Archive for 2009

Art

Thursday, September 3rd, 2009

The readers spoke and I listened. The art in the dining and living room got the old switch-a-roo.

The mantel vignette in the living room is one of those things that will probably change shortly. It all depends on when I find awesome things, that perfect piece of art or sculpture can be elusive when your thrifty.

While my vintage art collection can be a bit disconcerting to some folks (or squares as I’d like to call them) the right piece of art gives a room a hella lot of charm and loads of quirk. An art collection can speak volumes about its owner and is one of those things that can be sourced and purchased over time and at any budget. Plus art makes a bland space EXPLODE with style.

You really don’t need a ton of cash to start collecting. I’ve never paid over $40 for a piece of art. Most of my collection was picked up at thrift stores (mainly), flea markets, garage sales and occasionally ebay. I also trade art with friends or sometimes make my own – even if it is a knock-off.

When in doubt buy original paintings, not giclee prints (or the bane of my existence) those crappy ink jet prints on canvas. Silkscreens, lithographs (well any printmaking for that matter) and drawings are all fabulous and have a great texture and that rich handmade quality.

Full disclosure; my background, ie. education, employment, ect. is in visual art. That’s probably why I dig modernism and wanna collect, collect, collect – especially when it comes to paintings, furniture, ceramics, blah blah blah. I like art. I like design. I like pretty pretty things. I am an aesthetic junkie and total art whore.

Art really seals the deal when it comes to taking your decor to that next elusive level. Real art (be it vintage, on etsy, or from a real life fancy gallery – hooray galleries!) is pretty easy to find and buy. So NO ONE has an excuse to buy that goddamn Audrey Hepburn fake painting at Ikea.

Stools

Wednesday, September 2nd, 2009



I think I found a spot for the thrifty rattan stools I picked up at the Goodwill. I’m operating under the idea that they could be pulled out as an ottoman for the Eames wannabe lounger or as extra seating for visitors to gather round the computer…which is surprisingly often a big problem.

Is it too Florida retirement home with the planter and white couch? Something is off about the color scheme…maybe I should find them a more exciting place to stand out and say “Hey! We are here, we are rattan and we are awesome. Sit on us.”

Rejuvenation

Wednesday, September 2nd, 2009


Astron


Sfera

Rejuvenation just launched two new mid century inspired lights. I’m always a sucker for globe lights and the Sfera are nice and customizable (they even come in an 8″ and 16″ size). They are pricier than the Ikea version but way more refined. I hate that steel cable situation with the big Ikea 12″ globe light, that thing always looks like a bad 1990’s futuristic hot mess.

The Astron has totally peaked my interest. I think I need two in enameled black. Holler!

I have got to use that Rejuvenation gift certificate and these Astron numbers may be a winner. Maybe the master bedroom or guest bedroom, oh, or maybe in the living room in front of each window flanking the fireplace? Hmmmmmm….decisions, decisions.

It’s hard for me to choose what to buy when it comes to new stuff. There are just so many goddamn choices. With vintage or thrifting its pretty straightforward – you either find it or you don’t. If you find something you love and its the right price, you will make it work. Catalog stuff sometimes overwhelms me with all the options and I procrastinate. I make quick decisions and get more creative with boundaries and I think thrifting is like the most insane boundary and limitation. So, LONG story short – that is why I haven’t use my Rejuvenation gift certificate.

How do real designers do it? I always see that bird lady Candice Olson going through catalogs and picking shiz. But then those rooms always look so bland…like nice, but so so so boring.

Oh, and have you seen Design Star? What crap that show is and how awful has EVERY SINGLE THING been on that show? Oh god, this post has just turned into crazy rambling.