When it comes to design type, nothing gets me like simple symmetry. I was obsessed, for example, with West Elm’s Morrocco windows rug when it came out, and lived vicariously through my twin sister when she got her hands on one for her living room. It’s no wonder, then, that stumbling upon Jill Rosenwald’s Etsy shop was love at first click. Her Hampton Links collection of earthenware is right up my alley, but her other, more abstract designs, (like the Ferris Melt patterned bowl, $150, shown above) are one-of-a-kind pieces that may make it under a Christmas tree or two come December. Visit her shop to browse the changing stock or find her latest musings on her blog. –Sarah C.

Back when I was in college, my dorm decor aesthetic could best be described as “concrete chic”. My roommate and I made the best of what was around, namely Bed, Bath & Beyond, but resigned ourselves to the idea that only so much could be done within the bounds of our stuffy open double, whose lacquered concrete walls actively resisted posters. Not surprisingly, I was floored when I came across this article on Maximilian Sinsteden’s dorm room in New York Magazine’s Home Design issue last year. Then a senior at Drew University, Sinsteden, who clearly has an innate design talent, had interned for designer Charlotte Moss and has started his own interior design company. His transformation is proof that even the most disagreeable spaces have potential. Dorm days may be fleeting, but the need to creatively maximize small spaces is one that follows many through life, and dorm decor blogs can be great resources to that end. The slideshow of Sinsteden’s space is high on inspiration, but for more ideas check out justflewthecoop.com, where Jesse, a junior at the Memphis College of Art shares design tips, DIY ideas and apartment tours that can be carried to the dorm and beyond. –Sarah C.

What could make an already awesome birthday cake better? How about these Kaboom Candles from Spoon Sisters! The cartoon-friendly candles sparkle like Acme bombs as you light the wicks but, don’t worry, the Spoon Sisters’ website site assures us that the candles “are for decoration only, they will not explode.” . . .unless you’re a cartoon coyote, that is. –Katie D.

If you’re planting shrubs or trees this fall, there’s no need to invest in soaker hoses to get the plants established before winter. Simply drill a hole in the bottom of a bucket. My Dad learned this trick from his Mom’s side of the family — resourceful people who traveled from the East Coast to Iowa by wagon — and although I would guess that they used wood or metal buckets, the overall effect is the same. Plus, you’ll never have to worry about the kinks, split seams or mulch coverage issues that soaker hoses present.

What you’ll need:
Drill with ¼” bit
One 5-gallon plastic bucket
Second bucket (if you want to work on your upper body!)
Hose

What to do:
Drill a hole on the bottom of the bucket, one or two inches in from the edge. Place the bucket as close to the trunk of the shrub as you can, without harming the plant. Make sure the hole is close to the trunk, then fill with water. You can either drag the hose over to your drip bucket or fill a second bucket and pour into the first. Then simply sit back and enjoy the simplicity of this DIY watering system! — Sarah L.

I was on one of my “Alice down the rabbit hole” eBay adventures when I ran across a listing for horse brass. Apparently horse brasses were used to decorate the harnesses of draft horses and date back to medieval times in England. There’s even an entire society dedicated to the collectibles. Go figure. Although it seems like they would have been used in this country as well (Budweiser anyone?), all the examples I ran across were English. I’m sure there are other decorating possibilities, but for now, the two I scored are hanging from our banisters and providing much-needed camouflage for the scratched-steaup wood. At three inches across, they’re the perfect size and for once, I’m able to let go of my brass hatred and appreciate the beauty of these working day beauties. — Sarah L.

I’ve found *the table*. The one I’ve been imagining in my brain, dreaming of for our open dining room. The table that magically expands from mere inches wide to seat as many as 12. It exists, and it’s the Maria table, designed by Swedish designer Bruno Mathsson. Created in 1936, the “Maria” is no longer in production, sadly. I found one available in gorgeous rosewood dating back to the 1960’s at 1st dibs for $8,500. Ouch! Even though I have no problem paying for originals, that’s way too much champagne for my beer budget. I found a version at eBay (though it may not be authentic) starting at $1,199. No bids yet — though still no where near my price range. I guess I’ll keep scouring the thrift stores and estate sales for my bargain score. –Megan B.

