NON-HIDEOUS IRONING BOARDS

I was recently in the unfortunate position of having to buy a new ironing board. I say “unfortunate” because finding a non-hideous ironing board is surprisingly difficult. Most have covers featuring in-your-face stripes or matronly flowers (Exhibit A ; Exhibit B), and are a real eyesore if not stowed away after each use. So, should you too find yourself in need of an ironing board, here are some decent ones for your consideration:

 

This no-nonsense board doesn’t feel the need to get all cutesy with its covering, and that’s why I like it. $99.95 from Williams-Sonoma.

Brabantia Ironing Board

 

The pattern on this is kind of retro and kind of cool. $59.99 from Bed, Bath & Beyond.

Polder Tri-Leg Deluxe Ironing Board

 

This tabletop board is ideal for those with limited storage space. $14.99 on Amazon.

Whitmor Tabletop Ironing Board

 

For the serious ironer: the top of this utilitarian-chic console is a permanent ironing surface, with organizational bins below. $69.99.

neatfreakâ„¢ Triple Sorter with Ironing Board

 

Leave it to the Amish to produce an ironing board that’s not only made of sturdy wood, but also converts into a step stool and makeshift chair. At $279.99, it’s a bit of an investment, but one that will last.

Amish Wooden Ironing Board Step Stool

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THE RETRO BAR CART

With the economy in the gutter, we could all probably use a drink. So sit back and fix yourself a cocktail in style with these retro bar cart picks. After all, there’s nowhere to go but up.

 

Can’t imagine how this lovely bar cart featured in our 1stdibs column is still available, but you’re in luck.

Faux Bamboo Cocktail table, $125

 

Finally, a set of glasses that allow you to pound down shots and look classy doing it. From Vegasandrose on Etsy.

Set of 4 Vintage 1970s Liqueur Shot Glasses, $15

 

Sick of the generic looking silver metal cocktail shakers as of late? Go gold with a vintage piece, from robotretro on Etsy.

MIRRO Brand Gold Anodized Aluminum Cocktail Shaker, $17.99

 

Ice buckets are underrated. This supercool retro-futuristic ice bucket was found on eBay.

1970s Retro Ice Bucket, about $38 incl. s/h

 

These glass bottles used in place of your original liquor bottles create a more polished look. Simply stuff the opening with a piece of cork, from PardonMyVintage.

Open bar, Vodka, and Bourbon glass bottles, $78

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CRAZY FOR CARDBOARD

Cardboard is gaining popularity as a quirky, environmentally-friendly design material. But just because it’s a cheap material doesn’t mean that all cardboard furniture is affordable. Designer cardboard still carries a very designer price tag: the Frank Gehry Wiggle chair (designed in 1972) will put you back $985 or more.  Here are some affordable cardboard options that add an element of fun, but won’t leave you broken-hearted once it falls apart because it’s made of cardboard.

 

Giles Miller’s cardboard mantle clock is fashionable at any hour. $53.

Mantle-C Cardboard Mantle Clock

 

Get out your favorite Sharpie marker, because this Executive Table from Karton looks like the sweetest doodle pad ever. Just $148.

The Chairman's Table

 

Also from Karton, the Ewe storage unit is a cute way to stay organized. $55.

The Barnyard Method - Ewe

 

This funky kids’ chair is perfect for the play room. $19.99 on Amazon.

Cardboard Toy Chair

 

The Dickens sideboard from Fashion4Home is fantastically fashionable and 100% recyclable! $369.

Dickens Cardboard Bookshelf

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FRIDAY FINDS: WACKY PARTY EDITION

When throwing a party, it’s advisable to splurge on the food and liquid refreshments and spare in the décor department. Frugal decorations needn’t be boring, however. For this week’s Friday Finds, we’ve rounded up some festive party stuff for $25 or less.

 

This T-Rex piñata could eat the traditional donkey variety for lunch. $15.99 at Target.

T-Rex Pinata

 

These Pick Your Nose party cups only sound gross. $10 from Unica.

pick your nose, 12 oz party cups

 

This Bavarian tableware gives you a reason to break out your Lederhosen (as if you needed one). $19.99 from Target.

Bavarian Party Tableware Set - Blue/White

 

Nothing spruces up a houseplant like a pink flamingo. $14.86 on Amazon.

Pink Flamingo Plastic Lawn Ornament, 2-Pack

 

Oh no – who invited him?!  A cardboard cutout is a great centerpiece and photo op for just about any get-together. Have George W stop by for just $24.99. Amazon.

President George W. Bush Life-Size Standup Poster

 

Even Wonder Woman needs a break sometimes. Wonder Woman napkins from Party City.  $1.74

Wonder Woman Beverage Napkins 16ct

 

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GET THE LOOK: SLEEP NO MORE

Sleep No More is a totally unique immersive experience from Punchdrunk that redefines–and expands the boundaries of–“theater.” It’s a multisensory delight that will leave you feeling like a different person than when you first stepped into the McKittrick Hotel, where it all takes place.

