GET THE LOOK: DOWNTON ABBEY

I don’t know about you, but I sure do miss watching Downton Abbey. I miss Mary’s icy stare, Carson’s firm commitment to protocol and Mr. Bate’s scandalous ex-wife situation. Mostly, I miss it as a visual feast of set and design. Bringing some of the Downton look into your home is easier than you might think, and needn’t require a handsome dowry to achieve. So, until Season Three comes on the horizon, we give you Get The Look: Downton Abbey.

 

It’s always teatime on this slate-colored Buffet Sofa from ABC Home. Snatch it on sale for $1199.

 

This Teardrop Chandelier casts a soft glow and won’t require a household staff to keep clean. $129 from Pottery Barn Teen, which has a surprisingly vast lighting selection.

 

One never knows when unexpected visitors may come calling! Make sure your coif is intact with this ornate gold-leaf mirror from Wayfair. $272.90.

 

The Dowager Countess is right: Hand-written letters are best read under the discerning gaze of a magnifying glass, like this wire-wrapped number from Anthropologie. $16.

 

I’m on Team Mary, so I’d put her picture in this Mulberry Picture Frame. Those on Team Sybil may do as they wish. Is anyone on Team Edith?? $55.00 from Supermarket.

 

Hide ugly store-bought planters with this Carson-approved ceramic beauty. $122.50 from Wayfair.

GET A GRIP: KNOB ROUNDUP

Commitment-phobes and penny-pinchers rejoice: switching out old knobs is the easiest and cheapest way to give your kitchen or bathroom an instant facelift. This facelift is also easily undone down the road.

 
These black and gold Jewel Knobs from Urban Outfitters would add instant warmth to dark cabinets. $6 each.

 
Porcelain knobs are a versatile class act. This model from Rejuvenation features a cast iron base that adds industrial charm. $10 each.

 

The earthen feel terracotta lends patios also works in the kitchen, particularly against cabinets with a natural wood finish. These Terracotta Knobs from Gracious Home are just $3.19 each.

 

These Fourth Course Knobs from Anthropologie feature colorful resin layers and are perfect for relatively monotone kitchens in need of some pizzazz. $8 each.

 
Also from Anthropologie, the Half & Half Knob is one part rustic cabin, one part 1920s hospital and one whole part cool. $8 each.

 
Another classic from Rejuvenation, this Hexagonal Glass Knob in milky green is just the thing to warm up stark white or stainless steel cupboards. $6.00 each

 

GET THE LOOK: KELLEY AND PING RESTAURANT

Kelley and Ping in Soho is a feast for all senses. The Thai cuisine here is delicious, but more importantly, it’s surprisingly easy to get their Asia-Mod look! After lunch, stroll a couple of blocks South to Pearl River Mart on Broadway, your one stop shop for all things Asian.

 

These large and whimsical papier-mache heads from Pearl River Mart come in various styles for variety.

 

Place them on a lone shelf like this Ikea Lack Wall shelf.

 

Mexican Sugar Skull sells a variety of lovely oilcloths for your walls, by the foot or by the roll. Your choice.

 

To complete the look, hang a few paper lanterns for good measure. Display is a cinch with the handy hook.

ALTERNATIVE GUEST BEDS

Air mattresses, though marginally practical, are inherently unsexy. The next time an overnight guest comes rolling through, show him or her that you’ve put some thought into stylish overnight accommodations with one of these creative alternatives. Easy to rig up and store again, they’ll keep you in the running for Hostess with the Mostess.

Town & Country Guest Bed

The Cardini Uno Sleeper ($479) from Fashion For Home is sleek seating by day, handy guest bed by night. Paired with a wool Pendleton Motor Robe Throw ($88, complete with leather rolling strap!) and Urban Outfitter’s Velvet Quilted Pillow ($24), it’s easily transformed into cosmopolitan-cozy guest accommodations.

Military Chic Guest Bed

If it’s good enough for recruits, it’s good enough for houseguests. This collapsible Heavy-Duty Army Cot ($69.99) from Cabela’s can be whipped out of a closet at moment’s notice. Throw on an Israeli Wool Army Blanket ($19.99) from Amazon.com, a decorative Benzy Land Map Pillow ($12.99) from IKEA and it’s countdown to lights out.

 

Boho Beach Bum

For a fun twist, string a Fringed Canvas Hammock ($38) from Amazon in an empty corner when visitors come to town. Add a colorful pillow or two, like this Collage Pillow ($68) from Anthropologie and a basic IKEA Gurli Throw ($12.99) for a lackadaisical beach hippie vibe.

 

STORE PROFILE: CURE THRIFT SHOP

If you haven’t checked out Cure Thrift Shop in New York City’s East Village, you’re missing out. The Cure, located on 111 E. 12th st. in the heart of the East Village, is a thrift store dedicated to raising money for Diabetes Research.

With two spacious floors dedicated to home decor and fashion, there’s something for everyone here. Check out what we found!

 

If you can say no to ice cream that’s been scooped with this precious vintage penguin ice cream scoop, you have no soul. $25

 

These vintage Beatles style pins punch up a boring t-shirt or duffel bag in no time. $20 set of 4.

 

I have no idea why this amazing large antique Jesus Christ statue is still up for grabs. $125

 

This one of a kind antique apple green rocking chair is perfect for stylish naps, $125.

 

You usually have to pay a pretty penny for Murano glass, but this imitation piece makes a statement for only $25.