5 PRETTY PENDANTS

A large, billowy pendant can do wonders for a room in need of some soft lighting. These pretty pendants, in light whites and neutrals, would look stellar above a bed or couch, adding romantic ambience whether the lights are on or off.

 

This bulbous Chiasso pendant is a jumbled mass of aluminum and chrome that’s lit by eight small bulbs within. $118.

 

Designed in 1969 and composed of 69 pieces, the Norma69 Shade is nothing if not shagadelic.$130 from The Conran Shop.

 

This classy tiered brass pendant from Urban Outfitters looks way more expensive than its $64 price tag, and is likely to develop a cool patina over time.

 

Buttery capiz shells are trimmed with nickel and arranged like a lotus flower on this dreamy pendant from Pottery Barn. $199.

 

Simple does it on this chic and cheap IKEA paper shade, which is a nice update to the round paper lanterns IKEA is known for. $5.00.

TAKING OUT THE TRASH

Trash. Garbage. Rubbish. We all produce it—why not store it in an aesthetically pleasing manner? Here are some fun trash cans that will keep your refuse under wraps in style.

Shabby chic and industrial chic are happily married in this woven wire trash can. $29.00 from Urban Outfitters.

This angular acrylic trash can is pretty enough to double as an umbrella stand or extra storage. $49.99 from CB2.

 

Oscar called—he wants his domicile back. $9.99 from The Container Store.

Go all “office building reception area” with this stainless steel beauty. $93.99 from Sears.

 

Introducing the Big Red of Trash Can Land, complete with convenient foot lever. $99.99 from Sears.

 

It’s not entirely clear whether these awesomely simplistic shopping bag holders ship to the US (the company is Spain-based), but anyone with a surplus of plastic and paper bags lurking under her sink (i.e. yours truly) is going to want to give it a try. €18.90 form Un4Verde.

 

With convenient side handles, this little number has the look of leather and the price of polyurethane. $9.99 from IKEA.

CRAZY FOR COPPER

My infatuation with copper deepened this holiday season when I came upon—and attempted to ransack—my mother’s copper cookware collection (turns out she’s rather partial to the collection herself). The oh-so-shiny, oh-so-conductive metal looks great whether freshly polished or slightly tarnished, whether hung majestically from a rack or used as a casserole dish. With copper prices continuing their upward trajectory—and not wanting to have to lift and scrap copper in order to afford some of my own—I began hunting down some affordable pieces to get a collection going.

 

Moscow Mule fans will clamor for these solid copper mugs, but they’ll keep other drinks pleasantly chilled too. $19.99 each from Kitchen & Company.

 

A mixing bowl worthy of Julia Child herself: Mauviel’s copper 4.9-QT beating bowl with handy holding ring. $89.99 from Bed Bath & Beyond.

 

Made of copper wire and lined in mesh, this handmade tea strainer is pretty and practical. $58 from Canoe.

 

This 4-piece set of copper-plated canisters would look right at home in a French farm house—or your house—and is the perfect place to store flour, sugar, coffee and other staples. $61.99 from Overstock.

 

This very solid-looking copper and brass nautical oil lamp isn’t just for skippers and lighthouse keepers—use it in place of candles for a cozy winter dinner. In the warmer months it makes an awesome outdoor lantern.  $169.95 from Garret Wade.

 

Just imagine the sheen you’d achieve by hanging your copper cookware from a copper rack! The top shelf is ideal for storing lids or cookbooks. $144.99 from Home Depot.

SO HOT RIGHT NOW: THE UN-SOFA

A conventional sofa can feel like a cumbersome block of junk, especially when decorating small and/or irregular shaped rooms. The next time you need to furnish a living room or designated seating area, here are a few un-sofa options to consider.

A set of 3 club chairs squished together like this ebay find gives a sofa-like appearance, but with way more versatility.

 

What better way to decorate a living room than to make the ultimate symbol of relaxation its centerpiece? These images prove that hammocks indoors are a great idea…

…Etsy shops carry some unconventional styles, like this handmade piece from Hamanica, $38.

