Have you heard about the “Champagne Chair” contest? DWR (Design Within Reach) recently had a contest that resulted in over 600 entries from around the world. The goal? To design a chair using a champagne cork. (I know what you’re thinking; it sounds like one of those games you play when you’re snowed in with friends and drank too much wine…) But, it’s a serious contest with some amazing talent stepping up to the plate. Or is it, to the bottle?

You can read all the details on the DWR website, and view all the funky photos (they’re very creative, some quite amusing!), but I have to give mad props to Adam Lesser from Cambridge MA, one of the 5 runner ups for his “Prosecco” chair. Pop the top Adam, it’s time to celebrate!

(Photo: Adam’s design from DWR, and DWR logo. All from Design Within Reach.)

Common can be so boring. Yawn. Uncommon however….Spicey.

At Uncommon Goods, unusual is the word of the day. Unique. Different. Even slightly unconventional. Items for home, office, friend, and pet. Their gifts for men are quite spiffy, too. Their merchandise isn’t the only thing that’s uncommon. They endeavor to offer items that are created in harmony with the environment and cause no harm to your furry friends or to people. They’re known for their exceptional customer service. Product shots are clear and descriptive, and navigation is a breeze. What are you waiting for?

After browsing their online marketplace and looking at almost everything, I selected a few fresh finds that I haven’t seen anywhere else (yet). “A Rapping at My Chamber Door” door knocker $52, “His and Hers” key holders $25, “What’s New Pussycat?” fat cat glasses $35/set of 4, “Level” cufflinks for $80, and “Cup o’ Noodles” udon noodle bowl (sooo clever!) $22.

Uncommonly delicious.

(Photos: TOP: Various products, linked above. BOTTOM: Cup o’ Noodles bowls. All photos from Uncommon Goods.)

Look what the cat dragged in…Designers finally caught on that cats really are little people in fur coats and deserve posh living quarters, too. Although, I’m quite sure the driving motivation was making money on people with good taste.

Gone are the days when your only options are towering carpet poles and plaid cat beds. Check out this Cat Cocoon from Plush Pod. Taking 83 laser-cut double wall corrugated cardboard shapes, it’s then sculpted into a heavy and durable pod that stays put. Kitty can scratch it, hide inside, and sleep in stylish quarters that will blend in nicely with the design of your room. It’s a bit expensive at $279, but shipping is free and Plush Pod promises delivery within 1-2 weeks.

Let the cat out of the bag…opt for a cocoon instead.

(Photos: ALL: Cat Cocoon from Plush Pod.)

From A to Zinc, this store has you covered. Zinc Details is one those places that you’ll want to move into. Owners, Vasilios and Wendy Kiniris, created a place that’s as visually stimulating as it is upbeat. When you’re there, you can see why Knoll selected them as its designated “Knoll Space” retailer in Northern California. Their fresh collection of national and international items are collected from all over the world, from Japan to Scandinavia. Now you can collect them too and create a Zinc Details home of your own.

(Photos: Store Photos, Zinc Details.)