tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-86440776976960805202024-03-20T21:21:47.791-04:00Design BiteHome Design Ideas. Everyday Inspiration. New Products & Trends. DIY Projects. Resources. How-Tos.Allegra Muzzillohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05125208727318302754noreply@blogger.comBlogger17125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8644077697696080520.post-76552123787559865142011-05-17T14:36:00.562-04:002011-05-19T16:25:07.520-04:00ICFF 2011<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><span id="goog_779520435"></span><span id="goog_779520436"></span></div><div style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-4B1zeemG6Ks/TdKhxeJGQhI/AAAAAAAABks/vsp5EAeJuSU/s1600/herman+miller.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-4B1zeemG6Ks/TdKhxeJGQhI/AAAAAAAABks/vsp5EAeJuSU/s400/herman+miller.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"><a href="http://www.hermanmiller.com/lifework/">Herman Miller</a> Retail's Eames Aluminum Group cinched an Editor's Award in the outdoor furniture category with these beauties. I'm coveting the chaise.</span></b></td></tr>
</tbody></table><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">The International Contemporary Furniture Fair (ICFF) is open to the general public toda<span id="goog_1765543285"></span><span id="goog_1765543286"></span>y. With more than 500 booths showcasing contemporary wares made by designers and architects hailing from more than 30 countries, there's a lot to see. So, if you have a spare couple of hours, get there. You won't be sorry.</span></div><div style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><br />
</div><div style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">I had the pleasure of running amok here in NYC at the Javits Center yesterday. As always, I was wowed by all the ingenuity and inventiveness surrounding me--and I really found it hard to leave the building.</span><br />
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In addition to the stellar furniture concepts, this year's lighting designs were spacey and otherworldly (lots of feathers, too), and floor coverings really made their mark.<span style="font-size: large;"><br />
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<span style="font-size: small;">Here are a few of my favorite highlights. </span></span></div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-GIGTT5lXm_A/TdK4TwygkRI/AAAAAAAABl0/nYDMBiEP7w8/s1600/areaware.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="150" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-GIGTT5lXm_A/TdK4TwygkRI/AAAAAAAABl0/nYDMBiEP7w8/s200/areaware.jpg" width="200" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS',sans-serif;"><b><a href="http://www.areaware.com/">Areaware</a>'s neon <a href="http://www.harryallendesign.com/StudioWork/">Harry Allen</a>-land. </b></span></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS',sans-serif;"><b>Though his pigs, banana bowls, and </b></span></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS',sans-serif;"><b><a href="http://www.areaware.com/proddetail.asp?prod=harpuw">dump trucks</a> are hardly new, </b></span></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS',sans-serif;"><b>they're always fun to see.</b><br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-1UceMkB-U_s/TdKk7wtsocI/AAAAAAAABlE/bZYya66pHd0/s1600/joby.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="216" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-1UceMkB-U_s/TdKk7wtsocI/AAAAAAAABlE/bZYya66pHd0/s320/joby.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><b><span style="font-size: small;"><a href="http://joby.com/">JOBY</a> announced its latest collaboration </span></b><br />
<b><span style="font-size: small;">with <a href="http://www.peterstathis.com/">Peter Stathis</a>, and unveiled its <a href="http://www.blogger.com/goog_1661675392">Trapeze </a></span></b><br />
<b><span style="font-size: small;"><a href="http://joby-stathis.com/">LED table light</a>, a soft-touch, 360-degree </span></b><br />
<b><span style="font-size: small;">pivoting whiz.</span></b> </td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-401Ds0vKH3U/TdKn-YWI2sI/AAAAAAAABlM/E_kvbf6_m54/s1600/japanese+lamp.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-401Ds0vKH3U/TdKn-YWI2sI/AAAAAAAABlM/E_kvbf6_m54/s320/japanese+lamp.jpg" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS',sans-serif;">I spotted this ethereal washi-paper </span></span></b><br />
<b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS',sans-serif;"><a href="http://www.weltlighting.com/cloud-lamp-by-dcs-corp/">DCS Corp lamp</a> in the Japanese-</span></span></b><br />
<b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS',sans-serif;">design aisle. I'm in love.</span></span></b><br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-jSBQITFHrf0/TdKw_q7aYQI/AAAAAAAABlY/klqEMsYOC8Q/s1600/mineheart1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-jSBQITFHrf0/TdKw_q7aYQI/AAAAAAAABlY/klqEMsYOC8Q/s320/mineheart1.jpg" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS',sans-serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">Mineheart's cheeky lamp </span></span></b><br />
<b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS',sans-serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">is a fun twist on a staid concept.</span></span></b></td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-MgIheHNIEzU/TdKxB3T5J-I/AAAAAAAABlc/Gtt9KP68l9g/s1600/mineheart2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="340" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-MgIheHNIEzU/TdKxB3T5J-I/AAAAAAAABlc/Gtt9KP68l9g/s400/mineheart2.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS',sans-serif;">Here and above, Mineheart is a splicing together of the unexpected. </span></span></b><br />
<b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS',sans-serif;">A cheerful (and thankfully not "steampunk") Dr. Frankensteinian approach to form.</span></span></b> </td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><b><span style="font-size: small;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-mSaZ3p9x_1A/TdKz5vyhv_I/AAAAAAAABlg/ewB-gaqJidw/s1600/artek.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-mSaZ3p9x_1A/TdKz5vyhv_I/AAAAAAAABlg/ewB-gaqJidw/s400/artek.jpg" width="300" /></a></span></b></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption"><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"> </span><span style="font-size: small;"><span class="Apple-style-span"><span class="Apple-style-span"><a href="http://www.artek.fi/">Artek</a>'s striking mid-century inspired </span></span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">pieces won editor's pick for best furniture. </span></b><br />
<b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">It's certainly clear the revered Finnish company remains true to </span></b><br />
<b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"><a href="http://www.alvaraalto.fi/index_en.htm">Alvar Aalto</a>'s timeless aesthetic.</span></b></td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-sh86ZAb9Ppg/TdK0cD9WyjI/AAAAAAAABlk/Z_eumbWjCng/s1600/leaf+chair.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-sh86ZAb9Ppg/TdK0cD9WyjI/AAAAAAAABlk/Z_eumbWjCng/s400/leaf+chair.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS',sans-serif;"><b>Can someone help me ID this gorgeous chair?</b> It looks </span></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS',sans-serif;">like an Eames Tulip draped with a life-sized cabbage leaf. </span></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS',sans-serif;">I think it was in the USA area. I was too spellbound to attribute it(!)</span></span></td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-rgcmgVNmZvo/TdK2tUOQlQI/AAAAAAAABlo/X6bsX40STHE/s1600/tom+dixon2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-rgcmgVNmZvo/TdK2tUOQlQI/AAAAAAAABlo/X6bsX40STHE/s400/tom+dixon2.jpg" width="300" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS',sans-serif;">Cool Brit <a href="http://www.tomdixon.net/">Tom Dixon</a> set up a spectacular light show (debuting his Bulb and <a href="http://www.tomdixon.net/products/us/etch-light-100">Etch</a> lighting lines) that won him an editor's award for best booth. He certainly took <a href="http://www.tomdixon.net/news/2011/04/extremism">Extremism</a> to new levels. We really didn't expect less.</span></span></b><br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-PunIIskNUbw/TdK2vUox3eI/AAAAAAAABls/_sdUmh3j15k/s1600/tom+dixon1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-PunIIskNUbw/TdK2vUox3eI/AAAAAAAABls/_sdUmh3j15k/s400/tom+dixon1.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS',sans-serif;">Another example of Dixon's space-age appeal.</span></span></td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-rvCkoshNW8w/TdU1XF-t69I/AAAAAAAABns/mBngxZQayX4/s1600/timorousbeasties1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-rvCkoshNW8w/TdU1XF-t69I/AAAAAAAABns/mBngxZQayX4/s400/timorousbeasties1.jpg" width="300" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;"><b><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">Surrealist plants, animals, and insects abound in Scotland's <a href="http://www.timorousbeasties.com/">Timorous Beasties</a>' </span><br style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;" /><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">line of <a href="http://www.timorousbeasties.com/products/Fabrics/Digital/87">digitally-printed fabrics</a>.</span></b></span></td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-1O708c3genM/TdU1aJZAPgI/AAAAAAAABnw/5-qf67FDhdY/s1600/timorousbeasties2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-1O708c3genM/TdU1aJZAPgI/AAAAAAAABnw/5-qf67FDhdY/s320/timorousbeasties2.jpg" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><b><span style="font-size: small;">Constructed with a Nottingham lace loom, the delicate Indochine Collection features bamboo forests, <a href="http://www.timorousbeasties.com/products/Fabrics/lace/397">cherry blossoms</a>, and bonsai trees.</span></b></td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-Mel34AYwvzA/TdU1dOHcDJI/AAAAAAAABn0/Q6_HN4caWnE/s1600/timorousbeasties4.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-Mel34AYwvzA/TdU1dOHcDJI/AAAAAAAABn0/Q6_HN4caWnE/s400/timorousbeasties4.jpg" width="300" /></a></td></tr>
<tr style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;">This. Is. Just. Magnificent.</span></td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-AFYZZj29jb8/TdU2FWc6j8I/AAAAAAAABn4/pscRSFrH4qA/s1600/jan+kath.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-AFYZZj29jb8/TdU2FWc6j8I/AAAAAAAABn4/pscRSFrH4qA/s400/jan+kath.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;"><b>Onlookers admire German contemporary rug designer <a href="http://www.jan-kath.com/">Jan Kath</a>'s creations -- each wool piece was hand-knotted in Nepal. These, and the modern furniture in the foreground, were showcased by NYC architects/designers <a href="http://www.kgb-limited.com/index.html">Khouri Guzman Bunce, Ltd</a>.</b></span></td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-G8iY7A2eDhQ/TdVlbF6j6mI/AAAAAAAABpI/uQajyMmIHsg/s1600/lladro+metropolis.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-G8iY7A2eDhQ/TdVlbF6j6mI/AAAAAAAABpI/uQajyMmIHsg/s400/lladro+metropolis.jpg" width="300" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif; font-size: small;"><b><a href="http://www.interiorsfromspain.com/icex/cda/controller/pageGen/0,3346,1549487_6031014_6030640_4437347_0,00.html">Lladró Atelier </a>(a new branch of the Spanish company run by artist <a href="http://www.hayonstudio.com/home.php">Jaime Hayón</a>) unveiled its Metropolis line. Boxes, mirrors, and vases and the like were stunning, utilitarian, and decidedly modern. Definitely not your mother's cloying figurines.</b></span></td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-0W9jRi_mJ-c/TdV7173S37I/AAAAAAAABpQ/ttRw1wPQuBU/s1600/woka.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-0W9jRi_mJ-c/TdV7173S37I/AAAAAAAABpQ/ttRw1wPQuBU/s400/woka.jpg" width="300" /></a></td></tr>
