Form And Function

Not So "Cheep"

2011-03-24T22:52:00.015-06:00

I think this is my only chance at realizing my childhood dream of flying;
At least I'd be one step closer with my own pretty perch.

Flying is a lofty goal
But would that make it worth the lofty price?

Swing Chair, Anthropologie

pretty rad

2010-08-18T08:00:00.002-06:00

Take this rug, for instance:

The reason I like this is because it makes me think really hard.

Yes, it is what you think it is:

I like it, but would Frank be confused? (That could be problematic).

And this bath mat rocks...

really.

thanks, Jamie, for introducing us on your last visit.

Stop Tormenting Me

2009-11-15T22:37:00.007-07:00

... Seriously.
You keep coming back catalog after catalog.
I get it.
There are a million ways to use you-
whether for books, rears, or feet.
You are simple and understated and amazing.
I have big dreams for you.

I love you
but
I need to keep the peace with my current living room.

Natural Tree-Stump, $229, West Elm

Ron Arad Exhibit

2009-09-28T11:36:00.018-06:00

This weekend I was lucky enough to get a glimpse of the Ron Arad exhibit,

"No Discipline" at the Museum of Modern Art (MOMA) in New York City.

I don't claim to have any sort of photography skills but above you can find
"Even the Odd Balls?" (2008), "New Orleans" (1999), "Lolita" (2004), and "Narrow Papardelle" (1992).
And yes, you can text-message the chandelier, in case you were wondering
--her name is Lolita--
and your message will appear (and travel) down her
2,100 crystals and 1,050 white LEDs which are
wound into a corkscrew shape.

Arad's designs hang out somewhere between art, industrial design, architecture
and sculpture and are considered "design art" by many.
Critics have called them both self-indulgent and frivolous,
but I disagree.
At a time when designers are focused on social and environmental issues,
Arad manages to march to his own beat (though the exhibit
leaves you wondering what that beat was, exactly).

When art is condemned for being motivated by a desire for self expression
haven't we missed the point a little?

I thought the exhibit was shocking and aggressive
(in a good way)
and
personally, very inspiring.

EDIT: I became frustrated and traded my own pics
for professional ones. Thanks, Dezeen.

The "White" Idea

2009-07-22T14:25:00.016-06:00

The power of white should never be underestimated.

White walls, flooring, and decor can be used to create

a feeling of brightness, lightness, openness or cleanliness

in an otherwise dark or cramped space.

That's a lot of versatility for one basic color!

When used artfully, white creates the most dramatic
interiors. With a crisp white background, the tiniest splash of color
is eye-grabbing and high-impact.

Does the mere thought of white walls make you snore?
Use texture

--vintage collectables, antiques, raised mill work, coffered ceilings, dramatic wainscoting, and ofcourse, textiles--
to make "middle-of-the-road" into "magnificent".

Don't forget that not all whites are created equal--

a slight tint can change the whole feeling of the space.

Linen and Mediterranean Whites have a creamy tint and makes spaces feel warmer (sunnier). This type of yellow-white [generally] looks best paired with dark, antique, and natural woods and traditional interiors.
Super or Ultra Whites are bright, pure whites. This white can act as a mirror and reflect light. These whites are best when used in a contemporary, minimalist interior.
Cloud Whites have a cool, barely-noticeable blue or green tint. These whites are soothing but can be more difficult to use in practice.

In other words, white need not be sterile, boring, or predictable.
The options are limitless.

Thanks Tartanscot and Elle Decor for the exquisite example photos.

"I hate labels."

2009-07-06T23:55:00.004-06:00

"I reject
pigeonholes and categories.
I'm more than that. I can be a
coffee table. A place to put your feet
up or to sit while you pull off your boots.
I can be a bench at the end of the bed.
I can be pure decoration or an impromptu picnic
table. I can be whatever works best with your life."

I am form and function.

Darryl Carter for Thomasville

Victoria's Best-Kept Secret

2009-04-22T11:09:00.001-06:00

Just what I need; one more reason to love this store.

I was expecting to be dissappointed,

but, instead, I love the sumptous fabric and sleek design.

Very victoria-esque.

I could just fall into one of these beds... and then stay there for days--possibly weeks.

(Particularly enticing considering finals begin Friday.)

Don't the pillows and sheets look like they might just melt?

Victoria's Secret

Oscar the Grouch

2008-11-24T13:51:00.000-07:00

Has anyone seen the article in the current issue of Vogue on

Oscar De La Rentas' home & gardens?

I haven't had a chance to read through it yet,

but I was disappointed by what I saw in the pictures of his house & home.

You would think someone with such

an eye for sleek and sophisticated fashion-design

wouldn't have such geriatric decorating tastes.

The rooms are dimly lit, and heavily/elaborately

(and might I even say incoherently?) adorned.

Instead of resembling the fresh face of the future

the look takes us back to the past -

the medieval past.

Parting the curtains, getting rid of some of the clutter,

and outlawing the use of floral prints would help a lot.

To be fair, I must say that there is something

quite lovely about the way this bedroom

is put together (above).

