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Daily Delight: The Avengers USB Sticks

by Farima Alavi May 10, 2012 5 Comments

I’m personally not really into superheroes, but I had to check out what all the hype was behind the movie The Avengers. I am now a converted superhero lover, and these USB sticks designed by Dane-Elec are a good way to show off my new-found obsession at work. My favorite is the Hulk smash — it sends a “don’t mess with me” message. Iron Man is a close second since his eyes light up when plugged in, but I could really use Captain America’s shield — if it can shield us from evil extraterrestrials then it can shield my computer from viruses, right? What’s your favorite superhero? Tell us in the comments below.

The Avengers USB sticks

Daily Delight: Gifts for Every Mom

by Farima Alavi May 7, 2012 6 Comments

It’s that time of year again — when you show your mom how much you appreciate her. Since Mother’s Day is approaching (and since I’m in a good mood), I thought I would share more than one delight today to help you pick the right gift.

For the mom with a green thumb: Your mom won’t need much of a green thumb to keep this tillandsia plant by Terrain alive. The kit includes everything you need from the actual plant to the tear drop glass.

Tillandsia Plant

For the culinary mom: If your mom loves to cook and appreciates a nice bouquet of flowers, then this kitchen utensil bouquet by AlwaysFits.com would be a great gift to give. The set comes with all the essential utensils a cook needs, and you can display it as a bouquet on the counter when it isn’t in use. So clever.

Kitchen Utensil Bouquet

For the eco-friendly mom: This patterned compact tote bag by Blue Avocado is an eco-friendly way for your mom to carry her lunch. It comes in different colors and is made with recycled materials. I may have to add this to my own wish list.

Eco-Friendly Tote Bag

For the tea-loving mom: If your mom loves iced tea, then this cafe-style iced tea brewer by Olive and Cocoa is the ultimate gift. You make the hot tea in the top pitcher and pour it over ice into the bottom pitcher for freshly made iced tea. Tea never looked or tasted so good!

Iced Tea Brewer

And to really top off your mom’s special day, throw her a memorable, elegant brunch. Do you have any special plans for your mother this year? Tell us in the comments below.

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Feeling Lucky? Try A Bold Green Hue

by Liz Gray March 13, 2012 9 Comments

Sure, copper is our official color of the month, but vibrant green is the unofficial color of every March thanks to spring and, oh yeah, a little holiday full of green beer and four-leaf clovers. But this year, it’s also having a moment on it’s own, from spring fashion runway pieces (green shoes!) to home accent pieces to bedding to House Beautiful‘s March cover story. In honor of this fabulous hue (and St. Patrick’s Day), here are 5 rooms that celebrate vibrant green with style.

Design by Tobi Fairley; photo by Nancy Nolan

Designer Tobi Fairley blanketed this room with a neutral backdrop to allow the bold kelly green fabrics and lamps to shine.

Design by Emily Henderson

Designer Emily Henderson gave this small sunroom a burst of color and pattern with vintage-inspired carpet and ’50s vinyl chairs.

Design by Brian Patrick Flynn

Red and green? It can work post-December. Really. Designer Brian Patrick Flynn’s secret: Add dark brown. Depending on which color is selected as dominant, this combination can take on either a masculine or feminine vibe.

Brian Patrick Flynn Green Walk-In Closet

Design by Brian Patrick Flynn

Bold, saturated greens can lighten up the darkest of spaces, like this no-window walk-in closet. Vintage white accents juxtapose the super-preppy green-and-brown color scheme.

Design by Linda Woodrum

The lush green shade on the walls of this bedroom in HGTV Dream Home 2009 is at once bold and relaxing. Designer Linda Woodrum used the same hue for walls and ceiling to create extra height in this luxurious space. Feeling, ahem, green with envy yet?

What do you think: Is there a bright green room in your future?

