TANGIE

Bathroom Inspiration...

2009-11-04T10:23:00.001-08:00

Haven't written in awhile, waiting for that special inspiration. And lately, I've been preoccupied with other things, like my impending unemployment (which I am not at all sad or worried about, just wishing for it to hurry up and get here! Government Assistance, here I come!). So basically I'm behind on anything decor-related. Made a stop over at my go-to home decor blog, Apartment Therapy and saw this bathroom in Wes and Kayla's home tour:
Isn't it lovely? This bathroom is laid out basically the same way mine is, and although mine is currently unicorns-and-rainbows pink, I think it could work. It makes the room come alive! Like a spring day. I never really cared for this shower curtain before, it felt rather ubiquitous to me, but now I kind of want it... Do i really want to spend 50 bucks on a Marimekko shower curtain?? With all the colors flying around the bathroom, it's starting to feel like an Almodovar movie in there :)

Pic: Apartment Therapy house tour, Wes, Kayla, and Bacon's Brookline Remix

More Bedroom Inspiration.

2009-10-04T08:07:00.000-07:00

Obviously, I'm about ready to do the damn thing in the bedroom. I keep getting inspired! Love this bedroom, the sparsity, and the lone cross above the bed. I have a cross that would do the trick nicely!

Pic from Apartment Therapy: Melinda & David's Artsy Unique Home house call

Bedroom Color!

2009-09-30T10:48:00.001-07:00

Yay! I think I found my bedroom color! (Well, it's pretty darn close) I like this Olive Tree from RL Home Paints. I think I can find a similar color, maybe a little lighter, in a Glidden shade. Love Glidden, it's never let me down, and it's about ten bucks cheaper.

Also, my room gets more light than this room appears to get, so it won't be quite as dark.
This shade:

Minced Ginger from Behr... hate Behr, can try and find a similar shade in Glidden. I think this would be nice for my little hallway, which is now painted a slightly hideous shade of sunshine-y, gold-y yellow. I'm sooooooo over it.

Pics from Apartment Therapy, House Tour: Emily & Jacob's Poetically Photographed Home.

Puffy Chandelier, part 2 (kind of...)

2009-09-17T13:29:00.000-07:00

This is a tumbleweed, hung from the ceiling, like a chandelier. Pretty cool. I still want some kind of abstract big light fixture... maybe in the bedroom? Inspiration! I don't think I've actually seen a tumbleweed in person. Makes me want to travel out west...

image from Design*Sponge's Sneak Peak: Jamie Gray.

Perfect Kitchen.

2009-09-17T07:45:00.001-07:00

In a way, this kitchen pretty much sums up a lot of my design aesthetic. Glass bottles, farmhouse table, bistro chairs, gray cabinets, open shelving, tall windows... it's all here folks. Needless to say, it's pretty darn close to my dream kitchen. Maybe with the addition of a red or orange accent... Sigh. Oh and did I mention this house is located by the sea?

Photo from Apartment Therapy.

Cool Parisian Bathroom.

2009-09-16T09:50:00.001-07:00

This bathroom is from a small Paris studio profiled on Apartment Therapy. I love this bathroom. I bet those double windows open to an amazing view of the city. Anywhoo, this is good design inspiration for small spaces- custom made Italian sink with storage, and that cool medicine cabinet. I love that both the sink and the medicine cabinet don't (seem) to have any sharp edges, with the curves of the sink, and the mirroring of the sides of the cabinet. Hot! Not a huge fan of that 'Lego' tile, but it looks good with the other finishes...

Image from Tech Tour: Studio in the Heart of Paris, via Unplggd

Baskets as hanging art...

2009-09-08T13:54:00.000-07:00

I think someone did a post about this awhile back, maybe on Apartment Therapy? But this pic was staring me in the face today as I perused Design*Sponge, and I think it's a great idea. A way to add some quick texture and interest to the walls. My mom totally did it in the 80's... in fact, I wonder where the baskets she had are today? They were huge! It's definitely more bedroom inspiration to add to the vault. I would love to get some baskets with history, which requires some looking... Also love that black lampshade, been looking for one of those to fit my dumb long-necked lamp forever!

