Domestically Inclined: Philadelphia Nests

Year-Round Valentine's Day

2007-02-13T16:06:00.000-05:00

I've been struggling for the right words for Valentine's Day decorating, but am in a bit of a sugar cookie-induced haze. I had a speaking engagement today, and the lovely audience thanked me with a big tray of sugar cookies with inch-thick icing. I can barely move, much less form a coherant thought.

Instead of pontificating, here is a breakdown of some things that COULD be considered Valentine's Day specific, but are actually sold year-round. Therefore, you don't have to feel self-conscious displaying these wonderful things past Feb. 14th.

The Max Litterbox by Cats Rule, at Petco. I saw this over the weekend and really couldn't stop thinking about how this company managed to make a cat toilet so lovely and whimsical. See website for store locations.

The Fleur-de-lys drinking glass at Anthropologie (Rittenhouse Square) transforms simple tap water in to ambrosia. All for $8 a pop. I've been meaning to buy a set of these for a while, but have previously been put off by the somewhat hard edges and the teeming mass of humanity that descends on the store on Saturdays, my preferred shopping day. But someday, these will be mine.

But nothing says romance quite like this sexy tiger rug. All kidding aside, a tiger rug is great for breaking up the monotony of both your marriage and a monochromatic decorating scheme. Really. Everybody becomes much more interesting when a sassy rug is in a room. Head straight to Matthew Izzo to buy one.

Green with Envy: Go MIO

2007-02-08T19:55:00.000-05:00

February is bringing about a ton of stories about eco-friendly home design. Natural Home magazine announced that they are building the first ever "green home" in NYC (converting a 90-year-old brownstone in Brooklyn--my late grandmother, who grew up in Brooklyn, would be amused), the Inquirer lead their Home & Design coverage with a story on putting sod on one's roof, while the New York Times is advocating dirt flooring. Did I mention that House and Garden magazine dedicated their February issue to eco-design?

The surge of coverage both highlights the obvious appeal of eco-friendly design (efficient energy bills, decent design quality and general good karma), but doesn't tend to be forthright about the downfalls (products can be prohibatively expensive, time consuming and, in the case of dirt flooring, requires a bit of education before a homeowner is okay with the idea).

Yes, we want to reduce the environmental impacts of our lifestyle without sacrificing style, but generally the costs scare us off. BusinessWeek summed this up nicely. If faced with deciding to purchase a snazzy new granite countertop versus a very efficient furnace, most of us will pick the countertop.

Eco-friendly MIO Culture, based here in Philadelphia, has a bunch of home decor stuff that is a more realistic alternative to sodding up the roofs and floors. As said before, I'm primarily a big fan of their 3-D wallpaper, specifically for long-ignored entry hallways. But the company earns points for their design consideration, but also for addressing affordability.

Noted: The Fancier Side of MGBW

2007-01-30T10:27:00.000-05:00

So I was browsing through the headlines this morning when I saw that Mitchell Gold Bob Williams is in the midst of their sample sale (get their quick, because it ends on Thursday). It's not a huge discount--basically, buy three reduced items, get another 10% off.

I was more preoccupied with the new spring stock at MGBW, which includes this fancy chest of drawers (left). MGBW designs generally had a more pared down aesthetic, so it's surprising to see more romantic forms that you'd normally see at retailers like anthropologie. Really, you should take a look.

Thoughts: Does this mean that the so-called "modern" look is pretty much over and done with, or are we heading in to a more juxtaposed aesthetic?

Photo from mitchellgold.com

Adventures in Craigslist Furniture Ads

2007-01-18T21:57:00.000-05:00

In the spirit of yesterday's guide to furnishing your first home on the cheap (without loss of style or comfort), I've plunged in to the world of the Philadelphia section of Craigslist to dig up some examples.

Here are this week's great finds, along with tips on updating.

1. 1890's Sofa Table. This sofa table is a (relative) bargain at $125, looks very sturdy and could be used as a makeshift dining area, bed stand or side table. The leather upholstery (on the table top) seems to be well-weathered and doesn't require any updating. The finish itself isn't terrible, but I would personally spray paint the entire piece in a cream color. Maybe robin's egg blue. As you can see, the beauty of the piece is in the shape of the legs and the general proportion. A solid paint color will highlight those aspects.

2. Chaise Lounge, $375 A bit pricey for our general purposes (furnishing a home for not a lot of money), but not so bad when you consider that Baker is selling a similar one for $2,000+. I personally find chaise lounges to be entirely necessary to my very being, so if I were so inclined, I'd buy this, then re-upholster in a turquoise or raspberry linen, then painting over the wood in gold, white or black (if with raspberry).

3. 1950's Blonde Oak Dresser, $65 Slightly hotel-esque, but sand down that oily sheen, replace the knobs and paint really any color you wish. I'd advise spray paint specifically made for furniture, available at Home Depot/Lowe's. Could also be used as a sideboard.

Starting Out: How to Furnish Your Home, Cheaply and Stylishly

2007-01-17T22:06:00.000-05:00

I'm always hesitant to pick up any of the effusive books/magazine articles that promise to let you in on the secrets to decorating your home cheaply and stylishly. Why? Because the tips are usually ridiculous--written by the sort of person who finds bliss in suggesting $300 towels, are far craftier than the general population (Make a lamp out of an old vodka bottle!) or are putting cheapness at a higher priority over quality.

It IS possible to furnish your home on a slight budget without sacrificing quality, style or even comfort. I know because I've managed to do it over the course of a year and a half, right down to the collection of 14 platinum-edged porcelain dinner plates ($3.50-$7.99 a piece) that I bought last week.

So get your piggy banks, here are the secrets to charm on the cheap, even if you're just starting out in your own hovel of an apartment:

1. Develop an eye for quality and style. Browse the high-end magazines for furniture ads or general setting photos. You're not doing this to follow trends, you're just honing your ability to spot high quality and expensive-looking styles. If you study, you'll be able to go to most secondhand stores (read: not vintage, not overpriced nonsense) and come out with something that looks antique. Or will at least know how to re-work a questionable item so it does look special.

2. Start saving--you'll need about $1,500-2,000 at most for this step. Winter (specifically January) and Summer (usually August) are the best times to buy high-ticket furniture for insane discounts. Really. I just bought a $3800 hand-carved table for an insane price. I have bought dresses for more than this table. Waiting for clearance sales=great payoffs.

3. Paint your rooms, if needed. As much as I hate saying this, do a neutral color. I know, I have coral pink walls, but if you're just starting out, it's hard enough buying furniture without having to worry about it matching a silver-and-watermelon-pink wallcovering. Pale buttercream, grey with the slightest twinge of pink, and regular cream are always flattering. Extend the paint on to the ceiling if you can for a more-finished look.

4.. Where to invest. Learn to live with the couch (or upholstered chairs) and dining room table you presently have. These two furniture pieces make a HUGE difference on your overall decor, you have no idea. Even if you fill your home with priceless curiousities, a cheap futon will ruin everything. Same goes for cheap tables with thick layers of plastic-looking veneer. Invest modestly in these two pieces. You will always use a couch and a nice big table. You can even use the table as desk, if you're pressed for space.

If you own a very tiny space--meaning no possible room for a dining room table--replace your counters and/or cabinetry. Huge difference.

In the meantime, get rid of your cheapest-looking, dreary stuff. If it can't be painted to look better, give it away.

5. Almost always, buy these items on sale at high-end places: Plates, drinking glasses and goblets, blankets/bedding, end/accent tables, decorate storage, pillows, drapes, rugs and tablecloths. Buy more plates and glasses than you think you need.

5.a. Usually buy solids, unless you see a pattern you adore. Make sure the curtains you buy aren't see through.

6. Almost always, buy these things second-hand, looking for the highest quality possible: Coffee tables, chairs, bureaus, headboards, mirrors, tall cabinets (instead of bookshelves or wall-mounted cabinets). Look for classic lines, good detailing and convincingly good construction. Don't worry about color or hardware--these can be replaced.

6.a. Don't buy anything with a cheap veneer. You know those cute chain stores that specialize in quasi-contemporary furnishings? Good for accessories, not for furnishings. In the catalogues, the stuff looks adorable, in person, terribly cheap. Save yourself the trouble.

7. Chandeliers and lamps can be bought anywhere, even chain stores. Remember that people will notice them, and that you can also paint these (albeit carefully). Don't buy torchiere lamps.

These are the general rules for starting out in style, while not spending too much. If you always buy high-quality in a neutral pattern, you won't have to worry about mixing and matching. You'll look charming, not adrift.

New Year, New Lighting

2007-01-10T17:31:00.000-05:00

Isn't this a marvelous pendant lamp? At first, I thought I was looking a fixture inspired by a fancy seashell (forgive my glaring lack of marine science knowledge--the seashell I'm referring to resembles a puffy round ottoman or floor cushion), but then I saw the chandelier arms poking through the covering. Love that duality, along with the way the covering adds mass without sacrificing light. The pendant is the "Zeppelin" by Flos. It's designed by Marcel Wanders and is available through OLC (152-154 N. Third St).

Sidenote: Maybe it is the new year, but I'm leaning more towards neutrals as of late. Shopping the post-holiday sales, I picked up a set of 10 platinum-edged white china plates along with a few place settings of pearlized-handled silverware.

But at least I could shop

2006-12-13T15:48:00.000-05:00

My apologies about being AWOL for about two weeks. I will spare you the details, but I came down with a severe bronchial infection. It was decidedly not glamorous.

However, there is one good thing about all that bed rest, besides watching a weekend of That Girl...online shopping. I'm one of millions who puts off shopping until the last available moment, which turns out to work in my favor, since retailers start marking things down. Not that I'm cheap, mind you, just exuberant. I like buying lots at a time, in multiples.

As usual, anthropologie has the best home stuff on sale. Here are a few things that I liked:

- Glass Candlesticks (left), about $8/piece. Glass candlesticks are pretty fantastic, because they give you a nice stately tablescape without entirely blocking everyone's view. The light reflects on the glass, which is a pretty effect.

- Lion Workshop Toy, $10. I'm a big advocate of using children's home accessories as legitimate decor. Buy two, use them as accent pillows--works particularly well on "modern" style sofas.

- Fleur de sel lamp, $60 This lamp sort of reminds me of the fantastic Bodo Sperlein collection for Spanish ceramics maker Lladro. The texture is magnificent. Because it's all in white, the overall texture, not necessarily the rosettes, that is noticed. So I wouldn't worry about this being too frou-frou.

The Tasteful Alternative to Inflatable Snowpeople

2006-11-28T23:33:00.000-05:00

I will never ever forget the ruffians who didn't let the fact that they lived on the third floor of a charming Federal townhouse stop them from partaking in holiday outdoor decor. They exposed the world to their holiday spirit by strapping a 6-foot-tall inflatable snowman to the exterior of their dingy little walk-up apartment, and then left it there to go flaccid well in to February.

But you wouldn't do that, now would you?

While everyone else is concerning themselves with displaying atrocities, you can reflect your whimsical good taste while still participating in the holiday tradition of putting things on to the lawn. And how do you do that? With a bunch of pink flamingos (from one of my all-time favorite internet retailers, FredFlare.com). I think pink flamingos are holiday appropriate, as they honor the thousands of lovable, spirited senior citizens who make the pilgramage to Florida for the winter months. Buy oodles.

Photo from fredflare.com

Divide and Conquer

2006-11-27T11:13:00.000-05:00

As in life, we all might live better with a few boundaries.

Many new construction homes/apartments are of the “loft-inspired” or open floor plan. It’s a no-brainer as to why people like these plans—you get lots of spaciousness, control over where you can arrange your furniture and you don’t have to navigate around doorways when moving in. The issue usually comes up with how to properly define a space when there aren’t any rooms.

I’ve found a solution with the Textile Softwall, available through Design Within Reach (1710 Walnut St.). The Softwall is exactly what it sounds like: a soft wall. It’s made out of environmentally sound materials, portable and soundproof. When standing, the wall’s curvy shape is a more visually interesting alternative to traditional dividers. The Softwall also allows natural light to filter through, no small feat for a partition.

