Archive for the ‘thrifty’ Category

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.

Thrifty!

Tuesday, April 12th, 2011

Awhile ago I found this super amazing mini chrome arc lamp and thought, oh I really love it, it’s so amazing and 70’s and sexy and sassy and makes my mouth water. The only problem is that it’s all by its lonesome.

BAM!

Now I’ve got a pair. How is this possible? By what crazy miracle, right?

Well, one day I get this text message from Sharon that is like, hey, is this your lamp? Then the picture pops up and I freak out, because yes, it is the other half to my lamp and someone I know is standing very close to it. I asked where are you? Where is it? How do I get my greedy hands on it? Turns out it’s in an antique mall (you know the kind, with all the booths of faux Victorian and beanie baby stuff) and because the place doesn’t traffic in “vintage modern” stuff it turns out that the price is delectable.

I immediately text back buy buy buy and amazingly she did because she is amazing. Now it’s here chilling in the bedroom even though my plans for finishing the bedroom do not necessarily include these bad boys. I have another place I’ve been dreaming of putting them…

Gratuitous dog photos, I know, but it’s becoming kind of an issue to take photos without these two getting all up in my grill. Truthfully, more like Bowie getting all up in it, since he’s the camera slut.

The bedroom needs some work. The textiles are whacktastic, but mainly they are functional place holders – except for this brown blanket which I love and will always remain. (Thanks Summer!)

Still need:

highboy
headboard
bigger rug
closet handles
proper bedding

Never ending stuff to do around here, peeps. Important, life altering, serious high minded work to be done – like picking out sheets once and for all. Serious business, I’m telling you.

SOFA

Wednesday, March 23rd, 2011

Super fresh sofa. Still steaming.

I’ve been working with some fabulous clients and helping put together their incredible desert home. Just thought I’d preview a recent sofa project since its roots are quite thrifty, and frankly, I’m obsessed with sofas.

BEFORE:

The sofa came from a local thrift store and with its original grungy/filthy crushed velvet upholstery it looked a hot mess…

…but it had curves and comfort and was the perfect scale and shape for the intended living room…

AFTER:

Shazamm.

Reborn as a red hybrid baby of a Toga and a Chesterfield, this thang is all modern and all comfortable – a bona fide TV viewing hang out snuggle up and down sofa.

For some reason my pics are making it look like super crazy neon red, but it’s actually a more toned down rusty red-orange in person. That desert sun, it’s bright – I’m telling you.

Total cost wise it was commensurate with a nice Ikea sofa and cheaper than the big decor stores like West Elm or Room&Board. Plus, this thing is built like a freaking tank, is totally unique and the hardwood frame will last forever. I just thought this idea was something to mention when folks pass on vintage sofas because the upholstery is a gross mess. It might be worth investing a few hundred extra dollars to get it recovered so that you can incorporate something totally unique into your pad.

Things are chugging along with the design projects and I can’t wait to show off more completed spaces as they get finalized. Trust me, it will blow up your face – that’s how good this stuff is coming along.