Pic from Design*Sponge's Sneak peak: Linn Gresham post. [http:www.designspongeonline.com/2009/09/sneak-peek-linn-gresham.html]

Bedroom Inspiration.

2009-09-01T08:06:00.000-07:00

So I finally stopped resting on my laurels and rearranged the bedroom. Now I have a lovely new layout that makes the room feel much more open (pics to come soon, of the whole apartment, when I get another boost of productivity). Anywhoo, here's a little bit of bedroom inspiration. I have a corner that is arranged exactly like this, with a white bedside table and vintage lamp... now I just need to figure out a way to make it pop, like this... especially love that blue paint on the bedframe. Inspiration!

photo from www.blackandspiro.com/au via Honey Living

Another reason to move to Cali...

2009-08-27T08:07:00.000-07:00

Love how this unassuming house looks on the inside:

That's freaking palatial! It's almost unbelievable. No dumb drop ceilings here!

Photos: Peter DaSilva for The New York Times

Kitchen Inspiration...

2009-08-11T13:39:00.000-07:00

Love these rough-hewn shelves. Since I have a lack of cupboard space, this would be an aesthetically pleasing solution. I already have a similar table and a red chinese lantern. I just need to pull the look together in my kitchen. Now, where to find these shelves?

Image from Apartment Therapy, via Marie Claire Maison.

Ikat Pillows

2009-07-31T08:30:00.000-07:00

I will be purchasing 2 of these when I get money. I'm annoyed with the stupid throw pillows I currently have, but with these around, I have a feeling my boyfriend will get annoyed with me when he's not allowed to lay on them. I gotta protect the fabric!

Ikat Pillow cover, 20x20, $19, uzbekcraft.com

exact link: http://www.uzbek-craft.com/pillows-cushions/ikat-pillows

Pink Bathroom.

2009-07-30T07:13:00.000-07:00

This is what my bathroom looks like... well, let me rephrase. My bathroom is this shade of pink, but his actually looks nice. :) That lighting fixture is crazy!

Photo: Fred R. Conrad/The New York Times

Home Theater...

2009-07-29T14:16:00.000-07:00

This is a good idea for my possible future home theater (which I must and will have as soon as i have another bedroom). Love that red curtain... Sigh.

This home is featured in the slideshow titled 'Making Sense of the City' Dwell.com. The caption:

'The kitchen transitions into the living room, which transforms easily into a home theater when the heavy red drapes are pulled tightly shut.'

I have home envy.

Photo: Dwell.com

Marais Chairs on Sale!!

2009-07-21T07:49:00.000-07:00

So DWR is finally within my reach with their 50% off summer sale. I think I am going to purchase this Marais stool- which I've been drooling over- in gunmetal gray. It's on sale for 90 bucks! I wish it was in a vibrant color like the Vermilion, but beggars can't be choosers. This stool will be a great multipurpose item in my small apartment. Head on over to DWR for more deals on summer seating.

Also this chair is on sale, which looks cool, but unfortunately does not have a red or orange option, which is the color I'm currently looking for (for my kitchen chairs). Sigh.

18 inch Marais Stool, gunmetal gray, $90 on sale from $180
Alonzo Chair, in white, $44 on sale from $88
Both available from http://www.dwr.com

Teal Bedroom.

2009-07-13T12:05:00.000-07:00

Love that red headboard. The NY times is on a roll today. This one is from the most recent edition of "On the Market in New York City". This is a one bedroom on the east side of midtown, could be yours for $530k.

Photo: Chester Higgins Jr./The New York Times

Ready For My Close-up!

2009-07-13T11:30:00.000-07:00

This bedroom, from a Kentucky (!) house featured in the NY Times article "Properties for $400,000", looks like a movie set, doesn't it? I can imagine some steamy scenes happening here... I love it. Minimalism meets Boho.

Photo: Carla Winn for The New York Times

All hats and little black gloves...

2009-07-08T10:57:00.001-07:00

One note about the MJ Memorial (which I watched, like the Dirty Diana obsessed nerd I am): How great do they look?

