Bookcase: Gray and Black

I just spotted this bookcase on the aero studios site. If you look in the back left hand corner there is a bookcase that is black on the outside and painted gray on the inside. Maybe I will try this for my bookcase? I kinda like the accent. I was thinking about painting the whole dresser a black gloss. I think I might like this idea better...

p.s. there are shelves that go inside the bookcase but they are just down at the bottom right now and need to be fixed.

Jenny Lind Bed and Windsor Chairs

I'm back! I am so sorry I haven't been posting the last few days. I've been hard at work on my $1 holiday guide for domino due out the end of next week. My next task: getting the house ready for my Thanksgiving guests. At the top of the list is a guest bed and dining chairs. Last week I drove up to NH and checked out a Jenny Lind bed I found on ebay. The bed I wanted was no longer available but I was in luck...he had three others! I choose the bed above. A great deal for just $250. I spotted the Windsor chairs below in the owner's barn. I am partial to the black bentwood style. I'm just afraid the chairs are too masculine and bulky for the space. They are pretty cool and I still love them but just not for my space. Check out more from this great ebay store: stores.ebay.com.

Jenny Lind Beds

I've slowly been looking for a bed for our guest room. The room is really small and can barely hold a double bed. A twin would be better but I rarely have just one guest stay over. Right now, the bed is on the floor because we couldn't fit the box spring up the stairs. At first, I thought I wanted a bed that was bit more Shaker. Then, I discovered a few more modern versions on Room & Board. I like the large wood headboards and low footboards but they just feel too perfect. What about a Jenny Lind style bed like the one above. They feel rustic and just right for the space. But I'm afraid the footboard would be too high and strange. Maybe it will look more like a day bed?

I was searching ebay last night and found one for just $250. Most old beds are half beds so our modern mattresses never quite fit. I have to measure to see if it could work. My inspiration for the room is below and way below is our sad small guest room complete with heating vents. We'll talk about the plans for those vents being eliminated later.

Annabel Club Chair

We shot this chair for a recent story in domino. I remember seeing it the hall and totally loving it. The shape and color are great. I took a sit almost everytime I walked by. The chair is super comfy and classic. At first I wanted the chair for my living room now I am a little afraid that the fabric might be too dark? In real life the fabric is a bit darker. What does everyone think? Annabel Club Chair in Corn Flower, $1,313, aidangrayhome.com for info on purchasing.

New Finds: Table, Marble Bowl, and Oil Painting

I promised I would share more of my finds that I scored last weekend in Essex, Ma. Above is another oil painting from the White Elephant Outlet Barn. I needed something that would fit above my mantel for the time being. The colors are great find for just $20. Below is my new maple table. I was told the side table was 18th century American. I love the clean lines and simple legs. On top of the table is a marble bowl. Super cool! The color and texture is gorgeous for just $15.

Side Chair for Den

I am looking for a small side chair for the den. I want the chair to have legs and small rounded arms with no sharp edges. The chair has to be comfortable enough for movie watching but still kinda feminine. I've look all over the place but no one seems to have the perfect shape I desire. I think my best bet might be the chair above from Lee Industries. The chair is casual and looks comfy. I would of course have to pick a different fabric. This chair maybe a winner. Second thought? Can I get fit it into the house? Check out some of my other favorites from Lee Industries above and below.

Camp Cots

How freakin cute are these camp cots from L.L.Bean? I was thinking about extra seating in our tiny guest room and thought a camp cot might be kind of fun and unique. The stripe and check are killer! The basic mililtary version is below. Prices range from $79-$99. A great budget seating option for someone that lives in a dorm or small apartment. Check out more: llbean.com.

Searching for Gustavian Style Dressers

I am desperate for a dresser. In our old apartment Greg and I both had our own large closets. Everything we had fit inside. Now we have one small closet for both of us. I need to find something and quick. Our bedroom is a mess! I thought about going for a Swedish style dresser till I had serious sticker shock. Antique Gustavian style dressers are $3,500-$5,000.

I think it might be wiser to check out reproductions that fit my budget—prices range $1,200-$2,500. I found a few dressers I liked on realgustavian.com. They come in a number of sizes and colors. I'm just not sure. I wish I could find an antique that could fit in my budget. I guess I need to look harder. Does anyone know of a good resource?

