02:
One needn’t spend very long on the Kaufmann Mercantile site to see that they’re serious about their product assortment. Everything is high quality, aesthetically pleasing and has a story—one that typically involves handcrafting or generational know-how. No made in China here.
Not only are the product summaries exceptionally thoughtful and informative, but the site’s Field Notes library is a treasure trove of succinct articles on everything from designer Arne Jacobsen to copper care to the history of salt. There’s even a fascinating look into the world of giant pumpkins! Yes, I’m a fan.
Here are some of my favorite KM items of the moment:
This collapsible cot is perfect for overnight guests. Line it with a few sheepskins, throw a sleeping bag over and voile—a cozy guest bed that can go anywhere you have an extra 28” x 77” worth of floor space.
Canvas & Aluminum Collapsible Cot, $159
Made in Italy, this Green Giant of staplers would command serious respect at the office.
Metal Plier Office Stapler, $34.90
These 3-piece nesting bowl sets are made right in Ohio. Their milky green shade is so much more alluring than clear glass or steel, as far as mixing bowls go.
Set of Hand-Pressed Glass Bowls (Jadeite), $64.90
Handcrafted in Japan, this crackle finish teapot is an amazing steal at just $34.95. A great gift idea for Mother’s Day or your next housewarming party invite.
Japanese Ceramic Crackle Glaze Teapot, $34.90
Wooden bath mats are an easy way to add spa charm to your bath—especially when made of fragrant cyprus wood like this one. Also made in Japan.
Japanese Cypress Wood Bath Mat, $29
Long before humorous tote bags were a thing, French net bags were the ultimate reusable market bag. Keep simple tradition alive, in classic natural or sleek black.
French Cotton Net Bag (Black), $10.95
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14:
I killed my Fab.com subscription a year ago due to excessive email clutter and never looked back—until last week. How they’ve grown! Their website has expanded from Gilt-like limited-time offerings to an assortment of quasi-permanent product offerings, furniture included.
I was surprised by their numerous high-ticket designer items, from a $1,100 Frank Gehry Wiggle Chair to a $10,850 Ronan & Erwan Italian Alcove Sofa. Fab is not the first place I’d think to go for an Eames chair, but any of these delightful lower-priced items would certainly fit the bill.
I’d stick this wire frame chair outside on a balcony. Or, if feeling crafty, I’d weave some fabric strips into the seat and back to make it cushy enough for the kitchen table. $53.99 each.
RETRO Chair by Gary Lin
This trim coffee table has a swing-out side drawer that’s perfect for hiding remotes and candy stashes. Just $77.
PLAIN Coffee Table by speziell
DIY lighting: Wrap the long orange extension cord around the included frame and voilà—you have a lamp. $105.
Coil Lamp by Craighton Berman
Made of reversible wool, the pattern of this rug is like ikat’s hotter, older cousin. Starting at $69 for a 2×3.
Cookman Slate Rug by Surya
No matter how many times I look at Twiggy, I simply cannot believe those eyelashes. This black & white photo may just help me get over it. $159.
Twiggy in Hollywood by Michael Ochs
This red Tam Tam stool is as cute as a button. Use it as extra seating when company calls or as a side table next to the sofa. $24 each.
Tam Tam Red Pop Stool by Branex Design
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24:
Our love of Kiosk is already well-documented here at FM, a love which glows even brighter during the holidays: This treasure-trove is a one-stop shop to find something perfect for half your gift list. Procrastinators who missed the online order cutoff needn’t fret—you can stop by the Soho shop up until Christmas Day (assuming you’re in NYC). Here are some of our recent favorites, all highly giftable:
At $38, these fleece-lined deerskin mittens are a true steal. They’re made in Vermont and perfect for the urban lumberjack in your life.
Deerskin Mittens
Buy a bottle of awesomely packaged Klosterfrau elixir for a nerve-wracked in-law. I used to use it when I lived in Germany and it is oddly calming (albeit medicinal tasting). I’d dump a spoonful in my tea, drink it while taking a bath and then mentally peace out. $18.
Nun Calms
Travel thread makes a thoughtful gift for a globetrotting acquaintance. The bracelet-like kit packs away flat and lets you pull out individual strands when needed. $11.
Travel Thread Kit
I love Wooly Willy. Always have, always will. Know who else loves Wooly Willy? Kids. Perfect for your little niece or nephew. $8.00.
Wooly Willy
The Citra Sipper turns oranges into juice boxes—a thoroughly unique stocking stuffer or Secret Santa gift. $6 each.
Citra Sipper
Who wouldn’t want a historical nail sample set made by America’s oldest nail manufacturer? $30.
Tremont Nail Sample Set
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02:
If a neighborhood could be summed up in a space, what would it look like? Well, if Williamsburg were a living room, it might look something like this: casual yet curated, with the faintest contrived whiff of DGAF.
The Versatile Sofa: The Anywhere Convertible Sofa folds out to a bed when friends need a place to crash. $399 from Urban Outfitters.
Anywhere Convertible Sofa, $399
The Utilitarian Coffee Table: This chartreuse number has convenient coasters and plenty of surface space to display your Vice and Wallpaper magazine collections. $129 from CB2.
go-cart chartreuse table-media cart, $129
The Quintessential Bike Stand: This leaning model requires no drilling and has two slots, meaning you can hang both your vintage Bianchi and your fixy. Win! $79 from Public Bikes.
Michelangelo Two Bike Gravity Stand, $75
The Visually + Mentally Stimulating Poster: If Egon Schiele were alive today, he’d probably live in Williamsburg. Celebrate him with this self-portrait poster. $49.99 from All Posters.
Egon Schiele Self-Portrait with Chinese Lantern and Fruits, $49.99
The Serious Lamp: This factory-chic pendant says ‘I care about lighting—even if I rarely pay the electric bill on time.’ $69.99 from IKEA.
HEKTAR Pendant lamp, $69.99
The (Over)Statemet Pillow: Finally, a pillow that urges readers to spend less time playing video games and lazing away in Wi-Fi cafes. $39 from Urban Outfitters.
Wordboner Carpe Diem Pillow, $39.00
The Cheap Storage Solution: Keep your carefully curated LP collection at easy reach in vibrant blue milk crates. $6.99 each from Container Store.
Authentic Dairy Crate, $6.99
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11:
Perhaps the ongoing national gun control debate is to blame, but I’m really into bullets at the moment. Not the kind I’d actually want to shoot from a gun, mind you, but of the more decorative variety. And wouldn’t you know, there’s a surprising amount of ammo décor floating around out there.
With a brass casing and foldable stainless-steel blade, this Magnum Bullet would make a killer cheese knife. $5.88 from Amazon.
Magnum Bullet Knife
Just in time for Father’s Day, this 5.25” long bottle opener is made from a demilitarized .50 caliber bullet casing. $16 from Cool Material.
50 Caliber Bullet Bottle Opener
Bite the bullet and write a loved one a real paper letter with this brass pen. It fits inside a .375 H&H Magnum shell that also functions as a stand. $21.25 from Uncommon Good.
BULLET PEN AND REFILL
Though decorative ice cube trays rarely produce any truly discernible shapes, you probably know someone really into making “killer” cocktails who would get a kick out of owning an ice cube bullet tray. $5.65 on Ebay.
Ice Cube Bullets
Toughen up your bulletin board with a set of nickel bullet pushpins. $6.95 from Artfire.
Auto Nickel Bullet Push Pins
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