Dress Your Nest

Bedding for a Princess on a Shoestring

2009-01-05T17:13:00.000-08:00

It's amazing how expensive crib bedding can be. A full set that includes a comforter/ quilt, crib bumper, a fitted sheet, dust ruffle, and a possibly a diaper bag can cost upwards $180.00. Something to keep in mind is that purchasing a full set is probably over-kill. Child safety organizations recommend against using comforters, crib bumpers and pillows in the crib since they pose a risk of suffocation.

Purchasing bedding a la carte is your best economical option. All you need to invest in the short term is a 100% cotton fitted crib sheet and dust ruffle. Dwell Studio now makes a line for Target. Here's what we got for our little princess:
Olivia Crib Sheet
Olivia Crib Skirt

Right now they are on clearance. So, for both items, I only paid $24.00!

Sweet Dreams

2009-01-02T09:59:00.000-08:00

There are so many options for cribs. They vary not only in style but also price. I knew that I wanted to keep things simple, and of course, was drawn to items with clean lines and function. Here's a few of the cribs that I liked the best:

BREAK THE BANK

The Oeuf Crib is the big dog (with a steep price tag ~ $890) in this category. Unlike most cribs on the market, it has a lowered center of gravity and the lines are crisp. The crib can grow with your child with the optional toddler conversion kit.

AFFORDABLE
Most first-mothers want the absolute best for their little ones. But keep in mind, babies grow up quickly and you won't know if they'll like sleeping in the crib until they are born. So, unless you've got some cash to burn, here are some good affordable alternatives.

Surprisingly, Wal-Mart has come to the rescue with their BabyMod line. There are two that have perked my interest.

The Olivia and ParkLane cribs both offer the same European allure as the Oeuf but feature a 3 in 1 conversion capability - crib, toddler bed to daybed. The conversion kit come standard with the purchase and both are a mere $299. What I also like about these cribs is that the mattress height can adjust to four different heights. If you can select the option to ship "site to store" and pick up your crib at your local Wal-Mart (bypassing extraneous shipping charges).

Another dark horse comes from Ikea! The Swedes get simplicity right.

The Gulliver has clean lines and is straight to the point with no frills. You can simply remove one side to convert the crib into a toddler bed. It's only $139.

I opted for the ParkLane crib. I've been pestering my dear husband for the past 4 weeks to assemble it. Hopefully it will be one of his new year's resolutions! I'll take some pics and post shortly!

Happy New Year!!!

2009-01-01T12:08:00.000-08:00

It's been a while since my last post. Work got crazy, family got crazy and life seems relentless with its never-ending curve balls. Well, I'm back now ... apologies for the rather long hiatus.

I'm excited for the new year ... 2009 is going to be a great one - full of hope and new beginnings. My husband and I are expecting a little girl in March. I'm 29 weeks and getting more and more anxious with each passing day.

Lately, my affordable modern instincts have shifted into full gear towards nesting. Stay tuned for some of my nifty finds for the little ones!

To Be or Not To Be

2008-06-18T07:44:00.001-07:00

I hunted high and low for drapes to hang in my dining room. Finally after purchasing & returning (making multiple trips to Crate and Barrel, Pottery Barn, Restoration Hardware, JcPenney), I settled on the Felicia curtains from Ikea. They give the appearance of silk dupioni due to it's nubby yet smooth texture. And surprisingly, there have an even hang. Do spruce these up with a non-standard issue Ikea rod & rings. You'll have everyone guessing where you picked up these fabulous silk drapes! Your dirty little secret will be that they were under $100.00!

Spruce Up Bamboo

2008-06-18T07:28:00.000-07:00

Have you ever been to Pearl River in NYC? A discount Asian import store where you can get all sorts of things for your home. This bamboo bench (for $51.50!) is something that I've been eye-ing.

I've been so busy at work but my inner DIY gal has been yearning to do something new. Imagine a fresh coat of semi or high gloss paint on this eclectic bench. Maybe a canary yellow or robin's egg blue. Something to pop in the corner of a room.

Eco-chic

2008-05-24T10:32:00.000-07:00

It's been heating up, and we've been firing up the grill and enjoying the early days of summer. To try to curb our utility bill, we've opted for an eco-friendly option to cool down - the Minka Aire Artemis.

Ceiling fans are not longer a faux paus but can add a stylish accent. While a ceiling fan does not lower the room's temperature, the circulatory breeze can make you feel 8 degrees cooler. In the winter months, running the fan a clockwise direction can push the hot air down the walls, gently recirculating warm air through the room.

Check-Mate

2008-05-21T06:48:00.000-07:00

Here's an easy way to bring a dash of colors into your living space - Ellsworth Kelly's 1951 piece. I wouldn't plan on springing for it on full price. Let's check back in when MOMA slashes their prices towards the end of summer.

High Tea for Me

2008-05-21T06:39:00.001-07:00

Here's a great way to spend some time out for you ... with your favorite loose leaves and a dainty little tea cup. Beautifully elegant and more importantly on s-a-l-e at Anthropologie now!

Aegean Dreamy Bathrooms!

2008-05-09T07:04:00.000-07:00

I've always thought that "egyptian" anything was the way to go. This type of cotton is typically renowned for its softness, absorbency, and durability. This is definitely my go-to choice when choosing bedding.

