Shopping Guide

A FEW GOOD (OTTO)MEN

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A good ottoman is so much more than a footrest—they double as extra seating or makeshift coffee tables, and their low height makes them ideal accent pieces to your other furniture. One could easily drop several hundred (or more) on ottoman, but that doesn’t mean you need to. Here are our favorites for $200 and below.

ottomans

 

If Indiana Jones were in the market for a compact ottoman, I imagine it would look something like this woven leather number from Wisteria. $169.

Woven Leather Folding Stool

Woven Leather Folding Stool

 

This retro-modern ottoman is the perfect perch for trays, throws or even—dash it—feet! Urban Outfitters. $179.

Modern Ottoman

Modern Ottoman

 

Nothing says “I don’t give a damn—except I do!” like things made of re-purposed grain sacks. This square burlap ottoman from The Inglenook Décor achieves shabby chic like nobody’s business. $115.

Square Vintage Sack Ottoman

Square Vintage Sack Ottoman

 

Just shy of 3 feet wide, Ikea’s Karlstadt Ottoman is extra roomy, and its removable cover makes it easy to wash when soiled. $149.

KARLSTAD Footstool, Isunda gray

KARLSTAD Footstool

 

Straight from grandma’s boudoir to your living room, the Curves Tufted Ottoman from Target keeps it ladylike. On sale for $76.49.

Curves Tufted Round Ottoman - Spring Green

Curves Tufted Round Ottoman

 

It’s hip to be square, when you’re a Blu Dot ottoman made of felted wool with flanged seams. Pair a few side-by-side for a more substantial look. $159.

Otto Ottoman

Otto Ottoman

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Get the Look

GET THE LOOK: HOLLYWOOD REGENCY

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Hollywood |ˈhälēˌwoŏd|

1. a district in Los Angeles, the principal center of the U.S. movie industry. 2. the U.S. movie industry and the lifestyles of the people associated with it : he was never seduced by the glitz and money of Hollywood.

regency |ˈrējənsē|

1. relating to or denoting British architecture, clothing, and furniture of the Regency or, more widely, of the late 18th and early 19th centuries. Regency style was contemporary with the Empire style and shares many of its features: elaborate and ornate, it is generally neoclassical, with a generous borrowing of Greek and Egyptian motifs.

Hollywood Regency isn’t just so hot right now, it’s so hot always. This classic style has been around since Hollywoodland’s golden age of cinema and combines a myriad of other design styles (modern, art deco, chinoiserie, etc.) with drama, comfort, sophistication, and, above all, luxury.

 

It’s true that it is difficult to find pieces most coveted by luxury lovers for low prices. But we are frugal materialists, and this means that we’ve found some fab n’ frugal-friendly items that will have you belting Hooray for Hollywood in no time!

Lighting is everything! Invest in a sexy pendant lamp or sophisticated set of candleholders to get that Hollywood glow.

Triple Tiered Pendant Shade, $64.00

Urban Outfitters Triple Tiered Pendant Shade, $64.00

Urban Outfitters Punched Metal Votive, $12.00 each

 

Your backdrop should be just as beautiful as you are, so take the day off and stencil your walls in any shade you like. These patterns are gorgeous!

Moroccan Stencil

Moroccan Reusable Stencil Pattern from Cutting Edge Stencils, $30-45

 

The only thing pricier than a mirror is a mirror in the style of Hollywood Regency. Imagine my surprise when I came across this charming number from Target at such a great price! Paint it white to up the glam factor.

Lattice Mirror, $16.99

Lattice Mirror, $16.99

 

A round of applause for these Oscar gold-worthy throw pillows, please.

Pearl 12x12 Pillow, Ivory

Pearl Pillow from One King’s Lane, $29 on sale

Designer Decorative Greek Key Pillow

Greek Key Pillow from WillaSkyeHome on Etsy, $26

Target home home décor decorative pillows & throws Home Fur Toss Pillow

Target Fur Toss Pillow, $19.99

 

I love a director’s chair as an accent chair in all kinds of homes, but when better to use one than now? Unfold, throw on a pillow (pictured above), and you’re set.

Director's Chair 18", Black Wood Base with Multiple Seat Color Choices

Director’s Chair, $39

 

A beautiful, refurbished vintage cabinet is the perfect place to display your many awards. The handles will match the statues brilliantly.

Vintage Refurbished Hollywood Regency Hand Painted Cabinet Storage


Vintage Refurbished Hollywood Regency Hand Painted Cabinet, $175

 

Set a coupe of champagne down next to you while you curl up on the couch. Ah, the lifestyles of the frugal and famous.

Bottom Distress Look Ceramic Garden Stool

Ceramic Garden Stool, $105

Ikea TROLLSTA Tray table, $99.99

Ikea TROLLSTA Tray table, $99.99

We’ve featured the seating, the walls, the lights, the mirrors, but now it’s time for the next character’s dramatic entrance…RUG enters. She is sexy, proud, subtle but bold.

KOLDBY Cowhide, black/white $199.00

KOLDBY Cowhide, $199

 

So there you have it. A highly glamorous style for a fraction of what the stars, producers, and executives pay!

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Store Profiles

STORE PROFILE: MICHAEL’S

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I was never much of a craft-y person, so I didn’t think of arts and crafts giant Michael’s as a resource for me as an interior designer. But when I needed cork for a custom bulletin board, I ventured into my local store and was surprised to see a Home Décor section, and even more impressed with the selection of products to stage and finish as space.

These faux diamond studded black and silver trays are a great bit o’glam to corral keys and mail on a drop table by the front door.

studded trays

 

These glass plates add another elegant touch. At $4.99 each, they can be used for candles or as coasters for glasses.

