Musing over coffee one Sunday morning, Evan and Paola Parsons dreamed of a shop that would reflect their passion for sustainable style. And thus Mr. and Mrs. P. was born. In their shop, Mr. and Mrs. P sell only items that are either local, homemade, and/or eco-friendly. And what's more, these modestly priced wares wont break the bank.

Above: A set of four 100 Percent Chambray Cotton Napkins are hand-dyed in a subtle shade of sunset: $24.

Above: The hand-dyed napkins also come in gray and pale sea: $24.

Above: Made from sustainably cultivated bamboo, Mr. and Mrs. P.'s colander is 100 percent biodegradable; $9 for the large size.

Above: The bamboo colander also comes in a Small size that is perfect for washing berries; $7.

Above: Made exclusively for Mr. and Mrs. P., this set of Six Paint-Dipped Clothespins features two each of sunset, sea, and milk; $4.

Above: Similar to the colanders, the clothespins are made from eco-friendly bamboo and are dyed with non-toxic paint.

Above: Like the colander, Mr. and Mrs P.'s durable yet graceful Compressed Bamboo Bowl goes right from mixing to serving; $8. Shown here with with a Hand-Dipped Mixing Spoon in sunset: $18 for a set of two.

Above: The classic yet modern Mixing Bowls are also available in a set of three; $16.

Above: An earthy yet elegant addition to your bar, Mr. and Mrs. P.'s Wooden Muddler is $8.

Above: A detail of the muddler highlights the texture of the grain.

Do you share Mr. and Mrs. P.'s passion for sustainable style? We do. See all our favorite Eco-Friendly Designs.

"No way to hard wire a sconce, but really want one?"John Beck asks. "I have the answer in the new Last Minute Sconce. Simply attach the socket bracket and wire guides to the wall, plug it in, and away we go."

Above: The Last Minute Sconce is $190 directly from John Beck Steel.

Above: The sconce bracket is .125-inch steel and can be ordered in natural black, brown patina, white and brass, or nickel plate.

Above: The sockets are either brass or nickel, according to you whim.

Above: The Skinny Sconce is made from a 3/8-inch blackened steel tube with brass and steel mounts; $450.

Above: A detail of the Skinny Sconce fittings.

Let's be honest: Marin County is fab in many ways. World's most beautiful landscape? Check. Birthplace of the mountain bike and the hot tub? Check. Stomping ground of the Grateful Dead? Check. But the restaurant scene has been lackluster. Until now.

LA import Farmshop (located in the newly revamped Marin Country Mart) has upped the ante. The food is noteworthy, but we're more interested in the interiors, designed by Commune.

Photos by Mariko Reed, unless otherwise noted.

Above: A lounge area exudes midcentury cool.

Above: Another view of the private dining area.

Above: The main dining room features Commune's trademark (and hard-to-pin-down) sense of cool.

Above: School chairs against an agrarian photo mural. Photo by Katie Newburn.

Above: Teal velvet banquettes. Photo by Katie Newburn.

Above: Cool polished concrete floors.

Above: Tiling courtesy of Heath Ceramics in Sausalito.

Above: A view of the bar seating.

Above: The wood-burning hearth.

Above: A view of the precision detailing.

Above: Fire cooking in action. Photo by Katie Newburn.

Above: Photo by Katie Newburn.

We never seem to tire of new (and unseen before) kitchen accessories. Especially when those accessories are made of quality materials and feature a built-in storage component, like this beech wood rolling pin with its own wall holder.

Above: The Rolling Pin is a design inspired by those of traditional French origin; the pin itself is made from solid beech wood with a smooth, un-waxed finish; £20 from Garden Trading in the UK.

Above: The rolling pin can be set into the matching holder made from oak.

The truth is: we have been on a rolling pin kick lately: 6 Favorites: Display-Worthy French Rolling Pins and DIY: A Marble Rolling Pin on Display.

I dream of unadorned kitchen cabinets that are inexpensive to fabricate and easy to use. This is how I discovered the cutout drawer and cabinet pull. 

As much as the next person, I do a lot of swooning over open shelving. The reality of my small kitchen and obsessively ordered personality, however, is that I need every available inch for closed storage. But then the visual clutter, exacerbated in a small kitchen, of all those protruding handles becomes another problem altogether. Enter the cutout handle—a simple hole or notch in the cabinet face that functions as a cabinet pull. 

