We’ve considered getting a cat tree that they can hang out in, but we can never seem to find just the right place where one would go, so we put it off.

Today I came across these “cat clouds,” wall-mounted shelves made especially for cats who like to lounge. The shelves are pretty big at 20 inches by 10 inches and have a foam pad with a removable faux sheepskin over it. They’ll support 70 pounds of weight and are held in place with four heavy duty wall anchors.

The powdered coated shelves come in three colors — off-white, white and black. I especially like that they take up no floor space!

[image: the refined feline]

Post from: Blisstree

Kitty in the Clouds

That said, I was recently offered a guest post from the bloggers over at the newer, but cool ChicTip.com. I like the blog, I like the bloggers, and I like when good new design blogs emerge, hence, a guest post from them. Also, I like their about page, which notes, “We feature stores, products, artists, reviews, sales, contests announcements, trends-in-the-make and more. Because this isn’t just a blog, it’s a community – for designers seeking inspiration, and for amateur design enthusiasts. This is a place where we can all come together, sharing our ideas, tips, and questions with like-minded people.” Which is totally my thinking about blogs – open, friendly, old-school community, and not snobby at all. Very nice.

Today I thought we’d look at ChicTip a little closer. They have some great posts so far and are worth a visit. Such as…

Foscarini – Modern Outdoor Lighting

Modern Menorahs – Our Top 5 List

They even make nice inspiration boards – which rocks. I like this one above: Back to The 50s – Inspiration Board

ChicTip has design tips, eco-design, furniture, materials, and even a few kid and green decor items I hadn’t heard of yet (impressive since I blog kid and green decor all over the darn web). I recommend you hit them up and see all their goodies.

[images via ChicTip.com]

Post from: Blisstree

New Design Blog Worth Visiting – ChicTip.com

Crème Fresh notes, “Refreshing design” which is certainly what I’d call this. The site suggests it for a loft, which is a great idea. I lived in an open space before, and it would have been nice to have a bed separation.

I’d actually like to see more from the individual who designed this, but honestly, I can’t quite tell what’s up with this designer. Are they website designers, art designers? The website is scanty – sadly. Still, this is a great project. See another view of Celeste.

[photo via Crème Fresh]

Post from: Blisstree

Celeste the Mobile Sky

Work Chair

So, not exactly what I had in mind (imagine this at your computer desk) but cool, right? Of course I start browsing (habit when I see weird furniture) and this artist, Mark Fejes creates the most wonderful items. Odd Alaskan ironweed, tables, more chairs, mobiles, and more.

However, click on his oldest work and you find a house! Two actually. I’m not sure if he was the designer or builder of these homes but both are neat.

The Round House — north of Fairbanks: This home is offbeat for when it was built; 1981 but not so offbeat in general. Not that I don’t like it. The shape is great and check out the platform.

This house is the best though. Fejes has it titled Gilmore Trail and it’s located north of Fairbanks. Built way back in 1972. This home is shaped so lovely; like someone built the home and then grabbed it and twisted the bottom.

I like it. It really is so 70s. I swear I had a toy home shaped like this when I was a kid in the 70s.

I’m dying to see the interior. I’m going to do a little hunting around and see what I find. Hopefully I don’t find out that it was torn down — or some other bad news. Also, guess I should go find a real office chair. I don’t think my other readers will like the one above.

Post from: Blisstree

Multi-Talented Artist Mark Fejes

Surrealien makes warped wall coverings that are so weird; it’s hard for me to imagine you’d honestly have them in a home but they might make a great addition to a club, bar, or wacky coffee cafe. The technology behind the wallpaper is interesting. Surrealien factors in all doors, windows, and wall hanging to get the correct warped look around items. The big problem here is that obviously once it’s done, it’s done. You can’t move your paintings or furniture (if furniture is included); not without it looking very odd.

Still, it’s an interesting idea and would fit the most offbeat of rooms well.

See more designs (or order your own warped styles) at Surrealien.

What would you use this for? You know, after thinking it over it would make pretty cool kid wallpaper. 

Post from: Blisstree

Warp Your Offbeat Walls

Maybe on your old bike? Bike Furniture makes these primarily from recycled parts! Go recycled chairs.

Or you could always try a Softline chair — I however, am deeply concerned about the my smallish son falling through factor involved here.

From the wonderful dezeen comes the world’s most uncomfortable looking stainless steel chair.

My personal favorite find of the week from Fun Forever… Visit them because they posted the MOST amazing World’s Largest 3D Street Painting that you’ll ever see. I was dizzy — no joke.

Make the jump for an Autumn + Seating extraordinary experience.

Ah yes, the not so juicy yet still shiny Apple Chair!

And last but so not least, the adorable Oakleaf Chair & Acorn Ottoman from a blog I recently found and like bLavish.

There, now that ought to take care of at least a few family seating issues. Enjoy!

And hey, have you all been playing the Scavenger Hunt? I certainly hope so.

Post from: Blisstree

Offbeat Holiday Seating

As in blogs I write; not read because that would be a whole other discussion. I think about this a lot because most professional bloggers I know do have more than one blog. I think that there are some pros and cons to playing favorites.

Is it even fair to play favorites? How do you judge one blog over another when content varies so drastically? And what about job stability. How will your other employers like it when you blurt out, “Guess what? My other blog rocks so much more hard core than the one I write for you.”

Yup it surely is a conundrum.

So the title was a misleading fib. Or is it? Let’s just say that IF Offbeat Homes is my favorite I might be able to come up with some reasons why.

1. Because I adore wacky homes, the building process (mostly), and great architect minds impress me so what better way to spend my time than stalking stuff like this:

2. Because cool folks who build amazing homes like the one below are nice enough to tell me about it.

3. Because lord knows what a life without Lego cat churches might look like — in fact, I dread the thought.

4. Because seriously, what could be better than a house built up in a Redwood tree?

5. Because this is my only blog that gets a good bulk of hits from keywords like Dracula’s Castle. Fun! And spooky.

6. Because my peeps from the other Home & Dining channel blogs are the best. They force me to do stuff like this; we discuss meaningful issues like The Great Space Coaster when no one else is around and they let be be mean if I feel like it. What more could you ask of from a blog channel? Honestly I just don’t know.

7. Because green homes are the best and I see lots and lots.

8. Because I get to talk to fun sparkling people.

9. Because life should never ever be dull:

10. Because Offbeat readers rock! They leave the best comments and are the most fun ever.

That might be stuff I’d say IF Offbeat Homes was my favorite blog. But that’s all just hypothetical.

Post from: Blisstree

Offbeat Homes Is My Favorite Blog: 10 Reasons Why