Friday Buy Day 5.8.15

Looking forward to another fantastic weekend, and thought we'd bring you some picks for your home this week.  Whether a cool new rug or an awesome new piece of art, both have the ability to make a huge impact in your space while neither are required to make a large impression on your credit card statement.  We're bringing you special pieces at ordinary prices:

Love this sexy piece of art by Oliver Gal.  The gold is a little more modern than a traditional red or pink, and makes it perfect for a living room or a bedroom.  Picture it hung above a mid-century dresser, or greeting you in the entry over a lucite console next to a vintage lamp.  It's bold...yet it's limited color-palette makes it a really versatile piece to add to your collection.  At $189 (from $356) it is a great price for a timeless, yet sassy symbol.

Next up: Moroccan leather poufs.  I'm sure you've seen these in a variety of stores, magazines and online...and for good reason.  They are a really easy way to pack a punch without draining your bank account.  These come in every color of the rainbow (and more) and look great nestled in front a fireplace for extra seating, or tucked under a kid's play table.  They're fun, easy to style and can be moved to the family room if you get sick of them in your bedroom.

Ah Mah Gawd!  How great is this rug?  Such a great rug at such a low price ($199 for 8x10..YES!) In fact, we were tempted to keep this as a personal secret but our dedication to bringing you the best stuff at the best prices prevailed!  Picture this in a home office with a brass desk, vintage chair and couple of those poufs we just mentioned.  Or it would look great in a serene master bedroom with creamy white bedding, a macrame wall hanging and a Mongolian fur bench. Monochromatic bedrooms are so soothing. 

It's mid-century. It's modern.  It's white (also comes in black...both are on-point).  It's brass.  It's perfection in a table/task lamp.  Instantly refreshes a side table or console table.  Would look fantastic flanking your bed, or add it to your desk for a chic work table accessory.  At barely over $150, this is a fantastic addition to virtually any surface!

 

We hope you enjoyed this week's Friday Buy Day!  Have a great weekend!

The Intimidation of an Art Collection

Most people would agree that buying art is really personal....that you should buy art you love. But where do you find art you love? And how do you incorporate into your space? Without an art dealer and a trust fund, can you find art that is meaningful and engaging?  Where do you buy original art on a budget? How much art do you need to make your space feel finished/complete?

Although there is no fail safe formula for buying cool and interesting pieces, we can recommend some inspiration and tips that work for us. 

First of all, art is not optional:). Having no art in your home is like getting fully dressed without doing your hair. It is not recommended. That being said, you certainly don't have to have a trust fund to purchase pieces that you love and that make your home feel complete. 

Often times when we are designing a room, Shannon and I will choose larger furniture pieces in more neutral colors (greys, taupes, creams) so that our clients have the option to change pillows and textiles throughout the year as a way to easily transform the space for a minimal cost (Holidays, Spring, Summer).  A bold piece of art can act as a compass for color and direction.

 

Helen Frankenthaler

Helen Frankenthaler

 

For orginal art, Shannon and I tend to be most attracted to more modern, abstract pieces.  A few of our favorite artisits are: Jenny Prinn, Helen Frankenthaler, Jenny Andrews Anderson, Susie Betten Hausen and Staci Cross (pricing ranges from $600-$5000).  Their work is vibrant, energetic, bold and colorful.

 

Fool's Gold by Susie Betten Hausen

Fool's Gold by Susie Betten Hausen

 

For photography, we love the work of Gray Malin and Christian Chaise for cool beach moments, and we love Slim Aarons for sexy, sceney shots that evoke life in a different time or place.  A different time or place we'd like to be... sunbathing on the Amalfi Coast anyone?

For cool up and coming artists, check out www.20x200.com  They have a wide variety of featured artists and depending on the size of the work, you can get prints from as low as $60.  

 

And lastly, don't forget about your children.  And not just for your mudroom, or your refridgerator door.  There is nothing cooler than a true original from the 2-3 year old abstract artist that lives with you...and the price can't be beat either.  Have it framed in a chic frame and add it to your collection for a well-rounded and meaningful addition to your evolving art collection.

Whether a flea market find, or a piece you've had your eye on for awhile...the most important step in starting your collection IS starting your collection.  It is a process, a discovery, an education.  When you begin your search, you will find pieces that touch you or are simply beautiful.  From there, your inclination and taste will evolve.  If you buy things (or frame things from your children) that you love, you will always find a place for them in your home.