This season of Mad Men has sadly ended, and we're longing for the cool style of the show. Luckily, interior designer Susan Manrao is helping us to forget our sadness over the season finale by sharing some great decorating tips in the Mad Men style. Keep reading for all of her fabulous tips!
If you're suddenly struck by the need to throw an impromptu party, or if cocktail-loving guests descend on your doorstep, it's time to break out the shaker and vodka. But where to put it? If you live in a small space, as I do, it's impractical to have a corner of your tiny home dedicated to mixology. For some of us, even a bar cart takes up too much room, especially if we're not mixing a nightly cocktail.
So, if you need to MacGyver a serving station at the last minute, look no further than your own living room. Deputize a side table, credenza, or console table as the evening's bar, and then fill it with your favorite bottles, glasses, and bar accessories.
My one caveat? Either throw down some placemats on the surface if you're concerned about spills or stains to the table's finish, or choose one of your less precious tables to serve as a bar. At the end of the night, even if the party is a success, you'll be left with sour memories if your table's suffered a bad scratch or water ring.
Thanks to Mad Men, bar carts and at-home bars are becoming increasingly popular these days. For those of you looking to create a bar in your home that's sophisticated and not fit for a frat boy, I have a few tips for you.
Lovely Little Vignettes member Deemurph created this colorful Fall corner in her home with a handsome Danish bar cart and some other finds from her favorite vintage store in Los Angeles, 45 Three Modern Vintage. I love how the warm colors are seasonal, but not in a kitschy way. I don't see any pumpkins or Indian corn here, but this lovely little vignette certainly feels timely.
The great thing, she points out, is that it will be "easy to change up this corner as the seasons transition." She says, "All I have to do is change the painting and my flowers . . . and VOILA! . . . a whole new scene!" Looks great, don't you think?
Have you created any lovely little vignettes in your home recently? Please add them to our group!
I've been on the hunt for a retro bar cart lately, and was recently tempted by a Lucite one on Craigslist. To be honest, I don't even drink liquor — I prefer vino and Hefeweizen — but I just love the way they look. Admittedly, I also dream about having groovy cocktail parties, serving up spirits to my pals in my growing collection of highball glasses, while doing the twist. I wish I were that cool. Do you have one?