Above: In a vacation cabin in Norway, Aas Thalow Architects use circular cutouts in the plywood kitchen cabinets. Photo via Scandinavian Retreat.

Above: A dark fumed oak kitchen by Kobenhavns Mobelsnedkerl featuring notched cabinet and drawer pulls.

Above: Architect Peter Legge uses rectangular cutouts in a kitchen in Dublin. See the rest of the project in A Victorian Transformation, Dublin Style.

Above: Jay Atherton and Cy Keener of Atherton Keener made all the cabinets (bathroom, kitchen, hallway storage) out of plywood which they dyed black. Instead of handles, they cut out narrow slots in the cabinets to serve as hand pulls (see more of the kitchen An Edgy Kitchen with Custom Detailing). Photo by Ye Rin Mok via Dwell.

Above: In Praise of Shadows in Sweden; see the project at In Praise of Shadows.

Above: Hansen Kitchen cabinets from Denmark feature functional notches rather than drawer pulls.

Above: Workstead's Sliding Kitchen features circular cutouts in the cabinetry.

Above: A fumed oak kitchen by Kobenhavns Mobelsnedkerl featuring circular cabinet and drawer pulls.

Above: Another Workstead project with cutout cabinet pulls.

Above: In her plywood kitchen, green blogger Mika from The Little Forest House used cutouts instead of hardware because having the handles integrated instead of applied felt very organic to her.  See the rest of her kitchen at The Little Forest House.

See 10 Favorites: The Unexpected Appeal of Plywood to explore the versatility of this material and even as flooring as seen in Remodeling 101: Painted Plywood - the Best Budget Wood Floor.

What a clever (and easy-to-nick idea) from UK-based deVol Kitchens; suspending a wood laundry drying rack over the sink for hanging cleaning implements and drying tea towels.

Above: A classic Esse range anchors the space.

Above: The trim and cabinetry is painted in deVol's custom Mushroom paint with Lagoon Silestone worktops.

Above: A mounted shelf provides wall storage (no overcounter kitchen cabinets necessary). For a similar kitchen faucet, consider the Franke Manor House Bridge Faucet ($959 at AJ Madison. For the best farmhouse sinks out there, consult 10 Easy Pieces: White Kitchen Farmhouse Sinks.

Above: The drying rack suspended over the range provides an area for drying dishtowels and kitchen cloths.

Above: Cabinets are painted in deVol's  Mushroom paint; for something similar, consider Spring Thaw from Benjamin Moore or Elephant's Breath from Farrow & Ball.

Above: deVol's custom Painted Knobs are $7 each

Above: The worktops are made from Lagoon Silestone.

Above: The Esse Range Cooker comes in gas, electric, oil, and even wood-burning models. Go to Esse for more information.

Above: The Laundry Maid from Devol starts at £195.

Above: StudioPatro's 100 percent linen handprinted Cook Everyday Tea Towel is $24.

Above: The Country Rustic Enamelware Colander is $18 from Amazon (for something silmiar, also consider the white enamel Gemak Colander for $9.95 at Ikea).

Above: Organic Cotton Scrub Cloths; $20 for a set of three from Terrain.

Above: The Sussex Garden Trug is handmade by Thomas Smith in East Sussex, England. This version is made of rot-resistant Sweet Chestnut and Cricket Bat Willow wood fastened with durable (and attractive) copper tacks and nails; $129 at Kaufmann Mercantile.

British carver E.J. Osborne of English company Hatchet & Bear handcrafts a selection of utensils, bowls, and kitchen objects with simple carving tools and time-honored methods, all from hand-hewn, locally collected wood. Many of the pieces are branded with Osborne's "Woodland Wanderer" design reminiscent of ancient runes. For more information, visit Hatchet & Bear.

Above: The Peeler has a sharp head for peeler fruit and vegetables with a faceted walnut handle; £14.

Above: The Basting Brush has a one-inch red bristle brush and wooden handle (in walnut, wild cherry or birch) for £12.

Above: The Woodland Whisk is made from stainless steel and hangs from a rawhide tie; £20.

Above: The Tea Strainer has a walnut wood handle that is branded with the Hatchet & Bear Woodland Wanderer design for £14.

Above: The Baby Bowl + Spoon Set is medium sized with a wide, flat base, making it sturdy for babies, toddlers, and young children. Currently available in birch wood and branded with a hot poker for £45.

Above: The Maker's Spatula has long walnut handle for £20.

Above: The Utility Hook is made from locally collected branch woods: birch, hawthorn, and sycamore; £18 each.

