Home Design Image

Framing a Suzani

So, I (obviously) haven't felt much like blogging lately. We've been soaking up our time here in Brussels and having adventures in the surrounding countries. Although, with the end of summer coming so quickly, I now find myself daydreaming about decorating. Being cooped up in sterile corporate housing makes me a little stir crazy to paint or reupholster something! I've got plenty of ideas for changing up our house in Cambridge this fall (my poor, sweet husband is so patient with me...), but right now I'm thinking of suzanis. <a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhhPIAGl82-LRUEOry6JsJkWi_sMVgJsXp6f0YLd3rAOh6gl7w1WCly-8U5cgX-ot5xO4YL3GLFEt04QQWVbDPikXTQDZ-npYfONWHf9vUFKNOR7fJ4fzj4sq407KkFX_2cSSMpBLjnijNa/s1600-h/suzani_stack_4.jpg"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5228191046204559106" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhhPIAGl82-LRUEOry6JsJkWi_sMVgJsXp6f0YLd3rAOh6gl7w1WCly-8U5cgX-ot5xO4YL3GLFEt04QQWVbDPikXTQDZ-npYfONWHf9vUFKNOR7fJ4fzj4sq407KkFX_2cSSMpBLjnijNa/s400/suzani_stack_4.jpg" style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer;" /></a> Straight from wikipedia: <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Suzani_rug" title="Suzani rug">Suzani,</a> an <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Antique" title="Antique">antique</a> and <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Decorative" class="mw-redirect" title="Decorative">decorative</a> <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Tribe" title="Tribe">tribal</a> <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Textile" title="Textile">textile</a> made in <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Tajikistan" title="Tajikistan">Tajikistan</a>, <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Uzbekistan" title="Uzbekistan">Uzbekistan</a>, <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kazakhstan" title="Kazakhstan">Kazakhstan</a> and other <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Central_Asia" title="Central Asia">Central Asia</a> countries. Its name is from the <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Persian_language" title="Persian language">Persian</a> سوزن Suzan which means needle. <a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjyqCWQND4i2FeWWurObNW-amng5TdzPJTTLDJPfTgQ29Y7R4yow9MsEibK012W91ZNEtI_gI4j2vYStgnk_NicRArT8JwUPv3jHxErMlGoh4J2WDlP81zo5Qa5JheiGu2n1NuaIEjHFEJz/s1600-h/close+up+shot.jpg"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5228190862598471074" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjyqCWQND4i2FeWWurObNW-amng5TdzPJTTLDJPfTgQ29Y7R4yow9MsEibK012W91ZNEtI_gI4j2vYStgnk_NicRArT8JwUPv3jHxErMlGoh4J2WDlP81zo5Qa5JheiGu2n1NuaIEjHFEJz/s400/close+up+shot.jpg" style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer;" /></a>I learned about suzanis a few years ago and since then have noticed them all over the place in design magazines and books. Decorators use them as table cloths and bed spreads, for upholstering chairs, love seats or ottomans, or for cushions and pillows. <a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhedgUYxIvGQaINSwo44bxnfdpEfhb0cdTiAYHw1rrG8Bri3RoEdFglWiTRLdgMZ-gHvP6styjTMFfcMbwo738Beaf8LzNeTR1loT_89U0lz0YnIg8jd03_2eQTVt1CDYGIb39XiEMosLS-/s1600-h/chair.png"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5228190855913111266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhedgUYxIvGQaINSwo44bxnfdpEfhb0cdTiAYHw1rrG8Bri3RoEdFglWiTRLdgMZ-gHvP6styjTMFfcMbwo738Beaf8LzNeTR1loT_89U0lz0YnIg8jd03_2eQTVt1CDYGIb39XiEMosLS-/s400/chair.png" style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer;" /></a> <a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEilZ_v30tbrLueYg4JkB0a38zeSLJMP675AhUCqEiRrCh2xAc8LsZv1lyhHyVR8cpHNpvwvvykGOrRj64fD1em33QncF_DVdu9WQ9WjdoOhIeJeMtl_heebj5_X7qSoo5QevQsacO6ZNxeI/s1600-h/anthro+jewelry+box.jpg"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5228190858050454690" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEilZ_v30tbrLueYg4JkB0a38zeSLJMP675AhUCqEiRrCh2xAc8LsZv1lyhHyVR8cpHNpvwvvykGOrRj64fD1em33QncF_DVdu9WQ9WjdoOhIeJeMtl_heebj5_X7qSoo5QevQsacO6ZNxeI/s400/anthro+jewelry+box.jpg" style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer;" /></a>Suzani jewelry box that used to be available through Anthropologie <a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiTmyY_wXFjD3WfNXmPkkvXdI01MHIRJhRCOgMzjRnZ7928Gm55CI3uA1mXVqlhHQ19U_xpHtSdJP78rnqrHj-HxX48_nFvQ8a5szHfFjb_vOFkvmi_wZy2veYQSGv96mxY3AiS21pqjI4L/s1600-h/2007-07-10-madelinetopten.jpg"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5228190849673092946" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiTmyY_wXFjD3WfNXmPkkvXdI01MHIRJhRCOgMzjRnZ7928Gm55CI3uA1mXVqlhHQ19U_xpHtSdJP78rnqrHj-HxX48_nFvQ8a5szHfFjb_vOFkvmi_wZy2veYQSGv96mxY3AiS21pqjI4L/s400/2007-07-10-madelinetopten.jpg" style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer;" /></a>Madaline Weinreib Ikat and suzani pillows. To die for. <a href="http://www.apartmenttherapy.com/chicago/rugs-carpets/top-ten-madeline-weinrib-pillows-026288">Via Apt Therapy</a> <a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjdvHTHgGRefJgV6DnBesVEgEHAp3OavparA3aNnYW8tnIOauGem3z0TlHHqhUWP4zwMs-qKqliSytDgb2GvTtEDg7mIZlvm1wg7wXvBgXumVA8u3S74jQ0rvxUcRzbN14LE26vzHzAuZXR/s1600-h/pillow+case.jpg"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5228191042418622466" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjdvHTHgGRefJgV6DnBesVEgEHAp3OavparA3aNnYW8tnIOauGem3z0TlHHqhUWP4zwMs-qKqliSytDgb2GvTtEDg7mIZlvm1wg7wXvBgXumVA8u3S74jQ0rvxUcRzbN14LE26vzHzAuZXR/s400/pillow+case.jpg" style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer;" /></a> <a href="http://cgi.ebay.com/PUREsilk-TREEofLIFE-DESIGN-H.MADE-SUZANI-PILLOW-24%22X23%22_W0QQitemZ180262789707QQcmdZViewItem?IMSfp=TL0807091424r19490">pillow case available here</a> <a href="http://www.apartmenttherapy.com/chicago/rugs-carpets/top-ten-madeline-weinrib-pillows-026288"></a><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi1GikDQAh8tbmAzUfWIgKRzAwOr0YnLB57gt4JjjAY96rmLBl-oWvbYSwdlCHyHtBFdxG8rS167Lic-7So-2X0UoVUD5h569hleSFzBazLzW9ySvUSaFLsxfHeH9id6Z6i5rLIXTiDSg1Q/s1600-h/Suzani_domino2.jpg"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5228191046937352482" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi1GikDQAh8tbmAzUfWIgKRzAwOr0YnLB57gt4JjjAY96rmLBl-oWvbYSwdlCHyHtBFdxG8rS167Lic-7So-2X0UoVUD5h569hleSFzBazLzW9ySvUSaFLsxfHeH9id6Z6i5rLIXTiDSg1Q/s400/Suzani_domino2.jpg" style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer;" /></a> I really love the idea of framing a smaller-sized suzani (they are usually quite large). You don't have to be a textile nut like me to appreciate the bright colors and bold patterns, not to mention the incredible workmanship. Each piece is hand-embroidered and uniquely designed, which means with a little patience and a lot of searching, you can usually find the style and color scheme that you're looking for. <a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgv-Dp9yLTo0qm6aJcT28DWNas11tkgISF9ulwMRn1xF1p1ZWbj5JCupFLhMOJLDbefcP4WS6Ody2CvDfn9DF1Q4IGOxTarfz7FRcG_UlDwJsAHlnOHrPtDiiK79_Rypn20CFEJakVgBjIH/s1600-h/DSC0873.jpg"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5228182245145898722" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgv-Dp9yLTo0qm6aJcT28DWNas11tkgISF9ulwMRn1xF1p1ZWbj5JCupFLhMOJLDbefcP4WS6Ody2CvDfn9DF1Q4IGOxTarfz7FRcG_UlDwJsAHlnOHrPtDiiK79_Rypn20CFEJakVgBjIH/s400/DSC0873.jpg" style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer;" /></a><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiD8WEhV06Djo9ly0IzaF-KCNvdplwBalYTNWqu6fQ3UDNGpTybGtbpqH8Mur5KOa5kaY3qFjfN5wdd59BcFJVXCB_gNpXU1gyxqVDeQ2KIr8vEwET6tCeFcwGkzOEMDfVoPqh8LYb3trli/s1600-h/pink.jpg"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5228191042049346018" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiD8WEhV06Djo9ly0IzaF-KCNvdplwBalYTNWqu6fQ3UDNGpTybGtbpqH8Mur5KOa5kaY3qFjfN5wdd59BcFJVXCB_gNpXU1gyxqVDeQ2KIr8vEwET6tCeFcwGkzOEMDfVoPqh8LYb3trli/s400/pink.jpg" style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer;" /></a><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjs6lvfGvnly459SJUwbWMCh3G960Qn0x6gJcqvv7xG0OwB0aI6MXIq4Wk6x92cca1ZFVrmDYrAX0WsoxhUPxDNBkb_116mH0UtDBZZID2YiIonMD3IKUS0IcJqdkPDbzWvMG1SxreLwckz/s1600-h/DSC0945.jpg"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5228182248376926594" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjs6lvfGvnly459SJUwbWMCh3G960Qn0x6gJcqvv7xG0OwB0aI6MXIq4Wk6x92cca1ZFVrmDYrAX0WsoxhUPxDNBkb_116mH0UtDBZZID2YiIonMD3IKUS0IcJqdkPDbzWvMG1SxreLwckz/s400/DSC0945.jpg" style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer;" /></a> <a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEheX73xg39riX-o6oPYsMa4dynIZovxH_-cHToJNKrQiRJGJ9y0tWzFDGBltDdNytQvmdlzmhzv2DCKQTMM7QSQw2Koibg00KDD99jpqzkEJ-y-Heq8_txtXuTBfyiyQQ78fG64pn6aHji4/s1600-h/IMG_4910.jpg"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5228182429433727410" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEheX73xg39riX-o6oPYsMa4dynIZovxH_-cHToJNKrQiRJGJ9y0tWzFDGBltDdNytQvmdlzmhzv2DCKQTMM7QSQw2Koibg00KDD99jpqzkEJ-y-Heq8_txtXuTBfyiyQQ78fG64pn6aHji4/s400/IMG_4910.jpg" style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer;" /></a><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjgDfQ0pgPNryoZJVTcaqFhYw_UsmHC5TbzZq8r5OzcZbn42PYEQSKTakwRgTgigQ9Pmms_SMH96douWHpEjW5x30kXMQJAZVy2UEzgQnEZ7EY0hh14RK42i-LtUV_PPl8Z6sPVIHF8ZWS-/s1600-h/close+up.jpg"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5228190863771864530" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjgDfQ0pgPNryoZJVTcaqFhYw_UsmHC5TbzZq8r5OzcZbn42PYEQSKTakwRgTgigQ9Pmms_SMH96douWHpEjW5x30kXMQJAZVy2UEzgQnEZ7EY0hh14RK42i-LtUV_PPl8Z6sPVIHF8ZWS-/s400/close+up.jpg" style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer;" /></a> While the large pieces can get pricey, small suzanis especially are quite affordable on <a href="http://search.ebay.com/search/search.dll?from=R40&_trksid=m37&satitle=suzani&category0=">eBay</a>. You can easily find a small-scale suzani for $20-$100, which is pretty cheap for a beautiful and original work of art. I'd go as simple as possible with the framing. Sleek lines and white matting (or no matting) so that the textile can be the star of the show. As a budget-friendly alternative to custom framing, I'm sure IKEA has something that would fit the bill. <a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgPa-YS6Shy_VJx-x5bHPbG_JLRUGzWNrCnA_SbtnGSNg9d5jTfQqrxV4tSAp0yOYFRr1OBy3ODz9_AnU4frf6qRhQ0tg3RyKsVeXx0B80zbKfLSINIizdUVM-Jy_qEMYQXwKmq8_Q86tGD/s1600-h/DSC0966.jpg"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5228208982838066258" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgPa-YS6Shy_VJx-x5bHPbG_JLRUGzWNrCnA_SbtnGSNg9d5jTfQqrxV4tSAp0yOYFRr1OBy3ODz9_AnU4frf6qRhQ0tg3RyKsVeXx0B80zbKfLSINIizdUVM-Jy_qEMYQXwKmq8_Q86tGD/s400/DSC0966.jpg" style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer;" /></a>