In the bathroom, it's a different story. Egyptian cotton are typically so absorbent that they often take f-o-r-e-v-e-r to dry completely often resulting in a mildew-y smell. Enter Turkish Aegean cotton! I've found this cotton to be just as soft and absorbent but dries quicker.

If you want to try them out - click on the link above - Costco once again has a great bargain! I got the Almond ones and love them!

Bring the Outdoors In

2007-11-23T09:45:00.000-08:00

Typically one would think that polypropylene rugs are only good for outdoors. However, a great place for these rugs are under the dining table since stains wipe easily off with a little water. Ikea's Drakor rug is a S-T-E-A-L for $79.99. You won't find rugs of this size (~ 7 x 10) & quality for under a $100.

Wonder-ous Room

2007-11-23T09:21:00.000-08:00

Create your own wonderland with this fabulous rug from Missoni. I love the possibility of mixing and matching the rainbow of colors. 59 is my fav! Surprisingly, you can just call around to see if most places carry it. Believe it or not, RugsDirect carries them!

For Those That W-F-H

2007-04-13T08:53:00.000-07:00

For all of you that WFH (Work-from-Home!), here's a great reminder when you should transition back to your other life. Alas... 5 is the magical number!

No More Vino on the Rocks

2007-03-26T06:54:00.000-07:00

The weather is warming up, and whites and roses are coming back into style - hooray! I stayed at the Gaige House in Sonoma County where I learned how to keep my whites perfectly chilled throughout a dinner party. The Bodum Kira Wine Chiller is a must-have! The double-walled carafe keeps your wine at the perfect tempature for up two hours - no more buckets of ice and no more tacky labels peeling off!

Poppy Filled Silhouette

2007-03-26T06:45:00.000-07:00

Reading by the soft glow of poppies should lure you to sleep. Buy a couple - they're only $40!

Lago

2007-03-16T06:56:00.000-07:00

My 2-Legged Wonder wasn't so much a wonder in real life. If you can imagine, the Calligaris piece actually had slanted legs (~45 degree angle)... so I'm back at the drawing board :(

But I did come across this wonderful console from Lago, an Italian design company. I love how it floats and hides all the mess behind its nifty flap. The only bummer is that this company really doesn't have a US presence.
Ay, caramba!

Minimalist Perfection

2007-03-15T07:11:00.000-07:00

Wow! Check out this new desk called quite simply, MILK from Danish designer Soren Kjaer (serial entrepreneur behind Castit, the online casting agency). A few bells & whistles include a hydraulic raise/lower feature, cable drawers and wire exits throughout, an innovative box feature along the left that serves as a place for a small fish tank, pen holder, trash bin and storage box. And best of all... it's in hot white lacquer!

No word on pricing or availability yet but I know I want one!

New Beginnings

2007-03-12T07:32:00.000-07:00

Bemz can help to give your shabby Ikea pieces a fresh start. They sell ready made slip covers for Ikea's popular pieces such as the Tullsta, Klappsta, Ektorp, and Karlanda. If you don't have one of these chairs, scour Craigslist (don't pay retail) and then start clicking away on Bemz! Here are a couple of my favorities:

Tullsta in Cinnabar Red - $90

Klappsta in Symmetry - $115

What a smart business idea!

Save $ on Magazine Subscriptions

2007-03-09T07:35:00.000-08:00

How many of you knew that you can get magazine subscriptions on eBay? I thought that this was pretty common knowledge until I wow-ed a good friend of mine recently. Lemme share the good news and warn you, you'll never pay retail again!

Metropolitan Home - 2 Years for $8.89

House & Garden - 2 Years for $6.40

Domino - 2 Years for $7.19

Who's drooling... :) Happy Shopping!

Back from Hibernation

2007-03-09T07:30:00.000-08:00

Sorry I've been out of commision! I have been busy with hosting out - of -town family members, battling a dreadful cold and then tending to my many responsibilities outside of the blogosphere... (translation - my day job) eeks! In any event, I'm back. Hello again :)

Shakadoo-ilicious

2007-02-25T14:21:00.000-08:00

I just stumbled upon Shakadoo - a new site written and created for those who love their home (aka peeps like you & me)! You can visit the various shaks for great advice - Shak In Style, ShakHammer, and Love Shak, Baby. Quite informative posts ... definitely was my candy for the day!

Bye Bye June Cleaver

2007-02-24T08:18:00.000-08:00

No matter how careful I am, runaway splashes always end up on my favorite outfit while entertaining. I love how aprons are no longer d-r-a-b. Here are few that have caught my attention (especially for less than $40!):

The Ava is so retro chic!

Oprah (and the rest of us) love Jessie Steele!

The Urban Housewife

2-Legged Wonder

2007-02-20T11:41:00.000-08:00

I love the unexpected delight of the 2-legged Calligarus Zenith console table! I actually just placed an order with All World Furniture here in Sunnyvale, CA. This store is fantastic btw... they sold me the table for less than 50% off the lowest price I found online!

As I mentioned in a previous post, our entryway is slightly on the narrow side, so I wanted to find a table that's unobtrusive. I opted against CB2's Peekaboo Clear because I was afraid of surface scratching (typical of acrylic) and Pier 1's Mezzo because it looked much better online than in person. I've been searching for months... hopefully this one will work out. I'll take some pictures once it arrives.