 

If storage is an issue, try using these velvet lined Book Boxes. They’re perfect for hidden storage and add a touch of vintage to a lonely tabletop.

vintage velvet book storage boxes

 

Along the same lines are these Library Book inspired folder holders, which are functional in an office and will look like books on a shelf.

storage folders

 

One of the hottest décor trends is mercury metal. It goes great with silvers or gold schemes and adds a touch touch of glamour without being too traditional. These types of accessories could go for as much as $12.00, but at Michael’s this accent piece is $3.99.

mercury glass vase

 

Hurricane vases, when filled with decorative bamboo or tall grass,  are versatile pieces for any room design. $27.99.

hurricane vases

 

A cluster of these small vases could cost over a $100 from other stores but at Michael’s, you can easily add a burst of color to the anywhere without breaking the bank.

red white blue vases

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DIY

WALLCOVERING WHERE?!

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These days, wallcovering is not only coming back into trend but people are breaking all the rules and installing it wherever, however they please. Gone are the days of a single pattern installed on each wall in you space. Put it anywhere and make it yours! Check out these tricks to get the most out of less yardage!

 
Is your staircase a snoozefest? Add decorative touches with some fresh wallcovering applied to the riser (the front of the step) to get just the right amount of pop you’re looking for and add pattern and pizazz to an often-ignored place.
Wallpaper Staircase from www.marvinblog.com
 
Or turn those boring, white doors into a special stop on the tour of your home with this genius idea. With the framing already in place, this project is so easy it should be illegal.
Wallpaper doors from homedecorbyme.com
 
Only have enough pocket change to afford wallpaper scraps? You can apply small pieces to your furniture or accessories for a thoughtful, coordinated touch. Most neighborhood design shops will let you purchase samples for under $5.00.
Wallpaper borders can be used for more than trimming walls. You can make unique furniture accents like the treatment on this chest. (Martha Stewart Living, April 2006) Here is another way to utilize a wallpaper border. It looks like this border was made for this lamp! (Martha Stewart Living, April 2006)
 
Finally – Install your favorite pattern above a chair rail! This will also help you save, save, save on yardage and installation and, when you get tired of your paint colors, its a simple change helping you update your whole space.
emilyhendersongreen.jpg
 
And don’t forget to always use your imagination. You can cover anything with wallcovering, including storage boxes, that ugly tack board in your kitchen, that scuzzy old clipboard you use at work, even your kids’ text books for school!
 
Bonus inspiration! We searched for “vintage wallpaper” on Etsy and found these gems…

Vintage Metalic Mod Disco Wallpaper, $15

Vintage Metalic Mod Disco Wallpaper from vintagebaron, $15

1970's french wallpaper with geometric flower design in greens, browns and orange, full roll

1970’s French wallpaper from FrenchAtticFinds, $24


 
Happy decorating!

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So Hot Right Now

SO HOT RIGHT NOW: GEOMETRIC

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Geometric patterns and shapes have always been present in the design world, but it wasn’t until recently that they have become a huge trend. Adding geometric elements to your space is a great way to get a more contemporary feeling.

 

With its combination of glass and iron, this terrarium gives off a modern industrial feel.

UO Turning Triangles Terrarium, $39

 

Going for a more minimalistic look? Try this ceramic planter from Fire Escape Farms.

Faceted Geo Planter, $68

 

Vespoe’s geometric pillow allows you to manipulate the surfaces shape by folding it. This product is a great way to add interactive elements into your home.

GEO – (rectangular) geometric cushion, $76

 

It’s a known fact that adding soft mood lighting to a room is a great way to instantly create an inviting and comfortable vibe. To create more interesting shapes and texture try these pyramid garland lights from Etsy.

Cream Paper Pyramid Light Garland with Geometric Die Cuts (32ft), $65

 

Before these funky trays, serving food has never been so fun. Mix n match for different shapes and combinations.

Kaleido Trays, $17-84

 

Or stick to one shape with geometric cast aluminum bowls from Post 27.

Origami Bowl Set, $84

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So Hot Right Now

SO HOT RIGHT NOW: FAUX BOIS

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Faux Bois, aka false wood, is popping up all over the place. This rustic imitation of wood grain may conjure 70’s flashbacks for some, but in small doses it can have a charming, rustic effect. Here are some of our favorite options, from a retro lampshade to funky wrapping paper.

 

This eerily realistic vinyl placemat from the MoMA store makes it easy to knock on wood at the dinner table. $13.

Faux Bois Placemat

 

Give gifts that appear as if they’re coming in a wooden box with this wood grain wrapping paper. $7.95 a roll from Paper Source.

Faux Bois Wrapping Paper

 

This modern lamp and faux bois shade would make an excellent desk or bedside light. $186.91 from Lamps Plus.

Lights Up! Woody Pickled Dark Faux Bois Shade Table Lamp

 

My first car had faux wood paneling just like this charming Jack Spade phone case. $40.

Woody IPHONE 4 Case

 

For someone who’s not usually into decorative soaps, I find this wood grain soap set pretty display worthy. $28 from Urban Outfitters.

Caswell-Massey Woodgrain Soap Gift Set

 

This 2’ x 3’ wool rug would make an excellent bit of visual pop in a small space. $129.99 from Sears.

Faux Bois Brown Sugar & Barley Beige Wool Rug


 
These wood grain washcloths may be intended for a baby, but no reason you couldn’t use them as well. $5 on Etsy.

Lumber Woodgrain Baby Soft Cotton Terry Washcloths

 
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