What: Whale Tongs

Where: MoMA – $25 in bamboo
Design House Stockholm $50 in jamjuree wood

Why We Love It: Former lighthouse keeper and officer in the British Merchant Navy, David Mayhew was inspired by the flukes of a whale’s tail for the design of these graceful, handcrafted tongs. Made from renewable bamboo or jamjuree wood, the simple design features a clever magnetic hinge that pulls apart that allows you to use the two parts separately or in unison. Plus, it makes it easier for cleaning purposes and when it comes time to stow them away, the two parts nestle nicely together for streamlined storage. Smart.

What: Recycled Milled Steel Planters

Where: Sprout Home – $39.75+

Why We Love It: Bilt has us dreaming of lazy summer afternoons lounging with a cool cocktail in hand—mmm, mimosas, mojitos, coladas, hurricanes–to match the colors of these geometrical planters. Love how they blend the rugged and industrial feel of the exposed seams, imperfect edges, recycled steel, with a light and airy feel courtesy of those candy colors and carefree, intentionally imprecise layers.

Made in the USA from at least 50% recycled milled steel and finished with a varied aged enamel, there are small cracks between the stacked layers which makes for good, so best for outdoor use, a wee bit more maintenance involved for indoor use. Available in a variety of sizes–cubes, low cubes, and rectangles–and colors–yellow, aqua blue, retro green, and orange.

What: Colorblocked Balloon Cutting Board

Where: Anthropologie – $128-$248

Why We Love It: So yes, paying $248 for a cutting board is a bit excessive, nonetheless, we are ‘pining’ for these colorblocked cutting boards (sensing a DIY project is in order). These high quality boards have that heirloom quality–like they were found in an old farmhouse beneath a fresh baked loaf of bread. Meticulously handcrafted in Philadelphia from locally sourced Sycamore trees, they are colored with a food-safe milk paint that gives it that yummy hand dipped feel. The final finish is a food-safe mineral to protect the integrity of the wood.

If you are will to splurge on one of these eye pleasing boards, they are certainly worth displaying whether on the wall or as a serving board. Built-in leather handles and cut-outs make hanging easy–helps with drying too!

What: Free Bird Bad Habits Lunch Tote

Where: MightyNest – $21.95

Why We Love It: “Bad Habits are Disposable Good Habits are Reusable” is a good motto to live by, and this reusable lunch tote from Rebel Green makes it easier to embrace good habits like skipping the brown bag at lunch time. Made in the USA from 100% organic cotton and printed with low impact inks, this cheeky tote is great for lunches on the go for kids or grown-ups. Pair it with a reusable cloth napkin for added ‘green.’

What: Mum Hand-Tufted Wool Rug

Where: Inhabit – $142+

Why We Love It: Come middle of January, we are ready for change of scenery inside and out. Something to offset the drabness of winter, and this mix of poppy red, soy, amber, looks beautiful against its cool grey background – and has us feeling much more optimistic about the color grey. It’s not often that you see these colors in combination, so it adds a little bit of the unexpected to any room in your home. Varying loop pile heights add texture and dimension.

Inhabit’s collection of area rugs are hand-tufted from hand-dyed 100% New Zealand wool. The construction is performed by artisans and craftsman using techniques handed down from generation to generation creating an heirloom quality result. And they come GOODWEAVE USA certified which means their rugs are child-labor-free.

Available in a variety of color weaves, patterns, and sizes.

What: White Blocks

Where: Fort Standard – $85

Why We Love It: For the grown-up who never outgrew playing with blocks, or for the kid who prefers a more sophisticated toy, this artfully designed set from Gregory Buntain and Ian Collings of Fort Standard challenges block-building abilities of kids of all ages. Whether played as a game in the vein of Jenga or as personal pursuit, these faceted blocks add an interactive element to your coffee table or bookshelf. Both decorative and entertaining, we like the idea of leaving your creation on display or corralling the blocks in a decorative bowl awaiting the next architect.

Each piece is made from salvaged hardwood scraps collected from local Brooklyn furniture shops and finished with a non-toxic white paint. The 10-block set comes packaged in a handy silk screened cotton drawstring bag.

What: City Wall Throw

Where: Design Within Reach – $298 $178.80

Why We Love It: Suki Cheema, a former print designer for Diane von Furstenberg, is celebrated for his globally inspired textiles and blending traditional weaving techniques with rich colors and inspired patterns. Taking cues from the brick-and-mortar fort walls built by the Maharajas, the City Wall Throw features a patchwork of patterns in black and white that would be right at home in a modern, casual, or traditional living space.

Cheema works with local artisans in India to execute his designs (the Indonesian collection of throws is our favorite – still trying to track down the Taquile Black/White Throw – love). The City Wall throw is handwoven of 100% cotton with all-natural dyes.

What: Dino Desk Lamp

Where: Voos – $220

Why We Love It: Created by architect and industrial designer Deger Cengiz, this quirky lamp is certainly a one of a kind and definitely the only lamp we’ve ever seen covered in all natural wool felt. Swoon. It’s the perfect blend of fun and function.

It makes our desk lamp seem so one dimensional. With the Dino, it’s like having a comforating pet in the office, one that can nurture a plant or protect your pens and hidden snacks, all while providing light where you need it most courtesy of a flexible neck. And it’s not needy like most pets; a single, long-lasting LED bulb will keep this little guy happy. (Yes, we’ve turned a desk lamp into a pet, but come on, how can you not?)

Available in grey, red, or green.

What: Nest Learning Thermostat

Where: Nest – $249

Why We Love It: The Nest Learning Thermostat is the iPod of the thermostat world; revolutionizing an oft overlooked object and making it smarter, sleeker, and well pleasing to the eye. And it’s no wonder, the Nest was designed by former Apple engineer, Tony Fadell, who was instrumental in the design of the iPod and iPhone.

But the real beauty of this programmable thermostat–other than it’s sexy design–is that it reacts to your behavior to create an energy efficient plan for your home. Over time, the Nest automatically adjusts the temperature settings based on your daily routine to create a schedule that conserves energy without compromising comfort, and, without you having to lift a finger. Unexpected cold front? Access the Nest on the road with your iPhone or through the Nest website, so you can be sure your house is warm and toasty by the time you reach the front door. When the Nest Leaf icon appears on the dial, it indicates that your current settings are saving energy and consequently money. Quite clever.

What: KeepCups Reusable Mugs

Where: Amazon – $10+

Why We Love It: New Year’s Resolution No. 4: Embrace reusables. Santa was good to us this year and dropped this fabulous little to-go cup in our stocking making this resolution a breeze. The easy-slide spout and sealable top keeps spill to a minimum and the color combinations are just fab! If given all the options and if can’t find combination that delights, design your own custom cup at Keepcups.com.

Your neighborhood barista will appreciate that the cups come in standard coffee shop sizing and fit with their machines, so whether an espresso, latter, or americano is your drink de jour, there is a cup to fit. For those who are creatures of habit, simply mark your preferences on the embossed silicone band and hand it to your barista.

Made from lightweight, BPA-free plastic and silicone they are dishwasher safe, microwaveable, and splash proof.