photo courtesy of  tikihunters’ photostream on Flickr

Are you looking to add a bit of Island Flavor to your Back yard? Look no further because taoday’s blog is all the information you need to find the perfect Tiki Bar for your home. Follow the link below toy READ MORE BLOGS!

When it comes to setting up your outdoor patio for the summer, remember that a great way to transform your space into a getaway is by adding luxuries that remind you of that trip to Mexico. Adding a bar to your deck is a fun way to lighten the mood and bring you and your guests to the tropics. B&I Direct Imports offers the very best in furniture and accessories for your home. From antiqued hardware to the great bamboo and wicker tiki bars you see here.

By adding a tiki bar to your patio you are definitely choosing a specific style for which you want your space to reflect. Make sure that when purchasing a tiki bar your other furnishings reflect the style of the bar. Nice modern teak furnishings with crisp white seat cushions may not be the direction you want to go when incorpotrating a tiki bar. Try adding painted wood furniture, bamboo seating and color color color! You’ve purchased a tiki bar for a reason so go crazy and get inspired.

Now if you have the room for the tiki gazebo shown above go for it. This particular piece creates a focal point in your back yard and it draws people into it for a more intimate conversation. This also makes a nice hideaway during family BBQ’s so when your guests start driving you nuts you can sneak away for a breather. This piece is also a great option for those with children. The gazebo instantly becomes a fort or castle without the shiny primary colored plastics which have become all to poular these days. A childs imagination will bring the back yard to far away places.

Looking for a bar that is a little bit more reserved or modern? This piece made of bamboo and featuring a fossil stone top would make a great addition to any back yard, porch, patio or deck. Very sleek and stylish it houses drawers and door storage as well as a bamboo cutting board. Dimensions for the piece are 74 x 25 x 44

You can find a lot from B&I but what we love here at YFL is outdoor bars. Keep them stocked and ready cause you never know who might come over!

Get Inspired by this outdoor 3D animation and incorporate B&I direct into your Home

Looking for a more modern approach to Patio Furniture Check out the Great Furniture found on Trendir

Find your NEW dining table from a designer who only works with OLD material. In Tucker Robbins Furniture design the Older the better!  Read more in TODAYS BLOG, click here or follow the link below.

When you are searching for solid wood end tables, Coffee tables, Accent tables and unique dining pieces Tucker Robbins is the first place to look. Not many people can say they have a three ball dining table like the one below and even less people can say that they have a table which has been inspired by global culture and the life of Tucker Robbins. Robbins has proven his passion for furniture design by creating pieces which display true craftsmanship and creativity.

The Tucker Robbins goal is to bring the spirit and craft from the tribal cottage industry to contemporary life. This Dialog with ancient peoples, spanning continents and centuries, brings insight into what we have forgotten about today’s furniture industry. The Tucker Robbins furniture line also brings to life a new sense of “green” living by incorporating salvaged materials and working with the people who not only manage the forests where wood is grown but also care for it.

The Tucker Robbins look is that of refined rusticity.  This means he’s added a polished edge given to a piece that has been reclaimed from an ancient village. Tuckers design process revolves around the idea of collaboration and exploration into the possibilities of the material and form of the piece. This is the approach he takes when working with a client on a custom piece. He starts at his studio on Long Island and will introduce you to many objects from all over the world that have influenced his creative journey.

Then, when working on a custom piece for a client he will walk with you through 16,000 square feet of beautiful material both recycled and carefully harvested from all over the world. Woods Tucker Robbins uses in his pieces include satinwood, acacia, nadun, kumbuk, narra and mountain pine. These are all extremely rare woods whose natural beauty have been aged and dried in order to create interesting furnishings for your home.

Need help finding a side table option that makes sense for your bedroom? Check out these interiors at decor8blog.com

Gothic Revival Bed

Inspired by a historic building on the banks of the Hudson River, this Gothic Revival Bed from Archatrive makes a romantic centerpiece in any bedroom. Styled in the form of a Gothic Lancet, it features wonderful architectural details including; exaggerated dentil trim, pinnacles atop the headboard posts, and a clover-like foil on the face of the headboard. This is a bedroom piece that makes a statement and is fit for any King or Queen. Head Board (Queen) 69″W x 80″H Foot Board (Queen) 69″W x 34″

Read today’s blog and bring the ocean into your interior.