Wooden Simplicity

2007-02-20T07:50:00.000-08:00

I found WM Earle on BlankBlank and I'm in love!

Beautiful lines on these pillows
Very cool tripod

Be Mine

2007-02-14T07:10:00.000-08:00

modernarteveryday offers these three prints for only $16! She's also an Etsy seller. How cute...L'Amour! Happy Valentines Day!

Interior Design: Master Bedroom Bed

2007-02-13T06:44:00.000-08:00

It's been difficult to find time in my friend's busy schedule to continue on with this project! :(

But... finally...a decision has been made on the master bedroom bed. We have decided to go with the CB2's Mercury Bed - yay! The order has been placed, and we just need to wait for it to arrive.

Since price point is a key determining factor, the couple is considering purchasing a mattress from Ikea . My recommendation has been to spend some money on a good mattress. Thoughts?

Wall Montage - Take Two

2007-02-12T06:47:00.000-08:00

Yet another twist to the wall montage... It Design's Modular Boxes. They are made out of polished aluminum and are suitable for the kitchen & bath. Mix & match and express your individuality! Only pitfall is that they start at around $150 a pop - ouch!

Reeling in Chaos

2007-02-12T06:34:00.000-08:00

I love thinking different but I only wish the little white cords wouldn't take over my house! Maybe too anal... but love Cable YoYo's products- so neat & organized!

Mid-Century Modern Wall Hangings

2007-02-08T12:36:00.000-08:00

Just recently, I blogged how awesome Etsy is for affordable art. Another alternative to jazzing up some blank space is to create a fabric wall hanging. Textile Arts is a wonderful shop that offers the groovy designs of Marimekko and other mid-century modern designers.

I've ordered some in the past, and lemme tell you ... they are super easy to put together. You will need a staple gun (see Nest Essentials) and a little bit of muscle to assemble them for yourself! They range from $65 to $130. Totally worth it since they are quite large (mostly over 42" wide).

Here are some other great patterns:

OONA - Retro tropics!

LIMELIGHT - how cute for a baby's room

LEHMUS - Serene Sublimity

Bundling Up

2007-02-07T07:20:00.000-08:00

A friend of mine suggested that I should blog on my knowledge of down comforters. I'm certainly not an expert but here are some tips that I used to purchase our new fluffy comforter:

* Feathers vs. Down. Absolutely go for down... white goose down, if you can! Siberian, Hungarian & Polish white goose down fills are top notch and mostly hypo-allergenic.

* Fill Power. Fill power is a measure of the quality & warmth of the down. Higher fill power comforters have larger and stronger clusters of down (translation - more insulation). If you live in warmer climates, you probably don't need more than 550. For those in cooler climates, go for ones with 700 - 800.

* Weight. Fill weight tells you how heavy the comforter will be. This is not positively correlated with the actual quality. I prefer light weight comforters.

* Baffling/ Baffle Box. This is an absolute must since it will help to keep the down in place.

After researching numerous comforters, I ended up selecting Laura Ashley's King Comforter. It features 700 fill power, 40 oz fill (which is lighter than most for a king size), baffling, a 660 threadcount cover, and the cost - only $154! My husband and I have been snug as a bug lately.

Changing up the Wall Montage

2007-02-05T20:45:00.000-08:00

Wall montages have been featured as a terrific way to create a focal point in the house. How about mixing up your favorite photos with your favorite bloom? Imagine sprinkling one or two of these in your next grouping! How fun!

Etsy Bitsy Affordable!

2007-02-01T06:48:00.000-08:00

I've been cruising around Etsy lately... and I love it! Finally there's a place where you can go to find affordable works of art (and other goodies). For those of you who haven't checked it out, Etsy offers a marketplace where you can buy and sell all things handmade.

Aisyah Ang, a local artist based in San Jose, CA, features incredible pieces for prices around $100. Love her Poppies and her Moody Forest.

A seller, The Baby Lounge, offers made-to-order changing pads - what a cool gift for a mom-to-be!

Sorting Mail

2007-01-30T16:38:00.000-08:00

One of my husband's daily responsibilities is making a trip out to the mailbox. He's great at getting the mail but it usually ends up being my job to sort and open it all up. Alas, I've found his perfect helper...teehee!

Birds of a Feather

2007-01-30T06:28:00.000-08:00

What a fun alternative to wall decals! This mobile is made out of plywood and definitely brings the outdoors indoor! How cool would it look suspended in front of a window...

Get IT on eBay

2007-01-29T07:41:00.000-08:00

I've been looking around for a rug for my living room - one that is more traditional with a pink hue. The other day, my friend suggested that I check out eBay.

Holy - moly... there are rugs galore for under $200! If you are just looking for a nice accent and can forgo on the tactile purchasing experience, you should check out eBay!

I pulled the trigger and got this one for $120 (including shipping). It's a 5x7 Turkisk rug that's hand made, double knotted (120 knots per square inch ... not bad) and has a pink hue (that'll compliment my Rothko quite nicely)! Once it arrives, I'll take some pics!

Happy Flower Buds

2007-01-28T08:10:00.000-08:00

I spent last weekend gardening - planting Primrose, Mini Snap Dragons, and Dusty Millers. Here's how they look right now - happy and only a few sign of flowering buds.