Though it’s a bit pricey for some budgets, I’d say that this was a smart investment for some individuals. You can use it as a general room divider, as a way to section off your home office space, or as an outdoor privacy screen.

Photo from dwr.com

Party Before the Family Arrives

2006-11-21T13:43:00.000-05:00

Fortify yourself with champagne cocktails, goodies and much-needed shopping before having to face endless family gatherings. Scarlett Alley (241 Race St.) is having a Holiday Party tomorrow night from 4-8:30 pm. You can view the invitation here. They'll be having a special on ornaments.

I know, I can't bear to think of tree-decorating either, but when I'm a sucker for animal-shaped ornaments, like the penguin at left by MoMa. Also look at the turkey serveware.

Photo from ScarlettAlley.com

Note: Apparently, I have the IQ of a cupcake at times. This event is this Wednesday, the 29th, not last week. Silly, silly. I'll chalk it up to both holiday and penguin-shaped ornament excitement.

A Place to Hang Your Stockings and Other Holiday Objects

2006-11-15T23:14:00.000-05:00

Mantels are fantastic for creating a tasteful focal point for apartments and small spaces. The Home Depot has a few on sale, just in time for holiday entertaining. See the New Jersey blog for more details.

Fun on the Table

2006-11-15T22:32:00.000-05:00

Place cards have a very poor reputation-they're the sort of things you see at stuffy little tea parties or dreary dinner parties. I haven't looked back on any of my experiences and said, "You know what would've made Eunice's party so much better? Place cards! That, and not getting my hair caught on fire in the centerpiece."

But if you are a fun individual (and you are if you're reading this), you can make place cards work to your advantage. Start with these fantastic Animal Placecard Holders from west elm (1330 Chestnut St). You probably should buy about four sets at LEAST, since little silver giraffes have a way of going missing. Besides, having lots of placecard holders can be good karma--the more you have, the more fun little gatherings you'll want to have. If everyone had animal-shaped placecard holders, perhaps there would be no such thing as hermits.

Anyway, what can you do after you buy the holders? You can either dutifuly fill cards out with everyone's name, then waste three whole evenings trying to find the right place for your guests. OR you can fill out the cards with the names of splashy/tawdry historical figures, literary characters ("No, I get to be Moll Flanders!") or fun made-up names.

Photo from westelm.com

Much Ado About Antiques

2006-11-13T22:02:00.000-05:00

I was positively suckered in to reading an article in the New York Times H&G section last week, merely because the accompanying photographed included Joan Rivers and folk art. Not that I have a particular interest in Joan Rivers and folk art, mind you, I just enjoyed the juxtaposition.

(Here is the article, in case you didn't see)

Well, not only was there scant information about Ms. Rivers and her folk art, the article turned out to be a very serious investigation on what well-heeled people worry most about: What their designers think of their family hand-me-downs and antique purchases.

To wit, "You know these pieces: The baroque, over-size bedroom set, fit for the home of a mountain king; the circular mahogany table that seats 14. Angèle Parlange, who grew up in an 18th-century Louisiana plantation house and is the author of “Creole Thrift,” just published by ReganBooks, calls it “big brown furniture.” And unlike the mistakes you make at a flea market and can unload on eBay, when you take this stuff home, you’re stuck for life."

What a limited and dreary world view to have. I was highly appalled by the glaring lack of imagination that I felt a need to give some soothing tips on what to do with your antiques:

-Paint it gold. Unless Aunt Mimi wrote a brilliant manifesto on her writing desk, feel free to paint it gold, replace the hardware and use it as a mini-bar. Aunt Mimi probably used it in that respect, albeit informally. If you're short on space, take the doors off a closet and place in there. You can always stuff your ill-fitting sweaters and stretched-out bathing suits somewhere else.

-Make a dining room. Even if you have the most microscopic apartment, it will behoove you to make your own dining room. If given the choice between some clunky entertainment center and uncomfortable futons, and a circular mahogany table for 14...you are better off with the table, a deck of cards, and the phone number of the nearest hotel for your dear friends. Throw caution to the wind, when it comes to scale.

-Burn bridges. Some people WILL be cross with you if you start painting "antiques." The resulting grudge will only be short-term, and really, you probably needed a break from their presence/phone conversations anyway.

In Praise of the Kids' Table

2006-11-13T17:47:00.000-05:00

Oh I can get so deliriously envious at the decorating options available to babies. You know, for little spit-up machines with varying stages of consciousness, they sure have much cheerier options of tableware than we grown-ups do.

Wouldn't you prefer to see this mug (BabyCie, available through Open House, 107 S. 13th St.) in the morning rather than a depressing, chipped, sensible earth-tone stoneware vessel? After all, who doesn't like giraffes? Especially french giraffes, which are actually spelled girafe and are therefore 1000 times fancier than normal giraffes.

Hmph.

Jewels Are Life Enhancing

2006-11-08T23:17:00.000-05:00

Personally, I have never gravitated towards using candles as home decor. Nothing against candles and the people who use them, really. It's just that I would feel a need to buy whimsically shaped candles, and then I would feel terrible lighting them. And if I just didn't light them, the candles would accumulate dust, and then I would feel bad about neglecting them. It's really a vicious cycle that I wasn't willing to participate in, if you can somehow follow that.

But I must say that I'm thinking of revising my opinion re: candles, all because of these vaguely medieval Jewel Stem Candle Holders, available at P.H.A.G.-Philadelphia Home Art Garden (252 S. 12th). They'd make a very nice impact on your Thanksgiving/Holiday tables, breaking up the formal nonsense of plain white china.

Knowledge Is Power

2006-11-08T15:23:00.000-05:00

There will be an update later this evening, on account of me simply not being able to get my fill of both election news coverage--thus proving that that those who like owl-shaped teapots can't be occasionally civic-minded.

-Brieanne

The Case of the Missing Pants and Found Owls

2006-11-06T15:09:00.000-05:00

I went to Anthropologie (1801 Walnut) this Sunday, fully intending on buying a pair of pants.

I left with the owl sake set, pictured at left, instead. I snagged the last owl-shaped cup, but there were still many owl-shaped teapots left. You can buy sets of two cups at the online storefront.

Who knows how this amusing substitution happened--perhaps I'm just very susceptible to owl-shaped stoneware--but I originally thought I was getting a tea set. Maybe this should be Anthropologie's new motto: You go in for pants, leave with a tea set, and eventually find out that you have a sake set.

Photo from anthropologie.com

An Important Public Service Announcement

2006-11-02T22:54:00.000-05:00

UPDATE, 11.06.06: The below situation has been delightfully taken care of. Thanks to Annalise!

I am going to take a moment to bring up an uncharacteristically serious issue. This has nothing to do with decanters, furniture or even the Schnapps bear (unfortunately).

Some readers have inquired about the web domain www.domesticallyinclined.com. I would like to officially inform you that is not me.

This is an incredibly serious issue. Not only does this site appear to use the distinct moniker of Domestically Inclined, but it seems to intend to act in a similar capacity.

As we know, I take my role as editor of Domestically Inclined-Philadelphia Nests and Domestically Inclined-New Jersey Style very seriously. As a freelance home decor writer, the Domestically Inclined title is frequently referred to in my published works and throughout the public domain through interviews with the media, reviews and even on forums. My site has kindly been mentioned on Domino magazine's website, adding to the curious coincidence that someone would use this title.

I am hoping that the issue will be resolved shortly. Until then, do not be confused by this unfortunate incident.

-Brieanne

2006-11-02T20:42:00.000-05:00

Would you like to see Trixie, my disproportionate cat, while finding out where you can find an inky black crystal chandelier? Take a look here.

No, It's Not an Upholstered Coffin

2006-11-02T20:04:00.000-05:00

This is actually an upholstered leather bench, available through Scarlett Alley (241 Race St.). The top opens up, allowing you to store all sorts of goodies and messes. When closed, it can provide extra seating while looking unassuming. I certainly wouldn't think this stylish little number was actually full of incidentals.

I also like the tailored, confirmed-bachelor-esque qualities inherent in this piece. It's the same feeling you get from a Chesterfield sofa--you're ten times more interesting when you sit on one, and also ten times more likely to drink out of a conspicuous silver flask.

Photo from ScarlettAlley.com

Rolling Out The Welcome Mat

2006-11-01T18:42:00.000-05:00

You know what people tend to forget about when they decorate? Their doormats. The traditional "nubby" textured rubber doormats (the one that usually spell out "Welcome") weather quickly, while fiber doormats (the ones seemingly made from rejected toothbrush bristles) attract all sorts of disgusting sediments. The best doormats I've seen are those fantastic antique wrought iron specimens, which happen to be lawsuits waiting to happen once the icy weather begins.

However. I have found this doormat, through Williams-Sonoma, which mimicks the look of wrought iron through a clever rubber material. It's only available through their print and online catalogues, which might be for the best, since once you enter a Williams-Sonoma, you might just walk out with a $300 copper pot and a free inferiority complex.

Photo from Williams-Sonoma.com

The Solution For Ugly Ceilings

2006-10-30T05:42:00.000-05:00

If you have ugly ceilings, the quick solution is this pre-pasted faux ceiling tile "wallpaper," available at Lowe's (2106 S. Christopher Columbus Blvd.) . The paper is pre-glued, meaning easy installation (tips on that later this week) and ready-to-paint. I recommend an unusual shade- try hot pink or canary yellow if you're particularly adventurous, but Ralph Lauren's gold or silver will also work wonderfully. You can peel this away easily, so why not make a statement?

Finding an Alternative to Traditional Crystal Chandeliers

2006-10-26T19:40:00.000-04:00

So I got an e-mail today, asking if there were an equally glitzy alternative to a crystal chandelier. The reader had nothing against crystal chandeliers (don't worry, I won't take it personally, just because I would install chandeliers in my refrigerator if I could), but well...we all have our different tastes. That is perfectly understandable. Free to be you and me, that sort of thing.

I was about to recommend entwining christmas lights around a disco ball (kidding), when I thought about the new pendant globe-shaped lighting I've been seeing around town. Round pendant lighting has always either been: a. dust magnets, b. too fussy/small to make a big splash or c. made of flimsy paper.

But now I'm seeing products to the contrary, such as the Schonbek Da Vinci crystal pendant available at Arch Street Lighting (120 Arch St.) and Tom Dixon's Mirrorball pendant at minima (118 N. 3rd). Da Vinci has been making the rounds in the press, mostly because it's the first lamp you can throw in to the dishwasher; but both are equally glitzy alternatives to the stereotypical chandelier. They command a certain strength with mass, which is different to the feeling you get with chandelier tiers or arms.

Tom Dixon Mirrorball, left; Schonbek Da Vinci, right.

Photos from minima.us, schonbek.com

2006-10-23T22:58:00.000-04:00

Are you in the market for a sock depository (no, not suppository, silly)? Or perhaps a curio for your votive candle collection? Then mosey on over to New Jersey.

Coral or Tree, You Decide

2006-10-23T16:56:00.000-04:00

I haven't decided if these charming coat hangers from Usona (113 S. 16th) resemble a coral branch or a merely a denuded tree. The website says coral, but I see one of the many bare trees outside of my window right now. Perhaps certain people--and I'm using "people" the way one uses the royal "we"--can't accept the seasonably cold weather and can't escape the reminders that soon, one will need a parka and goggles to face the day.

But coral or tree, these Corallo coat hangers are a fantastic alternative to having to throw said parka on a lonely chair. I dare say that having a proper coat hanger will encourage civility in your home. I lean towards the coral-stained color, but I do think that the natural toned one would look well amongst swedish modern neutrals. The angles would break up the rectilinear forms nicely.

Photo from usonahome.com

In The Papers

2006-10-19T15:44:00.000-04:00

Here is what's going on all over the country in Thursday Home newspaper sections...