Photo courtesy of only_point_five’s photostream on Flickr

Acrylicore Inc.                  Accessories by Sherwood

One of my favorite trends right now is the incorporation of sea inspired accessories into eclectic and thoughtful interiors. Maybe it’s because I’m a cancer or because I grew up appreciating all the sea had to offer but now I’m not the only one who thinks fish are cool. From Acrylicore you see a sculptural piece that has been inspired by jelly fish. This paired with a wall mounted lighting unit would make a splash in any interior. The set of fish sculptures are a fun and interesting addition to any bookshelf or console table from Accessories by Sherwood.

Bobo Intriguing Objects Artifacts International

Bringing the ocean into your home can be done in multiple ways some ways don’t have to be so literal. You can use a piece like the candelabra from Bobo Intriguing Objects which has been made from reclaimed drift would and boasts an almost tentacle styled shape. Another great way to bring the sea side into your home is to add great lighting like the shell sconces seen above from Artifacts International.

Currey and Company Jaipur Rugs Inc.

When addressing mantels, alcoves or niches, placing a great relic like the Shell and stand from Currey and Company along with a grouping of florals and tall oversized candles would make a statement and show your appreciation towards the ocean. My current favorite sea inspired shape would have to be the branches of Coral seen in the rug from Jaipur above. Coral has been infused into several home accent lines including sconces, chandeliers, rugs and decorative accents. This is a natural statement worth making.

Want to plan an ocean front getaway? Check out this great location found on ApartmentTherapy.com

Even if you only travel to one place in your life make sure it’s to the ocean. East coast, west coast, down south no matter where you choose make sure you appreciate the ocean for what it is. Bigger than you and something that lives and breaths. The ocean is it’s own world.

Photo Courtesy of ozfan22’s photostream on Flickr

Austin High Back Chair

Do men still have smoking rooms? If they don’t they should consider maybe turning the basement into a home library or den just to give this peice a proper home. This chair from Belle Meade Signature invites you to take a seat, kick back and relax. The masculine lines and soft leather promote comfortable luxury . Chair: 31-1/2″W X 40-1/2″D X 45-1/2″H X 20-1/4″SH X 25-1/4″AH Ottoman: 27″W X 22″D X 19-3/4″H

Make Sure you click the image above or follow the link here to read today’s blog on New Orleans Inspired Interiors.

Photo Courtesy of David Paul Ohmer’s photostream on Flickr

New Orleans has gone through a lot of stress over the last couple of years but it remains a must visit U.S. city and these photos show why. The architecture and design in this 291 year old city brings it’s residents from the modern century to a time of European indulgence. Today the big easy maybe best be know for it’s hurricanes and  Mardi Gras but there is a sense of old worldliness that has me inspired to bring a french flare into my own Interior.

While staying in the French Quarter you have got to take a walk down every street, turn every corner and discover something new. Make sure to walk the French Market after you sip on a café au lait and nibble on fresh beignets from Cafe’ Du Monde. Walk the St. Louis Cathedral square at night and have your cards or palm read just for fun! But do make sure to stop in to the Cathedral and take in the great Architecture which New Orleans was built around.

The best part of New Orleans are the courtyards and gardens. These outdoor spaces, as well as the Lobby’s and den’s of the Boutique French Quarter Hotels are where I find my Interior inspiration. Bringing the gardens into your space via small accessories like the finial shown below and other decorative accents is a great start. The nice thing about New Orleans is the amount of original art that can be bought on the street from the artist and you can usually talk them into a good price.

Clockwise from top left: Accessories by Sherwood Inc – Arteriors - Aidan Gray

To really make an impact you must include a chandelier, like the one show above, in your interior. This will bring your company and you into the lounges and parlor rooms of so many great New Orleans destinations. Also by adding a frech country inspired chair or chaise you are adding style and sophistication to your space. My favorite thing to do is play off the furniture style by placing the piece in a modern space or next to a modern side table. This will bring more focus to the piece as art not just a comfy place to sit.

So when you are planning your next trip out of town remember to consider an inspiring location like New Orleans and don’t forget to take pictures of all the historical interiors and the furnishings so you can incorporate something like them in your home. And don’t forget to start your Online Search here!

