Archive for the ‘new products’ Category

We love textile design and especially Japanese fabrics so we were thrilled when we found these pin cushions made from antique kimono fabric. They are handmade by a retired couple in Japan, the husband does the wood part and the wife does the kimono bit (she has been collecting kimonos for years). It is the perfect gift for someone who sews or someone who loves textiles.

And Katsumi Yumioka’s book, Kimono and the Colors of Japan, (pictured below) gives a beautiful visual instruction on the meaning of kimono colors in Japanese culture.

It has been 2 1/2 years now since Joanne & I started abitare. Sometimes we work so hard I don’t take time to reflect on all that we have accomplished! But now that we’ve hired some wonderful employees, I have a little more time lately to pat myself on the back and enjoy. What brings me the most joy & fulfillment are the relationships that we have built with many incredible artists & artisans. I think because we are two women who love art and making things ourselves, we are drawn to the work of female artists. Of course we carry plenty of “man-made” products as well, but it brings me special satisfaction to feature the work of these amazing women! So over the next few weeks I will post about some of our favorite female artists.

Skinny laMinx is an illustrator, designer and writer living in South Africa. The images on these 100% cotton tea towels and aprons are screen prints of her own illustrations.

“Borrowed Spoons” in Red & Stainless Steel
This design is inspired by Skinny’s own wooden spoon collection. Tea towels $16/ea, aprons $25/ea.

“Orla” in Dark Charcoal Grey & Chartreuse
An homage to Orla Keily’s famous stem pattern. Tea towels $16/ea, aprons $25/ea.

Hand + Cole wedding plans are really moving along. I’m now fully into picking linens, glasses, and flowers. One little touch I’ve decided on for the tables…we just got these handmade stone place card holders in the store. I love the whimsical, organic look. I am going to use them for the place cards and then give them away to each guest. They can also be used as a photo holder!

I promise this is not just an excuse to post a photo of my adorable little niece! We just got these new baby sheepskins in the store. Caroline adores it and so will the baby in your life! The baby sheepskin is all natural and fully washable. The natural wool keeps baby warm and cosy in cold weather and in warm weather, wool absorbs moisture, which is then released into the air keeping baby dry and comfortable. It also makes a fabulous baby gift! $87

We’re crazy about these new indoor/outdoor mats from Sweden. They’re woven from 50% recycled plastic and polyester, are resistant to rain and mold, and–here comes the best part–the smaller sized mats can be washed in the machine! We think they’re perfect for beach houses, kitchens, porches, mud rooms, gyms.

We are starting to get our new fall things into the store and we couldn’t be more excited! I love these felt cubes we found at ICFF this year. The bright colors and soft edges are perfect for households with kids yet they are sophisticated enough for the living room. Perfect for use as an ottoman or put a tray on top to make a great coffee table!
(17”x17”x17”, $122)

These colorful rubber coasters and trivets are hand made and look like Mediterranean tiles. They are heat resistant, waterproof and dishwasher safe and packaged in great display boxes. Perfect hostess gifts!
coasters (box of 4) $24

trivet, 7”x7” $24

We just got Compagnie de Provence’s newest scent, wild rose, into the shop. I love the pink packaging and the rose scent (like all of their scents) is amazing!

16.9 oz pure marseille soap in glass dispenser $20

pure wax and coprah oil candle $31

In trying to describe our shop to my Danish friends, I learned a wonderful new word: ‘hygge’. Hygge doesn’t have a direct translation in English but means something close to: living simply but living well, taking time and energy to create a beautiful living space, surrounding yourself with things that inspire you. Hygge is to the Danes what Chic is to the French. It is a way of life that has always been very close to my heart but I never had a word for it, until now! My Danish friends were pleased with the explanation that the shop sells hygge to Americans. So was I! Here are some items that might increase hygge in your home:

white flower hooks for your wall from a wonderful young swedish designer.

ceramic egg cup & adorable felt egg cosy (coming to the shop fall/winter in lots of great colors!)


ceramic votive holder. gives off the most beautiful light.

birchwood tray & trivet set. perfect for serving dinner to friends!


reuseable nylon shopping bag. take one to the farmers market. very hygge!
(only $8 and available in red, aqua, olive, fuchsia and grey)

We just got this new Compagnie de Provence Extra Pur bar soap in the store
and I brought some home to try it out. I love the bright color of
the box and the big, oversized bar. It is super gentle on your skin and
the lemony verbena scent is so fresh and summery. And it is
hypoallergenic and completely free from colorants and animal fats.

I can’t wait to try the summer grapefruit and fig scents next!

Bring your host our new bread basket. It will add instant style to any table. This fabric basket is made from 100% cotton canvas and comes in seven irresistable colors. There’s only one problem, you’ll have a hard time deciding which color to buy!