Wood Beds

I am seriously been obsessed with my new favorite site, Toast. The image above has inspired me to work on my very small guest room. I think I want to buy a few blossom pillows and a set of ticking stripe sheets and duvet from Toast to start me off. I want to pair it with a plain wood bed that will fit snugly into the walls. I started searching online and I came across these two at Room & Board. The lines feel simple and a bit Shaker. I think I should keep investigating. Let me know if you know of any good inexpensive sources.

Calvin Bed, $799-$1,299, roomandboard.com.

Lowry Bed, $899-$1,299, roomandboard.com.

Hans Wegner Dining Chairs

Hans Wegner, Wishbone Chair, on sale for $550, karkula.com.

My recent obsession with Hans Wegner's rope chairs sparked an interest in his dining chairs. Each one is simple and uncomplicated. The chairs represent a simplicity that feels more utilitarian then stark and modern. The uncomplicated lines make it a perfect suitor for nearly any type of interior. I have my eye on the Wishbone Chair above. I've seen this chair many times in basic black but this version feels really danish. The colors and textures are warm and appealing. A few of my other favorites below. Check out more: karkula.com.

Room & Board Chairs

I snagged a few photos of some cool chairs at Room & Board while in NY over the past few days. Above are a pair of woven rope chairs by Hans Wegner.They are so nautical and New England. Unfortunately, they were a bit out of my price range at $2,785 each. The white dining chair feels very shaker with a modern twist. Available with or without arms for about $250 each. Check out more: roomandboard.com.

Knock Off Jonathan Bench

I was cruising Pottery Barn last night and found a bench that looked an awful like the Jonathan Bench from Oly. Check it out the image above is the bench from Pottery Barn for $399. I have to admit the fabric and tufting looks really bad. You would have to re-cover it with something else. Below is the real deal from Oly for about $1,600. The Jonathan Bench is much sleeker in leather and I love that the frame has been antiqued. I don't know if I could sacrifice sleeker lines for an inexpensive knock off.

Sites I Love: Shaker Workshops

I have been checking out Shaker Workshop's website like mad lately. I'm drawn to simple lines that feel modern and timeless. The Shakers were true utilitarians. Each object was created for a purpose rather then aesthetics. Reminds me of my favorite phrase from art school, "Just keep it simple". A great design motto to live by. Check out more: shakerworkshops.com.

White Captain's Chairs

I found these on my local Craigslist last night. What do you think? They are from an old restaurant here in Boston. The ad says he has 60 left for $50 each. I would kinda like them if they were painted black? I want to find out about the blue chair that is sitting right behind the white as well. What do you think?

More Black Thonet Chairs

I love black furniture. I've shown you a great Thonet chair from Conran (above) before. I just found two other versions that have a slightly different shape and canning. Love! The two chairs below are available at aram.co.uk.

Beachy Bedroom Ideas

Studio Headboard, starting at $660, beachdwelling.com

I've been thinking a lot about what to do with our bedroom area. The space is weird long tunnel. An uneccesary wall needs to be removed to make the room a little wider. Greg wants to bump up the ceiling to expose the attic space. Eventually we want to add french doors that will bring you out to a deck. At first, I thought I wanted a really formal grown-up bedroom. But then when I started to think about the deck and exposing the beams in the ceiling I thought it maybe more appropriate to go for a casual beachy vibe. The deck will probably be a big place we will entertain so I don't want the space to feel precious.

Here are a few products that I have been checking out as possibilites for the room. Maybe not all together but basically I was thinking about natural materials with greys and whites. Maybe to blah? Now that I see it on one page the room feels way to boring. I am color girl and I don't know if I can go so neutral. Tell me what you think? Coming up this afternoon bedrooms I love from modern whites to more formal decorated spaces.

Yvette duvet, $334, lesindiennesshop.com

Draper stripe euro pillow, $92, dwellshop.com

Swedish Chest Blue, $1,725, beachdwelling.com

Nature Table #1, $295, beachdwelling.com

Antoinette 5-meter bolt of fabric, $395, lesindiennesshop.com

Shelton Side Table, $179, potterybarn.com

phantom table lamp, $99.95, cb2.com

Evan Harris print, $20, charmingwall.com

Antique lithograph ca. 1840, $85, philographikon.com

Gold and silver stripe curtains, starting at $32, karaweaves.com

Round braided rug, $249, westelm.com

Corner Chairs at Mitchell Gold

I spotted these corner chairs at Mitchell Gold last week. The fabric looks like a felted wool but it is actually a polyester blend. The green was striking in the showroom. The color might be to dark for my living room. I have brown velvet sofa in the room already. I am searching for some pieces that will lighten up the space and make my sofa feel less brown. The Mason collection is available as a chair or chaise through Mitchell Gold for around $750 each. Check out more from their Fall 2008 collection: mgbwhome.com.