For more on great interior studies check out A Colorful New Orleans Home on ApartmentTherapy.com

Get Inspired by the Day and do something fresh. Take a different route to work or school. Stop at a different Coffee shop, maybe one that isn’t based in Seattle? Anyways, make this morning your morning! Stop back later today and check out our blog on great New Orleans inspiration!

Photo Courtesy of Peaceful Traveler’s photostreamon Flickr

Talisman Writing Desk WIth Leather Inlay

This piece of furniture, from Palu, has been designed to fit any interior and has great design features. The leather inlay offers a classical feel while the legs and frame of the desk are reminicent of Frank Llyod Wrights work. Meant to be a writing desk, this piece is great as a Laptop Desk as well.  Width: 63″ Depth: 27.5″ Height: 30″ Looking for more? Check out www.palultd.com

Made for indoor use but would look great on any screened in porch or covered patio! From Andre Originals

This unique lounge seat and ottoman from Corsican Furniture Company would look great on any pation from modern to classic.

Ultra Modern garden decor from Jason Phillips Design works as a bench or a beautiful object that will add sparkle to any contemporary space.

Relax in comfort with this piece from Blue Fish Furniture. This chair represents the great outdoor collection available and includes a sofa and end tables.

Swivel and swerve in the unique patio style from Nuevo Furniture

Stay sleek and kick back in this poolside lounger from Zuo Modern Inc.

It’s actually more comfortable than you might think. Available from Tru Home

Perfect for family and friends This outdoor seating also has an umbrella which adds coverage when needed. From Gloster Furniture Inc.

Fun and Funky, this piece will add visual interest to any garden. From Aden Works LTD.

Made for two this loveseat is made from bamboo and has great geometric shapes. From Red Egg Furniture

Wanna Change up your patio or pathways? Check out the video below for great DIY tips!

For more great patio furnishing options check out Patricia Gray’s Design Blog

Click on the Image above to Read today’s Blog on Great Patio Seating Options for your Home

Photo courtesy of antolozaZD’s photostream on Flickr

Tired of hearing about everyone’s latest vacations or trips? Take this opportunity to focus on what you can do to create a vacation worthy Backyard or Patio and Take advantage of the summer weather. Get inspired by today’s blog and buy your next patio set from one of our great vendors.

Photo Courtesy of ©DApixara.’s photostream on Flickr

Treasures Wardrobe w/mirror

Check out this great piece from Alligator Enterprise. It’s a Multi-Functional wardrobe with hanging clothes storage three drawres and an open space for toys and book storage. This piece is shown in a Cabot Blue and natural wood finishes. The style has a more traditional edge but the design says Transitional living. A great peice to grow with. Shop http://www.alligatorenterprise.com/ for more furniture options.

Clayton Oxford is a furniture designer at the front of the line when it comes to green design.

Looking for more Green Furniture Manufacturers? Check our directory!

Find Furniture You Love at YourFurnitureLink.com, America’s favorite Furniture Search Engine. Please come back to visit our Furniture Blog!

Search for a hip Furniture Manufacturer Link and Home Retail Shops who carry Cool Furniture Products from your favorite Signature Furniture Collection!

Wholesale Furniture Manufacturers, Distributing Furniture Companies and Furniture Dealers Retail are invited to join us. Stop by our Face Book if you’re in the neighborhood for lively furniture conversation!

Clayton Oxford is a designer and entrepreneur who travels the world to design and produce the most distinctive home furnishings and accessories using the highest quality sustainable materials on the marketplace today. Originally from North Carolina, he grew up in a family of furniture makers, artists and fishermen and was lucky to be surrounded by people who have a zest for life.

Looking for more Green Furniture Manufacturers? Check out our Directory!

Find Furniture You Love at YourFurnitureLink.com, America’s favorite Furniture Search Engine. Please come back to visit our Furniture Blog!

Search for a hip Furniture Manufacturer Link and Home Retail Shops who carry Cool Furniture Products from your favorite Signature Furniture Collection!

Wholesale Furniture Manufacturers, Distributing Furniture Companies and Furniture Dealers Retail are invited to join. Stop by our FaceBook if you are in the neighborhood!

Oxford travels extensively overseas, from running with the bulls in Pamploma, sailing throughout the tropics of South East Asia, fishing off the coast of Mexico, to backpacking & sea kayaking in the Alaskan Wilderness all to gather inspiration from different environments to develop eclectic innovative products.