For a sampling of some of those smoother wooden spoons see our post, 10 Easy Pieces: Artful Wooden Spoons and how to hang them in Kitchen Art Installation: 8 Display-Worthy Wooden Spoons.

If you've perused Pinterest lately in search of kitchen storage ideas, you know there are thousands of images floating around, depicting various space-saving tricks. Here's a roundup of our current favorites (we're filing them away for any future kitchen remodels).

Above: A wall-mounted dish rack frees up countertop space; image via Fab. For more ideas, see 5 Favorites: Space-Saving Dish Racks.

Above: Wall-mounted soap holder as brush holder; a genius idea from Martha Stewart.

Above: No need to stow away a collection of vintage pots; create an artful tableau using simple wall hooks; image of Adrienne Antonson's house via Design Sponge.

Above: A folding step ladder stowed in a below cabinet drawer; another Martha Stewart innovation.

Above: Kitchen design company Viola Park integrated a knife block into a stainless steel backsplash. The wood knife block holds 12 knives and is available in walnut, rift-cut white oak, and bamboo; $125. Also see 5 Quick Fixes: Knife Storage.

Above: A tiny Swedish kitchen features a pull-out cutting board/table, via Bolaget.

Above: An attractive dustpan displayed in easy reach encourages clean up; see more at Domestic Science: Vipp Dustpan and Brush.

Above: A drawer outfitted for upright flatware storage; see more at Drawer Divider Roundup.

Above: A pull-out knife block, via Shelterness.

Above: For space-challenged kitchens, Rev-A-Shelf's Door Mount Cutting Boards are worth considering.

Above: A kitchen drawer slot used as a paper towel holder, via Southern Living Magazine.

Above: Natural Rubberwood Expandable Utensil Tray; $34.99 at Chefs Catalog.

Above: Tension rods as cabinet dividers; via Martha Stewart.

Above: I once lived in a rental with a similar pull-out cutting board (why didn't I integrate it into my own kitchen remodel?); photo via DIY Network.

Above: Dog bowl drawer, via BHG.

N.B.: This post is an update; the original story ran on May 6, 2013.

Sir/Madam, Aesthetic Movement's new collection of tableware is inspired by kitchens past—a taste of the Gallic breakfast table here and the British nursery there. Discovery: A stack of striped cafe au lait bowls can evoke more French fantasies than A Year in Provence. 

"We set out to make some useful objects that tap into fond memories as they help create new ones," write Aesthetic Movement's directors, Jesse James and Kostas "Gus" Anagnopoulos, in the company's old-fashioned bound catalogue. The two add that they hope their wares conjure "a favorite meal, a market you discovered on holiday, a trip to the sea, or...your grandmother."

This first collection is, in fact, a salute to Jesse's grandmother, Florence James, who lived to 97, and whose 250-year-old Westport, Connecticut, farmhouse (and its many pantries and cupboards) were his longstanding touchstones. Remodelista is the first to present a sampling of the line in advance of its in-store launch this fall/winter season. For details, see Sir/Madam. Note that all prices listed below are approximate.

Above: Sir/Madam's Vintage Stripe Au Lait Bowls are modeled after designs from France and Belgium that Jesse and Gus fell in love with by the stackful in a Dutch antiques store. Not only soulful but sturdy, Sir/Madam's are microwave and dishwasher safe, as are all of the line's tableware.

Above: The collection comes in two dozen hand-painted patterns. Mismatching is encouraged (but for those inclined towards symmetry, four single-colored stripes will be sold in multiples). Bowls are priced in the vicinity of $18 each.

Above: Vintage Deco, a second assortment of Sir/Madam cafe au lait bowls, features eight 1930s patterns in four colors as well as black.

Above: Who hasn't turned over a piece of old English china and admired the elaborate insignia on the bottom? The Makers' Marks collection of dinnerware brings these logos to light. 

Above: Maker's Marks is available as dinner plates, side plates, footed bowls, and platters, as well as similarly patterned linen napkins (not shown).  A set of four dinner plates is $110, four side plates $90, and four bowls $72.

Above: Sir/Madam's wares are intended to be put to regular use, and to be mingled with the rest of your daily scenery. 

Above: The Revival dinner service is inspired by British nursery china once presented as rewards of merit. Dinner plates, side plates, and footed bowls are each sold in sets of four, all of which have patterns that are subtle variations on a theme. Prices are the same as those for Makers Marks above. Platters sell for $85 and $95.