Mecox Gardens: Dining Tables

I checked out Mecox Gardens for a little dining room inspiration last night. Mecox is extremely expensive. It's the Hamptons crowd Crate & Barrel. Ok not really. Seriously though most of these tables are anywhere from $2,000-$15,000. It is one stopping shopping for gorgeous antiques, reproductions, and lots of indoor/outdoor pieces.

I found a antique zinc top table in an old domino and thought it might work in the dining room? The zinc has a rustic look but the texture and color bring a little life into the room. I pulled together a few zinc tops and some other shapes that I like above and below. I have to keep looking because these are all way out my price range but are still great inspiration. Check out more: mecoxgardens.com.

Beach Dwelling

I just discovered Beach Dwelling out of Birmingham, Alabama. I love the casual vibe with with a bit of Swedish sensibility. Even better? Everything I clicked on I could actually afford! Well not exactly...if I saved up I could. I love this pearled chandelier ($1,075.) for maybe my bedroom? We are thinking of bumping out the ceiling up through the attic. Might look cool? The wood stool ($295 each) could be an instant buy. I was thinking I could group three together for a little bench at the end of my bed. I've seen tons of these wood stools but this stool has wavy carved stripes that feel so beachy. Check out more: beachdwelling.com.

Dining Chairs: Classic Shapes

I've been thinking about what I would like our new dining room to look like. The house is so old that I feel like I need to go with an older classic style. I've been eyeing these two styles. Above are antique Windsor chairs that appear August issue of Martha Stewart. I love the simple shape and black finish. I did a quick search and found chairs ranging from $300-$30,000 for individuals and sets. Windsor chairs are classic Americana. Depending on age and set size the price increases.

The chairs below are from my favorite classic kitchen from Domino. I've been dreaming of the blue penny round tiles in my kitchen for days. The rare set of Thonet Bentwood chairs look totally dreamy in the space. There are number of different Bentwood styles but this is truly my favorite. A similar style is available at Conran for $275 each. My search begins now!

Wood Farm Tables

I love old wood tables. The table we have my mom actually found for us on the side of the road. The name "Randy" is carved into the center of the table. I was actually searching tonight for dining chairs when I came across these gorgeous farm tables. The tiger maple wood is so pretty. I am sure it looks stunning in real life. The tables range in size from 5 feet-11 feet. Available in Cherry or Tiger Maple wood finishes. Prices range from $1,200-$3,200. Check out the site: greatwindsorchairs.com.

Waterfall: Bathroom Vanities

Over the past few days we have compiled a list of projects that are first priority before moving into our potential new house. Walls have holes, stairs are caving in, chimneys leak, and lots of other little not so fun things. I know we need to get these things done first but I just want to get to the decorating part.

This afternoon I was dreaming of luxurious bathrooms and came across these vanities by Waterfall. These beauties are not only glam but their green too! The Canadian based company uses FSC-certified and formaldehyde-free wood and the lowest VOC paint possible. I love their sleek lines and timeless shape. Prices start at about $1,400. Check out more: waterfallbath.com.

French Striped Beach Chairs

Les Toiles du Soleil, 13 stripes available, $140, quelobjet.com.

I can't stand sitting on the beach on just a towel or an uncomfortable plastic chair. The thought of it just kinda grosses me out. I would much rather lounge in a pretty striped "Les Toiles du Soleil", a classic French beach chair made of beachwood and cotton. The chairs adjust to 4 different lounging positions making days at beach or pool easy and relaxing. I have to admit the stripe fabric is what initially seduced me. The chairs are available in a number of bright sunny stripes and color combinations. I found a few retails statewide that carry inventories of the chairs online. Check out some of favorites above and below.

Les Toiles du Soleil, 13 stripes available, $140, quelobjet.com.

Les Toiles du Soleil, 13 stripes available, $165 calypso-celle.com.

Les Toiles du Soleil, 13 stripes available, $165 calypso-celle.com.

Les Toiles du Soleil, 13 stripes available, $165 calypso-celle.com.

Les Toiles du Soleil Chair, 2 stripes available, $135 basicfrenchonline.com.

New Ethnic Pieces at Wisteria

Woven rattan leaf chair, $349 wisteria.com.

