Steamy & Modern

Every winter when it gets cold and dry I make an effort to find a humidifier that is pleasant to look at as well as functional in offering some comfort but have never been able to find one that doesn't look like a prop from a hospital room. The Middle Colors Humidifier from designer Takashi Hiroshi Tsuboi is a beautiful tear-drop shaped vessel that will produce moisture and ultra-sonic steam for up to ten consecutive hours and do it in such style, I would keep this out all year long! Available in small and large sizes from the good folks over at Gizmine in a palette of colors that are delicious to the eye as well as kind to the pocketbook.

Pulp Love

I don't ever use paper plates being so eco-conscious except for during the holidays when I am baking and packaging goodies from kitchen for gifts. Every year I struggle to find decently designed simple pieces that I can work with in creating a great looking finished gift package. Then I found this line of earth-friendly and beautifully designed line of paper dinnerware that looks as if it's made out of the finest porcelain and designed by Japanese artisans. Compote is part of the complete WASARA line, which elevates disposable tableware to a whole new level. Offering the best in Japanese design, WASARA products fit comfortably in the hand, with an elegant texture and sturdy quality that are unparalleled in the category.

Sheer beauty is only half the story, though: WASARA is also an earth-conscious product. Made from tree-free renewable materials (sugar cane fiber, bamboo and reed pulp) and fully biodegradable and compostable, WASARA is as good to the earth as it is to your culinary creations. The bowls could also work as containers for things other than food, thus lasting far beyond their original intent.