This week’s coffee table book, Tokyo Nobody
“For 11 years, photographer Masataka Nakano has kept watch for the most impossible of scenes: central Tokyo street scenes inhabited by nobody. These aren’t manipulated composites but rather the result of a dedicated opportunist. There’s something very eerie about these desolate moments and their startling absence of congestion, usually so integral to the portrayal of this environment.” (review from Multilink Magazine)
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It’s been a while since we’ve highlighted the best of 1stDibs’ more affordable wares. Here are some fun objects for $135 or under…
This set of Aperitif carafes is just what I’d want to break out for a summer dinner party. $65.
Set of 6 carafes Saint Raphael Aperitif
If you’re partial to wall antlers, why not take it up a notch with a Large Mouth Bass wall hanging? $100.
1940s Large Mouth Bass Wall Hanging
This faux bamboo cocktail cart is great for indoor or outdoor use. $125.
Faux Bamboo Cocktail table
How much fun is this vintage postage stamp dispenser? Answer: a lot. $135.
Vintage Postage Stamp Machine
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Freestanding coat racks are a great way to liven up an entryway or office corner.  Unfortunately, cool coat racks are also surprisingly expensive (Exhibit A).  We scoured our favorite sites and found a handful of racks that pack a punch without price tags that feel like a sucker punch.
The enchanting Twig coat rack from Z Gallerie looks like it’s straight out of a fairytale illustration. $149.95
Twig Coat Rack - Antique Silver
In its berry hue, the Coming & Going rack from Urban Outfitters is a fresh spin on a style grandma would have had in the front parlor. $79
Coming and Going Coat Rack
Room and Board offers a colorful range of these, including this vibrant green. $229.
Large Six-arm Coat Rack
The Colore rack from Chiasso nods its head to the Eames Hang-It-All  Rack. $78.
colore coat rack
CB2’s Telephone rack is modern, playful and cool, all wrapped into one. $89.95
telephone coat rack
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Happy Friday readers, how’s your summer going? It’s turning out to be a busy season for us in the blogosphere, so write to thefrugalmaterialist@gmail.com if you’d like to be a guest blogger!
Today’s finds, $55 or less.
Lava lamps are the ultimate accessory and don’t let anyone convince you otherwise. Liven up a minimalist room with this one from Wal-Mart.
Lava Lamp, $14.44
Or, what about this lipstick lamp from Target? You know you want it, don’t lie.
Lipstick Lamp, $24.99
Think it’s tough finding a no-nonsense, yet stylish umbrella stand these days? Think again.
Adesso Triton Chrome Umbrella Stand, $54
This rubbery ducky towel will make you want a baby if you don’t have one already.
Cath Kidson Rubber Duck Bath Towel, $40
Don’t forget the art, like this beautiful signed Baldomero Fernandez 8×10 print from Notahipster.com.
Parque Bacona print by Baldomero Fernandez, $50
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This week’s pick, Like Us: Primate Portraits
Taken in the late 80’s/early 90’s, the interiors are a hilarious backdrop for this curious subject. The photos are as interesting as they are gorgeous, and printed at 4×6, framing a bunch of them might not be a bad idea.
To read about Robin Schwartz’s most recent work, Amelia’s World, check out her gallery on Flavorwire.
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If there’s one thing most New Yorkers never have to grapple with, it’s the Problem of Having Too Much Space. But for those out there (in New York and beyond) lucky enough to have an extra room just lying around, consider turning it into a proper guest room. The ingredients for a successful guest space are pretty simple: a cozy bed, mood lighting, something soft under foot and little touches, like flowers and stationery. All of the relatives, friends and friends-of-friends who come trailing through your life each year will thank you.
West Elm’s Moroccan headboard provides structure and flare (starting at $299). Propped up with pillows, it’s good for leaning back for a nighttime read. For bedding, think light-colored sheets with a high thread count. Good ol’ flannel works too, especially in colder months.
morocco headboard
Back up any overhead lighting with a floor lamp (or sconces) that have dimming shades, like this CB2 Midrise Floor Lamp with a linen shade. $99.95.
midrise floor lamp
A fluffy rug is always nice and the sheepskin ones from IKEA are an affordable $39.99.
LUDDE Sheepskin
Presuming that your guests won’t blast AC/DC until the wee hours, definitely include some iPod docking speakers, like this Logitech model from Amazon. $85.99.
Logitech Compact Docking Speakers for iPod & iPhone
Kate Spade’s darling striped notepads are great for dressing up a desk or side table. $12.00 for a pack of three.
Kate Spade Small Notepad Set
These Minnetonka Moccasin mules are a nice spin on boring, white hotel slippers. $40 from Zappos.
MINNETONKA PILE LINED MULE
Regardless of whether they’re from the florist or the corner store, flowers are a small touch that go such a long way.