Framing a Suzani

So, I (obviously) haven't felt much like blogging lately. We've been soaking up our time here in Brussels and having adventures in t...

2:17 PM

Top Design Revisited

It rains a lot in Brussels. When we can't get out and all my kid creativity has been exhausted, I put on a Seseme Street DVD for the girls and I watch an old episode of Top Design on my laptop. {Or I watch So You Think You Can Dance? on YouTube, but that's another story.} Remember how great this loft was? My favorite element was the grouping of photos by the front door. I tried to confirm this online to no avail, but I seem to remember reading somewhere that Matt used some photos that his Dad or Grandfather took in Rome and had them printed in an orangey-red ink. Genius. <a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgOwWZpq7SdhQtzYNLFlT_aNo6kFyEiOWP21rgqHXpBTFuRfXpk3zZ8Gdu4VR-UdSrubw72ubs6GocH1h704_szWOfwdqMUx5oWUJEFfx2WjD5LD-oROcB-XRdveq1FOKGOCMHtGFPZVQzA/s1600-h/top-design-matt-room1.jpg"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5223918684813464370" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgOwWZpq7SdhQtzYNLFlT_aNo6kFyEiOWP21rgqHXpBTFuRfXpk3zZ8Gdu4VR-UdSrubw72ubs6GocH1h704_szWOfwdqMUx5oWUJEFfx2WjD5LD-oROcB-XRdveq1FOKGOCMHtGFPZVQzA/s400/top-design-matt-room1.jpg" style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer;" /></a>Plays perfectly with those killer Andre Arbus dining chairs. love them. <a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg35g5woYgXMBxrTOrd8zH_fjFPAHR_H-rq5uiOHKnSKpq8Fv7TSchFcx3FpIDegq2iM0I8vj-ISvacH-Mkw0RZMAyAIUtiVaGOIMknd_34DuMPPmIec0ybQDhps3dswdOO8JUVXwIk6qP_/s1600-h/top-design-chairs.jpg"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5223926641451081058" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg35g5woYgXMBxrTOrd8zH_fjFPAHR_H-rq5uiOHKnSKpq8Fv7TSchFcx3FpIDegq2iM0I8vj-ISvacH-Mkw0RZMAyAIUtiVaGOIMknd_34DuMPPmIec0ybQDhps3dswdOO8JUVXwIk6qP_/s400/top-design-chairs.jpg" style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer;" /></a> The orange accents in Matt's top design room remind me of my favorite <a href="http://www.zoldaninteriors.com/">Tia Zoldan</a> bedroom. Just beautiful. I think I have an orange accented room in my future. <a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi6RRpwvvGbi_Fxsxakcta1OgQsJ5k5h0gjDqwCe7zgOFdtRAWHO-Z7vKCBvv9PEHj7-NiuNUyXmAlurYpiaF7_H1GGEIhRAYZiTAw6hd9dquSZlCzyuv_s-TjYxshFI3raeEDD58DkrbIw/s1600-h/tia+zoldan.png"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5223918684551123730" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi6RRpwvvGbi_Fxsxakcta1OgQsJ5k5h0gjDqwCe7zgOFdtRAWHO-Z7vKCBvv9PEHj7-NiuNUyXmAlurYpiaF7_H1GGEIhRAYZiTAw6hd9dquSZlCzyuv_s-TjYxshFI3raeEDD58DkrbIw/s400/tia+zoldan.png" style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer;" /></a>

Top Design Revisited

It rains a lot in Brussels. When we can't get out and all my kid creativity has been exhausted, I put on a Seseme Street DVD for the gir...

