Down to a Science

When I was little, I often used my uncle’s chemistry set to conduct groundbreaking studies on rock candy formation. Playing around with all that lab-grade equipment always made me feel like such a grown-up. The instruments’ sci-fi-ish orbs and tapered lines seemed to defy gravity—and left a lasting impression.


Bendy beakers and lanky cylinders, once reserved for science class, can easily be turned into gorgeous, useful objets design:

• Fill an Erlenmeyer flask (right) with change and it instantly becomes a stately, easy-access coin bank. Cork it with an appropriately sized rubber stopper to complete the look.

• Cluster three to four volumetric (left) or graduated cylinders and Bomex filtering flasks, and place one or two Sprengeri fern fronds (right)
in each one. Group containers together or scatter them throughout your home to provide continuity between rooms.
• Create a cheerily unexpected tableau by securing test tubes (below right), filled with single stems of
scented muscari (left), in a wooden rack.










Place the arrangement on top of your bathroom’s toilet tank, or on a shelf.

• Start a miniature greenhouse in a large bell jar (right).
You can also use this to start bulbs (in any season) and grow luscious tropical plants that your cat can’t get at.

• Stow beauty supplies like cotton balls and Q-Tips in screw-top
flint glass jars (left). Store whole grains, cereals, and pasta in doctor’s office-worthy Pyrex receptacles.

• Corral desk accessories, like pens and pencils, in various-sized Griffin beakers (below). ♥A.

Ruffle a Few Feathers

Graceful and poised, and first introduced some 300 years ago, footed servers have officially made their comeback—and show no signs of waning in popularity.

Use a ruffled, Potluck Studios’ stand (from $35; Feather Your Nest) as a charming platform for prosciutto-wrapped cantaloupe wedges, bunches of green and red grapes, or a bevy of mild cheeses. This charming ditty reminds me of the edge of a perfect pie crust and its subdued, feminine style speaks cheeky ’50s.

You could also create a diminutive natural scene with by encasing a bird’s nest (complete with robin’s eggs), a bouquet of pheasant feathers, or a pile of colorful seashells on the stand, with in a clear glass bell jar or cloche. Think of it as a DIY showcase that discourages dust—the added coverage also conjures up some serious curiosity-shop wonder. For a perfect fit, the dome’s diameter should be about ½” smaller than the size of the base. Anchor Hocking makes simple, inexpensive cover-ups (along with servers) of varying sizes. Obviously, cake stands aren’t just for tarts. ♥A.

One Lump or Two?

Although I’m no coffee drinker, I always think it’s so classy whenever someone serves up the joe with chic accoutrements. This gorgeous sugar and creamer set is understated—and so hot—and works just as well for oolongers, too. Rare Device, an impossibly cool Brooklyn shop, carries this, and some of the best, most affordable, innovative design items. And be advised: This trio, by Sagaform, can be effortlessly repurposed and will work double-duty in the bedroom as your boudoir tray, a bedside water carafe, and a precious jewel box. ♥A.

Hospitality? Sweet!

It’s the little details that I love.
I pounced on some deliciously cheap hand towels at Pearl River when I first saw them a couple of years ago. It's now my go-to source for all things dish-and-hand. (It sells amazing, patterned tableware, too!) Pearl began as a little-known boon for designers and smart shoppers and quickly grew into a larger Manhattan mainstay. Now PR’s got eCommerce, so everyone benefits.

These towels aren’t matchy-matchy at all: Their bold colors look great with everything in my 50’s-style tiled bathroom (yes, I rent). The cordial goodMorning (above) is $1.95 and the cheerful double happiness terrycloths are $3.50 each and bound to wow weekend guests.

I think that peppering your abode with some strategically placed whimsy is essential because it makes it clear that you’re not taking things too seriously. Odd, charming items are great fun to look at—and they always make you feel more at home.

Pair them up with these tiny glycerin soaps ($1.95 each)... ...or a few of these sandalwood (3 for $1.75) numbers.

All make for thoughtful, chic parting gifts, too. ♥A.