We’ve been thinking about getting a little summer house. The 130,000 square-meter island of Nurai, located northeast of Abu Dhabi city, is about to be transformed into a absolutely stunning resort and exclusive private residential estates. New York based design firm, Studio Dror, led by Dror Benshetrit, and Paris-based AW2 will turn the area into a boutique luxury hotel resort with 60 suites, 31 beach front estates and 36 water villas.

The gorgeous multi-story water villas will span 515 square meters each and be made up of three bedrooms, four bathrooms, a private rooftop garden with a spa pool, private infinity pool, multiple decks, outdoor barbecue area, gourmet kitchen and concealed service quarters. As for the private Seaside residences, each will contain five bedrooms, six bathrooms, a private beach and garden, rooftop garden with spa pool, indoor reflecting pools, concealed service quarters, entertainment patios, outdoor dining areas, chef and show kitchens, and outdoor showers. The resort is due to open in 2010 and the prices for the residences start at $20 million.

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This cleverly designed holder does double duty–providing a secret space for storing your spare tealights, as well as a center holder to burn them in. But wait… there’s more! It can serve as a snack plate when split in two.

You can find it here for $22.

Austrian company Riedel takes flight with their new bird inspired wine decanters. Designed by Maximillian Riedel and his father Georg, these glass blown works of art are handmade by artisans in their Austrian factory. Each of these beautiful yet functional decanters takes on their own bird persona. The Swan, and Flamingo are self explanatory names while the Paloma is inspired by the beautiful white dove, la Paloma. Each posses gorgeous curves and a drip-free spout exclusively for elegant entertaining. Keep in mind, while setting the table though, all 3 of these birds are dramatic 23 inches long and hold one standard sized bottle of wine. Available in a variety of styles from Amazon.com.

This bathtub stood out for its mix of modern sophistication and fun sensibility. It is made to fit two people as well. The translucent sides create a unique bathing experience for sure…Made by Wasauna Bath in Scottsdale, AZ and available at wasauna.com It’s even currently on sale for $3,199.00 down from $6399.00.

This new Palm Woven panel from Durapalm is wonderfully textured and snaps together with a simple finger-joint design. These panels, made of coconut palms, are coated with a non-toxic adhesive and a seven-coat finish to create a durable surface. Perfect for interior walls such as fireplaces, kitchen back splashes, and bar fronts, this textured wall also meets LEED criteria in two categories,materials and resources. Check them out at durapalm.com Thanks to Interior Design magazine.

Muuto is a new Scandinavian design house whose names means “fresh perspective” in Finnish. In the designer’s words: “With the shape of the jug I wanted to tell a straightforward story about its functional anatomy: A large hole to fill the jug, a small hole to pour, a low center of gravity, and a middle area to get a firm grip. At the same time I wanted to create a flowing balance between these four elements in a way that makes them come together in an organic unity, like a heart and its veins or a tree and its branches. The end result almost makes the jug come alive.” Hand made fine bone china - unglazed and hand polished outside, glazed inside. Hold 1.15 liters, or 2.5 pints. 9.5″ tall x 5.5″ wide.

Great as a carafe or as a sculptural object. You can pick it up here for $95.

This is the most whimsical set of curtains that we have ever come across. Once you get over the almost too realistic nature of the design you can add a fairy tale/pop art touch to any room that has these. The curtains are made of 100% silk and designed by Dutch designer Nicolette Brunklaus. Imported from the Netherlands, a set of two panels will run you $1,850.00, and remember, blondes have more fun.

Who wouldn’t want a beautiful mermaid motif on their wallpaper, especially one that isn’t reminiscent of 50’s kitsch pop? Carolyn Ray has been creating textiles since the seventies and finds inspiration in the flora and fauna near her minimalist mountain home on the Atlantic coast. As she expresses on her website, “Design is the rush that comes of taking a long ride and finally arriving someplace new.”

Recently, while I was aimlessly wandering the border of Silver Lake and Hollywood, I ran into the Distant boutique. Walking in, I felt like I was browsing the products of a Moroccan bizarre. This quaint shop caries beautifully ornamented Turkish tapestries, hand woven cotton towels, hand blown glass lamps among other exotic items. Owner Arzu Benavides designs many of the items in the boutique and has a great sense for timeless pieces.

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