Re-Examine Nuevo

Nuevo Living Modern Furniture, Contemporary Furniture, Cerebro Pendant

Nuevo was one of the first brands that kept popping up when I realized I really loved modern design. Of course, it's been called "modern for the masses," but I can't afford a $4,000 lamp. The Cerebro is sort of passe, but I keep going back to it in my quest for matching super-sweet pendant lamps for our bedroom. I need unique, but not weird. Any suggestions?

Ferm Living - Pine Tea Towel

Ferm Living - Pine Tea Towel

Talk about a kitchen towel you never want to use. You put it out when guests come over then smack them when they use it.

Greener Grass Design Finds

RONNI KAPPOS EARRINGS- AQUA ELLIPSE WITH RED AND 24K DETAIL

Pretty pretty. Greener Grass Designs is slightly overwhelming when you land on the site, but I got over the so-many-images-at-once feeling fairly quickly, with much help from the visual interest of their items.


CHRONICLE BASKET
Yummy organic-ness. Maybe a little too gritty for a centerpiece, but I'm getting one to put rolled handtowels in for the bathroom. Yes?






WALNUT WOOD TAPE CUTTER
Super. Walnut makes me warm, even when there's a blade on one side. And check out the pretty tape they sell on the site too (in the office and stationery section). Who knew tape could be design-centric?

Modernize and De-tackify Your Holiday Decor

'Tis the season to be horrified at the cheap and tacky decorations people put on their tables, mantles, mailboxes, roofs, and wherever else they can think of. However, have no fear: it's 2010 and there are alternatives to tinsel and ceramic carolers. Hopefully these images provide ideas that both appeal to polished tastes and suit most budgets.


I'm a fan of wreaths with a modern or contemporary twist, especially those that embrace a more organic theme like feathers and polished magnolia leaves and berries (not red!), and the pebble-like spheres in the all-white montage.


I realize the lights below are not specific to holiday decorating only, but it is a way to brighten up or freshen your living area and make it a bit more cheerful this time of year. I am digging this grouping of acrylic globe pendants so much that I think I will have to replicate it in my living room. Do we think white ribbon-like cords or thin, straight brushed-metal hangings?

And while nutcrackers are a classic Christmas motif, they're not so...well, classy. West Elm has these nutcracker platters, and I appreciate the simple notion of placing them against the wall as opposed to using in food service.


Any craft ideas for do-it-yourselfers are appreciated. Feel free to post pictures and instructions of any modern decor you've done, and inspire others to do the same. Happy shopping, hustling and bustling everyone!

LAX Series Floating Wall Shelf by MASH Studios at Smart Furniture

It seems like every time I land on a piece of modern furniture or decor I really like, my landing page is within smartfurniture.com. And then I know I can't afford it.
My most recent object of craving is a floating shelf by LAX, made of walnut and powder-coated aluminum. Sounds crazy but looks wonderful, and even better after reading the description:

"The materials that go into every LAX Series piece are meticulously selected for their quality and positive environmental impact. Each piece of furniture is made of solid English Walnut, free of formaldehyde glue and other toxins.
By using an engineered wood, the LAX Series is able to maximize the yield from each tree and virtually eliminate waste. All of the pieces are sealed with a natural oil finish made from linseed oil that is VOC-free and solvent free.
The aluminum sliding doors, an integral part of the LAX series design, are all made of 100 percent recyclable, powder-coated aluminum. "

LAX Series Floating Wall Shelf by MASH Studios at Smart Furniture

instant wall makeover, paint-free

I happened upon a great design site while looking for wall decals. I was sorely disappointed with the selection online until I landed on Blik Wall Decals, housing collections of graphics from different artists and studios. Kudos for remaining unique, and for having awesome kids stuff.

This image is the Cyclamen wall decal by Ilan Dei. So pretty, so cool in its simplicity. I also love his Anise design.

And--just because I can't help it--I have to include my favorite graphics for kids, too. On the left, "Cloud" by Christy Flora. And below, "Wee Gallery Jungle" (Re-Stik) by Wee Gallery.

making new from old-ish

I have had my eye on this media cabinet for a while but was unsure what use it could have with the shiny honey color and tradtional lines I dislike. (You can see the old finish on the inside side panel, compared to the front edges that have been sanded already.) It was well-made though, so I want to refurbish it and make it more contemporary instead of carting it off.

I decided to sand the finish off and then refinish it by painting and antiqueing, staining or whatever struck my fancy. My S.O. was convinced I needed to strip it, but as usual I pressed ahead with my original idea even though he is much more knowledgeable about these things. By the way, if you attempt a similar project, use course-grain sandpaper if the wood has a varnish or slick finish. I discovered this much later than I would have preferred. Here are my results after a few hours of sanding with a hand-sander:

As soon as I finished the cabinet doors, though, I really liked the natural look showing through and decided against painting it. I sanded the edges down well and left a bit of stain showing on the surfaces that don't take as much of a beating, similar to the creative process of antiquing furniture.

To be continued...when the rain lets up.