2:42 AM

Spray Paint

Our neighbors in Cambridge think I'm crazy (and single-handedly destroying the ozone) because I'm outside spray-painting a lot. It's amazing what a little spray paint can do to transform a piece of furniture, a picture frame, or, in this case, ceramic figures. <a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhyFQxRDTAhJZbGvIz_pSMi-TulD_Wp4OgHX-YhBdryc6LKIX-LlaYWBS1aq8Xegu6mKE1R3otAo4O7fyZ1rMHxNaGmui3x3Q8ABSB0d7mFMQx_FYIWRiajG8tUzvhC3ThoVgqToox0N9H8/s1600-h/ceramic+figures+birds+spray+painted+white.jpg"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5223912516387129986" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhyFQxRDTAhJZbGvIz_pSMi-TulD_Wp4OgHX-YhBdryc6LKIX-LlaYWBS1aq8Xegu6mKE1R3otAo4O7fyZ1rMHxNaGmui3x3Q8ABSB0d7mFMQx_FYIWRiajG8tUzvhC3ThoVgqToox0N9H8/s400/ceramic+figures+birds+spray+painted+white.jpg" style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer;" /></a> I can't remember which magazine I saw this in (I think it was Cottage Living), but the owners of this home sprayed random, mis-matched ceramic bird figurines (from thrift stores and eBay) all white to make the grouping look and feel more like a curated collection. I love this idea!! Your new collection would look great on a mantle, or on shelves against a painted wall, similar to this idea... <a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgrApdpKpzyTzCxUyuxI3jqKj9SBtelPFEELze0e-RnYBaa3CIKjUmElvEPf5FPyV_h0tD3rYS0RvG2sz-COBquPMB_s71mpCfSsA430Fv9YOB4HUSXkmp2Ngk9d3v56rMflJ9phOg_VV2e/s1600-h/milkglassblue.jpg"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5223915151416645650" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgrApdpKpzyTzCxUyuxI3jqKj9SBtelPFEELze0e-RnYBaa3CIKjUmElvEPf5FPyV_h0tD3rYS0RvG2sz-COBquPMB_s71mpCfSsA430Fv9YOB4HUSXkmp2Ngk9d3v56rMflJ9phOg_VV2e/s400/milkglassblue.jpg" style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer;" /></a>A couple quick spray painting tips from me to you: 1. Invest in a canvas drop cloth from a home improvement store. They are cheap (less than $10), prevent runaway paint particles from permanently coloring your driveway or sidewalk, and the canvas material dries quicker than the plastic drop cloths. 2. Make sure the surface of whatever you're painting is squeaky clean. A clean surface takes paint SO much better. Grime under the paint causes premature peeling. 3. Save your big cardboard boxes! When I'm spraying something smaller (like a lamp base or a ceramic figure) I like to leave the item in a box during the painting and drying phases, especially if it's a windy day. To me, there is nothing worse than dust particles stuck in your glossy new paint finish. What an eye-sore!

Spray Paint

Our neighbors in Cambridge think I'm crazy (and single-handedly destroying the ozone) because I'm outside spray-painting a lot. It&#...