What the…? Ready to Rumble

by Anna Millman September 14, 2011 17 Comments

Milk the clock. Offside. Scrimmage. Tight end. Hut hut. Wing back. One of these gridiron phrases is a clue to this week’s mystery object.
HGTV Design Blog - design game - What the...?
Be a star player. Leave your guess in the comments below. We’ll let you know tomorrow who scored first with the right answer.

What the…? Hook + Flex

by Anna Millman August 17, 2011 36 Comments

When I first spotted this object, it’s shape reminded me of a horseshoe crab. And while those ancient sea creatures are the last thing you’d want in your home, this contraption is designed to be used in a room you would want to be clean and free of germs.
HGTV design blog - what the...? guessing game
Here’s another clue. It just might make you healthier. What do you think it is?

Tell us in the comments below. Tomorrow we’ll reveal the answer and who guessed it right first.

What the…? Like a Rock

by Hilary Johnson August 10, 2011 13 Comments

While the scape of this week’s What the…? would likely peak the interest of hardcore rock-climbers, in reality it would be challenging to traverse because it’s so small.

What the...?

Take a hand at guessing what this is, and tell us in the comment area below. Tomorrow we’ll let you know if you were right.

Daily Delight: Paper Rhododendron Chandelier

by Briana Mowrey July 16, 2011 10 Comments

What do you get when you infuse an average paper lantern with a serious dose of flower power? Anthropologie’s Rhododendron Chandelier is a beautiful answer to that question.

Though the pendant is a big ball of blooms, the organic texture and ivory color remind me more of stony coral than the plant for which it was named. Or a pretty (albeit crinkly) polyhedron, if you want to get all math-y about it. But no matter what you think it resembles, its tranquil glow is sure to make any room blossom.

What the…? Misshapen Expectations

by Hilary Johnson July 13, 2011 15 Comments

This week’s odd looking object kind of resembles a misshapen golf ball, but that’s definitely not what it is. In fact, it’s way too large to fit in a golf bag.

What the...?

If you think you have a clue as to what this strange object is, leave your answer in the comment box below. And be sure to check back tomorrow to see if you were the first to guess correctly.

Dress Up Your Design! What Etsy Home Accessories Would You Buy With $500?

by Kayla Kitts June 6, 2011 11 Comments

Is one of your rooms in desperate need of an accessories makeover? Say goodbye to naked walls, empty shelves and outdated decor by uploading pictures or videos of your accessory-starved space for the chance to win up to $500 in brand new home decor from Etsy.com. And this month, designer Claire Watkins is going to make over one lucky person’s room from the entries received. So don’t wait any longer! Show HGTV just how much your space needs a helping hand and you could win.

Dress-Up-Your-Design-$500-Etsy-Accessories-Giveaway-HGTV-DesignHappens

Now, back to the question. What home accessories would you buy with $500? Personally, my living room is feeling a little tired, so here are my top five accessory picks/needs. Share yours, too!

Kayla’s Living Room Accessory Wish List:

1. A sleek and stylish area rug to make the living room feel more cozy

2. Matching frames and new artwork to give my photo wall a more balanced and cohesive look

3. Brand new accent and throw pillows that haven’t lost their form

4. An eye-catching floor lamp to illuminate the entire room

5. Antique and vintage knickknacks to liven up my bookshelves

Remember, upload pictures or videos of your accessory-starved space for the chance to win up to $500 in home decor from Etsy.com.

Daily Delight: Modern Coat Rack

by Lili Zarghami May 19, 2011 4 Comments

One of my perennial favorites, Blu Dot, made a noteworthy showing at ICFF this year. The company designs furniture that is functional while remaining aesthetically pleasing and not so serious.

blu dot coat rack

Blu Dot unveiled a new line products at ICFF, among them this powder-coated steel and walnut coat rack. Representative of their fresh designs, this piece is more even more refined than previous pieces without losing the company’s sense of fun with its bright, shiny colors. No need for a coat rack? Then use it instead as a modern sculpture.