Mod Men

Wednesday, February 22, 2012

Let There Be Light!

When we moved into our house, one of the first things we did was add/update light fixtures and in some cases we needed additional lighting where there was none. One of the places where we added a light, was in the far corner of our kitchen over the table. Just a simple pendant light we picked up at Home Depot, nothing fancy. 


After three years, the pendant light has served us well, but when the home improvement itch struck last month, that light became the focus of almost every conversation. It didn't help matters that you can see it from the family room, so we stared at it...all the time.

Kyle had a vision of a rustic light fixture - sort of like the picture to the left - with a cage or Edison style light bulb. When coupled with the right decor items, it would seem relaxed and elegant...or maybe that was my interpretation of his vision? Either way, we both had an idea of what we wanted and started the search with enthusiasm. 

Enthusiasm gave way to disappointment as we scoured School House ElectricBarn Light Electric and other home decors sites - realizing that our vision taste is expensive was going to cost an arm and a leg to bring to life ($150.00- $250.00). Yes, we are still only talking about a light fixture. Stick with me.

Enter one of my favorite places, Anthropologie! Keeping with my usual routine of heading straight for the sale section, I was astonished to find a collection of fabulously rustic pendant lights for 40% off. So, instead of paying $150.00 for a light fixture, we only spent $70.00! And to top it off, they also carry Edison bulbs! YAY for us!


Here is the finished product...



I love it! Now, I find that staring into the kitchen brings a smile to my face.

I wonder what we should do next?

Tuesday, February 21, 2012

Mirror, mirror on the wall...


I am convinced that one can never have too many mirrors. They are the ultimate in multipurpose decor items! Not only do they make small spaces seem larger, but they are pretty to look at and you can check your makeup on the way out the door.



This colorful selection is brought to you by the lovely folks over at One Kings Lane and while I adore their taste, sometime their prices make me light headed. Believe it or not, these mirrors range in price from $400.00 to $1500.00! No, that is not a typo. Decimal points have been correctly placed.


Never fear fair readers! This blog is all about creative solutions. So what is the lesson here? Well the next time you're wandering your neighborhood antique or second hand store and you spot an old brass mirror that has seen better days, give it a chance (and a coat of spray paint)...you won't be disappointed!
















Tuesday, February 7, 2012

A New, Old Chair

I love antique and retro style furniture. It almost always has a story and I firmly believe that when designers look forward, they have to look back, so styles we think are dated almost always come back around.


Such is the case with a chair we recently acquired. It originally belonged to my husbands grandparents and while the cushion leaves something to be desired, it has great bones!


What I wish I had captured, was the V shape construction on the side of the chair. It is very 60s retro and incredibly comfortable.


Regardless of comfort level, the blue stripes needed to go! So last weekend, I ran to Joann Fabrics with the fabulously talented Karen (of buffet fame) to pick out something exciting and new.


Here is what we decided on. It is a great taupe-gray color and lucky for us, it is double sided - the color pallet is reversed out on the other side. 


Don't worry, I didn't overlook the fabric just above it. I actually went back the next day to take a second look and bought a yard to make accent pillows, which is the project for this weekend.


Here is the finished product! 


I really liked the way it turned out. It is a fun pattern and if at any time I decide that I want to change it, I just unbutton the cover and buy new fabric! 


Oh, did I mention the cost of the fabric? $40! I think that is pretty good for a "new" piece of furniture.






Check back for the unveiling of the accent pillows!