CRAZY FOR COPPER

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

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GET THE LOOK: THE TURQUOISE OFFICE

Resolving to be more productive this year? The perfect solution: create an office nook that’s fun, not drab. Find your favorite color and build around it. Here, we go with turquoise.

 

The go-cart desk from CB2 creates the base for this look.

go-cart blue desk, $149.00

 

Ay mami! The Mexicali Roses rug is bright and hot.

3x5 Mexicali Roses Rug, $39.00

 

Don’t forget a statement piece for the wall. The judging moose keeps you from slacking.

Moose Head, $49.95

 

Toss the generic office chair for this cute paisley number from Target.

Dahlia Chair, $99.99

 

Cushion your backside with a luxury faux fur throw.

Lazo Throw - Aquamarine, $49.99

 

These turquoise Pantone storage boxes from Dick Blick keep junk organized and off your desk.

Pantone Metal Storage Box, Turquoise, $19.99

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GET THE LOOK: ELVIRA HANCOCK’S BEDROOM IN SCARFACE

It’s no surprise that Elvira Hancock’s bedroom in Scarface is the ultimate lap of luxury. From satin sheets to fur and a sexy lowrider bed, we expect nothing less from the rich, beautiful, and bored in this 1983 classic.

 

Recreate the look for a handful of bills, no criminal relations required.

 

The IKEA Malm bed in birch veneer is a classic that never disappoints.

MALM Bed frame, birch veneer, $129.00

 

Matching nightstands for extra oomph optional.

MALM Nightstand, birch veneer $49.99

 

These satin “lingerie for your bed” sheets in gold create a rich look, and I bet they feel like a million bucks too.

Scent Sation Charmeuse Satin Full-size Sheet Set, $29.49

 

Add  a mink faux fur throw for warmth and texture.

Mink Faux Fur Thermal Throw, Available in 58"X60", $58.39

 

I couldn’t resist this ultimate shag rug from Overstock. You could opt for a plain one, but this adds a touch of 70s flair if you’re into that sort of thing.

Hand-woven Ultimate Cream/ Smoke Shag Rug (5'3 x 7'6), $119

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SO HOT RIGHT NOW: THE UN-SOFA

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 Berkusâ„¢ Ivory Pouf with Metallic Stitching, $119

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HIP XMAS TREE ALTERNATIVES

Love the tradition of Christmas trees but hate the watering, needle vacuuming and potential de-squirreling associated with having a real one? Consider an alternative. From plastic to cardboard, these hip real tree alternatives add holiday cheer without the mess and space hogging. Best of all, instead of dragging these to the curb come January, you can stash them in a closet until next year.

Eat your heart out, Charlie Brown. This adorably sparse tabletop tree from Urban Outfitters is just $9.99.

This Tree Needs You

 

Why did the Modernist cross the road? Why, to get this stark wooden Filigree Tree, of course. Available from DWR, it’s 5 feet tall and easy to assemble/disassemble. $124.50.

Filigree Tree

 

For extra-lazy holiday enthusiasts, there’s the cardboard Christmas tree. Just pop it up and let the good times roll. $19.99.

the cardboard christmas tree

 

This pre-lit pink tree set from Home Depot doesn’t even need ornaments to achieve optimal festivity levels. $79.99

2-3-4 ft. Pre-Lit Pink Tinsel Alpine Tree Set (3 trees)

 

Vintage ceramic trees are undeniably kitsch and look undeniably inviting when lit in a window. Find them on Ebay or Etsy. $45 from Etsy.

large vintage ceramic christmas tree with lights

If a single bay leave can infuse a whole stew with forest-like aroma, imagine how nice an entire bay leaf tree would smell. $79.99 from Pottery Barn.

Natural Bay Leaf Tree

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FRIDAY FINDS: HOLIDAY GIFTS TO YOURSELF

With old man winter finally here, there’s no better way to recover from your seasonal depression than a little retail therapy. Our Friday gift guide is chock full of selfish home decor gifts guaranteed to lift your spirits. $85 or less.

These avant garde stocking stuffer boots from Lady Gaga’s Workshop (now at Barney’s) make me question my atheism.

Gaga's Workshop Avant Garde Boot Stocking, $65.00 each


 

Drape yourself in royal velvet for the holidays. Because you’re worth it.

Greenland Home Fashions Bohemian Velvet Quilt Set, $80 for Full/Queen


 
Who says teatime has to be dull? Throw an Alice in Wonderland mad tea party for yourself with this psychedelic set.

COUPE MONOCHROME TEACUP & SAUCER, $24


 
Begin with this pair of lamps from Sears, add one shag rug, and you’ve got one groovy 70’s room.

Set Of 2 19 in. Glass Table Lamps, $42


 
You’ll have a ball sneaking glimpses of yourself in this oh-so-disco mirrored cube table.

Mirrored Cube Living Room End Table, $85

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