Everyone, it seems, is talking about AMC's Mad Men, but for wildly different reasons. GeekSugar's loving the vintage geekery while BellaSugar can't get over the sexy '60s looks. I, of course, am all atwitter over the awesome interiors. Here, I'll clue you in on how to get sexy ad man Don Draper's dapper desk area.
I decided to update the strict look of this midcentury office with some finds that also would look great in a modern home office, which meant I looked for furniture on a slightly smaller scale, and that was also a little more versatile.
The Desk: For strict verisimilitude, stick with the Preston Desk ($999), but if you'd like to get a little more playful, there are some other fun choices below.
Growing up, I had to do my share of household chores, as did my siblings, but I definitely have memories of throwing a fit when asked to; I was a spoiled brat at times. We never had an organized system or schedule like a chore chart, and my poor mother did most of the housework. But then again, we did also have a cleaning lady. In any case, I personally think doing chores as a kid is a good way to learn household skills crucial for adult life, and it keeps you from feeling too entitled.Source
Design Within Reach is currently holding a pretty fabulous lighting sale, offering 15 percent off your purchase of two or more lighting items, in addition to free shipping. The sale runs through Sept. 30, so you have until the end of the month to pick out your luminaries. I've hand-picked a few for you in case you need some guidance. And you know I wouldn't mind if you sent one my way; one for you, one for me?
OK, I may have had an irrational love for the 1966 Michelangelo Antonioni film Blow-Up (starring Vanessa Redgrave, Sarah Miles, and David Hemmings) since I was in the womb, but I am not alone in my love for the mod Brit film's killer poster. It often tops lists of the world's greatest and most iconic posters (see here and here), written by cinephiles and design fiends alike, and for good reason. The original 1966 Italian design is the one most fawned over, but there are actually several variations, almost all featuring a sexy model and her photographer. I for one have a soft spot for the French poster, designed by Georges Kerfyser, which is a variation of the original by its Southeastern neighbor. The design is confrontational, racy, and mod in a kitschy magenta and blue color scheme; what could be better? Those adjectives sound so tawdry, but I'd honestly kill to hang the eye-catcher in my house: if only it didn't sell for 450 smackers. If you haven't seen the film, Netflix it, and maybe then you'll begin to understand where I'm coming from.
GiggleSugar recently traveled to Laos, where she snapped a ton of gorgeous photos of her hotel, surrounding homes, Buddhist temples, and bountiful gardens. Take a look at this slideshow of her pictures from Luang Prabong, named a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1995. To take this tour, in GiggleSugar's own words, check out the slideshow.
If you're feeling regal, take a seat in this Peacock Chair ($1,699). Made with an alder frame and available in luscious colors like ruby, chocolate, and sage (shown here), it will dress up any room. To keep it from looking too fussy, pair it with unexpectedly modern accessories, such as sleek white sofas and ottomans or wooden pieces lacquered in bright, poppy colors.
In the classic musical Annie there's a great line imitating Miss Hannigan during the "Hard-Knock Life" number that I always think of when I'm mopping the house:"You'll stay up until this floor shines like the top of the Chrysler Building." The image of how that landmark sparkles in the skyline is actually a great motivator for me. But, sadly, the plot, which involves the hard labor of orphans, isn't the nicest thing. But, it turns out that there is a trick to making your floors sparkle just so, and it has nothing to do with child labor or actually mopping.
Converse
DSquared
Prada