Shopping Guide

SHOPPING GUIDE: THE RETRO KITCHEN

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They may not be anywhere near “energy efficient” but my, aren’t retro appliances cool looking? And don’t you kind of want one in your hipster pad? Nothing says “I’m too cool for school” like a 70’s puke green can opener, after all. Some of our favorite vintage/retro appliances for sale on Etsy and Ebay:

 

You parents probably have an electric fondue pot collecting dust in a cupboard somewhere, ready for the taking. If not, you can always buy this one on Ebay for $24.99.

Vintage USA CHILTON ELECTRIC FONDUE POT


A lovely little yellow and black electric coffee pot. $30 from laurahardie on Etsy.

Vintage Electric Coffee Pot

 

This Sunbeam stand mixer is worth it just for the milk glass mixing bowl. $38 from oneredhen on Etsy.

Vintage Sunbeam Stand Mixer and Milk Glass bowl

 

You know it’s party time when an avocado-colored blender appears on the scene. $39.99 from Retroburgh on Etsy.

Vintage Avocado Blender Glass Clover Shape Pitcher

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Electric can openers are one of those inventions that you didn’t know you needed. Live a little, don’t open another can by hand. Starting at $12.99 or buy it now $15 on Ebay.

Vintage Rival Retro Countertop Electric Can Opener

 

Fans of the very seventies faux wood grain will adore this GE toaster. 4 slots!  $14.50 from fbstudiovt on Etsy.

Vintage General Electric Faux Wood Grain Four Slot Toaster

 

Don’t think a Crockpot can be sexy? Think again. This foxy orange version could be yours for just $17.87 on Ebay.

VINTAGE ORANGE RIVAL CROCK POT SLOW COOKER

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Get the Look

THE “I JUST MOVED AND HAVE NO FURNITURE” BEDROOM

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Unless your pockets run deep, it can take time to accumulate quality pieces—pieces that you want for the long haul and have the constitution to hold up on the journey. Unfortunately, you need stuff now, and this is never more apparent than when you move somewhere new, two suitcases in hand, or undergo a major life change that’s left you “unencumbered” in the home furnishings department. In such instances, you need furniture that does the job in the interim without breaking the bank. And if you choose wisely, what you buy will be versatile enough that you can incorporate it in more secondary places (guest rooms, offices, etc) once you progress to more grown up furniture. This put together look is fairly unisex, readily available and cheap ($860).

When buying an IKEA bed, try to set your heart on one that’s made of solid wood or steel—assembly is usually easier and it’ll be less likely to fall apart. The Lillesand from IKEA is sturdy and doesn’t scream “I’m from IKEA!” $179.

LILLESAND Bed frame

 

For coziness in a flash, add the PATRIK Visitor chair. $149.

PATRIK Visitor chair

 

The three set of Pablo tables from CB2 make great nightstands or side tables. $129.

pablo side table set of three

 

West Elm’s bulb pendant adds industrial charm. $99.

Industrial Bulb Pendant

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CB2 filing cabinet—because you always need more storage. $149.

TPS carbon file cabinet

 

The sleek Dwight console (also from CB2) is desk-savvy and not likely to go out of style any time soon. $169.00.

dwight console

 

Show off your highbrow magazine collection in this clear holder. $39.95.

wall magazine rack

 

Wall decals from Blik are easy to install (and remove) and add a lot of character for minimal investment. This hipster in a headdress could be yours for just $95.00.

I Never Saw the Sign Wall Decal by Blik

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Shopping Guide

BEAN BAGS: THE CHAIR THAT GIVES

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Bean bags aren’t just for rec rooms anymore. In the right color and location, they add an element of quirk not to be matched by structured furniture.  They are also great for plopping into when watching a movie or taking a nap.  Here are some examples of bean bags “done right” along with suggestions on where to score your own.

Example 1: There’s nothing juvenile about this white number featured in Metropolitan Home.

 

Example 2: A green bag gives this sleek kitchen a more welcoming feel, and is probably a favorite for reading the morning paper in.

 

Example 3: Who needs a couch? A cluster of bean bags does the trick.

 

Example 4:  This suede model from Restoration Hardware is the Lexus of bean bags—and has a price tag to match ($675).

http://shop.fatboyusa.com/?cat=3E7E6FB9-0109-4C7F-B5A9-D219479D9874

 

Fatboys come in a range of colors, including a line in Marimekko print. This version, in taupe, is $239.

the Original Fatboy

 

This sueded corduroy jumbo bag in orange adds color and texture. Available from Overstock for $118.99.

Sueded Corduroy Jumbo Orange Beanbag Chair

 

Pottery Barn’s line of kids’ bags can be ordered oversized for big kids. In chocolate polka dots for $159.

 

Chocolate Mini Dot Anywhere Beanbag

 

Resembling a ginormous piece of chewed up gum (in a good way!), this neon green bag surely has a place in an eclectic home. $62 from Amazon.

