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Now That’s a Paint Sample

Not necessarily new, but new on our radar are the ‘Ultimate Paint Chip’ samples from C2. Several paint companies now offer handy mini-samples to bring home and physically paint your walls. But with these 18” x 24” pre-painted posters, C2 has done the painting for you. Head over to Hubbard Paint & Wallpaper and grab a sample of Final Straw or Wasabi, there are nearly 500 richly saturated hues to choose from, put a little painter’s tape on the back of the poster and just stick it on the wall. The joys of the painted poster are numerous: You can move them around a room to view in various light and, for those of us who tend to procrastinate, no more color swatches hanging around for months…or maybe years. Chips are $5.99. Available at Hubbard Paint & Wallpaper in Hyannis (50 Route 28), Falmouth (631 Main St.) and South Dennis (460 Route 134).

Entertaining Bench

Yes, the L.L. Bean Painted Cottage Bench is the perfect place to perch and peel off a pair of sand-covered Wellies, but this sturdy, versatile piece also just so happens to be the right size to act as a pared down entertainment center. It’s just large enough to hold a 32” HGTV. The lower shelf even has enough room to hold the high-def box, required with both dish and cable, and a DVD player or gaming system. Offered in a host of beachy colors for $129. Available exclusively through L.L. Bean (800-441-5713 or www.llbean.com).

Is it a ‘Shed-Port’?

Salt Spray Sheds has come up with a whole new compact concept in sheds. This low-on-space, high-on-function building measures just 20 feet wide by 16 feet long and combines a traditional shed with a carport. Not only does the overhang create a place to keep a car safe from the elements, the added space above creates a loft area roomy enough for a good-sized mattress. Just think of the possibilities; extra sleeping space for guests, play house for kids, work shop for Dad…any of which should also make Mom happy. Prices start at $15,000. Available at Salt Spray Sheds (235 Great Western Rd., South Dennis).

Splendid Seaside

This new concept board at Cape Cod Tileworks showcases a wide range of the company’s unique products arranged to capture a sensational sense of all things beach. The Harwich Center shop has become known for their whimsical use of product in creating these boards, an in-house way of showcasing their signature style. This seaside scene encompasses not only their well-known ‘Critters’, but also the very popular beach stones and various shades and textures of glass tile. Check out this and dozens of other fun concept boards at Cape Cod Tileworks (705 Main St., Harwich).

Oh Baby, Baby

A recent addition to the world of swank baby-friendly furnishings is the new Restoration Hardware Baby & Child. This offshoot of the furnishings and lifestyle giant includes everything needed to supply the well-heeled baby; from cribs and changing tables, to layettes and linens, to accessories and toys. And everything is done with the company’s signature slick look and luscious color palette. Available online at www.rhbabyandchild.com or by calling 800-762-1751.

Kiddie Chair

Don’t omit Junior when redecorating the home! Both playful and sophisticated, the Panton Junior chair is a pint-size version of the original 1960s mod design by Verner Panton. The curvy, bold cantilever chair comes in six bright and cheerful shades—red, orange, lime green, teal, pink and white—and is the perfect fit for preschoolers and primary-school-aged children. Price: $125. Available through several online retailers including www.spunkysprout.com and www.zwello.com.

If it’s Good Enough for Will Smith’s Kids…

Yes, we know this a little over the top. Yes, we realize no child really needs an original Barbara Butler designed tree house, but they’re just so darn cool, we couldn’t resist. According to a recent press release, these babies are all the rage with the babies of Will Smith, Robert Redford and Kevin Kline. If Mommy and Daddy are remodeling their house, isn’t it only fair that Junior gets an upgrade on his private abode? For further information, contact Jessica Seldomridge at 212-529-1598.

Composting Gets a Makeover

Take the ‘ick’ factor out keeping scraps of trash on the counter until you make it out to the compost heap with this stainless steel Compost Pail. New from Crate & Barrel, the countertop vessel looks as slick as any four-star hotel’s ice bucket, but with a solid work ethic. A generous 1.5 gallon capacity means you can make it through a couple of meals without constant emptying and the charcoal odor-reducing filter means your nose will also approve. Comes in two sizes, starting at $39.95. Available online at www.crateandbarrel.com or by calling 800-967-6696.

The Fabric of a Sisterhood

A couple of sisters with strong ties to the Cape recently launched Wellfleet Waters textiles. The heavy cotton canvas fabric is available in several prints in a variety of vibrant colors which the sisters feel reflect the seaside experience. ‘Grass’ is a lush green, ‘Water’ a brilliant blue and ‘Sunset’ is done in the orange hues of a nearly set sun. The 100% cotton duck is durable enough to be used as upholstery or to make beach-ready totes. Sells for $39.00 per yard and is available at www.wellfleetwaters.com.

Retro Range

A confluence of warm curves, cool chrome and crazy hip colors— for example “Candy Red,” “Mint Green,” “Robin’s Egg Blue” and “Flamingo Pink”—the Northstar range, manufactured by Elmira Stove Works, combines modern technology with style Donna Reed could appreciate. Stove models are available in electric, duel-fuel (gas top with electric oven) and all-gas range (natural or propane) and come with a choice of features, including self-cleaning oven, electric radiant elements under ceramic top or sealed gas burners, programmable bake/ clean function and 2.0 cubic foot warming oven. Range prices start at $3,495. Available at Kahians Appliance One (91 Carver Rd., Plymouth) and Crane Appliance (249 Teaticket Hwy, East Falmouth).

On a Roll

The latest wallpaper line, The Bamboo Papers, by Farrow & Ball is sure to be an instant classic. Inspired by an iconic 19th-century Japanese print, the wallpaper is elegantly composed of stick-straight bamboo stalks dressed in a soft splay of leaves against a selection of colored backdrops. Available in two pattern sizes and thirty color combinations, including muted grey and yellow-based neutrals, pastels, earthy greens, browns, cool blues and shimmering metallics, the print boosts style in spaces that range from modern to traditional. Price: $215 for a roll of 11 yards by 21 inches. Available at the Boston Design Center (One Design Center Pl., Boston).

Well-rounded Seat

A fresh look at an old classic, the Candemir pouf, designed by Nathan Turner for Elite Leather, is a cross between a beanbag chair and an ottoman. The multi-purposed pouf poses as portable seating and a functional footrest. Price: $999. Available at Artifacts Fine Furniture (434 Main St., Hyannis).

Kitchens with Country Charm

You don’t have to live in the country to enjoy 500 Kitchen Ideas: Style, Function & Charm produced by the editors of Country Living magazine. The book is a compilation of clever, well-executed decorating ideas that capture the warmth of country living. There are useful tips paired with real-world applications of how to use color, what wall and floor treatments work well together, how to make appliance options blend in or stand out, as well as how to maximize lighting and windows, storage, sinks and work surfaces with style and grace. Published by Hearst Books, a division of Sterling Publishing Co., Inc. Price: $24.95. Available online through Barnes & Noble and Amazon.

Starkly Beautiful

Design giant Philippe Starck has partnered with Duravit, manufacturer of bathroom fixtures with an edge, in recently releasing a line of signature kitchen sinks; Stark K. The angular pieces will add a clean, modern line to any kitchen as well as superior functionality. The generously sized built-in drain area means no more bulky dish rack taking up precious counter space. Many various sizes and details to choose from, prices start at $1,465. Available at the Boston Design Center (One Design Center Pl., Boston).