Poor Nate Berkus

I'm sure Nate Berkus is having a rough time of it these days: cancelled show, no Oprah appearances;) So, in an effort to boost his spirits, I made my way 4 blocks to my nearest Target store and bought a couple (well, maybe a little more than a couple) of his items.
I have always been drawn to Nate's design style: clean, simple, but elegant and timeless-many of the same goals that I have when decorating. It was no surprise that his Target line introduces his same aesthetic in the form of accessories, lamps, bath, and bedding.

Here are a few of the things that I particularly enjoyed (and also might add, were basically all that were left on the shelves to choose from):

 

 

I have loved this Chevron patterned urn ever since I caught glimpse of it in an ad. It actually comes in 2 sizes: this larger one and cute smaller version, but I just found out that the larger size is no longer available for purchase. Glad I grabbed it when I did! I'm a sucker for anything gold and deco and these gold vases are the perfect accent piece for shelves. Again, they come in two sizes, and of course, I had to buy both :) The bone photo frame is gorgeous in the graphic pattern and again, complements the other items nicely. Basically, all of his pieces are made to coexist with each other on the same shelf or from room to room.  The black faux leather box above is also awesome. I got it to store remotes on the coffee table.

 

I also purchased some of his towels and washcloths. I was mostly loving the pattern and color, but neglected to see that the quality isn't what I would normally purchase. Oh well, the tags were off and I couldn't return them, so they are here to say. After a couple of washings thus far, they are actually holding up very well. My favorite is the ikat pattern:

I added this caramel color to coordinate:

This rug looks great as well with the towels.

 

Yikes! I bought more than I realized!

 

 
 

Now then, I do have to say that I returned some lamps. Again, I loved the look: stingray and chrome.  Unfortunately, I got them home and realized that the quality wasn't that great. They are super lightweight and topple easily. The lamps are also smaller scale than will work on most end tables. They felt a little light and "cardboardy" to me. 

 

So, all of that being said, I know that you are paying for his name on the products, but also, his level of taste. It's wonderful that beautiful pieces can be accessible to the mass public and at affordable prices. So far, nothing can be ordered online, but check with your store first, because most of the pieces sell out quickly. Overall, I say, "Bravo, Nate!" Now take all of your money made from Target and have a nice vacation.

 

'Till Next Time...

Ca-razy for Chevron!

Unless you've had your eyes closed for the past few years, you have undoubtedly noticed a pattern that is back with a vengeance: Chevron. Maybe you didn't know it's "official" name, but I know you've seen it. It's classic and simplistic inverted arrow has resurfaced on clothing, walls, floors, and furniture. I feel it works with today's styles so well because it's fresh and modern, while giving instant pattern to a room. By simply throwing down a rug or hanging some drapes, you can have a mod room that's very current. I will say that it's almost too prevalent at this point. Don't get me wrong, I love it too, but it seems to be the go-to design for designers and I almost wish that we could all find a suitable replacement or addition to the graphic family. Nevertheless, here are some designs where the Chevron pattern takes center stage and as usual, steals the show:

Jonathan Adler Dining Room

Same pattern made with salvaged wood

Patriotic Chevron dress

Even tile!

 

If you too are now a Chevron addict, West Elm has a great rug (named by them as the "zig zag"rug)

that is also affordable, and should fix you right up!

 

 

Happy Designing!

 

The Ease of the Folding Screen

It’s time for another installment of one of my favorite things. Items under this label are stylish and easy to incorporate into your homes while, at the same time, making a big impact.
Today, I want to share some thoughts on folding screens. Of course, these have been around forever, but the options for folding screens are endless these days. First, let me tell you why I love them. Folding screens can instantly give a room a focal point, hide unsightly views, visually divide an open space, add a bit of architecture, can create a headboard for your bed, and most importantly, set up in a minute!

I have found that another great use for screens or room dividers is to separate the entrance way into a large room; sort of giving you an instant foyer. A lot of homes have you walking right into the living room, and I personally, prefer a little buffer between my living space and the front door. Pop up a screen there and maybe add a plant in front of it to differentiate between your entryway and the living room.

Folding screens come in countless varieties. If you’re a DIYer, you might choose homemade ones with simple solid pieces of wood, or for a casual look, simply hinge three large house shutters together. Here is a how-to courtesy of This Old House:

Of course, screens are also available in rich finishes and exotic woods, but you don’t have to spend a lot to achieve the same look.

Folding screens come in all shapes, sizes and prices, so there is definitely one out there in your budget and style.

Let me first talk about some more ideas for inexpensive folding screens. Again, they will all be hinged with simple hinges with at least 3 panels each. Here are some objects that will make great folding screens:

Hollow core doors (or paneled closet doors), house shutters, reclaimed wood, lattice, fabric panels stretched across a simple wood frame, large mirrors, large wooden windows…well, you get the idea. Basically, anything that is somewhat sturdy, is tall enough for your use, and can be hinged, will work! If you’re artistic (and I just KNOW that you are) you can paint a mural, stencil, etc, on the screen for an even more custom look.

Now, if you’re in a hurry or just not feeling that crafty, just buy yourself one already made. Again, folding screens come in all shapes, sizes and prices, so there is definitely one out there in your budget and style. There are even "screens" made of dried branches and plants. They don't hide very much, but visually, are beautiful.

Elle Décor recently did a spread on the "Top 10" favorite folding screens. Here are some images from that feature:

So look around and see if there is an area in your home that needs some pizazz or something that just needs to be hidden.  Either way, a folding screen will be your best friend.

'Till Next Time....

My New Favorite Thing: Ceramic Accent Table/Garden Stool

I'm starting a new feature where I simply list some of my favorite finds as I'm out and about, so I wanted to start with something that is so simple yet functional and sophisticated:

the ceramic accent table/garden stool. 

Many of you might have seen these already as they are beginning to pop up in Target and other department stores. I first found them when I was researching tables for my HGTV redesign in LA.

I LOVE them!

They come in many colors and styles, but most of them that you will find are around the same height which is around 18-20 inches. They are perfect beside or between a chair(s) as a place to lay a book or remote,

look beautiful when grouped in pairs in your bathroom, sunroom, living room, etc., and here's the best part: you can even use them on your patio or porch (which was their intended design purpose).

Here some of my favorites:

This is from the Jeff Lewis Collection (yep the guy from Bravo's "Flipping Out") and is on clearance at QVC.com for only $49!

                                           From West Elm

I apologize for the quality of this image, but this is an actual Chinese antique garden stool on Neiman Marcus' site that is 120-150 years old and is selling for $760! Whew!

Ok, now below is one that I found while designing a room and it was from Burlington Coat Factory for only $48! Hard to tell the difference!!

Here is the stool in the house. The owner decided to add

some decorative twigs to the inserts in the top.

                                $29 from Seventhavenue.com

                        Beautiful chrome version for a modern edge:

$261 at lightingdesignexperts.com

So you get the idea. Pick up one of these versatile stools/accent tables

and I promise you that you will find a dozen places where you can use it!

Until next time...