Coffee Table Book of the Week

COFFEE TABLE BOOK OF THE WEEK: 100 WAYS TO HAPPY CHIC YOUR LIFE

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If you’re a fan of Jonathan Adler, his latest book “100 Ways to Happy Chic Your Life” is a must have. The title says it all, really. 100 Ways, complete with bonus craft projects that anyone can do, guides everyone from the completely lost to the dabbling designers. Adler’s aesthetic makes us smile, reminding us that a happy home is the foundation for a happy lifestyle. This is truly a self-help guide for the house.

 Some tips to get you started…

 

100 Ways is full of tips that I bet you never thought of, like this one. A heavy curtain behind the bed adds sexiness in a flash.

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These days, every bookshelf on earth is suddenly beautifully curated, as if it came out of the box that way. Mr. Adler breaks down the mystique with inspirational tips like “create a hippie-dippie love moment.”

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Jonathan Adler reminds us to pay attention to the small spaces, it’s one of the most commonly overlooked design opportunities. You won’t believe how giving a boost to that sad hallway or neglected nook can boost the design-worthiness of your abode.

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Embrace Irreverance, he suggests. Channel your inner Bansky and suddenly it’s hard to ignore those cheesy dime a dozen paintings you see at the flea market.

 

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Accessorizing, Shopping Guide

LIGHT THAT MOVES

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I’m all for dim mood lighting, but sometimes you need a bright watt or two in a particular spot. Get light right where you want it with one of these adjustable light fixtures.

Moveable Lighting

 

Many sconces blend right into the wallpaper, but not this bright red number from IKEA. Thanks to its ultra-thin LED lamp head, it can fold right up next to the wall when not in use. $49.99.

IKEA PS 2012 LED Wall Lamp, $49.99

IKEA PS 2012 LED Wall Lamp, $49.99

 

Pull a 180 with this hardwired brass sconce from Anthropologie. It swivels up, down and all around. $198.

Moving Light Sconce, $198

Moving Light Sconce, $198

 

These versatile little work lamp look like something you’d swipe from your dad’s workbench. Swing one over a rafter or string a few on a table. $99.99 and up.

Work Lamp, $99

Work Lamp, $99

 

This bendy gold clamp lamp would look sharp on a white desk or headboard. I also see it clamped to a kitchen cupboard wherever extra light is needed while cooking. $59.

Modern Clip Lamp, $59

Modern Clip Lamp, $59

 

CB2’s wood and steel Bruno task lamp angles high and low on a solid cast iron base. Its clean lines will encourage you to keep your workspace tidy. $79.95.

bruno task lamp, $79.95

bruno task lamp, $79.95

 

Restoration Hardware’s 1950’s scissor sconce extends to an impressive 40” long and pivots right and left. I picture it in an industrial-chic dining room or Steampunk living room. $199.

1950s Factory Scissor Sconce, $199

1950s Factory Scissor Sconce, $199

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Design Around...

DESIGN AROUND…THE SECTIONAL SOFA

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Looking for a sectional that fits your ever changing lifestyle? The Dual sofa from CB2 may be the perfect match. Its chaise arm is designed to fit both a right and left arm configurations, and its double sided cushions allows you to  switch up your style from traditional to modern.  The Dual sofas versatility means that it is able to fit almost any room layout.

CB2 dual pebble tufted sectional, $1799

CB2 dual pebble tufted sectional, $1799

 

The neutral color of the sectional provides a prefect canvas for some funky pillows.  These pillows from Society6 have an artistic feel, which helps create a laid back and cool vibe.

gyld^pyrymyd pillow cover, $20

gyld^pyrymyd pillow cover, $20

First Chance Pillow Cover, $20

First Chance Pillow Cover, $20

Negro sobre Blanco Pillow Cover, $20

Negro sobre Blanco Pillow Cover, $20

 

Placing a rug under the sofa, is a great way to introduce color into the space without it being overwhelming. Mustard yellow adds warmth to the room.

Shag Rug. $109.00-329.00

Shag Rug. $109.00-329.00

 

Raw materials such as stone and concrete give off an urban feeling. Add a unique planter to add some succulents and greenery to the space…

Air Plant Planter, $18.50

Air Plant Planter, $18.50

 

…or replace the gravel in this handsome concrete cube with plants.

Concrete cube side table w/ gravel

Concrete cube side table w/ gravel, $200

 

Art in the form of typography is a style that never gets old.  Spell out words of inspiration with world map letters from Urban Outfitters.

Around the World Letters, $12

Around the World Letters, $12

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Shopping Guide, Store Profiles

WORLD MARKET: ON MY RADAR

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I recently met up with a good friend visiting from San Francisco. We covered all the usual topics—work, travel, mutual friends—and then she mentioned that she finally got around to buying a new kitchen table. It was the Verona from World Market, and she was a big fan. World Market what? There aren’t any retail locations in New York, and I only knew them through online ad imagery that, quite honestly, conjured bad Pier I Import flashbacks.

I trust this friend’s judgment, as well as her low tackiness threshold, so I decided to conduct some online investigation of my own. From what I can tell, they offer some pretty stylish pieces, and at absurdly low prices. So low, in fact, that I can’t imagine being heartbroken were I to order something and what arrived turned out to be only so-so. Here are some pieces that caught my eye.

The Jackson Dining table, with metal legs and a solid wood top, is quite a steal at $329.99.

