misosouper, a shopping blog

I’m a huge Design Sponge fan (but really, who isn’t?) so I’m really excited to pick up her new book. I could use some fresh ideas for the home (but really, who couldn’t?).

There’s no good reason to justify spending nearly $300 on a wooden elephant for kids. Even if it was designed by Charles and Ray Eames. But it’s so doggone beautiful, I just might have to splurge. Call it a future heirloom.

I don’t know how it happened, but one day I found myself a collector of salt and pepper shakers. A Christmas present from the in-laws, a wedding gift, an irresistible pair of porcelain birds from that cute design shop down the road… they add up quick. Since I try to curb my pack-rat tendencies, these are on my verbotten shopping list. But I might have to make an exception for this whimsical little sailboat set. So simple, so pretty, so perfectly minimalist. Just this once. Then I’ll stop. Really.

While we’re on the subject of limited edition designer collections, the John Derian home decor line for Target is another one to snap up while you still can. The New York–based decoupage artist has applied his signature curiosity-cabinet style to affordable housewares, like these melamine insect appetizer plates.

Coffee mugs have always been my desktop storage vessel of choice. The extra heft of fired ceramic makes for a solid base for pencils and pens, and every office kitchen has a cupboard packed with abandoned cups. The Hookmaker teacup tile puts a much classier, decorative spin on the old stand-by.