In my experience, Walmart's Garden Center has the most economic pots and supplies. They beat Home Depot, OSH and Lowe's selection hands down. I created two identical bowls and if you're interested... spent $25 in total for the bowls & saucer, soil, and plants.

My husband thinks that I'm looney because every night, I've been carrying these plants indoors since the temperature has been dropping to the low 20's. Hopefully my TLC will pay off, and I'll have a beautiful arrangement shortly!

A Little More on "Me"

2007-01-27T12:00:00.000-08:00

A couple weeks back, kstyle and Eline tagged me for a "me-me". Needless to say I've been procrastinating... but I'm taking the plunge today!

1) In high school I received the not the MVP but the MIP (“most improved player”) in volleyball three times in a row.

2) I’ve watched “Sixteen Candles” over 50 times and typed out the dialogue for my favorite scenes.

3) I love wine almost as much as I love finding a bargain.

4) I’m an aspiring gardener but have killed approximately 40% of my plants.

5) I can’t go to sleep without setting my coffeemaker. I can’t leave the house without making my bed.

6) If I could, I’d quit my day job and become a professional organizer. Labeling, boxing, and clearing away clutter give me a natural high!

Now I tag: Maryam, Nick, Danielle, and Rachelle.

To Water or To Not Water

2007-01-19T07:50:00.000-08:00

If you are like me and find it difficult to figure out when to water vs. not water, the Moisture Meter is going to be your new best friend. I have a tendency to over-water ... and unfortunately, it showed (yellow leaves!).

Basically, this has a probe that you stick into the plant's container to measure the soil's moisture level. If it's wet, stay clear from watering. I've been using the tool for the past month, and now my plants look healthier & are thanking me with nice healthy green leaves!

I got mine from Amazon (see Nest Essentials section), but you can get yours at any local hardware/ garden center!

Lounge Pads

2007-01-19T07:27:00.000-08:00

Vertigo suggested DWR's Lucite Pet Bed for Soojee's place. I think that it would work terrifically!

I also found other great options at Post Modern Pets. Pretty Groovy!

Interior Design: Living Room Mantle

2007-01-17T06:50:00.000-08:00

The first purchase was made for my friend's place - hooray!!! After strong urging, Soojee ended up getting the same wall hanging as moi. Here's a before & after:

BEFORE

Not paying attention to her holiday decorations, the artwork hangs as a focal point but has no particular significance for the couple. The club chairs are hugging the wall (a no-no!) and do not facilitate good conversation.

AFTER

The wall hanging is absolutely delightful!. It's whimsical design plays up the light, airy space. The holiday decorations are gone (thank goodness!), and the artwork is moving to the guest bedroom. We are still evaluating whether the pair of club chairs belong in the space (or possible the couple's Wassily chairs). One thing is for sure, we need to upgrade the homebase for the couple's pets.

To follow this thread more closely, click on the tag - Interior Design.

Organized Living

2007-01-16T07:24:00.000-08:00

This is where the magic happens....my office! For this space, I was intent on not creating a wall of books. Instead, I wanted to blend in fun & colorful objects & boxes to serve as eye candy for my storage solution.

Originally, I was thinking of having custom cabinets installed until I realized that they cost more than $2 - 3,000! So, I opted for the next best thing for my budget ... Ikea! The bookshelves are the Billy, the shelves are the Jarpen (which I highly recommend because they can hold a ton of weight), and of course all the boxes are from there as well. I considered buying the Billy glass doors to hide the mess. But opted against dropping another $180 on the office.

Someone is Watching Me

2007-01-16T07:08:00.000-08:00

As I bumble around the house, these little guys will undoubtedly watch over me. I absolutely love them!!!

I anchored them at the foot of the stairwell to counter balance the traditional Korean artwork hanging above. I'm not terribly attached to the traditional piece but it's something that my parents gave me.

As you know, I'm a big proponent of working with what you have ... and for now, it works. Here's a link to a previous post on them.

Ta-Dah!

2007-01-16T06:34:00.000-08:00

Kenneth Wingard delivered! This beauty now lights up my living room.

Here's my previous post when I first spied this: All That Glitters.

Say "Who"

2007-01-11T07:04:00.000-08:00

I've been envisioning the logo for Dress Your Nest to be an owl. Don't ask why ... but it's true. I came across this little guy at Velocity Art & Design, and I'm smitten! I was feeling trigger happy, so needless to say... it's on it's way! Check out the works from Lorena Siminovich and other featured artists ... awesome original art that won't break your bank!

Interior Design: Need for A Full Length Mirror

2007-01-10T06:50:00.000-08:00

An immediate dilemma that my friend has is that she needs a floor length mirror somewhere on the lower level of her house. Since her floor plan is open, the only viable option is to neatly tuck the mirror at the base of her stairway. On the left is what her stairway looks like now with the console and hanging artwork.

Ikea is all about function. Their Garmo or Jondal mirrors are both under $50 and meet my friend's purpose. If she goes with this type of variety, I'd suggest to her that she places object for visual interest s such as a large decorative vase in the corner.
Another option is to select one that can double both as a mirror & artwork. Here are some options: mirror with bronze or wooden inlay .

