SO HOT RIGHT NOW: OMBRE

Ombre: Having two or more colors/ tones that bleed into each other, often creating a light to dark gradation. Also known as dip dye, this trend has had a huge impact in the world of fashion. Luckily for us, it has made its way to the world of home décor. The thing I love the most about the ombre effect is its versatility.  Depending on its application, ombre can complement any style. From artwork, textiles, dishware and everything in between…

If you ask me, one can never have too many vases. Available in unlimited shapes, sizes, and colors, they are a simple trick to add some interior panache. This version in wood, paired with fresh flowers, is a great combo for a natural look.

Wooden Ombre Vases, $29-99

 

These wide vases are perfect for storing a wet umbrella on a rainy day.

Dipped Blue Vases, $10-40

 

For a neutral pallet, try a grey scale pillow from CB2.

Ombre Pillow, $40

 

Add in a blue-hued rug for an instant calming effect.

Ombre Dye Rug, $129-349

 

For me, the kitchen is one of easiest places to add personality. Adding trends to your space with kitchenware is easy because small items like plates and silverware can be super trendy without making drastic changes to your overall space. The ombre treatment gives these otherwise plain utensils a bit of glam.

Set of four ombre, gold tipped wooden spoons, $15

 

Showing off ombre in a more classic material like silver gives theses classic cups a trendy feel.

Vintage Silver Ombre High Ball Set of Three, $18.50

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IT’S THE MOST WONDERFUL TIME OF THE YEAR

It’s that time of year again, friends. Let’s get into the holiday spirit with some inspired decor for the frugalist in us all.

Check out these adorable felt ornaments available at Anthropolgie.com for only $8.00 a piece! Perfect for any interior design buff.

Felt Ornaments

 

We know that one of the biggest trends for the new year will be natural materials, so try this beautiful driftwood wreath for a rustic holiday feel from HomeDecorators.com. $44.00.

Driftwood Wreath

Bring the festival of lights home with this compact, silvertone, electric Menorah from B, B and B. $39.99.

Electric Menorah

We’ve all seen these “Keep Calm” posters. Here’s one with a bit of holiday flare from Etsy.com for under $10.00. Font colors can be personalized to coordinate with your interior!

Keep Calm poster

 

Finally, for those of us living in a blended household, check out these amazing Hanukkah inspired tree ornaments also from our friends at Etsy.com for $20.00.

Hannukah tree ornament

Happy Holidays everyone!

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C. WONDER

Pardon me if this 1-year-old company is old news to anyone, but I’m just finding out about it! So, I’ll assume that some of you Frugal Materialists are, as well. While walking to Housing Works Café for a day of book browsing, a vibrant storefront window on Spring Street stole my attention. What is “C Wonder?” I wondered. A day later, in the Time Warner Center, there it was again. I decided to have a look. To say I found more in C Wonder than expected would be an understatement. From winter jackets to dog bowls to roller skates (YES), C Wonder gives traditional, polished prep a funky, artistic makeover. With patterns like eye-candy and such reasonable prices, C Wonder’s home accessories are so FM-friendly that I couldn’t help but share.

The store’s displays prove how mixing patterns and bold colors is always a Yes. Items on these three shelves range from just $8-$38.

How smart would these more monochromatic accessories look in your study or home office? Prices from $28.

If you know me, you know my love for some great throw pillows. C Wonder’s received an audible (and honorable), “Oh, yeah,” while I snapped a photo. Their $34-$48 price tags make them even better.

And then I decided C Wonder was my favorite… These bright bikes are a steal at $249. Top it off with a matching helmut for $49 and a pretty patterned water bottle for $9.

If you liked what you just saw, there is oh so much more where that came from. Go online or to any C Wonder in your city to see what else they have for you. Be sure to take advantage of their 30% off All Sale Items, until 12/6 (so hurry). They’ve also put together some fun “Gifts for $25 and Under” & “Gifts for $50 and Under” tables for the holidays. I know, it’s a lot. Aren’t you glad I went in?

 

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BLU DOT AT TARGET

I have to confess, I only stumbled on this awesome collection while browsing Target online JUST NOW. Where was I when this stuff came out? Did anyone else know about this? I can’t imagine they did, because nothing at all is sold out yet (to my frustration, any good target designer stuff sells out in negative time). Some items are even on sale, and although available online only, shipping isn’t too bad. The beauty of Blu Dot is that it really appeals to the design-loving masses, satisfying both modern and vintage palates.

… And now you can enjoy it at mass-friendly prices. Below, my top 5 picks.

Finally! A sturdy, modern chair that also looks quite cozy. I’m loving the color scheme too. On sale for $220.

TOO by Blu Dot Sig Lounge Chair, $220

 

With its open air shelving and pops of color, I could see this doing double duty as a room divider. On sale for $180.

