I don’t even know how to categorize this one. Cute concept - not sure how effective the execution is. Here’s the explanation from unica home where you can get one for $12.

“so what is a message bean? it’s an ordinary bean, carefully laser etched in such a way that when the bean germinates and sprouts into a small plant ( this usually takes 1 – 2 weeks ), the bean itself is imprinted with ‘happy birthday’, ‘thank you’, ‘love’ or ‘good luck’.

each bean comes ready to grow in it’s own canister, which doubles as a planter ( although you could re-plant it anywhere you like ). it includes soil as well, so all you have to do is add water.”

Neato.

I’m tired today so it will be short and sweet. The gorgeous Amenity design that’s on their bedding also comes in print format. Selected ones are on sale for $300 - $320 for either 70×100 or 100×100 flats. You will still have to stretch it yourself or get a framing place to do it for you. For a sneak peak of Amenity’s latest release, check out design*sponge’s post.

The coolest humidifier on this planet is now available in the US here for $249. Made for Plus Minus Zero of Japan by Naoto Fukazawa. Former IDEO brainchild, Fukawasa has since exhibited his work from 7 brands, B&B ITALIA, Driade, Artemide, Danese, Magis, at international furniture show（Milan Salone Internazionale del Mobile）in 2005.

The “aroma” humidifier is one of the most popular item in his product line of Plus Minus Zero and has since been around the block and back in terms of press. I want the blue one.

Despite various buzz around Project Runway, I have to admit I have not seen a single episode of it until today. Aside from Heidi being unexpectedly bland, the show does have that Apprentice season one appeal. One of thing I love about the show is how they decorated the contestants’ living quarters. Bold, dramatic, modern - their selections fit just right in every camera shot. On one little section of it I saw an accent wall that reminds me of Brad Teasdale’s work I saw at BrooklynDesign a little while back — which is why I am now posting about him. Below is a snippet of his philosophy from his website. Beautiful work.

“I use glass, concrete, metal and wood to reinterpret classic themes with modern technique and function. My work is a reminder that fine art need not be separate from ultilitarian purpose. Above all, I strive to communicate the joy that nature and great art inspire; and I am committed to using sustainably harvested materials with ecological responsibility.”

I first discovered how utterly difficult it was to find the perfect planter for our (now dead) 6′ palm last spring. Most of the stores I know around NY area don’t really showcase planters of that size. It make sense since hardly anybody have any outdoor space, let alone indoors. Maybe I wasn’t looking at the right places but it sure took me forever to find anything that is remotely modern. I’m not a big fan of terra cotta or your run-the-mill ceramic stuff that seem to be all garden centers carry. The above picks are from PlantContainers.com, a seemingly obvious choice that somehow didn’t come up on first search. These planters are made of fiberglass, which is not heavy at all - perfect for patios or rooftops that have weight constraints. There are various finishes fit for both indoor and outdoor. I think they all come with drainholes. We picked up the Gallery Terra Planter in graphite (from $37 - $1073 depending on sizes), shown right. On the left is their Horizon Planter line, also nice as well (from $93-$225). Now that the palm is dead, it is getting great use as a glorified beer bucket for the time being.

When a fresh seasonal catalog arrive you know good stuff from last season typically goes on sale. This lovely tumbleweed bedding from west elm is now a steal. Duvet covers from $39.99-$49.99 and shams for $16.99. It’ll be gone faster than you think.

Note on westelm bedding: They are not as comfy as they look. Despite the decent threadcount and gorgeous print design, these sheets wrinkle like there’s no tomorrow in the dryer.

For those of you who knew the fate of my last cellphone knows why this new SonyEricsson SO902iWP+ is just perfect for me (thanks jae! via Gizmodo). Waterproof *and* pretty *and* comes in orange. It sure doesn’t get any better than this. Unlike other “water-resistant” phones, this phone actually is waterproof - i.e. you can pick up your calls under water. Figuring out how to talk on the phone under water is optional. When it’s done dipping, you can use the hip otsu wipies to clean your baby. Unfortunately it is only available in Japan at the moment. It won’t be long until it hits the US shore.

What’s FOMA? From wikipedia
“FOMA, officially short for Freedom of Mobile Multimedia Access, is the brand name for the 3G services being offered by Japanese mobile phone operator NTT DoCoMo”

Translate: faster download time and browsing experience. I think.

The Japanese has thought of everything. Available online at Vegan Mart (don’t ask how I found this) for $6.00, these little cellphone cleaners attach as trinklets on your phone (a must to complete the “japanese schoolgirl” look). No longer do you need to reach for your sleaves or the rims of your pants to wipe the face grease off your most important gadget.

Today was the first day I spotted the outlet link on Design Public site. I first started following them from when they were called Edge*Modern. They were showcased as a small business enterprise that uses Macromedia (now Adobe) technology successfully. Anyhoo, that’s not pillows. Let’s talk pillows.. Above are picks from their outlet store. There isn’t a lot in terms of quantity and color choices. Although you can buy directly from the site (use the outlet link), you have to be in the Bay Area to pick them up yourself. From left to right: Modern Basics Reed, Designers Eye Kvadrat, Inhabit Scribble, Modern Basic Dash, Three Sheets 2 the Wind Square, Designers Eye Accent, Variegated Branch, and Three Sheets 2 the Wind Rectangular. Most are about 30% off listed price. If you don’t want to sign up for their newsletter, the sample sale code is “sweetfreedom”. That’ll get you in. Outlet doesn’t have what you want? You can always try the non sale route.

Luxe Paperie always have beautiful selections of paper goodies. These new arrivals are made by hello!lucky. Origami garden, left, is $12 per boxed set. Vintage bloom, right, is the same price.