2:23 AM

For Anna

Remember this rug? <a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEje6V3gK4I7DUDcNWRWlu42j1XOLoTxS5ksfFxAvSbAE4UcVllfG-ZMI2h98W78o4rsVhuWYJHbMcP0HqyeME7aWWq2I1CPGlqRmHmuIviJd57HDlvTeevhvyN7NJS1G7OHc_zn9NNgt1Rg/s1600-h/johnpeixinho_peakchic.jpeg"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5223552389258135442" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEje6V3gK4I7DUDcNWRWlu42j1XOLoTxS5ksfFxAvSbAE4UcVllfG-ZMI2h98W78o4rsVhuWYJHbMcP0HqyeME7aWWq2I1CPGlqRmHmuIviJd57HDlvTeevhvyN7NJS1G7OHc_zn9NNgt1Rg/s400/johnpeixinho_peakchic.jpeg" style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer;" /></a> I think it is so great. Neutral, but not boring at all. It can be found in<a href="http://freshpalette.blogspot.com/2008/04/little-black-dress-of-rugs.html"> so many</a> incredible rooms these days. <a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjoqaa3jUfqWE04onAlULZEG6Krc9LyScCsVzlpL-ZK4zyP6V_EwI05E-dCGa55glHVL9tesrUaN9o1SmpIEdfPhC2-JOEkQUvAXDWyXmjjuMoWlEMJ6HuMFj98P_5tWtNKIXhwtB7jWlai/s1600-h/ashleywhittakerpeakchic.jpeg"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5223552382456268834" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjoqaa3jUfqWE04onAlULZEG6Krc9LyScCsVzlpL-ZK4zyP6V_EwI05E-dCGa55glHVL9tesrUaN9o1SmpIEdfPhC2-JOEkQUvAXDWyXmjjuMoWlEMJ6HuMFj98P_5tWtNKIXhwtB7jWlai/s400/ashleywhittakerpeakchic.jpeg" style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer;" /></a><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgBEuDFY0STKPDykmvJWtsSjLQTWkXgXPHj6y0Z_78btH3ZHVHYk9B4bRLzjjQvDnCtO9qY4cYiraqx00euh55Frq-bOrH0OHksUhrQRBuaBK7MajNUqu5D-phHpfUWTVxdJYTE55tIAcnI/s1600-h/thibaut3.jpg"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5223552393907531634" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgBEuDFY0STKPDykmvJWtsSjLQTWkXgXPHj6y0Z_78btH3ZHVHYk9B4bRLzjjQvDnCtO9qY4cYiraqx00euh55Frq-bOrH0OHksUhrQRBuaBK7MajNUqu5D-phHpfUWTVxdJYTE55tIAcnI/s400/thibaut3.jpg" style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer;" /></a>Look for designer knock-offs at: <a href="http://www.westelm.com/online/store/ProductDisplay?partNumber=WE-PRODr543&storeId=17001&langId=-1&catalogId=17002&viewSetCode=E&parentId=WE-SH1RUGRUG&retainNav=true&cmsrc=WE-SH1RUGRUG"> West Elm</a> $299 (9x12) <a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgfd6WD5jen9-8VKsRy1GRZjpU8qylpvLimz07j4bI3QLBt3XmF_nvVKV-45dPck-Rg52-hs2pkNr7_Nk9XTLEu3tVEngG_2K8ArYSC4yYdx18C9sEYeyeKM4C2rIa8XDle_sYYLghgk3ID/s1600-h/west+elm+diamond+jut.jpg"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5223551646517518306" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgfd6WD5jen9-8VKsRy1GRZjpU8qylpvLimz07j4bI3QLBt3XmF_nvVKV-45dPck-Rg52-hs2pkNr7_Nk9XTLEu3tVEngG_2K8ArYSC4yYdx18C9sEYeyeKM4C2rIa8XDle_sYYLghgk3ID/s400/west+elm+diamond+jut.jpg" style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer;" /></a> {It seems to look less dark/graphic in a room setting.} <a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgKUPKOT6YGduHMZr8xh76cDeiX7SEb3SjxSs2HE5myxXzQugP3WA5r42tQ597r7i0YkgiExf_ONTaHZUnR48xoYN5xJ225DwhX2blcYT7AxWp2_TskrlxdabHIVnVTxlh9pFx5X0Spr27K/s1600-h/west+elm+diamond+room.jpg"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5223551649189394578" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgKUPKOT6YGduHMZr8xh76cDeiX7SEb3SjxSs2HE5myxXzQugP3WA5r42tQ597r7i0YkgiExf_ONTaHZUnR48xoYN5xJ225DwhX2blcYT7AxWp2_TskrlxdabHIVnVTxlh9pFx5X0Spr27K/s400/west+elm+diamond+room.jpg" style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer;" /></a> <a href="http://www.homedecorators.com/P/Diamond_Jute_Area_Rug/820/">Home Decorators</a> $379 (9'6" x 13) or $549 (12' x 15') <a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgUFuCzlunUoWV7o70O_Ulw767qRT6ribA6jVX5cQ5TlWHMdwW1Hga0JLp144QyPRTtbRIHOs7xiSnZHmqPk9M2JuU9MMR3XAi8zKycGu8ERs89KPyqta57Bzu4149CJATs9VzSdSKeDIGL/s1600-h/home+decorator+diamond+jute.jpg"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5223551639951377058" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgUFuCzlunUoWV7o70O_Ulw767qRT6ribA6jVX5cQ5TlWHMdwW1Hga0JLp144QyPRTtbRIHOs7xiSnZHmqPk9M2JuU9MMR3XAi8zKycGu8ERs89KPyqta57Bzu4149CJATs9VzSdSKeDIGL/s400/home+decorator+diamond+jute.jpg" style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer;" /></a> or <a href="http://www.potterybarn.com/products--p8448--index.shtml">Pottery Barn online</a> $449 (9x12) <a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhoaGmijER_XnL3zmCrxSqaUmI2S56FmI31cKRDc7Pm3oFN8jv4rtWRvCesvpMBxtO9zJtjrW2h5ouQhyphenhyphen2XIRKQx9MgMGtTMLdlOqvZg2_w1giAkhwtLzi7yF3qcHVuAEHhuNyRH-4xHWfu/s1600-h/PB+diamond+jute+close+up.jpg"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5223551639024313330" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhoaGmijER_XnL3zmCrxSqaUmI2S56FmI31cKRDc7Pm3oFN8jv4rtWRvCesvpMBxtO9zJtjrW2h5ouQhyphenhyphen2XIRKQx9MgMGtTMLdlOqvZg2_w1giAkhwtLzi7yF3qcHVuAEHhuNyRH-4xHWfu/s400/PB+diamond+jute+close+up.jpg" style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer;" /></a><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjtlERu_zoleSrbh62s7u0mhW5BdHQ_Pcqa80iZIZGH7lVqaBTfQQAs3pQ48JeMDUjfm7FtFuRdz5qU3yLLF8uL4ImysJeHphaYrFTgNnohnz-oRaVAkLIjQ5xeDleyfxiPq6STGceRfqkE/s1600-h/PB+jute+diamond.jpg"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5223551645913987746" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjtlERu_zoleSrbh62s7u0mhW5BdHQ_Pcqa80iZIZGH7lVqaBTfQQAs3pQ48JeMDUjfm7FtFuRdz5qU3yLLF8uL4ImysJeHphaYrFTgNnohnz-oRaVAkLIjQ5xeDleyfxiPq6STGceRfqkE/s400/PB+jute+diamond.jpg" style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer;" /></a>

For Anna

Remember this rug? I think it is so great. Neutral, but not boring at all. It can be found in so many incredible rooms these days. Look fo...

2:50 AM

Mexican Embroidery Pattern a la Lena Corwin

Lena Corwin's new book, <a href="http://www.amazon.com/Printing-Hand-Handmade-Stencils-Screens/dp/1584796723/ref=pd_bbs_sr_1?ie=UTF8&s=books&qid=1216128464&sr=8-1">Printing by Hand</a>, is available today on Amazon. <a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhpYpzMgqC_ZUtX-5F9psz2Q9mELRWYhhBKTBJUqN4V9KUSADtpR7X7Hw76OAxeVlwK56W8jip51eUoFy8kY_wft6jr6DUM11SNblaym04B371Pxd0eiL6RqxczBkzcjKitVbjwFFj_vL0O/s1600-h/lena+printing+by+hand.jpg"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5223538298331129730" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhpYpzMgqC_ZUtX-5F9psz2Q9mELRWYhhBKTBJUqN4V9KUSADtpR7X7Hw76OAxeVlwK56W8jip51eUoFy8kY_wft6jr6DUM11SNblaym04B371Pxd0eiL6RqxczBkzcjKitVbjwFFj_vL0O/s400/lena+printing+by+hand.jpg" style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer;" /></a> <a href="http://littlegreennotebook.blogspot.com/2008/05/mexican-textiles.html">As you can imagine</a>, I am in love with this project: <a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhwbaeLWYKn5Z3r9DCHJjbbwJ6idgV-AowjlFseD87VG2O76dD3-bj8fcTw6kdrpG7rWtiZLtK8eGUOCBfcx5lvdLHBYe0ruruvhFi-1QshOjR4F523ZVW32negVVBO2q7NA3BZTck9TjY5/s1600-h/lena1.jpg"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5223538289288995458" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhwbaeLWYKn5Z3r9DCHJjbbwJ6idgV-AowjlFseD87VG2O76dD3-bj8fcTw6kdrpG7rWtiZLtK8eGUOCBfcx5lvdLHBYe0ruruvhFi-1QshOjR4F523ZVW32negVVBO2q7NA3BZTck9TjY5/s400/lena1.jpg" style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer;" /></a> Also, I'm totally intrigued by the stencil idea. Wallpaper is so expensive! If you have nice and smooth walls, stenciling is a great alternative to paper, which can be such a commitment ($$$$). <a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjSpGdnqRFXtrE8_PAxduTdHydqe9w6MnRdu5MOQS4Aq1G9oi0sCinneSCHxHhM0v6kuuxdU1Ie4vv_Lbj6kN_1YYaqnAYmYwhp_-P9pkvNxZSpb0qDBU5CDI8ht4FaXdTA6CVlJnQhWSyf/s1600-h/lena+corwin+stencil.jpg"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5223538296782053954" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjSpGdnqRFXtrE8_PAxduTdHydqe9w6MnRdu5MOQS4Aq1G9oi0sCinneSCHxHhM0v6kuuxdU1Ie4vv_Lbj6kN_1YYaqnAYmYwhp_-P9pkvNxZSpb0qDBU5CDI8ht4FaXdTA6CVlJnQhWSyf/s400/lena+corwin+stencil.jpg" style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer;" /></a> And how perfect is this lamp shade? I love the clouds (especially for a nursery!), but the design possibilities here are endless. <a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi7yAUZVmLlJIbJ7EMS9xGG8MUWIwttafMfrpVQk8OBZAFjIXaxMmPuM_xISrNSMBzf7IFut3Mk7cQdPx7HXNXG-DkgK5nHbQydFof2kPlIeZH8zBBBcv_Yf9WBRh3I0B7xKH9nKnTWYvCt/s1600-h/lena+shade.jpg"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5223538305154253698" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi7yAUZVmLlJIbJ7EMS9xGG8MUWIwttafMfrpVQk8OBZAFjIXaxMmPuM_xISrNSMBzf7IFut3Mk7cQdPx7HXNXG-DkgK5nHbQydFof2kPlIeZH8zBBBcv_Yf9WBRh3I0B7xKH9nKnTWYvCt/s400/lena+shade.jpg" style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer;" /></a> I can't wait to get my hands on a copy of this book. <a href="http://www.designspongeonline.com/2008/07/new-lena-corwin-printing-by-hand-book-contest.html"> More pictures and an interview with Lena here</a>

Mexican Embroidery Pattern a la Lena Corwin

Lena Corwin's new book, Printing by Hand , is available today on Amazon. As you can imagine , I am in love with this project: Also, I...