One man's foot is another's many-thousand-dollar chair. [New York Times]

The latest trend in entertaining: making your friends do tough, manual labor. [New York Times]

Why not have the architect behind some of today's most recognizable buildings update the staid Philadelphia Museum of Art with an...underground art gallery? Wouldn't want to challenge people's perspectives while they are doing their Rocky Balboa run up the stairs, now would we?[Philadelphia Inquirer]

When lady guests show up to your Halloween party dressed like hookers, you can count on gourds to class the place up. [Washington Post]

A few weeks ago, I was looking at properties and found a home that had 5 half bathrooms, 2 full bathrooms and only 2 bedrooms. Not related to this article on bathroom design, but I just needed to share. [San Francisco Examiner]

Easy Upgrade: Get a New Number

2006-10-17T17:48:00.000-04:00

One of the easiest ways to upgrade the exterior look of your home--even if it is a dreary basement apartment--is to replace your address numbers. It's a modest investment that pays off. I mean, did you know that the picture at left was actually taken in front of a bus shelter?

Actually, that's a lie. The photo is from DWR's website, but you get the idea (and we don't really know that it WASN'T taken before a bus station, right?). Numbers, stylish mailboxes and perhaps some creative topiary, are tiny things you can easily change for a splashier impact.

Miscellaneous

2006-10-13T16:13:00.000-04:00

In the world of home decorating coverage, there is no such thing as having "brass balls." Merely felt ones. (USA Today)

Really? People get cold in the winter and should put more blankets in their home? I guess I should cancel the New Year's Speedo party. (Philadelphia Inquirer)

Attention Power Couples: You too can have a $15,000 pillowcase to cry in to when your significant other leaves you for the ayurvedic massage therapist. (Hartford Courant)

The government can "protect" us from online gambling addictions, but who will save us from Kathy Ireland's home collection for Hallmark? I'm upset even typing that. (Las Vegas Review-Journal)

The real problem in the wrestling world is not steroids, but shutters. (Orlando Sentinel)

There goes Ikea, always instigating. (LA Times)

In The Papers

2006-10-12T22:36:00.000-04:00

Career Trajectory of a New York Times Reporter: Go to Prestigious College, Suffer Through Journalism School, Work Your Way Through the Metro Section, Then Write About Air Fresheners. At least we know their homes are stinky, just like us common folk.

I knew it would happen eventually...we're gentrifying ourselves to the point where bathing in a steel tub will be the next big thing. Even Chloe Sevigny did it.

Hey, the LA Times thinks your family is ugly. (Under "Photos") [link repaired]

When the media finally shows up to photograph your newly renovated Munsters-style home, could you at least change out of your overalls? Or draw on a new pair of eyebrows?

Next time you're feeling lonely, just know that somebody, somewhere is making scented pinecones. Maybe you should call your Mother more often.

2006-10-10T15:33:00.000-04:00

Every once in a while, there is something worth buying at Starbucks. I'm not saying this in a snobby way. It's just that usually, the items (cups, plates, etc) available would only be bought by someone seriously brainwashed by Starbucks. For example, take this "To-Go" style oversized mug at left, still available at your local Starbucks. Why would any free-thinking individual want this? Does it magically transform your Taster's Choice in to a super strong brew? I especially like the way there are those "customization" boxes on the side.

Anyway. So this Halloween, Starbucks is promoting whimsical items that may or may not be based on the Ugly Dolls. They even have mugs based on these designs, and this is what I approve of. I figure, if you can't have a fine china mug in the morning, at least have something exquisitely cheerful.

You can't get the mugs online--except for on eBay, where the photos came from--but you can usually get them at your local Starbucks outpost.

BYOB- Bring Your Own Bark

2006-10-10T14:55:00.000-04:00

Can't enjoy the outdoors in the city? Why not try bringing it indoors. Sort of.

Miscellaneous

2006-10-06T16:59:00.000-04:00

After yesterday's New York Times article about people who live in oil tanks but are neither homeless nor oil spill victims, I have decided to make a house out of empty coffee canisters.

The Philadelphia Inquirer leads its Home and Design coverage with a photo essay/meditation on the beauty of fall plants and seed pods. Do you think there was a special meeting called to weed out (no pun intended) the more suggestive compositions? The ghost of Georgia O'Keefe silently weeps.

Affordable art? In a town with a ton of art schools and arts non profits? Who would've thought?!!

But after all, it is not art that makes a house a home, it is the cherubs holding up carved archways. I genuinely love auction listings.

People in Connecticut like to make their beds. But the rest of us will politely ignore their advice on using two dust ruffles at once. Perverts.

Before you hire someone to renovate your row home, check their qualifications.

In the Papers

2006-10-05T15:35:00.000-04:00

Stories to read from select Home & Design/Lifestyle coverage...

The New York Times tells us how to clean antique mirrors, live in an oil tank, and make secret compartments in our homes. (Registration required)

The Philadelphia Daily News is obsessed with dogs and wants us to dine at a place that charges $1/small chocolate candy.

The Associated Press is doing its best to stop the public from being interested in Rachel Ray (and why are they?). After seeing Nigella Lawson's new show, you will not feel appropriate watching a loud lady with awful mannerisms who refers to Extra Virgin Olive Oil as E.V.O.O.

Renters, consider yourself warned. And why pillow-shop when you can pay for the experience of making one? What is happening to our area? (Philadelphia Inquirer)

The Washington-Post teaches us how to keep your bedroom from becoming your personal decorating hell. Meanwhile, I quietly celebrate the return of pseudo-Victorian style decor.

I wish we could get a Marimekko store. (Boston Globe) (Registration Required)

The Times (London) has great ideas regarding screens and lighting.

Just How Old Is It?

2006-10-02T00:49:00.000-04:00

I was attracted to this sunburst mirror, available through Mixed Company (60 N. 3rd St.), because it can fit in to nearly any sort of style, from fusty-and-formal to retro hangover. It could be from the early 1800's (reminiscent of those Federal mirrors of that time period, with wonderfully garish patriotic eagles situated around a fisheye-style mirror), or the 1970's.

Due to the fisheye-type of mirror it's rather useless as a way to check your reflection, so I'd use it as an accent. Put it over your fireplace with a bunch of other objects, in a forlorn hallway, or hang within an arrangement of art (it will certainly tone down the seriousness of art hangings).

Fancy Bottles for Your Non-Biodegradables

2006-09-26T21:46:00.000-04:00

I was thumbing through the October Vogue, when the following fact jumped out at me: The average body wash, after it makes its swirly descent down the drain in to another dimension, takes about 300 years to biodegrade.

Now, I'm not the sort who frets about the biodegradability about everyday objects. I'm concerned about global warming and nasty oceans, but I also spend nearly 2 hours/day contemplating wallpaper colors. I'm also afraid that if I start wondering how quickly every item in my life will biodegrade, I'll start looking at people that way and well...that is just awful.

So Vogue recommends that we buy $60 soaps, which is fine if that is your lifestyle. You are paying not just for the zest of 1,000 lemons, but also very lovely packaging. Usually of the rustic, apothocary-like packaging that lets you know that you are not harming the world with your bathing habits.

But for the rest of us who buys cheapie biohazard liquid soap, we can pretend we are virtuous by decanting our soap in to a fancy bottle, such as this one, available at Fante's Kitchen Wares (1006 S. Ninth St.) for about $5. It takes slightly longer to pour out, so I recommend doing this with bubble-bath/leisure bathing soap, which tend to be a little more watery.

P.S. If you do pick up the October Vogue, be sure to peruse the story of Carolina Irving, beginning on page 396. I'm very enthusiastic about the way she displayed the Thomas Frye mezzotints on page 398.

Introducing...

2006-09-25T16:13:00.000-04:00

So I'm expanding the features of Domestically Inclined, because...well, why not?

Starting this week, you'll find the following features frequently interspersed with the regular coverage of local goods:

Pantry Limbo: Ever wonder how cheap you can get while shopping for food/menu items or potent potables? Well, I frequently do. And here is where you'll find some answers.

The Library: I read about 2-4 books per week, leaving my head full of useless knowledge. But you'd be surprised at how handy this knowledge is when we're talking about home decor. You can't begin to comprehend the power of a first impression, for instance, without reading Auntie Mame. Well, maybe you can. But that book is very wonderful.

Sources from Allover: Occasionally I will come across a source that is worth sharing, but just happens to not be local to the area (but they do deliver).

Tips: Pretty self-explanatory, but what makes these special is that I usually have created them with renters/temporary residents/first-time-on-their-own-types in mind.

In the Papers: When you're too busy to even worry your pretty little heads with the news, you probably don't know what is going on in the home decor special sections. So I'll summarize.

-Brieanne

Ghost Decor

2006-09-25T15:46:00.000-04:00

As gaudy as my taste can be (at least compared to Zen/Mid-Century Modern Enthusiasts), I have something against seasonal decor. Maybe it is because holiday decor has changed quite a bit over the years, with all the cheery carved jack-o-lanterns being replaced by 6 foot tall inflatable Draculas. In Eagles uniforms.

Believe it or not, some people do bring their 6 foot tall inflatable holiday items in to town. I distinctly remember a large, half-deflated Santa Claus strapped to the exterior of a third floor apartment, and feeling as if the entire holiday season was ruined.

But if you're in the Halloween spirit, these Cerealart Ghosts from the Institute of Contemporary Art (UPenn Campus, 118 S. 36th ) whimsically express that you are indeed celebrating the holidays, but in a whimsical, humorous manner. The Ghosts on the left are salt and pepper shakers, the one on the right is a lamp.

If you like metaphors, then the Louis Ghost chair, middle, from Minima (118 N. 3rd St.) should tickle your fancy.

photos: Cerealart Ghosts, from the Institute of Contemporary Art; Louis Ghost from Kartell

You Heard it Here First...

2006-09-19T23:26:00.000-04:00

...unless, of course, you heard it from somewhere else. But the Tortoiseshell craze is gathering steam. Might make your wine look bad, but you'll look very chic while drinking.

Extraterrestrial Decor

2006-09-19T22:40:00.000-04:00

You know, I have no idea what this is supposed to be, either.

All I know is that the photo at left is definitely of a light source, specfically the EL11AC from NY Loft (Philadelphia Design Building, 2300 Chestnut St. Suite 150). I wouldn't necessarily call it a "lamp" since it doesn't give off enough light to illuminate one's late night readings of Little Lord Fauntleroy.

But I was intrigued by the texture of this light source/decorative item. It reminds me of the whitewashed coral trend of the Spring-Summer season, without looking like one has dragged something off the beach and placed it on the mantel. You can only get away with that sort of flourish in the warmer months.

The spikes are an unusual vertical element, but the real interest comes from the variation of height amongst the spikes, giving unexpected mass. It's a clever visual statement that would liven up an area with a lot of horizontals, like a coffee table, forelorn shelf or...a mantel.

Photo from NYLoft.net

Paper Dolls for Urban Sophisticates?

2006-09-16T00:53:00.000-04:00

Yes, it is entirely possible to display a sort of doll without coming off as insane, fussy or stodgy. See here.

Dining Room Tables Are Very Good Investments

2006-09-16T00:11:00.000-04:00

I've spent a few days trying to find an acceptable desk that has enough surface area for projects, but isn't a dreary eyesore that depresses you to the point of inactivity. Today's desk offerings tend to look as alien to the home as a cubicle or giant Xerox machine would.

I think I've said this before in the not-so-distant-past, but I fully believe and encourage everyone to eschew desks in favor of dining room tables. Yes, even if you have a microscopic apartment (you will come off as imaginative and charming when you throw all the rules regarding furniture scale out the window, by the way).

Here is the logic: Barely acceptable desks tend to cost just as much, and are not nearly as useful as a dining room table. A dining room table can accomodate all sorts of projects, tend to be better constructed and serve as a natural gathering point for your guests. And having a dining room table makes you feel like an interesting specimen that entertains constantly. You also have a place to hang a chandelier, which is always a bonus.

The above dining room table/desk is the Newport Dining Table from Usona Home (113 S. 16th). Made of solid walnut with two pedestal bases, the table is both classic and a bit off-beat. I don't have any particularly imaginative ideas regarding seating, but I do like the idea of this sort of bench seating and their complementary chair counterparts.

(photo from usonahome.com)

Today's Lesson: What Exactly is Capiz?

