Interiors Journalist (and Vintage Shopping Addict), Ellie Tennant

To be honest, I’m not a big fan of terrariums. These self-contained mini plant-scapes ooze artifice – particularly if, like many a gushing blogger – you insist on including a few plastic animals with your succulents for ‘extra cuteness’. Shudder.

Still, there’s no denying the terrarium trend and it seems any self-respecting fashionista is a ‘terrarist’ these days. In America, hip shops such as Anthropologie and West Elm have been peddling glass bubbles and domes for the past few years and, this spring, the UK branches of Anthropologie have joined in, too, selling sets of chic ‘terrarium tools’ for £48 and beautiful mouth-blown hanging glass teardrops for the princely sum of £1,128 – plus £110 for shipping. Ouch. Happily, if you’re determined to fill a vessel with moss that’s prone to mildew and itty bitty bits of cat litter for a special table centrepiece, then you can find all you need at an antiques fair. As any serious botanist will tell you, vintage forks and spoons tied to small bamboo canes are the best ‘terrarium tools’ while an antique glass fish bowl, apothecary jar, bell jar or cloche makes the perfect container for your teeny weeny display.
Keep your eyes peeled for rare Victorian ‘Wardian’ cases – the first terrariums, invented by London physician Dr. Nathaniel Bagshaw Ward in the early 1800s. He was experimenting with moth cocoons in sealed glass flasks when he discovered tiny plants growing in the soil inside the containers. At this time, thanks to the industrial revolution, London’s air was a smog-filled toxic soup of coal smoke and pollutants and Dr. Ward had always tried – and failed – to keep ferns alive in his garden. He soon realised that plants not only survived but actually thrived inside glass containers, creating their own mini eco-systems and requiring little watering thanks to condensation. His invention changed the world in many ways as scientists could safely ship live plant specimens across the globe and Wardian cases soon graced the drawing rooms of fashionable Victorians, filled with ferns and tropical orchids.

Despite my aversion to terrariums, I’m still inexplicably drawn to bell jars, and have a nice collection (much to my husband’s chagrin, who complains our bedroom looks ‘like the Natural History Museum’). I fill them with dried hydrangeas – dead plants are so much easier to manage…

My hunt for our new area rug began only a few weeks ago when we returned to our apartment after game night with the neighbors, only to find that our dog had ripped a small portion of my beloved West Elm zebra print rug to shreds. All that remained was the mesh layer on the bottom, and, well, piles of partially chewed brown and ivory strings. Then, a week later, after a 20-minute jaunt down to the pool deck for a glass of wine by the fire pit, we returned to find more torn shreds of rug. It was time to say goodbye.

For the next week, any downtime I found during work I scoured the Internet for our next floor hugger. I pored and pored over selections on Overstock, Target, RugsUSA, Pottery Barn, and Zinc Door. It finally came down to two: an ivory and gray Moroccan-style print, and a gray and ivory Chevron pattern.

Before:

After:

We find it to be the perfect “centerpiece” for our open-plan apartment. Not only does the pattern complement our current blue and white color scheme, but it really brightens up the whole room. We also donned our couch with new ivory pillow covers from Pottery Barn. Our last ones were from West Elm, and were also a puppy casualty, so I can only assume that our dog has something against West Elm.

And, may I add, his apartment roaming privileges have definitely been revoked.

Here are the photos (and sources) to be inspired by:

BEFORE

AFTER
Can you believe it’s the same room ?

Paint: Ralph Lauren Barn Owl White (same paint in the before)

Art: frames from Pottery Barn, bird prints ripped out of a Cavallini and Co. calendar (cheap and easy art)

Fabric for the pillows: Kravet, Jellybean 1635 backed with a coordinating turquoise linen. Not a designer? Get it: here

Fabric for the headboard: Robert Allen, Baron Stripe in Espresso, Nautica collection. Not a designer? Get it: here

Pillows on window seat: Pottery Barn Jute Braid Pillow Cover in Ivory and Dwell Studio Gate Azure 

Duvet cover and sheets: Ikea

Quilt and Shams: Pottery Barn Pick-Stitch Quilt in Sandalwood

Night table and Bench: Kerrisdale Design (call or email for price and availability)