<tr style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;"><b>I also liked Christiane Büssgen's <i>Adolf Loos goes Hula Hoop</i> installation in Austria's <a href="http://www.woka.com/en/">Woka</a> booth. It was sexy and fun, especially since the company mainly reproduces lighting designs from the early 20th century.</b></span></td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-U8Ovt0DWLLQ/TdVlcpF0isI/AAAAAAAABpM/ZkKoEmluBY8/s1600/lladro+metropolis2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-U8Ovt0DWLLQ/TdVlcpF0isI/AAAAAAAABpM/ZkKoEmluBY8/s400/lladro+metropolis2.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;"><b>I especially loved the rich textures. I'm also thinking last year's gray-and-yellow color trends must have legs.</b></span></td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-_TvS2HPg6oA/TdVBdyfGxpI/AAAAAAAABog/8PUGcmr5oPY/s1600/orley+shabahang2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-_TvS2HPg6oA/TdVBdyfGxpI/AAAAAAAABog/8PUGcmr5oPY/s400/orley+shabahang2.jpg" width="300" /></a></td></tr>
<tr style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><b><span style="font-size: small;">Since the early 70's <a href="http://www.shabahangcarpets.com/html-index.php">Orley & Shabahang</a> have been selling </span></b><b><span style="font-size: small;">antique Persian carpets. In 2001, they began to make contemporary-revival pieces that are out-of-this world amazing. </span></b></td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-CRM6YPIIwvY/TdVBgYp3JPI/AAAAAAAABok/BmgrVdgMZA4/s1600/orley+shabahang4.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-CRM6YPIIwvY/TdVBgYp3JPI/AAAAAAAABok/BmgrVdgMZA4/s400/orley+shabahang4.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><b><span style="font-size: small;">Their abstract tribal-looking works of art had me stopped dead in my tracks for awhile.</span></b></td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-nueYR4YSklY/TdVBtkQrRdI/AAAAAAAABos/Tf07VwUp-a8/s400/american+chair.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" width="300" /></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif; font-size: small;"><b>Sizzling red lacquer and slick white-stripe detailing made a loud large-scale floral look impossibly hip.</b></span></td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-SWTTSlQLh3E/TdVB9qncuPI/AAAAAAAABo0/JbMZvPaZ-2I/s1600/aqua3.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-SWTTSlQLh3E/TdVB9qncuPI/AAAAAAAABo0/JbMZvPaZ-2I/s400/aqua3.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;">NYC's <a href="http://www.aquagallery.com/">Aqua Creations</a> had several of its silk-on-metal <a href="http://www.aquagallery.com/#/News">Rotini</a> pieces lighting the ceiling.</span></td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-1MXYt1a72bI/TdVBq8R5d6I/AAAAAAAABoo/pcogy6WhO8w/s1600/aqua1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-1MXYt1a72bI/TdVBq8R5d6I/AAAAAAAABoo/pcogy6WhO8w/s400/aqua1.jpg" width="300" /></a></td></tr>
<tr style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;">The company's ethereal limited-edition Apaya line (created by <a href="http://www.designboom.com/contemporary/insideviewisrael/aquacreations.html">Ayala Serfaty</a> and <a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/irit_dulman/">Irit Dulman</a>) looks like a series of undulating jellyfish. Who knew mohair, silk, and wool could be so breathtakingly beautiful?</span></td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: black;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS',sans-serif;"></span></span><br />
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-j7nF5_zK5NQ/TdKrpL1YmBI/AAAAAAAABlQ/jgGytf1wUMA/s1600/nanimarquina2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: black;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS',sans-serif;"><img border="0" height="300" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-j7nF5_zK5NQ/TdKrpL1YmBI/AAAAAAAABlQ/jgGytf1wUMA/s400/nanimarquina2.jpg" width="400" /></span></span></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS',sans-serif;">Spain's <a href="http://www.nanimarquina.com/en/products/rugs/digit">Nanimarquina</a> had me yearning to sit down and relax after a long day of perusing</span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS',sans-serif;">. Its rugs looked more like delicate hand-painted </span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS',sans-serif; font-size: small;">tapestries </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS',sans-serif; font-size: small;">than things meant to be tread on.</span></b><br />
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<div style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><b><span style="font-size: large;">What was <i>your</i> take on this year's ICFF? </span></b></div><div style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><br />
</div><div style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: large;">Did you see something I missed? Let me know! </span></div><div style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><br />
</div><div style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><b><span style="font-size: large;">Drop me a line. I'd love to hear about it.</span></b></div></td></tr>
</tbody></table>Allegra Muzzillohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05125208727318302754noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8644077697696080520.post-41062525345086075882011-05-11T09:53:00.019-04:002011-05-17T17:11:10.974-04:00Design on a Dime 2011<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/--GOTWNY5EuE/TcpvbUQkJHI/AAAAAAAABiw/TQpYU8DZXro/s1600/Nate+Berkus.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/--GOTWNY5EuE/TcpvbUQkJHI/AAAAAAAABiw/TQpYU8DZXro/s320/Nate+Berkus.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">Co-Chair, <a href="http://www.thenateshow.com/">Nate Berkus</a>, getting the crowd going. It was all elbows from here on in.</span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>Last week I had the pleasure of attending <a href="http://www.housingworks.org/events/design-on-a-dime/">Housing Works' 7th-annual Design on a Dime</a> fundraiser. For those of you who don't already know, it's an unbelievably cool 3-day shopping experience in which some of the best interior designers in the country develop room vignettes -- from new, donated, and thrifted merch -- and then sell everything to benefit those living with HIV/AIDS. It's always loads of fun, and the talent and inspiration never ceases to amaze.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-a8rIRj7gfAc/Tcp3mp6nSAI/AAAAAAAABi4/IGm8SJOwFgM/s1600/IMG_2341.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-a8rIRj7gfAc/Tcp3mp6nSAI/AAAAAAAABi4/IGm8SJOwFgM/s400/IMG_2341.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">Everyone hanging out in the chic photo gallery/lounge.</span></td></tr>
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<a href="http://www.shelterpop.com/2010/05/25/trendspotting-housing-works-6th-annual-design-on-a-dime/">I did trendspotting at last year's event for ShelterPop</a>. And this year, two things stood out. <b>Animals</b> (paintings, photos, needlepoint(!), sculpture) <b>and</b> <b>bright color</b> (near-fluorescent walls, floors, bedding, you name it).<br />
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Fortunately, I love both.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-hx0m0hcKJgE/Tcp3svy0AgI/AAAAAAAABjQ/B00_SGqKT0U/s1600/Form+Architecture.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-hx0m0hcKJgE/Tcp3svy0AgI/AAAAAAAABjQ/B00_SGqKT0U/s640/Form+Architecture.jpg" width="480" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">The Regal Beagle: <a href="http://www.formarch.com/">Form Architecture + Interiors</a></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">had me staring forever at this massive portrait.</span><br />
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</tbody></table>This year, I was loving more out-of-the-ordinary elements, too -- the wacky things that worked.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-pVX9cI6pqls/Tcp3uiaRRaI/AAAAAAAABjc/X6U3d2uLl-M/s1600/James+Huniford.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="480" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-pVX9cI6pqls/Tcp3uiaRRaI/AAAAAAAABjc/X6U3d2uLl-M/s640/James+Huniford.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">Founding chair, <a href="http://www.jameshuniford.com/">James Huniford</a>, always delightfully heavy on the industrial <br />
elements, this time incorporated an atypical surrealist scene. </span><br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-NNRzHT4WaXA/TcqRm2_eUJI/AAAAAAAABkg/0Ai_rsMXb5g/s1600/Larry+Ruhl.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-NNRzHT4WaXA/TcqRm2_eUJI/AAAAAAAABkg/0Ai_rsMXb5g/s640/Larry+Ruhl.jpg" width="480" /></a></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">Larry Ruhl designed his <a href="http://www.highfallsmercantile.com/">High Falls Mercantile</a> station, which was gorgeous. </span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">Decoupaged walls (covered in pages from an old encyclopedia) put you </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">back </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">in time, </span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">and made the Mercantile's rough-hewn wood elements and botanicals look right at home.</span></div></td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-FRt-gp03p3o/Tcp3pxCJwMI/AAAAAAAABi8/no1I7rcylTE/s1600/Arlene+Angard+Designs.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-FRt-gp03p3o/Tcp3pxCJwMI/AAAAAAAABi8/no1I7rcylTE/s640/Arlene+Angard+Designs.jpg" width="480" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">Pothead meets acid trip. This is just wild. </span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">And I couldn't get enough of <a href="http://www.arleneangard.com/">Arlene Angard</a>'s chartreuse booth</span>.</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-l4Pa_yVmkzc/TcqO7DN1TpI/AAAAAAAABkY/OwhiydMwHQw/s1600/Miles+Redd.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="480" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-l4Pa_yVmkzc/TcqO7DN1TpI/AAAAAAAABkY/OwhiydMwHQw/s640/Miles+Redd.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"><a href="http://milesredd.com/">Miles Redd</a>'s Pop art-y experience was extraordinary. His use of color is always near-flawless and his balance is never off. <a href="http://habituallychic.blogspot.com/2011/05/housing-works-design-on-dime-2011.html?utm_source=feedburner&utm_medium=email&utm_campaign=Feed%3A+blogspot%2FGcuC+%28Habitually+Chic%29">Habitually Chic</a> has nice shot of the right wall, which is dotted with black flower-filled vases.</span></td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-TOa8FnGLMb0/TcqDFeGc40I/AAAAAAAABj0/fyL5mtyPBc4/s1600/Nickelodeon.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-TOa8FnGLMb0/TcqDFeGc40I/AAAAAAAABj0/fyL5mtyPBc4/s640/Nickelodeon.jpg" width="480" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">SpongeBob SquarePants?! Nickelodeon made his theme legit--and lovely! </span></td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-SHQvDqF4_Vo/TcqKxsVl4QI/AAAAAAAABkM/4x5ljCIGZpY/s1600/kitchen+with+turtle+shell.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="480" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-SHQvDqF4_Vo/TcqKxsVl4QI/AAAAAAAABkM/4x5ljCIGZpY/s640/kitchen+with+turtle+shell.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"><a href="http://www.aslervalero.com/">Asler Valero</a>'s wet bar was astounding. The organic paper light treatments were larger than life -- and looked exactly like albino tortoise shells. They just worked.</span></td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-QNseFyCd5LA/TcqHReo5TkI/AAAAAAAABj4/6zCvV8-pIE4/s1600/Paul+Smith.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: black;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-QNseFyCd5LA/TcqHReo5TkI/AAAAAAAABj4/6zCvV8-pIE4/s640/Paul+Smith.jpg" width="480" /></span></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif; font-size: small;">Monkeying around at <a href="http://www.housingworks.org/about/people/community-stories/detail/jack-bergamino-for-paul-smith/">Jack Bergamino for Paul Smith</a>, and ogling the always drool-worthy signature stripes.</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"><br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-QWE_lxpTeeU/TcqMYRom74I/AAAAAAAABkQ/GKnqYwMIjtA/s1600/Liz+Tribute.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-QWE_lxpTeeU/TcqMYRom74I/AAAAAAAABkQ/GKnqYwMIjtA/s640/Liz+Tribute.jpg" width="480" /></a></td></tr>
