FLAT SCREEN TVs IN ALTERNATIVE COLORS

A flat screen TV with a white or colored frame can be a nice departure from standard black, adding a dash of character to an otherwise lost space.  Here are a few for consideration:


Samsung is one of the few TV manufactures to offer white frames, like this 19” model. From $239 on Amazon.

Samsung 19-Inch LCD HDTV White

 

If you want a TV that packs a punch even when turned off, this hot pink 26” incher from Favi will do the trick. $497.

FAVI 26-Inch 720p LCD HDTV with Built in DVD Player (Pink)

 

For the space-aged room—the 24” chrome colored TV by Sceptre. $279.

Sceptre 24-Inch 1080p LCD TV in Chrome

[ad#ad-5]

GET THE LOOK: GRANDMA’S HOUSE

 

Say what you will about grandma’s choice of decor, but visiting grandma’s place always gave me a special feeling, a unique comfort that could never be copied anywhere else. Here, an update on the look:

 

Gotta have a big comfy floral couch. This Ikea piece has a nice grandma’s house feel to it.

Ektorp Sofa in Byvik Multicolor, $499

 

The modern feel of this acrylic coffee table from CB2 offsets the country floral pattern perfectly.

peekaboo clear coffee table, $249

 

Store your pills in this sleek silver pharmacy side table from Urban Outfitters.

Pharmacy Side Table in Silver, $129

[ad#ad-3]

Doily grows up with these wooden coasters, by uncommon on Etsy.

doily coasters, $20 set of 5

 

Bring in some comfort lighting with one or two of these cute little banker lamps from Target.

Brushed Nickel Banker Desk Lamp, $20.99

 

A modern spin on the rocking chair, the Svinga hanging seat will gently rock you in style.

IKEA PS SVINGA Hanging seat, $69.99

 

Tie it all together with this darling new recycled denim jute rug from West Elm, available in various sizes.

Recycled Denim Jute Rug, $179 for a 5' x 8'

Don’t forget the precious little keepsake box to hold your heirloom treasures.

Hummingbird jewel box, $19.95

[ad#ad-5]

SHOPPING GUIDE: THE RETRO KITCHEN

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

[ad#ad-3]

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

[ad#ad-5]

THE “I JUST MOVED AND HAVE NO FURNITURE” BEDROOM

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

[ad#ad-3]

 

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

[ad#ad-5]

BEAN BAGS: THE CHAIR THAT GIVES

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

 

[ad#ad-5]

SETTING THE TABLE: EASTER

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

[ad#ad-5]