2006-09-12T15:55:00.000-04:00

Capiz shells have been a big trend for a while, used mainly as wall hangings and in chandelier fixtures. I didn't pay too much attention to the material, since I found it to be cumbersome, noisy and well...a bit of a rip-off. I recall west elm selling three strands of skimpy, hanging capiz shell pendants strewn on fishing wire, at an alarming price for the quantity given.

Remember the big "tissue-weight cotton" layering trend of a few years back? You know it was just a trend manufactured in order to get unsuspecting shoppers to buy multiple tank tops. Same for the capiz shell pendants- they look lovely clustered together, but you'd need to spent about $200+ for a proper look.

Above, is a great example of how you can incorporate the luminous qualities of capiz shells without a lot of hassle, fishing wire, or dealing with unfair price points. It's a capiz bowl from Ten Thousand Villages (1122 Walnut St). Wouldn't it look fantastic with a bunch of lemons in it?

*Note: I've been told that capiz is actually a thin, off-white colored portion of the shell of a clam.

(photo from tenthousandvillages.com)

Genuine Table Linens

2006-09-11T03:38:00.000-04:00

There is just something about buying table linens that makes one feel so grown-up and domestic, isn't there?

The trouble is (and I am speaking from experience) that it's very difficult to find appropriate tablecloths that aren't made of vinyl or too formal. At left, is a wonderful runner from linen boutique Linu (1036 Pine). It's an original statement that would work well with coffee mugs or fine china.

There's also a lovely selection of full tablecloths, napkins and other accessories. Personally, I'm partial to table runners, because you can still show off the color of the table, you don't have to worry about measurements and it's less likely to get dirty.

Accounting for Myself

2006-09-08T22:44:00.000-04:00

Okay, I admit it. I've been AWOL lately, temporarily postponing my duties of bringing you the most life-enhancing home decor objets d'art (isn't that a wonderful phrase? hard to insert in normal conversation without sounding like you're having an "episode," but I find it a lovely catch-all term for everything from Ben Franklin Piggy Banks to Faberge Eggs).

In truth, I've been working on a book. Which isn't too different from writing here, until I tell you that I actually do my more serious writing on a typewriter (left, is one of two that I own). I find it convenient that there are actually typewriter repair specialists in town. I believe that most people should try to use a genuine typewriter in their everyday lives, even if it is to write a simple Thank You note. Your recipients will be so surprised to receive a typewritten note, even if they initially think it's a ransom note.

Anyway, I'm in no way taking a break from Domestically Inclined. In fact, I'll still be posting daily, Monday through Friday. I just wanted to account for my very short absence.

Everyday Rococo Accessories

2006-09-06T16:33:00.000-04:00

Did you know that Cher is getting rid of her collection of Rococo and Gothic home furnishings, to start over in a 'simple' Moroccan-meets-plenty-of-teak decorating scheme? She is.

And while I sincerely wonder if she's been spending too much time at Pier 1 (not that there's anything wrong with doing so if Pier 1 is what you like, it is just odd picturing glamorous Cher around anonymous wicker sets), I'd like to take this opportunity to shoot down the myth that Rococo = complicated decorating.

At left, is a candleholder by Gervasoni, available at the newly opened, much-anticipated Bruges Home (323A Race St.). The silhouette evokes the overwrought splendor of the mid 19th-century, but the unexpected flatness and all-white color make the piece simple. It's a very witty candleholder, with nary a glimmer of gold in site.

Photo courtesy of Gervasoni

Stop Burning Your Cupcakes

2006-09-05T17:11:00.000-04:00

Can't cook? Don't fret. Maybe you just need one of these.

Instant Chandelier

2006-09-05T16:46:00.000-04:00

So maybe I am the last person to sing the praises of Tord Boontje's Garland Light, which has been all over the design magazines for the past year now. Just add my voice to the chorus.

It's well-deserved praise, though. Unlike most light fixtures, the Garland Light doesn't require an entire afternoon devoted to installation (the garland portion clips on to a bulb). The garland also doesn't obscure the light source, so the piece remains functional instead of purely decorative. You can also control the length of the garland- stretch it for an odd stairway, or leave it massed around the bulb for use in closer quarters.

The Garland Light, at $60, is relatively affordable for the design quality and the overall impact it makes. Available through the AIA Bookstore and Design Center (17th and Samson).

(photo from AIA Bookstore)

The #1 Decorating Solution For Renters and Other Transients

2006-08-31T22:36:00.000-04:00

I have a small spot in my heart for renters. It’s not as big as the spot for Schnapps bears, but one look at that link and it’s obvious why. But I really do sympathize with the plights of renters these days.

First of all, they have to constantly fear that a developer will come in to their building, then convert it in to $500,000+ condos, forcing them in to a seedier part of town. Until the forces of gentrification invade that neighborhood, and so on, until those who can’t afford to buy will be relegated to the Delaware River.

But some renters also have to put up with landlords who won’t allow one speck of color on the walls, producing depressing off-white rooms that marginalize your existence even further. One minute, you feel like a sassy grown-up, the next, you’re looking at the lone pathetic art reproduction poster illuminated by a torchier lamp and wondering what went wrong.

So I was excited when I saw the wall clings, discussed in the previous entry. But once I saw the gentrification-like price of those scraps of vinyl, I got angry. And while I may not be able to fight market forces, I can offer you a solution for your bare walls.

Look at the above left photo (of my office, as indicated by the coffee table books and rotary phone). You’re thinking “Well that sure is a busy wallpaper pattern. Did she steal that from the set of the Mary Tyler Moore show?”

But you're wrong. It's not wallpaper; it's $12 worth of fabric from the local crafts store, with a short length of pom-pom fringe. Underneath all of that color, is roughly 3-4 rolls of double-stick heavy-duty wall mounting tape. Put these items together, rope off about 3 hours of your evening, and your wall can also be enhanced by a little no-damage very cheap faux upholstery. (exhale)

I recommend applying the tape in three foot squares. Place the short end of the fabric length on the horizontal axis of the wall, pressing hard to make sure you get it nice and stuck to the tape. Proceed across the wall. Cover up any unsightly seams with fringe, or ribbon (this is why I advocate working horizontally). Try to use a fabric with a slight stretch to it- here I used a sort of lightweight flannel. The whole project set me back maybe $30. That price won't even get you a packet of wall clings.

NOTE: Obviously...applying zingy fabrics to the wall makes your entire room 10 times more flammable. Be careful with your novelty candles.

Dorm Residents: This is the perfect way to tone down the industrial, soviet bloc-style room you live in. It's also easily removable with a strong tug, in case the pesky RA enters.

Temporary Wall Decor

2006-08-31T11:12:00.000-04:00

Available exclusively online through the Philadelphia-based company Urban Outfitters, the Blick Wall Sticks are temporary decals that you can apply to your walls for a small dose of movable cheer. Finally, a retailer extends the décor offerings for college students beyond butterfly chairs, scratchy x-long sheets and $20 milk crate containers.

These also are great for renters with particularly restrictive landlords (sidenote: forcing your inhabitants to live in rooms devoid of any color should be regarded as tenant abuse, in my opinion).

Do I think the wall graphics are a great idea? Yes. But I do have my reservations. First of all, the price point, at $38, is a bit high for essentially a piece of vinyl (this isn’t the highest price either- Target offers a similar package, but for $58). Fancy, but still cut vinyl. They also don’t offer you enough for your money—in order to make an effective design statement with these, you’d have to buy multiple packs.

I do have a much better solution, specifically for renters. The tips will be posted tonight at 10:30 p.m. (EST).

Re-live the School Field Trip Experience This Weekend

2006-08-29T21:35:00.000-04:00

Labor Day weekend is so overrated, isn't it? The traffic, the crack of dawn slog to the beach/park/whatever and (at least this weekend), the threat of Hurricane/Tropical Storm Ernesto ruining everything.

It's enough to make you want to stay in town.

And you should, because this weekend the East Falls Glassworks (3510 Scotts Lane) will be having a studio open-house. You can see all sorts of fancy glass-blowing techniques, and if the website is any indication, you may be able to see someone make a glass kite or novelty pig-shaped cup. Or you can just settle for a fancy bowl, left.

A Letter-Shaped Letterbox, How Modernistic.

2006-08-28T01:19:00.000-04:00

For those of you who own your home, live in a more suburban area, or are always looking for new ways to one-up the neighbors, mailboxes can be a particular source of frustration.

Like ceiling fans, mailboxes are an under-served market in this ever-expanding design world. It's confusing as to why there is such a limited selection, because a mailbox is one of the most public display of one's personal taste. A carefully chosen mailbox can turn a non-descript home in to a landmark.

For example, on a former work commute, I'd pass a property that had a horse-shaped mailbox blazenly jutting in to the street. The horse faced the home, with its rear end pointing towards the street, forcing the mail carrier to place one's junk mail, catalogues and bills, right in to the rear end. The memory of this mailbox is burned in to my consciousness.

I'm not advising anyone to buy a horse-shaped mailbox (unless that's an interest of your own), but I do think we should all pay more attention to the objects attached to our homes.

Above, is a great way to make a tasteful personal statement with a mailbox. It's the No. 10 Letterbox, available at the AIA Bookstore (117 S. 17th); if you're an online shopper, select "gifts" then look under "home accents." I'm so far divorced from the mailbox economy that I'm not sure if $100 is pricey or not. But considering that a mailbox is a year-round design statement that's semi-permanently attached to one's home, then I advocate spending a bit more for something memorable.

The Investment Chaise

2006-08-25T18:12:00.000-04:00

Behold the $8,000+ chaise lounge.

If you have that sort of cash, then head over to the Baker Knapp & Tubbs showroom at the Philadelphia Marketplace Design Center (2400 Market St). Remember to bring your designer, as only licensed professionals can purchase from there.

However, you can indulge your fantasies by browsing during consumer hours (by reservation, I believe), or by heading over to the Baker website. I'm a big fan of Baker's wares, for offering luxurious contemporary interpretations of classic designs. The curved lines of this particular piece look very up-to-date, but the chaise is based on a Neoclassical era design. Overall, Baker's offerings are a very refreshing antidote for modern/mid-century overload.

Try juxaposing the classic pieces with these very neat mosaic tiles, available in Short Hills, NJ (amongst other places).

Make Your Furniture Work Harder, Even When You're Not

2006-08-24T01:59:00.000-04:00

Behold the official Leisure Table. Okay, that is not its real name. This is actually the Usame side table by Kartell from minima (118 N. 3rd).

I call it the Leisure Table because it would be perfect for coffee-and-magazine time, which officially occurs between 7 and 10 p.m. just in case you didn't know. Adjust your schedule accordingly.

Meant to be used as a side table, bed tray or accent piece, Usame resists stains while adding much needed color or subtle femininity (Art Deco inspired flowers are etched in to its surface). Magazines fit in to a cut out compartment, and coffee...well that can go anywhere. No coasters necessary.

Your Bed Also Counts As Furniture

2006-08-22T23:18:00.000-04:00

Looking for a new bed? Head to Princeton. It's nearly enough to make you wish that you still lived in a studio apartment, if only so more people could see this fabulous piece of furniture.

Actually, nothing is enough to make one wish they lived in a studio apartment. But you catch my drift.

Fighting the Dust Tax

2006-08-22T22:25:00.000-04:00

I usually associate the term "Vintage" with "Even Though This Item Is Cracked, Dusty and Pretty Much Useless, I Have Tacked On An Extra Fee." For ease, I'll call it the "Dust Tax."

But I'll abandon my cynical principles when it comes to exquisite, hand-made objects that just aren't available today. For instance, I will happily term this owl bell (above, left) from Philadelphia-based online retailer Plaid City Village as an appropriate vintage item. You just can't find a good owl-shaped bell these days. Especially one that's been to Florida.

The doorway textile (bottom, left) from Ruka (114 S. 19th) is also appropriate vintage. Hand-embroidered peacocks grace the textile, meant to hang in your doorway or window. I think it would work better in an often neglected doorway, unless yours is frightfully low or you live amongst giants. This would also work well with two of the biggest trends for autumn, jewel colors and decorating accents that are, or appear to be, hand-made.

