living room decorating

Vintage Phones

Do you use a land line still? They are a bit of a dying breed it seems. For years my husband and I used our cell phones as our primary numbers and we didn't have a land line phone at all. Then when I opened up my decorating business a couple years ago, I had to get a fax machine (ridiculous in and of itself), which requires a land line. I surprised myself with how much I actually enjoy using the house phone. Crystal clear calls that never drop and it makes me feel all business-y and professional. :) The sad news is our phone is ugly, <a href="http://littlegreennotebook.blogspot.com/2009/10/office.html">as seen here</a>:<br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><img src="http://i224.photobucket.com/albums/dd246/jkomenda/deskcopy.jpg" /></div><br />I really really want a vintage phone. They are just so dang cute. I know the cord situation is not all that practical, but I make 95% of the calls at my desk anyway. And when I say vintage, I mean vintage looking with modern wiring and parts. Something refurbished would be ideal for me, but if you're up for a challenge, check eBay, etsy or local thrifts for inexpensive and truly vintage phones.<br /><br />If there were no limitations, I'd spring for one of these pretties from <a href="http://www.oldphoneworks.com/1243-orange.html">Old Phone Works</a>, favorite of big budget decorators like Miles Redd (in House Beautiful) and Nate Turner (in Domino).<br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><img src="http://i224.photobucket.com/albums/dd246/jkomenda/gasl_nate_turner_05.jpg" /></div><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><img src="http://i224.photobucket.com/albums/dd246/jkomenda/hbx-decorating-redd-9-0709-xlg.jpg" /></div><br />These run between $200 and $300.<br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><img src="http://i224.photobucket.com/albums/dd246/jkomenda/SDRRYOPDRG01K2H.jpg" /></div><br />I am so crazy over <a href="http://www.oldphoneworks.com/302-custom-aqua-blue-edition.html">this blue one</a>. Is it possible for a phone cord to be chic? This one is.<br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><img src="http://i224.photobucket.com/albums/dd246/jkomenda/aquaang.jpg" /></div><br /><a href="http://www.retroshowroom.com/IVG2/N/ProductID-65369.htm">Lindsey Coral Harper</a> used a cute red phone in her bathroom.<br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><img src="http://i224.photobucket.com/albums/dd246/jkomenda/lindseyh4-1.jpg" /></div><br /><a href="http://www.smithgear.com/itt-2500-v-rd.html">This one</a> ($50) looks nearly identical:<br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><img src="http://i224.photobucket.com/albums/dd246/jkomenda/yhst-86993463860622_2146_6399278.jpg" /></div><br />This <a href="http://www.retroshowroom.com/IVG2/N/ProductID-65369.htm">red phone</a> is pretty great (also available in black and chrome for around $50). I like that there are push buttons in the shape of a rotary. All that slow turning would get old. In fact, one of my earliest memories is watching my grandmother use the old ivory-colored rotary phone in her kitchen. I remember thinking it took a long time to get all those numbers dialed. Sure looked cool though!<br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><img src="http://i224.photobucket.com/albums/dd246/jkomenda/l_CR60-RE.jpg" /></div>

Vintage Phones

Do you use a land line still? They are a bit of a dying breed it seems. For years my husband and I used our cell phones as our primary numbe...

