Ikat done right 06/22/2010
 
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Table setting, Eddie Ross
I've made my feelings on ikat clear in previous entries.  I like it, but I don't feel it's worth a huge investment.  In 10 years, that ikat print club chair (with ottoman) won't be rocking your living room quite the same way.  Of course, there are exceptions.  You've got a neutral room with lots of African art?  That bench with the ikat print is still going to work really well.  For the rest of us,  Eddie Ross has a great article on his site that shows how to do ikat beautifully (and temporarily).
 
 
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Silhouette pillow from West Elm
When you're five going on six there's not too many Christmas presents you can give your parents that are going to wow them.  Macaroni necklace? Ashtray?  Is that lump even an ashtray?  But I (and every other kindergartener at Bowling Green) brought home a custom made silhouette, suitable for framing.  I hope they're holding up that tradition at the old alma mater because silhouettes are the height of style these days.
 
 
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Flag tray from Target for $15
There's just something about this time of year that practically forces us to embrace decorating with Old Glory.  Perhaps it's because you've got Memorial Day, Flag Day and July 4th, all within a 6 week span.  Or maybe it's because some people think summer and think crisp beachy Nantucket style.  Whatever the reason, the kick off to summer always coincides with a bit of red, white and blue.
 
Contain Yourself 06/03/2010
 
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There's an interesting article in the Times today about the growing (pardon the pun) popularity of terrarium gardens.  They're an easy and inexpensive way for us apartment dwellers to have a tidy little garden.  But see, I've been cursed with the black thumb of death (RIP herb garden....) and would like to avoid an arrest for herbicide.  Could this supposedly self-sufficient set up be the answer?
 
 
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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.
 
 
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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.
 
 
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Anthropologie retail store in London
This entry is not so much design as it is gardening.  Considering I have the "black thumb of death" (seriously, I managed to kill a catctus), it's a little surprising for me to write about gardening type issues.  But one trend that I've noticed in both retail design and backyard design is vertical gardens.
 
 
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Benjamin Moore DIFFA table
This weekend I hit up Design Nerd Expo '10--better known to laypeople as the Architectural Digest Home Show--and came away with lots of great ideas and sneak peeks into what's new out there.  One element I saw consistently was the use of potted succulent plants grouped en masse as centerpieces.  This works out perfectly for several reasons.
 
 
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If you want to get a good deal (and not wind up with the same thing that everyone else has) you've got to travel a little off the beaten path.  That means checking out flea markets, Salvation Army and craigslist.  It also means checking out some stores that you would never normally consider for furniture.  I wrote about that a little while ago (JC Penneys) and today I've got another surprise for you.  This fretwork tray table is perfect for those of you wanting to inject a bit of that Hollywood Regency look into your home.  Where to find this chic little table?  Brace yourselves.......KMart.  It only comes in the white finish, but at only $70 (on sale), you would be wise to get on this great deal right now!
 
 
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The Hollywood Regency design trend has been back with us for a minute, spearheaded by the likes of Jonathan Adler and Kelly Wearstler.  It is a luxurious look that features high shine and glam details.  While the original offshoot of Art Deco style worked around a palatte of blacks and creams, this recent revamp injects bright color.  One landing spot for this color is on faux bamboo pieces, such as the Jonathan Adler etagere shown here.