Posts with tag onthehunt

Meow! Check out this season's hottest decor... for your cat!

Forget the ugly, carpet-covered cat scratching towers of the past, the latest crop of cat accessories and wares are modern and surprisingly stylish. From litter boxes to catnip and everything in between, these feline finds will make your cat will feel like queen of her castle -- not that she doesn't already!

Above: Cat Clouds Cat Shelf, $100, The Refined Feline
Tired of Frisky knocking over vases when climbing from surface to surface? The Cat Clouds cat shelf offers supreme climbing fun and a seriously modern design. In stark white with soft comfortable pads covered in faux sheepskin fabric, you'll never have to clean shattered glass again.

Read on for more of our favorite feline finds of the season:

Two versions of an iconic mid-century floor lamp.
The arc lamp has been a modern interior staple since Achille & Pierre Giacomo Castiglioni designed the Arco lamp in 1962. However, the price tag for owning one of these legendary lights is daunting: An original Arco lamp, manufactured by Italian company Flos, costs about $2,700. (That certainly puts quite a dent in the ol' wallet, and can muck up your plans for an authentic Eames lounger and ottoman.)

This doesn't mean you need to rethink the mid-century plans for your living room! There are many imported imitations of this classic design on the Internet, but personally, I like Chiasso's arc lamp the best. It doesn't try too hard to be the Arco, but it still has that elegant, modern feeling. It also won't hurt too badly when you pay the bill: At just under $400, you'll have saved almost enough for that comfy lounger you wanted.

Save even more money with these low-cost alternative to pricey designs:
- High vs. Low: Mid-century Modern Pendant Lighting
- High vs. Low: Leaning Floor Mirror

Pineapples, ferns, palm trees and all things tropical to dress up your home.

It seems silly to be talking tropics when there's currently upwards of three feet on the ground here in the Midwest, but we can dream of warmer, sunnier days, can't we? Lately, tropical decor has been spotted north of the equator, and whether or not your mums are frozen, it's a trend well worth following. Check out these fashion-forward, tropical items that are currently warming out hearts (and homes!):

In the bedroom:
Kick off the look with a grassland-inspired duvet ($248) from Anthropologie; tone down the wilderness with a softer, more feminine fossil table lamp ($100) from West Elm. Of course, you'll need to keep those nightly reads organized with brass pineapple bookends ($95) from Distinctive Decor.



In the kitchen:
Why not display a lovely centerpiece in a trunk wood bowl ($40) from Jamali Garden? Add bamboo salad servers ($18) from Wrapables, an island juice glass ($12) from Anthropologie and a tropical leaf napkin ($2.50) from Kohl's for an island-inspired dining experience worthy of a Hawaiian hog roast.

In the bathroom:
Hang your robe on a set of four banana leaf hooks ($25) from Wrapables and dock your toothbrush with a grassy green toothbrush holder ($10) from Urban Outfitters. With a teak shower mat underfoot ($70) from Stacks and Stacks, you'll be swimming in the tropics all winter long.

In the living room:
Go bananas for this tropical fruit-inspired throw pillow ($98), which would look lovely juxtaposed with the Neold Empire sofa ($750) from Thai Trade City and grass green-colored table lamp ($70) from Pillows and Throws. Accent your new tropical paradise with an unexpected silhouette flower printed rug ($68) from Urban Outfitters.

For more trendy decor, read on:
-Trend Watch: Geometric Flooring
-Trend Watch: Scratch 'N Sniff Decor

Repurposed and upcycled objects (think: flip-flops, plastic bottles) can be transformed into chic rugs.

You've vowed to follow as many green mantras as possible in your abode -- Great! So shouldn't your feet walk on an eco-friendly surface too?

In other words, what's the point of investing in low- or no-VOC paints for the walls and buying furniture sourced from FSC-certified woods if the foundation underneath is a product laden with chemicals? Most carpeting, flooring and tile options are far from green -- and the expense to create and transport many of the same products can be anything but eco-friendly.