Phone: Pottery Barn 

Lamps: Robert Abbey Alvin Boom Lamp in Nickel

Rug: West Elm Jute Boucle in Flax (another rug option Pottery Barn Chunky Wool & Natural Jute. I have it and it’s great)

Clockwise(ish) from top right: Hashish candle by Jonathan Adler; a hilarious mostly-true memoir by Jenny Lawson; a quirky card to piss off your siblings via Etsy (other great cards available at Red Pegasus on College st. in Toronto); a southwestern style yoga mat by Magic Carpet; Ikea MALM occasional table for impromptu breakfasts in bed; pretty floral pajamas by J Crew; a customizable name necklace by Toronto based Citrus Silver; an alpaca blanket by Cambie (previously obsessed over here); colourful lightweight scarves from Chapters; a cheeky throw pillow by Alexandra Ferguson; Mother’s Little Helper tea from David’s Tea; recycled wine bottle scented candles (I adore the Cab Sauv).

I’m expecting to get a phone call this afternoon from my own mother asking which of these I’ve purchased for her and yelling at me for telling all of you that I immediately thought of her when I discovered Jonathan Adler’s hashish candle several months back.  LOVE YOU MOM!!!

Upon further research, I set my eyes on the Portuguese-made matte gold Almoco flatware that is sold at Design Within Reach. Each set is 25% more than West Elm’s, but I found it for a good price nearby (and enjoyed dragging my friends to pick it up with me on an exciting Saturday night). Each set is beautifully packaged in a display box. Each piece is also significant more substantial looking than West Elm. I will review the Almoco after some use…

+I could not be more excited that Glaze Teriyaki just moved in to Fillmore Street – three blocks from my apartment in SF. I’m obsessed!

+I can’t get enough of this West Elm side table – I definitely want something like this for my first apartment out of college.

+This Topshop floral skirt is my newest obsession. How chic is this?!

+I can’t get over how much I want every single piece in Net-A-Porter’s “What’s New” section. Swoon!

+All I can think about is how perfect this Tory Burch logo bag would be for London. What do you guys think?

+What’s my favorite new (to me, anyway) blog, you ask? We Wore What! I can’t get over Danielle’s style and what a fashionable New Yorker she is.

+I’m not typically one for belts, but this Rachel Zoe lock belt may be too good to pass up. It’s just too chic!

+This Tommy Hilfiger striped dress is just calling my name for summer. It makes me want to hop on a sailboat.

-ekp

Keep up with Dear Serendipity

vote for me!

Here are a six favorites in all categories for spring.

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1. A perfect summer shift – Sabine Bohemian Embroidered Dress $79.00

2. New sunnies are a necesity for spring – The Ava Tortie Shades from Anthro just arrived at my house $39.00

3. Mossmio Supply Co. Lakitia Flip Flop - instead if flip flops $16.99

4. The Fiesta Floral Pillow from West Elm is the perfect way to bring spring into any room! $29.00

5. The Dotted Chambray Boyshirt from Madewell – perfect paired with a printed short $79.00

6. ASOS Swing Dress with Short Sleeves - your summer everyday dress, just add a necklace $36.50

]]> http://livingsafelyrecalls.wordpress.com/2013/04/25/west-elm-floor-lamp-recall-us/ Thu, 25 Apr 2013 18:30:32 +0000 Living Safely Recalls http://livingsafelyrecalls.wordpress.com/2013/04/25/west-elm-floor-lamp-recall-us/ US/Washington: West Elm recalls some Floor Lamps due to injury, electric shock hazards. CPSC: http://ht.ly/kqDSH

Direct link: http://www.cpsc.gov/en/Recalls/2013/West-Elm-Recalls-Floor-Lamps/

Additional information:
The US Consumer Product Safety Commission (“CPSC”) reports the recalled Industrial Overarching model Floor Lamps have an iron base and arm and are finished in an antique bronze finish with one light socket and a round natural linen shade. They are approximately 78 inches tall and have a swiveling triple-jointed adjustable arm and an ON/OFF foot switch at the base. The lamp’s shade is about 12.5 inches high, 18.5 inches in diameter at the top, and 21 inches in diameter at the bottom. Model number 192799, 192856, 465906 or 465922 and “Industrial Overarching Floor Lamp” appear on the on the lamp’s packaging. The model name and the date of manufacture in MM/YYYY format are printed on a sticker affixed to the underside of the base. Dates of manufacture included in the recall are between 08/2012 (Aug. 2012) and 02/2013 (Feb. 2013).

