These Tetris-shaped bookshelves are lit using a computer program that allows you to change the colors as you like. Designed by a2. Can’t wait to see just how this works. This is the sort of design that has a thousand and one uses.

What’s your opinion of this lamp? It’s a sort of mix between a classic chandelier and a more contemporary fixture. Don’t you think?

I like the organic shapes of this set of ornamental hardware designed by Beatriz Sempere. Art becomes a useful towel rack or a drawer pull. These are lovely.

Okay, that’s enough for now! I’ve got a zillion things to do before I go. I’m hoping to write about my favorite planters now that Spring is allegedly here. I say allegedly because I haven’t seen it here in Detroit. I’m looking forward to the warmer weather of Milan – oh and a great cup of coffee. Ciao for now!

A quick tip on antiques. If the finish is original, and the piece has some value, don’t touch it! A lot of the value comes from the original paint or varnish. Even if it’s not in perfect condition. My mother once made the mistake of removing the original paint from a 200 year-old captain’s chest. She’s still crying, poor thing.

Black and white houndstooth goes well with pinks and grays. Why not go bolder and team it with yellow or red? Purple would look smashing. Don’t forget a silver metallic wallcovering to complete the ’70′s look.

Here are some fabric options I picked up at the Design Center last week. Each comes in several colorways. From the left is: Schumacher’s Chatham Houndstooth, in Espresso (100% linen), Greeff’s Brayden Houndstooth, in Saddle (100% cotton), Schumacher’s Martin Houndstooth, in Onyx (100% cotton). Contact me for prices.

FLOR offers All Bark and No Bite ($16.99 per square) comes in five colors. It’s a subtle option.

Not so meek is Jonathan Adler’s Zebra Houndstooth Rug ($1,050.00). It comes in black and brown. Adler also offers the same prints in a rectangular shape.

This storage bench is from Target ($189.99). Buy two square trays and you’ve got a great coffee table. You can play it safe with black, or go crazy with screaming yellow.

Did you know that you can major in interior design and specialize in car interiors? There’s more to it than you might think. The designer behind Kia’s Soul, is one groovy hipster.

Here’s another colorway to consider. I found this lamp ($49.99) at Bed, Bath & Beyond. Stunned? I was.

This is a very nice chair from Overstock.com. Priced at a mere $295.00 I’d snap up two.

Two more fabric choices are both from Schumacher. On the left, Langley Houndstooth, in Pepper (a soft gray in 100% wool). On the right is Chelsea Chenille in Jet Black. Contact me for prices.

Finally, two pillows. The brown is from Bassett and is on sale for $39.99. The black option is from Ballard Design and sells for $119.00.

I jest. Or course it would. But I’d hate to cover it up. The Legends Bookcase is from Roche Bobois. Their site is horrifically difficult to navigate. If you’re interested in owning this little bookcase, check their site for store locations.

Hanna Sofa through the seasons:

Summer: White linen pillows edged or decorated with seashells  are the way to go. Add a white cotton cable knit throw for rainy days.

Fall: Moss green pillows in a textured fabric are perfect for Fall. A soft green (but not matching) mohair throw and you’re done!

Winter: Brrr… You need plaid. Brown and blue plaid – with a striped throw that has a dash of red.

Spring: It’s here! Soft pink – on the warm side of pink – pillows. Add extra bling by pinning a silk flower onto each one. A wheat, hand woven throw completes the look.

What do you think?

The 2009 IKEA PS collection consists of 71 pieces by 20 designers, and will be available in four U.S. IKEA
markets starting August 1, 2009: San Francisco, Los Angeles, New York and Chicago.

What! Not Detroit? I’m mystified. Would you like to see more things from the collection? I’ll put a post together tomorrow.