But you can make a big difference with a green area rug. They're more feasible – and affordable – than going with a more expensive option such as laying down bamboo flooring. Plus, you can easily swap these rugs out between various rooms for a new look, or take them along should you have to move. Here are some of our favorite finds, a mix of rugs incorporating recycled fabric, plastic bottles and packing materials.

This rug, which costs under $100 ($99.95, Crate & Barrel), is recycled and hand-loomed. Remnants of cotton fabric are woven together on a loom, and the vivid colors in the two 5-foot by 8-foot rug designs (think: pumpkin, blue and reds; or springtime greens) can't be beat.

Ever wonder what happens to the soda bottles you have diligently been recycling all these years? Here is one place they go: into this all-weather, 6-foot by 6-foot recycled rug ($89, Real Goods). Choose from cranberry or silver in what the company calls a "French Quarter" pattern, and what we call sophisticated.

I always think it's a shame that when rugs wear out they are tossed into the trash, then die a slow death in a heap at the city dump. FLOR (starting at $9.99 a tile) has a fabulous solution, which is to collect these returned rugs and turn them into brand-new rugs. It's called the Return & Recycle program. Each of these 19.7-inch square FLOR tiles – you put them together to make a rug the size you'd like – is made with up to 80% recycled content. Design and color options range from stripes to a photo-satellite view of a neighborhood, and even solid neutrals. In some cases you buy the tiles in a kit where there are enough to build a rug's pattern.

In light, neutral colors, this Recycled Sunrise Rug ($125, Vivaterra) could transform any room. Made from recycled plastic, the 6-foot by 9-foot is striped and simple, but oh so beautiful and inspiring.

The nice thing about this 5-foot by 8-foot rug is that it can go indoors or outdoors. Reclaimed Flowering Vine Oriental Rug ($95, Vivaterra) is made from plastic bottles and packing materials...all that refuse we scratch our heads about and want to find a cure for. This, we think, is it.

It's never too early to think about spring, and a rug outside your front door, right? Recycled flip-flops (sourced from manufacturers of flip-flop sandals) transform into a 3-foot by 5-foot area rug ($80, Home Infatuation). The foam, rubber scraps are threaded together with galvanized steel wire.


In addition to the above national retailers, I've found two indie crafters who have upcycled waste into beautiful rugs.


Emily Kircher takes discarded fabrics and crochets them into 24-inch, circular rugs with really fun colors, like this orange and avocado combination ($40) or mocha and vanilla (also $40).

Emerald green pool-table felt morphs into a faux sheepskin rug ($30) courtesy of Auckland crafter luxfordst, who has a shop on Etsy. The rug measures 30 inches by 23 inches.

Eight dynamic daybeds -- for every style, budget and age!

When I was young, I remember how much I envied my best friend's daybed. It seemed like the perfect place to plop down, flip through a few teen magazines and gossip about how Billy (almost!) picked up my pencil in the lunchroom.

Now that I'm a bit older (and hopefully less reliant on writing-utensil flirtations), I still have visions of the perfect daybed: Cozy and comfy with a touch of personality. I'd love to invest in a quality daybed for my sun room or perhaps for a lovely fireplace nook. Of course, if I ever grow tired of having a daybed in my living room, I suppose I could hand it down to my future daughter -- if she promises not to flirt with any Billys.

Here are a few daybeds I've got my eye on:

BUDGET FINDS
Cheap doesn't have to mean ugly, and these models will certainly stand out in a traditional setting:
- Ellie Lounge (top), $550, Boston Interiors
- Barbados Twin Daybed (bottom), $400, Metro Sleek Design



SPLURGE!
These two daybeds are certainly investments, but both have the potential to be the centerpiece to your living space:
- American Modern Daybed (top), $2100, DWR
- Painted Cane Daybed (bottom), $1000, 1st Dibs

MODERN
Are you a Sputnik-donning, stainless-steel-loving homeowner? We've got just the styles for you!:
- Baxter Sofa (top), $700, West Elm
- Lubi Daybed (bottom), $900, CB2


WROUGHT-IRON
If you'd like your daybed to be sweet and traditional, check out these beauties:
- Meldal Daybed Frame (top), $100, IKEA
- Porto Daybed (bottom), $500, Crate and Barrel

Which daybed will you choose?