1) Trying to recycle fluorescent light bulbs? You have options. Katie D. asked about where she can recycle hers and our readers came up with more than a few options. DJ says, “Try calling your city government. Our city has a hazardous waste pick-up service, that you can use once or twice per year without charge, I forget. I save up all sorts of things like your light bulbs, old batteries, old paint and call when I’ve got a load ready.” Home Depot and Ikea may also take them. Anyone else have suggestions for Katie?

2) We’re excited about new shelter literature even though nothing will ever replace Domino. Rue launched and Lonny is redesigned, but we still miss our old friend. Lissette S. says: “It seems like nothing has ever, or will ever, replace Domino. I still regularly flip through my hoard of back issues (I have every single one!!) whenever I need decorating inspiration.” Tyna also chimed in with news of a third shelter title, Anthology. See all the news here.

3) WTF’s for dinner? We have an answer. Mary T. tipped us off to a website that delivers a hearty helping of profanity, yes, but also great dinner ideas. Tula says: “As a matter of fact, swearing makes me hungry, so this is perfect. Thanks, Mary!”

4) Repurposed printer drawers make for great jewelry displays. And, they can be converted at home. Kay says: “If you don’t mind a bit of hard work, you can make your own on the cheap. I just bought 9 trays for $40 off of Craigslist. These trays are pretty easy to find, so check out your local flea markets and antique shops. They also make great table tops with a piece of glass on top. FYI- used trays often have ink and grease on them, so don’t just throw them on the backseat of your car. They clean up nice though!” See the Etsy find here.

5) Pizza done right is anything but boring. With goat cheese, bacon and basil, Megan B’s “Meg-herita Pizza” is a simple, special recipe that is sure to please. Katie says: “One lesson I’ve learned in life, never be skeptical of bacon on a pizza”. We agree!

We L-O-V-E love Halloween here at Shelterrific, and think it’s never too early to start celebrating the spooky. If only we could carve gorgeous vegetable skulls like artist Dimitry Tsykalov — could you imagine the party possibilities? Via BoingBoing

We’re getting the soft boiled eggs started now: the adorable Eiko egg spoons from Germany. Spotted at Whorange.

The Seattle Times has a great article about a 182 square-foot apartment with an upstairs and a sunken soaking tub. It’s no surprise the designer used to engineer plane interiors for Boeing!

It’s coffee coffee cake! Finally! Laurent Touroundel’s coffee cake with espresso glaze and cardamom crumble, at Serious Eats.

A helpful how-to for refreshing vintage wood furniture, from thrifty-fabulous Morgan at the Brick House. Time to invest in some Danish Oil and fine grit sandpaper!

Corral your cozy afghans in one of these fun Senegalese storage baskets from Serena and Lily, at CasaSugar.

Start sucking down the Newcastle now! Make your own folk-art inspired bottle cap mirror (or frame) with the detailed instructions over at We Heart This.

OMG! An online vintage swap?!?! Sounds to good to be true, but it is! Thanks, RetroRenovation — we know where we’ll be spending all of our time this weekend…

Stop by the Seating And Dining Sale at Design Within Reach and save 15% when you buy four or more specially marked dining chairs, stool or tables in any combination. Sale ends September 28.

The Crate & Barrel Fall Upholstery Sale continues! Save 15% on select Stock and Stock Plus collections and fabric and an additional 25% on more than 2,000 fabrics and 150 frames now through October 11.

Enjoy the longer nights in style with Rejuvenation’s Outdoor Lighting Sale. Visit for 25% off select outdoor lighting, hardware and accessories through September 26.

New Yorkers, mark your calendars: The Jonathan Adler Warehouse Sale is coming to his new Brooklyn location September 24-26. Enjoy discounts of up to 70% on many of our happy chic favorites.

Looking for a new home for your jewels? Transform your collection into a functional work of art with one of these printer drawer jewelry displays by Etsy seller bluebirdheaven. Retailing anywhere from $86-$118, each drawer is made to order and can be stained or cut to accommodate special size requests. –Sarah C.