Preloading
Home

The Writing on the Wall

Rubber stamp
Photo: Karl Juengel/Studio D
Instead of using florals or stripes, designers are borrowing from the dictionary—drawing on type to create graphic patterns that really make a statement. 

Dominic Wilcox's rubber stamps say the hard stuff for you, like "I sincerely apologise for all the trouble I've caused."

$35 each; at Areaware, 212-226-5155
Shower curtain
Photo: Karl Juengel/Studio D
The SAT definitions on this shower curtain offer a chance for surreptitious study.

$26; UrbanOutfitters.com
Synonym pillow
Photo: Karl Juengel/Studio D
This red (or ruby?) pillow by Dermond Peterson sports synonyms for the crimson hue. 

$185, 20 by 20 inches; HudsonBoston.com
Hang hooks
Photo: Karl Juengel/Studio D
Do as these hooks suggest and sling coats over their tops, which angle away from the wall. 

$68 for the set, 5 by 8 inches each; LekkerHome.com
Napkin rings
Photo: Karl Juengel/Studio D
Inspired by classic and modern typefaces, these porcelain napkin rings depict characters from A to Z. 

$10 each; Dinner-Ware.com
Affirmation mirror
Photo: Karl Juengel/Studio D
Snow White's stepmother would love this mirror, with such saucy affirmations as, "What an elegant, unique creature you are!" 

$199, 18 by 18 inches; Gnr8.biz
Alphabet tray
Photo: Karl Juengel/Studio D
John Derian based this alphabet tray on 1800s penmanship samplers. 

$13, 9 by 14 inches; Target.com
Yes tables
Photo: Karl Juengel/Studio D
Create a Pop Art monogram or mini message with Kravet's pricey—but sexy—chrome tables. 

$1,495 each, 18 inches high; DesignPro@DDBuilding.com for details
Alphabet prints
Photo: Karl Juengel/Studio D
Framed archival prints of alphabets and a rebus exhibit a sweet elegance. 

$84 for 8 by 11 inches; $106 each for 11 by 15 and 13 by 15 inches; at Smith & Co., 415-621-8608
Seal pushpins
Photo: Karl Juengel/Studio D
Give bulletin boards an aristocratic edge with resin pushpins that resemble wax seals. 

$16; BallardDesigns.com
7 deadly sins mugs
Photo: Karl Juengel/Studio D
Don't apologize for your morning vice—flaunt it with naughty handpainted vintage china. 

Starting at $165 for set of 7, styles vary; TrixieDelicious.etsy.com
From the Fall 2008 issue of O, The Oprah Magazine

View All Newsletters

Related Articles
Budget Christmas Gifts for the Home
New Home and Interior Design Products
Glamorous Wrapping Paper and Cards
Great Home Design Gifts Under 20 Dollars
18 Unique Desks in Every Style and Price Range
Design Bargains for Your Home at $50 or Less