Cafe Chairs

2009-07-07T13:29:00.001-07:00

Still on my chair quest. Love these...

Bright Kitchen.

2009-06-29T09:04:00.000-07:00

Love this look. I love big paintings that anchor a whole room. I needs to get me somma that.

Photos from Design*Sponge.

Stools.

2009-06-23T06:58:00.001-07:00

Here is another option for my dining stools... love the pink and orange! I like the modern design, I think it would contrast nicely with my antique-y table. They remind me of my childhood Fisher-Price chairs and my little kitchen set. And I am digging that price...

OFFI Tiki stools, $59 (plus free shipping!), [designpublic.com]

Dream Sofa.

2009-06-22T15:21:00.001-07:00

Someday, I will own this sofa (in brown or black leathuh, a little more versatile). Don't you just love it?? Now, why can't it be like 500 bucks (on sale)? Cause then it would be on it's way to my apartment right now. Sigh. Dreams. I'm just putting it out into the universe.

Leather Recamier Sofa, $2235.90 on sale from $2795.00, neimanmarcus.com

Plain White Shades.

2009-06-19T13:40:00.000-07:00

So this pic makes me think that plain white shades wouldn't be too plain... of course, I don't have quite as much going on in my apartment as this chick:

I'm thinking white shades for the bedroom. I like how these let light in, and aren't completely blackout. The bedroom is the only room in my apartment that gets direct sunlight, so I don't want to rob myself of that. I think it just might work...

photo from [apartmenttherapy.com] House Tour, Kelly's Craftsman Comfort

Pink.

2009-06-15T14:24:00.000-07:00

I'm painting something in my apartment hot pink. Period. It's decided.

Photo courtesy of Design*Sponge [designspongeonline.com]

Sale Item(s) of the Day!

2009-06-09T10:47:00.001-07:00

Okay, this won't work with my decor, but I love the sculptural pop art quality of this table! This would be great in a foyer or entry way in lieu of a more traditional pedestal table.

Bike Wheel Table, $199.00, down from 399.00, [pbteen.com]

Red /Orange Dining Chairs

2009-06-09T10:10:00.000-07:00

So in my new apartment, I have a semi-eat-in-kitchen. I have enough room for this cool drop leaf table I found, but not much room for chairs to go around it. Hence my search for red or orange armless chairs (or possibly maybe metal stools) so that the table can be used for dining. Of course I can't afford the true apple of my eye- this Marais cafe chair from DWR (ha!) in Vermillion. It is currently on sale, but for 200 bucks. Which is about 150 more than I really want to spend. It's so lovely though, isn't it?

Other options include:

Or the Jake Chair in orange from Room and Board, $79:

The Air Chair from DWR, on sale for $98...

But guess what I'll probably go with? Ikea! Snooze. But I do love the funkiness of the Urban chair, $39.99.

Although, there is always the painstaking option (probably the best option) of hitting up local flea markets and Housing Works to try and find some funky chairs that I can paint red... and I love the idea of a few red metal stools stacked in the corner, waiting for guests. Guess I have a good excuse for doing more shopping!

Small Bedroom Inspiration

2009-06-08T06:55:00.000-07:00

So I finally moved into a new apartment, and the bedroom is super small! We're talking 9 by 12, if that. So the room is wide enough for a full bed, with two small bedside tables on either side. That's it! (Pictures to be posted soon) This bedroom, from the New York Times real estate section, gives some inspiration. Love the chandelier, the collection of mirrors, and the tall dresser. A little frou frou, but some good ideas!

Photo: Ruby Washington/The New York Times

Atlas Tapestry

2009-05-14T11:34:00.001-07:00

Best thing ever. Wish it came in different colors...

Atlas Tapestry, 36.00, [urbanoutfitters.com]

Sale Item(s) of the Day

2009-05-08T09:42:00.000-07:00

These tables are pretty ubiquitous, pretty colorful, and now, pretty cheap! Gotta love that lacquer finish.

Natalie Nesting Tables from Pottery Barn, 99.99, down fron 179.00, [potterybarn.com]

New Posts!