During all of his travels and experiences he’s learned that there is more that binds us together than separates us, and want to share these experiences with you through his designs and eclectic items. ound the world. All of Clayton Oxford’s products are eco-friendly, made from sustainable natural fibers and materials from the indigenous regions in which they are produced. All products are exchanged at “fair market” values and go to support the local craftsmen and struggling economic communities in places such as the Philippines, Indonesia, Vietnam and Africa.

Watch the video Below to get a better understanding of Sustainable Furniture

For more infor mation please click here. All Photos courtesy of Clayton Oxford

Sit back on your front porch and enjoy the start to a band new day!

Courtesy of: ‘Playingwithbrushe s’’s photostream at Flickr

Check out Today’s blog for more info from this Eco Luxurious Designer.

Photo courtesy of susan kennedy design’s photostream on Flickr.

To truly appreciate a Maria Yee piece, one must understand the person behind it. Her personal experiences shape everything from the furniture’s design concept to its creation. Maria’s passion, struggles and triumphs imbue each piece with a vitality and intensity that speak volumes without saying a word. A child of China’s Cultural Revolution, Maria witnessed first hand the havoc wreaked by the fanatic anti-intellectual radicals. At age 15, she was sent to work in a rock quarry and her parents were imprisoned. Inquisitive but quiet, she enjoyed riding her bicycle and swimming in the Pearl River. While her childhood dream was to be a physicist, her father, a professor of architecture, sparked her early interest in design. When the Cultural Revolution began in 1966, the radicals imprisoned her father and later sent him to a tea farm. Her mother, a school teacher, was placed under house arrest in the elementary school where she taught. She was later sent to work at a pig farm. Maria was taken from her family and forced to work in the rock quarry. Only 15 years old, the quiet girl’s creative spirit was cruelly snuffed out. In its place, only the spirit to survive remained.

The artistic merit of Maria Yee’s furniture goes beyond beautiful lines and elegant shapes. Every item is handcrafted with sophisticated joinery techniques, handed down through the ages and refined for a modern manufacturing environment, with no nails or screws marring the integrity of the raw materials. This makes every piece unique and personal. To create her solid bamboo furnishings, Maria Yee further developed her BreathingJoinery™ specifically for BambooTimbre™. By handcrafting the pieces in pure joinery without nails or screws, hazards such as warping, cracking, splitting, shrinking and rattling associated with traditional bamboo furniture are eliminated.

Keeping with her commitment to offering new, unique options in home furnishings, Maria Yee developed her Air Frame™ and BEST™ joinery techniques to create exceptionally strong solid bamboo pieces that boast a clean, contemporary look. Maria Yee pioneered EcoLuxury™ – luxury that is ecologically responsible. We abide by our core belief that if we take from the earth, we should give back to the earth. Maria Yee respects Earth’s natural resources and is sensitive to its dwindling reserves. Select products are handcrafted with 100 percent Forest Stewardship Council-certified hardwood, and other pieces use only hardwood species which are responsibly grown and selectively harvested. As an alternative to fast disapearing hardwood, Maria Yee developed rapidly renewable BambooTimbre™ and RidgeBamboo™.

The company is dedicated to protecting the earth by innovating green manufacturing processes and adheres to strict recycling principles. Furthermore, energy conservation is a top priority in both the production and design.

All photos courtesy of http://www.mariayee.com/. For more Information please click here.

Good Morning all! Start your road trip to achieving a more Zen life with a view beneath a Ginkgo tree. Don’t forget to check out today’s Blog on Zentabulous Furniture designer Maria Yee!

Courtesy of: shotam’s photostream at Flickr

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Check out todays Blog post on the Academy of Art University in San Francisco! A great school in an exciting city.

Photo Courtesy of Catbagan’s photostream on Flickr.

The Academy of Art University was established in San Francisco in 1929 by Richard S. Stephens, a fine art painter who had accepted the position of Creative Director for Sunset Magazine. Assisted by his wife, Mrs. Clara Stephens, he opened the new school in a rented loft at 215 Kearny Street to teach advertising art. In a few years, a distinguished faculty of practicing art and design professionals was assembled and the school’s philosophy was formulated: hire established professionals to teach future professionals. In 1933 the curriculum was expanded to include Fashion Illustration, and in 1936 a Fine Art Department was added.