Above: A set of Revival cafe au lait bowls, $72—as with the other pieces in the service, each has a slightly different pattern.

Above: A Revival 8-inch side plate. 

Above: Shield-shaped wooden boards are made in the U.S. from repurposed North American white oak or black walnut. The large size measures 18.5 inches by 22.5 inches. The smaller version, shown here, is 10 inches by 11.25 inches, and works well for presenting a party spread or as a lunch plate alternative.

Above: The classic whale-shaped cutting board resurfaces in three sizes ranging from 48 inches by 12.5 inches for the Great Whale ($400 in walnut, $200 in white oak) to 24 inches by 6.5 inches for the Small Whale ($140 in walnut, $90 in white oak). 

Above: Sir/Madam's pocketed Kitchen Mitts, $20, are a clever combination of oven glove and potholder. They come in solid linen and herringbone-patterned linen-cotton (a 70-percent linen, 30-percent cotton mix) and double as impromptu trivets. 

Above: Herringbone-patterned linen-cotton napkins with contrast piping. Each is an 18-inch square; they're sold in sets of four. Most of the company's linen goods are made in India and led to the name Sir/Madam—inspired by the salutation in emails from their Indian contacts. 

Above: Jesse James and Gus Anagnopoulos love to eat oysters, and, like birders, started keeping track of all the North American varieties they'd sampled. They later expanded the roster into "a full-fledged effort to compile the definitive index of these tasty little mollusks." Here, it's applied to a linen placemat and napkins with softly frayed edges.

Above: Sir/Madam's tea towel patterns include an anatomy of the oyster and a list of world cheeses by milk content. They're $28 each and made of 100 percent linen, the longstanding ideal for drying glassware and china because it doesn't leave any trace of lint. 

Above: The Grand Apron of black herringbone-patterned linen-cotton, $90, has an adjustable neck loop and is 41-inches long, making it nearly ankle skimming on most people. Its opposite, a mini-skirt-like Worker's Apron, $55, is also available. Both come in herringbone linen-cotton, as well as 100-percent linen in natural, white, or indigo. 

To view the whole collection and find store information, go to Sir/Madam.

Want to see more of the many pies that Aesthetic Movement has its fingers in? Check out Jesse James in Upstate New York, and our posts on AM's other product line, Izola, including Canvas Shower Curtains with Graphic Prints and the Ultimate Shower Curtain Rings.

At Remodelista, we're obsessed with stealthy storage and savvy organization. Why? Because for most of us, space is at a premium—especially in our kitchens. It's a quandary designer Jon Call knows well. Through his design firm, Mr. Call Designs (a member of the Remodelista Architect/Designer Directory), he's designed uptown lofts and sprawling spaces. Mr. Call himself lives in New York, but his own dwelling has recently gone from small, to smaller.

We chatted with Call about how he makes it work—in style—as someone who loves to entertain but whose kitchen is tight on space. "I've used Remodelista nonstop for the last few weeks, sourcing the perfect goods for my new home," says Call. "I've had small appliances and furnishings on the brain."

Armed with inspiration from our site, Call found deliverance at Best Buy, choosing a coffeemaker, slow cooker, and—our favorite—a SodaStream sparkling water system to ready his new apartment for easy entertaining. For Call, the products he sourced on Remodelista were easy to find at Best Buy. It's important to the designer that he sees the products in person before he buys them, but Call also had a lot of shopping to do—and wanted the lowest prices. Luckily, Best Buy's low-price guarantee ensured that he could visit the store without having to troll the Internet for the best price.

Watch our video of Call preparing for a party at home, and find sourcing information below.  

Above: Designer Jon Call prepares for a party in his small New York City apartment.

Above: The SodaStream Source Home Soda Maker.

Above: The Hamilton Beach 6 Quart Slow Cooker. 

Above: The Mr. Coffee 12-Cup Coffeemaker.

Above: Jon Call, ready to party.

Learn more and find great deals on small appliances that do big things here.

Add eco-chic hotelier to the list of titles bestowed on Lady Bamford, the founder and inspiration behind Daylesford, the UK's most glamorous and more importantly, organic farmshop. Lady B has applied the same rigorous attention to detail in her newly opened The Wild Rabbit, a small hotel with pub and restaurant in nearby Kingham, Oxfordshire. The original building, formerly the Tollgate Inn features chalky white interiors, typical of the stone in the area, and dates back to 1750. Renovated by Lady Bamford, the inn was opened in September and was renamed The White Rabbit.

