Birthday Candle Cake

At last, a calorie-free way to enjoy yummy-looking cake. This stands about 10-inches tall, and the top tier is replaceable, making it possible to enjoy birthday cake for a very long time.
@ Moss, $175

Amy Butler Rugs

I've been lusting after a handcrafted rug from Amy Butler's new collection for Chandra since I saw them last summer. These giant carved flowers in gorgeous colors would make the most boring room look amazing. These pics are from a slideshow on her site, and each one is a total knockout.
@ Velocity, $108-$1466

Corkscrew Prints by Barbara Cosgrove

Multiples can make such a dramatic impact. These corkscrew prints, designed by Barbara Cosgrove, are pretty cool on their own. But they become downright exceptional displayed in a group. Plus, who knew there was so much variety among vintage corkscrews.
@ Decor Interiors, $253

Industrial + Girlie Chic

Convention dictates that industrial chic is the antithesis of all thing girlie.

Industrial style is synonymous with rough, unpolished finishes, salvaged scraps, bare-bones utility and edgy looks. It does not involve chandeliers or ruffles or bursts of pink. And yet -- as this lovely Laurel Canyon home that was recently featured in House Beautiful proves -- it's a killer combination. And one that convinces me that galvanized steel should never be without an explosion of flowers or white, rumpled bed linens.

India Ink Bedding at Anthropologie

I've been loving the drama that happens with high-contrast black-and-white designs lately, and it looks especially amazing when paired with a lot of color. The inky, ornate brushstrokes make this black-and-white bedding set is quite impressive. Not only that, but the 400-thread count cotton its printed on promises some serious luxury.
@ Anthropologie, $48-$208

Ideas for a Romantic Bedroom

House Beautiful has a nice slide-show, featuring some romantic bedrooms from past issues. Some basics ideas (which could be worth translating at home) in all the rooms are: the pale color schemes, dramatic headboards and the emphasis on curvy, sculptural shapes.

Personally, I love the muted colors used in these rooms. It's tough to make pastels like peach and lavender look good... too often, you get Easter egg instead of elegant. But using heavy neutral gray/taupe undertones keep ensure these bedrooms look quiet and sophisticated.

Simplified: Zebra Print

Splashy stripes are a great way to jazz up a room. Zebra stripes are fun and edgy, without going overboard. They complement all kinds of decor and their black-and-white appeal is timeless, so it makes sense to splurge on bigger pieces.

Bobby chair @ Jayson Home, $2,495. Photo frame @ Amazon, $22. Lampshade @ Layla Grace, $212. Jacquard towel set @ Pottery Barn, $9-$29. Handblown glass vase @ Etsy, $184. Hadley bench @ Jayson Home, $2,550. Hide rug @ Modern Dose, $425.

Rapid Transit Signage

These signs -- evocative of vintage signs in New York subways -- add a touch instant character to a room. They're screen-printed on sheet steel, which give them a great weather, urban feel. Now, we typically like to hunt for stuff like this at flea markets and thrift stores, but sometimes everyone needs a shortcut.
@ Sundance, $120

Tracey Capone Photography

These photo prints manage to capture that glamorous, slightly shabby look that -- to us, anyways -- instantly makes a room. We found these fine art prints, by Tracey Capone, while poking around Etsy, and instantly 'favorited' her store. Lovely work that would add some tattered, wabi sabi chic to a space.
@ Tracey Capone Photography, from $30

Mademoiselle Silhouette Mobile

This darling little mobile was inspired by 19th century silhouette and glass blowing artisans. There's a boy version as well, with silhouettes of a man, a boy and a boxer. They're laser cut from cotton fiber museum board, and hang about two feet. So sweet.
@ Rare Device, $32

Map Chest

This dresser is one of those pieces that would really stand out in an underwhelming office or family room. We can't quite imagine putting it in a master bedroom, but we'd definitely love the look in a kids' room. It would add a little whimsy to a guest bedroom.
@ Wisteria, $999

Decorating Strategies from Sunset Magazine

Sunset Magazine has a nice online feature with 14 quickie decorating tips. You're probably seen and heard much of this advice before, but it's always helpful to revisit them in a new context. It could turn on a lightbulb. Here are a few tips that we liked, starting with Strategy No. 1: Choose pieces with meaning (above). The clash between a modern painting and a rustic fanciful cabinet looks great.

Strategy No. 4: Use practical items as accents. Spices, pasta, teapots, colanders and other kitchen basics are all used in this warm, welcoming look.

Strategy No. 13: Use a dramatic backdrop. In this case, a chocolate wall makes gleaming white furniture and matted black and white photos pop in stark relief.

How lovely are these delicate, airy shades? They are handmade by a Chicago artisan, who embroiders daisies and vintage-looking flowers onto lace and sheers. Shown here are the Daisy Chain hanging pendant (day and night) and the Shoegaze shade. One of our favorite things about these shades is the way they change from subtle and charming in the day, to dramatic and striking at night.
@ Nice, $138

Cursive Knobs from Anthropologie

These pretty typography knobs could help update to lackluster cabinets or drawers. They'd also add a lot of style if you want to add a personal, feminine touch to inexpensive pieces, like Ikea's Malm dressers. And the letters can serve to organize your stashed stuff.
@ Anthropologie, $12