According to the CPSC, a failure of the Floor Lamp’s joint locking mechanisms can cause the Lamp to collapse and the electrical cord to spark, posing injury and shock hazards to consumers.

CPSC recall number: 13-175
Recalls Direct RIN: 2013-1893
E. & O. E.

Here are a few things to be inspired by. Who am I kidding? Do a little spring cleaning and go buy something!

Trays
Useful at parties, great for displaying liquor bottles and glassware on your bar, breakfast in bed service and the ultimate catchall for life’s treasures (or all the crap we accumulate and need a neat and tidy place for). 

1. lacquer trays, 2. metal trays, 3. porcelain trays, 4. raffia trays.

Lighting
Great lighting at a fraction of the cost of other retailers.

These are a steal at under $100:
1. Industrial pendant – glass (I have it! My hubby picked it.), also in 2. mercury  3. Globe pendant (I wanted it!) 4. Perch table lamp (I should get it!)

These are a little pricey, but still a bargain:
1. Small Round Capiz pendant (I have it!). It also comes in a
2. larger size
3. Turning pendant (I know someone who has it!). It also comes as a table lamp and floor lamp
4. Overarching floor lamp (these are everywhere!)

Other great stuff!
1. Scoop back chairs
2. Martini side table
3. Bubble ceramic side table
4. Organic bedding
5. Bedding Basics
6. Mongolian Lamb pillow covers (these are everywhere!)
7. 5 pc. gold flatware set (glam – chic!)
8. prep bowls (not everything must be used for it’s intended purpose. I use mine as a catchall for my jewelry)

The Mermaid loves the water. Her ideal day is spent at the water’s edge and comes back completely energized. Her joy comes from watching her family enjoying the surf, exploring the surrounding tide pools and building castles in the sand.

Does your mom like the surf and sun? How are you planning to celebrate the day with her?

(Please excuse the empty paper towel holder and the Tupperware; just keeping it real folks)

So after these little beauties caught my eye, I knew it was time for a change:

(West Elm Oven Mitt – Cafe Stripe)

(West Elm Cotton Apron – Cafe Stripe)

I’m obsessed with the old school stripes and I think the blue & white combo will look clean and simple.  They also happen to compliment a lot of the red utensils we already own from Williams-Sonoma and have out on our countertop:

So what’s the next step?  A rug for the floor obviously.  I’d love to find one of those cushioned floor mats to help save my feet for the few times a month I actually spend more than 5 minutes at a time in there.  But it’s rather difficult to find one that isn’t covered in grape leaves, flowers, or cartoonish chefs or doesn’t look like it was pulled from the kitchen of your local Olive Garden.  So for now, in keeping with my life-long love of stripes (and sticking with my non-existent budget), I’m thinking of picking up one of these guys from Ikea this weekend:

For art, I’m thinking of going a little non-traditional.  On a recent outing to our favorite brunch spot, Toast, Jefe and I saw this tea towel from Crate & Barrel underneath the glass of the tabletop.  I’m thinking it would look great framed on the wall (not to mention helpful for this neophyte cook):

Lastly, I’m thinking of a little accessorizing for the counter area to the left of our stove top which is basically just dead space.  There’s a solid 3′ by 2′ of counter space, however, it’s wedged in the corner rendering it completely unusable for use while cooking.  So it’s really just a storage space for a wine rack, a bottle of balsamic vinegar that’s too tall for our shelf inside our cabinets, and my recipe box that admittedly hasn’t gotten much use in the last few months.

While meandering through Marshall’s last night, I came across some white ceramic canisters with chalkboard labels, similar to the ones below from Crate & Barrel that I think would be a great addition to that area (although mine would be filled with coffee beans, ground coffee, and Splenda):

Consider this kitchen on its way to being fully updated!