Above: A collection of Windsor chairs around a dining table.

Above: Table settings feature fruity floral arrangements and rustic linens.

Above: The restaurant is a modern take on a traditional pub restaurant.

Above L: Hams hanging from hooks. Above R: Organic and often locally sourced produce is a mainstay of the restaurant menu which features handmade bread.

Above: The pub with wooden stools at the bar and an open fireplace, one of three.

Above: One of 12 bedrooms, each featuring a handmade bed with organic linens.

Above: An oak dresser with pewter jugs and ceramic pots on display.

For more on Daylesford, see our original post on the Farmshop.

Really, a slow cooker is the Easy Bake Oven improved—or, at least, the grown-up version. And while it might appeal to those whose culinary talents begin and end with cooking cake batter by light, I would not leave it out of your appliance arsenal. Why? Because the slow cooker is the ultimate casual kitchen appliance: no special attachments, it sits on the countertop (or in a stealth hiding spot), has minimal plastic parts, and the best part is the cooking itself. Toss it all in and go pour yourself a glass of wine.

According to Consumer Reports, the features to consider when evaluating a slow cooker are: electronic controls (manual versus programmable, warming buttons), locking lid for transportation, and if the cooker is oven safe (for reheating) and stovetop safe (for prep work). Here are our 10 favorite slow cookers, priced from high to low.

N.B.: Have experience with one yourself or one to add to the list? Let us know in the comments section below.

Above: All-Clad's 7-Qt. Deluxe Slow Cooker has a naturally nonstick cast-aluminum insert that can be used on the stovetop to cook ingredients (think: garlic, onions, and herbs) before slow cooking, but note that the insert is not induction compatible, meaning it is for stovetops only. Additionally the cooker has stainless-steel handles, lid, and an overall finish, along with push-button controls and auto-warming; $249.95 from Williams-Sonoma.

Above: Cuisinart's Multicooker goes beyond the basics with its ability to sear, sauté, roast, steam, and slow cook. Temperature can be set up to 500 degrees for searing, and the Cuisinart slow cooks on high, low, simmer, or warm for 24 hours. It has a removable cast-aluminum interior pot and a reversible roasting/steaming rack; $199.95 from Williams-Sonoma.

Above: For those who enjoy the ease of a slow cooker but not the "slow" aspect, Breville's Fast-Slow Cooker has both pressure and slow-cook settings as well as preprogrammed settings like sauté/sear; slow cook high; slow cook low; pressure cook high, medium, and low; steam; and warm. Inside is a nonstick cooking bowl and stainless steel steaming basket. Note that the cooker is meant for US and Canadian electrical standards; $179.95 at Bed, Bath & Beyond.

Above: All-Clad's 4-Qt. Slow Cooker with Ceramic Insert is smaller than most of the others. It has a ceramic insert for serving, as well as a programmable control panel and an auto-warm feature; $149.95 from Williams-Sonoma.

Above: The Breville Slow Cooker has an "EasySear" removable die-cast aluminum insert pan (with Quantanium nonstick) for stovetop use before slow cooking and is also safe for oven roasting (the cooker includes a steel roasting rack). The slow cooker has three settings—low, high, and dual (shifting from low to high after two hours of cook time)—and a removable cord; $129.95 from Williams-Sonoma.

Above: The Cuisinart 6.5 Qt. Digital Slow Cooker comes with brushed stainless-steel housing and chrome handles along with a retractable cord. Inside, the black ceramic pot and glass lid are both dishwasher safe and can be used at the table. The cooker has a touchpad panel with warm, simmer, low, and high settings and a 24-hour programmable timer; $99.95 from Crate & Barrel.

Above: The Frigidaire Professional 7-Qt. Programmable Slow Cooker has 6 presets (buffet, soup, low, medium, high, and warm) with customizable features like time and auto warming (up to three hours before serving); $79.99 from Home Depot.

Above: The Waring Professional 6-1/2 Qt. Slow Cooker has an auto high or low setting that can be set from 2-12 hours in 2-hour increments; a warming mode turns on automatically after. The cooker is $47.19 from Amazon.

Above: The Proctor Silex 4-Quart Round Slow Cooker prides itself on being an "unfussy kitchen appliance" with wraparound heat and a four-setting dial from low to high. Inside is a dishwasher-safe ceramic crock for serving or refrigerator storage. This cooker has the low-commitment price of $25 from Amazon.

