Ikea Wish List

Because designers aren't rich, to create well-designed spaces in our own homes we have to learn tricks of the trade. We know how to stretch a dollar, stay on the lookout for good deals, and use the design elements (color, space, texture, lines, movement....I'm forgetting one, but you get the idea) to create a great-looking space. 

We each have our go-to budget friendly vendors, and one of mine is Ikea. Every now and then, I check into Ikea's website (and well, ok, I may or may not have the phone app and have a lengthy wish list) and see what's new. I've been very surprised by them lately. Usually Ikea items take the right setting and sometimes a little repurposing to work, but these items are just plain good. Take a look. I even snuck in some Christmas items at the end there. I can't help it!! Consumer-driven America plays with my Christmas-loving emotions!!

I am having a love affair with this sofa. I have big plans for it in my dreams. If only I didn't have a living room designed around a completely different color scheme, and a perfectly good sofa that I scored for $500. Oh well. Maybe one of you will let us coax you into using it???

So who wants to go to Ikea with me?

Company Spotlight: Land of Nod Gift Guide

With Christmas right around the corner, many parents are already hunting down the perfect gifts for their children.  While toy choices are certainly not limited these days, I think that some options far outweigh others.  In a time when digital toys are the all of the rage, it's nice to see products that offer function, fun and durability.  And when the toys can add a little design to your child's space, that doesn't hurt either.   

Land of Nod has captured this corner of the market quite well if you ask me.  They offer toys that serve a purpose for both child and parent while clinging to the idea that imagination should still be the at the forefront of childhood wonder.  When both purpose and play meet, you have a wonderful holiday gift.  

Below are a few of my favorite Land of Nod gift offerings for children this Christmas.  Enjoy!

1. What child doesn't love to bake up an amazing dish?  The pieces in this adult-like Eenie, Meenie, Miney, Mini Cooking Set ($24.95) will help them do just that!  

2.   This Little Piggy Rocker ($129) puts the standard rocking horse to shame with its spunky design that will make a statement in any child's room.

3. This Rainbow Stacker ($49) has a vintage feel and sturdy wooden construction that will last for generations to come.

4. Who wouldn't want to play grocery store with a real looking Metal Shopping Cart ($69) ?

5. A Tee Pee to Call Your Own ($159, also available in stripes) is a great way to give your child a year-round fort that will conjure up hours of imagination and play.   

6. If a tee pee isn't your thing, maybe a Home Sweet Play Home Canopy is.  This item offers up just as much fun while sacrificing less square footage. 

7. Oliver Elephant by Wee Wonderfuls ($24.95) doesn't necessarily offer much in the form of function, but he is incredibly cute and a welcomed and unique departure from the mass-produced stuffed animals of today.  

8. Some of my fondest memories from childhood involve sleepovers and slumber parties.  This Candy Bow Stripe Sleeping Bag ($89) will help make those memories even sweeter...and it can be monogrammed with your child's name.

9. While I do have a soft spot for dachshunds, this wooden Dog Pull Toy ($69), would be a great for any little one...and his tail wags as you pull him!  What could be cuter?

10. Last but not least, what little girl could have Christmas without a doll?  The Knit Crowd Dolls ($29 each) make great companions for any little girl.  And since they come in different styles, you can find one to best suit your little one's taste.   

Happy shopping!  

Black Friday Deals

Many home furnishing stores are offering Black Friday deals. Here are a few we have come across.

www.westelm.com

http://www.jonathanadler.com/

www.zgallerie.com

www.dwr.com

www.ballarddesigns.com

www.restorationhardware.com

Cement Tiles

On my trip to Morocco a few years ago, I fell in love with cement tiles. These beautiful tiles that have been used for centuries come in a wide range of patterns and colors.  Also known as encaustic tiles, are traditionally created using cement, marble powder, and natural pigments in an artisan manufacturing process that hasn't changed since the 1850's. Since they are made of locally sourced cement and not ceramic, the tiles do not need to be fired which make them eco-friendly. Cement tiles are naturally insulating, easy to clean, and durable. They can be used anywhere except for outdoors in areas that freeze. Cement tiles are a great alternative to traditional tiles. They add design interest to any room.  Here are a few of my favorites.

These gorgeous Ikat patterned tiles are killer.

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Transforming an Ikea Pax wardrobe

Hiring a carpenter to build a custom closet can cost several thousand dollars. If  you are not in a place to have a custom closet built, consider modifying a store bought one. In the latest Domino issue, there is a fantastic article on transforming an IKEA Pax wardrobe into a very custom looking beauty. It is a great example on how good design does not have to be expensive.

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To read the article click  here.

Paint and hardware can make such a big impact. Jen Ramos of Made by Girl, added some glam with beautiful brass hardware and fun wallpaper to line her drawers.

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Here are some other great Pax wardrobes that have been modified to look custom.

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Pax with overlays on the doors.

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Added vintage hardware.

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Herringbone

Her·ring·bone

/ˈheriNGˌbōn/

Herringbone:  a distinctive V-shaped weaving pattern usually found in twill fabric.  The pattern is called herringbone because it resembles the skeleton of a herring fish.

Herringbone- you may have heard of it or possibly even seen it and mistaken it for chevron in the past.  Well, chevron it is not my friends.  And no longer is it limited to just fall and winter fabric patterns either.  When the herringbone pattern is used in tiling, flooring and backsplash options, it can make the most ordinary material stand out.  And by stand out, I mean look really, really good.  Bricks, marble, wood, etc. can be laid in this pattern to achieve a look of sophistication for all seasons.  Scroll down and you shall see... 

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