Interior Design: Master Bedroom Choices

2007-01-09T07:39:00.000-08:00

This is my best friend's master bedroom. It's a beautifully open space with high ceilings and open wall space. My friend and her husband are considering a low japanese style platform bed similar to the one from West Elm. I would like to suggest that they consider beds that play to the height of their walls such as the Metal Canopy bed or this high back platform bed. The latter's shape is reminiscent of WS' Newport bed from a previous post that I adore but is too rich for me. I'm also planning on finding the right end tables - avoiding matchy-match as much as possible. What do you think?

Spindle Spandle

2007-01-05T07:43:00.000-08:00

There are slight deviations that separate these two clocks: the face, the hands, and size (the one is 22" vs. 16" in diameter). But the biggest differentiator is ~ $350. The one on the left is the classic Nelson Spindle ($405) whereas the one on the right is its close cousin ($56). I don't know about you ... but I'm fine with its cousin!

Wall Flats

2007-01-05T07:23:00.000-08:00

Here's a cure for an unsightly wall: Inhabit's Wall Flat. Just take out of the box, apply and voila! Adds texture and design putting wallpaper to shame... very cool.

Interior Design Project

2007-01-04T21:32:00.000-08:00

My best friend, Soojee, just asked me to help her re-do her house in West LA. I was absolutely flattered and graciously accepted without any hesitation - yay!

To bridge of geographic gap (Bay Area & Los Angeles), I'm planning to use the new service that K-Style just blogged about, Decor Next Door. This site offers a collaboration feature where you can upload pictures, drag and drop pointers with comments. Look for the tag of "CeLee"!

Mushroom Stool

2007-01-04T21:00:00.000-08:00

Reminds me of my little pumpkin ... what a beautiful piece. I'd pair it with either a vintage vanity or set it beside a classic wingback - absolutely playful!

Move Over Dixie...

2007-01-04T20:49:00.000-08:00

No need to whip out your fancy china when you have this parade of colors as an option. Absolutely LOVE it!

In the Need for Some Cash?

2007-01-04T09:51:00.000-08:00

eBates offers a service where you can get rebates (translation - cash back!) on all your online purchases. If you are like me and you do a majority of your shopping online, then you should check them out! Here's a sampling of some of their rebates: Target (4%), Saks Fifth Avenue (3%), Home Depot (3%), Bluefly (4%), JcPenney (4%), Overstock (3%), and the list goes on...

It's also a great destination to get coupons as well. Happy shopping!

Let There Be Light

2007-01-03T12:43:00.000-08:00

What a great find from the Style Files! At our previous home, we use to only get sunlight on one side through the patio. So, I would set my potted plants on tables where lamps were strategically positioned. Now, here's something you can find to solve that problem!

Gearing Up for the Holidays

2007-01-01T10:08:00.000-08:00

Right now is the BEST time to start gearing up for the next holiday season. Go to your favorite shops and take advantage of all the incredible sales. I just went to Z Gallerie and scored tons of goodies. What I like about this store is that it's a tad eclectic but very affordable. Check out these groovy coral serving pieces and lacquered sticks!

White Christmas Tree - FOUND!

2006-12-31T08:39:00.000-08:00

In a recent post I was soliciting feedback on where I can find a reasonable pre-lit white Christmas tree. The hunt is over ... I found one at Home Depot! It's the Bedford White Pine that's on sale for under $90. A true bargain! Look around most go for over a couple hundred dollars!

Home for the Holidays

2006-12-22T06:52:00.000-08:00

I'll be "mostly" out of commission until the New Year. My other half and I be splitting our time between Boston & LA visiting our parents. I'll try to resist the urge to blog daily... but please check back. Feel free to drop me a note - dressyournest@gmail.com. Happy Holidays & cheers!

Organizing Chaos

2006-12-20T14:17:00.000-08:00

Can't live without your gadgets but can't stand your tangles of wires? Here are some options fo all your little toys: 1) the eNook is sleek and perfect for small spaces. It doubles a desk and neatly folds up when not in use; and 2) the eBase Charging Station can hold its own in a modern household as a piece of art.

Not Too Late To Spread Some Holiday Cheer

2006-12-20T07:14:00.000-08:00

(K)notwood shows us how we all can be ingenious & modern. You can create custom greetings by applying snowflakes made out of your favorite variety of contact paper. Fantastic & completely affordable.

A Boost For Every Marriage

2006-12-19T06:49:00.000-08:00

My husband and I have agreed that it's definitely time to upgrade our queen to a KING (yippee!!!). The Newport from William-Sonoma Home is currently the front runner. It's price is obviously making me trigger-shy, and it's not exactly what I'm looking for. I love the shape of the headboard but wish that the frame was less substantial & bulky. Have you seen any good alternatives?

DIY Project: Reupholstering Dining Chairs - Part 2 of 2

2006-12-17T10:53:00.000-08:00

I'm finally done! I purchased a playful pattern that ties colors that I have around the house . It's an outdoor fabric that's waterproof so hopefully, droppings will not stain too badly. For the cushion, I used a 1" high density foam and extra loft batting. I have one down and another one to go. Then, I'm off to find my second set!

If you are curious of material selection, check out my new section on the left - Nest Essentials.

