Design Watch: A new mate for brown, DIY cake stands and more

Our picks to click this week:

• Finding the classic brown-and-blue color combo overplayed, blogger My Notting Hill (www.mynottinghill.blogspot.com) considers a different pairing: brown and green. Lots of lovely photos provide inspiration for this fresh mix.

• Give cupcakes or a birthday cake a lift with a DIY project at Design*Sponge (www.designspongeonline.com). The cake stands are made from dishes and vases found at thrift stores.

If you prefer to look at pretty designs instead of creating them, the site also offers a peek at some of the exhibits and goods that will be at the International Contemporary Furniture Fair in New York this weekend. Search for "iccf" on the site.

The Washington Post and The Seattle Times

This is an occasional feature on what bloggers are saying about décor.