Here is a pic of the front of the cafe currently. Down at the bottom of the post, is a “before” pic from November of last year.

While all of this is happening, Jesse and Lisa are holding down the fort serving up their blend of espresso in the back of the cafe. Jesse is a master. Lisa here is learning the craft. A former lawyer turned barista, she is chasing her dream of a creative life in the coffee biz. We love dream chasers, Lisa rocks.

Matt is the GC… going through the very complex blueprints for the Handsome operation.

I wish I knew all of the details of this roaster… but, what I do know is that it’s a 1956 Probat UG22 roaster that they tracked down (after a long search) in Belgium, restored, and imported over here. Like Handsome Coffee, it has the reputation to be the best, of course.

Details like this smoking pipe are laser etched in the surface of the walls of the cafe… one of many identity icons for the Handsome brand.

Here is the “before” pic of the Handsome storefront a few months back. They’ve come a long way.

From our trip to Yosemite.

Its appeal is endless, which is why we always find ourselves clinging to every hint of it, even when we’re safely tucked at home. These teak coasters, are something special.

The teak coaster perfectly paired with the color dipped mug.

Handmade from reclaimed wood, each coaster is like a small reminder that there are bigger, more amazing things out there in the big, wide world. Their exposed tree rings constantly mesmerize us and make us wonder what things they’ve seen and what stories they could tell.

Teak has natural weatherproof qualities, which means no sealers or treatments were used on these beautiful pieces. Just simple nature’s beauty.

Made with beautiful white porcelain, these wave bowls make use of the peaks and valleys to form a cheerful silhouette of a lion, elephant, dog or cat.

Put them by the door and have a critter stand guard over your keys, coins and knick knacks. I never know where I put those little items in my pockets, so maybe now I won’t forget to drop them with the most lovable animals in town.

The best part of these bowls are the thoughtful details in and outside the bowl. See those paw prints in front?

This dog derriere is the cutest. I’m fighting the urge to help him up the lip of the bowl.

This elephant is trying to reach an apple subtly drawn just to the side. (See it?) Guess elephants aren’t working exclusively for peanuts after all.

This lion isn’t here to scare anyone. It’s just there playing with a butterfly just out of reach on the left.

Made in Nagasaki, Japan, each bowl is beautiful and an endless source of everyday inspiration. Bring a little friend home and see what you think.

Each of them were dipped into a colored glaze to create a simple, beautiful color-drenched look. It was hard to pick which hue we liked best, so we went with all of them: charcoal, blue, yellow and red.

Made in Nagasaki, Japan, these beautiful white porcelain mug is made even more special with a dose of color. The dipping process creates a nice, subtle gradient that gently fades to white. Doesn’t that look like liquid sunshine?

Sunshine in a cup.

This reminds me of a clear, blue sky.

The red wakes up my senses.

A classic combination.

Which one is your favorite?

If you’re moving into dorms, apartments or little corners this fall, don’t forget to get in on our 50% off sale on art prints and wall decals. And keep these easy tips in mind:

Blank walls are white canvases, add your style and go!
Keep your walls neutral, but add a row of framed art to create a great contrast without chaos.

Art prints bring a pop of color into a neutral space. A great piece can also be a conversation starter.

Shop for space savers
Look for furniture that does double duty or folds into a compact space, so you can maximize the space in your apartment. Some pieces might be made especially for close quarters, but exercise your creativity and you can often find other uses for pre-existing items.

Swap out one plant for utensils on this mountable planter and you instantly have a bit of green with extra space.

Do without walls, but do divide your space
Walls constrict and nobody ever wants to run into them. Divvy up your living area by adding a visual element. Why not use a plant, a stack of books or wall decals as a divider?

Have you found some great tips to spruce up a small space? We’d love to hear them! Share your photos and tips on the comments below!

With it comes a whole new season and the start of school for students. If you happen to find yourself surrounded by a new space, we’re have just the sale for you! Just for this week, we’re giving you a whopping 50 percent off on selected art prints and wall decals.

Why? Because we know how great a feeling it is to know that your space is your home. Adding that one colorful piece of art on your wall does just that.

Find a piece for your new home at poketo.com. Sale ends Sunday!

Do you yourself more as a designer, builder, furniture maker?

I am a designer and a builder. My ability to build is a result of wanting to accomplish a particular design to meet my own standards. I love to conceptualize but I also really love working with my hands.

When did you start ?

I’ve been an artist my whole life. I used to design space ships when I was a kid. I’ve shifted slightly to more practical things that I can actually build myself.

What types of pieces do you usually create?

Well, I love space and how we interact with it. I like homes the most, so the majority of stuff I’ve made is for the home, inside and out. I’ve built decks and pergolas, coffee tables, benches, planters; both standing and hanging, amongst other things. I usually create pieces that are rustic in material but modern in design.

If there was one thing that you think makes your work a different from others, what would it be?

I embrace “flaws” in materials and sometimes even showcase them in a piece to add character.

You were born and raised in Southern California. How does California influence your work?

California has everything as far as nature is concerned. I try and make stuff that speaks of some golden-era that has been or could have been. Something that makes people think about that nature.

What inspired you to design the A-frame plant hanger?

A-frame in Architecture and the fact that I’ve really never seen a plant hanger that I’ve liked.

Balancing is a delicate artform, just ask the guys who captured these makeshift monuments.

Photo by: James Jordan

Photo by David Wan on the beach of Bay Area San Francisco

The balancing act requires sensitivity and calm. “It seems impossible,” says the rock balancer in this video, “but once you get that impossibility. It seems like magic.” Indeed.

You may not have massive rocks to play with, but you can still add a little Zen to your life with our Balancing Blocks. Recreate the Great Wall of China or the Eiffel Tower using these colorful blocks repurposed hardwood scraps collected from Brooklyn furniture shops. Here’s Ted breaking out some blocks for fun.

Ted stacking the balancing blocks

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