28 February 2013

Side of Table, Please. Part I

I'm on the hunt for a side table and you know I don't mess around.  I'm thorough.  I need to make sure I am familiar with all of my options before I make a decision.  So, I have recruited a team of the best side tables this side of the internet for your viewing pleasure.  But before we get to that, we need to talk about a few things.

Side tables are something I always have a difficult time with.  I think they are one of those small details that can make an entire room but are too often an afterthought.  As with anything else, it's not so much the table itself, but the context you put it in.    I have a thing about side table height, namely I always lean toward a side table that is the same height or slightly lower than the sofa or chair arm.  For instance:

Source unknown

Anna Spiro

Lonny

House Beautiful



I am by no means saying this is the best way. I know it can be fabulous to break this rule and play with scale.  Exhibit A...

Lonny

Lonny


Lonny

Lonny

Clearly, it can be done beautifully in a multitude of ways.  However, I do think that playing with the height can be reconciled partially by the lamps (or lack thereof), especially when you have two non matching end tables.  If you choose a tall end table (relative to your chair or sofa) perhaps a shorter lamp is in order.  On the other hand, if a short table is what you want, match it with a taller lamp.  I dare say that when you choose a taller side table, it seems more like a tall side table that happens to be next to a sofa as a opposed to a side table intentionally placed next to a sofa or chair to hold drinks and the like.  A tall dresser or table next to a shorter sofa or chair is a chance for another vignette or moment in the room, great for housing a scupture, beautiful books or anchoring an eye catching piece of art.

Now let's talk about depth.  This is a little more clear cut because it can be easily determined by space and function.  Do you have room for a generous end table?  Do you have need for a generous end table? (ie. lots of books, pictures, artifacts, etc.) And if you have the space, who cares about the stuff because a larger than necessary end table can make everything in a room feel more grand!  I present, Exhibit B...

House Beautiful

Lonny

Lonny

A dining room worthy table used next to a sofa (or bed) is such a fabulous touch when done correctly and confidently.  It kind of becomes it's own entity and area of the room, instead of playing a supporting role.  There is something almost regal about adding a huge end table to a space and the scale change up creates some seriously good tension in the room.

On the other end of that spectrum, I do love a petite table, large enough to hold only a drink and a book, paired with a floor lamp.  Ladies and gentlemen, Exhibit C...

Lonny

Lonny

Lonny

Lonny

It's a lot to think about.  I know.  Tomorrow I will present my finalists on the end table front.  But, in the meantime, I want to know... What's your favorite way to side table?


22 February 2013

Ma Chambre

I should really say "Our Chambre" because it's not just mine, although sweet Lilly is all confused about whose room is whose because of our whacky sleeping arrangements a la Liam's non-sleep schedule.  It's like musical beds around these parts.  Anyhow, I took some photos of our bedroom when I was taking pictures for the Elizabeth St. article and I just realized that I haven't really shared our home since we kind of "finished" it.  It is on the market now so I had to call it quits and stop decorating even though it's really never done.  I'm sure you can imagine it's been VERY difficult for me to not try and change/improve things.  I'm sitting on my hands and it's driving me crazy!!  So anyway, here's our bedroom.  Done as it will ever be.  (Side note:  I have been looking for a green cashmere throw for the bed to break up the sea of white I got goin' on, but I just haven't found the nuanced shade of green that I'm seeking.  I'm also in the market for new nightstands.  I just think it's too matchy matchy and these are unofficially sold to a lucky gal who found my Craigslist post.  Worlds Away has some that I'm quite interested in but they won't fit in this house so now I wait.)








More on the bedside tables here and the DIY curtain rods here.

Like what you see?  Email me about our design services.

20 February 2013

Kid-friendly By Design

Did you check me out on Elizabeth St. the other day?  Well, why not!  Go!  Now!  
A very big thank you to the ladies at Elizabeth Street Mom for the lovely feature.  



12 February 2013

Hello? Are you still there?

It feels like a dog's age since last I posted and I wanted to stop in, say hello, maybe salvage some readership and perhaps 'splain myself a little.  As usual, I'll save the TMI and personal stuff for another day, but I wanted to tell you that the new Avarice is underway and man is she purdy.  Chelsea over at GoForth Creative along with Dennise of Tenacious Dee (awesome name, right?) have been working on my new site and, I tell you what, these are two talented lady birds.  Here's a little peeksy:



Pretty super, right?  It's all I can show for now, but the final site should be up and running soon.  In the meantime, I have to admit, I am a little reticent to continue posting here because we are moving to Wordpress and will have a new address http://www.TheAvarice.com.  So that's my update.  Hope you're doing fabulous.  Feel free to check in with me and just say Hello.  Always love hearing from you.