Tuesday, April 28, 2009

New Posts!

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.


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.

Friday, April 24, 2009

Craig's Makeovers

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]

Tuesday, April 21, 2009

Muji now online!


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]

Monday, April 20, 2009

Rustic Farmhouse Tables.

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?




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

Thursday, April 16, 2009

On Set: Vicky Cristina Barcelona

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.