Above: The pioneer in the world of American slow cookers, the Crock-Pot (a trademark name that is used interchangeably with the term "slow cookers") Manual Slow Cooker is as basic and straightforward as they come: low for cooking all day, high for quicker dinners and snacks. The 3-quart removable round stoneware is meant for transport or refrigerator storage (dishwasher safe); $19.99 from Amazon.

Looking to stock up on essential kitchen appliances? Starting a wedding registry? Sift through our other posts like 10 Easy Pieces: Juicers, 10 Easy Pieces: Stovetop Espresso Makers, and for Americans interested in keeping it local: 13 American-Made Appliances, from Countertop Mixers to Ranges to Refrigerators.

Here at Remodelista our obsession with tiny kitchens hits close to home. Many of us live with postage-stamp-size setups, but, surprisingly, we don’t long for more space. What we’re eternally searching for are great-looking, high-functioning appliances scaled to fit our quarters. Which is why we're so take with Italian company Alpes Inox's freestanding stainless-steel kitchen systems. Tailored for tight spaces, they're multi-functional and made to come with you should you move—none are built-ins, so they can be rearranged as needed, and most designs are available on wheels.

Based in Bassano del Grappa, Italy, Alpes Inox has been making freestanding stainless-steel kitchen equipment since 1954. Inox, by the way (an abbreviation of the French, acier inoxydable, means stainless steel, and the company uses only top-of-the-line, high-nickel stainless, which has a durable, bright-white shine. All of Alpes Inox's designs are the work of founder Nico Moretto, who now runs the company with his two sons.

Above: US buyers can purchase directly from Alpes Inox (be warned that these pieces are pricey—the most compact electric oven with five-burner gas cooktop is € 6,695). For more information and prices, see Alpes Inox, and contact Mr. Passalacqua in the company's export department at commerciale@alpesinox.com.

Above: The two gas burners on this cooktop flip up so that the piece doubles as a food prep table. Under it, a two-drawer cart on casters holds pots and pans and other kitchen essentials. Several variations of the cart are available, and buyers can opt for a steel top or a wooden cutting board (shown in the previous photo).

Above: This all-stainless-steel sink has two basins with different depths, which makes it possible to position a dishwasher under the shallow side. A sliding cutting board (not shown) fits over the work surface alongside inset bins with knobbed white tops for collecting food scraps. 

Above: An Alpes Inox stacked oven and beverage refrigerator stands next to a multi-drawer unit that features a sink, inset dish drying rack, and cooktop.

Above: The gas burners flip up to create extra counter space as needed.

Above: Alpes Inox's Washing, Cooking, and Refrigeration Column comes with a 60 cm-wide oven and spaces to insert a dishwasher and fridge. The same basic structure is available as a two-door wine refrigerator, a side-by-side refrigerator and freezer, or a four-shelf pantry.

Above: The at-your-service island—it contains a five-burner gas cooktop, deep sink, and drawers on two sides. 

Above: The top drawer is kitted out with wooden dividers for flatware, serving utensils, placemats, a cutting board, and knives.

Above: A rolling electric oven with its own shelving unit and utensils drawer.

For more inspirations and solutions, see our gallery of small kitchens, which includes Radical Downsizing, High/Low Mini Kitchens. 

I'm always on the lookout for clever solutions to conceal outlet eyesores. My new favorite? Adorne's pop-out outlets that hide flush with the wall when not in use.

Above: In addition to their disappearing act, Adorne outlets do triple-duty with a three-plug capacity in each outlet.

Above: The outlets are available in a choice of white or magnesium. The Adorne White Pop-Out Outlet is $39.98 and the Adorne Magnesium Pop-Out Outlet is $47.98, both at Lowe's.

Above: Adorne Wall-Plates, sold separately, are offered in several colors and materials, ranging from metal to French oak to plastic. The Adorne 1-Gang Brushed Stainless Steel Wall-Plate (L) and the Adorne 1-Gang Soft-Touch Moss Grey Plastic Wall Plate (R) are $32.98 and $11.98, respectively, at Lowe's.

Above: The Adorne Pop-Out Duplex Outlet offers three plugs in each outlet, enabling six plug connections in the 2-gang box. The outlets are available in white or magnesium (as shown); $53.98 at Lowe's. Pair with the Adorne 2-Gang Brushed Stainless Steel Wall Plate ($53.98) or the Adorne 2-Gang Titanium Plastic Wall-Plate ($12.98). The outlets can also be paired with Adorne Switches and Dimmers.