TOO by Blu Dot Stories Bookcase – White/Yellow/Walnut/Gray, $180

 

A perfectly designed side table accented in this season’s trendy oxblood color? Yes please!

Daisy Accent Table, $70

 

I could see this oh-so-retro sideboard used as a tv stand in a small apartment. Also availabe in a walnut and yellow finish.

Twilight Sideboard / Media Stand – Whitened Birch, $225

 

This chair would be right at home in a Japanese modern-minimalist space. Comes in a light color too!

Sideburn Lounge Chair, $200

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YOUR DAUGHTER’S DREAM SPACE

As a babysitter to a handful of little New York City lassies, I’ve noticed what young gals are naturally drawn to – what catches their eye and makes them feel like queen of the world! As a young feminist who grew up adoring dolls and Disney princesses, I can appreciate just how girly some of my girls can be.  Any lil’ lady should get to have her dream room. This can be achieved at a shockingly low price, which makes it all the more magical. Take a look at what we’ve chosen for your daughter’s dream space. These pretty but chic items are sure to create the perfect princess palace while also standing the test of time.

Make a statement about girl power with this flower power pendant lamp from Ikea. It looks great as a chandelier in the center of the room. Or, hang three at different levels, off-center, for a more mystical effect.

 

This vibrant duvet cover makes any place pop. Her room should look oh so cool and trendy while also keeping it’s delicate, feminine theme. Even the girliest of 7-year-olds appreciate a touch of edgy design.

 

 

“-and she does gymnastics and she has an older sister and… she has a bunk bed.” This is just part of the epic description by one of my girls regarding her newest best friend. For her, the bunk bed was the really cool icing on the cake. If all young gals are as excited about the classic bunk, wait until they see this lofted bed, equipped with a desk, below. I can already hear the new best friend, now… “She doesn’t even have to share it! And it’s so good for making forts.”

 

Match the duvet with this darling zig zag area rug in light blue. Nothing creates a fun space like mixing and matching patterns.

 

I’m so into these modern prints of our favorite Disney dames. Hang them up in ornate frames or steal from Sophie Wilson Design’s display, here, by simply using some metal paperclips.

J.M. Barrie, the man behind our favorite children’s story, Peter Pan, said, “You must have been warned against letting the golden hours slip by; but some of them are golden only because we let them slip by.” Adorn her walls with this dainty clock and enjoy watching the time tick by.

$36 by uncommon

 

Who doesn’t feel compelled to write on walls every now and then? Let her room be her canvas by painting the walls with chalkboard paint. She’s not partial to black walls? No worries. Benjamin Moore offers chalkboard paint in her favorite colors.

approx. $20 per quart benjamin moore

 

My best-loved way to ornament a room is with books. These two texts are necessities for any young woman’s space. Empowering, humorous, and aesthetically pleasing, she’s sure to be using them as reference for years to come. As will her daughter, and her daughter’s daughter, and so on.

$10.50+ barnes and noble

$7.50+ barnes and noble

 

Now isn’t it time to head out for a parent-daughter shopping day? Have fun!

 

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IKEA FURNITURE THAT WILL SURVIVE THE MOVE

We’ve all been there: disassembling a piece of IKEA furniture whilst moving to a new place, only for it not to assemble back together again as nicely as before. To blame?  Flimsy base materials, dentible veneers and shoddy joint construction, for starters. Still, even this cut-price titan offers sturdy items that can withstand years of use and relocation. The trick is to steer clear of pieces made primarily of particle board (exhibit A: Expedit Shelving Unit) and veer toward those made of solid pine or stainless steel. Here are our favorites:

 

The loveably simple Bjorkudden table is made of plain pine.  Jazz it up with a coat of paint or leave unfinished and abuse it into having a character all its own (coffee stains, dents, candle drippings—you get the idea). $99.

BJÖRKUDDEN Dining table, $99.99

 

Handy coasters and a turquoise powder coating make the stainless steel PS 2012 coffee table your sofa’s new favorite sidekick. $49.99.


IKEA PS 2012 Coffee table, dark turquoise or white, $49.99

 

Industrial yet quaint, the Fjell 4-drawer dresser is made of solid pine and boasts old school metal drawer pulls. $299.

FJELL 4-drawer chest, $299.00

 

The Duken bed frame is made of steel that’s powder coated in sleek white. The dotted gray headrest is removable for washing, so it’s easy to keep clean. $199 for a queen.

DUKEN Bed frame, Fogn gray, $199.00

 

Stash extra pots and pans or dried goods in the stainless steel Flytta kitchen cart, while using the flat top surface as extra chopping space. $159.

FLYTTA Kitchen cart, stainless steel, $159.00

 

The steel-based Ledet floor lamp has a flexible arm to direct light and a diffuser to make it softer. $49.99.

LEDET Floor lamp, white, $49.99

 

 

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