i just can’t get enough of the missoni home collection. so much color and pattern. these patterned black and white plates at neiman marcus are perfect for summer dining. $27-$44 a piece right here. happy summer eating!

[i have to run to the doctor before my vacation- great timing for an earache- so i'll be back tomorrow morning to post before our plane leaves!]

i’m loving butter yellow and grey together these days. they’re such a nice, subtle color combination. these knobs and rugs at anthropologie are perfect for implementing the trend on a small scale and are great for sprucing up a little space in your home. click here for more on the knobs and here for the rug.

joy is on top of the tabletop game today- she posted some gorgeous plates and cups by british design studio lovely lovely. what an appropriate name! i love the colorful lacey patterns. click here for more info. [images and link from joy]

i don’t know how frida does it, but she always comes up with the best links. this week she wrote about french design studio walldesign. they design the most gorgeous wall decorations, but i can’t tell if they’re decals or stencils. does anyone speak french who can help translate? either way they’re great wednesday eye candy. thanks to frida for the great find!

imaginery friends, the studio that brought you the gorgeous rare flowers cardset is now bringing you a brand new set called rare animals. with 8 options to choose from, you can’t go wrong. i’m loving the elephant, so cool. $22 for a pack of all 8 at elsewares. enjoy!

the following parsons student design review was submitted by d*s reader marissa. thanks so much, marissa!

For the past three years, seniors in the Parsons Product Design department have been working in collaboration with nonprofit organizations to explore the potential of design to bring about social change. What follows is a sampling of thesis work from the graduating class. Students’ text has been edited for brevity.

This project proposes soap formed in the shape of a landmine, that will be sold to raise money for Adopt-A-Minefield while also raising people’s awareness of the problem. The soap diminishes and finally disappears with use; this is a metaphor to show that if people contribute to the campaign against landmines, they will cleanse the earth of landmines. You can contact Hideaki here.

PAPANATAS is a multifunctional furniture set that includes four stools and a table-top. It is inspired by the International Rescue Committee (IRC) labor in Aceh, Indonesia. PAPANATAS’ purpose is to convey the spirit of ‘child friendly spaces’ - a concept developed by the IRC - in a set of furniture. To learn more about Javier’s project, email him here.

The Emotional Skin wall system increases the sense of comfort in elevators. The elevator is a public space packed with emotions, most of which are negative. Redesigning the interior walls and display using emotional design can improve the experience of the elevator ride. If you would like to contact Mihoko, you can reach her here.

The Green Links system is comprised of a series of modular nature collecting kits that are utilized in conjunction with a wearable collecting pack and a computer interface hub. Green Links is intended to complement and expand the environmental education programs at
The Nature Conservancy. To contact Kim about her project, email here.

Couples whose sex lives have become routine may explore their sexuality using the Erota seat and lounge. Sexually ergonomic principles and environmental geometric principles have been adapted to modern style furnishing. You can contact Bo here.

The Cupcollector is part of a system for the collection and recycling of wax-coated paper cups. It is intended to raise consciousness of consumers and businesses so they will ultimately take responsibility for their recyclable waste. To contact Risa about the Cupcollector, email her here.

Birds of a Feather is a series of kits that sequentially build children’s sewing skills. One of the kits, featured above, creates a bird finger puppet that flaps its wings and encourages interactive play. This project was developed in collaboration with Jennifer Lee’s 1st and 2nd grade class and the Stanley Isaacs after school program. To learn more about Marissa’s project, visit here.

dutch designer timo voorhuis just sent along this cool new vase he designed. thought you guys might get a kick out of it. i’m waiting on purchase info so i’ll have that asap. in the meantime, it’s just some fun tuesday afternoon eye candy.

[i'm heading out to pick up a renewed passport and a meeting with hg so i'll be back tomorrow. enjoy the summer weather!]

i met designer caleb dawson when i spoke at the idsa chicago conference. he would very much like to get the d*s audience’s opinion of his latest piece, a coffee table designed with his wife in mind. caleb mostly designs consumer goods for transportation/medical/electronics markets, but this is his first stab at a completed furniture piece. [the table is mostly CNC routed 3/4" MDF pieces. They are held in alignment with 1/2" dowels and fastened to each other with drywall screws and wood glue. The dimensions are 47" X 28" X 17". If he has another chance to build another one, he's going to try wheatboard (a sustainable material) instead of MDF]. there’s a complete photo set right here, so take a look and if you have time, please let caleb know what you think. and remember- constructive criticism and conversation is always welcome, but rudeness and comments like “this sucks” are not. [thanks for asking our opinion caleb!]