Catalogs, catalogs, catalogs. In this "paperless" age of Internet and e-mail, why does it seem like we get SO much paper mail??? My current habit is to go straight from mailbox to recycling bin and throw 3/4 of it all away. But occasionally I will pause, and reflect, and review a catalog that catches my eye. Like most interior designers, I do buy from the big retailers and catalog companies. There are certainly appropriate applications where less-expensive options are not only acceptable, but welcome. Think kids' rooms, maid's rooms, guest rooms, family rooms, first homes, or houses where small children live. Sometimes we can't afford or don't want to invest in heirloom-type pieces. I am all for buying the best piece of furniture you can afford, but not if your two year old is going to draw all over it with magic marker! That said, the usual catalog suspects are a great resource for stylish, affordable fare, though not necessarily built to last.
When I receive the latest and greatest catalog, I will flip through it and make notes of what's appealing. Before I buy it I usually like to see the item in person (if possible) -- some items are better made than others. You want to make sure seating is comfortable, and furniture is not wobbly or has a cheap finish. Luckily most catalog companies are realizing this, and opening stores to meet their clients' demand.
Case in point is West Elm. I just got their gorgeous catalog, and pretty much wanted to buy everything... However, when I went to the store in Santa Monica, many of the items looked too cheap to actually recommend to clients. There were a few items that passed the test, and I thought I would include a few of my favorites here:
apothecary vases
They come in a variety of shapes and sizes, colorful cased glass inspired by vintage designs. Prices range from $19 to $79 each.
square base table lamp
This printed shade reminds me of Mibo's lovely prints -- I'm a big fan of the apple green color, very stylish and fresh. The base is very simple, quite innocuous, and would fit in to most clean/modern interiors. $79
parsons desk with drawers
A knock off of a classic... I love this desk in either the polished white or polished stem finishes. It is a very inexpensive desk, and probably one that you wouldn't want to use all the time (it's quite small at 48" x 24"), but it would look fantastic in a guest room, or as a hall table. $279
rolling storage
Very similar to an item that I've used many times from IKEA, this bookshelf on casters is a very useful piece of storage. One of my clients is putting two of these in her home office to keep books, papers, magazines and supplies neatly organized. Great for room dividers, for display, and for playrooms -- you could easily store lots of toys in baskets. Again love the polished white finish this comes in. Better looking than the wood stain, and has a very crisp modern finish. Multiple sizes available, priced from $299 to $499. 47" x 13" x 64.75" h or 47" x 13" x 34.5" h
nesting cubes
Another knock-off of a classic (and not the only one knocking these off either -- Jonathan Adler makes a slightly better one), these nesting tables look great in the saffron finish -- a bright, cheerful orange. Love them! $199 for 3. Largest is 20" x 20" square.
morocco embroidered sheet set
Haven't slept on them, but these sheets are great looking. Very simple and elegant, bright white 230-thread count, imported cotton percale with very sophisticated graphic embroidery. The green "stem" and brown "espresso" are my favorite colorways. $29 to $119
chain link pillow cover
You can never have too many pillows... These textured linen/cotton throw pillows would be great on a bed, a sofa, or a side chair. Great colors. Very now! $19, 12" x 21"
jute twill step rug
Highly recommend this rug...I used it in a media room and it looks great. Simple, yet graphic. And though it's jute, it actually feels quite soft. Hurry though, because sizes are selling out! See below, copied directly from the website:
*select sizes available
jute twill step rug
2' x 3' :
no longer available
2.5' x 7' :
no longer available
3' x 5' :
$39
5' x 8' :
no longer available
8' x 10' :
$179