2:30 AM

Kitchen Drawer Inspiration

<a href="http://www.marthastewart.com/photogallery/marthas-50-top-kitchen-tips">This slide show</a> is inspiring me to get going on my spring cleaning and organizing - even though it doesn't quite feel like spring yet around here. Isn't it fun to get a peek into someone's cabinets and drawers?<br /><br />Martha sure loves her <a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B002KT1ZX0?ie=UTF8&tag=littgreenote-20&linkCode=as2&camp=1789&creative=390957&creativeASIN=B002KT1ZX0">P Touch</a><img alt="" border="0" height="1" src="http://www.assoc-amazon.com/e/ir?t=littgreenote-20&l=as2&o=1&a=B002KT1ZX0" style="border: medium none ! important; margin: 0px ! important;" width="1" />. It's hilarious to me that she labeled the label maker (with a sort of passive aggressive message?)<br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><img src="http://i224.photobucket.com/albums/dd246/jkomenda/md106031_0910_office_supplies_0066_xl.jpg" /><br /><br /><div style="text-align: left;"><div style="text-align: left;">If you like to cook, you understand how  essential it is to have good, sharp knives. I have a set of Wusthof  Classics that work great (<a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00005MEGX?ie=UTF8&tag=littgreenote-20&linkCode=as2&camp=1789&creative=390957&creativeASIN=B00005MEGX">this knife</a><img alt="" border="0" height="1" src="http://www.assoc-amazon.com/e/ir?t=littgreenote-20&l=as2&o=1&a=B00005MEGX" style="border: medium none ! important; margin: 0px ! important;" width="1" /> is my favorite), but I'm really jealous of all of Martha's Japanese knives.</div><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><img src="http://i224.photobucket.com/albums/dd246/jkomenda/md106031_0910_japanese_knives_0012_xl.jpg" /></div><br />There's no such thing as too many <a href="http://www.etsy.com/search/vintage?q=linen+napkins">vintage linen napkins</a>!<br /><br /></div><img src="http://i224.photobucket.com/albums/dd246/jkomenda/md106031_0910_napkins_0046_xl.jpg" /><br /><br /><div style="text-align: left;">I'm always drawn to Bakelite (pronounced bake-a-light), which you can find at flea markets and all over <a href="http://shop.ebay.com/?_from=R40&_trksid=p5197.m570.l1313&_nkw=bakelite&_sacat=See-All-Categories">ebay</a> and <a href="http://www.etsy.com/search/vintage?q=bakelite">etsy</a>. I love the vintage and warm feel of the resin.</div><br /><img src="http://i224.photobucket.com/albums/dd246/jkomenda/md106031_0910_napkin_rings0064_xl.jpg" /><br /><div style="text-align: left;"><br />What a pretty collection of rolling pins, and I especially love these salad servers.<br /><br /></div><img src="http://i224.photobucket.com/albums/dd246/jkomenda/md106031_0910_rolling_pins_0129_xl.jpg" /><br /><br /><div style="text-align: left;">I've used little dishes and bowls to organize small jewelry, but I think these<a href="http://collectibles.shop.ebay.com/Kitchen-Home-/13905/i.html?_nkw=jadeite&_catref=1&_fln=1&_trksid=p3286.c0.m282"> jadeite dishes</a> are so cute for organizing first aid supplies (as long as the drawer was out of reach of little hands. My kids like using bandaids a little too much).<br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><img src="http://i224.photobucket.com/albums/dd246/jkomenda/md106031_0910_vitamins_0041_xl.jpg" /></div><br />Off to organize my kitchen drawers!</div></div>

Kitchen Drawer Inspiration

This slide show is inspiring me to get going on my spring cleaning and organizing - even though it doesn't quite feel like spring yet a...

2:30 AM

Pillows with Stripes on the Bias

<div style="text-align: center;"><img src="http://i224.photobucket.com/albums/dd246/jkomenda/CouchDoggiesPillow022.jpg" /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div>My beautiful and talented friend <a href="http://bnouncements.blogspot.com/">Shanna</a> used this $5 cushion cover from the As-Is bin at IKEA to sew her own chevron pillow. She used <a href="http://www.dana-made-it.com/2008/07/tutorial-chevron-patterned-pillow.html">this tutorial</a> as a reference.<br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><img src="http://i224.photobucket.com/albums/dd246/jkomenda/SewSnow002.jpg" /></div><br />We all know you can buy chevron fabric, but I really relate to the satisfaction that comes with taking on creative endeavors. Guaranteed Shanna will love this pillow longer than if she had purchased the twinkle living pillow or used the Premier Prints fabric. Plus, I love the chunkier scale of the chevron pattern here and I think the quilted/pieced look is fun - looks more like darts or arrows.<br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><img src="http://i224.photobucket.com/albums/dd246/jkomenda/CouchDoggiesPillow023.jpg" /></div><br />There are so many fun ways to piece together striped fabric on the bias. It reminds me of Windsor Smith's chair in House Beautiful,<br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><img src="http://i224.photobucket.com/albums/dd246/jkomenda/9c35d76b03d3.jpg" /></div><br />and this photo from <a href="http://meohmymama.blogspot.com/2010/10/empire-hotel.html">Nicole's blog</a>:<br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><img src="http://i224.photobucket.com/albums/dd246/jkomenda/empirehotel_U0F3113.jpg" /></div><br />Have a great weekend! Go make something!<br />xx

Pillows with Stripes on the Bias

My beautiful and talented friend Shanna used this $5 cushion cover from the As-Is bin at IKEA to sew her own chevron pillow. She used this ...

