Category: <span>Finds</span>

Published July 25, 2009 by

The Perfect Island Light

Decorating-Ideas-Island_lightWhen we moved into our apartment last year, we worked as quickly as possible to make it our own–painting, wallpapering, changing hardware, excavating fireplaces, and refinishing floors until there was virtually no trace of the former tenants Jersey/Tuscan villa touches. Though for some reason the easiest thing to change has been one of the last on the list: the kitchen chandelier. This scrolling wrought-iron eyesore has been bringing down our cute, airy apartment for too long, but I’m thrilled to say that its hitting Craig’s List this weekend and the Firefly Pendant Lamp is taking its place!

This light is exactly what I’ve been dreaming up for our kitchen island-cum-dining table–something chic enough for a dinner party but functional enough for cooking. I adore the movement of the five glass globes, while the wide canopy and clear shades will make for great task lighting.

decorating-ideas_lightAt this price ($199) and with this photo, we actually almost bought multiple lamps. Lined up in a row, I cant think of more drama for your dollar. Mike and I measured it out and realized it would a bit much for the space, but if you’ve got a contemporary rectangular dining table in need of a lighting soul mate, two or three of these will be the match made in heaven.

Finds

Anne's buys kitchen lighting

Published May 23, 2009 by

Non-Clunky Storage

storage-ideas-brocadeWhen storage units grow over five-feet tall–that tends to spell c-l-u-n-k-y. But minimize the amount of heavy wood, doors and drawers, and the mahogany monster in the room can become sculpture. This piece from Brocade Home ($699) commands attention not because of its towering 65″ stature but its curvaceous silhouette. I love its feminine lines even more because it was spared the girly details. Angular shelves make each compartment a natural bookshelf and a pedestal for your most fabulous objet.

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And if that's still too big for your living room, this style is adorable as a console ($599).

Finds

storage

Published March 15, 2009 by

Selecting Counter Stools

WestElm_ScoopBack.jpg

Like many modernists on a budget I am dreaming of four Bertoia stools for my kitchen island but given the price tag, I’ve found new favorites to consider–those under $200. That was the general search criteria but the kitchen also has some decorative factors to consider: butter-cream walls, stainless-steel appliances, white island base and honey-colored wood in the floors, cabinets, and butcher block. That palette is pretty neutral but in picking these counter stools, the question is: What is the best element to pick up on and how much we want to buck the style of this traditional kitchen.

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This is the kitchen the counter stools will reside in and above is one of the styles in the running. From West Elm, its the most modern of the group but the feminine lines soften the look. The stainless steel and darker wood would also blend nicely with the kitchens materials.
Scoop Back Counter Stool, $149; WestElm.com

Crate-and-Barrel_MadisonStool.jpg

Though the kitchen has enough wood for one room, this stool in a darker brown could create a nice contrast with the floors and cabinets honey tones. It has a Danish modern quality about it that would give the kitchen a subtle edge.
Madison stool, $199; Crate and Barrel (just went off-line, available in select stores)

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No wood involved, aluminum chairs will tap into the look of the kitchens one modern feature: the appliances. Rather than trying to match with the island, I like that this option reaches out to the look of the kitchen as a whole.

Delta Counter Stool, $139; CrateandBarrel.com.

I’d love your help in narrowing the choices down but get your say in soon, I’m sick of standing.

Finds

kitchen seating

Published February 1, 2009 by

My Dream Couch

Grayson-Sofa.jpg

After hunting for a sofa for eight months, I was starting to think the chubby rectangle was the only style available. Massive upholstered blobs dominate the marketplace–but I knew there had to be something more, a sofa where grace and comfort could coexist. I’m thrilled to announce, I finally found it with the Greyson sofa.

Bobo Intriguing Objects has transcended the blob with flirty French lines and dainty clawed feet while maintaining comfort with the softest cushions and a depth deep enough for two to take a nap. The bolster and throw pillows give the sofa texture and dimension, as opposed to the two honking back cushions of most couches.

Though I love the cream linen–I don’t trust us with a light color and I’m going to take them up on their custom offer: Send Bobo Intriguing Objects your fabric of choice and they will upholster it free of charge. Now we just need to find the fabric. We are thinking of something simple in a caramel or chocolate color to help resist stains and go with any throw pillows we please.

Stay tuned for the fabric hunt.

Finds

Anne's buys furniture seating