The Fire Pit: Cheap, Fabulous and Endorsed by Billy Idol

2006-08-21T14:01:00.000-04:00

After seeing photos of the Jonathan Adler-decorated Parker Palm Springs hotel, I've spent the past week trying to find an indoor fire pit (like the one in the lobby) available for consumer installation. And guess what? I couldn't find any.

Perhaps installing an indoor fire pit is a very bad idea, especially when you consider that most people have small rooms, or live in condos, or have low ceiling heights. There would definitely be an uncontrollable fire situation that your insurance company would frown upon. So forgive my sizable lapse in judgement.

However, you can get a very good deal on an outdoor firepit. An outdoor firepit is a great investment, because it's portable, it can be used year-round, and doesn't require much upkeep. Smith & Hawken (The Court at King of Prussia), Target and the Home Depot still have a few portable firepits left online and in-store. You can also safely and comfortably toast marshmallows over the flame. Isn't it always nice when you can find multiple uses for an object?

You can also customize your outdoor firepit using these crystal-like fire pit filler glass from online source Moderustic. The site, while a bit cluttered, offers a dazzling array of colors. Unlike most glass products, the crystals are certified not to leap out as soon as they touch fire. There's also handy photos, just in case you can't decide between Light or Medium Amber. No matter what you choose, these crystals are like adding a tiny touch of Vegas to your firepit.

And look, even Billy Idol endorses the fire place crystals. That's a seal of approval just as good as Martha Stewart's or Oprah's.

Trend: Rugs Inspired by Crewel work

2006-08-18T14:02:00.000-04:00

Anthropologie is putting the final nail in the all-white shabby-chic coffin with a collection of jewel toned rugs inspired by crewel work. The rugs, such as the Anatolian Crewel Rug (left), use graphic patterns and saturated color, but with an overall medieval feel. These would be equally at home in a modern room, or would look fabulous with dark antique furniture. Sort of reminds me of last fall's Dolce and Gabbana collection, with the folkloric appliques. Unfortunately, the wool fibers and dark color scheme would turn your dog's fur in to an unwitting accessory, but that's an easy to solve problem. Just put the dog in a less stylish room.

2006-08-18T02:30:00.000-04:00

Bring Out the Champagne...

It's an eventful week here at Domestically Inclined. A lovely mention in domino magazine, and the grand debut of Domestically Inclined-New Jersey. The content is similar (includes both well-known and local sources), only the territory is much larger. It's a big assignment, but we've got plenty of time.

2006-08-17T14:12:00.000-04:00

Politically Correct Tortoise Accessories...

Love the look of tortoise shell but a.) are uncomfortable with just exactly HOW people get tortoise shells, or b.) don't wear glasses or hair barettes, the only two things that seem to be made from real or fake tortoise shell?

Then these tumblers, available through west elm (1330 Chestnut; Nassau Park Pavilion, Princeton), should do the trick. Made from a tortoise-friendly glass, these tumblers add an elegant and exotic touch to your tablescape. Co-ordinate these with wood serving pieces, or juxtapose with white china and table linens. They're the perfect transition pieces for late summer-fall.

2006-08-17T00:13:00.000-04:00

The Sophisticated Way to Store Your Loose Change...

The problem: You want a beautiful, classical marble bust of a famous historical figure, but you don't have the money for one. And there aren't any Marble Bust Stores nearby.

The solution: The Ben Franklin Bust/Bank. This is a very ingenious way to address the Marble Bust absence in your life. Not only is this a steal at $40, but the solemn face of Ben Franklin (and the coin deposit on his head) also encourages you to save your money, since it doubles as a bank. You can also carry it home from the Franklin Institute with ease, since it is made of lightweight materials. You can purchase it through the Franklin Institute Store, here.

You can keep it simple, and display as you would a normal classical bust (dramatically lit from above, perhaps on a pedestal of some sort), or you can casually place it in the bathroom.

Bachelor Chic, Re-Interpreted

2006-08-16T14:25:00.000-04:00

When my good friend Chris moved in to his first apartment, he inherited a lot of furniture from his friends and family. Especially from his old man bachelor uncle Kevin. He was--and might be still--a "confirmed bachelor" and a "skirt chaser." He wears blazers with embroidered, customized crests. He's in his 60's and lives life to its absolute fullest, and I'd like to think that he rides around town, leering, while on a Vespa.

This fabulous creature gave Chris a ton of his bachelor-chic furniture: tall bookcases (cause the ladies' love a man who reads), a king-sized headboard with built-in lighting (do I even need to say anything?) and of course, the ultimate bachelor sofa. It's, of course, bachelor-chic by way of the 60's, so it's a tufted, glazed leather with burnished brass upholstery tacks.

There are plenty sofas that fit the above description, but current ones lack the cushy overscaled dimensions of the old bachelor sofa. And usually, as is the case with contemporary sofas, you end up paying for design, instead of comfort. There seems to be no middle ground.

But a close ringer to the spirit of this sofa is the Chesterfield Couch from Dwelling (4050 Main St.). It's bachelor chic interpreted, overscaled and sumptuous, but with a lighter fabric. Would look equally right with a shaggy carpet, or a serious art collection.

Your House Isn't a Home Unless You Have a Conversation Piece

2006-08-15T00:59:00.000-04:00

So the other day, I was browsing the online collection of Architectural Antiques, when I stumbled upon this curious item (at left). I had absolutely no idea what its purpose was, but it appeared to be extraordinarily life-enhancing.

It turns out that this lovingly carved wooden bear is not only a professional life-enhancer, but is also a very serious Schnapps set. I'm not sure how much it is, but if you are in the market for a Schnapps bear, then money is probably no object in your pursuit of this rarified work of art.

Most homes are in dire need of items like these. These less-functional, lovingly crafted objects used to be called 'conversation pieces.' You know, whimsical shaped ashtrays, lamps shaped like a lady's leg, that sort of thing. Sure, possessing a chandelier made of novelty shot glasses won't get you on the cover of Architectural Digest, but it will banish awkward small talk from your parties. Short on conversation? Not so current in your knowledge of current events? Then move your Schnapps bear to the center of the room and watch your guests perk up (as is the case when liquor and carved bears are involved).

Just one small touch of whimsy is all you need to rescue your decor from the Blah Beige Syndrome (everything being so tasteful and correct that you no longer notice anything). You don't need to go so far as the Schnapps bear, but you can easily hang a more creative chandelier and not lose any style points. If your budget allows, go off to the splendidly named bahdeebahdu gallery (309 Cherry St) for the theatrical light sculptures. Site permission is needed to post photos, so you'll just have to see for yourself.

2006-08-10T13:50:00.000-04:00

The prescription for a depressing bathroom...

Okay, so you suspect you have a depressing bathroom. I use the term 'suspect' because one can never be too sure of the outlook of an inanimate object. But you just may be depressing yourself and unsuspecting guests, with a regrettable bathroom.

Decor-wise, bathrooms tend to be ignored, even though they're the most visited room in your house when you entertain. In other rooms, you work extra hard to create an inviting environment where people will happily forget where they are. A bathroom, on the other hand, is a constant, usually jarring, jolt back to reality.

In most cases, bathroom depression can be so severe that displaying baskets of even the nicest soaps from Town Home won't be enough to overcome the problem. But you can:

Fix the Lighting: Flourescent lighting is the sartorial equivalent to assaulting your guests. When one gazes at their reflection while under the greenish-hued glow, the party is over for them. You can completely undermine one's confidence with a single flip of the switch. If you own your home, invest in recessed lighting, taking care not to install canisters directly over one's head (such as the center standing area over the sink). Renters (or the installation-phobic) can use indirect sconce lighting for a similarly flattering effect.

Paint the Walls: While a good, bold color can capture my heart, bathrooms really do look better with a low-key color. The most flattering bathroom color I've seen is a buttercream yellow hue- the golden tones enhance skintone while brightening the room.

Invest in a Better Bathtub: And perhaps a sink. But the bathtub tends to be the pivotal piece in a bathroom. You will endlessly impress others with a well-chosen bathtub, since most are, at best, very dreary utilitarian pieces. And you know what you can do with a lovely looking bathtub (like the Savoy from Waterworks)? Fill it with ice and create a mini-bar. It's a batty idea, but doesn't it seem fun? You wouldn't want to do that with most vinyl/chipped ceramic bathtubs.

But if it's not in your budget, a thorough cleaning, a new shower curtain and new hardware can do a world of good.

The big decor retailers in the city- west elm, Williams-Sonoma, Macy's, Ikea- are a good start for bathroom accessories, though the more serious should head directly to Waterworks (1525 Walnut). Their business focuses on bathrooms, so you'll find a good selection of tubs, sinks and hardware.

2006-08-08T14:58:00.000-04:00

Giant Clocks for Giant Walls...

The average ceiling height in new construction homes (including condos) is rising. People want the illusion of space that tall walls create, but at the same time, are also frightened at the thought of living with them. Sometimes I think that people only look for high ceilings so they can buy giant christmas trees, but that's another story.

We've talked about using light and paint on big walls in order to get rid of the 'new construction' feeling. But accessories of proper scale are equally important. For example, there is nothing sadder than a massive wall with a normal sized (less than 1' foot diameter) clock. Big wall+Tiny Clock= Depressing apartment.

Twist Home (1134 Pine St) sells a variety of vintage European clock tower faces. They're real vintage, too- all manufactured between 1910-1920's. Though the prices seem high (starting at $2,400), I think you're getting a bargain when you consider the provenance. They'll also work in a smaller apartment, as you can see from the site's photos.

2006-07-20T02:56:00.000-04:00

Especially for basement dwellers...

...or anyone else living in an indirectly-lit, ultra dreary apartment.

In July's Vogue, I saw a mirrored/metallic-finished bureau that would infuse a dark space with a bit of light and whimsy. And we all know that whimsy is of utmost importance. Remember, you'll never-ever-ever fool someone in to thinking that your 300 square foot shoebox is really a grand penthouse. That just happens to be a basement apartment. You get my point.

But you can fool someone in to thinking that your apartment is a fun-filled space that reflects a bit of personality. And maybe a little light.

So that's where the whimsical metallic furniture comes in. Matthew Izzo carries quite a selection, though you could always spray paint a boring old piece (it took me roughly 3 cans of gold spray paint for a medium-sized desk with drawers). Moderation is key, as if I had to tell you- limit yourself to one metallic piece per residence. Okay, maybe two. But only if they are in different rooms.

P.S: "Gold or Silver?" Normally, I would go with the undertones on this- gold is warm, silver is cold, etc. But some of the silver finishes on the Matthew Izzo pieces appear to be olive-based, so this adds up to a matter of personal style. I'd go with silver if you have a lot of 'modern' boxy type lines, and gold if you have more antiques. For some reason, mixing metallic this way works.

2006-07-14T02:22:00.000-04:00

Saw some neat lighting options at Artemide (232 N. 2nd).

First, there's the Dioscuri wall/ceiling lamp. It works indoors, as well as outdoors. What's keeping it from looking like one of those tragic touch-lights, is that there is minimal contact between the sphere casing and the wall. It appears to float. The scale is a bit small- would look VERY skimpy and sad on its own. Buy multiples, and scatter them all over the wall. Would be a stunning effect on an outdoor wall.

The Logico Ceiling Triple Linear is a very tastefully restrained alternative for those of you who dislike the vintage look of most chandeliers on the market. Instead of relying on straight planes, like most 'modern' chandelier-type fixtures, it relies on the movement of wavy forms and the texture of the glass in order to add that unexpected element to your home. Would work best over a very rectilinear dining room table, perhaps with a high gloss to contrast with the softer form and texture. The reflected light would look best with a ceiling painted in a cool-toned metallic color. Works best with low-to-average height ceilings.

DZ 818, an outdoor light source, brings to mind those old, 19th Century cast iron outdoor lights (maybe it's the way the metal appears, or the curve of the arm). The light is just bright enough to illuminate the front of your home, but not so bright that it attracts moths and unsavory types. Works best for citydwellers, especially those in historic districts with near-identical brick homes. Use two.