2:30 AM

Rorschach Test as Art

The last time I was at the airport, I stopped into a bookstore and noticed the great cover of Jay-Z's new memoir, <a href="http://www.amazon.com/Decoded-Jay-Z/dp/1400068924">Decoded.</a> Very Rorschach, right? (**Update: the artwork is a <a href="http://www.moma.org/collection/browse_results.php?criteria=O%3AAD%3AE%3A6246&page_number=121&template_id=1&sort_order=1">Warhol piece</a> entitled Rorschach) And so beautiful! A simplified design would be an easy to recreate with a little acrylic paint, or you can often find vintage sets of the plates on <a href="http://cgi.ebay.com/Rorschach-Psychodiagnostik-Test-Plates-Cards-InkBlots-/260746452694?pt=LH_DefaultDomain_0&hash=item3cb5b31ed6">eBay</a>.<br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><img src="http://i224.photobucket.com/albums/dd246/jkomenda/IMG_6467.jpg" /></div><br />I think these are amazing:<br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><img src="http://i224.photobucket.com/albums/dd246/jkomenda/647px-Rorschach_blot_09.jpg" /><br /><br /><img src="http://i224.photobucket.com/albums/dd246/jkomenda/plate01.jpg" /></div><br />I like this paper cuts spin on the concept, from <a href="http://www.designspongeonline.com/2011/02/diy-project-botanical-silhouette-paper-art.html">Design*Sponge</a>:<br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><img src="http://i224.photobucket.com/albums/dd246/jkomenda/bbp_10-1.jpg" /></div><br />Also, I love these wallpapers:<br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><img src="http://i224.photobucket.com/albums/dd246/jkomenda/0cookie_0001.jpg" /><br />From Cookie, via <a href="http://beachbungalow8.blogspot.com/2008/02/eye-cookie.html">Beach Bungalow 8</a></div><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><img src="http://i224.photobucket.com/albums/dd246/jkomenda/chuckhettinggerviastylebeatcopy.jpg" /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-style: italic;">From </span><a href="http://lillysnotebook.blogspot.com/2011/02/rorschach-test-wallpaper.html?utm_source=feedburner&utm_medium=feed&utm_campaign=Feed%3A+LillysNotebook+%28LILLY%27S+NOTEBOOK%29&utm_content=Google+Reader" style="font-style: italic;">Lilly's Notebook</a><span style="font-style: italic;"> </span><br /><br /><div style="text-align: left;">(PS I had a delicious lunch yesterday with Lilly (Frisee salad at Cafe Cluny - yum!). She is seriously so lovely and hilarious and talented. If you're not reading <a href="http://lillysnotebook.blogspot.com/">her blog</a>, you're missing out).</div></div>

Rorschach Test as Art

The last time I was at the airport, I stopped into a bookstore and noticed the great cover of Jay-Z's new memoir, Decoded. Very Rorscha...

2:30 AM

Cheap and Chic Curtain Rod

Cheap and Chic Curtain Rod

This IKEA curtain rod is a favorite of mine. It's less than $30 and looks great as is in a brushed nickel finish, but I especially love...

