Table it
Floral-painted teapots and ironstone pitchers look perfect in a farmhouse kitchen, but in a sleek, modern scheme they’re country-mouse misfits. Snap up some swank and shapely vessels by New Jersey ceramics artist Kenny Delio—they’ll satisfy your thirst for pouring in vogue style. Blue and black teapot, $185; brown and black ewer, $195. Mullaly’s 128 Studio & Gallery, Elk Rapids, 231-264-6660, mullalys128.com.
Ring Leader
A little bit industrial, a little bit organic, this bowl fuses flattened, oxidized bronze rings and rounds for a funky piece that’s strong enough to stand alone. Showcase its bold, simple shape on a pale-painted shelf or as the sole objet d’art on a small hallway table. Crafted by India-based artist Michael Aram. Various sizes, start at $90, Elements, Charlevoix, 231-547-5820, elementsgalleryonline.com.
Paper Chase
Wallpaper is making a comeback, and it’s bolder and brighter than ever before. Our new favorite line? Taraz by Designers Guild. Fresh patterns full of moody blacks and browns, as well as megawatt fuchsia, chartreuse and aqua, these papers will do any wall proud. Available through select decorators and designers, such as Renee Guthrie Design, Petoskey. 231-348-1824, lakestreetdesignstudio.com.
Bike Seats
No matter how much your stationary exercise bike may seem like a piece of living room furniture, trust us—it’s not. The loveseats, lounges, stools and other fixtures that Marquette-based artist Andy Gregg builds from discarded bike parts, on the other hand, are furniture pieces so curvy, comfy and artfully inspired that your heart rate will soar (no pedalling necessary). Modulus Loveseat (shown), $1,000+. 906-361-2483, bikefurniture.com.
Window with Soul
Highlight your cherished Eames chair under the glow of a double-hung window? Are you mad, woman? Give mid-century modern its place in the sun with a gorgeous stained-glass window by second-generation craftsman Guido Goldkühle. Traverse City. 231-631-5398, kuhldoors.com, kuhlstudios.com.
Yes, Bull
Enough of the French country roosters already. Go bold with a beast you won’t find in every kitchen store. We found this cute and quirky bull among gads of cool conversation pieces—furniture, art, housewares and gifts—at Mend, a new T.C. boutique where most everything in the store has been rescued, refurbished and recycled for your inspired decorating pleasure. $37. 231-922-2820.