<tr style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">Somehow I almost missed <a href="http://danielmpafford.com/home.html">Daniel M. Pafford</a>'s inventive tribute-to-Liz booth. </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"><br />
</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"> The vino </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"><i>was</i></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"> flowing. Well, perhaps the best for last. One humble Q, though: No aubergine walls?</span></td></tr>
</tbody></table><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-IJO7ofKGFvQ/TcqNj9OFejI/AAAAAAAABkU/8IwLiFWMmTM/s1600/Liz+booth.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-IJO7ofKGFvQ/TcqNj9OFejI/AAAAAAAABkU/8IwLiFWMmTM/s640/Liz+booth.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><div><br />
</div><div style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">I'm going to cheat a little here and give you some stuff that isn't home design, but as I said, color really knocked my socks off this year. And it was certainly everywhere, in spades. <span class="Apple-style-span"><span style="color: red;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"><span class="Apple-style-span">♥</span></span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"><span class="Apple-style-span">A.</span></span></span></div><div><br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-erVfBLhYLYg/TcqHTusmbrI/AAAAAAAABj8/cTL-5i3fOqQ/s1600/shoes.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="226" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-erVfBLhYLYg/TcqHTusmbrI/AAAAAAAABj8/cTL-5i3fOqQ/s320/shoes.jpg" width="320" /></a><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-Uw4zTGjTByM/TcqHZIZ734I/AAAAAAAABkE/qLxI_jL9X38/s1600/Colorful+Iman.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-Uw4zTGjTByM/TcqHZIZ734I/AAAAAAAABkE/qLxI_jL9X38/s400/Colorful+Iman.jpg" width="300" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-heM2McrDiKs/TcqHVA5Tv8I/AAAAAAAABkA/_H0HI_RchLw/s1600/shoes2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="156" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-heM2McrDiKs/TcqHVA5Tv8I/AAAAAAAABkA/_H0HI_RchLw/s320/shoes2.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
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</div></div></div>Allegra Muzzillohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05125208727318302754noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8644077697696080520.post-14121404026722323372009-12-17T11:48:00.014-05:002011-05-17T06:16:41.998-04:00Thursdays with Etsy: Jenny Topolski<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_K8xgwY5XAZA/SypUtfH3mZI/AAAAAAAABVU/4ViAJ0D95L4/s1600-h/OctoSconce.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_K8xgwY5XAZA/SypUtfH3mZI/AAAAAAAABVU/4ViAJ0D95L4/s400/OctoSconce.jpg" width="400" /></a><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_K8xgwY5XAZA/SypUtfH3mZI/AAAAAAAABVU/4ViAJ0D95L4/s1600-h/OctoSconce.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: auto;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: black;"><br />
</span></a></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">For my first installment of Design Bite's Thursdays with Etsy, I'm introducing artist Jenny Topolski. I first came across her work a couple weekends back, as I wandered through the 50+ local Esty members' stalls that made up the Holiday Handmade Cavalcade, a (now) annual craft fair held downtown, in Nolita.</span></div><br />
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</span></span></span></div><div style="font: 16.0px Arial; margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_K8xgwY5XAZA/SypdnTvGbAI/AAAAAAAABVk/FIci9QTgMrg/s1600-h/OctoSconceSigned.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_K8xgwY5XAZA/SypdnTvGbAI/AAAAAAAABVk/FIci9QTgMrg/s320/OctoSconceSigned.jpg" width="320" /></a><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">Topolski's </span></span><a href="http://www.etsy.com/view_listing.php?listing_id=28080507"><span style="color: #2136ee; text-decoration: underline;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">Cephalopod Sconce</span></span></span></a><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"> was one of the few designs on offer that was truly unique. Although it looked totally sculptural at first, it's one of those objects that's (thankfully!) been quality-tested and inspected.</span></span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">It hangs quite perfectly and holds a regular-sized taper--there's no need to shave it down to cram it in. This piece of gorgeousness is expertly fired, sculpted, and glazed by hand, and in addition to being like nothing like I've ever seen, its marine-chicness (and $78 price tag) is </span></span><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">very</span></span></i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"> now.</span></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_K8xgwY5XAZA/SypcrlnfBNI/AAAAAAAABVc/dmVAKgztFkY/s1600-h/OctoSconceDetail.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_K8xgwY5XAZA/SypcrlnfBNI/AAAAAAAABVc/dmVAKgztFkY/s320/OctoSconceDetail.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><div style="font: 16.0px Times; margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px; min-height: 19.0px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">In Thursdays with Etsy, I'll be showcasing unique work like Topolski's, and selecting my favorite picks. Think of it as Design Bite's distilled version of Etsy's standouts.</span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"> </span></span><span style="color: red;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">♥</span></span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">A.</span></span></div></span>Allegra Muzzillohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05125208727318302754noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8644077697696080520.post-35458862040924294972009-12-15T12:29:00.010-05:002011-05-17T17:10:26.352-04:00Fabulous Reuses: Silica Gel Packets<div><div><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: arial;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-2i_puCItKA4/TcaPg1Ii0HI/AAAAAAAABiQ/IJtBATi3OCw/s1600/Silica+Gel+Packets1.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-2i_puCItKA4/TcaPg1Ii0HI/AAAAAAAABiQ/IJtBATi3OCw/s320/Silica+Gel+Packets1.JPG" width="240" /></a></div><div style="font-family: Arial; font-size-adjust: none; font-size: 16px; font-stretch: normal; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS',sans-serif;">I'm back! And I'm sure you'll be excited to know, I cleaned out my horrendous closet. I must’ve thrown away 20 shoeboxes. As I recycled each one, I collected double the number of </span></span><a href="http://science.howstuffworks.com/innovation/science-questions/question206.htm"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS',sans-serif;">silica gel packets</span></span></a><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS',sans-serif;">.</span></span></div><div style="font-family: Arial; font-size-adjust: none; font-size: 16px; font-stretch: normal; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS',sans-serif;"><br />
</span></span></div><div style="font-family: Arial; font-size-adjust: none; font-size: 16px; font-stretch: normal; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS',sans-serif;">They’re the little papery sachets that are tucked into the packaging of a new handbag or pair heels. Their mission? To suck up damaging moisture. It always seemed strange to toss them (are they even safe for a landfill?), so I researched their reuses.</span></span></div><div style="font-family: Times; font-size-adjust: none; font-size: 16px; font-stretch: normal; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 19px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS',sans-serif;"><br />
</span></span></div><div style="font-family: Arial; font-size-adjust: none; font-size: 16px; font-stretch: normal; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS',sans-serif;">Turns out, insects such as </span></span><a href="http://lancaster.unl.edu/enviro/pest/factsheets/005-94.htm"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS',sans-serif;">silverfish and firebrats</span></span></a><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS',sans-serif;"> love to hide out in books, snacking on broken-down bindings and collected dust between pages. </span></span></div><div style="font-family: Arial; font-size-adjust: none; font-size: 16px; font-stretch: normal; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS',sans-serif;"><br />
</span></span></div><div style="font-family: Arial; font-size-adjust: none; font-size: 16px; font-stretch: normal; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS',sans-serif;">So now, I chuck all extra desiccants onto my bookshelf, behind the books</span></span><span style="font-family: Times; font-size-adjust: none; font-size: 16px; font-stretch: normal; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: normal;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS',sans-serif;">. </span></span></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-WX_GeLAmUmA/TcaP6iYW19I/AAAAAAAABiU/CDLlKOpG6vc/s1600/SilicaGelonShelfText.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-WX_GeLAmUmA/TcaP6iYW19I/AAAAAAAABiU/CDLlKOpG6vc/s320/SilicaGelonShelfText.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><div style="font-family: Times; font-size-adjust: none; font-size: 16px; font-stretch: normal; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 19px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS',sans-serif;">The gel rests in unseen gaps and it keeps my books insect- and mold-free. I also flung several into the drawer where I keep my winter woolens and furs (right), as humidity's a killer for most garments--manmade and otherwise. </span></span></div><div style="font-family: Arial; font-size-adjust: none; font-size: 16px; font-stretch: normal; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 18px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS',sans-serif;"><br />
</span></span></div><div style="font-family: Arial; font-size-adjust: none; font-size: 16px; font-stretch: normal; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 18px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS',sans-serif;">And since I'm on the subject of </span></span><a href="http://www.diylife.com/2010/07/29/how-to-control-household-ants/"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS',sans-serif;">pest control</span></span></a><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS',sans-serif;">, I also use </span></span><a href="http://www.containerstore.com/shop/closet/clothingCare/cedarNatural?productId=10000182"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS',sans-serif;">Moth Away</span></span></a><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS',sans-serif;">, an unbelievable all-natural herbal repellant that keeps clothes fresh (and free of those heartbreaking holes) -- so I'm not walking around smelling like the Crypt Keeper. </span></span><span style="color: red;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS',sans-serif;">♥</span></span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS',sans-serif;">A.</span></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-CYInP6dPDJk/TcaQC-y_bdI/AAAAAAAABiY/RKP9zbqVRDc/s1600/SilicaGelinDrawer.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-CYInP6dPDJk/TcaQC-y_bdI/AAAAAAAABiY/RKP9zbqVRDc/s320/SilicaGelinDrawer.JPG" width="240" /></a></div><div style="font-family: Arial; font-size-adjust: none; font-size: 16px; font-stretch: normal; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><br />