2009-04-28T12:30:00.001-07:00

Please excuse the laxity of posts lately! The stress of moving has gotten to me, sadly. I spend most of my time, when not working, scouring Craigslist for postings. And I now have my own "the-one-that-got-away" story. Yay me! But I'm back in the saddle and looking for my next apartment. I have two to see tonight, wish me luck!

Inspiration: Midtown NYC Hotels.

2009-04-28T12:16:00.000-07:00

The Waldorf Astoria. Love this crystal idea, would work as a window treatment. Or maybe as art work on the walls, behind a sofa, perhaps.

The W hotel, love the coordinating art work, they look like shards of glass on the walls.

Hudson Hotel, love the use of color and texture. Very exotic.

The Pod Hotel. Nice vintage vibe and that great fabric. Almost feels like a Winnebago. The bathroom is very economical and is good inspiration for small spaces.

The Royalton. Love the light fixtures and sumptuous fabrics.

Craig's Makeovers

2009-04-24T10:56:00.000-07:00

Okay so I kind of got lazy about the whole Craigslist thing, even though I've been looking everyday for a new apartment. I've had some luck, but now I'm not even sure I want to move... but I digress. Today while perusing, I found this person's funky little studio in the Sublets section. After uninteresting post after uninteresting post, these pictures really piqued my interest.

I love all the little details- like the shelves in the windows, the arrangement of the artwork and the use of color. This is a way to make white walls work- matted art work, and just the right amount of color in the fabric choices.

Love the little bottles, the hanging lights, the blue of the bathroom. Very cute. This space, although a little cluttered, feels cohesive and welcoming. And they sure got lucky in the amount of windows they have!

Here's the link to the original post:
[http://newyork.craigslist.org/mnh/sub/1129475725.html]

Muji now online!

2009-04-21T07:52:00.001-07:00

I love the Japanese store Muji, which is located in Soho and in Midtown NYC. It's hard to describe the items they carry, but I guess it's like a neutral Target, a UNIQLO for home decor? I dunno, but it's awesome. The Muji online store does not carry anywhere near the range of items found in-store (hello, where's the lovely bed linens?) SIGH. Maybe in time. [muji.com/store]

Rustic Farmhouse Tables.

2009-04-20T12:07:00.001-07:00

This post is kind of in conjunction with my recent post about Vicky Christina Barcelona and my continuing dining room obsession. I understand some people in the know have declared the farmhouse table over, but I still love blocky, heavy, rustic tables. They look so great matched with a minimal or modern decor! And of course, the best rustic table would be one built by someone Amish or rescued from a flea market in Kansas or something, but here are some that are more accessible to us monetarily-challenged urban dwellers:

Better Homes and Gardens Farmhouse Table, Walmart.com, 127.00

Farmhouse table, Pier1.com, 199.58, on sale from 499.00.

Rustic Dining table, jcpenny.com, 199.99

Sanders Cove Dining table, jcpenny.com, 379.00 on sale from 649.00.

Kitchens without cupboards?

2009-04-20T10:37:00.000-07:00

I love this look, it's very clean. If I ever have a kitchen to remodel, the top cupboards are going in the dumpster!

On Set: Vicky Cristina Barcelona

2009-04-16T10:16:00.001-07:00

Vicky Cristina Barcelona is one of those movies with a breezy style that feels effortless. Gauzy and natural fabrics, like cotton and linen, and colors from nature, like clay, terracotta, and sky blue, give this film a kind of exotic adventure, safari-like vibe. I can imagine lots of mosquito netting on this set. I also love the use of tropical plants.

The style of this film would be easy to replicate on the cheap. Minimalism is useful here. A few key, big pieces, wood or metal, should be enough to anchor the room. Paint the walls in muted earthy tones. Don't forget a Spanish splash of blue, in art work, or maybe in a smaller piece of furniture. Curtains should be linen or linen-look, and should drape on the floor. Bedding should be a textured white or beige.

Another important thing to keep in mind in trying to replicate this look is to look for pieces that are a little banged up and antiqued. Shouldn't be too hard to find at a thrift store or flea market. And don't neglect lighting. I love the little modern globe light on the table, it's an unexpected item that adds some fun to the room.