2:06 AM

Martha Blue

<a href="http://images.google.be/imgres?imgurl=http://www.designspongeonline.com/wp-content/uploads/146.JPG&imgrefurl=http://www.designspongeonline.com/2008/01/happy-girl.html&h=576&w=475&sz=89&hl=en&start=18&um=1&tbnid=X4fHfPBtmQfwkM:&tbnh=134&tbnw=111&prev=/images%3Fq%3Dpistachio%2BkitchenAid%26um%3D1%26hl%3Den%26client%3Dfirefox-a%26rls%3Dorg.mozilla:en-US:official%26sa%3DN"></a>Kitchen Aid is releasing some new appliances in Martha's signature blue. I love this color. <a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj3aXxxudWThUqKDeN3JI7SE9HH6CvmvmsSJf_qJgoJw_rDed-TgKZgCq-JMkiGIXd9YZZ-fJck0liyR_SRKOb5fqKZzcIo0vUhlOsVT_x2f27kCawSLf2YqCZ22ehC5k3boAsvqrVQ11mq/s1600-h/martha+blue.jpg"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5223532882070981618" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj3aXxxudWThUqKDeN3JI7SE9HH6CvmvmsSJf_qJgoJw_rDed-TgKZgCq-JMkiGIXd9YZZ-fJck0liyR_SRKOb5fqKZzcIo0vUhlOsVT_x2f27kCawSLf2YqCZ22ehC5k3boAsvqrVQ11mq/s400/martha+blue.jpg" style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer;" /></a> I could really use a new stand mixer. It's a toss up for me between stainless/chrome, pistachio and this new blue color. What color is your stand mixer and how have you liked it?<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg_ssIifw3_xt_8hqIZlJ0h-S84OL50a9hs7oMIVSF2vHsTIJQkKALJIt4hEuLHXb3-ZCn1d_HnXmGjxH2m1TVyTFUNcvC7erkII52eaA_kUJyVkvRyBStP6eS-oZ6wTS1-iHV7PyNn9EBX/s1600-h/KitchenAidMixerChrome.jpg"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5223534854133793234" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg_ssIifw3_xt_8hqIZlJ0h-S84OL50a9hs7oMIVSF2vHsTIJQkKALJIt4hEuLHXb3-ZCn1d_HnXmGjxH2m1TVyTFUNcvC7erkII52eaA_kUJyVkvRyBStP6eS-oZ6wTS1-iHV7PyNn9EBX/s400/KitchenAidMixerChrome.jpg" style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer;" /></a><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjJqKALF1O44xBmedVemaGa9qCONBxUUBfolaPGadDKnb9gEH-jvWtWeHLd4Wri7V2dgZBMNxLqiCZ8hnursFw13-w6ZxStoQjfMt4s8quIXD07nCtimgZ5qBVfs34HMnypUXLNJzgVxnoP/s1600-h/kitchenaid_design_sponge.jpg"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5223534849017577010" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjJqKALF1O44xBmedVemaGa9qCONBxUUBfolaPGadDKnb9gEH-jvWtWeHLd4Wri7V2dgZBMNxLqiCZ8hnursFw13-w6ZxStoQjfMt4s8quIXD07nCtimgZ5qBVfs34HMnypUXLNJzgVxnoP/s400/kitchenaid_design_sponge.jpg" style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer;" /></a><a href="http://images.google.be/imgres?imgurl=http://www.designspongeonline.com/wp-content/uploads/146.JPG&imgrefurl=http://www.designspongeonline.com/2008/01/happy-girl.html&h=576&w=475&sz=89&hl=en&start=18&um=1&tbnid=X4fHfPBtmQfwkM:&tbnh=134&tbnw=111&prev=/images%3Fq%3Dpistachio%2BkitchenAid%26um%3D1%26hl%3Den%26client%3Dfirefox-a%26rls%3Dorg.mozilla:en-US:official%26sa%3DN">via</a>

Martha Blue

Kitchen Aid is releasing some new appliances in Martha's signature blue. I love this color. I could really use a new stand mixer. It...

1:47 AM

Thank Goodness for DVR

I just emailed the family that's subletting our house in Cambridge for the summer, asking them to set up a season-long recording for the new Project Runway on our DVR. Don't forget to set yours - the new season starts Wednesday night on Bravo. <a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEilPIB3z9DvXa8wh5TMNi78cB4lXMTyGUkPcTOF0HMAcfZOIXF_v4RXmzusFzBb-jVzBelg4K_-K4VvJBiSSqt8eBgFoyXoeJfWK00B70DXBvpNiYHNiSN6WV2CftEWs0isr9s_an25JRyr/s1600-h/projectrunway5cast.jpg"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5223524729055247922" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEilPIB3z9DvXa8wh5TMNi78cB4lXMTyGUkPcTOF0HMAcfZOIXF_v4RXmzusFzBb-jVzBelg4K_-K4VvJBiSSqt8eBgFoyXoeJfWK00B70DXBvpNiYHNiSN6WV2CftEWs0isr9s_an25JRyr/s400/projectrunway5cast.jpg" style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer;" /></a> Are you ready for season 5? I couldn't be more excited... You should visit <a href="http://bloggingprojectrunway.blogspot.com/">this blog</a> sometime today to get you geared up for the premiere.

Thank Goodness for DVR

I just emailed the family that's subletting our house in Cambridge for the summer, asking them to set up a season-long recording for the...