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</div></span></div></div>Allegra Muzzillohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05125208727318302754noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8644077697696080520.post-42145771384178701002009-02-04T16:36:00.003-05:002011-05-17T06:20:47.344-04:00Down to a Science<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_K8xgwY5XAZA/SYoO_dker_I/AAAAAAAAAPI/9HGcTPIRTBo/s1600-h/stopcock.JPG" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5299064394986991602" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_K8xgwY5XAZA/SYoO_dker_I/AAAAAAAAAPI/9HGcTPIRTBo/s200/stopcock.JPG" style="cursor: pointer; float: right; height: 130px; margin: 0pt 0pt 10px 10px; width: 200px;" /></a><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">When I was little, I often used my uncle’s chemistry set to conduct groundbreaking studies on rock candy formation. Playing around with all that lab-grade equipment always made me feel like such a grown-up. The instruments’ sci-fi-ish orbs and tapered lines seemed to defy gravity—and left a lasting impression.</span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">Bendy beakers and lanky cylinders, once reserved for science class, can easily be turned into gorgeous, useful </span><span style="font-style: italic;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">o</span></span><span style="font-style: italic;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">bjets design</span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">:</span><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_K8xgwY5XAZA/SYoUQmyCkqI/AAAAAAAAAQg/c9AvCLtStV0/s1600-h/erlenmeyer.jpg" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5299070187075703458" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_K8xgwY5XAZA/SYoUQmyCkqI/AAAAAAAAAQg/c9AvCLtStV0/s200/erlenmeyer.jpg" style="cursor: pointer; float: right; height: 157px; margin: 0pt 0pt 10px 10px; width: 158px;" /></a><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">• Fill an </span><a href="http://www.sciencelab.com/page/S/PVAR/20939/10-550000"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">Erlenmeyer flask</span></a><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"> (right) with change and it instantly becomes a stately, easy-access coin bank. Cork it with an appropriately sized </span><a href="http://www.sciencelab.com/page/S/PVAR/10-19XX"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">rubber stopper</span></a><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"> to complete the look.</span><br />
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</span><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_K8xgwY5XAZA/SYoSNGjAvzI/AAAAAAAAAQI/T5a_zDIE6L0/s1600-h/volumetric.jpg" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5299067927859871538" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_K8xgwY5XAZA/SYoSNGjAvzI/AAAAAAAAAQI/T5a_zDIE6L0/s200/volumetric.jpg" style="cursor: pointer; float: left; height: 200px; margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; width: 107px;" /></a><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">• Cluster three to four </span><a href="http://www.sciencelab.com/page/S/PVAR/10-S396LG"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">volumetric</span></a><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"> (left) or </span><a href="http://www.sciencelab.com/page/S/PVAR/10569/60-286900000"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">graduated </span></a><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"><a href="http://www.sciencelab.com/page/S/PVAR/10569/60-286900000">cylinders</a> </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">and </span><a href="http://www.sciencelab.com/page/S/PVAR/10-880000"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">Bomex</span></a><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"> filtering flasks, and place one or two </span><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_K8xgwY5XAZA/SYoQLFmcGXI/AAAAAAAAAPo/yR3g4awud3M/s1600-h/sprengeri.jpg" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5299065694222817650" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_K8xgwY5XAZA/SYoQLFmcGXI/AAAAAAAAAPo/yR3g4awud3M/s200/sprengeri.jpg" style="cursor: pointer; float: right; height: 152px; margin: 0pt 0pt 10px 10px; width: 148px;" /></a><span style="font-size: 100%;"><span style="font-family: arial;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">Sprengeri fern fronds (right) </span></span></span></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">in each one. Group containers together or scatter them throughout your home to provide continuity between rooms. </span> <br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"> • Create a cheerily unexpected tableau by securing </span><a href="http://www.sciencelab.com/page/S/PVAR/10-330LGC"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">test tubes</span></a><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"> (below right), filled with single stems of </span><br />
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_K8xgwY5XAZA/SYoQwRWbi5I/AAAAAAAAAP4/KTpOCmovFf8/s1600-h/peppermint-small.jpg" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5299066333032057746" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_K8xgwY5XAZA/SYoQwRWbi5I/AAAAAAAAAP4/KTpOCmovFf8/s200/peppermint-small.jpg" style="cursor: pointer; float: left; height: 200px; margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; width: 129px;" /></a><span style="font-family: arial;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">scented muscari (left), in a </span><a href="http://scientificsonline.com/product.asp?pn=3082072&bhcd2=1233702166"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">wooden rack</span></a>. </span><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_K8xgwY5XAZA/SYoQcKLvg3I/AAAAAAAAAPw/2NSGdafhtvA/s1600-h/test+tube.jpg" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5299065987510797170" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_K8xgwY5XAZA/SYoQcKLvg3I/AAAAAAAAAPw/2NSGdafhtvA/s200/test+tube.jpg" style="cursor: pointer; float: left; height: 170px; margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; width: 175px;" /></a><br />
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</span></span><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_K8xgwY5XAZA/SYoQ90ej01I/AAAAAAAAAQA/hhrdBqQJwr0/s1600-h/bell+jar.jpg" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5299066565799695186" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_K8xgwY5XAZA/SYoQ90ej01I/AAAAAAAAAQA/hhrdBqQJwr0/s200/bell+jar.jpg" style="cursor: pointer; float: right; height: 175px; margin: 0pt 0pt 10px 10px; width: 175px;" /></a><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">Place the arrangement on top of your bathroom’s toilet tank, or on a shelf. <br />
<br />
• Start a miniature greenhouse in a large </span> <a href="http://www.sciencelab.com/page/S/PVAR/10-201-4"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">bell jar</span></a><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"> (right). </span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">You can also use this to start bulbs (in any season) and grow luscious tropical plants that your cat can’t get at.<br />
<br />
• Stow beauty supplies like cotton balls and Q-Tips in screw-top</span> <a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_K8xgwY5XAZA/SYoXjAjjjlI/AAAAAAAAAQo/cFt6HYhiViw/s1600-h/wide+mouth+jar.jpg" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5299073801766800978" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_K8xgwY5XAZA/SYoXjAjjjlI/AAAAAAAAAQo/cFt6HYhiViw/s200/wide+mouth+jar.jpg" style="cursor: pointer; float: left; height: 176px; margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; width: 175px;" /></a><br />
<a href="http://www.sciencelab.com/page/S/PVAR/10-410X"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">flint glass jars</span></a><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"> (left). Store whole grains, cereals, and pasta in doctor’s office-worthy </span><a href="http://www.sciplus.com/category.cfm/subsection/7/category/78"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">Pyrex </span></a><a href="http://www.sciplus.com/category.cfm/subsection/7/category/78"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">receptacles</span></a><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">. <br />
<br />
• Corral desk accessories, like pens and pencils, in various-sized </span> <a href="http://www.sciencelab.com/page/S/PVAR/10553/10-440050"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">Griffin</span></a><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"> beakers (below). </span><span style="color: red;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">♥</span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">A.</span><br />
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_K8xgwY5XAZA/SYoS9QTeFFI/AAAAAAAAAQY/9wWwVgp8v7c/s1600-h/griffin.jpg" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5299068755112760402" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_K8xgwY5XAZA/SYoS9QTeFFI/AAAAAAAAAQY/9wWwVgp8v7c/s200/griffin.jpg" style="cursor: pointer; display: block; height: 175px; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; width: 175px;" /></a>Allegra Muzzillohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05125208727318302754noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8644077697696080520.post-15840160685555401862009-02-02T17:44:00.000-05:002009-02-04T16:36:29.973-05:00Ruffle a Few Feathers<span style="font-family:arial;">Graceful and poised, and first introduced some 300 years ago, footed servers have officially made their comeback—and show no signs of waning in popularity.</span> <a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_K8xgwY5XAZA/SYd4F6Wcu1I/AAAAAAAAAO4/hO9ep066o1U/s1600-h/Potluck+studios+cake+stands.jpg"><img style="margin: 0pt 0pt 10px 10px; float: right; cursor: pointer; width: 161px; height: 200px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_K8xgwY5XAZA/SYd4F6Wcu1I/AAAAAAAAAO4/hO9ep066o1U/s200/Potluck+studios+cake+stands.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5298335529582771026" border="0" /></a><br /><span style="font-family:arial;"><br />Use a ruffled, Potluck Studios’ stand (from $35; <a href="http://www.shopfeatheryournest.com/pottery/cakestands.html">Feather Your Nest</a>) as a charming platform for prosciutto-wrapped cantaloupe wedges, bunches of green and red grapes, or a bevy of mild cheeses. This charming ditty reminds me of the edge of a perfect pie crust and its subdued, feminine style speaks cheeky ’50s.</span> <span style="font-family:arial;"><br /><br />You could also create a diminutive natural scene with by encasing a bird’s nest (complete with robin’s eggs), a bouquet of pheasant feathers, or a pile of colorful seashells on the stand, with in a clear glass bell jar or cloche. Think of it as a DIY showcase that discourages dust—the added coverage also conjures up some serious curiosity-shop wonder. For a perfect fit, the dome’s diameter should be about ½” smaller than the size of the base. <a href="http://www.anchorhocking.com/prod_18_serveware.html">Anchor Hocking</a> makes simple, inexpensive cover-ups (along with servers) of varying sizes. Obviously, cake stands aren’t just for tarts. <span style="color: rgb(255, 0, 0);">♥</span>A.</span>Allegra Muzzillohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05125208727318302754noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8644077697696080520.post-7399304807465428972009-01-29T18:48:00.001-05:002009-02-04T16:35:45.555-05:00One Lump or Two?<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_K8xgwY5XAZA/SYJAvKTkGgI/AAAAAAAAAOw/CbfdUXlb5nA/s1600-h/sm01_1.jpg"><img style="margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; float: left; cursor: pointer; width: 200px; height: 200px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_K8xgwY5XAZA/SYJAvKTkGgI/AAAAAAAAAOw/CbfdUXlb5nA/s200/sm01_1.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5296867290705566210" border="0" /></a><br /><span style="font-family:arial;">Although I’m no coffee drinker, I always think it’s so classy whenever someone serves up the joe with chic accoutrements. This gorgeous sugar and creamer set is understated—and so hot—and works just as well for oolongers, too. Rare Device, an impossibly cool Brooklyn shop, carries this, and some of the best, most affordable, innovative design items. And be advised: This trio, by Sagaform, can be effortlessly repurposed and will work double-duty in the bedroom as your boudoir tray, a bedside water carafe, and a precious jewel box. <span style="color: rgb(255, 0, 0);">♥</span>A.