design finds

mr. p * sigg * eco-weekender

in my search for an alternative to water bottles (which have an annoying way of littering the planet not to mention the potential health risks of plastic), i came across these fabulous aluminum contenders in a range of tropical and surf inspired designs. sigg bottles are designed in switzerland and are a stylish solution to stay hydrated on the go with many bottles sporting eye catching graphics created by artists from around the world.

put a cork in it and save your wine with one man stuck, propaganda's saucy surfer bottle stopper.

and, with the amount of rice that hawaii consumes, wouldn't it be nice if all those rice bags that get tossed in the trash featured more colorful designs? at least then they would have a chance at a new life like these fun eco-weekender bags which are repurposed by a woman's co-op in cambodia out of old feed and rice bags.

{update | jan 2010: if you are concerned about bpa and own an older sigg bottle, be sure to double check the liner color to determine if you should upgrade your bottle to a newer edition}

quarter for your thoughts

monday morning blues got your down? here's something to help you look busy until your brain cells perk up and you really have to get down to the day's business. become a trusted advisor to the governor by voting on your top pick for the hawaii state quarter scheduled to be released next year.

there is, of course, some debate over which design best represents the islands so hele over and get your vote tallied before the wed, apr 18th deadline.

{mahalo airspace workshop!}

forest finds

enormous wooden bowls have been dotting the pages of the shelter magazines and design catalogs inundating my mailbox, so, despite the cold hard fact that my wee home is lacking in the space required to showcase one of these statement making bowls, here are a few made in hawaii in a range of sizes and shapes for your viewing pleasure.

1 - alas, stebbins studios' osage orange bowl, with its appealing organic curves, has already found a home, but the curly koa footed tray (4) from hawaiian artifacts seems like just the thing to display an artful fruitscape.

2 - the juxtaposition of light and dark wood in j. kelly dunn's hau salad bowl add a bit of character.

3 - two things come to mind when i look at molokai woodworker jack ewing's bark edge koa bowl - a cornucopia centerpiece filled with food for a big feast and, well, jaws (am i the only one?). either way it will certainly steal the spotlight.

soha living

 

i became quite fond of these dermond peterson pillows when i spotted them at soha the last time i was home. you never know what you will find while browsing around soha which is packed with tropical accessories discovered during the proprietors' treks to southeast asia. lucky for local design junkies, soha opened up their little global bazaar a few years ago which has become the place to go to add some unexpected visual interest to island style surroundings. 

and here's good news for furniture hunters on the neighbor islands: complimentary shipping is yours for the taking if your decor order rings up to $3000 (offer available until may 31st). no need to pout if you live on oahu since you can score free furniture delivery on april orders with a $2000 tab. click here for more details.

fyi - online shopping is not available so if you spot something you like do give the shop a ring to place your order via phone.

map it!

{update | jan 2010: soha has relocated to kahala mall}

skip to my loo

marimekko samovaari + west elm waves

as i dart back & forth between the computer and bathroom while waiting for the plumber to arrive to fix a leaky toilet, this morning's mini catastrophe serves as a reminder to always keep a stash of old towels around for times like today when you most certainly do not want to use your good linens to soak up the questionable water covering the floor.

since i need a mental health break from the disaster that is currently my bathroom and nothing pleases me more than pretty linens, here are a few tropical finds like these lovely marimekko samovaari towels with a pattern that may have been designed in finland but reminds me of traditional hawaiian quilts. and, you can extend the style to your bedroom with crate & barrel's matching linens.

then there is west elm's waves bath mat which manages to be beachy without being too literal. the design also has a coordinating shower curtain and bedding, the latter which echoes the cool 70's yves saint laurent linens inherited from my mom.

time to dash back to the bath . . .