A decade of Michael Graves' design at Target
Ten years ago, Target partnered with designer Michael Graves to make great design affordable to all. The Minneapolis Institute of Art exhibit, "From Towers to Teakettles," highlights Graves contribution to design through Jan. 3. But you can check out some of his work, including this wine rack ($24.99), at Target.
New Michael Graves items this year include two pieces for parents - a baby food travel case ($9.99) and a three-piece drying rack for all those little things baby needs, like bottles, bottle nipples, bottle caps and baby spoons ($19.99).
Getting into the Halloween spirit
Crate and Barrel chose rustic and supernatural themes for its fall and Halloween decor offerings. Consider the witch hat tealights ($6.95 for a set of four) to create a mystic mood for your family, or for entertaining. Or if you prefer the natural over the supernatural, you might like the vine pumpkins, below, which need just to be placed singly or in a grouping for a quick decorating pick-me-up. They range in size, and in price, from $9.95 to $19.95. While not pictured, other items to consider are a laser-cut black spider web table runner ($29.95) or realistic-looking plump orange pumpkin candles ($4.95 to $14.95).
New wood, more storage in cabinets
Diamond Cabinets - sold at area dealers including Lowes and The Great Indoors - is now offering Alder wood cabinets in five new finishes for budget-conscious consumers. Alder is a hardwood, but soft in nature, offering a consistent and rich look of cherry without the price, according to Diamond. The new finishes - chocolate, cider, cranberry, harvest and wheat - sound delicious, though they are not currently viewable on the company's Web site, diamondcabinents.com.
You can check out its toe-kick drawer, pictured, which has been an option on cabinets since 2005, but has now been upgraded so that it is easier to install. For $150 to $230, depending on the base model, it offers an extra level of storage space, perfect for cookie sheets or table linens.
- Kay Long