The plunger is a household essential, but one that’s rarely attractive. This one—available in four bright colorways—from NYC-based Staff is more design-forward and playful than most on the market. With an acrylic handle, it comes with a sanitary drip tray and stands just under 24 inches tall. Founded during the pandemic by Charlie Weisman, Staff aims to bring thoughtful design, interesting materials, bold colors and character to oft-overlooked household items.
Each Valeria Vasi object is handcrafted in Barcelona, including the just released and limited edition Liquid Vase. The handblown glass vessel stands 25cm tall (just under 10 inches) and its fluid form appears just as striking whether holding a bloom or empty. It’s the perfect piece to illustrate how Vasi balances visual art with function. Price is in Euros.
The modular ECH candleholder by Warsaw-based UAU Project (founded by Justyna Fałdzińska and Miłosz Dąbrowski) transforms into various colorful combinations. Crafted from PLA, a 100% compostable bioplastic, it’s available in four different colorways and stands just under nine inches tall. Whether in use or not, the playful design looks great on display.
San Francisco-based Heath Ceramics releases new color options for their classic yet contemporary Small Pitcher. The beautifully balanced piece, handcrafted in their studio where the team experiments with textures and patterns, now comes in ombre-style options: fog and tangerine, fog and stillwater, or ochre and opaque white. Measuring 7.75 by 3.5 by 3.5 inches, this vessel makes for an elegant piece whether in use or on display.
Lauren and Cole Hansen produce their Ugly Rugly items, including this Utility Rug, in their Bushwick studio. This uneven-shaped rug promises to be hard-wearing, thanks to its 100% polyester rope construction, which is resistant to UV rays, mildew and rot. Available in three bright colorways, it will keep its shape, but feel soft underfoot—whether it’s used as an entryway doormat or anywhere else in the house.
Lewes, UK-based artists (and sisters), Liv and Dom Cave-Sutherland make a number of lovely stoneware candlesticks—each one hand-built and hand-glazed, with no cast or moulds used. Selene, the goddess of the moon, inspired the the Luna iteration. Standing about 19cm (7.5 inches) tall, the piece is perfectly functional, but looks glorious even when not in use. Price is in Pounds.
From a limited edition collaboration between NYC-based potter and designer Jonathan Adler and global decor brand Yellowpop, this “Monsieur” neon sign channels pop-art inspirations. The figurative work is one of eight playful pieces in the neon LED collection (a first for Adler), and each one calls to mind the designer’s signature style. Further, the colorful lights utilize energy efficient LED neon tubing and a recycled acrylic back.
Designed by Pierre Charpin for Danish design brand HAY, this PC Portable Lamp features a USB-rechargeable battery and an energy-efficient LED bulb within that produces a warm white glow. The light can be dimmed or brightened thanks to touch control. Made from ABS plastic that’s finished with a scratch- and water-resistant coating, the light comes in six colorways—some of which boast several hues. Standing just under nine inches tall, these lights can be used anywhere, but should be kept indoors when not in use.
From iconic NYC-based Le Labo, a new fragrance in the form of a candle: ENCENS 9. Like all their scents, ENCENS 9 proves itself to be nuanced and bewitching. Frankincense mingles with amber and clove; blending woody notes, sweetness and spice to create a rich, warm fragrance perfect for a den, study or other small nook where coziness is paramount. The 8.6-ounce candle should burn for approximately 60 hours.
From Foscarini and Italian design duo Ludovica and Roberto Palomba, the Bump pendant ceiling lamp manipulates light through its irregular surfaces, which appear both inside and out. More than a decorative decision, these dents are the result of months of research conducted by Foscarini and the designers who aimed to create diffused and dappled light in an organic fashion. In addition to the “Petrolio” color shown, the Bump comes in frosted and golden colorways.
Available in four colorways, Bornn’s enamel tumblers are a cheerful alternative to regular glasses and ideal for picnics. Designed in Turkey by Basak Onay and Oyku Thurston, their core is heavy gauge steel with porcelain fused over the top. Measuring 3.8 inches in height, each cup holds eight fluid ounces. Also in the Colorama collection are plates, serving dishes, tea pots and more. Price is in Euros.
Hand-knotted in Nepal, utilizing a Tibetan crossweave process with a wool loop detail, Eskayel’s made-to-order portico rug can be customized in size, color and material specifications. Organic edges and a flow of colorful accents make each charming and distinct. Rugs take three to five months to produce, depending on their size. The price below is for a portico rug measuring three by eight feet.
Handwoven in Sacatepéquez, Guatemala from 100% cotton, this DittoHouse grid pillow cover combines contemporary design and traditional craft, with a brocade pattern and bold colors. 50% of the profits from its sale go to the Trama Textiles Almaya Fund, which works directly with Mayan artisans. The initiative aims to secure fair wages for women artisans working at 17 weaving cooperatives across several regions in Guatemala’s Western Highlands and preserves the communities’ traditional textile arts.
Designed by acclaimed artist Andy Rementer, Areaware’s Block Party toy series comprises seven characters (cat, duck, monkey, mouse, tiger and two humans) broken down into several pieces. Stack them anyway you like, or collect the set for mix-and-match options. Each has its own accessory—the monkey comes with a banana, while the woman has a soccer ball. Whether a collectable for an art enthusiast or a toy for a child, they add a little color and personality to any room.
From Yueqi Qi’s eponymous brand (which is a celebration of Chinese romance and “an ode to Kaiping,” the city in southern China where she spent much of her childhood), this signature scented dragon candle routinely sells out. Combining traditionally Eastern and Western design styles, the unconventional cuboid-shaped candle is engraved on four sides. Scented with white tea, it’s made with vegetable wax.
While they come with loose instructions, there’s no right or wrong way to assemble Four Eyes Ceramics’ chime kits. Available in six color combinations, each kit comes with 18 ceramic pieces and 36 inches of string with a loop and bead at the top for easy hanging. If you want your chime to make noise, make sure some pieces are tied closely enough together to touch, but if not, space them out more. Other than that, there are no rules, but they do suggest bringing chimes indoors during wild weather.