</span>Allegra Muzzillohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05125208727318302754noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8644077697696080520.post-57515262453233043172009-01-27T13:00:00.000-05:002009-02-04T16:34:51.568-05:00Hospitality? Sweet!<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_K8xgwY5XAZA/SX9YfFfyYxI/AAAAAAAAAOA/Kbu50wV8aME/s1600-h/double+happiness+towel"><img style="margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; float: left; cursor: pointer; width: 200px; height: 150px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_K8xgwY5XAZA/SX9YfFfyYxI/AAAAAAAAAOA/Kbu50wV8aME/s200/double+happiness+towel" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5296048977885684498" border="0" /></a><span style="font-family:arial;">It’s the little details that I love.</span><br /><span style="font-family:arial;">I pounced on some deliciously cheap hand towels at Pearl River when I first saw them a couple of years ago. </span><span style="font-family:arial;">It's now my go-to source for all things dish-and-hand. </span><span style="font-family:arial;">(It sells ama</span><span style="font-family:arial;">zing, patterned tableware, too!) Pearl began as a litt</span><span style="font-family:arial;">le-known boon for</span><span style="font-family:arial;"> designers and smart shoppers and quickly grew into a larger Manhattan mainstay. Now PR’s got eCo</span><span style="font-family:arial;">mmer</span><span style="font-family:arial;">ce, so everyone benefits.</span><div style="text-align: left;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_K8xgwY5XAZA/SX9NXPiGFyI/AAAAAAAAANQ/w2djR5SJlHQ/s1600-h/good+morning+towel"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 200px; height: 150px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_K8xgwY5XAZA/SX9NXPiGFyI/AAAAAAAAANQ/w2djR5SJlHQ/s200/good+morning+towel" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5296036748512859938" border="0" /></a><span style="font-family:arial;">These towels aren’t matchy-matchy at all: </span><span style="font-family:arial;">Their bold colors look great with everything in my </span><span style="font-family:arial;">50’s-style tiled bathroom (yes, I rent)</span><span style="font-family:arial;">.</span> <span style="font-family:arial;">Th</span><span style="font-family:arial;">e cordial goodMorning (above) is $1.95 and </span><span style="font-family:arial;">the cheerful double happiness terrycloths are $3.50 each and bound to wow weekend guests.<br /></span><br /></div><span style="font-family:arial;">I think that peppering your abode wit</span><span style="font-family:arial;">h some strategically plac</span><span style="font-family:arial;">ed whimsy is essential because it makes it clear that you’re not taking things too seriously. Odd, charming items are great fun to look at—and they always make you f</span><span style="font-family:arial;">eel more at home.</span><span style="font-family:arial;"><br /><br /></span><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family:arial;">Pair them up with these tiny glycerin soaps ($1.95 each)</span><span style="font-family:arial;">... </span><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_K8xgwY5XAZA/SX9XLki9oRI/AAAAAAAAANo/SO8vxGNNGIU/s1600-h/double+happiness+soaps"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 200px; height: 143px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_K8xgwY5XAZA/SX9XLki9oRI/AAAAAAAAANo/SO8vxGNNGIU/s200/double+happiness+soaps" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5296047543111491858" border="0" /></a> <span style="font-family:arial;">...or a few of these sandalwood (3 for $1.75) numbers.</span><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_K8xgwY5XAZA/SX9fWMFVKLI/AAAAAAAAAOo/2r0LSsHjMUw/s1600-h/Maxam+sandalwood+soap"><img style="margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; float: left; cursor: pointer; width: 160px; height: 120px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_K8xgwY5XAZA/SX9fWMFVKLI/AAAAAAAAAOo/2r0LSsHjMUw/s200/Maxam+sandalwood+soap" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5296056521616337074" border="0" /></a><div style="text-align: left;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_K8xgwY5XAZA/SX9e9gaUoAI/AAAAAAAAAOg/vQzG5tzySpY/s1600-h/Maxam+sandalwood+soap"><br /></a></div> </div><div style="text-align: center;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_K8xgwY5XAZA/SX9fWMFVKLI/AAAAAAAAAOo/2r0LSsHjMUw/s1600-h/Maxam+sandalwood+soap"></a><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><span style="font-family:arial;"></span><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family:arial;">All make for thoughtful, chic parting gifts, too. </span><span style="color: rgb(255, 0, 0);font-family:arial;" >♥</span><span style="font-family:arial;">A.</span></div></div>Allegra Muzzillohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05125208727318302754noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8644077697696080520.post-91719612896030470752009-01-26T14:27:00.005-05:002011-05-10T16:59:56.729-04:00Seeing Red<img alt="" border="0" height="164" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5295691546429483506" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_K8xgwY5XAZA/SX4TZ1j36fI/AAAAAAAAANA/FJrr_leH47I/s320/color+chart.jpg" style="display: block; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; margin-top: 0px; text-align: center;" width="320" /><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">It would be great if computers could provide exact replicas of real-life color and texture, but they can’t.<br />
</span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Once color and texture make a debut in your home, hues may appear darker, patterns might be more intense, and that antiqued-leather effect could look pretty cheesy after all.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: arial;"> <br />
<strong>There are reasons for this...</strong></span><br />
<span style="font-family: arial;"><ul><li><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Your computer may not be calibrated to see a full range of colors. Therefore, some designs can look muted or more pronounced.</span></li>
<li><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Subtle differences exist among individual computers, programs, monitors, and internet service providers (FireFox and Internet Explorer are configured and designed differently)—hardware or software could be inferior.</span></li>
</ul></span><br />
<b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Combat disparity (and reduce aggravation)</span></b><br />
<div><span style="font-family: arial;"></span><br />
<span style="font-family: arial;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_K8xgwY5XAZA/SX4QC0fYq7I/AAAAAAAAAMw/YuOEkgTpTb0/s1600-h/paint+chips.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5295687852470348722" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_K8xgwY5XAZA/SX4QC0fYq7I/AAAAAAAAAMw/YuOEkgTpTb0/s200/paint+chips.jpg" style="float: right; height: 103px; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-left: 10px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; width: 137px;" /></a></div><ul><li>Don’t run out and buy a paint color by name: Collect paint chips from hardware stores before <span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times;"><span style="font-family: arial;">making a commitment. </span></span></li>
<li><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times;"><span style="font-family: arial;"></span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times;"><span style="font-family: arial;">Select both darker and lighter versions of your favorite pick and make sure the color works with your décor, furniture, and accessories (place the paper sample right on your sofa or in between your framed artwork, just like they did at <a href="http://images.google.com/imgres?imgurl=http://blairpeter.typepad.com/photos/uncategorized/2007/04/29/dscn8325.jpg&imgrefurl=http://blairpeter.typepad.com/weblog/2007/04/index.html&usg=__gb_Cb7G1oXMWmcd-RcdTSyIRGZE=&h=600&w=800&sz=340&hl=en&start=19&tbnid=czVtP30DbzkNMM:&tbnh=107&tbnw=143&prev=/images%3Fq%3Dpaint%2Bchip%2Bcompared%2Bto%2Bsofa%26hl%3Den">Wise Craft</a>). </span></span></li>
<li><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times;"><span style="font-family: arial;">Don’t feel guilty if you find yourself grabbing a ton: </span></span>Save chips and organize them by color family, in a binder or photo album, for future reference. (Or tape them into a ruled notebook and use sticky notes as markers. Remember to tape only the top portions so they’re easily flipped over to reveal brand, name, and sheen.) Compare each swatch by taping one next to another, directly onto the area you’re painting.</li>
</ul></span></div><br />
<div><span style="font-family: arial;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_K8xgwY5XAZA/SX4Tq4umtTI/AAAAAAAAANI/mG7dRRqHvhA/s1600-h/colors-of-nature-2-745147.jpg"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5295691839337575730" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_K8xgwY5XAZA/SX4Tq4umtTI/AAAAAAAAANI/mG7dRRqHvhA/s200/colors-of-nature-2-745147.jpg" style="float: left; height: 94px; margin: 0px 10px 10px 0px; width: 200px;" /></a><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Look for real-life examples of colors, finishes, and textures—they all exist in nature. Collect samples of beautiful things for inspiration.</span></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br />
</span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">If that red Japanese-maple leaf turns brown before reaching the store, replicate colors by using a standardized matching system, such as a </span><a href="http://www.pantone.com/pages/Products/Product.aspx?pid=571&ca=34"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Pantone fan deck</span></a><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">. Find a good match? Bring the deck to the store: Its paint counter should have color-matching technology capable of creating a near-exact replica. (And once you have any fan deck, you can pretty much eliminate future chip runs.)</span><br />
<br />
</div><span style="font-family: arial;"><div><strong>More on samples and decks</strong><br />
<br />
<ul><li>For $3, Glidden offers 18” x 18” <a href="https://www.glidden.com/browseCatalog.do">removable peel-and stick samples</a>. Just attach them to the area that you’re painting, move them around, and check on them at different times, as light changes throughout the day. </li>
<li>A small, two or three-ounce jar of paint (such as those from <a href="http://benjaminmoore.com/bmpsweb/portals/bmps.portal;jsessionid=VR76J97SlpY3pCc2pSc3rRpLJhy2djvlLJ7whcFLwGSxpskLT1Bk%21234162784?_nfpb=true&_windowLabel=contentrenderer_1_1&contentrenderer_1_1_actionOverride=%252Fbm%252Fcms%252FContentRenderer%252FgetDirectContentLink&_pageLabel=fh_getinspired&contentrenderer_1_1%7BactionForm.nodePath%7D=public_site%2Farticles%2Fapplication_article%2Fapp_colorsamples_potterybarn&contentrenderer_1_1%7BactionForm.currentNodeId%7D=%2FBEA+Repository%2F534020&contentrenderer_1_1%7BactionForm.currentNodePath%7D=public_site%2Farticles%2Fget_inspired%2Fgi_pottery_barn_samples">Benjamin Moore's Pottery Barn line</a>) covers a 2’ x 2’ area with two coats. </li>
<li>The eco-friendly site <a href="http://www.green-living.com/index.asp?PageAction=VIEWPROD&ProdID=1571">GreenLiving.com offers a full refund </a>for the American Pride (a no-VOC paint) fan deck if you return it when you’re done!</li>
