Glancing at other peoples’ workspaces is a voyeuristic habit of mine, so with NowNow (virtually) publishing desktop//desktop, a study of designers’ desks and their immediate surroundings, I’m tickled pink. If you’re anything like me, you instantly consider about how you would rearrange any or all of the items on a desk, and this site just sent me overboard. Much like the products he designs at ATYPYK, I am more than intrigued by the workspace of Jean Sebastien Ides, although it might be because I’ve never seen an iron, a life-size fake deer, and five images with containing the word “kamasutra” framed in the same picture. A deep-seated extension cord phobia prevents me from falling in love with Robert Bolesta’s work area, but I am naturally drawn to Giuseppe Demaio’s chaos of an office because it reminds me of teenage years when I thought writing on the ceiling and having mismatched pictures of places I’d never been was like, totally friggin’ awesome.

–Stephanie Young

Some lighting merely accents the space it illuminates, but this incredible lamp deserves a whole room of its own. Handmade from hundreds of thin bamboo strips, it’s just one of many pieces in the lighting and furniture line by Vancouver-based Kozai Designs, a company dedicated to introducing Japanese design aesthetics to the North American market. The production of their pieces also reflect this; assembly and sourcing takes place on both sides of the pond. Their online store offers a limited selection, but any of their pieces, along with custom commissions, are available to order by contacting them directly.

Paul Isabella is a furniture design student at the Savannah College of Art and Design, and judging from his current portfolio, it looks like a sunny future is in store for this gifted newbie. Isabella’s work stems from “impressions in our life, ideas that are there at one point but are not permanent,” and “the transformation of memories over time and how they are affected by personal experience.” It’s a little tough for me to translate those concepts into furniture design (though I have to admit, I am terribly hungover), but these Pepto napkin rings definitely gave me a case of the giggles. Paul designed them as a humorous expression of the way humans are conditioned to over eat, and to serve as a little reminder when the time for seconds (or thirds…okay, fifths) comes around. The rest of Paul’s work is equally impressive, so give it a look!

Two nights ago, somewhere between those hazy moments of wake and sleep, I was rather violently brought back to full consciousness with the realization that Father’s Day is upon us. In my foggy state, I plotted to frame some nice pictures of my sister and myself and ship them on the appropriate date, but now I’m wondering if something a little more unique is in order. I am, after all, only alive because him and my mother conspired to make the most genetically perfect human this side of 1984, so perhaps it’s time for something a little bit more unique. One thing that may fill the ticket is a set of Emma Franklin’s very uncommon cuff links. Featuring manly animals (rams, bulls, tigers, and stags), the Androgynous Collection glorifies robust animal strength, something my father probably needed quite a bit of in order to raise me. You can find pieces from the collection at Kibiri or buy directly from Emma herself — just shoot her an email.

Finding the balance between mass-production while maintaining a handmade aesthetic may be a struggle for many designers, but MUD Australia seem to manage it effortlessly. Founded in 1994 by Shelly Simpson, the line is completely microwave, food and dishwasher safe, and is designed primarily with minimalist principles and spatial conservation in mind. Chances are if you read home and interior magazines, you’ve seen their beautiful range of tabletop ceramics gracing many pages. After all, if you’re going to spend the time cooking — or pouring cereal out of the box and into a bowl — you might as well do it into something truly beautiful.

It’s not that I’m ungrateful about receiving gifts, it’s just that I appreciate — maybe more than most — incredibly wrapped presents, whether they’re heading my way or not. For some reason, I feel a lackadaiscally-chosen gift can be totally redeemed when thoughtfully encased in ribbons, bows and/or paper. I blame my mother for the years of beautifully wrapped and bowed boxes, which were always themed and always unique; one year, it was tartan ribbon trimmed metallic-painted leaves and seedpods from eucalyptus trees, a sort of unconscious homage to our Australian and Scottish heritage.

My tastes have shifted from the homespun variety and are influenced heavily by pop culture and modern design, and that’s why I dig the line of papers offered by French Paper Co. Cheeky and audacious, their papers are sure to make any pair of socks you give your Dad next Sunday a fun little kick. And if you’re into a little potty humor (who isn’t?), be sure to take a look at their series of illustrated books. I mean, what’s not to love about a book entitled “Fluffy Humpy Poopy Puppy?” Nothing. Nothing at all.