Pier 1 is my new Love Interest

I think I have probably spoken about this before, but there is always a great delight in coming across store and vendors that you have dismissed for any variety of reasons, and then rediscover them as if they were new. Well That is the case with Pier 1. They are usually off my radar, for any number of reasons, but this season, they have come up with some really cool outdoor pieces. The french wire table and chairs are great, and at a less than $200 are a bargain (compare similar at Anthropologie for almost $900!).

The colorful garden stools are great too, I like how cheery they look, and the pagoda umbrella is a not to be missed item.

LOL don't get me started on the no Internet sales ability, but at these prices I want to go to the store and see what else is there.

New Outdoor Dining Table

I have been looking around for sometime now for a table for our new outdoor dining room. I recently came across these redwood picnic tables by Forever Redwood. They come in a huge varirty of sizes, and I am in love with the oldschool kind of feel of the traditional picnic table.

An Open Letter To Crate and Barrel

Dear Crate and Barrel,

We, the designers of the world love you. We love that you bring quality design to the general public. We have even come to treasure your little sister CB2, with it's spunky attitude, fresh colors and unbeatable prices. The question I have is why do you not love us? 

As designers, we would love to purchase and specify your product more, but because you seem unwilling to offer us price considerations, we are often forced to look elsewhere. I hold you responsible for my fascination with William Sonoma home, and their easy to use Design Professional Program. The same can be said for pottery Barn, Smith and Hawken and almost everybody else in the field.....but not you.

You know that for most of us, our income is based on a cost-plus structure, but when the starting cost to me and the cost to my client are the same, you place me at a huge disadvantage. I like your product, and I am convinced that if this situation were to change my purchasing from you would alter dramatically, not to mention all of the other designers who feel like I do.

I would also like to think that we are fairly inexpensive clients to service, we know the product, we know what we are buying, there should be fewer costly returns....

Crate and barrel, I hope you hear me.  Thank you

A New Must Read

Hitting the bookstores this month is a new book by the people who bring you Metropolitan Home Magazine. It's called "Glamour: Making it Modern". I have to admit that I have yet to receive my copy but I am thrilled to say that I have been included among some of the other amazing projects. Thank You Metropolitan Home for all your support!!!

Please run out and grab a copy, and be sure to let me know what you think!

Affordable Art?!

Thumbing through past issues of Domino, I came across a small article on an art website called 20x200, so I decided to check it out. This virtual art gallery carries exhibition quality unframed prints available at three price levels.
For $20 you get one of an edition of 200 at 8-1/2" x 11"; for $200 you get a slightly larger version from a run of only 20, and for those interested in a (almost) one-of-a-kind... two very large renderings of the piece are sold for $2,000 each.
After setting my eye on a few prints I was contemplating buying for my hallway, I realized they go fast! I finally opted for the one below. The ordering process was simple, and shipping was less than $10. Now I can splurge on a great mat and frame! Check out the site at www.20x200.com.

Finding Inspiration in Art

You can find inspiration anywhere....where do you find yours?