</ul></div><span style="font-family: arial;"><div align="center">Now, get started choosing <a href="http://designbite.blogspot.com/2009/01/true-colors.html">shades</a>. <span class="Apple-style-span"><span style="color: red;">♥</span>A.</span></div></span></span>Allegra Muzzillohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05125208727318302754noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8644077697696080520.post-90428040804532510072009-01-25T11:55:00.000-05:002009-01-27T11:24:30.130-05:00True Colors<span style="font-family:arial;">Color visualizers are arguably the handiest of all online design tools. Be careful though! They can really suck you in. Before you know it, you’ll have spent several hours comparing the subtleties of watermelon baseboards and peas-and-cream moldings. Most tools are free but some sites (like Benjamin Moore) will allow you to upload and work with original photos of your room, for a small fee. The following free tools represent a wide array of colors—and you can find these paint brands virtually anywhere.</span><br /><br /><div align="left"><a href="http://www.benjaminmoore.com/bmpsweb/portals/bmps.portal?_nfpb=true&_windowLabel=portletInstance_2&portletInstance_2_actionOverride=%2Fbm%2Fcms%2FContentRenderer%2FrenderContent&portletInstance_2currentNodeUUID=%2FBEA+Repository%2F5612&portletInstance_2NodeUUID=%2FBEA+Repository%2F30001&_pageLabel=fh_home"><span style="font-family:arial;">Benjamin Moore Personal Color Viewer</span></a></div><div align="left"><span style="font-family:arial;">Select an exterior home or interior room image from the viewer's pictorial library, or import an image of your own space for a fee. <a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_K8xgwY5XAZA/SXyaX6dpi-I/AAAAAAAAALw/v6Sarnysiqw/s1600-h/Benjamin+Moore+hallway.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5295276997502143458" style="margin: 0px 10px 10px 0px; float: left; width: 200px; height: 146px;" alt="" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_K8xgwY5XAZA/SXyaX6dpi-I/AAAAAAAAALw/v6Sarnysiqw/s200/Benjamin+Moore+hallway.jpg" border="0" /></a></span></div><div align="left"><span style="font-family:arial;"><strong>PROs:</strong> Creates a complimentary palette of a separate trim and ceiling color, which is based on any color you choose.<br /><strong>CONs:</strong> Want to work on your own digital photos? The sofware costs $10.</span></div><div align="left"></div><div align="left"></div><div align="left"></div><div align="left"></div><div align="left"></div><div align="left"></div><div align="left"></div><div align="left"></div><div align="left"></div><div align="left"></div><div align="left"></div><div align="left"></div><div align="left"><a href="http://www.sherwin.com/visualizer/"><span style="font-family:arial;">Sherwin Williams Color Visualizer</span></a><br /><span style="font-family:arial;">Choose an exterior, interior, and room type. Browse paint by collection or individual colors. <a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_K8xgwY5XAZA/SXyamBmEfiI/AAAAAAAAAL4/KJDBZOi38hs/s1600-h/sherwin+williams+bathroom8-640.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5295277239934680610" style="margin: 0px 10px 10px 0px; float: left; width: 200px; height: 160px;" alt="" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_K8xgwY5XAZA/SXyamBmEfiI/AAAAAAAAAL4/KJDBZOi38hs/s200/sherwin+williams+bathroom8-640.jpg" border="0" /></a><br /><strong>PROs:</strong> Images are detailed: You can cover everything from windowsills to chair rails. The “e-mail scene” tool is so detailed. Plus, it’s immediate and hassle-free—no registration required.<br /><strong>CONs:</strong> It’s difficult to match your existing flooring to colors you’ve chosen. </span></div><div align="left"></div><div align="left"><a href="https://www.glidden.com/visualizer/buildup.do?page=group&site=glidden&location=Interior"><span style="font-family:arial;">Glidden Paint Visualizer</span></a></div><div align="left"><span style="font-family:arial;">Select a room type, a color family, and drag and drop paint onto surfaces. <a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_K8xgwY5XAZA/SXybUfEwftI/AAAAAAAAAMA/USbOyV8iQlc/s1600-h/Glidden+study.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5295278038122004178" style="margin: 0px 10px 10px 0px; float: left; width: 180px; height: 141px;" alt="" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_K8xgwY5XAZA/SXybUfEwftI/AAAAAAAAAMA/USbOyV8iQlc/s200/Glidden+study.jpg" border="0" /></a><br /><strong>PROS:</strong> Room choices are original (family room, study) and you can paint seemingly every detail, such as lamps and file storage areas. Easy-click button for free chips.<br /><strong>CONs:</strong> No exterior options.<br /></span><br /></div><div align="left"></div><div align="left"></div><div align="left"></div><div align="left"></div><div align="left"></div><div align="left"></div><div align="left"></div><div align="left"></div><div align="left"><a href="http://valspar.com/painter.html"><span style="font-family:arial;">Valspar Idea Notebook</span></a><br /><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_K8xgwY5XAZA/SXydlP3ottI/AAAAAAAAAMg/bQAg_1wNaB8/s1600-h/Valspar+room.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5295280525121468114" style="margin: 0px 0px 10px 10px; float: right; width: 200px; height: 126px;" alt="" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_K8xgwY5XAZA/SXydlP3ottI/AAAAAAAAAMg/bQAg_1wNaB8/s200/Valspar+room.jpg" border="0" /></a><span style="font-family:arial;">Start with the room you want to paint (bathroom, kid’s room), choose a color collection (Martha Stewart, Eddie Bauer), and get cracking.<br /><strong>PROs:</strong> Very basic. Four accent options allow you to see different combos right away.<br /><strong>CONs:</strong> Adding the accent colors can be a little confusing and time consuming.</span><br /></div><div align="left"></div><div align="left"></div><div align="left"></div><div align="center"></div><div align="center"></div><div align="center"><span style="font-family:arial;"></span></div><div align="center"><span style="font-family:arial;"></span></div><div align="center"><span style="font-family:arial;"></span></div><div align="center"><span style="font-family:arial;"></span></div><div align="center"><span style="font-family:arial;">I know there are plenty out there like </span><a href="http://www.prattandlambert.com/prattapp/color_visualizer/"><span style="font-family:arial;">Pratt & Lambert </span></a><span style="font-family:arial;">and </span><a href="http://www.behr.com/dsm-ext/v/index.jsp?vgnextoid=8328ea6621ca5110VgnVCM1000008119fea9RCRD&vgnextfmt=default#vgnextoid=8328ea6621ca5110VgnVCM1000008119fea9RCRD;view=26;channel=EXPLORE"><span style="font-family:arial;">Behr</span></a><span style="font-family:arial;">, so please feel free to comment and add any others you know and love.<br /><br /><strong>REMEMBER:</strong> Online colors aren’t always true-to-life. </span></div><div align="center"><span style="font-family:arial;">For more info on how to see true colors, go to <a href="http://designbite.blogspot.com/2009/01/seeing-red.html">Seeing Red</a>. <span style="color: rgb(255, 0, 0);">♥</span>A. </span></div>Allegra Muzzillohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05125208727318302754noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8644077697696080520.post-24956350387994285282009-01-24T17:38:00.000-05:002009-01-25T08:52:41.925-05:00Play House<span style="font-family:arial;">Putting a room together can be an arduous, confusing process, and any real-life mistake can cost you time—and money. A number of sites make it easy to update and redecorate your space without leaving the house. Sneak-preview new ideas—whether they’re replacement floors, paint changes or new countertops—via the following, free online tools. Keep in mind that some of these require registration and/or a program download, such as Adobe Flash Player. Here's a roundup of my favorites.</span><br /><br /><span style="font-family:arial;"><a href="http://mydeco.com/">MyDeco.com</a> <a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_K8xgwY5XAZA/SXxq77o_GsI/AAAAAAAAALo/1zQ7R2sgSeQ/s1600-h/DesignDeco+living+room.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5295224839735286466" style="FLOAT: right; MARGIN: 0px 0px 10px 10px; WIDTH: 169px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 126px" alt="" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_K8xgwY5XAZA/SXxq77o_GsI/AAAAAAAAALo/1zQ7R2sgSeQ/s200/DesignDeco+living+room.jpg" border="0" /></a><br />This is the most comprehensive design site out there—and the most fun. Create 3D rooms, mood boards, upload and redecorate existing photos, and shop for of-the-moment, stylish products. <a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_K8xgwY5XAZA/SXxp7nKWJMI/AAAAAAAAALg/8kmdqVOzOx8/s1600-h/DesignDeco+living+room.jpg"></a></span><br /><span style="font-family:arial;"><strong>PROs:</strong> Very hip. Rife with design pro advice, trend reports, and articles on DIY projects and decorating how-tos.<br /><strong>CONs:</strong> It’s a British site, so all products are sold overseas, and are offered in British pounds. Why, oh why, hasn’t it made its debut in the states?</span><br /><span style="font-family:arial;"><br /><a href="http://www.raymourflanigan.com/room_planner/">Raymour & Flanigan Room Planner</a></span><br /><span style="font-family:arial;">Enter the type of room you’re designing (bedroom, living room), its dimensions (length and depth in feet), and simply drag and drop everything from sofas and recliners, to accent chairs and end tables, right into your space. (There are pages and pages of items from all of the retailers’ collections.)</span><br /><div><div><span style="font-family:Arial;"><strong><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_K8xgwY5XAZA/SXubLcsoqII/AAAAAAAAAKI/SSdo2qzsonc/s1600-h/Raymour+%26+Flanigan+room_planner_2.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5294996407888423042" style="FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; WIDTH: 200px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 139px" alt="" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_K8xgwY5XAZA/SXubLcsoqII/AAAAAAAAAKI/SSdo2qzsonc/s200/Raymour+%26+Flanigan+room_planner_2.jpg" border="0" /></a>PROs:</strong> Easily move and turn furniture around. Both generic and R&F pieces available. Handy rollover tool immediately reveals product dimensions. Print or email your plan to a local store, to your significant other, or your interior designer. There’s an 800 number that provides live support while you design. Pieces are in full color. <strong>CONs:</strong> Unable to search for a specific piece by name, must scroll through whole collections.</span></div><div> </div><div><br /> </div><div></div><div><span style="font-family:Arial;"><a href="http://thomasville.icovia.com/icovia.aspx">Thomasville Room Planner </a></span><br /></div><div><span style="font-family:Arial;"></span><span style="font-family:Arial;">Enter room dimensions, room type, and get going. <a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_K8xgwY5XAZA/SXucFtpLTkI/AAAAAAAAAKQ/oQWuKrNtTMI/s1600-h/Thomasville+living+room.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5294997408869731906" style="FLOAT: right; MARGIN: 0px 0px 10px 10px; WIDTH: 180px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 100px" alt="" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_K8xgwY5XAZA/SXucFtpLTkI/AAAAAAAAAKQ/oQWuKrNtTMI/s200/Thomasville+living+room.jpg" border="0" /></a><br /><strong>PROs:</strong> Search for specific Thomasville products via SKU numbers. Details like structural elements (pocket doors, bay windows) are easily altered, added, and subtracted. Design with generic, black-and-white basic sketches or actual pieces from Thomasville collections. Cloning tool helps create parity.<br /><strong>CONs:</strong> Some room choices aren’t available: “Home office” defaults to “Bedroom.”</span> </div><div> </div><div></div><div><a href="http://www.lowes.com/lowes/lkn?action=pg&p=okv/okv_splash.html"><span style="font-family:arial;">Lowe’s Kitchen Project Planner</span></a><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_K8xgwY5XAZA/SXueoZekLnI/AAAAAAAAAKY/tPNpNyAu6Z4/s1600-h/Lowe%27s+kitchen+pic.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5295000203775192690" style="FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; WIDTH: 200px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 131px" alt="" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_K8xgwY5XAZA/SXueoZekLnI/AAAAAAAAAKY/tPNpNyAu6Z4/s200/Lowe%27s+kitchen+pic.jpg" border="0" /></a></div><div><span style="font-family:arial;">Choose layout (L-shaped, galley), pick your look (traditional, eclectic), select a style for cabinet doors and hardware (cherry with satin chrome, maple with brushed steel), and decide on appliances, plumbing fixtures, and a sink (single, double). Choose from six different kitchen configurations based on previous selections.