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Building a birch log table

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Written by Anne E. Collins

I often overestimate my handiness. And one of my most overzealous projects to date began when Mike and I spotted a fabulous Brent Comber side table in the Conran Shop. Looking at this $2000 bundle of logs, nailed together in a circle, I turned to Mike and said, “We could do that, right?” This was about a year ago, so I don’t think he ever said yes to that question, but he explored the possibility with me anyway.

Brighten up the Bath with Color!

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Written by Suzanne Morrissey • Photographed by Ken Gutmaker 1. Line Up. Grout comes in colors, too. Turn the usual scheme around and give a wall of plain white tile a subtle—yet surprising—hit of color.

2. Walk Softly.

And carry a big bath sheet! A…

The Wallpaper Hanging

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Written by Anne E. Collins

In designing our new apartment, a lot of elements are still fuzzy but one thing I’ve always known is: Each bedroom will have a wallpapered accent wall. Maybe this is because wallpapering is practically forbidden in the land of renters, but it is most of all an excuse for wild pattern. If placed right, it can be the surprise in the room. I chose two fantastically bold prints but put them on the least visible wall, so you have to round a corner or do a 180 to notice them.

The Sconce Project

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Written by Anne E. Collins

Hanging by the front door of his former bachelor pad, Mike had sconces made of old terracotta roof tiles. They were definitely a bit rugged for my taste but I loved their simplicity—just a candleholder drilled into a found object. Then I started thinking, with that…

Backyard Oasis

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Written by Leah Konen If a staycation sounds a bit anticlimactic, you’ve never seen backyards like these. We scoured the country and found the most amazing outdoor spaces, whether through ingenious landscaping, indescribable views, spectacular swimming pools, or a breathtaking combination of all…

Killer kitchen gadgets

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With a bevy of kitchen gadgets on the market, it can be hard to decide what’s a gimmick and what will actually perform. Does the tool slice and chop as quickly and as accurately as it claims? Does it really fold to save on space or cut down on prep time? Everyone claims easy to use, but what about easy to clean? We want products that make life simpler, not those that bring up new challenges. And it wouldn’t hurt if they were easy on the eyes when not in use.

Here, a roundup of PointClickHome's favorite epicurean tools that will have you spending less time in the kitchen and more enjoying your feast. Bon appétit.

Wooden Cracker (above)

Though you may never guess it, these simple beech cubes outperform the average metal nutcracker. Simply rest a nut in the hollowed area of the larger block, place the smaller block on top, and give it a gentle whack. The result is a beautifully shelled nut—intact—every time.

Cubist Nutcracker, $29; CharlesAndMarie.com

User post: How to make delicious homemade ketchup

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As early as the 17th century, ke-tsiap, a spicy condiment made from pickled fish, was popular in China. British seamen took the idea home, but they made their version with salted mushrooms. It wasn’t until the concept traveled across the sea again, to New England, that tomatoes were added, resulting in what became a classic American condiment. With freshpicked tomatoes everywhere, summer is a great time to make ketchup. It’s simple to do and takes only a few ingredients.

Metropolitan Home brings you three tasty variations. Our classic American ketchup features cider vinegar and maple syrup. The addition of sherry vinegar, saffron and smoked paprika gives the classic recipe a Spanish twist. Or take the condiment back to its Asian roots by using rice wine vinegar, ginger and five-spice powder. Serving suggestion—French fries!

Wild Style: Melting Decor

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What if melting weren’t confined to candle wax and dripping ice cubes? What if light bulbs, tables—even wood—could deconstruct right before your eyes? No, basic physics principles haven’t changed, but with a little creativity, design really can defy the rules. So if the laws of science have always been a bit rigid for your taste, PointClickHome shows you what happens when inventive furniture designers turn up the heat.

Dripping Drama (above)

In its latest glass masterpiece, Andromeda has created an incarnation that turns the classic chandelier into something wholly unexpected with twisted arms and eerie, dripping embellishments.

Melt Meee Chandelier; AndromedaMurano.it

Designs for $5 or Less

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If you love great design but don’t want to burn another hole in your wallet, look no further. It might seem like a stretch, but PointClickHome has found ten amazing products and accessories from our "Deal of the Day" blog that all ring up at just $5 or less. So go ahead—set aside your coffee shop allowance for just one day, and invest in one of these chic little pieces.

Think we can’t go any lower? Next week, we’ve got a roundup of items for a buck a pop!

A Lil' Bit of Lichtenstein (above)

Not only do these comic plates appeal to our love of Pop Art—they’ve channeled our inner super-hero. Ooh, yum, and mmm…we want all three! Virtually nothing can defeat these powerful little porcelain plates (well, at least not the microwave or dishwasher). Great for kids, but who wouldn’t want their morning toast served this way? —Sarah Newell

Comic appetizer plates, $1.50 each; CB2.com

Fresh new centerpiece ideas: no blooms required

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Many an ode has been written to the joy of the fresh-cut flower, but a chic table setting doesn’t necessarily require a bounty of blooms. Some of the best-looking centerpieces can be made from of the most humble of materials to the most unexpected of high-end objects. And the best part of these floral substitutes? They’ll be just as fresh for next season’s round of dinner parties. PointClickHome brings you five stellar ideas that will do the poshest of hostesses proud.

Terrarium (above)

Victoriana is having a moment, but there’s nothing macabre about these charming terrarium centerpieces. Instead, they’re grandiose in scope and very of-the-moment. Top off a small collection of potted plants or greenery with a glass cloche or scatter a few along the table. It’s instant drama! (Photographer: Rachel Thurston).