By Jess Chamberlain, Sunset Home & Design writer

How absolutely adorable—but also kind of sexy—are these teardrop hanging vases from the new CB2 catalog? A little exotic, right?

And who doesn't appreciate hard-to-kill succulents and even harder-to-kill air plants? Read about my (sometimes mis-)adventures in gardening here and here.

Finally, a stylish (and cheap!) way to celebrate die-hard plants.

I'm in love.

INFO: $3.95-$4.95; CB2.com

By Sarah Gaffney, Sunset Idea House program manager

The fun part about my job is that it involves a lot of shopping. It's the perfect fit for a shopaholic like myself.  With our Menlo Park Idea House opening in late June, shopping season has officially begun. Reclaim, a new home store in downtown Menlo Park, definitely captures the home's organic, retro-chic look. Owned by former Sunset staffer Bridget Bradley, the shop's focus is green without being too hempy.

The store offers green building materials like recycled glass counters from Vetrazzo (an Idea House favorite), colorful cork flooring, zero-VOC paints from YOLO Colorhouse, and formaldehyde-free cabinetry, as well as beautiful pillows made with organic fabrics, sustainably-crafted furniture, and luscious linens and towels.

I saw plenty of ideas for our Menlo Park house. These lamp shades just sing spring. Wrapped in vintage fabric and finished with decorative trim, they'd be a great topper on a $10 lamp base from Target or Ikea. Hmm, I'm thinking of a spot in the little girl's room for this.

I love this look. Bridget hung rolls of bold, unframed wallpaper behind this upholstered bed. It's a great contrast with the bed's simple linens and a fresh idea for wall art.

We're searching for cool wallpaper to doll up some accent walls. The fluid graphics of this vinyl-free wallpaper would add a splash of whimsy to the master bedroom or girl's room. Stay tuned for the next stop on our shopping tour!

More wallpaper inspiration

By Jess Chamberlain, Sunset Home & Design writer

Had a fabulous pool-side photo shoot in LA last week with Ron Woodson and Jaime Rummerfield of Woodson & Rummerfield's House of Design. (Look for the story in our June issue).

For the shoot, Floral Art in Venice styled the gorgeous floral arrangements above. I loved the combo of green button mums with kumquats AND orchids and tulips. And I'm obsessed with palm fronds. Instant tropics.

INFO: Floral Art, 1338 Abbot Kinney Blvd, Venice, CA 90291; 310/392-1633.

By Sarah Gaffney, Sunset home program manager

Our Monterey Idea House is now under construction and slated to open later this summer. The home will be comprised of three connected buildings, with architecture that is best described as modern barn.

The building shown here will house a garage below and a guest suite and artist loft above.

The wood used for the siding is reclaimed from a 100+ year-old barn (and former stage coach station) located in the nearby town of Gonzalez and old water towers from Washington state.

We sourced all the materials from Bear Creek Lumber. More to come as construction continues!

See more Idea Houses

By Jess Chamberlain, Sunset Home & Design writer; Photos by Jon Jensen

If you haven't already heard of Pam Zsori, the woman behind Housemartin (the must-read blog for home decor and floral enthusiasts alike) consider yourself formally introduced. Check out her gorgeous eye for floral arrangements and pretty much anything design related on her blog, and look forward to being able to walk through that beauty: She's opening a store (Ink & Peat) in Portland in early summer!

We had the honor of photographing Pam's home and her spring decorating ideas for our April issue. Look for the story—and Pam's tips for easy spring decor—on newsstands soon. Until then, enjoy these gorgeous vignettes.

GET THE LOOK (above): Faux-bois cement urns from Oly Studio, Libeco linen printed table runner,  and similar vintage Haeger and Floraline vases available through Ink & Peat Home and Floral. Abstract painting (on wall) by Marshall Leggett. Raleigh Chandelier by Rejuvenation Lighting. Flowers on table (left to right): craspedia, orange tulips, white hydrangea, berzellia, and Sphinx Gold roses. In planters: Sword ferns.

GET THE LOOK (left): Kyoto chairs in coffee by Design Within Reach. Bird paintings by Amy Ruppel and green plate by Alex Marshall pottery available and through Ink & Peat Home and Floral. Polka dot cake and cupcakes from The Bakery Bar in Portland, OR. Flowers: Pale yellow roses, kangaroo paws, galax leaves, and sword fern.

GET THE LOOK
(above, left): Striped pillows by Alpana Bawa, available through Ink & Peat Home and Floral. White planter from Ikea. Polka dot glasses from Crate and Barrel. Plants in pots (on floor): Heuchera Palace Purple Select, Heuchera Lime Rickey, Japanese Bloodgrass, and Helleborus Ivory Prince. Mini tree (on table): Myrtle topiary
(above, right): Black and white botanical print from Peddler's Home Goods and Handmade trio of vases by Judy Jackson Stoneware available through Ink & Peat Home and Floral. Modern Storage Media Stand in chocolate from West Elm. Books (Karl Blossfeldt , Living in Bali, The Hotel Book- Great Escapes Asia) available through Taschen. Mini tree: Myrtle topiary.

GET THE LOOK
(above, left): Abstract paintings (two canvases) by Marshall Leggett.  Tapered wood table lamp in chocolate from West Elm. Chocolate fig and sweet pea dot print pillows on couch and lemon bead print pillow on slipper chair from Hable Construction, available through Ink & Peat Home and Floral. Henley rug in taupe from Pottery Barn.
(above, right): Dinera rectangular green plates from Ikea. Bowls (stylists own) by Jaliang pottery. Hemp napkins by Pottery Barn.

GET THE LOOK (above): Ivory sham with polka dots by Les Indiennes, green quilted blanket by Utility Canvas, and framed vintage seaweed botanical prints available through Ink & Peat Home and Floral. Monica upholstered bed and Calvin nightstands from Room and Board.  Flowers: Sphinx Gold roses.