Good, Hard, Wood

As huge a place in my heart as I have for lacquer, I still have a crush on wood. Especially when coupled with beautiful, classic lines. I think, for example, that this table is all kinds of awesome. At first glance I thought the legs were steel but oohhhhh no - WOOD. I love how modern it feels while still being organic, and I can practically taste the amazing meal that deserves to be had here. Oh and the freshly made wine…from the vineyard where this entire setup would surely reside. Duh.

(brushstroke branches mural from Anthropologie, fillsta pendant lamp from Ikea, washed linen napkins from Toast, porcelain paper plates from Haus Interior, navy armchair w/wood seat designed by emeco from DWR, conrad dining table from WS Home)

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Frugal Fridays - A Persuasive Kartell

So there we were. My mom and I minding our own business, walking down a decidedly stylish street in San Fran. And then, through the fog, the red light of Kartell’s store sign. Like a beacon it drew us into its clutches. All acrylic and white glossy lacquer – pulling us in like a moth to a flame. Before we knew it, my mom had purchased eight of these beauties, and I was drooling all over their showroom floor. Two months later? The chairs have yet to arrive and let’s just say there’s a bit of buyer’s remorse flying around. Dun dun dun, daughter to the rescue! “Ring ring, hey Mom, it’s me. Just thought I’d tell you Crate & Barrel has an almost identical version of your Kartell chair.” Click. And so the CPU process begins. Stay tuned...

(Kartell Lizz Chair available at Y Living, Ypsilon side chair from Crate & Barrel)

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Eat, Drink and be Pretty

Though I’d love to dine every night at our beautiful dining table in our fancy chairs, my husband and I usually end up on the couch using the ottoman and a giant tray. Pretty, I know. Regardless, this modern table paired with classic seating begs for dinner parties. Or at least a microwaved burrito on a plate that goes in the dish washer.

(emery silver finish chandeliers via Lamps Plus, raymaille napkin ring set by Sandy Chilewich at the MOMA Store, woodblock ink placemats from Dwell Studio, strut table at Hive Modern, vienna side chair via Crate and Barrel)

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Frugal Fridays - Fitting the Mold

I have long been obsessed with Eames chairs in all shapes and sizes. Lately, however, it's been the molded plastic editions that really get my heart racing. (Seriously, when I hit the jackpot on Craigslist, it was almost better than, well, you know. I'm just sayin'.) While I am by NO means a brand name snob, there are some things I simply won't bend on for a knockoff. You know, important things, like medication, wine, and purses. Chairs on the other hand, especially these chairs that look EXACTLY the same? Yeah, I could get down with that.

P.S. I lied a tad about the wine. Two Buck Chuck owns my heart.

(ayers wire base armchairs at Overstock.com, eames wire base armchair at Hive Modern)

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Target, Can We Talk?

I love you. You are my home away from home. I will do everything in my power to invent a reason to browse your shelves of stylish bedding, bath and kitchen items, even if it means I return home with more paper towels than we will use in a year. However, you don't seem to stock the same caliber of furniture in the store where I happen to spend the most time. This makes me very sad. Especially after I see that online, you offer some pretty fabulous pieces. Like the chair above. The chair that would cost me less than $60. The chair that I paid substantially more for, only a couple years ago. To really hit my point home, I've posted a similar chair from Design Within Reach. A chair that costs $600. Though I certainly did NOT pay this much, I paid enough, and it was definitely more than $60. So Target, if you could begin enticing me in your stores as you've been doing online, I think it could really take our relationship to the next level. And while my husband may not be ready for it, I'll be waiting with open arms.

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