Once upon a time a man and woman fell in love and decided to live together forever under the same roof. One day, the woman came home and found a small mountain of nail clippings on the coffee table and asked herself, "Did I think I was living with a human and in reality he's an ape?" The man later explained he intended to throw the nails away when the play-offs were over. And so begins the wonderful journey.....
For any space it's important to create the right balance between colors and shapes; even more so when working with a couple. When men and women join parties it's a difficult task to show both perspectives in their shared space. He wants a fish tank that runs across the whole wall and she wants lots of frames with pictures where she looks good and he looks really cute (fat.) A tip for the ladies: it's best to let him think he's part of the design process like when he comes up with the idea of built in cup holders in the arm rests, nod your head in agreement and then do the exact opposite.
Here are some examples of a spaces working for couples living together;
This space blends both interests together seamlessly. The color palette is neutral and soft, the shapes are varied from severe to curved and it's not over accessorized. Had those womb chairs been darker it would have felt more grounded and masculine. The drapes in the background also add softness.
Again this is a more neutral color palette but the neutrals are darker. The sofa and arm chair are very masculine in their shape so the throw and pillows tossed around work well to soften it. The different sized bowls and flowers on the coffee table bring in femininity and so does the rug; it's a strong pattern with a very soft texture. The core pieces in this room are very dominant so accessorizing becomes the balance of the room.
This is another example of a balanced space, it does lean a little more to the feminine side with the zebra ottoman and that sculpture light fixture. With the rug, walnut wood chair, muted colors and simple architecture, the room works nicely together.
Here are examples of spaces working for just the women:
This room is really pretty, warm, layered and welcoming; to most people besides men. There are way too many blush tones in this
room for a man to feel comfortable with. It would take one time for the guy to stand up from the couch and knock his head into that petite dollhouse-like chandelier.
For a guy to live in this room, it would be like him saying he likes it when women wear harem pants;
Ladies think this is the hottest coolest thing right now, the men on the other hand think we should keep these pants in the Disney movie 'Aladdin' where they belong.
I love this little vignette, it's almost like a period piece. This delicate corner has everything on the feminine check list;
-the floral wallpaper
-the crystal chandelier
-the vintage shaped mirror, that's hanging from a ribbon
-the 'flea-market-feel' chair and table
-framed butterflies
This vignette leaves women lingering and men running.
Here are some spaces that work well for the men:
I think a man should be scared to bring a woman into this room, within days there would be an area rug, the pillows would slowly become smaller and fluffier and there would be a bunch of little things on the coffee table leaving no room for anything practical.
I happen to appreciate the simplicity of this bedroom but I don't know if other women would share my opinion. Maybe it's the lack of color or the vastly empty brick wall, but this bedroom needs a little TLC from a woman.
This bedroom is done really well. The blues, camels and light greys are all more masculine but with all the fabric and textures it brings in the feminine. The walls are padded, there's wall to wall carpeting, the drapes are full, the throw on the bed looks luxurious and the stools outside with the white pendant by the bed bring in all the softness the room needs for a perfect coupling. Jeff Andrews was the creator of this room. He is one of my favorite designers, if you request it, I can write a whole post on him :)
Just make a request in one of the many comments you plan on writing.... yes that's a hint.
It's that time of the month again.... for those ladies who have more of a connection with that statement, I'm sorry and there's no such thing as too much chocolate or alcohol or Bridget Jones. It's time to interpret the style of cool people wherever I find them.
"Hello I'm the girl who looks like a cross between Megan Fox and Dakota Fannings younger sister, Elle Fanning." She's dark, mysterious and has a beautiful butterfly collection.
The woods in the space create warmth and grounding for all the light coming into the room. It's simple and natural and sends the message that less is more. Any time a space sends that message it's very alluring.
I love this color combination; white, grey and that tan. This would be good with gold or silver and it's so easy.
This space is so sculptural and beautiful. There's not a ton of color in this room, just neutrals and different finishes that add interest. Like the woman looking for her keys, this room has a very strong core. Those room dividers are out of this world. I dream of imitating them in my own home one day in the near future. I hope that doesn't put too much pressure on my husband.
She's wearing a beautiful, simple, slightly masculine outfit. This trench dress isn't messing around, it's a strong piece that doesn't need anything else to speak for it. It has the perfect effortless drape.
This room makes a very strong impression. It's very straight forward and to the point- much like a man. Like a man, this room doesn't want to be drowned with throw pillows that have no purpose or poster prints that read "Keep Calm and Carry on"or framed pictures of people pouting to accentuate their cheekbones or the word "like."
I like this little peek-a-boo outfit, it's so cute and sporty. After having a baby I would never be able to pull this off, it would look like my stomach was sticking its tongue out at you. If you thought that joke was funny, you should start following my blog, you would love it!
