Kate Jackson knows how to stretch her decorating dollars. Here are some of her favorite shopping spots and money-saving tips:
1. Hardware stores brim with good stuff--seriously! What to look for: cutting boards, simple glassware, door knockers, and cabinet hardware.
2. Shop consignment stores for dressers and beds that are well-made, well-designed, and dirt cheap. If it's ugly, paint it. But use good paint.
3. You don't need a whole set of expensive bedding to make a statement. Shop retail outlet stores for decorative Euro shams, then dress the rest of the bed in white. (It's classic and inexpensive).
4. Always carry your key measurements with you, so you don't waste time or money on something that won't fit.
5. Be an equal-opportunity consumer. Shop everywhere--outlet stores, estate and yard sales, eBay, online--and always negotiate.
6. What's totally splurge-worthy? Custom window treatments. "They have a huge impact on any room," Kate says.
Showing posts with label decorating. Show all posts
Showing posts with label decorating. Show all posts
Wednesday, July 20, 2016
Monday, May 23, 2016
Housekeeping Quotes and Tips
"Be intentional and thoughtful with every furniture and décor choice. In a small space, everything should have a purpose and be functional or meaningful to you." - Betsy Bracken, via Better Homes and Gardens
A trick for keeping space open in a small living room is to use objects that don't obstruct sight lines, such as Lucite or wire mesh coffee tables. (via Better Homes and Gardens)
Rounded furniture is preferable in small spaces because it enables you to move around better, rather than bumping into corners. (via Better Homes and Gardens)
A trick for keeping space open in a small living room is to use objects that don't obstruct sight lines, such as Lucite or wire mesh coffee tables. (via Better Homes and Gardens)
Rounded furniture is preferable in small spaces because it enables you to move around better, rather than bumping into corners. (via Better Homes and Gardens)
Tuesday, October 27, 2015
How to Set a Beautiful Table via Allure
Rebecca Moses, fashion designer
The best looking tables look improvised, not stuffy. When the plates and napkins don't match, it looks spontaneous, as though each guest had a place set just for them.
1. Mix, don't match
Use patterns with solids, and use white to play with the colors in linens. You don't want to end up with all the same pattern everywhere.
2. Set the stage
Always use a table cloth, which unifies. Chargers act as a base for switching salad, dinner, and dessert plates.
3. Keep it low
Centerpieces shouldn't prevent guests from making eye contact. Flowers shouldn't be too fragrant, or they will compete with the food. Potted herbs such as rosemary, sage, and thyme look earthy, and their fragrance compliments Italian food.
4. Finish right
Put out a pitcher of water, a bowl of sea salt, a pepper grinder, and a few dishes of olive oil, so your guests have everything they need at arm's reach.
The best looking tables look improvised, not stuffy. When the plates and napkins don't match, it looks spontaneous, as though each guest had a place set just for them.
1. Mix, don't match
Use patterns with solids, and use white to play with the colors in linens. You don't want to end up with all the same pattern everywhere.
2. Set the stage
Always use a table cloth, which unifies. Chargers act as a base for switching salad, dinner, and dessert plates.
3. Keep it low
Centerpieces shouldn't prevent guests from making eye contact. Flowers shouldn't be too fragrant, or they will compete with the food. Potted herbs such as rosemary, sage, and thyme look earthy, and their fragrance compliments Italian food.
4. Finish right
Put out a pitcher of water, a bowl of sea salt, a pepper grinder, and a few dishes of olive oil, so your guests have everything they need at arm's reach.
Monday, October 26, 2015
How to Collect Photography via Allure
Interview with James Danziger, founder of Danziger Projects, a Manhatten-based photography gallery
Expose yourself
Take the time to visit museums, galleries, and auction houses. Gallery owners often have the time, knowledge, and inclination to talk to a potential client about the work they're showing.
Ask the right questions
If you're interested in a photographer's work, ask about print runs, books published, and which museums own the artist's work. In the no-so-distant past--the 1970's--traditional photographers might do large or even unlimited editions. Henri Cartier-Bresson and Ansel Adams sold thousands of prints of their best-known images, but because of the quality of their work, it never saturated the market. Art photographers such as Cindy Sherman and Richard Prince, and other contemporary photographers, typically sell their work in much smaller editions.
