I’ve always considered night lights to be a necessity, but never wanted to own one because they’re such boring looking gadgets. Until now. I recently discovered this Plasma Night Light at a friend’s apartment and I promise you it provided quite a few minutes of fun. Get yours at the MOMA design store for 20 bucks.
PLASMA NIGHTLIGHT, $19.99
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RULE #2: Get a good rug.
There’s a reason why some designers select a rug before anything else when designing a living space: they anchor a room and can serve as a roadmap in picking colors and textures for your home. For the mancave, we suggest area rugs that are large enough to frame your main furniture (couch, side chairs and coffee table) and withstand heavier traffic. Here are some we’re fond of:
The Jorun from IKEA is optically stimulating and would look great under a black or grey sofa. Made of wool, it will hold up well against stains and foot traffic.
IKEA JORUN Rug 7’10†x 5’7â€, $179
Nothing says “I’m a man†like cowhide, which just so happens to make an awesome floor covering. Hides are easy to maintain and look better and better with age. This Argentine hide is from Horne.
Cowhide Rug 6’ x 7’, $365 + free s/h
For the more sensitive type, try the West Elm Zebra rug. Chic zebra print adds flare but is 100% wool.
West Elm Zebra Rug 5’ x 8’, $199
Woven sisal is incredibly durable and versatile, so if you’re having a hard time choosing a rug, this would be a safe and stylish choice. The Sunset model from Natural Home Rugs has a nice border and is an excellent value.
"SUNSET" (FUDGE) SISAL RUGS, $99 for 4'x6', $199 for 6'x9' plus free s/h
For something more playful, there’s CB2’s Letterpress Rug, designed by the normally pricey textile designer Liora Manné. This is a great rug for spaces in need of a ‘pop.’
CB2 letterpress rug 5' x 8', $299
ABC Rugs (not to be confused with the exquisitely high-end ABC Carpets) sells rugs from all over, including this funky Medallion Rug.
Traditional Medallion Black Rug 5'2" x 7'6", $179
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The styling in this top notch murder mystery series by David Lynch has unsurprisingly inspired restaurants, hotels and bars. Take the Red Room, for example, a surreal room where Agent Cooper finds himself in his dreams…
This look would really work well in a den, office, or other small space. A simple combination of geometric shapes and rich velvet texture will do the trick. Stick with a  red, white, and black color palette.
Below, rooms inspired by Twin Peaks.
An Inspired room at the Madonna Inn in San Luis Obispo
The Red Room at The Crimson Lounge in Chicago, photo by Stuck in Customs
Hannah Levin's Gainsbourg Lounge near Seattle
This zigzag rug from West Elm is a perfect match.
West Elm Zigzag Rug, $39-649 various sizes
Signature Maroon Wine Velvet 84-inch Curtain Panel, $64.99
These simple and comfy black leather chairs are versatile enough for dining, lounging, or working at your desk.
Jovita Black Bi-cast Leather Chair, $174.99
Stylecraft Sicilian 61'' Floor Lamp, $84.99
For more on Twin Peaks, check out IMDB!
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Kitchen gadgets for the serious chef, $80 or less
With the ongoing infiltration of cheap throwaway plastic in the world of kitchen gadgetry, it’s difficult to not have a soft spot for things made out of steel, chrome and aluminum. They add flare and tend to be sturdy and easy to clean. A small investment that will pay off in the long run.
Bialetti—the quintessential steam-driven espresso maker.
BIALETTI MOKA EXPRESS 3 CUP, $25
Retro style meets modern technology on this adorable chrome Crate & Barrel toaster.
Cuisinart® Classic 2-Slice Toaster, $49.95
This Dualit number is stunning, as far as chrome handmixers go.
DUALIT HANDMIXER CHROME, $80
Leave it to the Germans to make an exceptionally efficient looking Panini maker. This Krups chrome model can also grill chicken and steaks, and features a locking latch for convenient upright storage.
KRUPS Panini Maker, $79.99
This brushed steel electric kettle from Breville can boil two cups of water in two minutes and will surely look good on just about any countertop.
Breville electric kettle, $80
Who needs a functioning fireplace to warm up this winter when you can have one of these? Portable fireplaces come in a range of styles and are far more practical than you’d think. Most use clean-burning gel or liquid fuel and require little to no ventilation. They won’t heat a room much, but they will certainly provide ambiance–and they’re classier than those DVD fire reels for your TV screen.
Real Flame’s Mediterranean Personal Fireplace is the perfect size for a desk or decorative mantel.
Mediterranean Personal Fireplace, $69.95
This little brass number would also look great as a dinner party center piece or on a side table.
Uniflame Gel Alcohol Burner, $29.70
The Lexington model from Anywhere Fireplace will look just as good on a coffee table as it will on the floor.
Lexington Anywhere Fireplac, $140
The Loft indoor/outdoor fireplace isn’t exactly cheap, but it’s oh-so-sleek for the price.
Loft Brushed Nickel Portable Indoor/ Outdoor Fireplace, $202.99
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This week’s pick, California Crazy and Beyond: Roadside Vernacular Architecture, was inspired by a recent NPR interview with the author, Jim Heimann, who has lovingly chronicled the history of oddball roadside architecture inspired by west coast car culture. Not to be missed.
California Crazy and Beyond: Roadside Vernacular Architecture
From Publishers Weekly: “A hot-dog joint shaped like a puppy, an antique store replicating a Japanese temple, Van de Kamp’s windmill-shaped bakeries, houses resembling beached boats these are just a few of the architectural curiosities featured here. SoCal pop culture devotee Heimann has tracked down more examples of the “California Crazy concept” from all over the country.”
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