Blog Archives

Sex and the City-interiors

5/27/2010

image courtesy Elle Decor

I got to see a prescreening of the new Sex and the City movie Tuesday night with my friend Vallnez. The movie was comparable to an "okay" episode. I found the interiors much more interesting than whose marriage is on the rocks and even more interesting than (dare I say it?) the fashion. Perhaps it's just the design nerd in me,but I am very glad there are helpful articles and pictures online detailing the set design. If you find yourself missing the flea markety goodness of Carrie's old apartment (featured on the television program), you can still indulge here.

Serve up some wall decor

5/26/2010

Image courtesy Traditional Home

If you've got a room with lots of empty walls, it can be difficult to figure out a way to add interest without a lot of repetition. I'm all for a series of artwork hung evenly spaced as a group. But there comes a time when the question becomes: how many little rectangles does one room need? One possible solution--decorative plates.

Avoid suffocation-a pillow primer

5/25/2010

image courtesy Traditional Home

There's a scene in that movie "Along Came Polly" where Ben Stiller's character calculates the amount of time he spends removing and replacing the decorative pillows on the bed over the course of his lifetime and then promptly freaks out. I imagine most men feel this way, but pillow "murder" is hardly the answer. There is a better way.

NY Times-mid century modern in the Catskills

5/20/2010

I was so impressed with the makeover featured in the Times today. The owner purchased a house on a lake in the Catskills but wanted to stay true to her style. But how do you have a more modern, clean-lined look in a setting that generally lends itself to a more rustic, country look? Like this.

It's the bees knees

5/19/2010

needlepoint pillow

Most people who know me are aware of my love for bee related items. At around 16 a friend in high school christened me, "Queen Bee" and I'm a-ok with that. My best friend has gifted me with beautiful glasses, a carafe and pjs all in the bee motif. It's tricky to find things that are stylish and not tacky. But Ballard Designs, you've done it again. Feel free to purchase any of these for me. It would be a very fast way to my good side.

Because men don't like flowers

5/13/2010

It's not always easy being a guy, especially when it comes to home decor. There's a fine line between your home looking cool and "dude, what are you? A girl?" This may explain why most men I know have the following on their coffee table: remote control(s), dirty dish(es), and maybe a magazine (not always the family friendly sort). It's just easier to avoid the ridicule. But this picture here gives one great idea of how to put something interesting on your table without forsaking your manliness. No, I'm not a fan of the basket (I'd rather see a low bowl in black), but overall, pretty cool. And if you're not into billiards, what about baseballs? Hey, maybe that's one to try in my apartment.

Guess the source

5/12/2010

A perfect housewarming gift

Fisherman will tell you that to get a good haul you need to know where to go and cast a wide net. In that sense, it's not too different from interior design. Always on the lookout for affordable and stylish items, I like to check out a variety of places. Hey, you never know where you'll find an unexpected and cool treasure--though those people who have parents and grandparents with attics ridiculously full of great pieces irritate me to no end.

Assorted goodies-NY Times

5/6/2010

Image courtesy NY Times

It's Thursday which means Home and Garden day in the Times. This week brought a couple of interesting bits. First off, a full listing of house tours available this spring throughout the city. You mean I can pay to snoop? Sign me up for that! The voyeur in all of us wants to take a peek into strangers' houses,right? Come on, you know when you're walking the dog, you love it when the neighbors leave the blinds open. Now I just need to filter through the list and pick the top 2 or 3 contenders.

A different take on bringing the outside in

5/5/2010

Rattan Accent tables from Pottery Barn

A common phrase on design shows and in shelter magazines is "bringing the outside in". Most of the time that refers to a nature inspired color palatte or the addition of plants and greenery to a setting. But as more people start using their decks and yards as their summertime living rooms, companies have stepped up to introduce products that are suitable for both indoors and outdoors. Here are a few great finds.