Drooling for daybeds? For more stylish beds, check out these posts:

- DIY Inspiration: Daybeds -- Apartment Therapy Chicago
- A daybed made out of an old shipping palettes -- Design*Sponge
- 10 Daybeds Under $1,000 -- CasaSugar
- A Princess and the Pea-inspired daybed -- The StyleFiles

We're seeing modern bunk beds stacked everywhere from traditional guest rooms to minimalist lofts -- proof that bunk beds are no longer just for kids.

Sure, your days of bunking as a kid may be long gone, and chances are, you have memories of your older brother threatening to pee on the top bunk while you snooze below (or was that just me?).

Yet bunk beds are re-surfacing everywhere, from impromptu guest rooms to minimalist lofts, thanks to some uber-stylish options to choose from.

Why not invest in a modern design for your sister's family of four that flies in to visit for vacation? Or, channel your inner child and set up shop in a finished basement for movie marathons with your 8-year-old nephew. Wherever you choose to place them, these bunks are up to the challenge!

Sources for affordable modern furniture -- other than the Big Blue Box

We all know that IKEA is the go-to destination for affordable, modern design, but what if you're looking for something else? Design Within Reach is hardly in reach for many shoppers with sofas starting at $1,300 for a glorified futon. Here are seven other retailers that offer relatively affordable, contemporary designs:

BoConcept
Another Scandinavian brand, BoConcept has retail stores throughout the U.S. The Danish company offers consumers an almost dizzying amount of options for customization with its modular furniture. BoConcept's design feels tougher and more masculine that its competitors. Prices are higher for this brand that others, and some complain about the high delivery costs.

CB2
The little sister to Crate & Barrel, CB2 is a fun and affordable version of one of the largest home furnishings retailers. CB2's look is sleek and colorful. In addition to furnishings, CB2 offers an extensive selection of home accessories, tabletop and gift items. While CB2 only has six retail locations, its website makes it a nationwide brand

EQ3
This Canadian furniture retailer has shops in 26 states in the U.S. EQ3's founder started the brand when he discovered how few options there were for affordable, modern furnishings in North America. CasaSugar calls EQ3 "Ikea for grown-ups," which is an apt description of the brand's wares. Read ShelterPop's review of EQ3 here.
Urban Outfitters
While you may think of Urban Outfitters a place where teenagers shop for the latest, fashion trends, the hipster brand has a surprisingly appealing selection of home furnishings with a distinctly modern bent. While their partnership with BluDot seems to have come to an end, you can find many modern furnishings on UO's site.

West Elm
Launched in 2002, West Elm is the youngest and the hippest of the Williams-Sonoma-Pottery Barn family. West Elm delivers well-priced and appealingly-designed pieces at 36 stores in 18 states. While their couch selection is limited, West Elm is one of ShelterPop's go-to destination for dining chairs, desks and shelving. WE's modernism has a warmth and natural-vibe that other contemporary brands lack.

The Conran Shop
Sir Terence Conran was one of the original proponents of design-for-all with his revolutionary Design Research shops, which from 1953 to 1978 were America's first modern lifestyle shops. Today, The Conran Shop offers both pricey designs by the likes of Knoll and Herman Miller alongside its own brands Content By Conran and the more affordable Well Considered line that are both designed in the clean, simple manner of mid-century classics.

Chiasso
A Chicago-based company, Chiasso offers a hip selection of furnishings that hit affordable, but not rock-bottom prices. While self-described as "rooted in the strict principles of mid-century modernism," Chiasso's version of modern design errs more towards the contemporary with lots of stainless steel and white leather.