<br /><strong>PROs:</strong> Kitchens are always a challenge and Lowe’s really breaks it down by fixtures, appliances, and countertops.</span> </div><div><span style="font-family:arial;"><strong>CONs:</strong> No-frills. A generalized picture of how things might look. <a href="http://images.lowes.com/2008/pro/LowesKitchenPlanner08.pdf">Here </a>is a </span><span style="font-family:arial;">50-page downloadable kitchen planning guide. </span></div></div><div></div><div><div><br /></div><div align="left"><span style="font-family:arial;"><a href="http://www.designmyroom.com/studio/Default.aspx">DesignMyRoom.com </a><br />Pick an empty, monochrome room (garage, laundry), browse thousands of products, and just drag <a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_K8xgwY5XAZA/SXugGf9IHyI/AAAAAAAAAKg/kZdPF_KYyx4/s1600-h/DesignMyRoom+Bedroom.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5295001820421693218" style="FLOAT: right; MARGIN: 0px 0px 10px 10px; WIDTH: 134px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 89px" alt="" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_K8xgwY5XAZA/SXugGf9IHyI/AAAAAAAAAKg/kZdPF_KYyx4/s200/DesignMyRoom+Bedroom.jpg" border="0" /></a>and drop them into your scheme. When you’re done, save your work and have others rate your design chops. <strong>PROs:</strong> Nothing to download. Get insider-tips from well-known pros. “Inspiration” section allows more creativity by providing cues from nature and incorporating interesting textures. <strong>CONs:</strong> While you can select many different brands, it’s still a bit too consumer-driven and product-heavy. Objects are clunky and somewhat difficult to resituate. Slow to load.</span><br /><br /><span style="font-family:arial;"><a href="http://www.hunterdouglas.com/index.jsp">Hunter Douglas iMagine Design Center</a></span><br /><span style="font-family:arial;">Pick a type of window covering (shades, blinds) and alter its features, color, and material to fit your room. <a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_K8xgwY5XAZA/SXugyOMGnAI/AAAAAAAAAKo/l50jiY5LeyE/s1600-h/hunter+douglas+home+office.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5295002571566914562" style="FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; WIDTH: 200px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 160px" alt="" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_K8xgwY5XAZA/SXugyOMGnAI/AAAAAAAAAKo/l50jiY5LeyE/s200/hunter+douglas+home+office.jpg" border="0" /></a></span><span style="font-family:arial;"><strong></strong></span></div><div align="left"><span style="font-family:arial;"><strong>PROs:</strong> There is a wide array of colors and textures and a zoom tool so you can see fabric textures up close. Special product features, such as privacy and light control, are labeled clearly and rated on a scale of one to five, from sheer to opaque. </span><br /><span style="font-family:arial;"><strong>CONs:</strong> Unless you’ve searched through the site beforehand, you’ll need to familiarize yourself with Hunter Douglas’ product lines. </div></span><div><br /></div><div></div><div><br /></div><div></div><div><br /></div><div align="left"><span style="font-family:arial;"></span> </div><div align="left"><span style="font-family:arial;"><a href="http://www.armstrong.com/resam/na/home/en/us/virtual-design-tools.html">Design a Room with Armstrong </a><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_K8xgwY5XAZA/SXujAcRg_hI/AAAAAAAAALQ/6fxixL_b4kE/s1600-h/Armstrong+living+room.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5295005014889135634" style="FLOAT: right; MARGIN: 0px 0px 10px 10px; WIDTH: 200px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 163px" alt="" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_K8xgwY5XAZA/SXujAcRg_hI/AAAAAAAAALQ/6fxixL_b4kE/s200/Armstrong+living+room.jpg" border="0" /></a></span></div><div><span style="font-family:arial;">Allows you to scan and choose from an assortment of decorative ceiling options, engineered or solid wood flooring, and wall colors for nearly all rooms of the house. </span><br /><span style="font-family:arial;"><strong>PROs:</strong> When choosing floors, Armstrong helps you select the quality that’s right for you (based on traffic, required maintenance, etc.). The company also advises on appropriate materials (i.e. hardwood is not a good bathroom choice). </span></div><div><span style="font-family:arial;"><strong>CONs:</strong> Rooms are basic and look a bit pixilated—some imagination is required.</span></div><div><span style="font-family:Arial;"></span><br /></div><div><a href="http://andersenwallplanner.com/WallPlanner_load.html"><span style="font-family:arial;">Andersen WindowCentrics Wall Planner</span> </a><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_K8xgwY5XAZA/SXujdX3kp0I/AAAAAAAAALY/foIx_l2LQsc/s1600-h/Andersen+window.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5295005511922788162" style="FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; WIDTH: 200px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 118px" alt="" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_K8xgwY5XAZA/SXujdX3kp0I/AAAAAAAAALY/foIx_l2LQsc/s200/Andersen+window.jpg" border="0" /></a></div><div><span style="font-family:arial;">Choose wall shape, type of window or door, and get started.<br /><strong>PROs:</strong> Your choices are (happily) limited to lighting, view, airflow, and complementary design (based on the shape of the intended wall) criteria, so you’ll know what you’re doing, even if you’re not well-versed in window-speak.<br /><strong>CONs:</strong> Although this is a great primer, you’ll still need an architect or contractor to advise you on which products are best for your setup. </span><br /></div><div></div></div><br /><div align="center"><span style="font-family:arial;">So that does it for the design-based tools. Paint tools are different animals, so I’ll talk about them in my next installment. Enjoy! <span style="color:#ff0000;">♥</span>A.</span> <span style="font-family:Arial;"></div></span>Allegra Muzzillohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05125208727318302754noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8644077697696080520.post-30346496821215761942009-01-21T15:24:00.002-05:002009-01-24T18:44:46.157-05:00Busted<div style="MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; TEXT-ALIGN: center"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_K8xgwY5XAZA/SXeEov7oMyI/AAAAAAAAAJg/g4uPynED1rs/s1600-h/Roman+busts+4-25-2009+4-07-58+PM.JPG"><img alt="" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_K8xgwY5XAZA/SXeEov7oMyI/AAAAAAAAAJg/g4uPynED1rs/s320/Roman+busts+4-25-2009+4-07-58+PM.JPG" border="0" /></a> </div><div style="CLEAR: both; TEXT-ALIGN: center"><div style="TEXT-ALIGN: left"><a href="http://picasa.google.com/blogger/" target="ext"></a></div><div style="TEXT-ALIGN: left"><span style="font-family:Arial;">I don’t have an actual entryway in my apartment, so I created this (semi-Roman) vignette for folks to peep once they come in. I think busts are romantic and stately</span><span style="font-family:Arial;font-size:12;">—</span><span style="font-family:Arial;">and there’s no reason they should be relegated to museums. </span><span style="font-family:Arial;">Statue.com, Inc. copies famous sculptures and carries more bust-action than a full c-cup (Hello. <a href="http://www.statue.com/mmstatue/Images/ATST115.JPG">Bob Marley</a> anyone?). Don’t expect to procure a quality marble piece for less than four hundred smackers, though: Think resin or plaster. Both materials look just as good and upkeep isn’t as tricky. For $62, you can get people talking with this 13-inch head of <a href="http://www.statue.com/Itemdesc.asp?CartId=11-EVEREST-015477PBCQG35&ic=TSH31&tpc=&cc=&SR=">Apollo</a> or this regal repro of his twin sister, <a href="http://www.statue.com/Itemdesc.asp?CartId=11-EVEREST-015477PBCQG35&ic=FTL1307&tpc=&cc=&SR=">Artemis</a>. <span style="color:red;">♥</span>A.<?xml:namespace prefix = o /><o:p></o:p></span><span style="font-family:Arial;"> <o:p></o:p></span></div></div>Allegra Muzzillohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05125208727318302754noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8644077697696080520.post-57907346217156423962009-01-20T14:27:00.000-05:002009-01-21T11:44:28.453-05:00Olive Africa<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_K8xgwY5XAZA/SXYn9tWNLjI/AAAAAAAAAI4/L6KOvEkTdro/s1600-h/olivebaskets.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5293462353118834226" style="FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; WIDTH: 200px; HEIGHT: 200px" alt="" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_K8xgwY5XAZA/SXYn9tWNLjI/AAAAAAAAAI4/L6KOvEkTdro/s200/olivebaskets.jpg" border="0" /></a><span style="font-family:arial;"> A prop stylist who works with my artist-friend </span><a style="FONT-FAMILY: arial" href="http://www.addiejuell.com/">Addie</a><span style="font-family:arial;">, once gave me the heads-up on </span><a style="FONT-FAMILY: arial" href="http://www.bamboulaltd.com/dog.php?pid=513&sid=39488116">Bamboula Ltd</a><span style="font-family:arial;">., an import/wholesale business dealing in handcrafted jewelry and home goods crafted by citizens of Ghana, Kenya, Mali, Tanzania and Uganda.</span><br /><br /><span style="font-family:arial;">I’m in love with the fact that everything bought on this site is: A) Made in Africa, by Africans and B) Proceeds from purchases go directly to indigenous artisans and their families to help with food, housing, medical costs, etc.</span><br /><br /><span style="font-family:arial;">This set of three hand-woven sisal nesting baskets were made in Kenya and are listed on the site for $27! Their olive hue is a nice complement to a sterile, white loo in need of a little organic punch. Consider these warm, minimal receptacles as your solution to the messy piles of makeup and brushes currently cluttering your bathroom countertops. </span><span style="COLOR: rgb(255,0,0);font-family:arial;" >♥</span><span style="font-family:arial;">A.Allegra Muzzillohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05125208727318302754noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8644077697696080520.post-20722343622018063862008-02-21T19:57:00.000-05:002009-01-20T13:42:33.063-05:00Window Dressing<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjkLZvDUVBIG7yMsqHMJo-39Q8qIm4rlX8P2aHiQRD_2hKRce7EwHDY_wOqfL4qT7P6gkftEGr1UlEs7JSGIpHo-jTFAzBG9NN55H5WfBYYyY4H6rnf3jgVOiXGVtoeRoW8Q-FLV9-t2OXK/s1600-h/window+adhesive.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5169603487692219218" style="FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; CURSOR: hand" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjkLZvDUVBIG7yMsqHMJo-39Q8qIm4rlX8P2aHiQRD_2hKRce7EwHDY_wOqfL4qT7P6gkftEGr1UlEs7JSGIpHo-jTFAzBG9NN55H5WfBYYyY4H6rnf3jgVOiXGVtoeRoW8Q-FLV9-t2OXK/s200/window+adhesive.jpg" border="0" /></a><span style="font-family:arial;font-size:130%;">Five easy solutions that will ensure you don’t turn a blind eye to your treatments.</span><br /><br /><span style="font-family:arial;">1. At certain times of day, sunlight can be intense: At 4 o’clock, my living room might as well be the Kalahari. Keep the unsightly out of sight—without sacrificing precious rays (and cost-efficient solar heat!). Wealthy Victorian-era homeowners weren’t thinking pure cosmetics when they patterned their plate glass windows. Apply a decorative film to <a href="http://www.2jane.com/detail.aspx?ID=147">imitate their technique </a>without spending a fortune on acid etching. All you need is a little water and voilà: Instant French-bistro simplicity. For extra chic-factor, attach only to the bottom pane.</span><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhbi7HaAq56k1vhXic-ZWUOhRXLOn5tYFAkwWisSsm6CdGfKYSgFcYBF36-IQRyZpWWfcgZdMldd8px7PNzoc3iB1zrGPz1RZSWtClHQNpHH7vmGJ80y41z4MHkpAq0E3TCeR-EBtzAHc6U/s1600-h/kirsch+panels2.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5169603620836205410" style="FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; CURSOR: hand" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhbi7HaAq56k1vhXic-ZWUOhRXLOn5tYFAkwWisSsm6CdGfKYSgFcYBF36-IQRyZpWWfcgZdMldd8px7PNzoc3iB1zrGPz1RZSWtClHQNpHH7vmGJ80y41z4MHkpAq0E3TCeR-EBtzAHc6U/s200/kirsch+panels2.jpg" border="0" /></a><br /><span style="font-family:arial;">2. If you’re surrounded by windows, and you live on a high floor, your privacy requirements may be lax. Some treatments can fall short. No one wants to be momentarily blinded by an errant beam. Install a <a href="http://www.kirsch.com/us/products/mc-7/paneltrac®/">sliding curtain panel system</a></span><span style="font-family:arial;"><a href="http://www.kirsch.com/us/products/mc-7/paneltrac®/"> </a>so you can customize your coverage throughout the day. Separate hanging sections are easily adjusted to desired length and can even be repurposed as airy room dividers.