Issues → January/February 2008 → Home & Garden →

New England's Finest: Colorful & Cozy

Fleece, felt, cork, pottery for winter homes

by Katrina Farmer

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Need a little something to chase away the winter blues? Here a few of our favorite things.

Tabletop Décor

Designer Mary Wilson knows how you can liven up your eating space even on the darkest days -- all without fussing with vases. Instead, set the table with her colorful cork placemats: The designer's Flora and Fauna collections feature bold graphics, artfully silk-screened, with nonscratch undersides. Select from 14-1/2-inch rounds or 12-by-15-inch rectangles. Available in sets of four or six ($64-$108) from WilsonWare, Newtown, CT. 203-426-6766; wilsonwarehome.com

A Whole Month in Your Hands

Here's a thoughtful way to mark the passing of the months and years: a calendar sphere. Designed and painted by classical artist Jill DiPippo of Warren, Rhode Island, this delightful sculpture presents ornamental interpretations of people born in each month. You may order a custom sphere (Jill considers things such as favorite colors, plants, and places to travel) or choose the standard design of the month, featuring an amalgamation of people and interests. A calendar sphere makes a great wedding, anniversary, birthday, or retirement gift -- think of each one as a celebration you can hold in your hand. Choose from 3-inch ($175), 5-inch ($300), 8-inch ($600), and 12-inch ($1,200) spheres. jilldipippo.com

Grab This

Fashionistas know winter brings a whole new selection of season-appropriate fabrics. Boston-based designers Kelly Smith and Chris Grimley match high-quality German felts with Knoll interior textiles in their handbags, which are sewn locally. These cushy accessories carry laptops, cameras, and digital music players stylishly yet carefully, without overtly advertising the valuable items within. Pictured here are the Stockholm shoulder bag ($160) and the Harrison clutch ($58). 617-833-0300; etceteramedia.com

Snug as a Bug

Keep little toes to chin warm this winter by bundling your baby in a fleece bunting. This cozy, brightly colored outerware is made of durable, machine-washable Polartec, woven in Lawrence, Massachusetts. It's better than a blanket -- hard to lose, yet with two front zippers, easy to get in and out of. Made by Chuck Roast of Conway, New Hampshire, in three sizes: 3 months, 6 months, and 12 months. Available in three solid colors ($39.95) and five prints (the classic penguin plus four new patterns; $44.95). 800-533-1654; chuckroast.com

Pick-Me-Up

There's nothing like a good cup of coffee, tea, or cocoa on a cold day. Beth Mueller's hand-crafted, hand-decorated mugs ($28-$32) invite you into the world of her imagination, thanks to simple-yet-whimsical designs. From her studio in Barre, Vermont, she designs the drawings that will grace a variety of pottery pieces, logo clothing, and paper goods. Her work has been collected by celebrities such as Alanis Morissette and James Taylor. 802-476-3582; bethmueller.com