Wetlook Bean Bag

 

For something more somber, there’s this twill covered bag from beanbags.com. $129.

Large Big Bean Twill Chair

 

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Setting the Table

SETTING THE TABLE: EASTER

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Happy Easter! I love setting the table for the holidays because it lets me to show off my playful side. I put together a colorful Easter table with an eclectic, antique appeal. Most of these items you probably have in your own cupboards but if you don’t we have provided affordable options to create the look.

Begin with this tablecloth, 100% Cotton. Eclectic elegance. $19.00.

Rhine Tablecloth

 

Plates. Subtle Elegance. $3.99.

ARV Plate

 

Cutlery. Classic Elegance. $39.99 for a 20 piece set.

SVIT 20-piece flatware set

 

Bunnies! These charming S+P shakers bring that Easter feeling to the table. I would buy two sets and put one on each end of the table. $12.88.

Bunny Salt & Pepper Shaker Set in Ceramic

 

Simple, versatile napkins with just the right amount of detailing. Come in a rainbow of colors. 4 for 15.60.

Now Designs Set of 4 Hemstitch Napkins

 

This gives the table a little color. Without these the table would be pretty but not nearly as fun. 6 for $29.49.

La Rochere 'Lyonnais' Amethyst 6-piece Tumber Set

 

Add some classic affordable everyday glasses. It is important that this glass is bigger than the decorative glass, it gives the table depth. 12 for $43.49.

Libbey Domaine 17.25-oz Iced Tea (Pack of 12)

 

These napkin rings are versatile enough for the holidays and for everyday use. $2.95.

Beaded Elegance Brushed Nickel Napkin Ring

 

Love! Always group in odd numbers. I would buy three of each and make two groups on each end of the table.
$8.99-10.99 each

SKIMMER Block candle holder

SKIMMER Candlestick

SKIMMER Candlestick

 

A basic tall glass vase is all you need for cherry blossom branches. They make a statement on their own but if you have a great ceramic piece that adds to this eclectic look then by all means use it! $5.99.

4" x 12" Clear Glass Cylinder Vase

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Seventies Style

THOSE WERE THE DAYS: DECORATING WITH BRANIFF

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Braniff was an airline at the cutting edge of fashion and design in the 70s. From hiring Alexander Calder to paint their planes, to calling on Pucci to design futuristic airplane uniforms, they stayed true to their campaign of ending the “plain plane.”

Alexander Girard's "New Look Gate," with Herman Miller seating. Designed for the Braniff International Airlines passenger lounge at Love Field in Dallas, Texas.

 

In this day and age with stuffy economy flights and stressful security checks, it’s hard to believe Braniff could have ever existed.

Just another groovy airport lounge brought to you by Braniff

Luckily, many vintage remnants and reproductions still exist on eBay and etsy for those who want to keep the dream alive…

 

Designed by Alexander Girard, this lovely set features the BI logo engraved on the bottom of each saucer. Everything here, $29.

Vtg. Braniff Airlines Demitasse 10 Cups 5 Saucers Tray, $29

 

For $3.99 you can own a piece of the Pucci-clad Braniff stewardesses in your home. For dramatic effect, consider framing this 5″ x 7″ print in a much larger frame with a floating white mat.

'66 CUTE BRANIFF BABES STEWARDESS BOEING AIRPLANE PHOTO 5"x7", $3.99

 

They don’t make playing cards like these anymore. Designed by Alexander Girard with tons of adorable phrases and translations, the BI cards are a real treat for the card game and graphic design aficionado.

BRANIFF International Translation Playing Cards MINT, $30

 

Just one of many travel posters advertising BI, nicely sized and priced.

Argentina Braniff 1950's Classic Travel Poster 18x24, $9.95

 

A kitschy handmade switchplate on etsy features one of Braniff’s promotional designs, pretty cute if you ask me.

Braniff Airways Chicago Switchplate, $12


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So Hot Right Now

PRETTY PAISLEYS

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Paisley is making a comeback! This traditional print is fun in brighter, lighter colors and makes a definite impression. Here are some cool paisley items on the market now:

Warm your doorstep with this festive doormat. $39.98.

PAISLEY DOORMAT

 

This pastel paisley shower curtain from Target would look great in a white tiled bathroom. $13.59.

Paisley Shower Curtain

 

And look—a paisley soap dish to go with it. $9.99.

Sierra Paisley Soap Dish in Chambray

 

These outdoor pillows are surprisingly fancy looking for being from The Home Depot. $30 each.

Arden Cayenne Paisley Square Pillow, set of 2

 

Schlepping a laptop around would be much more pleasant in this sprightly sleeve. $40.

HADAKI Laptop Sleeve in Hannah's Paisley

 

If I wrote real letters any more, I’d want to write them on these lovely notecards from Paper Source. $9 for a set of ten.

Curry Rajasthani Paisley A2 Stationery