Obsession-Worthy Chairs

Yesterday I went over a little of my latest bedroom inspiration pictures.  Then I headed over here to read the premier issue of High Gloss, which is fantastic - instant, total love.  Except I kind of hate them a little for featuring these gorgeous pink lounge chairs.

They're my new obsession.  Not them exactly.  Because they're are $8000.  I'm obsessed with their third cousin cheap-o versions.  With beat-up upholstery so I can guilt-free redo them in fuchsia leather (hopefully they make such a thing?) for the new bedroom.  They are out there.  Somewhere.  Waiting for me.  I just know it.  I love that they echo the Barcelona chair, but a little more flirty with the rolled back.  (I do however like the legs on the Barcelona much better.)

Once upon a time I worked in a downtown office building and looked out all day at an arrangement of eight Barcelona chairs in the lobby.  This was back in the day before I knew what the Barcelona chair was and I just thought they were comfortable chairs.  This was the office where I met my boyfriend and when he would come visit he liked to jump over the Barcelona chairs hurdle-style.  We're classy folks.

Bringing Sexy Back

The boyfriend and I have started the search for our next rental.  Even after all of these years, I'm still somewhat disturbed by how little bang you get for your buck in the Austin rental market.  However, I am getting a little excited about decorating the new digs.  We have pared down a lot of our things, got rid of our old couches, and plan on getting rid of more - so I don't feel the need to stick with most of the decor from the old house.  I feel like a clean slate.  And that's basically what we're going to get.  We were fortunate in our last rental to be able to paint the walls whatever color we wanted, but the new place will most likely sport rental white or (if we're lucky) beige.  But I'm hopeful I'll be able to embrace the bland and work with it.

One of the biggest changes will be getting the master bedroom back to ourselves.  At the last house, my son's bedroom was right off of the living room, so we opted to make it into a playroom and had him sleep in a toddler bed in our room.  Not ideal, but it meant we could use our living room after he went to bed instead of worrying about waking him up if the TV was too loud.  It also gave me a little peace of mind since I always worried that the house was a potential death trap.  Definitely not a feature I'm hoping to find in the next place.

Anyway, with the new adults-only status of the master bedroom, I'm hoping to go a little modern and sophisticated.  I came across this picture of a black-and-white bedroom done immaculately on the blog Sketch42 and decided it was the direction I definitely wanted to go in.  Her apartment was featured in this month's Rue magazine.

Isn't it gorgeous!  The antique brass swing arm lamps are my absolute favorite thing about the room and  I'm hoping to find a much cheaper source on similar ones.  Hers are from Circa Lighting for $231 each.  I found these cuties for a smidge cheaper ($176 each) at CSN. 

Her walls are obviously black (wallpapered in Imperial Trellis, blogland's favorite pattern ever), which won't be possible in a rental.  So I started searching for other inspirational black and white bedrooms.



From Elements of Style

I actually hate everything about this room EXCEPT for the gorgeous fabric on the bed.  The new place will hopefully accommodate a king bed, but if not I would have no qualms about reupholstering our current queen in something like this.



From DecorPad

 Another black wall, but I love the detail and the glass bench at the end of the bed.  Oh, and the black leather lampshades.  Black lampshades are definitely a must have.  I love the lamps in this room:

More black lampshades.

I love the metallic wallpaper, but I don't want to have pops of yellow.  Instead I'm leaning towards fuchsia - just a few touches.  Because fuchsia is a damn sexy color.

This one's not a bedroom, but when I was thinking of the style I wanted to achieve, I kept coming up with "Candice Olson"-esque.  Not that I can ever remember her doing a black and white bedroom, but her designs definitely have that touch of elegance, glam, and modernity that I'm hoping to achieve.  Her rooms always look luxe.  I LOVE the gold tiles - have to figure out a way to DIY me some.

