Beaded Cord Kit

Here's a great idea to pep up a hanging electrical cord. Urban Outfitters just came out with this cord kit, which features oodles of colorful wooden beads. Cute concept, don't you think? We'd love something similar (a bit less folksy, a bit more refined) for the exposed pendant cord in our dining room.
@ UO, $48

Lola Collection by Shine Home

Poking around Coco+Kelley earlier today, we discovered these furniture pieces from Shine Home. Their entire collection is original, but we think that the plush fabric and sculpted backs on these Lola chairs and sofas are definitely working some magic. The gunmetal gray and turquoise shades look amazing, as well, although they've got a lot of lovely upholstery options.
@ Shine Home

2x2 Collection at West Elm

West Elm just launched a new line of furniture that's spare, simple and clean. It's also very affordable, which comes as a welcome relief right about now. The wood pieces come in white or chocolate veneers, and most pieces (the table, desk, headboards and daybed) are priced under $300. The only exception are the king and queen bed frames, which are $350 and $400.
@ West Elm

360º Hologram Suspension Light by Ingo Maurer

This is, quite simply, an amazing light fixture. It's called the Wo Bist Du, Edison? (which we think translates into: Where are you, Edison?) and it's a one-of-kind production designed by Ingo Maurer, creator of this gorgeous pendant lamp.

It's made using more than 2,000 frames from a cine-film sequence, which are then transferred by laser onto a special hologram film. The process takes 12 hours and is carried out at night when conditions are calm because the slightest vibration could disturb the delicate image transfer process.

Here's an explanation of the process:

The light bulb motif is stored in the film as an ultra-thin crystalline layer in which literally billions of microprisms refract the halogen light in such a way that the virtual image is recomposed as a visual whole.

It's one of the most techn0-savvy lights we've seen, and like all things on the bleeding edge, it comes with a staggering price tag.
@ Panik, £4,790 (about $8,000)

Happy Holidays

We wish you all a wonderful Christmas!

Just wanted to wish you all the best this season and thank you for checking in with us for however long you've visited Nook. Your encouragement and support has been wonderful since we started blogging six months ago. Have a lovely and safe few days, and we'll be back on Dec. 28.

The Applause Machine

All of us need the occasional ego boost, and this automatic Applause Machine is designed to give you an ovation on demand. Just push the button and the Applause Machine enthusiastically claps its hands just for you. Designed by Martin Smith, the 18" machine is limited edition piece... because only a select few can be stars.
@ Moss, $650

Hi + Lo: Swag & Swoop Desks

High: Swag desk by George Nelson @ Unica Home, $1,849

It's a fair bet that cb2's Swoop was designed to be an affordable version of George Nelson's chic, classic Swag desk, although it doesn't feature the blue, orange and chartreuse dividers. Still, the sleek profiles and sophisticated walnut and white combos of both desks are tough to beat -- regardless of which you can afford.

Low: Swoop desk @ cb2, $299

Vintage Matchbook Pillows

We love the strong graphics and visual punch of these throw pillows, which are based on vintage Indian matchbook covers. Made by Koko, the pillows are printed cotton that is funky, modern, vingtage-y. Each one add so much panache to a room.
@ 2Modern, from $36.

Flying Saucer Fruit Bowl

Seriously, this the coolest fruit bowl we've seen in a long, long time. It actually two opens into two bowls when you need to hold extra snacks, and it works as a covered bowl when it's a UFO. It's made of natural Acacia, and we think it would amazing as a centerpiece on modern or retro dining table.
@ Museum of Robots, $250

Imeüble Storage Shelf

This storage unit is pretty amazing, in an 'Is that 3-D or not?' kind of way. The Imeüble shelf, by Oslo designer Bjørn Jørund Blikstad, is a trippy, Escher-like trompe d'oeil way to stash books, office stuff or anything else. It's function and quite the cool form.
[via swiss miss]

Still Life Fruit Bowl

I just love this concept, which comes from Thorsten Van Elten. Sometimes, all it takes is a frame to make us see the simple beauty in normally overlooked items. The best part? It would become a constantly changing tableaux as the fruits are chosen by season, and each time they are eaten or replaced.
@ Matter, $100

Laser Cut Wood Placemats

Gorgeous, right? Created by German designer Sarah Finn, these wooden wonders are meant to be used as placemats, and they would pop beautifully against a white table. We also think they'd make great frames or wall decor. All things considered, they're priced exceptionally well.
@ A + R Store, $25

Happy Hanukkah, Day 8

Today is the final day of Hanukkah 2009, and we'll wrap up our series with this sleek dreidel. Made by Nambé, a company that fashions all kinds of lovely objects made using their signature metal alloys, it sits pretty in its own walnut base. It's a nice way to show it off during the non-Hanukkah days of the year.
@ Amazon, $65

