Cool Stuff: IKEA Maskros Pendant

I know -- you're getting whiplash trying to keep track of my ever-changing stance on IKEA. Let's just say that my feelings about the Swedish superstore are ... complicated.

Top photo by Timothy Hartley Smith; bottom photo from The Brooklynist

Right now, I'm edging toward a "love" phase in my cyclical love-hate relationship. And all because of the Maskros Lamp -- part of IKEA's long-awaited PS 2009 Collection, which was shown at New York's recent International Contemporary Furniture Fair. The collection has been available in Europe for months, but it's finally headed stateside, and should be available at select U.S. IKEA outposts in August.

Photo by Pascal \o/ - lagarde

The dandelion-like pendant measures a generous 31.5 inches across and retails in the U.K. for £65 (about $103), so my guess is that it'll be among the more expensive lighting options at the blue giant this summer. But wow -- what impact.

P.S. You can get a sneak peek of the entire PS Collection here.

Objects of Lust: Yellow Goat Lighting

Though they're likely named after the shelters for a completely different creature, these delicate metal and natural-reed Coop Pendants from Australia's Yellow Goat Design remind me of antique Japanese fishing traps. I think I'd like one for every room in the house.

Or maybe what I really want are these vaguely kelp-like Pequeno Pendants.

Or perhaps these organic modern Wicker Pod Doubles ...

See all of Yellow Goat's out-of-this-world lighting right here. No idea about pricing, but I'd hazard a guess that they cost a pretty penny. Anyone feel like buying a few for me?

(Via If the Lampshade Fits.)

Cool Stuff: Vintage-Style Utility Lights

Old-school, but so cool. These Vintage-Inspired Utility Lights (an exclusive at online shop Site Design) are super industrial, a bit steampunk, and totally unique.

Fit them with amber-tinged filament-style bulbs and hang a trio over a kitchen island, a pair on either side of the bed in place of bulky lamps, or a single specimen over a lonely wingback chair in a shadowy corner. Then party like it's 1899.

They're $125 each right here.

Cool Stuff: Floral Aluminum Lamp

I'm smitten with this Floral Aluminum Lamp from "eco-tailer" VivaTerra. When lit, its floral cutouts cast a delicate pattern of light and shadow all around.

The pendant lamp with a 12-foot cord is $89, and the shade only is $69 right here.