And finally, the surf sconce. Many buildings, particularly those in the neoclassical style, use dramatic up-lights to highlight intricate architectural details at night. For those who are currently rushing to buy high-ceilinged apartments, this is the indoor equivalent to outdoor architectural lighting. Because at the end of the day, you're left with all that wall space and nothing to do with it. The right, soft, lighting will make even the most basic molding look grand.

2006-07-13T02:30:00.000-04:00

Have no fear...

I have not fallen off the face of the earth, or even my chaise lounge. Things have been very busy over here at Domestically Inclined, including a power surge that nearly took the life of this very computer (the television, however, was not as lucky). Not the sort of fireworks I wanted to see in July.

Daily updates will resume by the end of the week.

-Brieanne

2006-06-26T19:28:00.000-04:00

Philadelphia Salvage: Where to Go, What You'll Find

The Problem- You live in a castle with gothic stained glass windows. Your neighbor's bratty child threw a baseball through said stained glass windows.

The Solution, presumably after you had a restorative cocktail- Architectural Salvage.

When you've lost something that happens to be irreplacable, when you're restoring a historic home, or when you're just looking for an interesting kitchen sink, the first place you should head to is one of the city's many architectural salvage clearing houses. These stores buy up wonderful old items- from mantles to columns to claw foot bath tubs, and everything in between- from renovators, clean them up and re-sell, at a fair price. Here's a few good places to go:

ReStore (3016 East Thompson St.): A very comprehensive selection, includes cast iron ornaments, tile, doors and sinks. Also offers a design service and never-used pieces.

Found Matter (1320 N. Fifth St., by appointment): In addition to handcrafted furniture pieces made from re-harvested wood, a very good selection of architectural pieces. Stained glass windows, doors (including double-doors), moldings and more.

Architectural Antiques Exchange (715 N. 2nd): If you have a sudden need to buy a complete, paneled library, this is where you go. Gates, lighting, beds, bars...and everything in between.

2006-06-08T22:00:00.000-04:00

Occasional tables are the Jan Bradys of the Furniture world...

Today's Times Home & Garden section has devoted space to telling readers where to find Parsons tables. Parsons tables! You really can't walk a block in the design district of any metropolitan city without finding a very tasteful Parsons Table at any price point. Heck, I can't even go to the doctor's office without seeing one of those holding up a collection of outdated Time magazines.

Anyway. Occasional tables are the Jan Bradys of the furniture world. They usually aren't designed to be statement pieces, because they are either meant to merely compliment other, more glamorous items, or are holding up some lovely objet d'art of some sort. The Parsons table, I think, appeals to people because it's the most unobtrusively designed piece of furniture, and has a certain minimal style.

At left, is proof that an occasional table can still co-exist peacefully with your other items, while still making its own statement. This is a Parenthesis table by Philadelphia-based VJD3 Designs. The lines wouldn't compete with your other pieces of furniture, but the curves add a dash of the unexpected. Other proportions and finishes, including custom options, are offered, but the luminous sheen of this particular piece (the veneer is a bleached maple) caught my eye.

2006-06-04T17:50:00.000-04:00

The quest for decent-looking ceiling fans...

It's hot out. It's been stifling, unnecessarily, non-life-enhancing-ly hot for a past week now, and it's caught everyone by surprise. My unattractive air-conditioning unit (you know, those awful window-mounted models) was in storage, so I was left to wilt on a chaise lounge with a handkerchief. Just call me Blanche.

If the heat isn't enough to make you faint, consider this: An air-conditioning unit (whether you have central air, or the aforementioned window-mounted eyesore) wastes a TON of electricity. How much? In my quest for answers, I stumbled upon Michael Bluejay's page, which deals with saving electricity. Air conditioners use anywhere from 600-3500 watts of energy. If we switch to ceiling fans, we will save roughly $610 on our energy bills, which will be enough for each of us to buy a mid-price pair of Christian Louboutin sandles.

The problem is that ceiling fans can be even bigger eyesores than those air-conditioning units. They bring to mind the faux-country style that worms its way in to suburban households everywhere. Go in to the Home Depot or Lowe's and you will be visually assaulted by fake wood grains, fluted light bulb covers and caning, to the point where you will start to think that paying that extra $610 in energy costs might be worth it.

My advice: head over to Arch Street Lighting (120 Arch St.). Not only do they have a lovely and tasteful selection of lighting (side note: why does Home Depot/Lowe's consider "modern lighting" those pendant lamps that hang at Starbucks stores? That's all they have in terms of lighting that doesn't look salvaged from the set of Evening Shade, or perhaps a Cracker Barrel), but they have an equally well-edited selection of ceiling fans.

At left is the Centauru by Fanimation, which boasts satin nickel and cherry accents in a design that is a whimsical tribute to mid-century modern design and the Fairly Oddparents cartoon show. See more options here.

2006-05-27T16:19:00.000-04:00

Handcrafted Textiles in Philadelphia...

Recently brought to my attention were the stunning and lovely handcrafted wares from local designers Galbraith & Paul. They offer everything from hand-tufted rugs (such as the Ivy rug, left), to hand-blocked lighting and textiles, all in a collection of prints that cull references from Marimekko to William Morris while maintaining an original, signature style. While their textiles (which can be customized) are available through the trade, pillows and lighting can be purchased through 2modern.com.

2006-05-22T12:29:00.000-04:00

Keeping Your Backyard Safe From Stiltwalkers...

Did you know that the most common garden pest this year isn't the mosquito, but the ladies (myself included) who can't leave the house without their high heels? It's true. As the heat pushes us out of our apartments and in to our outdoor spaces- however microscopic they are- for entertaining, chances are that you'll have at least two guests who are slowly sinking in to the lawn.

Those with patios aren't really safe either- a short while ago, I got a heel stuck in between both a boardwalk-like walkway and in the mossy stuff in between bricks on a sidewalk. Since most of us stiltwalkers aren't ready to give up our heels, you can keep your garden, and your guests safe by using an outdoor rug.

Why an outdoor rug? An outdoor rug, such as this rainbow Plynyl Shag from Foster's Urban Homewa re (124 N. 3rd) is usually made from weather-safe materials that'll keep mold and mildew away, while acting as a protective barrier between high heels and lawsuits. You can leave it outside for weeks on end and the only thing you'll have to worry about is a sudden wind blowing it away, Aladdin-like. Outdoor rugs can also look like your indoor rugs if you buy carefully: at left, is a polypropylene blend that mimics sisal, from Pottery Barn (4230 Main St. Manayunk; King of Prussia Mall; Market Square, Marlton). See other outdoor rugs from Pottery Barn.

But why can't I just use my indoor rug, outside? Personally, I'm all for using indoor things as outdoor decor- such as a (non-wired) decorative chandelier hung from a tree, a la Versailles- and I've been tempted to further the faux-aristocratic vibe by rolling out the Medici Rug from Scarlett Alley (241 Race St.) myself. HOWEVER. Natural, non-treated fibers can soak up the darndest things, even on a very nice day. Until I get a Dyson vacuum, I will keep my indoor rugs, indoors.

But that doesn't work both ways- outdoor rugs, since they are treated, can keep the allergens (there I go with the allergens again), small bugs and stubborn dirt away, making it perfectly fine to drag in to your apartment.

2006-05-19T13:40:00.000-04:00

Modular Wallcovering.

One of the biggest trends last year was the InterfaceFlor Modular Carpet Tile System- with good reason, since it eliminated the circle of hell that is measuring for area carpeting. The customizable tiles made perfect sense for renters who wanted to add cheer to their apartments without incurring the wrath of a landlord, pet owners (each tile could be replaced easily) and those of us who can't commit to just one color of carpet.

Philadelphia-based MIO takes the modular concept one step further with their 3D wallcovering system. Each 12"x12" tile, made from recycled materials, is cut to produce a 3D effect. Mix and match the tiles (available in two styles: V2, left; and Flow) to create your own pattern.

Most use the tiles on just one area of a wall, but try tiling an entire room in one color. An entryway/foyer is an excellent place to start- just eliminate extraneous decorative accents. Juxtapose a traditional dining room set with walls covered in white V2 tiles. Keep the lighting low to soften the geometric effect.

Have a Tea Party

2006-05-18T00:22:00.000-04:00

Did you know that Philadelphians prefer tea over coffee, while New York prefers coffee over tea? I didn't either, until I heard a podcast from KYW on the subject of best places to get coffee and tea in the city. There was a nice gentleman from the Equal sweetener company who also insisted we mix Red Zinger (hibiscus) tea with Southern Comfort. Not really a morning person, I'd think.

Most of us are used to consuming bagged tea, mostly because loose tea is messy and we're not sure what to do with it. If you're thinking of making the fancy switch, you will need to start with a tea infuser of some sort. A tea ball (available from Remedy Tea Bar, 1628 Sansom St.), is very handy and easy to use, even if it does look like a microphone. I should also note that the people at Remedy take very kindly to people who are very new to the world of tea balls.

If you plan on having frequent tea parties, or just require more to your mornings, you should upgrade to a teapot with an infuser built in. The Bodum Tea Pot at Williams-Sonoma (200 S. Broad St.) is very basic, has a pleasing shape and a plunger that allows you to control the strength of the brew. The Flowering Tea Pot, also from Williams-Sonoma, is the Cirque du Soleil of tea- the included "tea flowers" bloom as they brew. The downside: The teapot is only 14-oz.

When you think of teacups, you normally think of porcelain. That's very nice, but I'm told it's not the most efficient material for consuming hot tea. Glass is the best, as it retains heat better than all other materials. Remedy has a selection of efficient tea-specific glassware, if you're so inclined.

2006-05-17T00:33:00.000-04:00

Eschewing Velvet Ropes, but Keeping Style Intact.

Walking around Old City on Friday night- and I use the verb loosely, as crowds were so thick that I could've easily just allowed myself to be carried off to places unknown- I unofficially retired from going out on weekends in town. As the weather proceeds to get better, more and more people are coming out of their caves to come stand behind the increasing amount of velvet ropes, while wearing frightening amounts of synthetic material (disclosure: saw a girl in an 80's style neon dress, made entirely of nylon. Hope the bar was non-smoking).

Not only that, but it's getting pricier to go out, as the cost of living- and cocktails- steadily rises with rents. Though it pales in comparison to Manhattan, I have my reservations about sitting in an overcrowded faux-Irish pub sipping on an $11 concoction served in a plastic martini glass facsimile.

Unless you can afford to host a casual get-together at The Philadelphia Museum of Art, entertaining at home is the natural, lower-cost choice. Home entertaining is a trend on the rise, not only because of above financial/mental costs, but also because you can easily get all your friends in one place, without hassle.

But the thought of entertaining makes most people anxious. One minute you're planning a menu, the next, you're in near tears over the cleanliness of the bathroom. I say this because I felt the same way- and then I found the Purcell Sisters. Where most entertaining books either get too focused on fantasy (cashmere napkins and 30-year-old Balsamic Vinegar), or etiquette lessons, they constructed their book (Cocktail Parties, Straight Up!) based on entertaining with confidence, i.e. how not to have a melt down while figuring out drink menus. City dwellers themselves, they also take small spaces in to consideration, along with time constraints. A highly recommended read.

2006-05-12T01:04:00.000-04:00

With holders like these, you'll never lose your keys again.

Sure, a keyhook lodged on the side of a cabinet is one way to keep track of your keys, but why settle for such a non-glamorous solution? These mountable Ghost antlers (left) from vintage/new clothing retailer Sugarcube (48 S. 3rd) were made for coats, but could be a stately keyholder- not to mention a cruelty-free way to bring a touch of the wild to your studio apartment (disclosure: would also like to use the antlers as a towel rack). Unless deer, like the new "wicker" line from Restoration Hardware, have evolved to be made from resin.

2006-05-12T00:11:00.000-04:00

TIP: Allergy-free centerpieces, inspired by Positano Coast.

Did an interview at Positano Coast (212 Walnut St.) in March and was bowled over by the abundance of lemons- they were in centerpieces, on the walls, in lucite columns, on the bar (left, below) etc. Lemons everywhere. While it was part of the theme of the restaurant- Positano Coast makes its own Limoncello- the lemons-lemons-everywhere theme warmed up the room considerably, no small feat on that drizzly March day.