 

Be stylish without even trying by swapping your sofa for a rectangular floor cushion. Add layered rugs, baskets to double as coffee tables/media bins for the ultimate relaxed living room. Set off the lowness of it all with a tall lamp and wall decor hung high…

…for a similar effect, layer two of these cushions from Urban Outfitters.

 

Floor cushion idea too scary? A statement chair with fancy floor pillows strewn about is a safe compromise…

…Moroccan poufs don’t come cheap, but Nate Berkus saves the day with his HSN line at $119 a pop. In white, silver and gold.

HIP XMAS TREE ALTERNATIVES

Love the tradition of Christmas trees but hate the watering, needle vacuuming and potential de-squirreling associated with having a real one? Consider an alternative. From plastic to cardboard, these hip real tree alternatives add holiday cheer without the mess and space hogging. Best of all, instead of dragging these to the curb come January, you can stash them in a closet until next year.

Eat your heart out, Charlie Brown. This adorably sparse tabletop tree from Urban Outfitters is just $9.99.

 

Why did the Modernist cross the road? Why, to get this stark wooden Filigree Tree, of course. Available from DWR, it’s 5 feet tall and easy to assemble/disassemble. $124.50.

 

For extra-lazy holiday enthusiasts, there’s the cardboard Christmas tree. Just pop it up and let the good times roll. $19.99.

 

This pre-lit pink tree set from Home Depot doesn’t even need ornaments to achieve optimal festivity levels. $79.99

 

Vintage ceramic trees are undeniably kitsch and look undeniably inviting when lit in a window. Find them on Ebay or Etsy. $45 from Etsy.

If a single bay leave can infuse a whole stew with forest-like aroma, imagine how nice an entire bay leaf tree would smell. $79.99 from Pottery Barn.

 

GOING SOMEWHERE? THE DUFFEL BAG ROUNDUP

Weekend getaways and family holiday visits are on the horizon and your little rolly suitcase may not cut it in the Packing Department. Enter the perfect catchall: the duffel bag. Duffel bags are great because they can be packed to the gills, thrown over a shoulder and weather all kinds of travel manhandling. Here are some duffels that look good, are of enduring quality and fairly priced.

Made on the shores of Lake Superior, Duluth Pack is the ultimate in rugged craftsmanship. This Large Sportsmans Duffel—like anything from this outfitter—is guaranteed for life and will only look better with age. $265.

 

You may think of mock turtlenecks when you think of Eddie Bauer, but I think of duffles—my parents gave me a set when I was a kid and I still have them. This medium-sized Adventurer Duffel looks exceedingly durable as well. $119.

 

Patagonia’s Black Hole Duffel is sleek enough for the City Slicker yet entirely prepared for the Great Outdoors.  $149.

 

For the softer side of duffel, there’s Roxy’s muted multi-color Stripe Duffel. $62.

 

Is it a duffel or an accessory? It appears to be both. LeSportsac’s Extra Large Weekender in lush flower print. $138.

 

Anyone who has ever been near a hockey rink knows that hockey bags can fit just about anything. This vintage-style duffel is perfect for oversized items or heavy packers. $44.99.

ALL WASHED OUT

In the world of stains and finishes, whitewashing is like the perfect pair of sheer tights: what’s underneath is showcased, yet with just the right amount of cosmetic camouflaging. The understated effect of whitewashed wood is perfect for airy, shabby chic interiors and we foresee a big comeback in coming seasons. Get ahead of the curve with one of these pocket-friendly pieces available now.

These whitewashed bins from the Container Store look simultaneously vintage and brand spankin’ new. $14.99.

 

Whitewashing gives these solid wood dining chairs a soft, finished feel. $205.99 for a set of four.

 

If you dream of big, fluffy, white beds, then this whitewashed teak frame could be the perfect foundation. $329.

 

This adorable 5-Drawer Popsicle Dresser is proportioned for young ones (only 29” inches high), but would also work well in an entryway or as lower extra storage. $189.99.

 

Buddha looks even more at peace in whitewash. $21.50.