Above: Just push on the box and the outlet pops out. 

Am I plug averse? I certainly admire Invisible Plugs and Hidden Electrical Sources.

Khadi is not just any fabric. Made from hand-spun and hand-loomed cotton, wool, or silk, it has a deep history in India. Produced in the country for centuries before machine production took over, khadi was revived in the 1920s as a step towards independence from Great Britain and rural self-reliance. Mahatma Gandhi himself encouraged the craft. "The iconic image of Gandhi wearing a dhoti and working at his spinning wheel exemplifies the quiet beauty of khadi," says Brooklyn-based fashion designer and exporter Susan Hahn. Her own appreciation of the textile led her to found Auntie Oti, a company specializing in "the humble and the handmade" from India.

Auntie Otie wares are traditional everyday textiles made for the Indian market and, until now, unusual to find here. They're available in stores across the country, including Steven Alan in New York City, Pilgrim Surf & Supply in Brooklyn, the just-opened Union Handmade in Chicago, Pod in Brookline, Massachusetts, and Summer House in Mill Valley, California—though not always via these shops' websites. You can get links to stores and also place orders directly via Auntie Otie. 

Note that because of the handmade nature of Auntie Otie's goods, no two pieces are exactly alike and all measurements are approximate.

Above: Real khadi is spun and woven by government-sponsored khadi societies throughout India. "People typically work from home—women do the spinning, men do the weaving—and looms are handed down from generation to the next," says Susan. "A lot of what's made looks as if it's vintage, but it's brand new. That's the charm of it." Auntie Otie napkins are actually men's handkerchiefs. These measure 18 inches by 18 inches, and are available in a purple stripe from Steven Alan, $48 for a set of six.

Above: Auntie Otie's large napkins measure 22 inches by 22 inches, and come in a range of colors, including pink. A set of four retails for $40.

Above: These dish towels (also good as hair wraps) measure 26 inches by 28 inches, and are $18 each.

Above: Auntie Otie offers yarn-dyed, cotton-woven bath towels in a range of colors and sizes. These are approximately 32 inches by 64 inches, and cost $40 each. A great alternative to pile towels, they're light weight but absorbent and fast drying. 

Above: Tasseled bath towels, 32 inches by 58 inches, are $40 each. In addition to orange, they're available in gray, and can be worn as wide scarves.

Above: A purple-bordered gray lungi, an Indian man's sarong, that is often paired with a white T-shirt known as a banyan. Lungis measure 78 inches by 44 inches and come in a multitude of colors, patterns, and textures. Auntie Otie customers typically use them as tablecloths, throws, and beach wraps.

Above: Traditional muslin bed sheets are roughly sized for twin beds and also ideal as tablecloths and picnic blankets. They come in a range of weights, and are $84 each.

 Above: Auntie Otie's largest, most luxurious bath towel, 35 inches by 84 inches, is made of fringed, unbleached white cotton, $44.

To place orders and see more khadi designs, go to Auntie Oti. 

If, like us, you love nothing more than looking at tempting textiles, get lost in our gallery of Fabrics & Linens. And also don't miss, Serenity Now: A Guesthouse that Channels the Spirit of Ghandi.

Just when we thought we'd covered all possible DIY leather pull options, we spotted a new, no-hardware-required  version via Swedish blog Fixa & Dona.

Photos by Hildur via Fixa & Dona.

Above: Fold the leather pull in half, and use a belt punch plier or scratch awl and add four holes.

Above: Thread a length of leather lacing (instead of a bolt) through the cabinet holes.

Above: Attach the pull by threading the black leather cord through the holes of the pull and cabinet and then double tie a knot. 

Above: Leather Factory Round Lace is $15.01 from Amazon. Photo via Rio Grande. 

Are you looking for more Leather Pull ideas? Check out our 10 Easy Pieces: Leather Cabinet Hardware.  

Last spring, I took a train to Brussels from France, arriving on an exceptionally rainy afternoon (it always seems to be raining in Belgium, but the truth is the rain only adds to the city's charm, and if you get yourself a waffle while walking it, it's a major bonus). I was armed with a full list of suggestions from trusted sources: Clarisse Demory and Marianne Evennou, two Parisian designers who frequent Belgian cities.

First on my list was a visit to Viva M'Boma (meaning "long live my grandmother"), a sparkling white-tiled restaurant located in a former butcher's shop. Owners Katia and Brice Ruebens are on a mission to keep the traditional delicacies of Brussels alive, and Chef Olivier van Klemput explores cooking with just about every part of the animal (as Katia's great-grandmother had done). N.B. Go on a day when you're feeling adventurous (and carnivorous).

