Inappropriate Sofas

A friend of mind is moving into her own apartment and has asked me to assist her in creating a great new space for her. One of the main things she needs is a new sofa and I'm more than happy to help her fine one. She likes a bit more modern feel than I do but I am designing for her, not myself so it's no biggie. We've been looking at some cute sofas and day beds. I came across some really horrifying sofas though. Observe:

Don't get me wrong, I love tufting on an ottoman or on the back of a sofa, but this has seriously gone too far. This is so gross looking I feel like I should look away.

These are from Restoration Hardware's latest collection of sofas. I'm horrified and this is one of many reasons I prefer not to shop there anymore. I understand where they were going with this but, it looks like old dough.

My friend and ex roommate (who is starting her own blog soon!) sent me this scary 80's jeans sofa from the pages of...Pottery Barn. I mean, are you kidding me? This looks like they upholstered a sofa in some acid washed jeans that my 8th grade history teacher wore on a "dress down day" at school.

It also reminds me of when Cindy Crawford tried her hand at designing furniture after she hired Michael Smith to design one of her homes. Again, really?? That was mean but Cindy Crawford is very beautiful (and smart because she hired Michael Smith) but not a designer.

Anyway, we are going to stop by CB2, West Elm, Pottery Barn, NOT Restoration Hardware, and possibly Room and Board. I can't wait until she moves into her new space--I'll show you pictures once it is complete.

Alicia B.

Floor Lamps Galore

Many designers say that adding light to a room is a great way to add space to an otherwise small room. I'm on the hunt currently for a really cute and classic floor lamp but don't really want to spend a lot. Finding a great floor lamp is a piece of cake, but finding one for a reasonable price is NOT. Therefor, I have put together a collection of beautiful, classic, and good quality floor lamps all for UNDER $200! Enjoy.

Shades of Light is my new GO-TO (i know, I hate that phrase too.) lamp source! This beautiful wooden twisted floor lamp is $198.

This is cute and feminine from Shades of Light as well. The Fleurette lamp for $150.

My sister just got this one (with a drum shade) for her apartment in Chicago! The Library Floor Lamp is classic and simple from Restoration Hardware for $175 in Antique Nickel.

This polished nickel Chase Pharmacy Lamp is also on sale for $119. I like is crisp, refined look; from Restoration Hardware.

CB2 Photography Lamp for 99.95. I secretly love this one because of the name.

Adair Floor lamp from Pottery Barn. $179. I love the swan neck; it's very graceful.

This might be as funky as I get, folks. I really love this french GLAM floor lamp from EQ3, a great source for lighting. Only 179.99!

From Ballard Designs, this one is a bit more architectural and you can adjust it. Lancaster Floor lamp for $99!

Apothecary floor lamp, also from Ballard is another one of my favorites and comes in brass and bronze. For $169.

So, if you live in a small space, add a little light in your life (besides the daily dose of ME). The pharmacy lamps are so charming and great for reading in a club chair, or on your sofa. I love the architectural look of some of the others and remind me of working in a studio or doing drafting! I know I have a more classic and traditional taste in things but if you think you want something like a torchiere or an up lighter...think again.


Alicia B.