In other news, while walking past a pet store in New York last weekend (and lots of pestering on my part), Jefe FINALLY agreed that we can look in to getting a dog.  We still need to do our research in terms of costs, finding the type of dog we want (Miss Sneezy here has to be a bit particular), and everything that’s involved in training a dog, but I can’t help but let my excitement get the best of me.  So you may see an upcoming post or two that’s focused on aesthetically pleasing dog beds, leashes and food/water bowls.  Consider yourself warned

Such a successful evening!  Thanks to Jessica Packard and Marissa Cool for hosting the event, and West Elm San Diego for giving us a well designed space to lounge.  When’s the next one?? 

Related articles

• Creative Connection San Diego Mixer (jessicajpackard.com)
• Creative Connection San Diego Mixer (ohidesignblog.com)

LET THERE BE MORE LIGHT, said the new owner of the meagerly electrified beach house, and so Tom the electrician came and upgraded the situation over a period of two days — installing dedicated circuits for the fridge, stove, and space heater; running wires for new overhead fixtures in the dining/sitting room, above; removing lamp cords that snaked along floors and walls with no regard for that thing called code; and capping and burying wires that ran willy-nilly through the half-acre property, illumination for the pool that no longer exists and trees that may be coming down.

Staying one step ahead of the tradesmen, as is my habit, I hopped into my car yesterday morning, a rainy Tuesday, determined to produce by day’s end a hanging fixture for over the kitchen counter and another for over the dining table I don’t yet have (and don’t know the size or shape of). This is a challenge on the far East End of Long Island, where shopping ops are few.

There’s nothing like an enforced drive up-island to make one realize how aptly named Long Island is. I hadn’t intended to go more than a few miles east if I could help it. My hope was that I’d find two marvelous fixtures at either the Ladies Village Improvement Society thrift shop in East Hampton or the ARF (Animal Rescue Fund) shop in Bridge, and then make a 12:00 yoga class. But as good as those shops are, they hew traditional, and my vision here is rustic/retro/industrial. The woman at ARF suggested I try the Restoration Hardware outlet at the Tanger Mall in Riverhead, and I decided to go for it, though it’s an hour’s drive from Springs. I stopped along the way at Revco Lighting and Suffolk Lighting in Southampton, two high-end showrooms whose prices I had no intention of paying, and also at Schwing, an electrical supply store where I picked up a bunch of landscape lighting catalogues and had an illuminating discussion about low versus line voltage — and realized that landscape lighting will have to be a low priority. Decent quality fixtures cost in the neighborhood of $200, and I need 10. And then there’s installation.

Ultimately I succeeded; my long day’s journey yielded what RH calls a vintage barn pendant in slate gray for over the kitchen counter, above; I paid $107 (originally $249) and it seems to be of very decent quality. There’s a West Elm there, too, to which I’ll be returning when it’s time for rugs. There I picked up a big white bell-shaped enamel shade, right, for over the future dining table, for $50.

I had been hoping they’d have the pumpkin-shaped bentwood fixture, below, I’d seen and liked in the West Elm catalogue, but they only had the long cigar-shaped one ($79 without its innards, orig. $169) and I decided the ceiling is too low for such a long fixture.

I capped my lamp-shopping triumphs with a stop at East Hampton Hardware, where I bought a $5.99 ‘jelly jar’ sconce, the kind normally used for outside back doors. I tried it in the long ship-like hall, and I think it’s just right. I’m going back for a second one. Can’t beat the price, right?

Some of the existing lighting in the house and yard is very ‘Springs’ — artistic, to put it kindly. In the kitchen, the under-cabinet fixture is a long homemade metal panel that takes four tubular bulbs, below. Above the sink: a pair of ’70s white cubes. On a dimmer, with small floodlights, it gives abundant light. I’m keeping both.

In the yard, there’s an assortment of landscape fixtures, below, which I now realize are vintage and not cheap. But I hate them: there’s a pagoda, two carriage lamps, and two flowers, which I’ve promised to my contractor when I find replacements. The only one I can handle, though it’s not beautiful, is a utilitarian-looking thing that’s fallen over on its side. I’ll be looking into path lighting, but it’s not top of my list.

There’s also a pair of nautical-style, nicely oxidized sconces on the house’s exterior, below. They’re heavy and old and I like them a lot.

Charles the plumber is due tomorrow to install the shower body, and Miguel, the contractor, will tile the bathroom next week. Hopefully I can persuade the plumber to return to install the kitchen sink, bathroom sink, and toilet, while Miguel moves on to window repair.

