valentines – Audrey Green Design

Contemporary/Classic Interior

I’ve had quite a break over Christmas and New Year but back now and kicking the year off with a project from one of my favourite designers… Mixing pattern, textures and materials are the key to Studio McGee’s designs, for example juxtaposing a leather sofa next to a linen sofa. A dark almost black buttoned […]

Contemporary Meets Traditional in a Fabulous Living Room

Another fabulous project from Studio Mcgee, contemporary meets traditional… What’s not to love about this space, a mix of contemporary pieces and traditional give it a modern look with a heritage nod. Textures are big with Studio McGee and if you look closely at the coffee table in image 5 you will see it has […]

Cape Cod Meets West Indies

Described as “Cape Cod meets West Indies”, another fabulous project by one of my favourite design companies. The exterior architecture of this new build leans towards Hamptons, however Black Band Design have also injected a tropical feel inspired by quote, the “vibrant waters of the Caribbean”. When planning a new build by oneself with no interior designer […]

Boho Chic

1. Image via Mercer Interior The word, ‘boho’ may conjure up a riotous mix of colours and patterns, muddle these together in a messy but creative way and throw in some greenery and you may have the boho of the past. However, today boho can be far more chic, in fact…..’boho chic’. ‘Boho’ stems from the word […]

Coastal Sophistication in South Carolina

“Casual and sophisticated, modern and timeless, serene but colourful” is how the designer describes this relaxed, South Carolina home. The designers, Guest House Studio, have used varying shades of blue for this project, with paint, soft furnishing and artwork. Blue is ‘cool’ on the colour charts but can evoke a moody or calming affect when you […]

A Cottage Interior Perfect for Coast or Country

Peek inside a gorgeous cottage of blue and white with the addition of a few surprising colours. Designed by award winning interior designers and home builders, Cottage Company of Harbor Springs, this sweet home has the perfect balance of style for coast or country. Specialising in creating “beautiful, classic cottages where generations of families can […]

Designer, Breeze Giannasio’s Take on a Honeymoon House

Breeze Giannasio is an interior designer to the stars and I literally have stars in my eyes when I see the transformations she makes to these Hollywood homes. I’ve been in love with the distinctive style of designer, Breeze Giannasio since I viewed a video of her transformation of Mila Kunis parents condo on Houzz. Breeze takes […]

Unique Gifts and Homeware

1. Fur and Flowers dog doormat – US$25

Often it is hard to find that perfect gift or special item for the home that is not mass produced, so when I discovered an on-line store with unique gifts that ship many of their products world wide, I had to share the love.

Uncommon Goods, is an E-store dedicated to shopping unusual items for the home, gifts for family and friends and the fur babies so many of us dote on. It is a breath of fresh air to discover a company that offers items that are unique, many of which are artisan made. Uncommon Goods offer a wide range of decorative pieces for the home, from beautiful pillows to quirky doormats, there is something for everyone, including those sometimes difficult to find gifts for co-workers. Uncommon Goods are also caring when it comes to “sustainability, the environment and their social responsibilities”. They are also proud to say that their lowest paid seasonal workers are paid 50% more than the minimum wage.

I love a website that’s easy to navigate, in a few seconds I was able to narrow down some great items that I hadn’t seen elsewhere. I found their navigation bar simple to use, you can select from handmade, recycled or USA made and the tabs at the top make it easy to shop gifts for a man, woman, child etc. Alternatively you can shop by ‘interest’ or ‘occasion’. Another feature I enjoyed was being able to find out more about the product’s designer/manufacturer, clicking on most of the products showed a head-shot of the designer with a little about their background, this made the shopping experience more personal. Another great feature is the option to read reviews on the products which definitely makes you feel more confident when purchasing an item via the Internet. I did discover while browsing that not all items can be shipped internationally, it will tell you if they can ship internationally once you click on the price.

I decided the easiest way to introduce you to some of Uncommon Goods beautiful homeware and gifts was to pick out some pieces that caught my eye including a 60 hour candle spotted among their unique candles, which is like nothing I have ever seen before.

2. 60 hour candle with stand US$30 (refill US$18)

3.This honeycomb table is designed and made by Ethan Abramson in New York. The table is handcrafted from oak with honey coloured maple accents at US$874 it is a unique, heirloom piece

4. Stormy Seas Print by Artist Jen Rork – This print would be fabulous in a Hamptons or coastal style home – unframed US$35 and is printed on acid free watercolour paper

5. This candle holder caught my eye as it is sometimes difficult to get one that is narrow enough to sit on a mantelpiece. The base is sand-cast iron and the accents rings are antique gold, silver or copper finishes. These would look gorgeous as a pair or grouping – Designed by Columbian artist, Luis Marquez who now resides in Texas – US$64

6. I really love the bedside Smartphone vase, it is dual purpose and would suit almost any style of decor – Created by design duo, Heather and Myles Geyman they are US$32 each

7. Mariel Nader’s one of a kind soaps were inspired by birth gemstones and would make a unique gift for friends or family. Each month has a distinctive fragrance such as July, red roses and Burgundy or August, Waterlily and Jasmine. They would look really pretty in a bathroom and priced at US$20 each

8. When you have to buy a gift for someone who loves to cook, this “Make Your Own Chocolate Truffle Kit”, is the perfect option – US$34.95 (assembled in Portland, Oregon)

Uncommon Goods have been a profitable company since 2004, however with the enormity of the world wide web we can sometimes miss gems like this. I definitely encourage you to visit their website (links above) to discover more beautiful and uncommon goods to fall in love with.