Dr. Elisa Stephens, the granddaughter of the school’s founder, succeeded her father as President of the Academy of Art University in 1992. Dr. Stephens has been committed to expanding the Academy’s curriculum to stay current with new technologies and industry trends, as well as making state-of-the art facilities and resources available to Academy students. In 2004, the name of the school was changed from Academy of Art College to Academy of Art University in recognition of its depth, scope and quality.

Today the University has more than 13,000 students, making it the largest private school of art and design in the country.  Students now have the opportunity to pursue a  Bachelor of Fine Arts, Bachelor of Arts, Associate of Arts, Master of Fine Arts, Master of Arts, Master of Architecture, Certificate Programs or Continuing Art Education courses, with over 30 areas of academic emphasis.

The graduate student in the Interior Architecture & Design program will be prepared for professional practice through integrated theory, design and technology in tandem with industry standards. The graduate student will be taught to achieve a balance between the mastery of design skills that meet the needs of the profession, and the creativity and imagination that will lead to better ways of thinking about our environment.

For the graduate Interior Architecture & Design student’s Final Project, a site is selected in order to redesign its function and interiors; under the direction of a faculty of professional experts, concern for spatial issues, design innovation and attention to detail are emphasized. The concept of the project will demonstrate an energetic professional approach, and will be professionally exhibited upon approval by the Final Review committee.

While attending the Academy of art you will produce a body of work suitable for seeking professional opportunities in your chosen field of art and design. Solve creative problems within your field of art and design, including research and synthesis of technical, aesthetic, and conceptual knowledge. Communicate your ideas professionally and connect with their intended audience using visual, oral, and written presentation skills relevant to their field. Execute technical, aesthetic, and conceptual decisions based on an understanding of art and design principles. Evaluate work in the field, including your own work, using professional terminology. Recognize the influence of major cultural and aesthetic trends, both historical and contemporary, on art and design products. Learn the professional skills and behaviors necessary to compete in the global marketplace for art and design

So If you’re stuck in a job rut and need to find something new to do or if you have completed a BA and want to continue your education with a Masters degree, right now is the perfect time to check out The Academy of Art University in San Francisco.

All photos Courtesy of the Student Works page found at The Academy of Art University website. Check out the links for more information.

Good morning furniture lovers! Find something for any room in your house. Today’s Blog is a perfect place to start. Follow the link below to Read More Blogs.

Courtesy of: alexkess’ photostream at Flickr

Read Today’s Blog for tips on great Home Decor from Global Views.

Photo Courtesy of Decorology’s Photostream on Flickr

The hardest part of styling a home is choosing classic home accents that reflect who you are yet make a great impression on your guests. Global Views is a great home accent company offering a wide variety of decorative accents as well as small furniture pieces and lighting fixtures. Global Views delivers fashion driven products such as lighting fixtures, end tables, accent tables, dining chairs, and media cabinets from around the world. Consistently providing superb quality infused with unique designs has earned Global Views a reputation as a go to company for great home decor.

Looking for more Bedroom Furniture?  and Bedding Collections? Check our Directory!

Find Furniture You Love at YourFurnitureLink.com, America’s favorite Furniture Search Engine. Please come back to visit our Furniture Blog!

Search for a hip Furniture Manufacturer Link and Home Retail Shops who carry Cool Furniture Products from your favorite Signature Furniture Collection!

Wholesale Furniture Manufacturers, Distributing Furniture Companies and Furniture Dealers Retail are invited to join us. Stop by our FaceBook if you’re in the neighborhood!

The best part of working with Global Views is the large variety you get to choose from. The bed side table seen above would look great in any setting. Mixing styles is one of the easiest  ways to create a stunning home.  Some of Global Views’ products have been featured in many high end home décor magazines such as Elle Décor and House Beautiful as well as renowned TV shows such as Divine Design and Extreme Makeover Home Edition.

The floor lamp shown above is a very popular product and is a great option for creating room seperation. These two vases make great accessories in hallways or on a mantel. When grouping objects together remember that hieght changes from one object to the next is pleasing to the eye and a minimum of three object looks best. For instance, if you’re decorating a side table in your living room start with a tall object like a lamp or vase of fresh cut flowers, then add a medium height item. I usually like to incorprate a family photo in a 5″x7″ frame depending on the height of the vase. A sculpture or decorative object also works quite nicely. Finally add a small object like a candle on a dish, a candy bowl, a figurine or other small item and you’ll have a completed look that shows thought and design sensibility.