For those who have experienced the artistic genius and went coo coo for the production design, this post is for you. For those who haven’t, get tickets here and thank us later.

The FrugalMaterialist official Sleep No More Living Room Moodboard

 

With over 100 meticulously staged, dreamlike rooms to choose from (which are meant for viewers to walk through and experience, mind you), we decided that doing a Get The Look feature for one room wouldn’t be enough. So here is our first installment, the Sleep No More Living Room. If you haven’t seen the show, check out extensive interior photos from Scouting NY. Listen and watch the excellent audio slideshow from the New York Times. Below, some professional stills to give you a feel for the space.

 

So what’s the secret to achieving a Sleep No More inspired room? Dark lighting and a motherload of vintage accessories. Any old wooden furniture will do. Scouring flea and antique markets for the best deals might be your best (and most affordable) bet for achieving a Sleep No More-ified apartment, but we make it easy for you with our online finds.

 

Cover your walls with vintage-inspired floral wallpaper for instant drama. (more damask wallpaper at Home Depot)

56 sq. ft. Damask Wallpaper, $39.97/roll

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For floors, a decent Persian rug will do the trick. IKEA carries good quality versions at the lowest prices.

IKEA Persisk rugs, $99.99 - 399

 

 This interesting loveseat from Overstock is a nice budget-friendly option.

Utopia Tan Stripe Accent Chair, $337.99

 

Add a couple of side chairs. Live in a studio? Scrap the loveseat idea and consider using several chairs with a side table or two as your main seating. Overstock has an excellent selection of fancy chairs for under $150 a pop.

 

Here’s a no-nonsense side table for ya. These don’t need to be fancy…

Column Espresso Side Table, $67.99

 

…especially when covered with a chantilly lace table topper. Instantly add a “touch of class” to any cruddy table. From Touchofclass.com.

Chantilly Lace 30" Table Topper, $22.99

 

Vintage apothecary bottles seem to be in high demand these days. Here is a collection starting at $9.95 on eBay. (Search terms: vintage or antique apothecary, pharmacy, chemist, and amber bottles)

VINTAGE CHEMIST SHELF BOTTLES, $9.95 starting bid

 

For wall art, simply tack on vintage findings wherever you see fit. Ephemera Obscura on Etsy has an excellent collection of curated single photographs, or “splurge” for the photo lot like this one from Vintage Warehouse, also on Etsy.

Vintage photo lot 125+ old photos, $27.50

 

This vintage black rotary phone is a striking display piece. Snag one up before the few that remain end up behind glass in the MOMA design collection.

Vintage Black Rotary Dial Desk Phone, $25

 

You don’t need a thousand keys to appreciate this vintage hotel key rack…

Hotel Key Rack, $65

…these brass keyring tags are crucial to complete the look.

brass keyring tags, $8

 

It’s all about the low lighting. We’re partial to the lighting supplies from BlueMoon Lights and junkyard lights on Etsy. Whatever you do, avoid the standard apartment overhead lighting at all costs!

Mini Industrial Vintage Style Table Accent Light, $69

Reproduction Style Double Twin Socket Pendant Light with Antique Style Edison Bulbs, $78

 

If you’re gonna splurge, splurge on the taxidermy props. Here is a quality specimen from our new favorite store, Evolution. Although a bit pricey, it’s on the cheaper end of the taxidermy spectrum.

Mounted finch, $379

 

If you saw the show, we’d love to hear about your experience. Stay tuned for other Get The Look rooms, coming soon!

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STORE PROFILE: EVOLUTION

Evolution on Spring Street in Soho is a goldmine for all things natural history. This is eclectic home decor at its finest.

 

Have a hankering for a human skull? Evolution has a handful to choose from…

Assorted Skulls, pricing varies

 

I’d buy anything from this adorable raccoon, including a raccoon penis bone.

Raccoon Penis Bone, $8

 

Deer antlers stuffed in a bowl might make a striking centerpiece. Have this mini-me skeleton greeting guests at the entrance for a mere $89.

Deer Antlers, $19. 33" Human Skeleton, $89

 

Looking for a gift for your significant other? Nothing says I Love You like a tiny handcarved antler skull.

Antler Skulls, $19

 

Evolution has numerous displays of natural malachite and other minerals and stones. We especially like the pyramid-shaped malachite pieces in front. Place one on a desktop or coffee table and keep the rest of the space free of clutter to maximize its presence.

Malachite Pyramids, $19-29

 

Embrace the true New Yorker in you with a mouse. Freeze dried, of course.

Freeze Dried Mice, $69

 

Genuine ostrich egg with wooden stand for $29. Cheap!

Ostrich Egg w/Wooden Stand, $29

 

Looking to impress someone? Get them a siamese twins candle.

Siamese twins candle, $29

 

Painting your bathroom walls in deep red and hanging a framed tarantula in there will guarantee you the most “interesting” bathroom in your apartment building.

Giant Tarantula Display, $59

 

The Evolution Store

Location:

120 Spring Street
New York, NY 10012
United States

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