchhome.com
Designed by Amy Adams of Perch! in Brooklyn, NY, this follow up to Adams very popular Perch birdfeeder offers easier access for larger birds (very democratic of her). Choose from whatever color of ribbon suits your fancy (light blue, brown or orange) and then hang from the nearest wall, fence or tree.

–By Kate Bailey

Technorati Tags: birdfeeder, birdfeeders, ceramic, stylish, chic, glass, windowpane, birds, birdfeed, outdoor, furnishings, design, decor, outdoor design

This past Saturday I headed across the Brooklyn Bridge. Living in Manhattan, I dont make this trip very often; but, every time I do, Im reminded of Brooklyns fabulous offerings and I always promise myself Ill get there more often. The purpose of my journey this time was the 6th annual BKLYN DESIGNS show held in Dumbo. As usual, this small and well-edited design show was filled with a nice selection of handcrafted, contemporary wares by those ever-creative Brooklynites. Throughout its 70 booths, designers and manufacturers exhibited everything from metallic wall coverings and concrete countertops to linen table runners and melamine platters. An additional bonus this year was the emphasis on sustainable design.

One of my favorite discoveries was Charlie C Brokate. It was Charlies drum lamps with graphic hand-painted patterns that first caught my eye, but it was his shades combining nostalgic images with those patterns that I really loved. Inspired by his love of vintage textiles, old photographs, and childrens book illustrations, Charlie layers his colorful gouache designs with his original pencil-drawn illustrations of images from photographs he finds at thrift stores. The results are modern and nostalgic all at once.

Get more information about Charlie and his lamps.

For an organic, contemporary look, I really liked this glass Dome lamp from glassblower and designer Williams Couig of furthurdesign. His earth-toned palette felt rich and sophisticated and the design would complement most surroundings.

Visit his site for additional lamp and pendant designs.

Check back Wednesday and Friday for more of my favorite finds from BKLYN DESIGNS.

Jennifer Kopf

Technorati Tags: lamps, bklyn designs, dumbo, charlie c. Brokate, gouache designs, designer, modern, nostalgic, Dome lamp, glassblower, designer Williams Couig, furthurdesign, further design, new york, brooklyn

I love books! My apartment may be tiny, but my stacks of books are huge! Its always such a treat when I can escape into a bookstore and explore whats on the shelves. Hot off the press is Mary Emmerlings Beach Cottages, the 20th+ book from decorating editor and author, Mary Emmerling. This coffee table beauty features the rooms and outdoor spaces of 17 dreamy beach cottages located coast to coast.

Even if, like me, you only dream of life on the beach, youll get plenty of ideas and inspiration to help you bring a little of the look to your home. And, dont just take in the pretty pictures; Marys included a primer on beach house essentials, a huge list of shopping sources, and, one of my favorite parts, clever lists of everything beachy.

Mary and I worked together for 10 years at Country Home magazine and is my long-time friend and mentor. We met at my favorite neighborhood restaurant, Morandi, to chat about life at the beach.

JK: What do you love most about living in a beach cottage?
ME: I love the freshness of it: the ocean smells and breezes; the flowers and produce in the summer; and sunsets enjoyed with friends.

JK: What do you consider the essential elements of a beach house?
ME: I love slipcovers, white ironstone, blue and white fabrics, natural materials such as rattan and sisal, candles, and breezy curtains.

JK: I love the touches of humor in your decorating. How do you keep a room fun?
ME: Dont take decorating too seriously and surround yourself with fun thingslike beach balls, colorful jewelry, and family photos that make you smile. Also, look in your closet for unexpected decorating accessories; beach bags, straw hats, and sarongs add great color and style.

Mary Emmerlings Beach Cottages is available at Amazon or Barnes & Noble.

Photos by Carter Berg. Photos courtesy of Clarkson Potter/Publishers.

Jennifer Kopf

Technorati Tags: Mary Emmerling, Beach Cottage, book, review, interior, design, decorating, style, tips, photos