Photography by Alexa Hotz for Remodelista and Marianne Envennou (where noted).

Above: The exterior is painted in a deep blue with tile to match and a bold, graphic sign you can't miss.

Above: Rainy day streets reflect in the front windows.

Above: A mounted pig's head guards the cellar door. Photograph by Marianne Envennou.

Above: Marble tables and white wooden chairs in the front room.

Above: A sheep is flanked by two pendant lamps with vintage x-ray light shades. Photograph by Marianne Envennou.

Above: A chalkboard sits on top of the black painted radiator and is moved from table to table to describe the specials of the day.

Above: A row of classic gooseneck barn lights keeps the lighting low throughout the restaurant. Photograph by Marianne Envennou.

Looking for more to do in and around Brussels (or for an excuse to travel there)? See our favorite places to shop, eat and stay in Brussels and other locations in Belgium in our City Guides.

Location of Viva M'Boma in Brussels:

French designer Roxane Beis blends urban chic and rustic charm in her kitchen in the 20th arrondissement.

The once-prosaic counter and island are transformed into sculptural forms with the application of cement render, a mixture of lime, sand, and volcanic ash that's used to smooth over rough concrete or brick walls, and is typically associated with rural abodes—in Provence, for example. In her lofty, white, urban setting, Beis updates the material by applying it to minimalist forms and pairing it with sleek stainless-steel appliances. 

Photographs via Roxane Beis.

Above: Rising from a polished concrete floor, the designer's kitchen counter and island appear at once clean-lined and rustic.

Above: The 1,800-square-foot apartment occupies a former print shop.

Above: A large industrial pendant lights the island. 

Above: A gooseneck bridge faucet pivots over a double sink. 

Above: Beis introduced a rustic texture with reclaimed wood doors on the island.

Above: Solid plaster or cement render surfaces can have a polymer additive introduced to the cement, lime, and sand mix for enhanced water resistance, flexibility, and adhesion.

Above: The primary materials in the kitchen are stainless steel and cement render. 

Above: Stainless-steel fronted drawers are framed by white cement render—a case of opposites attracting. 

Above: The cement render is continued up the wall where it becomes a protective backsplash. 

Above: On the sink-side of the island, Beis uses a traditional French country-kitchen detail: under-the-counter curtains to hide storage.

Above: White Tolix chairs add an industrial feel to the rustic wood dining table.

Above: A set of formed concrete shelves covered with cement render provide storage under the long window run.

Above: Beis used photos of the kitchen pre-construction to sketch its future incarnation.

Faucet envy? See our 10 Favorite Kitchen Faucets.

The cargo pendant lamp has become a modern classic, one that's at home in most settings and adds an industrial edge wherever it lands. Here are two we've come across lately that fall at opposite ends of the price spectrum—and that happen to both be marked down.

Above: A modern version of a cargo pendant. Photo via blog Francesco Mugnai.

Above: The Cargo Light is made by UK company, Davey Lighting, a division of Original BTC. Handcrafted of galvanized steel from a design that dates to the 1920s, it's currently reduced from $875 to $743.75 at DWR. 

Above: The Caged Pendant Lamp is made of steel and is on sale at Urban Outfitters online, reduced from $89 to $69.

Into brass lately? Then you might like our latest High/Low Lamp post.

"We understand that limited space and budget in the home means products that can be used for more than one function are particularly appealing"—that's Sebastian Conran (a man after our own hearts) talking about his new Universal Expert Line, now available via  West Elm. It's a well-thought-out, well-priced collection of household essentials (we especially like his dead-simple water pitcher, one of those items that's almost impossible to find). Here are the pieces we plan to add to our arsenal:

Above: Made of borosilicate lab glass, the Universal Expert Pitcher is $40.

Above: The beech and porcelain Universal Expert Condiment Set is $30.

 Above: The porcelain stacking Universal Expert Measuring Set, based on a classic French design, is $15.

Above: The stainless steel Universal Expert Storage Caddy with wood handle is $45.

Above: The powder-coated magnetic Universal Expert Hallway Organizer with clock is $60 and solves several problems at once (what time is it? where's the mail?).

See more Conran offerings at 10 Well-Priced Essentials from Designer + Big Box Collaborations and shop our selection at Conran Products.