Wisteria has some great new ethnic pieces now available online. I love this colorful rattan number above. I can imagine it equally looking cool on my porch or in my living room. I really love the idea of the chair and headboard (below) mixing in with my John Robshaw textiles...maybe in my guest room? An instant transport to a exotic local—no plane ticket required. Check out more: wisteria.com.

"Raj" chair, $289 wisteria.com.

Balcony Railing Headboards, $850 wisteria.com.

Hints of Pink At ICFF

Swala Line Pink Chair, love!

Pink is my absolute favorite color. I was surprised to see favorite shade pop up in many forms at the recent ICFF show. I saw some pepto bismol pinks on chairs and lamps but I definitely saw a resurgence of magenta. A color I don't think we have seen so much of since the 80's. Love! Check out some of my finds above and below sporting my favorite luscious pigment. If you click on any image you'll be brought to my jammed packed flickr library with over 65 images from ICFF.

lujan + sicilia's pink table lamp

Arktura magenta bench

Duc Duc pink desk

Hints of Pink in Tom Dixon's massive chandelier

Buttoned back magenta sofa by dune

Pink Flower Pot by Jason Champion

Pink pendent lamp by Josh Orso Design

Magenta rugs by Amy Helfand

Magenta Floor chair by Aimee Less

Swala Line

Since were talking about pink and Spain I thought I would share with you my favorite chairs from the show. Made of plastic wrapped around a plastic core. These happy seats are awesome for indoor or out. I really want a set in pink for my dining room.

I asked about wholesale (since I'm opening a store) and she said something about having an a special rep that will help me ship to the US? Honestly, I have no idea about any of that! I really do want to import from Europe; they have all the good juicy colorful stuff! I guess I'll just figure it out.

Below are feather pendent lamps also designed by Swala Line. The website is in the process of being updated but I got the feeling in the next couple months the site will be fully functioning. Check it out: swalaline.com.

RS by Stone Designs

"Sunset" bookcase

This morning I wanted to recap a few of my favorites from ICFF. I wanted to start with RS by Stone Designs because honestly the coffee ain't cutting it this morning and I thought a jolt of color might do the trick.

RS get it's roots from former Stone Designs and a collaboration with RS Barcelona. Not a new brand but more of lifestyle that incorporates "energy, naturalness, and honesty". I dug the super bright colors and groovy shapes. I'm sure if I lived with any of these pieces I wouldn't have needed that second cup of coffee. Find out more and check out their entire online catalog: rs-life.com.

"Drops" tables

"Bee block" seating

"Bicho" chair

ICFF 2008

I had a great time checking out my first ICFF show but damn I am exhausted. I don't know if I have shared the real reason why I was attending ICFF and the National Stationery Show this weekend? I am starting my own online store! I want the store to be highly curated and focus on home accessories that are colorful and patterned driven. I saw some great things at ICFF that were super inspiring. I've never owned my own store so I do have a lot to learn. Baby steps, right? I am so excited. Check out some of my shots from ICFF by clicking here. I will tell you more about each individual company once I get a little rest. But for now just spend some time ooogling over some major house porn.

Aimee Less

I just got back from my first day at ICFF in the city. I was totally overwhelmed. I definitely need to take another walk through tomorrow because I am sure I missed so much.

I had to share these cool floor chairs designed by Aimee Less before I hit the hay. Inspired by origami the "Juki Flatfold Chair" supports their sitter through balance and rigidity. They kinda reminded me of a fancy Crazy Creek Chair. Super bright and soft in felted wool the chairs are totally family and kid-friendly. Aimee told me that they also make great video game chairs! The chairs are still in prototype phase of production so we are going to have wait just a little longer before we can all stock up these hipster floor chairs. See more of Aimee's work: aimeeless.com.

To view day one of ICFF: check out some of my photos on Flickr by clicking here.

Pot-ted

"Egg Chairs", $325 each, pot-ted.com.

O.K. one last outdoor store for the day. I couldn't resist sharing these awesome egg chairs, bright pots, and funky fountains! You can check out all of this stuff at a store called Pot-ted an outdoor store based in L.A.. I would love to visit this shop I bet they have loads more of cool colorful things. My picks above and below. Check out more at: pot-ted.com.

"The Julius", $89-$149 pot-ted.com.

"Adam" planters, $15.95-$29 pot-ted.com.

"Platia", $489 pot-ted.com.