And I would even (shudder) keep the floral prints-

though I certainly can't explain why.

Would You Wear It?

2008-11-17T11:18:00.004-07:00

I really don't know how to approach this post.

I guess I will preface it with saying that I often get frustrated as I flip

through design catalogs or books.

I want to ask "what were you THINKING?!"

This is not a matter of personal taste or whatnot, this is a matter

of decency.

Yes, decency.

Unfortunately, the one downfall of the blog-format is that I can not easily

post said pictures. So, I will improvise and pull one from a google search I did.

This was the best I could come up with, and it's actually much easier to take than

the rooms I was looking at in these supposed interior design books.

But still.. really? The lavender carpet is amazing... in a very bad way.

So here is the question.

If your room were an outfit, would you wear it?

Every day?
How about for the next five years?

If you can honestly say yes to both questions, with no hesitance whatsoever,

then take on the next one:
would anyone who uses said room enjoy wearing it?

(This includes friends and family for a living room, and husband for a bedroom, for instance).

If you wouldn't look forward to wearing nautical red and blue stripes daily,

with cutesy sailboats to boot,

then don't decorate a room that way.

(Of course, if it is a beach house, your guests might

like wearing red and blue stripes

every day they are there.. )

If pink, zebras, and polka dots are not a combination you would look forward

to wearing, then don't decorate a room that way - and certainly

don't subject your husband to a pink kitchen or bedroom.

Puke-green is not a color you would wear? Then why would you put it in your bedroom?

You wouldn't wear a patterned pant and a patterned shirt? Then...

Get it?

Got it?

Good.

I think this one simple rule can go a looooong way.

Obsession

2008-10-27T12:53:00.010-06:00

They say that the first step to recovery is admitting you have a problem.

So let's just come clean, shall we?-

I am obsessed with contemporaryfurniture.com's coffee tables.

See, and that's not even the whole truth.

I am obsessed with their entire table collection.

But really, can you blame me?

Your thoughts are appreciated as I work through this...

(To satisfy your obsession, go here-)

Contemporary Furniture

Less Is More

2008-10-08T12:04:00.000-06:00

Or, as some may be inclined to say,
"Keep it simple, stupid."

A great motto for do-it-yourself interior design.

Or for any design, for that matter.

P.S. Love that coffee table.

Coffee Table, $399

Z GALLERIE

Desperately wishing...

2008-10-05T21:21:00.003-06:00

...I was in the market for guest-bedroom-bedding.

If I was, I'd buy this tomorrow...

In that color.

And throw in the crocheted sham.

$99 duvet (cover only)-
West Elm

When was the last time...

2008-10-03T16:13:00.000-06:00

You saw nursery furniture like this?

These fanciful designs take it to another level -and no doubt,

look like they came out of the pages of a fairytale.

Unfortunately, the photographer does a less-than-perfect job of

showing these gems off.

For a closer look, go here:

Posh Tots

The Elephant in the Room

2008-09-23T14:23:00.006-06:00

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...

2008-09-16T18:28:00.002-06:00

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"?

2008-09-11T11:32:00.007-06:00

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

2008-09-09T11:31:00.003-06:00

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

2008-09-07T22:48:00.003-06:00

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?

2008-09-04T23:23:00.008-06:00

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!

Just Coast

2008-08-27T15:09:00.006-06:00

These beverage coasters caught my eye immediately.
The exterior is polished nickel plated and the inside is mirrored glass.
They go with any color, any room (must be somewhat formal).
The picture just doesn't do them justice.

They will definitely be on my christmas shopping list as an easy gift for men, women, couples.

Restoration Hardware, $39

Simplicity...

2008-08-25T01:08:00.000-06:00

...does not have to mean starkness.
A more modern look also doesn't have to mean a more bland look.
The best part about this room is the use of color,
and that the bookshelves, occasional table, and shelves do not "match".
Still, the room looks put-together.
Just look how pleasant and welcoming it is...
fabulous.

Looking for a couch?

2008-08-24T13:59:00.001-06:00

Then consider the following:

Leather- go with leather if you have the budget to do it. It is the most durable and
easily cleaned material. Rawhide is said to be four times stronger than any man-made material. A leather couch is a great investment -it'll last forever if properly cared for. If you are worried about maintenance with a leather couch, (like scratching) know that it is about equivalent to upholstered sofas -but the leather version will wear better. You will need to condition the leather every-so-often.

Must have upholstered?

D'oro Suede (also called "microfiber) is the easiest fabric to clean, and one of the most durable.
"Micro" fiber refers to the tight weave of the fabric -the tighter the weave,
the easier to clean because the stain can not penetrate the surface. A great option if you have kids/pets/spills.

Velvet and some Chenille fabrics would follow D'oro Suede in the durability test. Liquid spills will be a lot more work with these fabrics. Remember that you need to vacuum upholstered sofas, and fluff cushions monthly.

Stay away from Linen and Bark Cloth fabrics (or anything with a large weave) unless it will be used less frequently and only by adults.