Looking for more Accent Tables? Decorative Accents? or Table Top? Check our Directory!

Find Furniture You Love at YourFurnitureLink.com, America’s favorite Furniture Search Engine. Please come back to visit our Furniture Blog!

Search for a hip Furniture Manufacturer Link and Home Retail Shops who carry Cool Furniture Products from your favorite Signature Furniture Collection!

Wholesale Furniture Manufacturers, Distributing Furniture Companies and Furniture Dealers Retail are invited to join us. Stop by our FaceBook if you’re in the neighborhood!

Global Views offers alot of really great home items including pieces that will stay with you for quite some time. So after you’ve decided what bigger pieces you’d like in your home make sure you bring those pieces together with a complimenting wall finish. One of my favorite color palette’s can be seen in A Classic Modern Color Palette for Your Home on ApartmentTherapy.com.

For more information on Global Views please click here. All photo’s courtesy of Globalviews.com

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Take some time this morning to plan your next “staycation.” You don’t need to travel out of town to have a good time. Stay at a friends house for a couple of days and take some time to discover a new neighborhood. Now is the time to get reacquainted with your surroundings, city, town or village.

Don’t forget to check out today’s Blogs.

Photo courtesy of Stocks Photography’s photostream on Flickr.

Be inspired by nature and check out Shima Furniture in today’s Blog.

Photo Courtesy of Coastal’s photostream on Flickr

Shima Furniture is a brain-child of Hans Morsbach’s first love, forestry. The wealth of trees and the beauty of his 450 acre farm in Cazenovia, Wisconsin inspired Morsbach to share this beauty with other folks. He set out to manufacture furniture made from his trees for people to enjoy. Hans Morsbach is also the author of a most widely read book about forestry called Common Sense Forestry.

While oak, ash and walnut are the most commonly used woods in their designs, Shima use’s about 20 other species. Their trees are harvested in an environmentally conscious and sustainable way. All wood is harvested on U.S. land, they never use rain forest wood.

Many of the furniture designs are conceived by Shima’s Amish neighbors. Their religion discourages commercial enterprise and recognition, gratitude and accolades of their creations. Nevertheless, Shima has honored the Amish with the name of their company (try spelling “Shima” backwards). They would like to give more credit to the Amish craftsmen, however, with all due respect, their good Lord won’t let them. Just the same, they would be delighted to talk with you if you choose to visit Shima in Wisconsin.

Laser technology enables Shima to produce precise and lasting inlays. Much of their furniture is adorned with a floral design which they adapted from a traditional Amish quilt. Laser technology enables them to make inlays from any design suggested by customers, which is a great custom option for those who want to put their own artistic stamp on their Shima furniture.

When Hans Morsbach became interested in cultivating trees and managing small woodlands, he searched for a good how-to manual. He never found one, so he decided to write his own. Based on his subsequent experience, combining deep research into the academic literature on forestry with his successes and failures as a small-scale commercial tree farmer, the result is Common Sense Forestry, an indispensable reference for anyone who owns or wants to own wooded property.

Morsbach is an unabashed nature lover as well as a businessman, and well understands the essential importance of a long-term approach to sustainable forest management. In this highly readable and entertaining text, the author offers a comprehensive look at managing existing woodlands by creating, and later maintaining, forests that promote biodiversity while providing an income stream. This comprehensive examination of sustainable forestry includes everything from choosing land to beginning a forest through seeding and transplanting, from pruning and thinning to harvesting trees, from debates over herbicides and clear cutting to working with professional foresters, from business strategies to tax planning. Available at Amazon.com.

For more great Eco-Friendly shopping tips check out How To: Shop for Eco-Friendly Wood Furniture at Apartment Therapy.

For more information on product from Shima please click here. All photos courtesy of Shima Furniture.

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Wake up and enjoy the summer sun! Enjoy your Fourth of July weekend and Don’t Forget to read today’s blog on sustainable furniture design.

Courtesy of: Stuck in Customs’ photostream at Flickr

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