Room & Board
Less distinctly modern and pricier than the other retailers on our list, Room & Board does offer some deals for those seeking modern furniture on a budget. Like The Conran Shop, Room & Board sells the big names like Eames and Emeco alongside its own lesser-priced wares. We've always been big fans of the company's sofas, particularly the Jasper model.

Retro bread bins dress up a kitchen counter with nostalgia.

I've never been a hardcore fan of retro furnishings, but if there's one thing I have a weakness for, it's bright, bold bread bins in the kitchen. Although we never have bread in our house long enough for it to go bad, I can't help but fall for the sweet shape and candy-colored of these goodies below (all under $100!).

Wesco Grandy Red Bread Bin, $99, RedCandy
A chunky and substantial design by Wesco, the Grandy Red Bread Bin would make a lovely addition to any overly-modern kitchen. Originally designed in the 1940's, the Wesco Grandy bread bin is suitable not just for loaves, but also for a delicious cache of cakes, buns, crackers and biscuits. Yum indeed!

Polder Retro Bread Bin, $40, Target
A blast from the past, this multi-purpose design will keep your bread (and your countertop!) looking fresher than fresh. And with a powder white finish, I'd say this piece is too gorgeous to use for bread alone. Why not re-purpose it as kitchen storage or an office supply organizer?

Typhoon Retro Revolution Bread Bin, $50, Amazon
A funky shape will make any kitchen shine, and the black limo color is sure to stand out amongst the crowd of boring bread bins.

Gnam Bread Bin, $65, Alessi
An oval bread box is sure to bring a boring kitchen bright to life, and the white color palette makes this design virtually universal!

Which bread bin would you choose? I've got my eye on all of them!

For more furnishings under $100, read on:
-Under $100: Trash Cans
-Under $100: Vases

Old Hollywood comes back to life in home accents.

When I was a kid, a ticket to my small-town movie theater cost $3 – and we'd sneak in our own snacks and soda because the tickets were "so expensive."

Ah, the good old days.

Perhaps it's this sort of nostalgia that inspired Ballard Designs' assortment of vintage theater-themed décor. I especially love their limited edition Hollywood pillows, so I scoured around for other vintage film paraphernalia -- and I found a few more items at one of my favorite kitschy midcentury-accessories stores, RetroPlanet.

Perhaps these products are a hint of a larger trend to come? I can only hope. But in the meantime, the following preview of products has been approved for all audiences by the Motion Picture Association of America. (OK, maybe not.)
Vintage Ticket Plaque, 12" x 24", $29, Ballard Designs.
Film Reel Plaques, 12", 18" and 24" diameter, $179 for the set of 3, Ballard Designs.

Vintage French Film Clapboard Plaque, 13"x11", $29, Ballard Designs.
Movie Night Popcorn Bowl, $16.95, Cooking.com.
Movie Ticket Pillows, 20"x20", $75; 12"x20", $49, Ballard Designs.
Popcorn Movie Night Admit One Ticket napkins, $4.49 (for pack of 16); and Movie Party napkins, $3.59 (for pack of 16), Retro Planet.

So I went on the hunt for the prettiest tea service sets I could find-- for a fancy noon brunch or a laid back sip -- and found creativity brewing at every turn.

High Tea

"Wood" you buy into the latest electronic trend? 6 unexpected products to help you decide.

This year electronics are getting back to nature with a slew of products that give high-tech gadgets a woodsy look. From a USB stick that looks like a twig to a flashlight encased in a sheath of wood, all types of electronics are taking on a natural, wooden hue. While we're tempted to think this natural trend represents a desire to get back to the earth, the prices for these goodies are still somewhat ethereal.

Wood Flashlight, $50, fitzsu.com
Oooms Wooden USB Stick, $114, roseandradish.com
Enchanted Woods iPhone Dock, $98, anthropologie.com

I.dear Speakers, $36, momastore.org
Singgih Kartono Magno Wooden Radio, $250, designpublic.com
Hacoa's Ki-Board, currently not available for sale online

Out of all the home accessories in all the land, there is one that I think is a must-have for every home: the wine rack. Extreme oenophiles scoff at the idea of a counter-top wine rack -- Wines should be kept at a controlled, perfect temperature, aged for a set period of time.