2:30 AM

Your Favorite Local Fabric Stores

Fabric is every decorator's weakness. I have the hardest time passing up a color or pattern or weave that catches my eye! Truth is, I don't pass it up often, and that's why half of my office is dedicated to fabric storage.  (not so good)<br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><img src="http://i224.photobucket.com/albums/dd246/jkomenda/IMG_0935.jpg" /></div><br />I think there is a time and a place (and a budget!) for all different methods of fabric shopping. I am a big fan of online browsing (<a href="http://www.lsfabrics.com/">L&S</a> is truly great), and I go to Design Centers a lot (some of these photos are from D&D showrooms).<br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><img src="http://i224.photobucket.com/albums/dd246/jkomenda/IMG_6937.jpg" /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-style: italic;">Amazing cobalt blue floral in Kravet's Modern Colors line.</span><br /><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><img src="http://i224.photobucket.com/albums/dd246/jkomenda/IMG_6940.jpg" /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-style: italic;">Oh, Raoul Textiles. Why must you be so pricey?</span><br /><br /></div>But I have to say that I really, really love to find those less-known usually local fabric stores that almost always have vintage yardages that are selling for a song. And don't tell me there is no such place in your town. I'm sure there is! There has been one in every city I ever lived in.<br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><img src="http://i224.photobucket.com/albums/dd246/jkomenda/IMG_1193.jpg" /><br />Interior Alternative (Newark, DE)<br /><br /><img src="http://i224.photobucket.com/albums/dd246/jkomenda/IMG_1176.jpg" /></div><br />Here in Manhattan, I love Mood and B&J for the sheer quantity of selection, but probably my two favorite stores are in my neighborhood: P&S and JEM fabrics.<br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><img src="http://i224.photobucket.com/albums/dd246/jkomenda/IMG_6948.jpg" /><br /><span style="font-style: italic;">Vintage Brunschwig et Fils at Mood</span><br /><br /><img src="http://i224.photobucket.com/albums/dd246/jkomenda/IMG_6928.jpg" /><br /><span style="font-style: italic;">Citrus cut velvet chevron? Yes please! at P&S in Tribeca</span><br /><br /><img src="http://i224.photobucket.com/albums/dd246/jkomenda/IMG_6924.jpg" /><br /><span style="font-style: italic;">P and S has a great selection of burlap in tons of colors. I'm considering this neon pink to cover a lampshade in my girls' room.</span><br /><br /><img src="http://i224.photobucket.com/albums/dd246/jkomenda/IMG_6944.jpg" /><br /><span style="font-style: italic;">LEOPARD!</span><span style="font-style: italic;"> EMERALD! </span><span style="font-style: italic;">SILK!</span> $50/yd at Mood<br /><br /></div>The key to success in finding that great hole in the wall is persistence. First, ask around. But if/when everyone suggests Joann's (which by the way sometimes has awesome stuff in their clearance stacks), type 'fabric store' in google maps and hit up every last one of those places.<br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><img src="http://i224.photobucket.com/albums/dd246/jkomenda/IMG_6073.jpg" /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-style: italic;">That navy/turq/persimmon pattern will soon be making an appearance on a little footstool.</span><br /><br /><img src="http://i224.photobucket.com/albums/dd246/jkomenda/IMG_0924.jpg" /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-style: italic;">Just a sampling of the many great, inexpensive linens at Pennsylvania Fabrics in Philly</span><br /><br /></div>And don't judge a store by it's first few rows of unfortunate Christmas themed calico. That happened to me last year when we moved to Dover. I noticed a sign out on the highway: Wholesale Fabric Store! Open to the Public! I stopped by to pop my head in and quickly decided the selection was lacking, based on the rolls I could see from the front door. A month or two later I decided to give it another shot and discovered an entire room in the back full of beautiful vintage fabrics! Also, the owner of the store became a friend, so win-win.<br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><img src="http://i224.photobucket.com/albums/dd246/jkomenda/IMG_0938.jpg" /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-style: italic;">Down the road a little on Fabric Row in Philly.<br /></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><img src="http://i224.photobucket.com/albums/dd246/jkomenda/IMG_5862.jpg" /><br /><br /><img src="http://i224.photobucket.com/albums/dd246/jkomenda/IMG_5299.jpg" /><br /><span style="font-style: italic;">Fun, right? It's Waverly! These are from Mood...</span><br /><br /><img src="http://i224.photobucket.com/albums/dd246/jkomenda/IMG_5297.jpg" /><br /><br /><img src="http://i224.photobucket.com/albums/dd246/jkomenda/IMG_5296.jpg" /></div><br />Do you have a less-obvious source for fun fabrics in your town? How great would it be to start compiling a little directory? I'll start:<br /><br />Boston, MA: Zimmen's in Lynn<br />Dover, DE: Wholesale Fabric on Rte 13<br />Newark, DE: Interior Alternative<br />Phoenix, AZ: Home Fabrics and SAS<br />Philadelphia: Jo-Mar and lots of the shops on Fabric Row (I like about half of them on 4th). If you're looking for vintage yardage, go straight to Home & Office Decor on the corner of Fitzwater and 4th. It's not clean or organized, so be warned, but there are deals to be had!<br />New York City: P&S and JEM (don't miss out on all the french trims! Such an amazing place!)

Your Favorite Local Fabric Stores

Fabric is every decorator's weakness. I have the hardest time passing up a color or pattern or weave that catches my eye! Truth is, I do...

2:30 AM

living room decorating

Vintage Phones

Kitchen Drawer Inspiration

Pillows with Stripes on the Bias

Rorschach Test as Art

Cheap and Chic Curtain Rod

Your Favorite Local Fabric Stores

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