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

 

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.

 

ROCK ON, NEON

If we learned one thing from the late 80’s/early 90’s, it’s probably that neon should be used judiciously when decorating. Yet, in atoning for the sins of Gen X, we may have become a little too judicious. It’s time to let some neon back in y’all, and here are our top picks:

 

This neon pink wood and stoneware vase has three removable components that you can mix and match. On sale for $62.25 from DWR.

 

 

This Native Union Pop Phone in neon green lets you relive the days when you could spend hours on the phone literally talking about nothing. $35 via Urban Outfitters.

 

Even the most awkward of family photos would look insta-cool in these neon-trimmed frames. $14.95 from CB2.

 

There are many ways to brighten a ho-hum sofa or bed, but these jumbo neon cushions are probably the quickest route. Conran Shop $28.

 

The blue moon of coffee tables. $199 at Fashion For Home.

 

The search for the perfect wave ends in the discovery of the perfect neon poster. $35 on Ebay.

 

Jazz up your tape dispenser with this rainbow-colored six-pack. $3.99 from The Container Store.

 

1st DIBS PICKS: ANTIQUES FOR $120 OR LESS

If you’ve started your annual Spring Cleaning, then that can only mean that you’ve made space for a little something new—and by “new” we definitely mean “old.” Here are some of our favorite 1^stDibs picks for $120 or under…
 
Backward bling for the wall, this 1920’s wooden printing block would make a great detail in any nook or cranny. $85.

 

A broken clock may be right twice a day, but this charming vintage one looks spot on 24/7. $75.

 

The eerie patina of mercury glass makes it one of my favorite finishes for display pieces. This little bowl would make a great console catchall. $45.

 

The 1970’s meet The Renaissance Fair on these four ceramic goblets, and I say “aye.” $60.

 

You’d want to check the status of your last tetanus shot before buying this iron pestle and mortar, but imagine how awesome it would look on a counter or used as a doorstop! $120.