Small Space Solution: Nesting Tables

Some people find it surprising I would rather design a small space than a larger one. 

In fact, I personally would never want to live in a space more than about 2,500 square feet.  

Large McMansions just eat up furniture and it's hard to create a 

warm inviting environment that's on a human scale.  Living in a smaller space 

doesn't mean living without, though, one just needs to know how to optimize the space you have.

One of the best ways to optimize a small space would be to utilize

NESTING TABLES.

These versatile pieces can be scattered about the room when extra surface area are needed 

(cocktail party anyone?) or you can store them nestled together to free up valuable space.

Check out some killer options I've been spotting lately:

 

 

 

  

The king daddy of all small space end tables would be a set of lucite nesting tables. 

The clear waterfall form would virtually disappear and take up no visual space.

 The above set is vintage circa 1970 but you can find some screaming deals on look-a-likes

(check out the Peekaboo nesting tables from CB2 or these cuties from Amazon).

 1. 1960s White Lacquered John Widdicomb Nesting Tables via 1stDibs

2. 1950s Italian Set of Brass Nesting Tables via 1stDibs

3. White Lacquered Nesting Tables via Jonathan Adler

4. 1970s Brass and Glass Nesting Tables via 1stDibs

5. Made Goods Liela Nesting Tables via Clayton Gray Home

6. 1970s Lucite "Waterfall" Nesting Tables via 1stDibs

Greek Key Inspired Style

I have a confession. I'm a design dork. 

When I'm down and need a little pick-me-up, sometimes I'll create 

DESIGN BOARDS.  

When I do this I like to use furniture that I will most likely never be 

able to work with because of the price tag.

Here is one of those boards I created with a mix of designer vintage pieces in an achromatic palette. 

I know gray has been around for awhile but I'm still enamored with this fabulous neutral.

1. Z Gallerie Studio Frames

2. Sheepskin Rug

3. Sciolari Italian 1960s Chandelier

4. Kittenger Greek Key Mandarin 1940s Chest of Drawers

5. Edward Wormley for Dunbar 1960s Tete-a-Tete

Love It Leave It: Asymmetrical Furniture

I have started to notice a new design detail showing up in pieces that catch my eye.  

As a designer I like the lines of the pieces I work with to be tailored, purposeful and polished. 

Who says the lines have to be perfect though?  

Adding in a funky unexpected element to a piece gives a fresh new take on classic silhouettes. 

What do you think? 

ASYMMETRICAL FURNITURE 

Could you love it or leave it?

{all images from Dering Hall, except chaise lounge. Chaise via 1st Dibs}

Mad Men Season 5 Premier: Mad Men Betty Inspired Design

I can't believe it's really happening.  Tonight is the 

SEASON 5 PREMIER of MAD MEN!

Remember how Don proposed to Megan? 

Remember how Joan hooked up with Roger and now she's PREGNANT?  

And Betty is moving away from the gorgeous home she once built with Don?

Oh Betty, you are so pretty, yet so sad. Of all the characters, I think I'm most intrigued by Betty.

As the show goes on she gets meaner and meaner. Hopefully something will happened to help soften her. 

She's just too pretty to have that frown all day long.

In honor of the new season, here is a 

DESIGN BOARD INSPIRED BY BETTY 

and her sherbet colored wardrobe:

1. Abstract Art Dorothy Eggleston Circa 1960

2. MG+BW Conner Sofa

3. MG+BW Nola Table Lamp

3. NDI Peonies

4. Ponti End Table Circa 1960

5. High Street Market Vintage Bar Cart 

6. Sputnik Pendants Circa 1960

Don't worry Betty, it'll all be okay.  

Stay tuned, tomorrow I will be announcing the winner for the 

DESIGN BOARD GIVEAWAY!!!

Vintage Gold Wheat Sheaf Tables

Lately I've been seeing more and more 

GOLD WHEAT SHEAF TABLES

popping up in design magazines and the blog-o-sphere 

(see yesterday's post and this post).

In France, wheat is a symbol of prosperity and wealth.  CoCo Chanel used wheat motifs throughout her 31 Rue Cambon apartment, including a gold wheat sheaf table:

After a little research, I found a few vintage pieces, mainly from the 40's-60's. 

Look how glam this cocktail table is:

So pretty and perfect for Fall! 

{images via 1st Dibs & PhotoBucket}

Mad Men 60's Chairs

I am drooling over these VINTAGE 1960's CHAIRS in mustard yellow.

They are so Mad Men.  

Speaking of Mad Men:

Grrr....  Don Draper with a Barcelona chair in the background.  Nothing hotter.

{image via 1stDibs & Pinterest}

Perfect Pair: Milo Baughman + White

I gotta say, I'm still obsessed with Milo Baughman.  I wish I could find more information on his life and work 'cause Wikipedia just isn't cutting it for me.  Until then I will drool over his creations:

 

If you want to own a piece of Milo from this era, look no further than Crate & Barrel!  The Milo Classic Leather Lounge Chair is based on a 1966 design and comes in four fabulous colors.  If white isn't your thing, try grey, black, or brown on for a change.  Tres chic!!! 

{images via 1st Dibs & Crate&Barrel}

Cowhide Rugs: Not Just for the Country

Maybe it is still that little bit of Texas I can't get out of my blood but lately I've been loving anything and everything cowhide.  Since the first half of the 20th century, cowhide rugs have been a classic element for any chic home.  With the variety of colors and finishes available on the market,  most everyone can find a hide to fit their style.

Neutrals:

Metallic Silver:

Metallic Gold:

I think hair-on-hide rugs are the perfect solution when you have a small space or a large beautiful solid surface floor which need a little warming up but you don't want to cover too much real estate.  Use them in a grand master bath, at the corner of a king size bed, or to ground a little seating vignette.

If a rug shaped like the animal it use to be isn't your thing but you still want to add a little hair-on-hide in your home, try upholstering a vintage piece in cowhide:

Circa 1960s

Circa 1950s

Circa 1970s

Can you tell I'm obsessed??

{images via RawHideCompany, PiecesInc., DecorPad, HouseBeautiful & 1stDibs}

Objet D'art: Designer Gift Bag

I have been on the lookout for great gallery wall inspirations since I'm in the process of redecorating my living room.  I have a black velvet sofa against a large white wall (it wouldn't be white if I had my way, but that's what I get for renting...).  I have always been obsessed with black and white photography but sometimes you just need to mix it up.  Lately I've been seeing designer shopping bags as objet d'art and I'm in LOVE!!

What a fabulous way to dress up a closet, no?

Even my favorite Million Dollar Decorator, Mary MacDonald used one for her client, Jill Roberts.

Ok, so I couldn't find a photo of the actual coral-colored bag that was pinned to the left on the over-sized bulletin board, but I had to post this amazing office. I. Die.

I'm jumping on the band wagon and I just placed a bid on eBay for this little beauty:

...fingers crossed, I'll win it!!

The plan is to arrange it with cut-outs from Jerry Schatzberg's 'Women Then: 1954-1969':

I seriously ADORE this book.  Since I am unable to find any Schatzberg prints anywhere (and I probably couldn't afford them if I did), I'm going to frame my favorite pages from the book I already own and re-order a new one for my coffee table.  Who said chic art had to be expensive?

Now to go frame shopping...

{images via Moth Design, BravoTV, eBay & Boston Trader}