1:20 AM

My Dream Kitchen

My Dream Kitchen

Yes, Please. via

7:27 AM

Anthropologie Furniture VS. CraigsList

Confession: While Anthropologie is one of my very favorite stores, it mostly serves as a source of inspiration for me. I always keep my notebook handy while shopping there. I jot down my favorite things and then go online when I get home to check other sources. It seems like I can usually find the same product for about half of the Anthro price. That probably makes me sound like a cheapskate. But hey, we're students! Cut me some slack! I love a few of the furniture lines at Anthropologie, and even though they have a 25% off upholstery sale every few months, I still can't afford any of these pieces. I love to keep these images of Anthro furniture in my mind as I scour garage sales and CraigsList for furniture with potential that I can paint or reupholster to get the desired look. It can be intimidating to paint an "antique" or to sew a slipcover. But I really think that anyone can do this stuff. It's rainy today in Brussels, so we're stuck inside. I decided to have some fun and see what an "around the US" Craig's List search would come up with. I chose a random city for each piece of Anthro furniture that I liked and tried to find something for sale that, with a little elbow grease, could look very similar. I can't believe all the great furniture for sale out there! If you've got an hour (or more) to kill, type in "vintage" or "antique" in your CraigsList. You'll have to sort through some junk, but I'm sure you'll find some gems. Make sure you have <a href="http://www.craigstoolbox.com/post/Ad-Preview-Extension-for-Firefox.aspx">this program</a> downloaded so you can preview the pictures. 1a. <a href="http://www.anthropologie.com/anthro/catalog/productdetail.jsp?_dyncharset=ISO-8859-1&_dynSessConf=7926072948399301726&id=860046&parentid=LIVE_UPHOLSTERY_SOFAS&pushId=LIVE_UPHOLSTERY_SOFAS&popId=LIVE_UPHOLSTERY&sortProperties=&navCount=28&navAction=poppushpush&fromCategoryPage=true&selectedProductSize=&selectedProductSize1=&color=lno">Ditte Sofa. </a> $3500 <a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgiDZKrQBH-4ApyGyY0SBtKehEq_hPTY3zuTgdzA1kWwnZ3lZ9LBn4VR7ChUGlkj2ngx0CsKHCX_0qn3gcWBqrCieGFv91u_MttnHMgG3N6KY6fFYfAOqq1vzFDNTCW3sCQl61ee0o60wT6/s1600-h/ditte+gray.PNG"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5221107779757674402" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgiDZKrQBH-4ApyGyY0SBtKehEq_hPTY3zuTgdzA1kWwnZ3lZ9LBn4VR7ChUGlkj2ngx0CsKHCX_0qn3gcWBqrCieGFv91u_MttnHMgG3N6KY6fFYfAOqq1vzFDNTCW3sCQl61ee0o60wT6/s400/ditte+gray.PNG" style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer;" /></a><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiD6tznUgFrGMi8hPJjNmTA0nKl3ejTnECfyFqOGindKFj2IgbcrOehyphenhyphenIrdh2ycNP8QFNk8qVbZgEgAbPnbSGQ7QcolDJkSfIzU9rdgaqbzQFLDTWjgZUwDv2UwvYAqrZZe1JdOU922KJwo/s1600-h/ditte+sofa+natural+linen.jpg"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5221107777964951410" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiD6tznUgFrGMi8hPJjNmTA0nKl3ejTnECfyFqOGindKFj2IgbcrOehyphenhyphenIrdh2ycNP8QFNk8qVbZgEgAbPnbSGQ7QcolDJkSfIzU9rdgaqbzQFLDTWjgZUwDv2UwvYAqrZZe1JdOU922KJwo/s400/ditte+sofa+natural+linen.jpg" style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer;" /></a> I am totally in love with the Ditte sofa. The photos don't do this beauty justice. It is shockingly comfortable. Seriously, take a seat next time you are in the store. You'll be surprised. While at first glance it looks like a pretty modern piece of furniture, I think this couch would work in almost any style room. <a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiwvi4L5L-SKMcqQEDILSzKMYdYeb3Kg6OYy-h_1vgjszmRjeJvjnDEPYsIqNR3NdQAoiu9bviNqaSZI5MzaNx3WBdlPSDe1s5YDNYSCa1oXAzlbiaYmg6GVUSSDY7ThQa1emKm1HmXm7CN/s1600-h/anthropologie+ad.JPG"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5221106570932166674" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiwvi4L5L-SKMcqQEDILSzKMYdYeb3Kg6OYy-h_1vgjszmRjeJvjnDEPYsIqNR3NdQAoiu9bviNqaSZI5MzaNx3WBdlPSDe1s5YDNYSCa1oXAzlbiaYmg6GVUSSDY7ThQa1emKm1HmXm7CN/s400/anthropologie+ad.JPG" style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer;" /></a> <a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiL0ZM8ha2pxhlkpE7e8yvHJR349dBCqCIiW6tZbJqIAFhrUnaQUEtBe0PX8bkWoFQyHHWBdG9pEt6hVtXWrgtvnZGsCfnbjFIllRHU5aLBQsDU0okS9XtRKy1PZ4yCTvDkv7PI6tn_eS3Z/s1600-h/2-Frederic-Fekkai.jpg"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5221116311025948866" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiL0ZM8ha2pxhlkpE7e8yvHJR349dBCqCIiW6tZbJqIAFhrUnaQUEtBe0PX8bkWoFQyHHWBdG9pEt6hVtXWrgtvnZGsCfnbjFIllRHU5aLBQsDU0okS9XtRKy1PZ4yCTvDkv7PI6tn_eS3Z/s400/2-Frederic-Fekkai.jpg" style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer;" /></a>1b. <a href="http://losangeles.craigslist.org/sfv/fur/744554207.html">Hepplewhite sofa</a> on LA's Craigslist. They're asking for $500, but I bet they could be talked down. I am so jealous of whoever snatches this one up. This picture's worthless, but I think a little paint, some beautiful linen and a few bolster pillows would make for a great transform. <a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiDEo65lnkisGItYryr3KouikxB0i06NQd4Qz8PeQXsAfsKlsocrSvyzAuikWC2utaKKbwiUvIpDYbUV3INcMj3qKWN4T74BUHCIebMye39Z-lJkk0x0L6Kwlgs_XnKMMsQc-l32mRKWLXc/s1600-h/heppelwhite+sofa.jpg"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5221107781102809154" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiDEo65lnkisGItYryr3KouikxB0i06NQd4Qz8PeQXsAfsKlsocrSvyzAuikWC2utaKKbwiUvIpDYbUV3INcMj3qKWN4T74BUHCIebMye39Z-lJkk0x0L6Kwlgs_XnKMMsQc-l32mRKWLXc/s400/heppelwhite+sofa.jpg" style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer;" /></a> <a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEghr6UtZ1J1ukyUAAeGPGHj1T8VSlNlJghpNTAjZ1bSkv6vW3YDjGxwFT9gXyG4quYCc9Kao6cxHZr8zjH3-D9PwR70Fi0eQp5zX4HL7X8jQf9IctH3eT1_N1O1ShClscTa2miZ7xaCjhpy/s1600-h/hepplewhite2.jpg"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5221107780669913698" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEghr6UtZ1J1ukyUAAeGPGHj1T8VSlNlJghpNTAjZ1bSkv6vW3YDjGxwFT9gXyG4quYCc9Kao6cxHZr8zjH3-D9PwR70Fi0eQp5zX4HL7X8jQf9IctH3eT1_N1O1ShClscTa2miZ7xaCjhpy/s400/hepplewhite2.jpg" style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer;" /></a> 2a. <a href="http://www.anthropologie.com/anthro/catalog/productdetail.jsp?