Small Space Solution: Puzzle Tables

Besides nesting tables, another great solution to add more flexibility to a small space are

PUZZLE TABLES.

To me, they are all about the cool factor. 

These are the not-quite-as-functional but super stylish cousin to the nesting table. 

Puzzle tables can be bunched together for a large surface area or broken up into small sections.

 

 

Quite the conversation starter, no?

1. Twin Side Tables via Oly

2. Regina Andrew Gold Leaf Puzzle Table Set with Travertine Top via Candelabra

3. George Tri Side Tables via Oly

Urban Archaeology Architectural Salvage Drafting Table

HOLY CRAP. HOLY CRAP. HOLY CRAP.

I have fallen in love again. 

With a 

DRAFTING TABLE.

Don't judge.

You'll fall in love too.

But I saw it first. 

It's mine.

The polished finish...The thick acrylic top... The sheer scale and mass....

Is it getting hot in here? Just me? WHEW!!! I'm shvitzing.

The only reason it is not in my shopping cart is because I am moving across country next week.

Ya, that's it... nothing to do with the $17K+ price tag.

Nothing at all.

Check out more of this gorgeously 

restored 1910 cast iron drafting table, 

and some of its siblings, at Urban Archaeology. 

(By the way, if you buy this table, they will also give you the original wood top, 

free of charge. Aren't they nice?) 

The Copper Onion

As I'm preparing to leave my home state, I am looking around and 

realizing all the things and places I'm going to miss 

(don't even mention the mountains to me... I don't want to think about leaving those yet).  

One of my favorite places I have only recently discovered is 

THE COPPER ONION

in Salt Lake.  I'd describe it as an American take on a Parisian Bistro. 

If you have multiple food allergies like I do, they are more than accommodating, too.

 I took what may have been my last brunch there this weekend, 

which was great timing as they just wrapped up a little interior face lift. 

(please excuse the Instagram pics. I'm NOT a photographer...)

The lighting was PHENOMENAL. 

I mean, I didn't shut up about it the entire time we were there. 

It was CRAZY good lighting.

Next time you're in SLC, I highly recommend dropping by and ordering yourself some Huevos Rancheros.

They are life changing. Literally.

Here are some sources to get the Copper Onion look in your home:

(sources listed clockwise from left)

1. Thonet Era Chair via DWR

2. 1890's La Mere Germaine French Menu Sign via 1st Dibs

3. Jean Pelle Bubble Chandelier via PELLEshop

3. Barn Light Radial Wave Flute Pendant via Barn Lighting Electric

4. Orbit Wall Sconce Clear via Schoolhouse Electric & Supply Co.

5. Franklin Wall Sconce via Schoolhouse Electric & Supply Co.

6. Solomon Dining Table via Pottery Barn

I'M MOVING TO OHIO!!!

That's right, I'm packing up my little family and heading to the Buckeye state.  My plans change day-to-day but as of right now, we'll hopping in the U-Haul on August 8th. Until then, 

I'M SELLING MY FURNITURE!!!

If you are local here in Utah, take a gander at what I have available:

(FYI, this is all designer furniture which I'm GIVING away at these prices)

Bassett 5th Ave Dining Table, $500 (retailed for over $1200)

Becca Dining Chairs (2 available) $100 each

Candice Olson 100% Hand Tufted Rug 5x8 $75!!! (retailed for $1300+)

(small area of discoloration on one corner due from cleaning)

Bassett West End Bureau $500 (retailed for $1600)

Bassett West End Queen Sleigh Bed $350 (retailed for $1000)

Email any inquiries to brookeherd@yahoo.com

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

Turkish-Barak Rug Inspired Girl's Room

When designing a child's room, most people start with the 'theme.' Winnie the Pooh? Disney's Cars? 

I'm not the biggest fan of this method. One, you're are limiting yourself to a specific style. 

Two, kids grow up. Are they going to be a big Batman fan in 5 years? Probably not.

I prefer to gain inspiration from an adult piece of decor and build a room that is youthful but not childish.

I have used wallpaper as inspiration for a nursery, a chandelier for a shared bedroom, and here, I'm using a
 TURKISH-BARAK RUG to INSPIRE A GIRL'S BEDROOM.

I don't know about you but I would be just as happy in this room at 20 as I would be at 8.

1. Turkish-Barak Rug via Caitlin Wilson

2. Fur Pillow via Horchow

3.Coral Dot Pillow via Joss&Main

4. Marcel Bed Luxe via Layla Grace

5. Aleppo Inlay Table via Serena & Lily

{rug image via Caitlin Wilson}

I Married Adventure Osa Inspired Design

After several attempts, I finally won 

"I MARRIED ADVENTURE" BY OSA JOHNSON

on eBay!  I have been pining after this vintage zebra covered classic 

but haven't ever loved it enough to pay the $100-150 price tag.

I snagged this baby up for a mere $27! 

Here's my tip on how to snag yours for steal: 

look for listings with the original dust jacket. 

The seller I purchased mine from only posted images with the blue cover:

which, let's be honest, is not that cute. I realized a lot of bidders over-looked this listing

because the gorgeous zebra print cover wasn't catching their eye, so they didn't bid.