I spent two hours this morning researching casement fasteners, left, and I’m still not sure I’ve found the right thing. Coming up: let there be locks.

As promised in my last Colour Crave post here is a round up of some lovely yellow products on the market right now. Whether you want just a touch, or to go all out here are some of my favourites.

Don’t you love these? Have a sunny day!

Meanwhile, I am back to the paperwork. Ugh.

C

If you need a friendly collaborator to guide you in your decorating, design or organizing challenges or if you need help introducing some sunshiny yellow into your home give me a shout. I’d love to hear from you.

Image credits: 1 Forever Dot T-towel, $24.00, Studio Patro through Inspirati 2. Pieni Unikko Apron, $45.00, EQ3, 3. Waffle Stripe Hand Towel with Monogram, $18.00, West Elm, 4. Pallra Boxes, $12.99, IKEA, 5. Yellow Woodland Mug, $25.00, Graham + Green 6. Grayson Chair, $1150.00, Crate + Barrel, 7. Industrial Task Lamp, $85.00, West Elm, 8. Yellow Flora Toss Cushion, $39.00, Urban Barn, 9. Go-cart Yellow Rolling Table, $129.00, CB2, 10. Casablanca Geo in Citrine, $28.95 Dwell Studio through Tonic Living 11. Willow in Corn Yellow, $12.95 yard, Tonic Living, 12. Panton Chair, $300.00, EQ3, 13. Graphic Fret in Citrine, $23.95 yard, Tonic Living.

Seriously. Where do they think they’re going? And why do they gravitate towards the dark wall?

But anyways, now that the bathroom has been painted it’s time to start adding all the fun accessories. Well, I’ll start off by showing you these since this is as far as I’ve gotten

I love these vases from CB2 (for only $4.95 if I may add!) These vases are a great excuse to always have fresh flowers in the house now *hint hint nudge nudge* Mr. Hubby But even when we don’t, some paper flowers like these from West Elm will do just fine too.

I love how the flowers not only add colour but also some life to the otherwise mundane, windowless space. And since I like changing up my home decor accessories like all. the. time. this is any easy way to get a new look.

Anyone else have these wall vases from CB2? or those paper flowers from WE? Who else has a feature wall in their bathroom?

Happy Hump Day y’all!

P.S. If you enjoy creepin’ here, why don’t you just subscribe? No one’s judgin’

I can’t believe I didn’t include a picture of West Elm’s Striped shower curtain in Monday ‘s post, Big Bold Stripes.  I think I’m going to have to order one in Navy or Gray for my apartment…  It also comes in yellow but I’m not really a yellow person.

I also wouldn’t mind incorporating stripes in the form of these Kate Spade wedges…

I did just order this striped sweater.

I’ve always been a fan of Dash & Albert’s striped cotton rugs, especially the Yacht stripe… And you can’t beat that price!  Unfortunately, I’ve run out of places to put a rug in my tiny apartment.

[click on images for sources]

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In love.

So…who are they? I pulled ‘about us’ section from their website.
We believe that a mark is more than a symbol;
It’s an artful mingling of typography and design
that turns a gift into a personal gesture.

It can be bold and boisterous
or subtle and refined.

It can join families together
or celebrate individuality.

It can be an inside joke
or honor the literal beauty
of a name.

When it comes to making your mark,
we hope you think of us for
unique typefaces and beautiful objects.

Mark and Graham: next-generation personalization.

Ok, how inspiring is that?!

I found myself literally lost on their website, floating through beautifully personalized pieces that were calling my name. Not only do I love great personalized product, but I also love giving them as gifts — welcoming a little bundle of joy, celebrating a friend who is about to take the name of her spouse, a milestone birthday, toasting a new graduate, etc… Personalization is, well, just that…personal.

Here are some of the pieces I drooled over.
Disclaimer to my friends reading this… don’t be surprised if one of these lovely items finds its way in front of you for an upcoming special occasion. I possibly couldn’t help myself.

Canvas with Leather Cosmetic Bags
$24-$28
Free Personalization!

Glass Paperweights
$35.00
Free Personalization!

Everyday Leather Tote
$199.00
Free Personalization!
More Colors!

