I kid you not — I bought this beautiful $1,099 Crate and Barrel red troy couch for $250, and no, I didn't get it from Craigslist or an outlet store. In fact, I bought it from the actual store itself. Read on for tips on how to get yourself designer furniture at a steal.
We're not huge fans of the word cougar — used, for the most part, to try to humiliate women who date younger men (their "prey," known as cubs). But for better or worse, it's in the lexicon, which means that the idea that older women can still be sexy — and sexual — is out there, too. The following group of films shows that the cougar's been around in popular culture for a while, that cougar/cub desire is a two-way street, and that these couplings can be good, bad, or downright scary.
The High Line, located on Manhattan's West Side, opened to the public nearly two years ago as an elevated public park. Championed by Friends of the High Line, this former lifted freight line now serves the public as a beautiful park and art space. With over 210 species of perennials, grasses, trees, and shrubs planted in the park, as well as many of the original features of the old freight line, this monument to the West Side's industrial history is truly a gem. There's also plenty of inspiration for home gardeners to be found at the High Line. Take a look at some ways you can transfer a bit of the High Line to your homefront.
Los Angeles-based Gray Gallery's mix of gorgeous jewelry, artwork, and high-end home decor pieces creates a compelling and beautiful space. This elegant concept gallery is co-owned by Paris-based interior designer and gallerist Chahan Minassian and Los Angeles resident and fine jewelry designer Vram Minassian. Together, they showcase unique artists and ceramicists alongside one-of-a-kind vintage and custom contemporary designs. One of the elements of the gallery that stood out for me was the stunning relief wall that flanks the back wall of the gallery. Created by New York ceramic artist Peter Lane, the wall is a major decorative element in the store (and is also for sale). Learn more about the piece and the gallery in this slideshow.
A 1920s-era home in Oakland, CA's Maxwell Park neighborhood had fallen into disrepair and then been foreclosed upon. Since the prior owners had completed some below-code additions, including a sun porch and a third bedroom, most buyers were scared away by the mountain of paperwork involved in buying the home. While the home had potential, it languished in foreclosure, with no buyers willing to give it the work it needed. That is, until Mila Zelkha, the fearless founder of Mint Condition Homes, an Oakland-based urban redevelopment firm, came to the home's rescue. Realizing its potential, she and her team completed major renovation work, including energy-efficient, historical, and green upgrades. The result is a stunning — and affordable — home that has realized its potential after too many years of neglect. Take the tour of this lovely home and check out my interview with Mila!
Photographs courtesy of Amy Perl
It's December again, and right around the time when a lot of people get a big, fat tip! Who's deserving of your dollars this holiday season? Tipping is another way of showing thanks, but it can be hard because there is no set rule of thumb for how much you're supposed to give. Sometimes it's all about gut instinct. I'm wondering if coming out of the recession this year also means that you're more tip-happy this December. Click on to tell me whom you tip or don't tip.
Opening Dec. 17, How Do You Know stars Reese Witherspoon as Lisa, a softball player whose athletic abilities have defined her entire life — until she's cut from her team. Struggling to redefine herself, she starts a fling with Matty (Owen Wilson), a major league baseball pitcher known for playing the field. Lisa's also involved with George (Paul Rudd), an honest businessman who may be heading to jail to protect his crooked financier of a father, Charles (Jack Nicholson).
How Do You Know may involve some complicated relationships, but the interiors are another story altogether. Beautifully designed and decorated, they do a lovely job of reflecting each character's personality. Curious about the interiors? You're in luck, because Sony Pictures recently shared photos from the three male characters' apartments. Let's take a tour of photos from Matty's, Charles's, and George's homes.
Photos by David James
Lisa Spinelli and Paulo DeLima, the artistic forces between Studio Bel Vetro, a custom-made glass lighting studio, met in a rather fairy-tale-worthy manner. Lisa recalls, "I was taking a glassblowing class and Paulo nonchalantly walked into the studio. It turned out he was the studio manager there and also a teacher. It was love at first sight."
Fast forward a few years, and Lisa and Paulo's beautifully blown chandeliers and pendants now grace a number of upscale residences and businesses, including the W Hotels and Guess, Inc. Lisa started her career as a professional ballet dancer and spent time as a photographer before finding her calling with Studio Bel Vetro. Paulo has been blowing glass for 10 years, and has taught this art extensively. The duo recently gave me a peek at their amazing work, and chatted with me about their amazing lighting designs.
Last week, I shared a Napa-inspired al fresco tablescape with you. As you might remember, I'm putting together three tablescapes as part of our $1,000 giveaway with HomeGoods, which launches tomorrow! LilSugar is creating two tablescapes, and here's her latest, an arts-and-crafts-inspired kids' table. While I cobbled together my first tablescape using elements that I had at hand, for this tablescape I used pieces donated by HomeGoods, along with a few other grocery-store-procured items. While putting together this tablescape, I imagined an intimate holiday dinner for a couple, eaten at a coffee table with a romantic movie. Check out the details!
While I was wowed by many of the beautiful tables at last week's Dining by Design, the table that surprised and impressed me the most was created by San Francisco designers John Bradfield and Maryam Monsef. Combining beautiful elements from nature with a sophisticated and elegant palette, the table's — and designers' — popularity was reflected in the number of people drawn to it. Bradfield cited his inspiration for the tablesetting as the 2006 Fall/Winter runway show by Alexander McQueen, and was particularly influenced by a single dress. Find out what dress inspired Bradfield, as well as more about the table, in my interview with the designer.
All Photos Courtesy Laura Morton
