live from Tel Aviv

stumbled upon this designer today and am totally smitten.  yes, more lighting (maybe because i am getting ready to change some fixtures around here which means i am a tad obsessed with finding the right, with finding the perfect lighting)....  from New Orleans to Tel Aviv, this time by an Etsy artist. 

the gold balls have tiny holes in them, making for a really beautiful illumination.  and since it is an etsy artist, you can totally work with him to custom this piece.  i see it used in a room with lacquered walls in a moody color (think: inky blue, aubergine or an essex green).

gold ball hanging light fixture

and this artist/designer/shop has quite a few pretty things.  one more that caught my attention:

gold leaf sconce

not for everyone, not for every home, but surely can be appreciated for the work of art it is.  i think it would be really fun as outdoor lighting and would definitely make a statement(!)

box it up

big box stores... friend or foe?  i am undecided - friend for deals, sales and some good finds.  foe - for all the usual reasons...

however, i do look to Crate & Barrel, West Elm and PB for everyday items and am usually pleasantly surprised by CB and West Elm.  PB has some nice sideboards and armoires as of late.

so here is a round up of some of the best new items from Crate and Barrel. 

Marimekko Pieni Unikko II Outdoor bean bag

fun colorson this - more for a place that gets a lot of shade, because it reads as hot.  on the cooler side

Marimekko Pienet Kivet Outdoor Bean Bag

better for spots that get a lot of sun.  these are super cute and pretty affordable at $79.95.  you don't need but one or 2 to really make a statement.  (there is also a black and white version).

and these baskets are so cute, i totally see them as a wastebasket for a desk, or with towels rolled up in them at the door, ready for the beach or pool

Santoso Large Basket

and the next set of baskets (i'm loving natural textures and how practical baskets are lately) would look great in a bathroom for storage, in an entry stacked, or next to a table...  millions of uses

Set of 3 Timaru Baskets

the Timaru baskets, i think, would look better in a group than alone.  and now onto the big stuff.... furniture.  this next one captures my heart - i love a swivel chair, and i love the shape.  we'd have to upgrade that cushion to something a little more plush and in a fabric fabric, but hey, it's awesome.

Calypso Swivel Lounge Chair

how about 4 of these around an outdoor fireplace?  with a cooler near by, maybe even within arms reach (lazy girl).  

this chaise is pretty just as it is.  like the soft slip covered look and would keep with the shabby chic, easy, beachy theme. 

Portico Chaise

looks super cozy and i like the arms.  nice tall back - good for reading.  best maybe in a bedroom.  how about 2 side by side (facing each other) in a reading nook?

West Elm next week.

i want..... them all!

is it normal to be this excited about a rug? 

my all time favorite rug (classic styling, affordable and easy to keep clean) is now in a couple new colors.  and i am LOVING them!  and then.... there's more.... there is a new pattern also in this fantastic category of  indoor/outdoor rugs by Dash and Albert and it is so, SO lovely. 

i know wool is the most comfortable and gets high marks for how easy it is to clean, but these polypropylene rugs are soft under foot and even after dog throw up (eww) and a red wine spill (oops), it is impossible to tell they have suffered so much abuse.

and here they are in all their indestructible glory:

and now the new pattern(s):

yes, i am a stripe freak.  yes i love rugs that can take a red wine spill and not show it at all (the rug pad did not survive), and yes, i love the colors.  all of them.  now the hard part: to decide which one will grace your space. 

*i have the diamond khaki and white in our living room with a dhurrie over it, and love it now as much as i did when we purchased it 6 years ago.  classic.

Get yours where I get mine:  Sustain INC.  ask for Lauren!

born in 1940, well loved in 2011

outdoor furniture - there is so much to love.  modern and sleek, warm worn wood tones, bright colors, great textures...  it can be hard to choose a look.  Walter Lamb has got my attention with these sexy lounge chairs, and well, the whole line, because it's just too pretty not to share (seat and seat backs are woven)



Walter Lamb Chaise

 the black/brass combination is swoon worthy (which is exactly what i'm doing right now)



Walter Lamb lounge chair

and the dining table (don't  miss the rectangular dining table and the side table) - the geometric top need not a table cloth, let the glass shine and be sure to get some gorgeous place settings.


Walter Lamb Dining Table

  
don't think i'll ever get tired of looking at these.

i'm back!

ohhkay, after a crazy month, i'm back with some goodies....... 

i love the coast, but i'm not much of a coastal accessory type person (though I love the people who are and who do it so well).  these however, are too cute!  would love to see them used in powder room or on a desk as a catch all.  

Don't Rock the Gravy Boat Bowels



and these frames would be so much fun going up a set of stairs or to greet you at a landing - there are different sizes and colors.  what i'm really loving is how they hang from a ribbon and that you'll get to have some fun picking out what they hang from.  lots of cute options:



Obrien Scridde Designs Petite Color Stripe frame



ikat ikat ikat - it's still out there.... everywhere!  here's a pretty take on it as a lamp shade (i'd keep the base simple and let the shade speak for itself):



Jamie Young Lighting Lamp Shade Royal Ikat Classic Drum Large

 have a dead corner in your home somewhere - need to add height, a pop of color, a bit of whimsy..... this mobile is cute without being cutesy.  i'm thinking about using it in front of a big window to add some visual interest


Ambrosial Vines Mobile

oh my oh my oh my, SO MUCH FUN!  all the colors - can totally see these.... anywhere!  love the organic shape and the bright colors!  From the super formal (what a great interruption of elegance) to the super mod, these cubes are sure to delight and add a punch of fun!  i'm pretty excited about them, if you couldn't tell.....


Frank Gehry Left Twist Cube

 (i love the pink!)

best of the west (elm)

 i popped on to west elm today to look at a rug and wound up checking out the new arrivals - so glad i did!  here are some of my favorites, in all categories... bare with me, there is much awesomeness to choose from (and i think i found my new dinnerware).  the mixing bowls and washed linen pillow covers are just gorgeous.

porcelian hurricane vases



david stark dinnerware
aka my new dinnerware or least new salad plates!





mixing bowls



david stark string lights



rajasthan printed dhurrie




 

washed linen pillow covers
*in sumptuous colors - and i bet they are really soft, LOVE these!*



david stark rope basket

mediterranean block print napkins
*would LOVE these with the seersucker placemats

woven drink bucket



seersucker placemats and napkin


and there's a lot more to check out.  very impressed!