A little quiz

I found this awesome collection of upholstered beds in LivingEtc., and thought it might make a fun and interesting quiz.

A.

B.

C.

D.

E.

F.

G.

H.

I.

J.

K.

L.

M.

N.

I think my vote would go for K. Dark and Handsome. You??

Cool and easy things to do with wallpaper other than covering the walls

For better or worse, it seems like the wallpaper trend is going to be sticking around for awhile. Luckily, there are some VERY stunning wallpapers out there. Unfortunately, the thought of hanging wallpaper in an entire room and paying for multiple rolls doesn't exactly thrill me. But these projects from Do It Yourself Magazine won't take too long to accomplish, and you can choose the prettiest wallpaper you can find because the small amounts you'll use won't break the bank!

This is probably my favorite - so pretty!




Great way to decorate if you don't have the money for art


Do any of these catch your fancy?

Go to Do It Yourself Magazine for how-to's.

Pretty curtains, pretty interiors, and a ethical company!

I was recently introduced to The Natural Curtain Company, and boy am I glad. Their site is really well done, and the styling is gorgeous.


Dreamy dining space - I love the vertical striped blinds - so airy

The curtain behind the bed is a nice idea - I still can't settle on a headboard idea - but this might work.

Sheer whites are my fav.



The way these curtains filter the light is so pretty!


Not only are these curtains lovely, the company earned accreditation from the Ethical Company Organisation which produces the Ethical Shopping Guide.

"Fabrics
The Natural Curtain Company has a careful sourcing process and uses 100% natural fabrics wherever possible. We believe that as well as being inherently more attractive, natural fabrics are ethically superior to synthetic alternatives.

Energy Conservation
Fitting a good pair of curtains is the simplest way to reduce your energy consumption. As well as offering thick, warm and interlined curtains, we also offer a thermal insulating lining which insulates your home instead of heating your neighbourhood. We also offer thermal blinds that reduce your energy consumption and carbon footprint.

The Environment
The Natural Curtain Company is environmentally aware and we strive to implement and improve measures to minimise our environmental impact, from recycling office waste to improving packaging and transport systems.

People
We really value our employees and the contribution they make to the company and to its success. We provide good working conditions and pay and, as far as possible, make sure our suppliers have the same values.

The Customer is King
Contrary to how many companies still do business, we understand that the customer pays our wages and therefore deserves our attention if there’s any kind of problem – without sitting on hold for a long time. In the event of a query or problem, we will do our very best to try to troubleshoot or remedy the situation."


They even have a really great online guide for properly measuring your windows.

A house tour from me!

Last year I conducted a house tour for Apartment Therapy. By lucky coincidence I went to pick up a desk I found on craigslist from the very congenial Leona and Kay, and I was instantly struck by the clean design of their top floor, Park Slope apartment. Around the same time, I was asked to conduct a house tour for Apartment Therapy. I instantly thought of their home, and they were kind enough to allow me to present it. Nice place isn't it?

Their apartment had great light!


This shower curtain was a hit - they acquired it at a local hardware store





This 50's dinette set is their prized possession

The headboard is actually an inexpensive Ikea mattress!






A day bed for guests. The curtain behind it acts as camouflage for storage



These sliding screens from Ikea make for pretty closet doors




Here was my original post:
I was shocked when Kay and Leona told me they had moved into their beautiful top-floor apartment only a month ago. They've hung art, curtains as partitions, and even come up with an attractive and functional closet system. The couple's furniture and décor comes from a wide variety of sources, such as flea markets, antique stores, Ikea, Art de vivre in France, Christie's, and Lumas. I was really impressed when they revealed that the headboard for the bed is actually an Ikea mattress. I thought it was a real upholstered headboard! The apartment has a surprising loft-like feel, as they've chosen to embrace a more open layout, including using what most would consider the bedroom as a living room, and the living room as a bedroom. They spend the most time in the living room, so they designated the larger room with better light to serve the purpose. Kay and Leona also enjoy the almost exclusive (nobody else ventures up there) rooftop with a great view of the Statue of Liberty!

Their survey for Apartment Therapy:

Your Style?

Although we like modern design, we wanted to give this brown stone (pre-renovation) apartment a special touch and combined modern and vintage elements. Because our lease is limited to one year, we couldn't structurally change anything in the apartment.

Favorite Element?

The open bedroom with fireplace, the kitchen that opens to the dining room. The almost exclusive rooftop.

Biggest Challenge?

The open bedroom without a door to the dining room and the lack of storage / closet space.

What do friends say?

Love it

Biggest Embarrassment?

He: The old IKEA sofa and the cheap lamps;
She: the 1995 Baywatch centerfold in the office

Proudest DIY?

The classy (we think) but inexpensive and easily removable walk-in closet.

Biggest Indulgence?

The art (photo art mainly). We love our custom-made walnut dining table from France, which combines a modern shape and warm wood color combined with chairs from the mid 19th century. And the 50ies modernist bar and all the photo art for the walls that is yet to come

Dream Source?

Christie's (they actually have very interesting stuff at their furniture auctions)

Furniture: Custom made dining table from Art de vivre with 19th century chairs
50ies Formica diner table and chairs for the kitchen
Chest of drawers, daybed and sofa from IKEA
Walk in closet a combination of Home depot & IKEA
Vintage and antique furniture shops in Brooklyn
Glassware and chandeliers from flea markets
Beds: Standard spring box and mattress with a twin mattress (our guest mattress) used as a headboard
Artwork: several galleries, Lumas

via Apartment Therapy via ashleywhitedesign.com -- me ;)