Martini Side Table

The new 'Martini' side table caught my eye during a trip to West Elm this past week. At only 15" in diameter, they are the perfect size for smaller spaces and lightweight. So, they can easy to moved around the room to provide a convenient landing space for all those extra drinks during cocktail parties. Go for classic white or opt for sizzling persimmon. Both are powder-coated aluminum and can stand up to outdoor use --- Those summer soirées are just around the corner (I know it's hard to believe when so many are  buried in snow at the moment!). The silver is equally as stylish, but not recommended for outdoors. Did I mention the price is just $129? A total steal!

A Perfect Pair: Emeco Aluminum + Wood Collection

In collaboration with British designer, Michael Young, this new collection (called Lancaster) from American company, Emeco, will debut this April in Milan at the Salone Internazionale del Mobile and will be available for order in May 2010. The combination of carved ash and aluminum is a whole new look for Emeco and I like it! Young paired the two materials after learning that Emeco partners with an Amish factory in Lancaster PA, where the ash wood components could be produced. He is "passionate about working with natural materials that live for ever" and considers wood and metal two that humans easily connect with. Also to note, the chairs can be stacked five high - smart for a space that needs flexible seating! 

On the horizon for Emeco is a chair made from recycled plastic that will retail for a fraction of the price of the already affordable and classic Navy collection. I'll keep you posted about that as more details become available! 

Candy from Heartbreakers Design

Simply said, a coffee table needs to be multi-functional.  Why have a big hunk of furniture, no matter how beautiful, in the middle of your living room that only acts a landing surface? There's usually a lot of activity around this staple piece of furniture including playing games, serving drinks, channel surfing, working on your laptop, reading magazines...I could go on and on. That's why I love to see smart designs that incorporate storage, seating, even serving pieces like this table from Heartbreakers Design. It goes way beyond its simple title of coffee table to also act as an ottoman and include a serving tray. Plus, that big bottom shelf would be perfect for storing giant art books, magazines or board games. It puts the multi in multi-functional!