Even though I’m not returning to academia this fall (phew!), I recently went on the hunt for a grown-up version of a back-to-school backpack: a new tote bag to help me avoid plastic shopping bags and haul all my stuff around Brooklyn with … a boy’s pockets can only be so big. I found a great one — the canvas and soy ink Herringbone Kuma Tote from the always excellent Areaware — and also stumbled across a nifty new line of eco-friendly throw pillows in the process. Because, you know, as they say, where there’s a tote there’s a throw ...

 

The matching line of hand-silk screened Kuma Pillows — there’s a small selection of also-matching all-purpose and makeup pouches, too — are designed by New York-based designer Ross Menuez (the fellow behind the cute, critter-y Fauna Pillow collection that you may have seen around) of Salvor Projects. The pillow covers are made from organic cotton canvas and printed with child-safe soy inks (the insert is down) and feature patterns sure to give a room a unique visual “pop.” Although I'm partial to the Zig (above, left) design, Tatami (below, middle) and Cedar (above, right) are standouts with their faux textured patterns that play tricks on the eyes.

 

Each of the eight different Kuma pillow designs are pictured above and below. Which one(s) do you fancy?