Square Wine Glasses

2009-04-13T11:29:00.001-07:00

I've been obsessed with square wine glasses ever since I saw the film Vicky Christina Barcelona last fall, and here's an affordable option from CB2. Gigi Stemware, 4.95 each, cb2.com.

Pegboard Floors

2009-04-10T14:07:00.000-07:00

This innovative fellow built a house and used pegboard as flooring! Crazy, but if an idea I'll keep in mind if I ever build or renovate. It looks pretty sleek. Hardibacker board would be another cost effective idea...

Picture courtesy of [dwell.com]

"Puffy" Chandeliers

2009-04-08T10:03:00.000-07:00

I guess I'm going to dub April lighting month, because I seem to keep posting about great lighting. I love the sculptural quality of these chandeliers, and am brainstorming a way to replicate them in a way that would work in my home:

This chandelier was created by artist Kwangho Lee out of styrofoam. She also works with knotted wires to create light fixtures. Check out her website at [kwangholee.com]

This Haldane Martin fixture was created with ostrich feathers. It's available for purchase, but is expensivo. [apartmenttherapy.com]

A Yale college student made this, draping plastic bags over mesh-wrapped lightbulbs. Makes me want to get crafty.

Aqua and Red

2009-04-08T07:49:00.000-07:00

I love this color combo and would like to play it up more in my own apartment... love those Marais chairs! Photo from Design*Sponge [designspongeonline.com]

Sale Item(s) of the Day

2009-04-07T15:20:00.000-07:00

The Green Leaf Sheer Window Panel, from Pier 1 Imports, has a big vibrant print and is an awesome color. I might just buy a couple for my kitchen...

Green Leaf Sheer Window Panel, $20.95 down from $25.95, Pier1.com

Dining Rooms

2009-04-07T11:20:00.001-07:00

Now, seeing as how I live in a little white box, I had to choose between having a home office area and a dining area. For necessity, I chose a home office area, complete with my BF's guitars and keyboard. But a girl can still dream about a perfect dining area...

Pics from Apartment Therapy House Tours and NYtimes.com

Need to divide a room?

2009-04-03T11:48:00.001-07:00

How about using a bookcase, in this case, the Ikea Expedit? Check out Apartment Therapy for the whole article. I also love the use of red in the vintage print and the signature bedding. A little bit of red goes a long way. I've also been intrigued with using signature bedding (available from outlets such as Pottery Barn) for awhile, but thought it could be a little stodgy. This room shows that it can be bold and vibrant, and add a touch of class at the same time!

Sale Item(s) of the Day

2009-04-01T14:08:00.000-07:00

I've been really into benches lately. They're just so versatile, they really are perfect pieces of furniture for small space dwellers. Benches can be used as extra seating, a coffee table/ impromptu dinner table, or in an entry way, as a place to relax and take your rain boots off. This bench from Target has an antiqued finish and it's made from solid wood. I'm still looking out for a reclaimed wood bench though...

Bench-Antiqued Grey, $44.99 down from $179.99, [Target.com]

Tall Bedside Lamps.

2009-04-01T12:50:00.001-07:00

I like this idea from Apartment Therapy: tall lamps on bedside tables. I like the use of vertical space and it adds height to the room. This look could be replicated cheaply with paper lamps like the Horup, 16.99, from Ikea:

Or a more expensive option would be the Block floor lamp from West Elm, $199.00...

On Set : In the Mood for Love

2009-03-31T14:11:00.001-07:00

Deep colors, high impact patterns, and texture cement Wong Kar Wai's In the Mood for Love's great style, and it could be easily imitated in your own decor.

I think the most important thing to focus on when trying to recreate this style would be the rag-tag, bohemian feel. Anything goes, and it all works. This would be a great look to try on a budget.

Lighting, texture, and color should be the focus here. The mix of shiny elements, such as the lacquer tables and the mirrors, and the rough texture of the bedding and the paper lanterns add visual interest to the room. I wouldn't be afraid to mix and match big bold floral patterns in trying to recreate this style.

DIY Chandelier?