Alter Ego by Mieke Meijer

Dutch designer Mieke Meijer named this cabinet set 'Alter Ego,' because it has a fine, upstanding, perfectly put-together side (think Dr. Jekyll). And then it deconstructs into several smaller cabinets that can stand alone or be re-arranged (de-ranged?) in all kinds of loony ways (think Mr. Hyde). Either way, we love both cabinet and the alter-ego concept.
@ Mieke Dingen

Happy Hanukkah, Day 7

We try to resist punning with our food, but this tin of Mashaga Nuts made us laugh. Mashuganans is the Yiddish word for 'crazy people.' These nuts are pecans that have been dipped and baked in a cinnamon sugar concoction.
@ Pop Judiaca, $15

Flatliner Pendant Lamp

Designed by Jason Bruges for Established & Sons, the gorgeous Flatliner pendant is a slim, black acrylic disc that holds 240 warm, white LEDs on a continuous dimmer. Run your finger along the edge to brighten or lower the light levels. This video demonstrates how it works. It's so simple to alter the lights, it might just have the power to hypnotize anyone who plays with it.
@ Matter, $1,830

Happy Hanuakkah, Day 6

Our Hanukkah series continues with the Hanukit, a menorah that doesn't require any candles. Instead, the tiny aluminum menorah comes with it's own matchbox. Strike one each evening during the holiday, let it burn down and you're good to go.
@ Reddish

Hi + Lo: Aluminum Navy Chair

Legend has it that an Emeco Navy chair was tossed from a six-story window, and survived with a few minor scratches. After that, the Navy selected these chairs for their ships, because they are lightweight, indestructible and undamaged by salty sea air. We're pretty sure that Crate & Barrel's version hasn't gone through the exhaustive 77-step process that makes an authentic Emeco chair so durable. However, it might be a great choice if you have no plans to throw it from a tall building or sail around the world.


High: Emeco 1006 Navy Side Chair @ DWR, $352 (brushed) and $952 (polished)
Low: Delta side chair @ Crate & Barrel, $99

Gifts for Rebels, Rule-Breakers + Hell-Raisers

Here are some gift ideas for all the troublemakers that you know and love. These choices are unsentimental, slightly edgy and (most important of all) won't embarrass your favorite bad-ass.

Above, clockwise from top: Forever Tattoo sheets @ Sin in Linen, from $50. Hidden Meaning plates @ UO, $8. Whoppee cushion @ Fred Flare, $12. Boym Partners Buildings of Disaster miniatures, including the Texas School Book Depository, Three-Mile Island and the OJ Car Chase @ Velocity, from $110. Strip Tea glassware @ Fishs Eddy, $5. Keri Smith's subversively creative books @ Fred Flare, from $13. 'Sleeping' paperweight by Esque @ Greener Grass, $430.


Clockwise from top: Gold knuckle mug @ A + R Store, $98. Paper weapon kits @ A + R Store, $30. Gun mug @ Molla Space, $17. Evidence knife @ Amazon, $15. Bird hand candle @ A + R Store, $76. Smorkin Labbit @ Kid Robot, $30. Vices canisters @ Jonathan Adler, from $28. Shark shower cap @ UO, $6. Skullrilla ashtray/catch all @ Areaware, $25. Handcuff necklace @ Emitations, $20. Felt skull pouchette @ Hable Construction, $55.

Happy Hanuakkah, Day 5

Schnoz. Schlep. Mazel. Goy.
If you can't imagine magnetic poetry without Yiddish expressions, then you're in luck. This kit has more than 300 words designed to make you (and your bubbe) kvell.
@ Spoon Sisters, $14

Half Mirror by Paul Loebach

This surreal mirror instantly caught our eye because it's odd enough to make us stop and reflect on, well.... reflections. It's the work of Paul Loebach, a young Brooklyn designer who has a wholly unique -- and really intriguing -- way of thinking about furniture. Check out his website and the picture below to see what we mean.

Meanwhile, the mirror is partially constructed so that design types can appreciate the cross-sections of molding and glass. We suspect it's also partially made to mess with our conception of frames and reflections -- and we appreciate that too.
Half Mirror @ The Future Perfect, $650

Happy Hanuakkah, Day 4

We figure that if giving/getting a bag of gelt -- the gold coins traditionally associated with Hanukkah -- is good, then giving/getting a tacklebox full of gelt and a variety of other yummy treats from Dylan's Candy Bar must be even better.
@ Dylan's Candy Bar, $24

Ceramic Notepad

From the 'Why Didn't Anyone Think of This Sooner' file comes these ceramic notepads. Goodbye paper scraps. We found them at Mocha, a fantastic UK store, and we hope they start selling these on this side of the pond very soon. Please leave a comment if you know about a source in the U.S. or Canada!
@ Mocha, £11