DIY Project: Reupholstering Dining Chairs - Part 1 of 2

2006-12-16T12:24:00.000-08:00

I was really happy to see on the cover of Metropolitan Home the headline, "The Mix is In". This theme goes hand-in-hand with my latest project of refinishing & reupholstering old dining room chairs. I am planning to replace my existing chairs with two mis-matched sets that will share the same uniform color & fabric. Having a hard time visualizing... come along!

A couple weeks ago, I found these on Craigslist for $20. As you can see, they were in pretty desperate shape, but I really liked their Chippendale-esque styling and was quite excited by the possibility of dabbling in upholstering!

Like my previous project, I had to sand away the original finish. Then, I applied primer onto the sanded surface. One mistake that I made was not tinting the primer to my final color choice. I had to apply 2 heavy coats of paint in order to obtain the desired color. Now, I'm off to the fabric store to pick the perfect pattern.

Couchoid To Avoid?

2006-12-14T15:12:00.000-08:00

I've been seeing a lot of positive press lately on these new couches from Blu Dot. They certainly look comfortable and undoubtedly modern. Simple in shape and made from a PETA friendly leather alternative... but the jury is out on whether I'd want it plopped down in my living room. Thoughts?

Everything that Glitters

2006-12-12T07:10:00.000-08:00

I've been looking for the perfect piece to adorn the space above my living room mantle. I came across this wall art from the same company that's selling the mod wreath. I love its playful, reflective quality and how it can be displayed year around. Especially for under $180... I can't resist but make a trip out into the city this weekend!

White Christmas

2006-12-12T06:35:00.000-08:00

With the holidays around the corner, I love everything w-h-i-t-e.
This antler wreath can be hung year-around and can also blend into the festive scene during the holidays.

Design Milk spotted this mod wreath (on the right) that I absolutely adore!

I also love how the white christmas tree is making a come-back. I seen a few in the backdrop of catalogs but haven't found any that are a must. Lemme know if you know any good leads!

Ecopod

2006-12-11T06:40:00.000-08:00

BMW Designworks (yes! - the team that developed the the Ultimate Driving Machine) hits high marks for creating euphoria in the kitchen. The ecopod is a slick receptacle makes recycling a breeze by crunching plastic, glass or recyclable items. It has room for 50 or such products. Saving the planet have never been so easy and fun.

Easy Hang Up

2006-12-08T15:45:00.000-08:00

Entryways can collect so much clutter. Umbra's Flip Hook is functional and tucks in nicely when not in use. It would go great with this parking spot for your keys.

Visualization Aid

2006-12-07T06:33:00.000-08:00

Whether you are starting with a blank slate or have decided to redecorate an existing one, it always helps to visualize your pieces in the new space. Instead of moving around your furniture from one room to another, you can use this measuring tape to outline the exact dimensions. This can be extremely helpful with large items such as sofas which, more often than not, appear much smaller in your mind's eye. For only $8 a roll for 50 yards, this visualization exercise is worth a try!

Wave Bye-Bye to Dry Cleaning Bills!

2006-12-06T20:36:00.000-08:00

I'm a little off topic, but I can't help raving about this product - Dry Cleaner's Secret! I just dry-cleaned 8 cashmere & wool sweaters at home for under $2. This is especially well suited for lightly cleaning and freshening up your clothes. I wouldn't recommend it for heavily stained clothing, but you be judge and read all its great reviews. This is a bargain hunter's dream!

Floating Shelves

2006-12-06T20:13:00.000-08:00

Floating shelves create a sense of effortless organization. Don't feel like you have to fill available space with all your belongings. Be bold and dare to expose your walls and make a deliberate statement. Free feel to express your individuality creating groupings using ones such as those pictured on the left or the right from West Elm.

Convex Mirrors

2006-12-05T07:01:00.000-08:00

I have been scouring the net to find the perfect convex mirror. Convex mirrors are often called Butlers or Fish-eye mirrors. This is because their traditional use was to allow the butler to see into a room without entering and interrupting his master. These mirrors can open up a small space, and undoubtedly are interesting to look at.

Here's a mainstream one that I found at Anthropolo gie - the frame is simple in form and made out of teak.

More ornate ones (that I love!) come with a steeper price tag. This shop in in New Zealand (ugh!) carries products that transport you back to the gilded era. If you know of any good local alternatives, please lemme know!

Everyone Can Have a Green Thumb

2006-12-04T20:30:00.000-08:00

If you are struggling for gift ideas for a loved one who definitely lacks the green thumb, consider this cool bonsai kit. It's eclectic and decidely modern, and for only $20 each, why not buy a couple and showcase them in clusters! What a delight!

Sprinkling Some B-o-o

2006-12-02T08:08:00.000-08:00

How wonderfully unique are these little creatures! You'll undoubtedly grab the attention of your dinner party guests while passing around these playful salt and pepper shakers.

Modern Holiday Spirit

2006-11-30T06:08:00.000-08:00

Here's an idea that you can easily test run for the holidays: group festive, clear or reflective candleholders or ornaments along your mantle as an alternative to the more traditional stocking display. I really like these candleholders from CB2! They range between $4 and $5 and you can cluster them with anything reflective. Here's a snippet of what I did to re-purpose items from previous holiday seasons and around the house.

DIY Project: Revitalizing a Chair - Part 3 of 3

2006-11-29T06:32:00.000-08:00

I applied the last coat of paint yesterday. Now, she graces the floor of my living room! The final color is more vibrant than the primed color.

