The Elephant in the Room

Let's just get this out on the table.

There are approximately three (3) reasons why you should
have white furniture in your home.
And by furniture, I specifically mean coffee tables, occasional tables,
dining tables, dressers, and other medium or large wooden objects.
I am not talking about white couches

-we could have a whole discussion on the practicality (or not!) of that.

Numero Uno: You really, truly, do live in a country cottage.
(You're not just being "cutesy" and pretending you do, because you
can't figure out any other look).

Dos: You are currently decorating an infant's bedroom.

I understand. Sometimes you just can't say 'no' to that

pretty white bassinet and petal pink sheet set.

I'm not saying I could, either.

And, finally: Your home furnishings are quite contemporary.
In this case, white is more than allowable.
However, I'm really hoping you're not going the
"contemporary must mean stark white everywhere" route.
Boooring...

That's it. Three reasons. You disappointed?
Think again before you go into auto pilot and decide
white is the way to go. It's cheap-looking, it's boring, and looks like
you're decorating a country cottage.

Only weird..you're not.

P.S. If you are offended by this post, don't be. If there is one rule that is absolutely true in design, it is that there is no hard-and-fast rule.

Your white furniture is probably the exception to all the rules.

Well-played...

I have nothing bad to say about this design by Pottery Barn -
in fact, I think it's pretty fabulous.
I love the contrast between the earthy wood frame
and the shiny, contemporary entryway table.
Simple, beautiful, uncluttered and unusual.

I guess even PB isn't all bad.

But why not stick with this design aesthetic?

Going "green"?

Since light and bright green has become the popular decor color in the past year,

this post may come too late for those of you who
already jumped on the bandwagon and redecorated.
Green is great because it can be either ultra-funky and casual
or glamorous and formal. (Most people opt for casual, it seems).

The color green is still around this fall though, so if
you are contemplating a green-inspired makeover,
remember this one tip:
Your greens do not need to match.
In fact, it is much better if they don't.
Of course, the hues you choose shouldn't clash either.

Remember that the color of the green may change
depending on what you put it on or next to.
For instance, some greens when placed on tan or cappuccino colors will
turn out barf-y. Some greens are barf-y to begin with.
Try a color out, and if it doesn't look right, take it back.

And, one final tip: if you are redecorating, remember that
the cheapest, fastest, easiest way to do it is simply switch out
textiles and accessory pieces.
You can change the look of a room dramatically this way.
In other words, you shouldn't have to start at square one looking for new furniture-
unless, of course, you want to.

Above and Beyond

Some of absolutely the most exquisite furnishings I've ever laid my eyes on,

created by Christopher Guy.
I was first introduced to him through the decor mag "Accessory Merchandising".
Get a load of the lines on that dining chair.
Can you believe it?

Christopher Guy

A Plug For Lighting

Here's a plug for Restoration Hardware's "Famous Fall Lighting Sale".
Starting tomorrow, September 8th, up to 25% off all things lighting
- lamps, shades, sconces, chandeliers.

What's my problem?

My problem is with Pottery Barn's tacky use of color and pattern and trendy designs.
I was wondering what aspect of it to focus on for this post.
Then it dawned on me, as I flipped through the pages of the most current "PB" catalog...

Ah, yes... PB painted furniture.

Every time I see it, I hope that it will go away.
But they continue selling it -season after season- which is even more disturbing...
it means that someone is buying this stuff.
And that means that someone's friends have to endure looking at these overpriced eyesores.

First of all, if you are going to spend a decent amount of money on furniture,
please use it towards something that is semi-timeless.
Do you really want to update your dresser or bedside table seasonally?
I didn't think so.

My main dilemma with the painting of furniture is that it cheapens it so drastically.
Not to mention that Pottery Barn's over-use of stool green paint is
not aesthetically appealing by any stretch of the imagination!