design

With emerald being Pantone's color of the year, green has definitely hogged the color spectrum spotlight. Still, it's emerald's cooler cousin we're eyeing: mint. With its soft hue, it's perfect for springtime and can easily go glam when paired with white and gold. We've gathered some of our favorites from around the web to showcase this fresh hue.

• Wishbone Chair ($855): With its unique shape (plus a handwoven seat), it's no wonder how this chair got its name.
• Matte Mint Bud Vase ($20): We can just see it now — all of those soft-hued flowers that will perfectly complement this handmade vase.
• I Am a Rock Lamp Finial ($65): Give your lamp a special touch with this stunning stone accent that's guaranteed to stand out.
• Green Herbs Scented Candle ($17): Embrace the mint color trend while filling your home with the smell of nature's best with this coveted candle.
• Viceroy Mint Cylinder Lamp ($306): Everything about this lamp, with its mint-and-gold geometric base, screams glamour.
• Family Wall Art Quote ($17): Freshen up your desk space or entryway with a poster that'll bring on the smiles.
• "Simply Anna" Teacup ($40): The contrasting mint and white colors, the gold rim — what's not to love about this teacup?
• Polkamania Hook Rug ($170): This handmade rug is all about ushering in some floor fun, be it for your home office or living room.
• Mint Salt and Pepper Shaker Set ($5): Shake up mealtime with this sweet set in a subdued mint-green color.
• Baroque Pillow ($223): Punch up your sofa with this graphic, embroidered, and elegant pillow.

Give your mom flowers, and she'll smile for a day. Take her to a hip floral class, and she can create arrangements for a lifetime. (that's right, the proverb works for Mother's Day gifts too). On Saturday, May 11, from 10-11 a.m., West Elm stores nationwide will show students how to create an arrangement from The Flower Recipe Book, penned by highly sought-after floral designers Alethea Harampolis and Jill Rizzo of Studio Choo.

For $65, you'll be equipped with a vase, clippers, blooms, and a book, so all you have to do is call your local store to reserve a spot and show up. Yes, it's that easy!

Aside from the bonding points you'll score while crafting your killer arrangement, the inclusion of this jaw-dropping coffee-table tome bundles two gifts in one. The book is filled with step-by-step tutorials ranging from bouquets to garlands and is categorized by season and formality, so there's no need for the class to end on Saturday!

Eye candy for art enthusiasts and sugar hounds alike, pastry chef Caitlin Freeman's new book, Modern Art Desserts: Recipes for Cakes, Cookies, Confections, and Frozen Treats Based on Iconic Works of Art ($16, originally $25), is definitely worth perusing! While Caitlin's desserts are currently sold at SFMOMA's Blue Bottle Coffee Bar, she masterfully breaks down the process into 27 recipes for the book that range from basic to downright ambitious.

What started as a field trip to SFMOMA for a college photography class, ironically shaped Caitlin's serendipitous path to becoming a master of sweets. The former co-owner of San Francisco's pastry shop Miette and current pastry chef for Blue Bottle Coffee Company, Caitlin blames her career change from aspiring photographer to pastry tycoon on Thiebaud's Display Cakes. "Once I discovered it, I found myself sneaking off for illicit visits while my classmates ogled the old Walker Evans photos," she writes.

We caught up with Caitlin to delve into the book's fascinating backstory. Keep reading to get the scoop on recipes from the book she swears anyone can do, her crazy kitchen renovation ideas, and more!

If you've extinguished the fantasy of living in a fresh-flower-filled home this Spring, allow us to rekindle the flame. Turns out, creating eye-catching centerpieces doesn't require financial sacrifice, skill, or even petals (in some cases). We're banking on these three easy centerpieces for maintaining a stylish coffee table — all Spring long!

Bottles as Bud Vases
Tulips continue to grow after they are cut, which makes blending them in arrangements a bit tricky. Show off their playful silhouettes (while saving cash) by sticking just a handful in individual bottles. All sorts of bottles from apothecary to soda pop will work — just be sure to peel off unsightly soda labels.

Veggie Arrangements
You also don't have to stick strictly to flowers. Artichokes and stones look downright architectural when placed in a cylinder glass vase and are in season this time of year.

Keep reading for our final centerpiece that's a cinch to pull off — we've saved the best for last!