But for the average consumer, the wine rack is a handy tool to keep your delicious bottled beverages within arms' reach. For us, the bottles will be corked within a matter of weeks, and on the superficial side, they're the perfect kitchen accent.

Colorful, modern kitchen? Perhaps the Puzzle Wine Rack or Kartell's Infinity racks are right for you. Sleek, stainless steel appliances? CB2's Galvanized 12 Bottle Wine Rack would be a perfect fit. Check out the affordable wine rack options below. They're sure to make even the most severe oenophiles want to lighten up just a bit.


Clockwise from top left: Hold your wine the eco-friendly way with the Six-Pack Wine Rack made of renewable and recyclable material, $40, Branch Home; Umbra's Pinot Wine Rack is a sleek option for the modern kitchen, $19.99, Target; The Oenophilia Bouquet Wine Rack holds six bottles in a floral-arrangement-like display, $24.99, Bed Bath & Beyond; One rack looks nice enough alone but if you have 10 or more bottles, configure more Puzzle Wine Racks for extra storage, $75, Speranza Design Gallery; Perfect for the modern home the Boom Hive Wine Rack is a riff on, what else, a bee hive, $38.50, Amazon.com.

Clockwise from top left: Whether lying horizontal or standing vertically, this Galvanized 12 Bottle Wine Rack doubles as a cool sculpture, $79.95, CB2; This Fish Wine Rack would be right at home in a beach-side kitchen, $29.99, Target; Kartell's Infinity modular rack comes in 16 pieces that you compose as you please, $81, Hive Modern.

Clockwise from top left: Fold up the Oenophilia Accordia rack for easy storage and, when in use, add a pop of red to your counter, $24.99, Bed Bath & Beyond; The modular Houdini Wine Rack fits its name -- it can be folded up and stored with ease, also add on more segments to hold up to 48 bottles, $16 (for one segment), MoMA Store; When you've cleared out your wine collection, this metal Cru Wine Rack doubles as a sculpture, $75 (on sale), Revival Home and Garden; Stand the Shesham Wall Mount-Stacking wine rack horizontal or wall mount it vertically and stack on more for extra storage, $29.95 each (three shown), Crate & Barrel.

Clockwise from top left: The 12 Bottle Wine Rack is designed to resemble ocean waves, $59.99, Cooking.com; The Wooden Wine Rack would also make a great wine caddy for a dinner party, $14.99, Target; Go the literal route with the Grapes Wine Rack (also available in lime or white), $29.99, Pop Deluxe; Store away eight bottles in style with the Vinito wine rack, $24.99, Bed Bath & Beyond; Opt for the classic look with the Cellar Wine Rack and stack on more to add to your vino collection, $39.95, CB2.

Want more affordable goods for under $100?
-Every body needs a trash can.

-A napkin ring to fit every mood.

-Beautiful area rugs for less than $100? You betcha.

Sure, they serve a useful function. Without them, what would keep our collection of books in its place? But let's face it, when it comes to bookends, it's much more about style than function. (This is particularly true if the Kindle and Nook take off and reading goes digital.)

Still, it seems that more and more mainstream manufacturers are catching on for this need to flank our literature in style. And they've definitely come up with some creative ways to do so. Remember the days of the purely functional plain-metal-public-library-style bookends? Those days are long gone. And if you're still using those archaic simpletons to prop up your Plath, Poe or Paine, then it's time for an upgrade.

Take a look at this roundup of modern-day options to find a little inspiration. And most are $50 and under -- with the exception of a few splurge-worthy that are just a bit pricier.

Clockwise from top left: Black and Yellow Puppy, $25, Pylones; Bunny, $34.99, Giggle; Jonathan Adler Dachshund, $39.95, Barnes & Noble; Duck, $68 each, Romp; Regal Cat, $39.95, Barnes & Noble; Pink and Gray Puppy, $25, Pylones.