_dyncharset=ISO-8859-1&_dynSessConf=-6410391647217909530&id=76020&parentid=LIVE_UPHOLSTERY_SOFAS&pushId=LIVE_UPHOLSTERY_SOFAS&popId=LIVE_UPHOLSTERY&sortProperties=&navCount=5&navAction=poppushpush&fromCategoryPage=true&selectedProductSize=&selectedProductSize1=&color=msb">Amelie sofa</a> at Anthro, $4000. This sofa caused a craze around the design blogs a few seasons ago. I still like it.<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj984LLCYrbQUIYGNC8-BvoI1aOWACrRZUf-iRKt8siiDTOBcn1-0pHe-lkVdFYOZyb4KsC965UI-HG8Eiq-Ymq7u8zxdgKcvQO8fYVnGI3E2_xA10gKcvCQs9R-_pwiQvcLzoEFHuoYEQg/s1600-h/amelie.jpg"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5221106565303434450" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj984LLCYrbQUIYGNC8-BvoI1aOWACrRZUf-iRKt8siiDTOBcn1-0pHe-lkVdFYOZyb4KsC965UI-HG8Eiq-Ymq7u8zxdgKcvQO8fYVnGI3E2_xA10gKcvCQs9R-_pwiQvcLzoEFHuoYEQg/s400/amelie.jpg" style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer;" /></a>It reminds me of Drew Barrymore's sofa <a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhXFUr3LReuMmOuXS8IJgAoYJenJlRZWPkFmxUNXZANTPS14T-2_DbrVvnoPepKkTA0eIof_A9qZoPa5V-KLWpvIv8l4IEkdCxcs-TSiLpQ0s3n377ju4tlFUjaY36seOZSF-7dmxGLQNFf/s1600-h/domino_april_2008_cover1.JPG"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5221116309886530866" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhXFUr3LReuMmOuXS8IJgAoYJenJlRZWPkFmxUNXZANTPS14T-2_DbrVvnoPepKkTA0eIof_A9qZoPa5V-KLWpvIv8l4IEkdCxcs-TSiLpQ0s3n377ju4tlFUjaY36seOZSF-7dmxGLQNFf/s400/domino_april_2008_cover1.JPG" style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer;" /></a> and Reshida Jones'. Both sofas are beautiful and don't look stuffy or old fashioned at all. <a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiRbUYaXHLBaF12wcqbntuLO63FwKGBueTWBG501QR0qziDjoBB-yp1QUFypb2zyJVjVAd2PioQsgg1Mc4wQLkl03PCGLNanNnEDF4FgVrc_0lHXA0QDpdlQqQB1QEGOMN-53kk4cSIkIvr/s1600-h/rashida+jones+french+sofa.jpg"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5221116327461363426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiRbUYaXHLBaF12wcqbntuLO63FwKGBueTWBG501QR0qziDjoBB-yp1QUFypb2zyJVjVAd2PioQsgg1Mc4wQLkl03PCGLNanNnEDF4FgVrc_0lHXA0QDpdlQqQB1QEGOMN-53kk4cSIkIvr/s400/rashida+jones+french+sofa.jpg" style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer;" /></a> 2b. <a href="http://dallas.craigslist.org/ftw/fur/743251408.html">Vintage sofa on Dallas CL</a>, $90. Oh the potential... <a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi9fYrwG0LacNvsCFoJY33JnZNi7cTdTHK9f1z6Nn6C0lOckmSG09dFKHFN9CvLz5A8cVYjhbGKM-4ihkNPmdJZNs7VXoKx9K7-1FiccTRPPUfhZO5O77iY44qDAQ_RvvPDnzcjNRvq98hG/s1600-h/dallas+CL.jpg"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5221107215881102146" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi9fYrwG0LacNvsCFoJY33JnZNi7cTdTHK9f1z6Nn6C0lOckmSG09dFKHFN9CvLz5A8cVYjhbGKM-4ihkNPmdJZNs7VXoKx9K7-1FiccTRPPUfhZO5O77iY44qDAQ_RvvPDnzcjNRvq98hG/s400/dallas+CL.jpg" style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer;" /></a><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgBu6IrsYA1xUOuMl-6KhAmsZG5ihJID-wQm1FEt4RWhKRsSgGaX9qtfe5ZegIr1924z2vCrsSnKeA1HOcEq6Yo4ZUiqxAr1MxJV2qPTUxnYc9xnemEH-dELR-0quyoQQnnA7-X47PPnYJn/s1600-h/dallas+sofa2.jpg"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5221107220617841138" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgBu6IrsYA1xUOuMl-6KhAmsZG5ihJID-wQm1FEt4RWhKRsSgGaX9qtfe5ZegIr1924z2vCrsSnKeA1HOcEq6Yo4ZUiqxAr1MxJV2qPTUxnYc9xnemEH-dELR-0quyoQQnnA7-X47PPnYJn/s400/dallas+sofa2.jpg" style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer;" /></a><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhonBtGjy4SnQkH5AAsm9weojzZiaLZX-5ZmL5eUrgBNmP1RLcIo0xaCIGidSq31neEdNRSNESPueMZNBsIXzQToIFfFV7k7usRuv4QInQ15xCjYvLkpJVF0mStJs-_jPH6PacWay3wWw9r/s1600-h/dallas+sofa+3.jpg"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5221107220648780370" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhonBtGjy4SnQkH5AAsm9weojzZiaLZX-5ZmL5eUrgBNmP1RLcIo0xaCIGidSq31neEdNRSNESPueMZNBsIXzQToIFfFV7k7usRuv4QInQ15xCjYvLkpJVF0mStJs-_jPH6PacWay3wWw9r/s400/dallas+sofa+3.jpg" style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer;" /></a>3a. <a href="http://www.anthropologie.com/anthro/catalog/productdetail.jsp?_dyncharset=ISO-8859-1&_dynSessConf=-6410391647217909530&id=860068&parentid=LIVE_UPHOLSTERY_CHAIRS&pushId=LIVE_UPHOLSTERY_CHAIRS&popId=LIVE_UPHOLSTERY&sortProperties=&navCount=9&navAction=poppushpush&fromCategoryPage=true&selectedProductSize=&selectedProductSize1=&color=sph">Calandria chair</a> at Anthro, $1500 <a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhInf5_zLKxGhZtxvQhNB1mtifl100s7KUPFWMcTuMixCwtvaDRXgNAQDGmLnavmlu1g4cSPTAg0PpIt9k3h9qkx4AJ9M5XiFSmJoOCMqIrJdurJcH2l3gxz3ddDXtwnkWKkHwMTDfqg7bP/s1600-h/10-26-07calandriachair.jpg"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5221106559702511266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhInf5_zLKxGhZtxvQhNB1mtifl100s7KUPFWMcTuMixCwtvaDRXgNAQDGmLnavmlu1g4cSPTAg0PpIt9k3h9qkx4AJ9M5XiFSmJoOCMqIrJdurJcH2l3gxz3ddDXtwnkWKkHwMTDfqg7bP/s400/10-26-07calandriachair.jpg" style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer;" /></a>3b. <a href="http://newyork.craigslist.org/brk/fur/747416997.html">Danish Chairs on New York CL</a> $150. That fabric has to go! I think they're flexible on the price. <a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgYZ1MXdEGrlc8TojTsBu3T7C7L-8JLcdfTDMrt1ij4lYTY98-VAOiwEGEs15_FrQE-4ZXFUG4lPaP2ZMpc_xmfk07YQCMO6C8cNT3hMzLBI4Yiql4qc7k_PI1d8BfrQSfDiD8aPdfboFYp/s1600-h/danish+modern.jpg"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5221107222827923618" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgYZ1MXdEGrlc8TojTsBu3T7C7L-8JLcdfTDMrt1ij4lYTY98-VAOiwEGEs15_FrQE-4ZXFUG4lPaP2ZMpc_xmfk07YQCMO6C8cNT3hMzLBI4Yiql4qc7k_PI1d8BfrQSfDiD8aPdfboFYp/s400/danish+modern.jpg" style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer;" /></a> 4a. Anthropologie's <a href="http://www.anthropologie.com/anthro/catalog/productdetail.jsp?_dyncharset=ISO-8859-1&_dynSessConf=7926072948399301726&id=76612&parentid=LIVE_UPHOLSTERY_CHAIRS&pushId=LIVE_UPHOLSTERY_CHAIRS&popId=LIVE_UPHOLSTERY&sortProperties=&navCount=20&navAction=poppushpush&fromCategoryPage=true&selectedProductSize=&selectedProductSize1=&color=fwd">Josef Wingback chair,</a> $2000 I love that this wing chair is not "granny" at all. It is a very stately chair. I think that is key in looking for a good, classic wingback. <a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj3BUjBv213KUmsh0fPF6K-wGk54zk2SaUBmisZ116bpfLWGOrwpbjv1i6aoM-UIXIuKZYErEA1QVUEqApItRZUuR0Lpf0VWNpdfruLoC_x6nnnOWEFe_sxaHmfMRNySZs_xVhht84KzPJq/s1600-h/josef+wingback.jpg"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5221107786898806226" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj3BUjBv213KUmsh0fPF6K-wGk54zk2SaUBmisZ116bpfLWGOrwpbjv1i6aoM-UIXIuKZYErEA1QVUEqApItRZUuR0Lpf0VWNpdfruLoC_x6nnnOWEFe_sxaHmfMRNySZs_xVhht84KzPJq/s400/josef+wingback.jpg" style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer;" /></a>4b. Phoenix CL <a href="http://www.anthropologie.com/anthro/catalog/productdetail.jsp?