I've kept this memory in the recesses of my brain until today, when allergies struck again, aided by the mother's day flowers displays everywhere. Wrote a note to self: Flowers are a BAD idea in allergy-filled Philadelphia. Judging by the swollen eyes and constant sneezing of passersby, Philadelphia attracts the sort of allergans that Dyson vacuum cleaners can't handle. We could turn 1 Liberty Place in to a Dyson vacuum cleaner, and we'd all still have the punched-in-the-face look of the allergy sufferer.

So do your guests a favor, and replace your centerpieces with fruit. A bowl of lemons, with a few votives scattered about, gives you the color and warmth of a floral display. A tall glass vase, such as this one from P.A.D. Home Furnishings (804 N. 2nd), filled with kumquats, limes or other small citrus, would complete a mini-bar setup (next to differing sizes of pitchers, glasses and bottles).

2006-05-10T23:30:00.000-04:00

Taking the Terror out of Guest Soaps.

Is there anything as precious as The Guest Soap? They're always the prettiest and nicest smelling, to the point where they become off limits to everyone- even guests. My grandmother had a lovely set of hand-carved rose shaped guest soaps, which we were all terrified to use. For more than a decade, these beautiful creations sat untouched, the home decor equivalent of a museum exhibit, until a fine layer of dust relegated them to the trashbin.

That memory came to mind when I saw the collection of soaps at Town Home (126 S. 19th). In addition to the darling set of "see no evil/hear no evil/speak no evil" monkey soaps (left), there are pigs, frogs, poodles and chickens. Not keen on animals in the bathroom? Then take a peek at pears, rose petals and robins eggs.

Though lovely, these soaps are deliciously scented and adorable enough to make people want to use them. Encourage use by breaking up sets, setting one by the kitchen sink, another by the tub and the last on the bathroom sink. Guests will get the message that these soaps are, in fact, there to be used. Lightly suds them up beforehand to drive home the message.

2006-05-10T00:52:00.000-04:00

What on earth can you do with an egg cup?

Was poking about Manor Home and Gifts (210 S. 17th) when I came across a collection of egg cups. Initially, I was delighted by the range of styles- pewter colonial chic, modern, french country and this curious one shaped like a head (left). But then the big question: What can you possibly use an egg cup for these days?

Since I'm merely domestically inclined, as opposed to domestic (can set a proper table, but haven't the time to cook a proper course), the obvious answer- for a soft-boiled egg- does not apply. And when was the last time someone ate a soft-boiled egg anyway?

So leaving out eggs, you can do the following with an egg cup, depending on the size and materials: You can use it as a small candle holder (indeed, one of the egg cups at Manor Home doubles as a votive holder); to hold a serving of sauce for something dippable; as a single-serving sugar bowl with coffee; filled with a bit of water and holding a single large-head flower, snipped just below the bud; or as a makeshift, yet tasteful, shot glass.

2006-05-05T23:57:00.000-04:00

Mood Lighting with the Help of Outer Space.

Moonlight is praised for its romance-enhancing abilities- the subtle, clear, overhead lighting works wonders for one's mood. When you don't have a skylight or a balcony, remind yourself of the great outdoors with a light source that mimics the illumination of a celestial body.

The Globe lamp from Float, looks like a lovely harvest moon and can be purchased at Philadelphia-based non-profit arts organization Inliquid.com. It's quite a large piece-28 inch diameter- working best with those with high ceilings or very grand sensibilities. Definitely not a bathroom light fixture. Float also sells a similar model that is placed on the floor, for those without children or pets.

2006-05-04T22:08:00.000-04:00

Decorating with Candles, without a Grandma result.

I admit that I do have a very small bias against candle-related decor. Just too many of those Yankee candles floating about, I'm afraid. But as the unseasonably warm weather continues with the requisite al fresco dinners, the lure of a well-placed votive candle is hard to resist.

Beeswax vs. Paraffin vs. Soy vs. Everything Else: As the candle market grows exponentially (really, it seems like everyone has a different sort of candle to peddle), manufacturers will surely find a way to make a candle out of dryer lint. Some say that soy candles last longer, while beeswax is more environmentally friendly and then there's that rumor about paraffin generating more soot than in Dickens-era London...well, I say just stick to a basic paraffin candle for an outdoor area. Some people can be quite sensitive to the scent of citronella, and I'm sure that bugs are evolving to be resistant to the smell of it anyway.

How expensive to go: Draw the line between dollar store and Alarmingly Expensive. While a $5 bag of 100 votives seems like a good idea, they are probably filled with air pockets and use a lower-quality wax, leaving you to endless candle replacement duty. A good votive candle should be a bit heavier than you expected, with a slight sheen to the surface (indicating a better quality wax).

Scented or not?: Relegate the scented candles to the bathroom or bedroom. Around food, they tend to numb the palate and might attract bees and mosquitoes.

Make it special: One option is to buy a shaped candle. Personally, I've always felt a bit sad burning these-it's a bit like watching a snowman melt. But if you aren't so sensitive, try a starfish shaped candle, such as this one from Bath & Body Works (17th and Walnut). Place on top of a protective surface, such as a tiny platter (such as the small wood square from West Elm)filled with sea glass, small seashells, sand or smooth pebbles, all of which can be bought at a crafts store.

A charming votive holder is a re-usable option, and keep the breeze from putting out the flame. This starfish tealight holder is similar to the aforementioned candle, and comes from Anthropologie (18th and Walnut). Carrying the oceanic theme are the sea urchin tealights, also from Anthropologie. Buy a few of each size and cluster for an interesting display.

Varying candle height adds dimension to a tablescape. These tulip holders from the Philadelphia Museum of Art come in differing heights and colors. The 24" is a dramatic statement, but might obscure the view of others around the table- keep that particular height to a buffet.

2006-05-01T15:53:00.000-04:00

The Urban Home Office.

In the space-impaired urban nest, the home office area is a relative term. A small percentage of us have the luxury of a designated home office, while the rest of us make do with a disorganized corner of our sofas, or other inconvenient spot. One man's home office is another man's laundry room, after all.

Should you invest in a desk? If you actually work from home, have a demanding hobby, or are a student, then yes. A desk can be an excellent motivator for the procrastination-inclined. Having that specific spot to write your memoirs, study brain surgery or categorize your seed collection will inspire more productivity than the overstuffed Barcalounger dangerously close to a television.

Unfortunately, desks present a conundrum. You either get a spacious work surface, or you get clever storage, rarely both. Pick work area and watch those square inches pile up with clutter. Pick storage and you won't have enough surface room to sign checks. For the serious home worker, it's a better choice to select the "surface area" option, with a few alterations for the clutter-inclined. Start with a sensible desk, such as the B1 desk from Usona Home Furnishings (113 S. 16th), with drawers for the bare essentials: pencils and paper. Keep your address books, legal pads, calligraphy sets, commemorative inkwells and other items in a stool that doubles as storage, such as this Storage Cube from Pottery Barn (4230 Main St., Manayunk; Route 73, Marlton; King of Prussia Mall). For those who require back support, use the cubes as an ottoman, or stow under the desk.

A desk, no matter how well-designed, eats up precious square footage for the casual home worker. A dining room table can easily be re-purposed using a few techniques. First, find a place to keep your materials (pens, files, postage), such as a little-used nook in your china cabinet or on a bookshelf. A basket, such as this magazine holder from online retailer Hold Everything, keeps everything together and is sturdy enough to stand on its own.

For serious filers, make your own Portable Desk (in the spirit of hanging CD storage curtains). Buy a length of vinyl from the fabric store, and a cheap, cheery vinyl tablecloth from a discount retailer- think Target. Cut the vinyl in to varying sizes of rectangles and squares, and apply a strong-hold glue to three sides, producing a pocket. Drape over your table when it's time to work. The Portable Desk is very handy for filing bills and those other loose pieces of paper that tend to run away easily, and also works well as an outdoor desk- just spread the tablecloth on the grass, patio or table.

If you don't have a dining room table, pull up a bar stool (if you don't have one, visit Mr. Bar Stool, at 167 N. 2nd St.) to the counter. Make an office nook by hanging cork tiles, found at any office supply store, on the wall, or on to the refrigerator. If you own, consider adding a coat of chalk board paint to your refrigerator, wall, or cabinet for a writeable surface. Keep supplies in the closest drawer or cabinet.

2006-04-26T23:23:00.000-04:00

Portable Glamour.

Space-conscious furniture has always been the L.L. Bean of the home design world- functional, yes. But pretty, stylish or fashionable? No.

But as our rooms and apartments get smaller while the home entertaining trend grows, the benefits of stackable, stowable or hideable furniture is obvious. So it's with this mindset that I set out to prove that foldability and good design aren't mutually exclusive ideas.

First, the folding chair. Folding chairs make sense because they solve the problem of having to force guests to sprawl out on the floor, and they can be easily be hidden away when not in use. Neiman Marcus (The Plaza at King of Prussia Mall) has an authentic antique folding chair, originally used at opera performances. Its curved lines and woven seat would be best highlighted in a white room.

Next, was Target. They're in a fit of pseudo-ethnic style at Target (Southeast Philadelphia, Cherry Hill, etc.), which gave me the feeling I was at Pier 1, right down to the potpourri. While I believe that style can be had at all price points, I don't see why "affordable" always has to go hand in hand with "Anonymous Eastern Country." The best option was the classic Director's Chair. It will juxtapose nicely in those pricey, library-esque living rooms. Word of warning: Director's Chairs are notoriously wobbly, so lower the gin content in that batch of Tom Collins.

The stackable chair is more abundant and quite often, better designed. The best place in Philadelphia is, hands down, Minima (118 N. 3rd). The Panton chair's curves and color options are cheery, while the Gigi Stacking, .03, and Fpe chairs have aerodynamic sleekness. Studio apartment dwellers take note- these options, especially the Panton chairs, don't look awful when stacked out in the open.

2006-04-25T20:12:00.000-04:00

The quest for a better vase.

Most of us own exactly one vase. Perhaps it was an ill-fated wedding gift, or a leftover from Valentine's Days gone by. Wherever it came from, the vase is gathering dust in some undisclosed corner of your house. Which is where it will stay when you finally have a floral arrangement to display.

Moments like that pushed me over the edge, in regards to vases. Not only does it make me anxious trying to determine the right pronunciation, but vases don't seem to be relevant to modern life as we know it, unless your lifestyle dictates the obsessive purchase of fresh blooms. But for most of us, re-purposing other things will do. Besides, it's much more charming and fresh to use something ordinary in an unexpected way.

My favorite non-vase is an empty bottle of fancy booze, particularly Lindeman's Lambic Ale. The wine bottle-like shape is made of a heavy green glass, with an old-fashioned, yet distinctly European label. Use a Lindeman's bottle to display a single daffodill, tulip, or lily. Most larger area liquor stores (like Canal's in Marlton) carry Lindeman's Lambic Ale for around $7.99-8.99.

This isn't going to win me points in the creativity category, but pottery also functions well as a vase (imagine that). Just think of this double-use when trying to justify the cost of a much-needed Jonathan Adler pottery piece.

For those with a minimalistic bent, put something sparse in one of these skinny zombie tumblers from CB2 (which is owned by Crate and Barrel). Group them, single-file, down the length of a rectangular dining room table, or across a mantle.

Domino Magazine suggests using tomato cans, a practice I support, even if I have no use for canned tomatoes in my daily life. It's an adorable look that doesn't appear as if you're trying too hard, and would make a pleasant display along a windowsill. Carnations would look darling. You're not limited to tomato cans, either- I think both the miniature and quart-sized milk cartons, opened as if you were using them, stuffed with flowers, would be very endearing.

Floating just the heads of roses in a teacup is a bit twee, but seems to be popular. I think the way to make this combination more glamorous would be to use plain white teacups, and to group them in a square formation on a low-set coffee table.