Jackson Rectangular Table with Metal Base

Jackson Rectangular Table with Metal Base

 

I imagine this Lime Penelope Spindle Stool looking quite at home in a bathroom, where it could function as a perching spot for towels, candles or books. $89.

Lime Penelope Spindle Stool

Lime Penelope Spindle Stool

 

Frame your flat screen and hardbacks with this crafty Easel Media Stand. $179.99.

Easel Media Stand

Easel Media Stand

 

With shapely turned legs and soft upholstery, the Ravenna Chair has the makings of a beloved bedroom or entryway chair. On sale for just $139.98.

Goldenrod Ravenna Chair

Goldenrod Ravenna Chair

 

The nailhead detailing and muted upholstery on the Hara Screen would add polish to any space in need of some dividing. $199.

Hara Upholstered Screen

Hara Upholstered Screen

 

This Distressed Gray Metal Pendant is perfect above a kitchen table or island.  $89.99.

Distressed Grey Metal Pendant

Distressed Grey Metal Pendant

 

Made in Kenya, the Black + White Soapstone Platter would make a great catchall for keys and mail. $19.99.

Black and White Soapstone Dot Platter

Black and White Soapstone Dot Platter

 

I want this White Canvas Horse. I have no idea what for, but I do. $29.99.

White Canvas Horse Decor

White Canvas Horse Decor

 

 

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Shopping Guide

MEDICINE CABINETS

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The best way to upgrade a bathroom fast is by replacing the standard medicine cabinet. Often overlooked, the medicine cabinet is the first thing bathroom-goers see when they enter the W.C., and admiring their reflection is the last thing they do before leaving. Here are some options to get started.

The Broan Metro’s oversized build is perfect for product junkies. Or, recreate Damien Hirst’s pill cabinet art piece, pill bottles not included.

Broan Oversized Series Classic, $225

Broan Oversized Series Classic, $225

 

Add glam and perfect bathroom lighting in a cinch with this mirrored medicine cabinet, which comes equipped with its own light bulbs.

Nutone Tri-View Frameless Medicine Cabinet with 5 Lights, $220

Nutone Tri-View Frameless Medicine Cabinet with 5 Lights, $220

 

Or, try the Broan with a built in top light for a more masculine effect.

Broan Surface Mounted Cabinets w/ Built-In Top Light, $137

Broan Surface Mounted Cabinets w/ Built-In Top Light, $137

 

This beveled model is a perfect addition for a retro bathroom.

Nutone Single Door Recessed Medicine Cabinet, $123

Nutone Single Door Recessed Medicine Cabinet, $123

 

The Commodore is a classic storage cabinet for those bored of the normal medicine cabinet look. Or, mount on a side wall for extra storage.

Nutone Commodore, Storage Cabinet, $114

Nutone Commodore, Storage Cabinet, $114

 

For a mid-century bathroom, the Kingston Solid Wood Medicine Cabinet is an excellent finishing touch.

Kingston Solid Wood Medicine Cabinet in Oak, $121

Kingston Solid Wood Medicine Cabinet in Oak, $121

DIY

TV STAND SUBSTITUTES

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Recently, my roommate and I scored a free TV outside of the Housing Works thrift store near our place. Of course, it’s an enormous, junky,  box of a thing.  Housing Works didn’t even feel like dealing with it. But, hey, it’s a functioning television and we’re college students, right? For us, it was the high-light of the week. Since the day the two of us laboriously lugged the set up our three flights (OK, alright, a lovely gentleman and his dear tween son helped us out), it has been sitting on the floor of our living room. Sad. Alone. Banished to sit on the corner like a problem child punished in day care. Being opposed to the soulless look of many media stands or “entertainment centers” out there, I’ve started to brainstorm for some creative ways to prop up my brand spankin’ new, really old TV.  Join me on my brave quest to get my pathetic television off my dusty, wood floor.

Let’s take “TV Stand” literally… I’m warming up to the idea I had of placing my newish television atop an enormous, inoperative, vintage television when I saw this one on Ebay for only $60! I could leave the vintage tv ‘as is,’ or I could get crafty, painting it a bright color or playing with prints to display on the screen, as a frame.

OldTVs

I also love a western-chic vibe. How better to achieve this look than with a  barrel? I think, if I could find m’self the perfect ol’ barrel, I would paint it with a glossy, vibrant color that matches my interior. Picture a very modern acidic green or even a silver to revamp the antique piece.

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antique barrel – moonstruckcottage, $80

 

They may be a bit overdone, but I don’t care… I’m a sucker for a suitcase. I love the dreamy touch that stacked vintage suitcases give to a place. A perfect tv stand substitute. Though they might have me turning to the travel channel every hour of the day. Online, I’ve found cases for $25 and $24.95, and if you want to cut to the chase and buy a ‘suitcase table’ – see below – it’ll only cost you $90 on Etsy!

stacked suitcase table - auntsisterspicks, $90

stacked suitcase table – from hunter dear’s etsy shop, $90

 

Really liking this little ladder. I see tv and film-themed coffee table books filling the four steps…

davis accent ladder - world market, $89.99

davis accent ladder – world market, $89.99

I hope I’ve inspired some of you to think outside of the box when it comes to displaying your tube! Would love to hear your favorites, or your own alternatives for the dreaded TV stand…

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