Stamped Brass Rectangle Ring
$129.00
Free Personalization!

Natural Linen Bibs
$35.00
Free Personalization!

Rustic Leather Wide-Edge Picture Frame
$79.00
Free Personalization!

Glassware
prices vary
Free Personalization!

Ciela Bracelets
$119-$129
Free Personalization!

Natural Chambray Pillow
$18.00
Free Personalization!

Luxe Leather iPad Case
sale $64.99
Free Personalization!

Cashmere Two-Tone Herringbone Scarf
$149.00
Free Personalization!

Variety of Necklaces
prices vary
Free Personalization!

Variety of Kitchen Towels
prices vary
Free Personalization!

Everyday Leather Boxed Coasters
$45,00
More Colors!
Free Personalization!

Ok, so I’m fairly sure that the “Gingham Style” joke has been made before…a lot. That aside, I’d like today to talk about that ever-popular pattern – gingham. I have kind of a love-hate relationship with it. On the one hand, I love how some of it looks. On the other…it seems to be everywhere, which given the boldness of the pattern, can sometimes be a bit overwhelming. But I’d like to start embracing it a bit more as part of that “rustic chic” I love so much. It reminds me of The Wizard of Oz, and it’s so classic vintage.

Gingham is typically found in clothing (like these men’s shirts or this woman’s skirt), but in the last while, it’s making a big debut in homes, too:

Couch: bold gingham against a muted, neutral background, via CB2

Tea Towel: picnic-in-the-park feel, all the time, via West Elm

Table Runner: looks so great against a wood table, via Pottery Barn

Storage Basket: adds a pop of pattern to ordinary storage, via Bed, Bath and Beyond

Plates and Cutlery: perfect for springtime and backyard dining, via Elle Decor

While I’m still looking on how to best add a splash of gingham to the apartment, I think it’s a perfect spring/summer pop of colour that brings to mind barbecues and picnics in the park. In my opinion, this pattern does well with subtlety so while I would likely not buy an entire gingham couch, I do love the idea of having some napkins, or a set of plates around for a bit of en vogue flash.

If you’re looking for some more ideas on decorating with gingham, you can read this article at Apartment Therapy, or check out the writeup in Elle Decor. I’m also sure your grandparents have some gingham hanging around that you can use (after all, what was popular once tends to become popular again at some point)!

So I realize I haven’t shown any recent photos of our living room/dining room/kitchen ~

It’s taken a little while to  be fairly happy with how it looks and I still have quite a bit to do

-want to put up a picture collage over the couch

-want to get a buffet (lacquered white one preferably) from a thrift store or west elm and put it against the wall in the dining room

-want to stencil the wall in the dining room

-need to paint the guest bathroom (right now its a really bright gold/yellow color)

-want an electrician to install a pendant over the kitchen sink (pendant dilemma here)

-maybe a rug under the dining room table?

-maybe use liming wax on the dining room chairs? or paint or neither?

-need to make shelves and put them up over the TV

-mount the TV?

-maybe make a console table for behind the couch?

-maybe new curtains

-something over the kitchen cabinets? (white plates?)

Here’s the before (from the previous owners):

Definitely not bad but also not my style so much

Here is the “In Progress”

i.e. a huge mess-

and here is the After

So the Chalkboard painted buffet (purchased from Craigslist) was actually pretty easy to do-

also other new purchases including thrift store purchases I and II(and a thrift store coffee table!)~

Rug layering (Moroccan from Ebay and jute from West Elm) was decided upon and a new chandelier installed (also reupholstered the dining room chairs which were purchased from craigslist for $20 bucks for all 4)

New living room lamp

Faux deer head on sale at West Elm

And the brass etagere is from Craigslist as well (dining room table is on loan from my sister and from here)

So still have a ways to go but it is an improvement from the before!

Also trying to bring in some masculine elements (or just more modern elements) to help it be a little less girly/old ladyish

My king-sized West Elm chevron duvet, because (A) They don’t make it anymore (get it while you can!), and (B) It will cost a million dollars to ship a cute duvet to our Hawaii home once (read: IF) I find different duvet that I like. So what if it means we have to purchase a king mattress when we get there? I like it and it’s coming with me.

#AlwaysNesting