Crate & Barrel and West Elm are back in my good graces.

Let me define that: Crate & Barrel has never actually been in my good graces. I've always thought of Crate & Barrel as chunky dark wood furniture and primary colored fabrics (ick). They seem to be making a comeback with a softer look with great textiles and a little more style. As for West Elm I think they got caught up in the whole Parsons style everything and lost sight of...everything. Both companies are getting my attention lately--do you want to see why?

West Elm is now doing fabric by the yard. I love this print, the paisley, and a fun ikat that they're doing. Very pretty only $30 per yard.

I'm lukewarm on chalkboard paint--I think it's being over used. BUT, I love this desk lamp. You know I love color...and yellow, so this industrial task lamp is perfect for me!

This grey weathered wood is so hot right now. I approve of this Cucina Sideboard from Crate and Barrel. It has a nice wine rack in it and looks like it has actual character put into it.

I am looking to spruce up my bedding and duvet situation and this is pretty, yellow, and light feeling. Definitely on my list! From West Elm: Bazaar Duvet Cover.

A client of mine almost bought this chair: the Carly. I appreciate the grey wood and not dark wood used in this chair and the feminine fabric. Put a bird on it?

I don't know if I would use this in my apartment myself but I think the open but geometric feeling to it is wonderful. It doesn't have to be chunky to be geometric. This is the Display Coffee Table from West Elm.

As a traditionalist at heart, I love this Windsor Chair. It's a fun modern twist on a classic style chair. I wonder how comfortable this is. Good work West Elm!

Not that this is a competition (even though everything is...), I think West Elm is coming out on top. They're brought a ton of character to their line while Crate and Barrel is bringing in a little bit of a soft feminine flair although I think they need to commit to it much more. What do you all think?

Alicia B.

Alicia B.'s Latest Obsession: Architectural Models

I love stuff. I have a lot of "stuff" in my apartment because I like to look at it and it looks pretty/fun/interesting. I don't have any room for any of these things that I want lately but I can talk about it anyway, right? Maybe some of you guys DO have room for it and I'll inspire you?! I've been lately very obsessed with architectural models; wire ones, wooden ones, you name it. Check them out:

A wire Duomo from Ballard Designs for $99 "had me" at Duomo. As you all may know, I'm a sucker for anything remotely related to Italy. Maybe I could fit this one because it wouldn't take up too much space on a table or window sill.

Another amazing Wire Conservatory from Ballard Designs for $79! I love the shape of this one.

I'd die for an architectural model staircase. This Grand Staircase is well priced from Ballard Designs for only $225. Most antique ones go for upwards of $1500.

I have wanted a wooden birdcage for a very long time (without the birds. ew.). This breathtaking Victorian beauty is from Mecox gardens. They have SO many special birdcages and models.

A little more on the rustic and distressed side, this hand carved Altar for $168 is also from Mecox Gardens.

A little more on the whimsical (and pricey) side, this ADORABLE Chateau wire lantern is from Anthropologie. I saw one similar to it at ABC Carpet as well a few weeks ago. This one above is only $1598--no biggie!

If you're into the whole wire thing that is going on right now, West Elm has these decorative spheres (tumble weeds) for only $13! Personally I think these are the types of things that you buy and then get them to your house and have crushing regret but they could be fun...

These wire birds are SO CUTE from Sundance Catalog. Song Birds of Paris, TX set of 3 for $48.

Hopefully this post will calm my need to acquire a new accessory that I don't technically need. Or it will convince me that it's meant to be and that I must have one now! Sorry to be so down on the wire spheres, I can see that wire decorative accessories are pretty much everywhere and i don't want you guys to get caught up in something you'll regret. It happens to everyone! How do you all feel about these?


Alicia B.

Snapshot by ME

This is a mini snapshot of the mirror arrangement that I put up a few days ago. They are hung asymmetrically from little blue ribbons. I was looking for the perfect small space and this was perfect! This pipe was making it difficult to put up a piece of art, too. The mirrors are from Pottery Barn, though I'm not sure if they make them anymore. HERE are some cute round ones from West Elm.


Alicia B.

Nailed it!

One of many emerging trends this fall is nail head trim. Nail heads are used as a decorative tool on lots of pieces of furniture including ottomans, chairs, even headboards. Says Kate Mulhearn of West Elm, "Nailhead detail is a classic design that mixes very well with modern looks." I concur, Kate. Above is a beautiful wing chair that is part of Victoria Hagan's home collection.

West Elm Headboard.

Pottery Barn.

West Elm nail head curtains. Wow, hardcore.

Dransfield & Ross Croc embossed leather desk set from Horchow.

Horchow ottoman.

Also from Horchow. They seem to really be having fun with this trend.

Ballard Designs nail head fabric screen with many fabric choices.

You can have various different finished nail heads too; nickel, brass, bronze. Here is the link to the article in the Washington Post.


Alicia B.

Circles, so hot right now

In a search for some nice looking mirrors I came across a trend. I noticed a growing amount of mirrors with circles, which is also a trend in furniture too, and the clover motif. I think that some of the simple round mirrors are my favorite. Circles are classic. The clover reminds me of my fave jewelry right now from Van Cleef and Arpels. Below are some of my picks.

Neirman Weeks, Carcassonne.

Horchow, Triple Oval Mirrors. Olympics inspired? ha

Ballard Designs, Westbourne Mirror.

Pottery Barn, Eclectic group of mirrors.

Anthropologie, Endymion Mirror.

Pottery Barn, Geometric Circles.

Conran Shop, Nested mirrors.

Pottery Barn, Clover Mirror

Anthropologie, Angles and Orbs Mirror.

Horchow Collection, Antiqued mirror panels.

West Elm, Round mirror wall art.

Horchow, Circles mirror.

Treillageonline.com, Bunny Williams's garden inspired shop!

Alicia B.