Trust your instincts
Allow yourself to discover what really appeals to you. Whenever we do a show, the crowd favorite is usually the best photograph. Don't be afraid to be adventurous. Beginning collectors often fall into the trap of assembling a greatest-hits collection--acquiring only iconic images. Look for photography in which the artists somehow furthered the medium. Some young photographers to watch are Idris Khan, Beate Gutschow, Tanyth Berkeley, and An-My Le.
Pick a genre
As you build a collection, stick to a broad theme rather than a specific one or none at all. Fashion photography, for example, is definitely a booming area, but don't limit yourself to shots of models on beaches. Building up a range of fashion photographs from the midtwentieth century to the present might be smarter. Works from countries outside of America and Europe are also worth exploring, as are contemporary color pictures. There used to be a prejudice against color photography, but now it's as hot as black-and-white.
Expose yourself
Take the time to visit museums, galleries, and auction houses. Gallery owners often have the time, knowledge, and inclination to talk to a potential client about the work they're showing.
Ask the right questions
If you're interested in a photographer's work, ask about print runs, books published, and which museums own the artist's work. In the no-so-distant past--the 1970's--traditional photographers might do large or even unlimited editions. Henri Cartier-Bresson and Ansel Adams sold thousands of prints of their best-known images, but because of the quality of their work, it never saturated the market. Art photographers such as Cindy Sherman and Richard Prince, and other contemporary photographers, typically sell their work in much smaller editions.
Trust your instincts
Allow yourself to discover what really appeals to you. Whenever we do a show, the crowd favorite is usually the best photograph. Don't be afraid to be adventurous. Beginning collectors often fall into the trap of assembling a greatest-hits collection--acquiring only iconic images. Look for photography in which the artists somehow furthered the medium. Some young photographers to watch are Idris Khan, Beate Gutschow, Tanyth Berkeley, and An-My Le.
Pick a genre
As you build a collection, stick to a broad theme rather than a specific one or none at all. Fashion photography, for example, is definitely a booming area, but don't limit yourself to shots of models on beaches. Building up a range of fashion photographs from the midtwentieth century to the present might be smarter. Works from countries outside of America and Europe are also worth exploring, as are contemporary color pictures. There used to be a prejudice against color photography, but now it's as hot as black-and-white.
How to Arrange Your Books via Allure
Interview with Miles Redd, creative director of Oscar de le Renta Home
1. Mix it up
No one needs to see your old textbooks, but I actually like the way paperbacks look, blended in with hardcovers. Removing a dust jacket is also a brilliant idea if it's bright or ugly.
2. Push forward
Slide your book sup so they almost touch the front edge of the shelf. They spines will read as a solid facade, and it will help make the bookcase look like a strong piece of furniture, rather than a jumbled mess.
3. Edit yourself
Tchotchkes look best in front of books or sandwiched in the middle of a row. Objects floating on the sides just look like random bookends.
4. Don't overthink
I'm not organized enough to divide by books by genre or color, which sounds tedious anyway. I arrange them by height. Small books, such as novels, go on the upper shelves, large design books go on the lower shelves so they're easier to reach.
5. Use photos sparingly
People have a tendancy to see empty shelves and put tons and tons of pictures on them, which never looks good. Bookshelves really are meant for books.
1. Mix it up
No one needs to see your old textbooks, but I actually like the way paperbacks look, blended in with hardcovers. Removing a dust jacket is also a brilliant idea if it's bright or ugly.
2. Push forward
Slide your book sup so they almost touch the front edge of the shelf. They spines will read as a solid facade, and it will help make the bookcase look like a strong piece of furniture, rather than a jumbled mess.
3. Edit yourself
Tchotchkes look best in front of books or sandwiched in the middle of a row. Objects floating on the sides just look like random bookends.
4. Don't overthink
I'm not organized enough to divide by books by genre or color, which sounds tedious anyway. I arrange them by height. Small books, such as novels, go on the upper shelves, large design books go on the lower shelves so they're easier to reach.
5. Use photos sparingly
People have a tendancy to see empty shelves and put tons and tons of pictures on them, which never looks good. Bookshelves really are meant for books.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)