Mrs. Sizzle: art & animal awareness

New blog Mrs. Sizzle brings a curator's eye to the intersection of pets, art and fashion. Founded by Suzanne Donaldson - a photo editor who has worked at Robert Mapplethorpe Studio and numerous fashion magazines - the blog highlights chic accessories, beautifully composed lifestyle shots and animal-inspired fashion, as well as going behind the scenes to meet the dogs, cats and birds behind some of art and culture's biggest names.

Christmas 2014 collection by Biscuiteers

Biscuiteers' Christmas collection this year includes biscuit-filled advent calendars, edible cards and tree decorations, and personalised cakes.

CHRISCROSS by Marco Hemmerling

CHRISCROSS is a lighting installation created by Marco Hemmerling at Cologne's Luther Church. Comprising 500 dichroic cylinders, the installation changes its colour depending on the lighting effect and the viewer's angle.

A Scandinavian Midsummer by designjunction

Habitat's Platform Gallery in London is currently hosting A Scandinavian Midsummer, an exhibition and pop-up café created by designjunction and curated by Michael Sodeau Studio.

Cars That Feel by Soap Creative

VIVID Sydney "Cars That Feel" Time Lapse from Soap Creative on Vimeo.

For arts festival VIVID Sydney this year, digital agency Soap Creative used lights, sound and visuals to imbue a series of Toyota cars with human characteristics and personalities. Programmed to 'wake up' as the sun set, the cars invited affectionate interactions from passersby - such as hugs and tickling - and responded in different ways.

For more insight on how domestic objects are taking on emotion and personality, subscribers can read our technology report Animated Appliances.

Gato, New York by David Rockwell

David Rockwell has designed the interiors, lighting, furniture and fixtures for Gato, a new bar and restaurant in Manhattan by chef Bobby Flay.

Spring ceramics by Dahlhaus

Photograph by Byron Dauncey

Heather Dahl, founder of Vancouver-based Dahlhaus Studio, has launched her spring 2014 ceramic collection - a range of naturally speckled neutral stoneware with vibrant glazes that have a West Coast Modern feel.

Water Shapes: new ideas for the ice lolly

Staged by Vittorio Venezia and Fab Lab Palermo and hosted by Italian design academy ABADIR (Arts Between Architecture Design & Interdisciplinary Research), the Water Shapes design workshop presented inventive new ideas for the ice lolly, defined simply as a "form supported by a stick".

Trompe l'oeil ceramic carpets by Bisazza

Bisazza's new tile collection by Antonio Citterio and Patricia Viel is inspired by traditional carpets. Geometric patterns such as fringe, stripes and diamonds are imprinted into fine porcelain stoneware through laser micro-engraving, so that hard flooring becomes as delicately decorated as soft furnishings.

All of a Piece: innovative tableware

All of a Piece is a series of modular tabletop elements created through a collaboration between Netherland-based Earnest Studio and Dana Cannam Design. Various components in granite, marble, perspex and walnut wood are combined together with magnets to form different objects of various styles and sizes. Simple geometric shapes alternatively become trays, trivets, bowls or candleholders to adapt to every need as the elegant materials are juxtaposed into contemporary compositions. 

Fountain of Youth by the Michelberger

Fountain of Youth is a natural coconut drink made by Berlin's Michelberger Hotel. Made from 100% raw, natural coconut water, the drink is bottled and sealed right after the coconut is opened for maximum vitality and freshness.

The Perfectionist’s Café by Heston Blumenthal opens at Heathrow

Heston Blumenthal's new restaurant, The Perfectionist’s Café, has opened this week in Heathrow's redeveloped Terminal 2. Designed by AfroditiKrassa, the interior takes inspiration from the golden era of travel, chiming with the 1960s and 1970s influences of Blumenthal's menu.