And then I found it - THE picture will serve as my #1 inspiration:

First of all, it has white walls.  Which was kind of the point.  I love the four-poster bed, and since I doubt I find one as glamorous, I'm thinking of building this one from Ana White's plans:

From Anything Pretty

The starburst mirror is a beauty, and I've pretty much reached my limit on starburst mirrors.  But I love the white and gold accents on it.  I also adore the curved white nightstands.  Hopefully I'll find a pair on Craigslist I can makeover.  The curtains are so simple and elegant.  And the greek key bench is lovely - I just haven't found a great fabric for my knock-off version.

So, that's an idea of where I'm currently heading for the master bedroom.  Don't hold me to it, though.  I'm kind of notorious about changing my mind about decor about a million times before I finally commit.

Bookshelf Lighting

I love the look of a bookshelf topped with lighting, like this:

From Apartment Therapy

But I also like the idea of adding swing-arm sconces to the shelf itself.  Examples:



 I also love the above combination of a library/guest room.

I don't get the collection of mini tables - or are they tiny stools?  I guess everyone collects something.

My favorite has to be this IKEA Billy Bookcases hack - tutorial here.  Total genius!

And I love the adjustable height lamps too.  Total crave!

Illuminated Globe

Last night, I was watching Paris, Texas and loved the illuminated globe in the boy's bedroom.  I would love to get one for my son's room.  Both educational and useful as a nightlight.  Although a gently used one for half of the price would be preferable, here are some of the brand new ones I like.

I like the antique-feel of this Cram Newbridge 12-inch diameter globe for $88.99. 

However, the black looks so sophisticated - Phoenix 12-inch Black Ocean Illuminated Desk Globe for $85.91.  I wonder what it looks like at night.

This 14-inch Illuminated Blue Gemstone Globe with Gold Stand ($129.99) wins hands down for detail and would fit in well with the retro futuristic theme of my son's room.  And it's actually a really good deal, even if it is more expensive than the other two, because it was originally $300.

Wisteria Stool

At the moment I'm very much digging Wisteria's Diamond-Pattern Ceramic Stool.

$289 is definitely not in the budget right now, so I'll be keeping my eyes peeled for a look-a-like bargain.

So far I've found the wood version at Ballard Designs for $199, but I'm going to keep looking.



Pottery Barn Coffee Table for Less

Every time I see the Rhys Coffee Table in a Pottery Barn catalog, I remember how much I love it.

And then I remember how much I hate the $600+ price tag.

Overstock currently has the "Norwich" coffee table for $334.99 with fantastic reviews.  So if you're looking for the same coffee table, but want to save some dough, that's an option.  The picture looks black, but many reviewers say it is in fact a dark brown.

Or you could build one yourself, like Georgia from More Like Home did here.  Inspired by Ana White, she drew up plans you can use for free.  She did a more rustic stain, but you could easily stain or paint it any color you'd like.  Her cost: $60 plus hardware.  Totally inspiring.  She also drew up the plans for the matching console table and end tables.  Love!

Rent the Runway: Wedding Edition

Have you heard of Rent the Runway?  Instead of buying a black-tie event dress you'll only wear once, you can go through them and rent a designer dress (or jewelry or bag).  Not only do they send you a backup size for FREE so you don't have to worry about the fit, but shipping is included and you don't even have to dry clean the dress before you send it back.

I stumbled across them looking for a prom dress for my stepdaughter and thought it was a great idea.  I haven't used them, so if you have and want to leave feedback here, it would be greatly appreciated.  Today they sent an e-mail out that confirmed for me that whoever runs this business is pretty smart:  rental bridesmaid dresses.

And they're not hideous.  Here are my faves (the prices are for a 4-8 day rental, depending on the dress):



Alberto Ferretti, $250



Badgley Mishka, $50




Badgley Mischka, $100

 

Christian Siriano (of Project Runway fame), $200





Nicole Miller, $100





Shoshanna, $50



I obviously gravitated toward a one-shouldered look (totally unplanned).  If you're interested in Rent the Runway, you can visit through the link above or this one, which is my "referral" link:  Rent the Runway  And please remember to leave a message if you've used them before - prom is coming up quick!