2009-03-31T12:13:00.000-07:00

This photo comes courtesy of the Home Tour section on the home blog powerhouse Apartment Therapy. Sam's Carriage House Meets Gypsy Caravan tour features this great DIY Chandelier idea. Basically, Sam, the homeowner, strung strands of chandelier crystals onto a Home Depot hanging light fixture. Hmmm... I think I might be feeling a little crafty.

[apartmenttherapy.com]

Sale Item(s) of the Day

2009-03-30T15:27:00.000-07:00

This classic lamp has a great look, and usually this look comes with a high price tag. Although 200 bucks is still high, if you want this look, you're going to have to pay the price... but look on the bright side- it will immediately class up your ikea furniture! :) The lamp is adjustable also.

Swoop Lamp + shade, $199.00 down from $269.00 [pbteen.com]

Globes!

2009-03-30T13:36:00.000-07:00

I love the idea of collecting globes and clustering them on a desk or bookshelf. Any one of these globes would be great for starting a collection!

And my personal favorite: A Globe Mobile!

Replogle Livingston 12 inch, $74.99, [worldglobes.com]
Replogle Orion 12 inch, $84.99, [worldglobes.com]
Leather Expedition 12'' desk globe, $164.99, [worldglobes.com]
Globe Mobile, $99.90, [1worldglobes.com]

Sale Item(s) of the Day

2009-03-27T14:59:00.001-07:00

I'm all about wood accents lately, and this great stool would lend a lot of texture and form to a room. It would be great beside a low lying platform bed as a bedside stand.

Root of the Earth Stool, Viva Terra, $149 down from $169, [vivaterra.com]

Kyra Sedgwick's shoes!

2009-03-27T06:38:00.000-07:00

This is a little off topic, but Kyra Sedgwick has lately been seen in a not-altogether-embarrassing Tropicana commercial. But who cares about the juice when she's wearing the most amazing shoes? Made by Martin Margiela, these wedge peep-toe sandal-y things are hot hot hot!

Now I just have to come up with 900 bucks...

Ovine Wedge Sandals, Maison Martin Margiela, $895.00, Available at [Saksfifthavenue.com].

Urban Camping

2009-03-26T13:31:00.001-07:00

Natural Tree Stump Table, West Elm, $199.
Overnight Table lamp CB2, $49.99.
2x3 Multi Kilim rug, Urban Outfitters, $18.
Marais A56 armchair, DWR, $275.00.

Why??

2009-03-26T13:05:00.000-07:00

Okay I was lingering around the Urban Outfitters site when I came across this. Looks like my deer-hunting uncle's basement. Hott!

Whitetail Wall Mural, $99.99 (!), urbanoutfitters.com

Sale Item(s) of the Day

2009-03-26T12:48:00.001-07:00

5x7 Diamond Kilim printed cotton rug from Urban Outfitters.
$29.99 down from $68.00! Lots of style for a low low price. [urbanoutfitters.com]

Barcelona.

2009-03-26T12:26:00.001-07:00

Can't wait!

Ikea Must-Haves

2009-03-26T12:02:00.000-07:00

I am obsessed with the Ikea Hemnes Linen Cabinet. Solid wood, glass doors, little drawers and a sunny color? Sold. The Hemnes product line is pretty well made and has a slightly country/amish feel to it. I would pair this with an antique-y mirror or maybe a lamp with a glass base.

Hemnes Linen Cabinet, $299, Ikea.com. Phantom table lamp, CB2, $99.95

Blog issues!

2009-03-26T09:18:00.000-07:00

Having blog issues, will return with new posts when I can, hopefully later today! :)

Sale Item(s) of the Day

2009-03-25T15:31:00.000-07:00

This Bonapart Console Table would be cute with a home bar on top, or maybe a chunky lamp for some contrast. I wonder if stacked wine bottles would fit in the X? $39.98 at Pier 1, down from $99.99.

[http://www.pier1.com/Catalog/SpecialValues/tabid/525/CategoryID/165/List/0/catpageindex/1/Level/a/ProductID/3256/Default.aspx]

Decorating with Bottles...

