apartment therapy changing the world, one room at a time

We've spent way too much time hanging out on this site lately. We wrote about the beautiful Virtue Blankets earlier this week, but we realized that the whole site deserved a mention. From a well-edited selection of design books to products by Icelandic designers, Birkiland specializes in promoting Icelandic design and designers online. We love how each object's designer is given top billing and a short bio. There were so many unique items on the site that we had difficulty choosing what to highlight here.

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Why do kids get all the fun? We're fans of this cotton canvas shower curtain printed with illustrations from the Dr. Seuss classic, One Fish, Two Fish, Red Fish, Blue Fish...

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I was planning on getting new cushions made for this bamboo set, but I had a NYE party and my friends said "only their grandmothers had wicker anymore". What do all you at AT think? New cushions or new sofa? New sofa creates a problem in that the entrance to this room is only 28 inches wide, so most sofas won't fit. Any suggestions would be extremely helpful. Oh, and the coffee table stays; the better half made it. Thanks, J

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We've been looking for a new area rug for the living room when we stumbled on this reindeer hide from Kiosk. We have to say that we love it, but we're not totally sure about having animal hides in the house. We should say that Kiosk has done their research and this is probably the most sustainably produced animal product you could find — reindeer herding is integral to the survival of the indigenous Sami community and the company that Kiosk works with was established in 1929 and produces everything by hand in their workshop. So, what do you think about using animals in decor?

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If cleaning and organizing are on your list of resolutions, consider getting green by minimizing. For a bit of inspiration, see what Amber did with her office space.

Also, 4 fun ways to reuse your 2008 calendar, 7 reasons a bread machine is green, a collection of easy green resolutions, and a survey. Could you give up your morning cup of joe? All the links are after the jump.

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We've looked at Spoonflower both on the Los Angeles and San Francisco sites. Today, The New York Times looks at the North Carolina-based company that allows anyone to upload designs and have them printed on combed cotton...

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Hi! Im considering the Ikea KAUTSBY dining chair. I'm wondering if any one has it or considered it — is it sturdy? comfortable? Can you use it without a cushion? Thanks, Alex

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This is a week of High & Lows — we found a desk and a table and now a rug. The new Stacked Boxes rug from West Elm immediately reminded us of Patricia Urquiola's Sliding Rugs for Spanish company Gandia Blasco. Not only is this new rug from West Elm much more affordable (we can't even find a price for the Urquiola rugs) it is also much more accessible — easily ordered online or through a catalog...

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The Eames'es monkeying around with their metal chair legs during the 40's

Boy, am I glad it's a new year. Though I'll admit to a certain amount of anxiety over what the new year will hold, I am sure that it will include a good dose of reality and of planting our feet more firmly on the ground, which, though painful, will undoubtedly be good for us... and good for our HOMES and design as well. Time to get back to basics.

In Sunday's NYTimes, Michael Cannell put it really well in Design Loves a Depression: "Design tends to thrive in hard times..."

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Perfect for Bedroom Month — The New York Times shops for bedding with Macy's former home-product developer Julian Tomchin. Not only does he de-mystify thread count but finds some great options at multiple price points...

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Our love for large number 5's and creative stairways come together in this installation by Pentagram partner, Paula Scher...

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This stunning Mid-Century Modern Dining Set hails from the 1960's and includes six chairs (covered with vinyl to protect the original tweed), three leaves and table pads to protect the finish. If Mad Men is still a trend for 2009, this is a good way to start.

Click to view these in bold below

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Happy New Year — welcome to the AT:NY Open Thread! This month we're concentrating on Fresh Starts & Resolutions with an emphasis on Bedrooms here on Apartment Therapy. NYC & New York Metro Area readers, join us in the comments for discussion.

(Image: House Tour: Carl and Laurent's Bright White Live/Work Loft)

To Previous Open Threads

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Sustainable design has progressed way beyond burlap sacks and tree stumps. In the last few years, there's been a definite uptick in the market for chic yet eco-friendly design. New retailers seeking to create a stylish marketplace for environmentally sound products have been booming, and Vivavi is definitely at the top of the list...

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