Happy Hanukkah, Day 3

This clever Hanukkah card set features a menorah inspired by NYC's subway map. These can probably be sent out even if you don't live in New York... provided you've got a Brooklyn state of mind.
@ Blue Ribbon General Store, $18/set of 6

Raven Mugs by Frerk Muller

After breaking yet another cup this morning, we're in need of some replacements. A search turned up these black-and-white mugs, featuring ravens drawn by German illustrator Frerk Muller in 1978. Their dejected but charming expressions just make us smile.
@ Shelf, £12

HP01 Tafel Table+Bench

This table+bench concept is versatile, practical and even a bit sculptural. Designed to work in both commercial spaces and homes, it can clearly stand alone in room.
We think it would also be great as breakfast nook or a mini-banquette in a tight kitchen. If they weren't quite so pricey, we'd consider them for other spots around the house, like a balcony or patio (there's an outdoor friendly aluminum version), a studio office, a kids' room.... or any place that would benefit from a place to perch.
@ Hive Modern, $7,530

Star of David Loofah

Happy Hanukkah, Day 2, brings us this loofah sponge shaped like a Jewish star. A loofah's tough fibers are great beside the kitchen sink, where they can be used to scrub fruits and veggies. They're also great for elbows.
@ Spoon Sisters, $6

Happy Hanukkah

Utopia man/woman menorah @ Jonathan Adler, $295

The first candles of Hanukkah 2009 will be lit tonight, and in keeping with the eight day celebration, we're planning to do a post of some hip Judaica for each day. (When we were kids, we used be so jealous of our friends who got to open presents for eight days!)

Gifts for Girly & Glam Girls

Here's our gift guide for girls who wear heels to the grocery store, sip Cosmos like Carrie Bradshaw, quote Holly Golightly and Coco Chanel, let their inner divas come out to play and indulge in their love of things pink, fluffy, glittery and sparkling.

Above: 1. Rose petal soaps by Gianna Rose Atelier @ Amazon, $40. 2. Faux book box @ Wisteria, $44. 3. Brambleberry Rose lip balm @ Sephora, $7. 4. Maura Daniel pink sconce @ Layla Grace, $196. 5. Fleur-ette clutch @ Betsey Johnson, $85. 6. Skinny peony headband @ J. Crew, $13. 7. Pink Toile de Jouy chair @ The Lavender Barn, £185. 8. Martha Stewart recipe cocktail shaker @ Macy's, $25. 9. Bourgeois bow key fob @ Kate Spade, $50. 10. Niadros candlestick @ Anthropologie, $18.

1. Crystal rock tiara @ Not on the High Street, £110. 2. Lotus flower chandelier @ Modern Dose, $325. 3. Oyster shell candle holder @ Wisteria, $49. 4. Antique mercury votives @ Jayson Home & Garden, from $15. 5. Pearl bracelet and Versailles chandelier earrings @ Fred Flare, $16. 6. Abalone shell mirror @ Jayson Home & Garden, $30. 7. Silver plated frog bank @ Pottery Barn, $39. 8. Vere Tyvek bags @ The Conran Shop, $19. 9. Thymes Gold Leaf bath colletion@ Gracious Home, from $5.

1. Books @ Amazon: Handbags 2010 calendar; Fifty Shoes that Changed the World; In Vogue; Fashion Book and Penguin Classics clothbound hardcover editions, $14.
2. Holly Golightly wall decal @ ModCloth, $43. 3. High heel cake server @ Perpetual Kid, $16. 4. Pom pom throws @ Viva Terra, from $37. 5. Strawberry spots apron @ Anthropologie, $24. 6. Return to Tiffany & Co. key ring @ Tiffany & Co., $100. 7. Milkmaid butter dish @ Anthropologie, $28. 8. International Love pillow from Alexander Girard @ UO, $38. 9. Alice teacups and saucers @ UMA, $32. 10. Rose wellingtons @ Victorian Trading Co., $50.

1. Thomas Paul scarf and cases @ Burke Decor, from $18. 2. Perfumed cameo necklace @ Anthropologie, $78. 3. Missus monogrammed mugs @ Anthropologie, $6. 4. Jonathan Adler vase @ Unica Home, $175. 5. Pickney Street 8 rose bowl @ Kate Spade, $150. 6. Teardrop crystal frame @ Z Gallerie, $15. 7. Martha Stewart Park Leaf serveware @ Macy's, $20. 8. Diptyque candles @ Bigelow Chemists, $60. 9. Dubois Mirror @ Crate & Barrel, $90. 10. Silk sleep masks @ Victoria Trading Co., $20. 11. Luddite tray @ 2Modern, $20.