What a crock!

Summer may not seem the time for thoughts of hot tea, but any time is a good time for funky items like these tea pots by Esther Derkx. This innovative designer screenprints retro photos of flirty gymnasts, dancers and divers onto vintage crockery, taking your great-grandmother’s fine china to a whole funkier (and fabulous) level. (-Allie)

Esther Derkx Improved Crockery Teapot, $120 (assorted styles) at ReForm School.

All Aflutter

Aren’t these the perfect little tea party napkins? They’re sweet, classic and have just the right right amount of whimsy. (-Moe)

Butterfly Napkins, $39 for set of four, at Wisteria.

Make An Entrance

Country Living magazine always features inspirational homes and ideas—and I was immediately smitten with this bungalow, by designer Ann Nicholson, decorated in all black, white and yellow. The front porch is especially chic with its black chandelier, ribbon-lined drapery (outdoor fabric, of course) and that punchy vibrant yellow door. Love it! The bright hue takes the small white craftsman to a whole new level. Opt for a boldly bright exterior paint in a hue like Benjamin Moore’s Sunshine yellow and make your neighbors jealous with your style. (-Allie)

Photo by Keith Scott Morton; Image from Country Living magazine.

Step on it!

First impressions truly are the most important—so make a statement before guests even make it through the front door. Door mats are a great way to set the tone for a home’s personality, and I’ve force-fed you thirteen stylish options so you have no choice but to throw one down. (-Allie)

[Left to right, from top:] Paris Sewer Cover Rug, $23.99 at Perpetual Kid. Hessum, $3.99 at Ikea. Delightful Doormats, Crown, $34 at Wisteria. Estrella Doormat, $16.95 at Pier 1 Imports. Garden Juniper Doormat, $25.99 on sale at Wrapables. Floral Doormat, $26.99 on sale at Smith & Hawken. Tree Study Doormat, $28 at Anthropologie. Bird on a Branch Coir Doormat, $39 at Smith & Hawken. Peacock Doormat, $14.99 at World Market. Delightful Doormats, Seashells, $34 at Wisteria. Trampa, $12.99 at Ikea. Paisley Doormat, $16.95 at Pier 1 Imports. Bicycle Doormat, 18×30, $28 at Garnet Hill.

Flamingo Fabulous

[You know how when you spend a lot of time with someone you eventually start thinking alike, or dressing alike? Well…both things have happened with Moe and me. And this post is a great example of that. I had today’s post all picked out and ready to go long before I spotted her Daily Ob yesterday. I guess great minds do think alike…and apparently they love flamingos…]

In February I bought two pink plastic flamingos to spruce up my tiny Upper East Side backyard. At first, many scoffed at my kitsch decor idea. It’s been a few months, but those retro babies have grown on my initial naysayers. And I have no doubt that these little lovelies by Bailey Doesn’t Bark—white porcelain cups donned with burnt-sienna flamingos and 23k gold detailing—will capture the hearts of those anti-flamingoites in an instant. (-Allie)

Flamingos and Trees cup set, $57 for set of 2 by Bailey Doesn’t Bark.

Naturally Chic

Recognizing that not all of our readers are women, I thought it time for me to put together a more “masculine” space. Of course I (a woman) would feel absolutely at home in this richly hued “au naturel” room, as I think many women would—a compromise, perhaps, for the newlyweds fighting between shabby-chic and bachelor-pad black leather?… A cognac-colored wall sets a bold tone but then is subdued by more neutral accents. I love a single pop of orange for some extra interest. Men, what do you think? And ladies, is it livable? (-Allie)

[Clockwise from top:] Paint: Chair Spice by Behr, Alexandria Beige, Kona and Seedling by Ben by Benjamin Moore.  Wine Barrel Wall Clock (25” diam.) by Ty Pennington, $249 at Grandin Road. Marcello Umbrella Holder (used as dry vase), $79.95 at Z Gallerie. Bresson Rocker, $1,798 at Anthropologie. Venetian Bamboo-Leg Table, $399 at Wisteria. Round Sardonyx Box, $19.95 at Patina. Barnard Lamp, $575 at Jayson Home & Garden. Classic Herringbone Synthetic Rug, 5×8’, $199 at Pottery Barn.

Squawk Box

Okay, I have a bit of a thing for flamingos (see here). But I sure do love this streched canvas art – it’s perky and bold, and if you don’t like lavender, it comes in eight other colors! (-Moe)

Flamingo in Purple from Animals Collection, $59 for 12×12 inch, at Avalisa.

The Thomas Paul Adoration Continues…

I currently have two dreams: 1. Someday purchase and decorate my own beach house—where these new fabulously coastal-chic pillows will be right at home. 2. Eventually meet the marvel behind these pillows, Thomas Paul, and give him an enthusiastic high five. (-Allie)

Sail Seafarer Jute Pillow (22×22), $80; Anchor Seafarer Jute Pillow (18×18), $70; Hero Seafarer Jute Pillow (18×18), $70; Shipped Seafarer Jute Pillow (12×20), $70; Moby Seafarer Jute Pillow (12×20), $70; all available at PillowsandThrows.com.

Inspired by…

Moe and I are constantly out scouring the web for the most fab in home design. Much of the time we’re searching retailers and furniture designers for the latest goods, but we also spend countless time reading other design blogs to see what inspires our fellow decor addicts. House of Turquoise is definitely one of my favorites. And this post featuring a bedroom from the British Mag Ideal Home (and the House to Home web site) has me dreaming of a bedroom redo. I wonder if Le Boyfriend would allow such a fab-femme boudoir?… ANYWAY. In honor of this beautiful post by House of Turquoise, I was inspired to hunt down some beautiful (and affordable) tufted headboards of my own. Sweet dreams… (-Allie)

[clockwise from top right:] Hollie Tufted Headboard (in Turquoise), $299 for queen at JCPenney. Orleans Tufted Headboard (in Sapphire Blue), $329.99 at Target. Wingback Silk Headboard (in Tide Pool), $475 for queen at Urban Outfitters. Ava Velvet-Tufted Headboard (in White), $469 for queen at Home Decorators. Shantung Fancy Tufted Headboard (in Woodrose), $349 for queen at Home Decorators. Hollie Tufted Headboard (in Kiwi) $299 for queen at JCPenney. Avignon Velvet Bed (in Pool), $569.99 for queen at Target.

Pretty (non)Plants

[Insert some canned statement about a brown thumb and “no-kill” plants here.] Really, I’ve just long loved these things. They’ve been on the market for a while but I thought now (for some reason) was the time to share them. And if you do have a brown thumb and are on the hunt for hard-to-kill plants, consider these a challenge…. (-Allie)

Set of Three White Porcelain Cactus by Tozai Home, $120.50 (limited stock!) at Bellacor.