As you know, our site recently got a facelift.  In an effort to bring everything up to speed we are dusting off some old posts and cleaning them up a bit.  Many of them were written before we really knew what we were doing around here.  We've come a LONG way.

This flashback is from one of our very early posts.  I just love this project and still use it in my home everyday.  These hooks are perfect for keeping it all together and still having a place to hang your hat and/or jacket.  Check out the original post at Hooked on Storage: Toilet Flange Hook

Just a quick word to let you know about a very exciting upcoming post.  We were approached recently by HGTV to complete a project based on our Palette-able Patio Cocktail Table.  To complement the look of the cocktail table on the patio we added a hanging bar.

The use of discarded palettes made that project incredibly inexpensive to make.  Although the hardware added to the cost, the hanging bar still came in under $100.  Not bad for a super stylish piece of outdoor furniture.

The full instructions and lots of pictures will be posted soon at HGTV.  I will be sure to alert you the second it is there.  In the meantime, start gathering palettes.  Click continue reading for a sneak peek photo...

Lola is a bit of an expert where bird houses are concerned.  She's seen her fair share and knows what a modern girl likes.  Below we have highlighted some of our favorites from around the web.  

Note: Not all bird houses are for all birds.  On the other hand, some of these are so smart looking, they might just stay inside.

1. Roost Bodega Bird House at habitat design 
2. Birdhouse by cpopp workshop 
3. Nest Birdhouse by arcamita 
4. Birdy Modern Bird House by Vladmir Jackard at Nova 68
5. Burd-Haus by Nathan Danials at Papernstitch
6. Birdbottle Bird House at blend design 
7. Planter Bird House at Jardin Chic
8. Egg Bird House by Jim Schatz  
9. Anderes Bird House by Oliver Krapf at Stadtnomaden

Blogs have become a mainstay in web surfing.  Many business owners, including designers, have come to realize that to be competitive in the web sector a blog is no longer a gimmick, but a necessity.  Because of that, there are now thousands of blogs for you to use for inspiration.  Some are geared toward the blog author’s work while others discuss design in general.  

Here we have outlined 10 of our favorites.  There are many more that we love, but in an effort to keep the list short we sifted through many to provide you with what we think is a good starting list.  Do you have favorites that are not listed here?  Feel free to share a comment for the other readers.

savour… shared inspiration

Get the list and links after the jump...

Design and film go hand in hand.  The design of a film often makes the film and you didn’t even realize it.  Imagine your favorite film without the well crafted setting to convey the story.  I have found inspiration for design from many movies.  For example, the summer house in Something’s Gotta Give, with Jack Nicholson and Diane Keaton, is nothing short of a dream come true.

Designers have been putting their mark on films for decades.  Here you see some of the trademark work of renowned actor/designer William 'Billy' Haines from the Golden Age of Film.  Regarded as the quintessential Hollywood Regency designer, his low slung elbow chairs and chinoiserie dotted parlors and living rooms of upscale homes all over Hollywood.

(pictures from www.williamhaines.com)

This year the top Oscar nominated films bring with them their own bounty of incredible design.  Here are our top picks.

1. Midnight in Paris - Love that caned daybed.  Toss in a couple of fringed lampshades and silk pillow or two for a cozy retreat.

2. Moneyball - The modern tufted leather sofa is perfect for an upscale lobby... or my living room.  Plenty of wood tones, a natural rug, and an oversized photo round out this contemporary look.

3. The Help - The sets of this film ooze with mid-century modern appeal.  That slipper chair would be as appropriate today as it was then.  You might not see too many brass-legged TV trays though (oh, and don't overlook the aviary print in the background).

4. The Tree of Life - Apparently this period was popular this year in film.  This mid-century print of those drapes and the lines of that sofa are perfect!

5. Extremely Loud and Incredibly Close - This kid's room is fit for any adventurer.

6. The Artist - A glass front bookcase and velvet arm chair make a comfortable spot for film screening or a warm cup of tea.

It's been a while since we ran a color story post.  I thought that Friday's Treat of the Week, Fig and Honey Tapioca, was a perfect excuse to do so.  The colors from this photo shoot were amazing.  They are the perfect transition colors from summer to autumn.  Many of the colors could be used for either season.

I opted to leave out the obvious reds and violets, but they are also a fine compliment to the overall story here.  How can you see this palette being used?  What is your favorite of the 5 colors?  What other color do you see from the picture that you love?  We welcome your feedback.

This month we are talking about Chair Love.  We have already covered some other important chairs and their designers here and here.  We continue today with some of the most recognizable names and chairs in modern furniture.  The examples here are just small samples of the contributions these designers have made to the world of architecture and design.  The Eames’ are often credited for an entire era and Saarinen is responsible for some of the most important architecture in the US including the Gateway Arch in St.Louis.  Enjoy…