_dyncharset=ISO-8859-1&_dynSessConf=7926072948399301726&id=860048&parentid=LIVE_UPHOLSTERY_CHAIRS&pushId=LIVE_UPHOLSTERY_CHAIRS&popId=LIVING&sortProperties=&navCount=1&navAction=jump&fromCategoryPage=true&selectedProductSize=&selectedProductSize1=&color=mrt">Wingback</a>, $100 This one is very similar to the anthro wingback. I would reupholster it in a fun fabric and add piping in a contrasting color. <a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhf2BdXmlZrAyq7lzSt0Ff6HgZUHMJb_5Sr7Wkvf-zqiTM6jKKXUbQRAJeRqsKjapiWjZEP6Qzc7wiibqZrxqt3x53cThNhGSV-TERH86B0EhCuNEQ5Kol_Naf_P0EJQgsioW_bw12wepCM/s1600-h/wing+back+pheonix.jpg"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5221108092605275138" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhf2BdXmlZrAyq7lzSt0Ff6HgZUHMJb_5Sr7Wkvf-zqiTM6jKKXUbQRAJeRqsKjapiWjZEP6Qzc7wiibqZrxqt3x53cThNhGSV-TERH86B0EhCuNEQ5Kol_Naf_P0EJQgsioW_bw12wepCM/s400/wing+back+pheonix.jpg" style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer;" /></a>6a. Anthro <a href="http://www.anthropologie.com/anthro/catalog/productdetail.jsp?_dyncharset=ISO-8859-1&_dynSessConf=7926072948399301726&id=860048&parentid=LIVE_UPHOLSTERY_CHAIRS&pushId=LIVE_UPHOLSTERY_CHAIRS&popId=LIVING&sortProperties=&navCount=1&navAction=jump&fromCategoryPage=true&selectedProductSize=&selectedProductSize1=&color=mrt">Memello Chaise</a>. $2000. <a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh0SCxeWm0j2N9Q5Ih0EdagJEmu7du4wQFJidl2yuAqOpz5L0NVuUcsoj7UXqcpjTo1LoEw-J1QT-bqOgQReHbvRUJEZxGKiIg5PMcWAGf-PPs4GRe8sYUiUtwWOs0nhhfI8Aq9BvVl_OpX/s1600-h/anthro+chaise.png"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5221116325263096866" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh0SCxeWm0j2N9Q5Ih0EdagJEmu7du4wQFJidl2yuAqOpz5L0NVuUcsoj7UXqcpjTo1LoEw-J1QT-bqOgQReHbvRUJEZxGKiIg5PMcWAGf-PPs4GRe8sYUiUtwWOs0nhhfI8Aq9BvVl_OpX/s400/anthro+chaise.png" style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer;" /></a> I love a chaise by a window or a reading nook. They're always perfect in large bedrooms. I like the bird print, too. 6b. <a href="http://boston.craigslist.org/gbs/fur/744963687.html">Chaise</a> from Boston's CraigsList, $100. It's not even close to the shape of the Anthropologie chaise, and I realize it looks totally dumpy in these photos, but this one has really clean lines and would be a breeze to upholster. I would purchase some new wooden legs <a href="http://www.imperialdesign.on.ca/FURNCOMP/LEGS/legs.htm">online</a> to replace those nasty fabric-covered bun feet. <a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiUiwj3zWYa3aujRMNDoYVfMjcRQgCl-Tul61a5xtcigztXGloP33rXnbGUoyBEry8KcL7CLqQ4Lpiaf-2jaUPzMilHPHEifcXf1rPIUUMeaVsfPJ4iPwpMOM1cHJeM-3OEySZH1U3Z7_zS/s1600-h/chaise1.jpg"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5221106579084824066" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiUiwj3zWYa3aujRMNDoYVfMjcRQgCl-Tul61a5xtcigztXGloP33rXnbGUoyBEry8KcL7CLqQ4Lpiaf-2jaUPzMilHPHEifcXf1rPIUUMeaVsfPJ4iPwpMOM1cHJeM-3OEySZH1U3Z7_zS/s400/chaise1.jpg" style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer;" /></a><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhYPkU7jHn5caqSlrmvUu1trEW0JGWrDt0f7X7uL9qFc1iZOE20_CpgDsMRtz83VR30mD4bAlPQwAP4f-Rv8uo8dNswis9SckwPaD4C0Gk7LX6ctBbQqmM9XovurZqtGtlwbJxyXwNGC5zu/s1600-h/chaise+2.jpg"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5221107215434278946" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhYPkU7jHn5caqSlrmvUu1trEW0JGWrDt0f7X7uL9qFc1iZOE20_CpgDsMRtz83VR30mD4bAlPQwAP4f-Rv8uo8dNswis9SckwPaD4C0Gk7LX6ctBbQqmM9XovurZqtGtlwbJxyXwNGC5zu/s400/chaise+2.jpg" style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer;" /></a> 7a. <a href="http://www.anthropologie.com/anthro/catalog/productdetail.jsp?_dyncharset=ISO-8859-1&_dynSessConf=-8558517100027884887&id=76934&parentid=LIVE_UPHOLSTERY_CHAIRS&pushId=LIVE_UPHOLSTERY_CHAIRS&popId=LIVE_UPHOLSTERY&sortProperties=&navCount=11&navAction=poppushpush&fromCategoryPage=true&selectedProductSize=&selectedProductSize1=&color=twm">Astrid Chair</a> at Anthropologie, $1300 <a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhsFbddUqvC2mxWBWtVxGyPc_UOIJkZR60cY93fD7L_4sOvpS5wKx1WlwK1XDUXQtEPMjOt_kp9TSdOTrPy8u6v8AC1WGzrbBVDIYVxLGVL6kryjQVIMYDUDuPK6AtT1Q2hVIqGWzJwQhqL/s1600-h/astrid+blue.jpg"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5221106573388841586" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhsFbddUqvC2mxWBWtVxGyPc_UOIJkZR60cY93fD7L_4sOvpS5wKx1WlwK1XDUXQtEPMjOt_kp9TSdOTrPy8u6v8AC1WGzrbBVDIYVxLGVL6kryjQVIMYDUDuPK6AtT1Q2hVIqGWzJwQhqL/s400/astrid+blue.jpg" style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer;" /></a>7b. San Francisco <a href="http://sfbay.craigslist.org/pen/fur/743439008.html">Antique chair</a>, $175. Again, not exactly the same chair, but the lines are similar. In a lot of ways, I actually like the Craig'sList chair more than the Astrid. I would paint the wood though. And obviously change the fabric. <a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEij4gLow4qtnmV9oOWqthLthtVFAXzOf-WhUvQ3Ro3Gzp5_NjXHDBW9qgf2JXH8vtiKF2xYtE0L5xd2xcURPxqFi9tRcBJWaTv44VK2W_f35PKrH1HhnG0eYnIYAZ0jvkFEdS2BogyjFJn3/s1600-h/san+fran+like+astrid.jpg"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5221117823889383186" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEij4gLow4qtnmV9oOWqthLthtVFAXzOf-WhUvQ3Ro3Gzp5_NjXHDBW9qgf2JXH8vtiKF2xYtE0L5xd2xcURPxqFi9tRcBJWaTv44VK2W_f35PKrH1HhnG0eYnIYAZ0jvkFEdS2BogyjFJn3/s400/san+fran+like+astrid.jpg" style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer;" /></a> That was fun! If anyone is lusting after an expensive piece of retail furniture, let me know and I'll try to find a substitute for you. If you're in the Boston area, I'll even help you fix it up!

Anthropologie Furniture VS. CraigsList

Confession: While Anthropologie is one of my very favorite stores, it mostly serves as a source of inspiration for me. I always keep my note...

7:48 AM

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