From Janet:

Spotted in the NY Times: this simple glass fixture by Roost from Williamsburg shop Moon River Chattel is equally suited for modern or traditional interiors ($165 at Moon River Chattel; call 718-388-1121). The Roost Glass Cylinder Lamp is also available online at Velocity Art and Design for $130, both as a hanging pendant and as a table lamp.

From Julie:

Machado and Silvetti Associates is a Boston firm that specializes in museums (Getty Villa renovation, Bowdoin College Museum of Art, Provincetown Art Association and Museum) and urban projects; the founding partners are both from Argentina and both teach at the Harvard Graduate School of Design. They designed this cottage in Wellfleet, MA, on outer Cape Cod, which looks like the perfect studio for a pair of architects (note the drafting tables).

From Julie:

We love this idea from Daily Danny, by the irrepressible Danny Seo: lining a pathway with beach rocks painted with luminous glow-in-the-dark paint. During the day, they charge in the sun, and in the evening, they reflect the stored light. A 7-ounce can of Rust-Oleum Glow-in-the-Dark Brush-on Paint is $7.79 at Blick Art Materials.

From Julie:

Houseguests, anyone? We love this idea, spotted on Apartment Therapy: Artisan Shepherd’s Huts. Paulus Smith has been a specialist joiner for over 25 years, working on listed and historic buildings. He now spends his time creating meticulously crafted shepherd’s huts from his medieval barn workshop in Sussex; wheels are cast from molten iron using original patterns, floors are solid oak, and all fittings such as door handles and window fastenings are high-quality reproductions. Can be used as garden retreat, spare room, studio, or office. Prices start at about £11,000; go to Artisan Shepherd’s Huts for more information.

From Sarah:

This spring, I became obsessed with finding an outdoor table that met various criteria: namely, a budget of $1,000 and a look that was neither spanking new nor faux aged. Ultimately, I tracked down this folding wooden German beer garden table with benches at Sonoma Country Antiques, all for the compelling price of $700. I was so enamored of the table that I shortly returned and bought another set, thus promptly blowing budget (but gaining extra dinner seats in the garden).

Below: A bit of sleuthing turned up a US source from an outfit called Bier Boot Haus: the Biergarten Folding Wood Table, with walnut finished top and green painted metal legs, imported from Europe. Although it’s not as characterful as a vintage set, it seats 10 comfortably (it’s 88 inches long) and folds for easy storage. $499.99 at Bier Boot Haus.

From Sarah:

Coping with mountains of kids’ toys and paraphernalia can be a challenge. These scenes from Swedish houses, via photographer Mari Eriksson (via Cookie), show how the Scandis have perfected the art of simplicity. White walls and wood floors provide the backdrop for a few colorful items; art supplies and other essentials are stowed in white cupboards; and we love the use of a skipping rope to hang art.

From Julie:

Perhaps the ultimate children’s sanctuary; from Danish impresario Nina Tolstrup of Studio Mama, a London-based architecture and design studio. Via Mopu42.

From Sarah:

Piet Hein Eek a bit too high-concept? Ikea offers the simple Agam Highchair for $34.99; available in birch veneer or black.

From Julie:

For the uninitiated, Piet Hein Eek is a Dutch designer celebrated for his use of scrap materials in creating compellingly naive, yet somehow refined and sophisticated, furniture. The prolific designer has added children’s pieces such as bunkbeds, high chairs, and wardrobes to his repertoire:

From Janet:

Forget stocking up on reams of paper for your child’s creative urges: consider this simple Chalkboard Table instead. The Offi Woody Chalkboard Table is $299 at Design Public.