Clockwise from top left: Cube, $24.95, CB2; Bird Foot, $49.59, Emmo Home; Blob, $29.95, CB2; Alpha, $29.95, Crate & Barrel; A to Z, $49.95, Barnes & Noble; Fish Bowl, $59.99, Target.


Clockwise from top left: Fu Dog, $49.95, CB2; Vintage Camera, $54.45, Lighting Sale; Agate, $52 each, Jayson Home & Garden; Buddha, $18, Unica Home; Red & White Resin Chess, $49.95, Barnes & Noble; Golden Gate Bridge, $44.99, Amazon.

Want more affordable goods?
Under $100: Pendant Lamps
Under $100: Vases
Under $100: Napkin Rings for Every Mood

Ready, set, garnish! Tis the season for... well, seasoning! We've rounded up our favorite salt and pepper shakers for anyone hoping to spruce up their next dinner party. Better yet? Everything is priced right at under $50... perfect for any budget.


MODERN
Disc Salt and Pepper Shakers, $28, Chiasso

It's time to ring in yet another new year. But let me guess, your drinkware is so 2009. Say "hello" to 2010 with a fabulous new set of cocktail glasses.

Whether you're toasting friends with a glass of champagne, saying "cheers" with signature cocktails or just want to make sure that whatever you drink livens up the party with a little color, I have a glass for you.

Planning to keep a tight hold on your budget next year? Then try these oh-so-chic DIY countdown glasses from Martha Stewart (at right). Or, for a less-hands-on option, check out the glasses below to help get your New Year off to a fabulous start.




The first toast of the New Year commonly comes with the "cling" of a champagne glass. These styles offer a sleek or modern take on the standard glass.

From left to right: Selma Flute, $6.95, CB2; Verve Flute, $9.95, Crate & Barrel; Float Champagne Flutes by Molo, set of 2, $90, Velocity Art & Design; Riedel Sommeliers Sparkling Wine Glass, $74, Williams-Sonoma; Inside Out Champagne Glasses, set of 2, $59.99, Grounded.




You serve cocktails in water glasses. You drink white wine from a red wine goblet. You could care less about the "rules" of proper drinkware. So, instead, opt for some color in your beverage cabinet with these options.

Clockwise from left: Cathedral Goblet (in green, left, or blue, far right), $12 each, Anthropologie; Madonna In Goblet Amethyst, $9.99, Fishs Eddy; Club Champagne Glasses by Sagaform, set of 2 (top or bottom pairs), $20, UnicaHome; Red Glass Stemware, set of 4, $34.90, Horchow; Aldrich Blue 14-Ounce All-Purpose Glass, $6.99, Bed Bath & Beyond; Aldrich Purple 12-Ounce Wine Glass, $6.99, Bed Bath & Beyond.




Serving up a Cosmopolitan or New-Yeartini (yes, I made that up) on December 31st? No cocktail is complete without a stylish glass from which to drink it!

Clockwise from top left: Clio Martini Glass, $9.95, Crate & Barrel; Luminarc Martini Glasses, set of 4, $19.99 (on sale), Macy's; Cheers Martini Glasses, set of 4, $39.99, Mikasa; Stainless Steel Martini Glasses, set of 2, $22.95, Cooking.com; Gem Martinis, $4.95 each, CB2.


At the end of my cocktail-glass roundup I had some leftovers that I felt were worthy to share – so here you go, in case the other 18 styles weren't up your alley.

Clockwise from top left: Cheers Wine Glasses, set of 6, $19.95, CB2; Studio Qubus' Sommelier Wine Glass, $46 each, A Plus R Store; Mikasa Pure Champagne Flutes, set of 4, $59.95, Cooking.com; Bottega Copper Tumblers, set of 4, $89, NapaStyle; Iittala Tapio Cocktail, set of 2, $42, Velocity Art & Design; Ultima Thule Cocktail Glass by Iittala, $14, Hive Modern.


Want More Fabulous Finds Under $100?
Napkin rings for every mood.
Holiday serving platters.
Throw blankets.