The original cover is probably in better condition if the dust jacket is present, too.

That's a win/win in my book!

Here's how others have styled their "I Married Adventure:"

Add caption

The antiqued zebra print is making me dream of using a lil' zebra hide elsewhere in my home:

Do you have an copy of "I Married Adventure?"

{Images via Google, Vintage Girl, Home Beautiful, Elizabeth Bauer Design, 1st Dibs & Lonny}

French Dining Chairs with Unfinished-Finished Backs

My jaw dropped when I came across this image of these

FRENCH DINING CHAIRS WITH UNFINISHED-FINISHED BACKS.

(Could that be the most awkward description of a chair? Possibly...)

I adore this unexpected twist to the timeless Neoclassic frame.   

I have been hemming and hawing over dining chairs for YEARS now 

(literally, I've never used my dining table due to the lack of chairs), 

and I think these won my heart! 

Here the chair frame I have my eye on, finished in a creamy white:

and maybe upholster the seats in faux shagreen?

RAAAARRRR.... So sexy...

{images via The Decorista & Online Fabrics}

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

Snap Shots from Ohio

Hello Loverlies!! 

I'm back in Utah trying to recoup from traveling yesterday.  

Here are a few snap shots from my week in Ohio:

This is what I woke up to each morning... at 6:30 AM.  Good thing these kids are so cute!

Chipotle is my new favorite g-free discovery. Look at those tacos!!! Delish. 

Minus a few CRAZY gail force hail storms and getting my shins beat to all heck from rough housing kids, it was a pretty fabulous week.  Maybe I just won't make it back to real life anytime soon...

Sigh... one can wish.

Oh-Hi-Oh-Hi-OOO!!!!

Takin' a TRIP TO OHIO to visit fam.  

I'm excited to see nieces and nephews and hit up King's Island.

Be back next week!!

{vintage inspired art by LuciusArt}

Marble Infinity Sink Design Board

Nothing is more timeless than Carrara marble. If it was good enough for 

Michelangelo to sculpt the David out of, 

it's good enough for our modern homes, right?

Here is a classic bathroom designed around the 

CARRARA MARBLE INFINITY SINK.

 The REACH FAUCET 

is from offered at ChicVesselSink.com, as well, in chrome, nickel or oil-rubbed bronze.

Tres chic, don't you think?

1. Restoration Hardware Pivot Mirror

2. Thomas O'Brien Hicks Pendant

3. Chic Vessel Chic Reach Faucet in Chrome

4. Ann Sacks Beveled Subway Tile

5. Carrara Marble Infinity Sink

Jurassic Onyx Vessel Sink Design Board

I'll admit, I'm having a love affair with onyx.  

I didn't know a whole lot about this stone but realized I NEEDED to find out more when I found this 

JURASSIC ONYX VESSEL SINK.

Most people think of onyx as a straight black stone, 

when it's actually a multi-layered stone that varies in color, from black and charcoals 

to creams and whites. Onyx is one of the only translucent stones, as well.

Here's how I would style a pretty onyx vessel sink:

1. Rocky Mountain Deck Mount Faucet
2. Quoizel Ferrara Wall Sconce
3. Z Gallerie Reflection Wall Mirrror
4. Schumacher Wallpaper Kisho Sisal in Gold
5. Jurassic Onyx Vessel Sink

Black Basalt Infininty Sink Design Board

Matte black has been coming into vogue over the past year or so (remember this post?) 

and I must admit, I'm a huge fan!  When I saw this  

BLACK BASALT INFINITY SINK

 for the first time, I had to wipe a little drool off my chin.

The basalt has a gorgeous understated matte finish that would be 

great in a master bath or even a powder room. 

I would style mine with a little Parisian Bistro edge with a lot more 

matte black stone and antique brass:

How would you style yours?

1. Kohler Purist Faucet

2. Visual Comforts Library Sconce

3. Basalt Mosaic Hex Tile

4. Shake Door

5. Caesarstone Raven

6. Chic Vessel Sinks Black Basalt Infinity Sink

New Site: Chic Vessel Sink

Hello lovelies!  I have been M.I.A. lately due to a new and exciting project.  

I am proud to announce I have a new site that offers  

CHIC VESSEL SINKS.

 The site is still pretty rough, as it's in BETA mode, but hop on over to check out some gorgeous sinks!

I carry a large line of stone sinks made of  Carrara marble, black basalt, limestone,

 travertine, onyx, granite, etc.  Most of the sinks are clean and contemporary but there are

definitely some style that would work in any bathroom! 

Here are a few of my favorites from the natural stone line:

 

The infinity sinks are bananas, if I say so myself.  

They were inspired by the ever-popular infinity swimming pools and can be 

as functional as you need, as the interior insert is removable. 

This week I'll be posting design boards featuring my new sinks.  

Visit the new site and let me know what you think!

1. Carrara Marble Infinity Sink

2. Limestone Canoe Sink

3. Carrara Marble 14" Bowl Sink

4. Jurassic Marble Sink

5. Black Basalt Infinity Sink

{images Chic Vessel Sink}