Here's an overview of all the action that took place. I applied my first coat of Herbal Green, but soon realized that I should have been more diligent of ensuring a smooth sanded surface. If you didn't know, it's vital to use a tack cloth or lint-free rag to remove ALL tiny little particles after you complete your initial sanding. This will ensure that you have a smooth surface when you paint. I used a 320 grade sand paper which is great to remove dust spots or marks between finish coats. Some of the color stripped off, so another coat of paint was needed.

Now, I am debating on spraying on a coat of lacquer for additional shine. But, for now, I'm happy with my end result, especially for the original cost of $25!

DIY Project: Revitalize an Old Chair - Part 2 of 3

2006-11-27T21:01:00.000-08:00

At Home Depot, I invested in a orbital sander which was $30 (with my coupon). I figured having a little "help" would not be a bad idea and could save hours of manual labor. Here's a picture after I stripped its original skin. This took about 1 1/2 hours to complete. All the curved areas required manually sanding and some good old fashion s-w-e-a-t. A word of caution, whenever you use a sander, you should wear googles and a mask! I learned the hard way with a severely irritated eye and hacking cough that took a day to get rid of. (No worries...I'm feeling better now).

Here's another photo with my first coat of tinted primer. Alas, the light is at the end of the tunnel. Now for the final coat of paint.

DIY Project: Revitalize an Old Chair - Part 1 of 3

2006-11-27T20:09:00.000-08:00

This past weekend, I decided to experiment with modernizing an old traditional rocking chair. Here's the chair that I found at a garage sale for $25! The style of the chair - early American - was not to my typical liking. Then, I started envisioning ways of revitalizing its original heritage with a contemporary color treatment - glossy herbal green - to be exact. For $25 I was sold. I handed the seller my money and off to Home Depot happily I went.

Console Tables for Small Spaces

2006-11-24T06:03:00.000-08:00

My entryway is long and narrow so I've been looking for a console table that has clean lines and is visually undistracting. Here are two that I have have caught my attention: 1) CB2's Peekaboo Clear and 2) Pier 1's Mezzo. Both have a barely there but sturdy presence to be able to handle everyday traffic. But as you know from a previous post, I really like Lucite! For now these are the two contenders. I'll let you know what I finally settle on.

Bone China at Costco?

2006-11-22T14:59:00.000-08:00

With the holidays around the corner, you don't have to search high and low for the perfect pattern to finish off your table. Here's a tip: go to Costco! Vera Wang's Pink Duchesse 5 piece set is available for 30% cheaper than what you would find at comparable department stores such as Macy's or Bloomingdales. They also carry Versace's Russian Dream which is pricier but I absolutely love its color palette. Happy shopping!

Entryway - Key Holder

2006-11-20T19:43:00.000-08:00

I'm always looking for sleek options for stowing away clutter. Here's a key rack that I found on Greener Grass Design. This is the perfect gift for the busy body in your life who's always misplacing his/her keys. No more excuses especially at $24.

Mecca for DIYers

2006-11-20T07:35:00.000-08:00

Yay - there's a new site called Curbly. It's a great resource and offers a solid community for DIYers. If you are looking for some design advice and are interested in seeing inspiring before & after pictures you should check it out! Thanks Meghan for the tip!

Peek-a-boo Lamps

2006-11-19T05:25:00.000-08:00

Anthropology is a great store to find unique items for your home. I especially love scouring through their sales. Here's a lovely lamp that's available for 50% off. Design Sponge first spotted the trend but now they are more affordable than ever! The lamp's simple lines will add a timeless touch to your collection.

Southest Jalapeno?

2006-11-18T14:39:00.000-08:00

Hola, I'm vacationing in Puerto Vallarta right now. Surprisingly enough the concierge has informed me that most of the furnishings around the hotel are from Thailand. Check out the intricate detail of the wood carving and wicker chairs. If anyone knows where to find these stateside, please lemme know because they're jalapeno hot!

Platter of Delight

2006-11-18T06:15:00.000-08:00

I absolutely love this piece. I found it at Cribcandy and believe it or not it's from Walmart for $12.99. It's elegantly beautiful and awesome! Don't be a snob - go grab yours!

Let There Be Lucite

2006-11-17T14:22:00.000-08:00

This is a chic alternative for extra seating, Lucite fold-up chairs. They are simple in construction but have the durablity of chrome. And you got to love that they are less than $50 each. Hurry up and snatch some up!

Peaceful Lily

2006-11-17T14:20:00.000-08:00

Here’s a tip if you want to liven your place up with plants but don’t receive a lot of natural light. Peace lilies thrive in low light settings and are incredibly low maintenance. You just need to water them once a week, or whenever the soil one inch deep from the top feels dry.

My Obsession

2006-11-16T06:36:00.000-08:00

You can probably tell from my previous post that I love bright colored pillows! Here are some that I recently discovered on Blue Fly that I absolutely adore! Most have silk covers and are under $37 bucks... what a steal!

Scavenger Map

2006-11-15T06:43:00.000-08:00

Every morning I peruse Craiglist.com for gems. Here's a new service that has saved me countless hours - Listpic. What an awesome idea! It picks up only those listing with photos (which are of course, the most important!) and allows you to scan them all at once! Pure Genius!