2009-03-25T11:53:00.001-07:00

from thisyounghouse.com

from Flor.com

from potterybarn.com
That last post got me ruminating on glass bottle collections :)

Recycled Glass.

2009-03-25T10:57:00.000-07:00

These light green bottles and glasses are so mellow and have a rough-hewn quality.
From Viva Terra, Clear Recycled Glass Wine Decanter set. $98.

March Craig's Makeover Part 1

2009-03-25T09:19:00.000-07:00

I found this charming little alcove studio, located in Washington Heights. It has a rounded entryway, which gives it a bit of architectural detail, as well as a cottage-y feel. If I lived alone, this place would probably be a great option. The kitchen is through the doorway, but the post didn't include a picture of the kitchen or the bathroom. So here's what I'm thinking:

I would designate the alcove as an office area. I would separate the living room into two partitions using ceiling-mounted sheers from Ikea, so as not to block light. I wouldn't completely divide the living space, just mounting the sheers probably halfway across the room, leaving a 'doorway'. The partition with the windows (I'm guessing by the amount of light, there's a double window in the living area) would become the 'bedroom'. The other section of the room would become the 'living room'. Stay tuned for Part 2, Color.

Ikea Must-Haves

2009-03-25T08:27:00.000-07:00

This section is to highlight Ikea items that I think are pretty cool. Nobody wants a house full of Ikea, but when used correctly, Ikea is a pretty great resource.

The Ikea Lunna is a chair I think is often ignored in favor of flashier, slightly cheaper fare ( the hideous Poang chair comes to mind). Its lovely knobby neutral fabric and deep comfortable seat make it a must-have in my book! And it has a matching ottoman, which makes it great for lounging. I would pair this chair with a bright orange or coral pink pillow and chillax the day away.

Chair, Ikea Lunna $149.00 at Ikea.com. Pillow, Paprika Silk throw pillow, 17.99 at Target.com

Plant Life.

2009-03-25T08:04:00.001-07:00

So my new summer wishlist includes a Meyer Lemon tree. I've heard some nurseries around the city carry them in the summertime. I have to do some research. Apparently they're sweeter than normal lemons and can be grown in a pot, which makes my green thumb tingle. This sounds delectable and perfect for my kitchen!

Check out this link to Apartment Therapy for more:
[http://www.apartmenttherapy.com/la/gardening/grow-a-dwarf-meyer-lemon-tree-in-a-container-046425]

And this company ships them:
[http://cj.shop.com/Meyer_Lemon_Tree-50859022-65679096-p!.shtml?sourceid=23]

The Lease is Up!

2009-03-25T07:11:00.000-07:00

In my mind, I have the picture of the perfect NYC apartment. It's like a prerequisite for living in NYC, dreaming of a perfect apartment... Mine would have french doors, transom windows, park views (Fort Tryon Park, that is, for all you upper Manhattanites), a balcony or outdoor space, and a dining room/alcove for my home office. SIGH. I would never leave.
My current apartment, a little white box that has none of these things, has been my home for two years. Although it's going to be a hassle and a half, I'm ready to jump back into the apartment hunting game. Rising crime in my little part of Washington Heights is playing a role, but also the recession is forcing rent prices down in NYC. Woot Woot! So I might actually be able to afford a nice place in the nice part of the neighborhood! Keep your fingers crossed for me...
Anywhoo, until I am able to find that magical space that is to be my next apartment, I'll be starting a special blog section called Craig's Makeovers. When I find a place on Craigslist that has pretty good pics, I usually fantasize about how I would design that place, with paint colors and other flourishes. Doesn't everyone? This ought to be interesting...

Sale Item(s) of the Day

2009-03-25T07:03:00.000-07:00

From West Elm, these Lutz & Patmos throws are soft and stylish. Perfect for tossing over a couch or the end of the bed.
$39.99 (!) for the Zig Zag throw, originally $89.00.

[http://www.westelm.com/online/store/ProductDisplay?partNumber=WE-PRODb377&storeId=17001&langId=-1&catalogId=17002&viewSetCode=E&parentId=WE-SH1SLEBED&retainNav=true&cmsrc=WE-SH1SLEBED]