2006-04-20T20:00:00.000-04:00

Utensil Liberation

The arrival of unseasonably lovely weather has driven all but myself to the outdoors. I've unceremoniously acquired seasonal allergies with the quickness normally reserved for acquiring the latest Marc Jacobs. Graced with a massive headache, I soothed my broken soul with a proper dinner of grilled cheese and tomato soup.

And then there was a regrettably Carrie Bradshaw-like thought: Are bowls really necessary for the single, metropolitan girl? Or dinner plates? Or tablespoons?

I'm not sure if it's a habit from the days of dorm living, or because my dishwasher can't accomodate most bowls, but I eat all liquid-based foods from a teacup (soup) or mug (cereal). It's not very glamorous at all, but its an eccentric habit that I'm not sure I'd like to give up. Mugs and teacups allow for instant portion control (really, how much tomato soup does one single person need to ingest), solves the etiquette problem of slurping and seems to be much tidier than eating from a bowl. If you subscribe to the teacup-is-better philosophy, then you also have eliminated the need for tablespoons, which are rather clumsy anyway and are the main reasons for slurping.

I also am enamored with using salad, or dessert plates as dinner plates. If you can't cook, this makes a little bit of good food seem plentiful, and gives you an automatic excuse for not having a full-course dinner party, automatically resulting in a stress-free occasion.

Most kitchen-in-a-box sets favor dinner plates and tablespoons over their more graceful and practical cousins. If you're planning to move in to a new place, or are trying to simplify your life, do yourself a favor and break from the Big Dinnerware reflex. The Gnome Mugs from Sur La Table (The Promenade at Sagemore, Marlton) are a bit pricey, but stylishly stand up to daily wear-and-tear. They're worth the price alone for the whimsical names (a gnome named Lucien!) and will enhance your mornings greatly. The coordinating salad-sized Gnome plates are so charming that guests will forget that "jerk chicken" you're serving is supposed to be merely "roasted." Glass mugs, also from Sur La Table, are the best choice for keeping cold items cold and hot items hot, much longer than standard porcelain, stoneware or plastic. A fancier option is the Midnight Magic Daylily cup and saucer from Manor Home (210 S. 17th St.).

Of course, there is the lingering problem of flatware. I've searched high and low for non-silver everyday stuff in the area that doesn't come in a standard 5-piece place-setting. If you want to permanently solve the problem of having excessive tablespoons and salad forks, your option is to buy some fancy-pants silverware. Having silverware, while high-maintenance, is enormously life-enhancing. Besides, there's that old rule that if you spend a great deal of money, you are no longer 'nuts' but 'lovably eccentric.' Head over to Tiffany's (1414 Walnut St.), and revel in the overdone splendor of the English King silverware, or the more Casual Friday Bamboo set. While you're there, pick up some Monkey straws to keep chocolate milk from staining your tablecloth.

2006-04-20T01:37:00.000-04:00

Mother Mirror.

I must admit that I am extremely mirror-phobic. In this case, it's not a self-esteem problem, but a specific, traumatic incident: A run in with the 1980's.

When I moved in to my present bedroom, there was a half a wall of mirror tiles cemented to the wall. The tiles were immune to even the highest concentrations of goop-remover (it effectively erased 1/8th of my mental capacity, I suspect), and had to be taken off with a hammer and chisel, portions of the wall coming down with it.

Who on earth would do such a thing to their unsuspecting walls?

I suspect its another case of Home Cross-Dressing: Trying to pass off a room, home feature or accessory as Something That It Clearly Isn't. In this case, it's trying to pass off an incredibly tiny room (9x12) as a much bigger one. We've all seen those home tips that encourage you to visually extend a room's parameters by the way of mirrors. When read by a normal person, the urge is to procure a clever decorative mirror, displaying it on a wall of your choice.

When the same article is read by someone who is out of their mind, the urge is to haphazardly glue a series of mirrored tile squares halfway down a random wall. After the damage was done, did the person say, "Well now, it's just like having a huge penthouse! You'd never guess that I resided in a shoebox!"

I don't think so.

Repeat after me: You'll never, ever, EVER be able to pass off a miniscule room as a lofty space. You can mirror yourself in to next week, but the only thing your walls will reflect is the pity on your guests' faces.

But while you can't magically lengthen and widen a room, you can give the appearance of spaciousness with a well-chosen mirror.

The Mist Mirror from Foster's Urban Hardware (124 N. 3rd) begs to be hung in multiples, thanks to the art work-like framing. I'd go with six- 2 rows of three, on the horizontal- in a non-descript hall or foyer. I suppose you could hang these above a sofa, as the caption suggests, but make sure you purchase enough to make an emphatic enough statement. Three small mirrors above a large sofa looks skimpy, not minimalistic.

Placing a larger mirror above a mantel is an ideal thing to do. The somewhat unbroken vertical line that results heightens the ceiling. Try the Raleigh Arch Mirror from Restoration Hardware (4130 Main Street, Manayunk; 300 Route 73, Marlton, NJ). The arch nicely complements the horizontal lines of a mantel and the ceiling line.

In a smallish bedroom, I'm mad for this Venetian Beaded Mirror, also from Restoration Hardware. Since it's tilted, it reflects more of the blank ceiling, giving a hint of spaciousness. Be careful, since this is a major statement piece- keep this on a spare wall (meaning no accessories, and especially no messes), and try your best not to place it directly across from your bed, lest you come off as tawdry. I wouldn't encourage putting it, as the company recommends, in the bathroom, since most of us aren't very amused at such a bold, even if nicely framed, image of ourselves emerging from the bath.

2006-04-19T00:25:00.000-04:00

Parsons Disease

My dears, I think I've officially seen one too many Parsons tables. The old, visually unassuming table that looks equally appealing with crayons or fine china, has officially run its course. And oddly enough, that course ends in my doctor's office.

My doctor recently overhauled her waiting room, replacing the hard, office carpet-upholstered, scoop-bottom chairs (the sort that come pre-molded to accomodate a behind, and yes, I've also wondered who the manufacturers modeled the hind-part after) with a sterile array of geometric furniture. There was nothing but sharp corners and edges, with nothing to reassure you for the paper-gowned future that awaits. It was as if my doctor imported the most charmless part of a German research facility and plunked it down in her persian-carpeted corner of New Jersey, and the effect was very alarming.

I left with antibiotics and a very strong urge to paint my work desk gold (and I did, using 2.5 canisters of Rust-oleum 7270 from the Home Depot). Not only am I now secure in my writing desk's ability to repel rust, but I have also determined that now is about the time for a Rococo-esque revival. Why? Because the Rococo style, with its more-is-better approach, is very cheerful and a lot more soothing than a loft full of sharp lines and harsh cold tones.

But don't ready yourself to pillage Donatella Versace's humble abode just yet. Ironically, the best way to incorporate Rococo is through moderation: paint an odd piece of furniture (my writing desk used to be a very old vanity with a very old paint job) gold, upgrade your mouldings to a more ornate style. The key is to designate a specific focal point to go to town over.

A slightly less dirt-interactive option is to simply buy a carpet. I just adore the Medici Rug from Scarlett Alley (241 Race Street): Mocha for a statement, Aqua for the more timid.

Bettie, Bettie, Bettie

2006-04-17T22:29:00.000-04:00

There is only one thing I need to say in reference to that Bettie Page bio-pic that's coming out soon to three movie theatres in the area. While Ms. Mol looks adorable in the period outfits, and the plot sounds interesting enough, there is just one thing that I feel the need to say: ENOUGH WITH THE BETTIE PAGE.

There.

Bettie Page is to vintage chic, as Monet is to art: meaning accessible, recognizable to even the lowest common denominator and a very easy reference to "get." There's nothing inherently wrong about Page or Monet, but well...let's just say we need to broaden our minds a bit.

There is a lot more to 1940's and 50's style than Bettie Page. How does this relate to furniture/home decor, you ask? Well, think about it. If you're going to commit yourself to a 40's or 50's style, the first instinct is to go for the Bettie Page look- dark hair with blunt bangs, red lips, leopard. But it's done. You can walk down South Street, or hang out in Northern Liberties, and you will see at least 5 girls with that same look. There's even whole brigades of Page worshippers in the form of those Rollergirl teams. It's not fresh, or new, and involves total commitment to the look in order to not look completely silly (Bettie Page, I suspect, never grocery shopped at Superfresh).

When people are going for a retro-50's look for their homes, they end up buying loads of mid-century-esque stuff from Ikea or West Elm. There's nothing inherently wrong with Ikea or West Elm, either. But the result doesn't read Retro-Chic: It reads "I got all my stuff from Ikea or West Elm. You might want to keep any open flame away from, well, everything."

Mid-Century modern is easy to achieve at all price ranges. At the smaller budgets, leave the references to paint color and lighting: make your walls your furniture. Pick two colors (Tiffany's-box Blue with Cream contrast works), and do a bold, graphic pattern such as polka dots, or vertical stripes. Spend most of your budget on lighting, which can make even the cheapest table look delightful- even when the lighting itself, is cheap. Go geometric, and leave the paper shades behind. The Fado Lamp (no, not named for the irish-themed hookup spot) at Ikea comes in two sizes at the store- buy a handful of each size and arrange in groupings, chandelier-like. Spray-paint all eyesore hand-me-down furniture gold. It's all very Dorothy Draper, preacheress of the maximalist aesthetic and namesake of this very blog.

Those with bigger pockets should head to Mode Moderne specifically for tables and seating, and Matthew Izzo for the Jonathan Adler collection (the couches are much coveted).

But at all price points, keep the Bettie Page rule in mind: don't commit yourself to the safe, easy- to-conjure, look. Mix everything that strikes your eye, don't be afraid to break out the spray-paint and don't concern yourself to the strictly authentic.

2006-04-13T19:21:00.000-04:00

Book Learning

With all the end-of-the-world statistics these days regarding the state of America's rampant illiteracy, you'd think we would all put our books on display in an effort to show that we weren't part of some dreadful statistic.

And then I saw Pottery Barn.

If you notice, there are books displayed behind the unoffensive and neutral sofa, yes. But the books are displayed with the bindings facing IN, which would make finding the book you'd need positively impossible to find. Whatever this fictional Pottery Barn family is doing, it's certainly not tucking in to Nancy Drew novels.

Books can certainly make a nice display, as long as you're not trying to pass them off as something other than what they are: that is, books. And not a neutral backdrop for your sofas. Besides, people will end up hypothesizing that you're really just hiding a massive collection of tawdry titles if you turn the bindings in.

But what if you have nothing but tawdry paperbacks? Well, Philadelphia has more used-book stores than it knows what to do with: Book Trader on N. 2nd is a particularly good choice. Bookhaven (2202 Fairmount Ave) is one of those fabulous old-style bookstores that are practically bursting at the seams with stuff. The AIA bookstore (17th and Samson) is self-explanatory: lots of glossy architecture tomes.

Bookshelves are fine to use, but tread carefully when it comes to the non-traditional. The Chicago Shelves from DWR are modern, but are unobtrusive. Perfect for those with a small collection, or would like to avoid the massive-wall-of-books look. However, the Sapian shelves are a bit reminiscent of sad starting-out days (Ramen noodles anyone?).

2006-04-13T02:38:00.000-04:00

Flown the Coop

There's a jewelry store in the Cherry Hill Mall that features these very grand crystal birds in their displays, possibly in the hopes that a large glittering pink parrot would positively compell us to buy a heart-shaped diamond ring. Well, I might have not fit their target demographic, as I left, sans heart-shaped diamond ring. Yet the crystal bird haunted me: Was this objet d'art available for purchase, and if so, where could I incorporate one in my drab daily life?

I immediately thought of the Archer Court salad servers sold by Neiman Marcus-owned Horchow. These overwrought branch-like salad throwers are just begging for a crystal bird of some sort. And behold, Swarovski came to my rescue. They offer not one, but three choices of birds for your very own overwrought utensils and the like. I'd rest my salad servers near the perch, in an unassuming way, in a buffet setting. The site also recommends the birds for your desk too, but unless you had one of those lovely light-filled offices, the birds would seem to be a depressing reminder of your lack of basic freedoms at work.

Swarovski birds are available at the Swarovski retail stores in King of Prussia and Willow Grove.