Archive for June, 2011

THRIFTY! WALL SCULPTURE EDITION

Monday, June 6th, 2011

I’ve been hunting around for some over the fireplace “artish” options for an interior I’ve been helping out with and recently ran into this vintage 1970’s torch cut wall sculpture on my thrifty rounds. Well, I wasn’t totally sure it’d work but the size was right, the idea of a brass wall hanging was interesting and the low price made it a “just grab and try it out” kind of thing. Unfortunately, it ended up not working out so well with the insanely awesome chandelier that’s the true focal point of the room. The two big metal pieces clashed and the leaves lost.

These things happen. Sometimes you take a chance and it ends up being so very wrong. Oh well, at least it points out the right direction.

So, I had this thing sitting in the house, all the while looking for an over the fireplace “artish” option for my living room as well. I wanted something more fiber and funky but pickings have been slim and nothing perfect has popped up. Then I was thinking a brutalist type wall sculpture would be good option and possibly easier to find…

Yeah. These big leaves ain’t so brutalist. They are as brutal as a puppy kiss or a nice hot shower. Like maybe I should be going to a wine tasting or something.

BUT – I think I love the idea of a brutalist brass wall sculpture.

Of course, it will have to be a wall sculpture that is perhaps not as autumn themed or swirly as this bad boy. I think this is actually a fun and funky piece and a great scale at 40″ wide. In the right house it would look incredible, but I think the rigid architectural and minimalist masculine tone of the living room makes this curly bit of whimsy feel a little out of place.

Some day I will replace you fireplace mantel. Some day.

Sorry, metal artist Whitish from ’77. I like you, but I think this might be a temporary relationship…you know, until I can trade up to something a little more brutal.

Thank you for pointing out the right direction, though. Trust that it’s not you, it’s me.

So…don’t let the door hit you on the ass on the way out (when I find the right thing of course – you can hang out here for now).

++++++

BTW – I feel like a lame-o narcissist, but since this happens to be my bloggity and I only get to say this once a year – it’s my 29th birthday today! You guys got me a work crew? To help with the landscaping? No? Crap.

Oh jeeez, typing that made me realize that my fancy free twenties are almost over. Must take advantage of this last year to go silly nuts. Getting serious is for your thirties, right? I’m just going to say yes and worry later.

FILED UNDER: art, decorating, fireplace, thrifting, thrifty

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SHOP

Friday, June 3rd, 2011

This weeks recently added shop pieces are kind of getting down in funky town. They are a little glam, a little regency, a little more unique than the standard mid century fare. Maybe I’m feeling a little more “statment-y” perhaps? Can you feel like a made-up word?

I do love this super sexy 1960’s Moroccan brass tray table with its ever so gently tiptoeing walnut spider leg base. Mixing it up with a bit of global shazam.

At 35″ in diameter and about 18″ tall, it’s a perfectly sized coffee table, even though technically I think it’s supposed to be used for tea – don’t worry, I won’t tell. The fancy trick is how the table disassembles and folds away flat for easy storage.

This hot thang also appeases my aching back and wussy arm muscles, since moving it around doesn’t cause bright stars to flash behind my eyes or my body to break out in a “fear” sweat.

Light and easily moved furniture, thank you for being you.

Maybe we recall the ever so brief appearance of ol’ stripey?

At eight feet long and super squishy nap-time comfortable, this Milo Baughman style unique blend of incredible was just too much sofa for our poor den to handle.

But look at that upholstery! What?!

So graphic, so textured, so clean (since the original owners kept it under plastic).

Don’t you just want to curl into this beast? It’s like an embracing cloud of retro awesome.

Check out the BHM SHOP for these and other current pieces.

Or don’t. I don’t know your life! Or things you enjoy checking out. Maybe you want to go outside and enjoy the day? Then seize it! Seize the crap out of that day! Go crazy and whip yourself into an ecstatic summer frenzy. YYYEEEOOOWWW!

Maybe later, when you calm down, you might check out BRICKHOUSE MODERN? For funsies? For…um…unique vintage wares? That’s fun, right?

YYYEEEOOOWWWW!

FILED UNDER: brickhouse modern, ebay, furniture, vintage

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POTENCE STYLE DIY LAMP

Thursday, June 2nd, 2011

The Potence lamp by Jean Prouvé is one of those elegantly minimalist lighting solutions that appears easier to construct than it actually is. Well, for me at least. I tried and failed, MISERABLY, to build an affordable DIY version for our bedroom and eventually gave up hope. Then? This email popped up brimming with pictures of a homemade version of the Potence that blew me away. Logan of ONEFORTYTHREE had written a comment long, long ago when I first posted about trying to build one of these thangs –

“Logan on February 1, 2011: I like the lamps but you’ve inspired me to try and make that wall lamp. It looks cool but too expensive to consider buying. If I can, YOU can! cause I’m a self-taught DIY’er too.”

Then? He totally f*cking did it. Like a DIY champion. Also, nope – turns out I can’t.

BOOM.

Did I mention that I kind of slobbered all over his emailed pictures and was like ohhh, ahhhh, woooow, you are a master fabricator, you are amazing, it turned out so great, mine failed so miserably…wink wink, nudge nudge.

So, Logan had been building a few of these tester lamps for friends and family while figuring out kinks and streamlining the fabrication process. I somehow ended up being lucky enough to get my hands on not one but TWO of the prototype versions. By unashamed groveling, perhaps?

One white version for the bedroom – which can swivel and swing to illuminate whichever area your heart desires.

And one black version for the den. Both areas we tend to relax, enjoy a good book or perhaps a long game of Words With Friends.

See? It swivels! You use the little wooden handle to move the lamp into position.

I love the detail of the braided cloth cord and handy little on/off switch positioned a little ways down the wiring. Logan worked it out on the little details to keep the lamp sleekly minimal but with areas of warm texture.

Chihuahua for scale.

My lamps are about six feet long and are perfect and I love them. Loved them so much and was so impressed by their handmade completely from scratch construction that I may have been a little forceful about Logan making a few available for sale. Maybe because I want to put them in all the homes I’m working on? Maybe out of complete selflessness? Weld! Weld till your fingers bleed!

Be sure to check out ONEFORTYTHREE for the DIY how to as well as even more of Logan’s great DIY projects and home renovation. A limited run of these lamps will be available in his newly minted ETSY STORE. Check them out and be on the lookout for additional handmade items to be added in the near future (wink wink, nudge nudge Logan).

*Also, homeboy just got engaged to his lovely, talented and hilarious lady. Congrats! Roxy was rocking some Vegas style bling at the big sale for realz.

FILED UNDER: bedroom, den, DIY, lighting, links

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