Starting today, you can begin shopping The Shops at Target at all Target stores as well as online.

This is Target's newest design partnership progrm, and to begin, five specialty stores and boutiques are bringing limited-edition collections across five different product categories. These collaborating stores are Privet House, Cos Bar, Polka Dog Bakery, The Webster and The Candy Store. See the LookBook here.

Connecticut based Privet House offers a collection of antique and vintage accessories and furniture at its stores. For Target, the Privet House collection brings its unique sense of style to products for the home and garden.

The pricing is pretty affordable, for instance the bowls featured here are available at $3.49 each, and the indoor/outdoor rugs at $19.99 each.

Today's homes are smaller, but that's alright. We want them that way.

Recent studies show that while home ownership is important, we are not willing to pay extra for larger homes. We just want them more efficient and stylish.

Multipurpose rooms, smart products, style and storage are very important to consumers, with style ranking high.

Not surprisingly, the two most popular furnishing styles today are Mid-century Modern and Transitional. Both have clean lines and smaller profiles.

And the love for furnishing with Mid-century modern design is not just limited to a home's interior, outdoor furniture also reflects those trends.

It is not something new, although it seems ikat has caught everyone's attention.

This ancient method of weaving with tie-dyed yarn has been around for a while, and by "for a while" I mean centuries. It is not particular to any single part of the world, but each region has its own heritage of patterns and symbols.

And what patterns and symbols! They are as much at home in today's home decor as they were in the past. Today you can see ikat on pillows as well as upholstered chairs, and sofas. But ikat is not confined to fabric alone, as today you can find rugs, wall papers and lampshades with ikat patterns.

Who can deny the importance of trees?

Arbor Day has been celebrated in the U.S.A since 1872, and is now celebrated internationally. Trees sustain life on our planet. Take a look at some of the world's greatest trees, and then read what John Muir had to say about America's forests in particular.

Sustainability is one of the reasons you should look for FSC certified wood and recognize manufacturers who are using resources responsibly and doing something to propagate forests.

And the best thing to do on Arbor Day? Go plant a tree.

Photo (c) Megan Finkelstein/SXC