05:
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.
Moscow Mule Copper Mug
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.
Mauviel M'Passion Copper 4.9-Quart Beating Bowl with Ring
Made of copper wire and lined in mesh, this handmade tea strainer is pretty and practical. $58 from Canoe.
Copper Tea Strainer
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.
Hammered Copper 4-piece Canister Set
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.
Solid Brass & Copper Nautical Oil "Anchor Lamp"
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.
Old Dutch Bookshelf Pot Rack with Grid and 12 Hooks, Satin Copper
13:
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.
Vintage 70's ultra MOD Mid-Century Modern Club Chairs , $899
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…
images from the blog moon to moon
…Etsy shops carry some unconventional styles, like this handmade piece from Hamanica, $38.
Black Magic Single Hammock from Hamanica on Etsy, $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.
Persian Tile Floor Cushion, $69.99 each
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.
Nate Berkus™ Ivory Pouf with Metallic Stitching, $119
17:
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.
Whitewashed Wood Bins
Whitewashing gives these solid wood dining chairs a soft, finished feel. $205.99 for a set of four.
Camden Dining Chair (Set of 4)
If you dream of big, fluffy, white beds, then this whitewashed teak frame could be the perfect foundation. $329.
Cassidy Washed Teak Twin Panel Bed
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.
Popsicle Whitewash 5-drawer Dresser
Buddha looks even more at peace in whitewash. $21.50.
Buddha Statue in Whitewash / Brown
01:
Cardboard is gaining popularity as a quirky, environmentally-friendly design material. But just because it’s a cheap material doesn’t mean that all cardboard furniture is affordable. Designer cardboard still carries a very designer price tag: the Frank Gehry Wiggle chair (designed in 1972) will put you back $985 or more. Here are some affordable cardboard options that add an element of fun, but won’t leave you broken-hearted once it falls apart because it’s made of cardboard.
Giles Miller’s cardboard mantle clock is fashionable at any hour. $53.
Mantle-C Cardboard Mantle Clock
Get out your favorite Sharpie marker, because this Executive Table from Karton looks like the sweetest doodle pad ever. Just $148.
The Chairman's Table
Also from Karton, the Ewe storage unit is a cute way to stay organized. $55.
The Barnyard Method - Ewe
This funky kids’ chair is perfect for the play room. $19.99 on Amazon.
Cardboard Toy Chair
The Dickens sideboard from Fashion4Home is fantastically fashionable and 100% recyclable! $369.
Dickens Cardboard Bookshelf
26:
Just because you don’t have much outdoor space doesn’t mean that you can’t get your grill on this summer. These little numbers are cute, compact and affordable.
Weber’s classic Smokey Joe is just $29.99 at Target.
Weber® Smokey Joe Silver Compact Grill
This fiery orange grill from Bodum has side clasps for easy portability. $49.95 from Crate & Barrel.
Bodum® Fyrkat Grill
Also from Bodum, this cone grill will turn your neighbors green with envy. $179.99 from Amazon.
Bodum Fyrkat Cone Charcoal Grill
The Aussie grill is great for those with a balcony or small patio. $39.97 at the Home Depot.
Aussie Portable Charcoal Grill
The Notebook grill from Fire Sense is collapsible—perfect for lugging to the park. $27.00 at Walmart.
Fire Sense HotSpot Notebook Portable Charcoal Grill
14:
Neon signs are part kitsch, part cool and totally ostentatious. As such, they make great wall décor. They may not be cheap (typically $200 and up), but they do double duty in that they are décor and an additional light source. Liven up a kitchen or living space with one of these fun models:
This classic says, “Hey, it’s cocktail time somewhere.” $280.95 from Bellacor.
Neonetics Cocktails and Martini Glass Neon Sign
Here’s another cocktail sign, only $49.99
Cocktails Neon Sign
Wondering what to do with that blank space next to your bathroom? Problem solved. $185.99 from Walmart.
Neonetics Business Signs Rest Rooms Neon Sign
This is awesome on so many levels. It is also borderline offensive and sure to spark interesting conversations. $225.99 from Walmart.
Neonetics Pig Pool Nice Rack Neon Sign
Any mancave worth its salt has a neon sign. $302 from Stacks and Stacks.
Man Cave Neon Sign
19:
Paisley is making a comeback! This traditional print is fun in brighter, lighter colors and makes a definite impression. Here are some cool paisley items on the market now:
Warm your doorstep with this festive doormat. $39.98.
PAISLEY DOORMAT
This pastel paisley shower curtain from Target would look great in a white tiled bathroom. $13.59.
Paisley Shower Curtain
And look—a paisley soap dish to go with it. $9.99.
Sierra Paisley Soap Dish in Chambray
These outdoor pillows are surprisingly fancy looking for being from The Home Depot. $30 each.
Arden Cayenne Paisley Square Pillow, set of 2
Schlepping a laptop around would be much more pleasant in this sprightly sleeve. $40.
HADAKI Laptop Sleeve in Hannah's Paisley
If I wrote real letters any more, I’d want to write them on these lovely notecards from Paper Source. $9 for a set of ten.
Curry Rajasthani Paisley A2 Stationery