This space is airy, unpretentious and happy. I love the greenery and the creams, it really opens everything up. This space is a good translation for the sporty girl above because it's minimal with good statement pieces and no frills. Those floor lamps are awesome and they're from West Elm.
Is she sad because she's lost in a field? Is she sad because her bangs are in her eyes? Maybe she's just bummed about the Office being over after nine great years...
The canopy bed would be a good transition for her coming in from the outside. I love the rustic wood beams with the linen fabric hanging down. It's soft, feminine and organic. I don't think she can be unhappy in this bedroom.
I love her, I don't know her but I love her. Her jacket is killer and paired with the tank top and leggings is so chic. The whole look tells me she is not easy going when the person working at starbucks puts sugar in her coffee. This is where she will end up at the end of her long day of coffee and music.
This room is by David Hicks, a truly great designer. This room is sophisticated not intimidating and feels low-key. The woman above needs a space to feel easy, she doesn't look like the type who can be busy with details or able to lift heavy objects. The abstract art is a big impact but it doesn't feel stiff. I love the color scheme and textures of this room. David Hicks people, look him up.
She's cool, edgy, a little traditional and youthful. The Alexander Wang bag tells me she has a true understanding of style and rocks it. I know that because I actually have someone very close to me in my life who has an Alex Wang bag and she is the coolest person I know. (If you're reading this you know who you are, you keep on rockin on ;) I'm going to get a phone call from my mother telling me "I don't have a Alexander Wang bag, it's Louis Vuitton." It's going to be tough bursting that bubble.
This area has a really good mix. There are strong pieces like the mirrored table and lamp that say 'chic and fresh' and then there's pieces that say the same thing the plaid skirt says: 'fearless of traditional (irish influenced prints).' We see that with the rug and rustic patio chair. Overall this space is a mix of trendy and traditional which is the best kind of mix. Check out that awesome magazine rack under the desk.
How ruggedly awesome is she? Her hair is perfectly messy with that scarf. The loose tee with the light layering makes it look like there was absolutely no time spent getting ready on her behalf. What I like about her is that she also feels a little boho which is always nice.
This space feels boho, comfortable and loungy. The area rug is soft enough for people to sit on and relax. Nothing in this space needs to be touched up, the pillows and couch are soft and casual. I love those light installations, they're so vintage. The beads in the background remind me of my childhood. I used to have those in my bedroom and then I got rid of them because they are probably the most inconvenient way to enter into a room ever.
On that note, I wish you all a good weekend :)
"I'm gonna pop some tags; Only got twenty dollars in my pocket" (awesome song)
Lincoln Road every other Sunday is a vintage dream. It's full of furniture pieces and art with tons of character and potential. I needed to be there at 9am because it was the last show til October so naturally I woke up at 630 so I can have my three 16 ounce cups of coffee. I had really high hopes for the day that were later crushed by my crying baby who thinks throwing cheerios in my eyes is the same as just telling me no.
So let's start with wholesalers, Micheal and Judy. They have an awesome collection of vintage furniture, "Strictly Modern Gallery," and I always find something (except this time.)
Those red chairs were $350 for both, yes you heard right, for both.
Look at that beautiful bad ass leather rocking chair. The crystal lamp behind the chair was $300.
I wanted this vignette for my home, but I would have to add literal space to my apartment to find a place for that. The upholstery was freshly done by the dealers, love it.
I love this bookshelf so much. I convinced myself it would be perfect for books and bought it, then later returned it because the seller specifically told me the glass shelves can't hold more than 10 pounds and books would kill these shelves anyway. I want to give a shout out to my husband, thank you for your constant support in favor of not buying this bookshelf. And by constant support I mean literally constantly telling me "Chana you should not buy that."
The seller of this bookshelf is Tony of Acme Mantiques. He is a really nice guy who can pretty much do anything to wood for anyone asking.
This lamp is also from Acme Mantiques and is so much better in person. It's so graphic, big and beautiful.
When you're thrift shopping there are treasures and then there are things like this:
It will never matter how cheap you got this stone dragon/gargoyle piece, it will always be a bad purchase and one you should deeply regret.
You think this would be too much for a candy jar?
While I find these two pictures intriguing I knew they were a cue for me to start heading home.
I think this fish that's attached to a wooden board was targeted for really eccentric Jews who are looking for a centerpiece on Rosh Hashana- and that's a stretch.
Pre-owned trolls..... It might seem cute and nostalgic at first but the reality will set in and you'll be left with a troll.
I like this water painting a lot. It's mysterious and soft and exotic, I would love this in a den. The framing is nice too.
Large ceramic grapes are one of the coolest and most flexible decorative objects you can ask for. They can be placed or draped on almost anything and they always look good.
Are these dressers amazing? Yes they most certainly are. I wanted these dressers for myself but unfortunately I already purchased two dressers from IKEA. It was a lucky day for someone else (bastard.)
Happy thrifting. I hope you were able to walk away with some knowledge from my many, many tips.