</span><br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg3zL4MZ2_p-UCjKliyfdhfIzswfawbkfSPq1mL7BzghXNvOR6gC1wDmlaRR-M_xCxO4o_TFd_XQhh2XW4bClTf79BucdIPMmW-shnbmhtTJOj28Q3A3BEKl5jGPMEwjHFHHlj1rzwsS1ix/s1600-h/solar+roller+shades.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5169604475534697330" style="FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; CURSOR: hand" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg3zL4MZ2_p-UCjKliyfdhfIzswfawbkfSPq1mL7BzghXNvOR6gC1wDmlaRR-M_xCxO4o_TFd_XQhh2XW4bClTf79BucdIPMmW-shnbmhtTJOj28Q3A3BEKl5jGPMEwjHFHHlj1rzwsS1ix/s200/solar+roller+shades.jpg" border="0" /></a><span style="font-family:arial;">3. Those dust-traps you call Venetians are havens for mites, crack with age, and a real pain to clean (unless you have a black tub and about four hours to spare). <a href="http://www.smithandnoble.com/sn/product_detail.jsp?sch_cat=Roller%20Shades&prod_oid=8109&nav_cat=-18000">Roller shades </a>gently diffuse light, and some even provide UV blockage and reduce heat transfer. </span><span style="font-family:arial;">To splurge, go motorized.</span><br /><br /><br /><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5169605179909333890" style="FLOAT: right; MARGIN: 0px 0px 10px 10px; CURSOR: hand" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhgyQt4AvxRR9Yzo5_XNLVJmD92cVLS_mAaO2BTiM2qtYGQleiCYUyOc6o8CQKBoOLHcnjHxyoKkfe6ne4dphc3siGecblFyyKxU1ysQvhhAoF1MRgzB9ovzD8bO9WqsEr5-nQ56z41jADH/s200/moorish+shades.jpg" border="0" /><br /><br /><span style="font-family:arial;">4. While transparent sheers are ideal in daylight, by nightfall, they can be as revealing as Ms. Janet’s Superbowl XXXVIII snafu. Add drama with <a href="http://www.deliashades.com/moorish2.html">gorgeous coverings </a>that let the light shine in, while providing optimum privacy. These obscure outside-in views perfectly, so you can keep that romantic dinner under wraps.</span><br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh-qzdTpPXd-m0XIaK5B2wlHELRPN9X8Te8e8uHcMLrh7ObIWC1VMKAgWLaAZqs-CqCu4NIuNvWfwjvXkb9wo0VKRKnZkjfTPUDZOtbZ1x_-U02CDGd8E-LWC7cczTl9f0kOnGZoCljAWfD/s1600-h/hanging+vase.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5169605854219199378" style="FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; CURSOR: hand" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh-qzdTpPXd-m0XIaK5B2wlHELRPN9X8Te8e8uHcMLrh7ObIWC1VMKAgWLaAZqs-CqCu4NIuNvWfwjvXkb9wo0VKRKnZkjfTPUDZOtbZ1x_-U02CDGd8E-LWC7cczTl9f0kOnGZoCljAWfD/s200/hanging+vase.jpg" border="0" /></a><span style="font-family:arial;">5. Maybe you like what you’ve got, or you just spent a ton of cash on improvements. Take it just a small (affordable) step further with accessories. Flowers break up design monotony, provide a perfect dose of color and whimsy, and are a great way to bring in your favorite hues. Hook up a <a href="http://www.cb2.com/">hanging vase </a>and knock that stale glass/table rule on its ear. <span style="color:#ff0000;">♥</span>A.<br /><br /></span><span style="font-family:arial;"></span>Allegra Muzzillohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05125208727318302754noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8644077697696080520.post-91565358564766863382008-02-20T19:37:00.000-05:002009-01-21T12:25:04.496-05:00Real Simplicity<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhphK_PMBdoE4Kyp7Z8Y8RpMYv4QRaak5D-EXVpNlM6UC8qdRxZm4gCrWOVKinG8as7QhxvpHXu6iZ9bba7tgbqc1QzygmsLraVxI2ckTGmEfFOd_jui7xB5A2ykPSuvYu_tJ66pQP6mH8D/s1600-h/muji+speakers.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5169226720276112146" style="FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhphK_PMBdoE4Kyp7Z8Y8RpMYv4QRaak5D-EXVpNlM6UC8qdRxZm4gCrWOVKinG8as7QhxvpHXu6iZ9bba7tgbqc1QzygmsLraVxI2ckTGmEfFOd_jui7xB5A2ykPSuvYu_tJ66pQP6mH8D/s200/muji+speakers.jpg" border="0" /></a><span style="font-family:arial;">I’m a huge fan of the <a href="http://www.momastore.org/museum/moma/StoreCatalogDisplay_-1_10001_10451_">MoMA Design Store</a>. Since I live here in NYC, it’s one of my favorite places to window shop. This specialty shop is a designer’s dream, with emphasis on style and functionality. Its offerings are either absolutely off-the-wall-wild or super-nondescript. Some products make life easier, and some simply make it prettier.</span><br /><div><span style="font-family:arial;"></span></div><div><span style="font-family:arial;">Occasionally, I find something that's within my budget, and I think, ‘<em>Wait. Shouldn’t this cost more?</em>’ A few years ago, MoMA introduced me to <a href="http://www.muji.com/">MUJI</a>—and I’ve been head-over-heels for this low-cost, high-quality Japanese brand ever since. You’ll recognize its wares by refreshingly simple packaging, bearing only price and product-related (non-English!) info.</span> <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhQ1i2BCXmCXR1RSTcfnOJJ8RIEMISYMcONHwxH6IKUz9ozZaAUYRgCVQoHXN8HEeRymCen_6oTZAWYu0UnN-xYJTDAHgd2HPbeJDpVvA2xHdTt3bojqujwWlApirqf9xKvujYWsg2Gnust/s1600-h/muji+pencils+chrome.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5169226819060359970" style="FLOAT: right; MARGIN: 0px 0px 10px 10px" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhQ1i2BCXmCXR1RSTcfnOJJ8RIEMISYMcONHwxH6IKUz9ozZaAUYRgCVQoHXN8HEeRymCen_6oTZAWYu0UnN-xYJTDAHgd2HPbeJDpVvA2xHdTt3bojqujwWlApirqf9xKvujYWsg2Gnust/s200/muji+pencils+chrome.jpg" border="0" /></a></div><br /><span style="font-family:arial;">Goods range from unadorned storage solutions and lifestyle merchandise like these modest little DIY <a href="http://www.momastore.org/museum/moma/ProductDisplay_Cardboard%20Speakers_10451_10001_16442_-1_11627_11455_null_shop_">cardboard speakers</a> ($42/set of two) to smooth work offerings like chunky, refillable <a href="http://www.momastore.org/museum/moma/ProductDisplay_Aluminum%20Mechanical%20Pencil_10451_10001_36383_-1_11627_11458_null_shop_">mechanical pencils </a>($14 each) and an unassuming <a href="http://www.momastore.org/museum/moma/ProductDisplay_Aluminum%20Business%20Card%20Case_10451_10001_12349_-1_11627_11458_null_shop_">business card case </a>($5.50).<br /><br /><br /></span><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi8XHaqNkD3vNy4-OLiUpBIUQMPYTmiRLCYXavQqNoqq6BnpAG_otw2doojavP_bj1QgEHoQPGna4PzmjCsfO1xPWFqUp0unl3JjRb7y5TcWqShA0PfJA3M_XqkpTAyreRNMPTHSwPzQ3vZ/s1600-h/muji+business+card+holder.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5169227252852056882" style="FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi8XHaqNkD3vNy4-OLiUpBIUQMPYTmiRLCYXavQqNoqq6BnpAG_otw2doojavP_bj1QgEHoQPGna4PzmjCsfO1xPWFqUp0unl3JjRb7y5TcWqShA0PfJA3M_XqkpTAyreRNMPTHSwPzQ3vZ/s200/muji+business+card+holder.jpg" border="0" /></a><span style="font-family:arial;">I took a trip to Africa back in 2001, and these <a href="http://www.momastore.org/museum/moma/ProductDisplay_Sketchbook_10451_10001_19411_-1_11627_11458_null__">sketchbooks </a>(from $5 each) are finally giving my shots the lovely, unfussy home they deserve. Although it recently opened a stateside outpost in SoHo, with a wider selection of goods, its e-commerce capabilities aren’t yet up</span><span style="font-family:arial;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhgeF4sBJ9ziRmhBnTHalkAAqjb8AW42DmTA8Zsi-Y_wP8dVPy8CUiZOBRVHUmKLKwb6WnkRfONNRbNrh5DZ8q-MKhOTvvgRIeKb2PcEe5gxL75iHowLHSh_an1BdpdEBU_TVssEIRwFF2L/s1600-h/muji+scrapbooks.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5169227570679636802" style="FLOAT: right; MARGIN: 0px 0px 10px 10px; WIDTH: 200px; HEIGHT: 170px" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhgeF4sBJ9ziRmhBnTHalkAAqjb8AW42DmTA8Zsi-Y_wP8dVPy8CUiZOBRVHUmKLKwb6WnkRfONNRbNrh5DZ8q-MKhOTvvgRIeKb2PcEe5gxL75iHowLHSh_an1BdpdEBU_TVssEIRwFF2L/s200/muji+scrapbooks.jpg" border="0" /></a></span><span style="font-family:arial;"> and running. Fingers crossed, this will happen soon. I’m waiting…</span> <span style="font-family:arial;"><span style="COLOR: rgb(255,0,0)">♥</span>A.<br /></span><br /><br /><div></div><br /><br /><br /><br /><div></div><br /><br /><br /><br /><div></div>Allegra Muzzillohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05125208727318302754noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8644077697696080520.post-12554145104049592182008-02-19T07:13:00.000-05:002009-01-20T14:58:26.104-05:00Pocket Change<img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5168680301651813074" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" height="111" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgSm0AU2tYx2fHOpMZ5-tnH1lWrUazQ_dOzrThXsfbG2ddtFaSUBHNgmpLodb23rMSJsxkEVFI_LSEdWd_DD5lE79hZu9X0fg93dXd4_h0fLEp72twMjkl1cHO38pnba9qEM7RCD6rn475c/s320/logo+ideal+bite.gif" width="300" border="0" /><span style="font-family:arial;font-size:100%;">I consider myself to be a responsible consumer. But sometimes there just aren’t enough days in the week to do my laundry, let alone make a dent in global warming. Sure, I recycle. But there’s so much more to it, right? How could I, alone, ever make a difference?</span><span style="font-family:arial;"><br /><span style="font-size:100%;"><br /></span><div style="TEXT-ALIGN: left"><span style="font-family:arial;"><div><span style="font-family:arial;font-size:100%;">As if swooping down like an earth-friendly angel, <a href="http://www.idealbite.com/">Ideal Bite </a>suddenly appeared in my inbox. Co-founded by two "eco-preneurs," the Bite publishes a new morsel every day, served up in one tiny, easily digestible, green-living mouthful. Chew on <a href="http://www.idealbite.com/tiplibrary/today">tips</a>, bits of <a href="http://www.idealbite.com/tiplibrary/archives/a_biters_guide_to_the_feng_shui_method/">inspiration</a>, and <a href="http://www.idealbite.com/tiplibrary/archives/paint-nothing-to-sniff-at-home-improvement-week/?welcome=homepage">product recommendations</a>. </span></span><span style="font-family:arial;"><span style="font-size:100%;">Small changes really do add up! </span><span style="COLOR: rgb(255,0,0)">♥</span>A.</span></div></div><br /></span><span style="font-family:arial;"></span>Allegra Muzzillohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05125208727318302754noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8644077697696080520.post-80935740424082605852008-02-18T18:35:00.000-05:002009-01-20T15:36:51.742-05:00Rack 'em Up<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhicF962bqHYMxtHhLm5Mm9g8H5FdVmPIS7i-Vpek8nDz-USTkkHDg5SVfBwlsfQ0mDhgIOpmnbvK2lvVrZMlhaiaj4fzMtrYfwzrJC36Voz_6cPaHUhHj6jnRnAvrjiFK4EZbvHGbWpt-q/s1600-h/magazine+rack.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5168468143152292530" style="margin: 0px 10px 10px 0px; float: left;" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhicF962bqHYMxtHhLm5Mm9g8H5FdVmPIS7i-Vpek8nDz-USTkkHDg5SVfBwlsfQ0mDhgIOpmnbvK2lvVrZMlhaiaj4fzMtrYfwzrJC36Voz_6cPaHUhHj6jnRnAvrjiFK4EZbvHGbWpt-q/s320/magazine+rack.jpg" border="0" /></a><span style="font-family:arial;">It’s official. As soon as I finish posting, I’m ordering <a href="http://www.blomus.com/">Blomus' </a>slice of organizational heaven ($50). Clean lines, style, and affordability make this something I seriously can’t live without it. (I horde a ridiculous amount of magazines.) A simplistic, clean design means you can pretty much put it any room and it would still be unobtrusive. I’ll be putting mine next to my nightstand, hopefully as a reminder to start getting through that pile. <span style="color: rgb(255, 0, 0);">♥</span>A.<br /></span><div><span style="font-family:arial;"></span></div><div><span style="font-family:Arial;"></span></div><div><span style="font-family:arial;"><span style="font-size:85%;">P.S. Visit </span><a href="http://www.organizeit.com/poblomusmagrack.asp"><span style="font-size:85%;">OrganizeIt.com </span></a><span style="font-size:85%;">to order. (I love this place!)</span></span></div>Allegra Muzzillohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05125208727318302754noreply@blogger.com0