Wall Art

2006-11-14T06:33:00.000-08:00

This is an easy project that adds a lot of pizazz to a room. I love Marimekko's Unikko Wall Stickers. Instead of applying them directly to the wall, I gave them a more polished finish with frames. I found my glass frames (set of 4) on eBay for $21! Enjoy!

Zen Seating

2006-11-12T11:12:00.000-08:00

I just got these from Overstock.com, and they are another one of my favs. They are made of sturdy wood and are super comfortable to sit on. They definitely live up to all their rave reviews! If you are looking for some stools as well, keep in mind that bar stools typically are 29 - 30 inches high while counter stools are a little shorter coming in at 24 - 25.5 inches.

Bringing the Outdoor Indoors

2006-11-12T10:23:00.000-08:00

You can dress up boring white walls with these super fun decals. They are easy to apply and add interest instantly. I'm planning to use these on my cabinet doors in the study. As soon as my project is complete, I'll snap a photo and let you be the judge.

Controlling Foot Traffic

2006-11-12T10:16:00.000-08:00

Here's one way to keep the grim of everyday living out of your house. Ikea's Shoe Racks are a great buy for only $9.99. I spruced mine up with a glossy coat of fire engine red spray paint. Here's a tip: if you want to do something similar, make sure to lightly sand the surface to remove stray splinters and find spray paint that can withstand the outdoors. Thanks Tanya for the great idea!

DIY Idea for Pillows

2006-11-06T07:04:00.000-08:00

The inspiration for these floor pillows came from my sister in law, Meelim. She really has an artistic eye and suggested that I should buy different fabric for each pillow. There's no place like Downtown LA's wholesale district. I paid no more than $5 a yard for each of the prints. A price that you can't beat that price anywhere! If you are not crafty, take the fabric to a local seamstress and have your cover made (for roughly $15).

If you don't live in Los Angeles, another great alternative is Tonic Living. Some of their prices appear reasonable at $8.95 a yard.

Bargain Basement without the Fuss

2006-11-05T20:41:00.000-08:00

Overstock.com is a highly under-rated site. Over the years, this has become my one stop shop for all my linens and bedding. It's unbelieve how CHEAP they sell egyptian cotton sheets. I make sure to read all the reviews and pick the ones with the highest star rating.

Just recently, however, I ventured out to a new category - patio furniture. I ordered their Terrazza Outdoor set. I must say, everything lives up to its high rating. This is one of those purchases that you think you have to touch and feel. I looked & looked but never found anything as aesthetically pleasing as this line. I absolutely love it and have received numerous compliments. As much as I love to shop online, I've never felt compelled to leave review until this purchase. You guessed correctly, I'm the reviewer from Palo Alto.

Dining Space

2006-11-02T22:30:00.000-08:00

Here's the Wenge again in our new house. I've settled on this configuration for now in our dining room. I'm planning to add some additional wall interest with color & art.

Mirror, Mirror on the Wall

2006-11-02T22:10:00.000-08:00

Mirrors are a GREAT way of creating the illusion of space. Here's what I did in my dining room. It's a large mirror measuring 50" in diameter. It's simple in shape, and the woven wood provides nice texture.

H-O-O-R-A-Y for Craig!

2006-10-31T20:41:00.002-08:00

Craigslist. You got to l-o-v-e Craig. Thank goodness that he stayed true and did not clutter the site with unnecessary bells & whistles. This is hands-down one of my favorite sites. You can find and pretty much sell anything. I've been using Craigslist to hunt down a vintage Saarinen tulip table (of course in mint condition). What I've noticed is that there are a plethora available down in Los Angeles but the selection seems to be scant up here in the Bay Area. If you know anyone who's looking to sell, give me a holler!

Roadside Warrior

2006-10-31T20:32:00.000-08:00

I travel a ton... always visiting friends and family on the weekends and for extended holidays. This is my alternative to calling up the post office to stop my mail. This beauty is a tank and can hold a week's worth of mail.

Robin's Egg Dinnerware

2006-10-30T06:36:00.000-08:00

I stumbled on this beauty, Sieger Dinnerware by Furstenburg. I absolutely love the colors and design, but I can do without the price. If anyone knows of anything similar in design, lemme know!

Picture Worth a 1000 Words

2006-10-27T06:25:00.000-07:00

Lately, I've been looking around for a sideboard to go along with my Wenge. Here's something that I found online at All World Furniture that I'm anxious to go see in person. I'll report back and let you if it lives up to all its online glory...

CeLee vs. the Artist

2006-10-13T15:28:00.000-07:00

I saw this hanging in the foyer of the Spire Restaurant . I found it to be monochromatically interesting... great use of aqua and l-o-v-e geometrically simple shapes! But I can't help from thinking how easy it was create. I do recognize that there are 2 things that separate me from a contemporary artist: 1) the idea and 2) the motivation to execute!

Industrial Chic WindowTreatments

2006-10-13T14:02:00.000-07:00

I love grommet window panels. I'm always pleasantly surprised when I find them adorning the walls & windows of ultra-swank establishments such as Nine Zero Hotel in Boston. The trick to doing grommet panels justice is to pair them with a really thick rod. The faux paus is to use a standard 1 1/2 inch rod. You can find reasonable grommet treatments at Ikea (even SJP used this variety to decorate her Hamptons cottage) and SmartBargains.