Room by Room – the Nelson Daybed
Mar. 11 10
This week, Room by Room with FormFire Glassworks is looking at the Nelson Daybed, or Case Study Daybed.
Designed by George Nelson in the 50s as part of the Case Study Program in Southern California, this piece functions as both a sofa and a bed. Perfect for a quick nap, rear bolsters are removable for use as a bed. A thinline platform and steel v-shaped legs make this a very light addition to the modern home, great for use in small-space living. Available through Modernica, it is also available as a full bed size, and has options for side bolsters and a table extension. Daybeds are a nice use of space, looking like a finished living space during the day, and available for extra sleep space at night.
Some days are just more tired than others, and today’s accessory picks center around nap and relaxation time. A rolling side table adds a vintage feel, topped by a vase in matte and glossy finishes. A bird quilt echoes the clean lines of the daybed, while a graphic print gives a modern feel with a dash of color. A t-shirt rug is a great place to set your feet after a long day.
Next week I will choose a new iconic piece and give you my picks for accessorizing your modern home.
Fashion Finds: Signs of Spring
Mar. 8 10
It’s beginning to feel a lot like Spring! After a brutal winter on the east coast, this weekend gave me a taste of what’s to come. Here are some of my fave finds for when Spring finally arrives in full bloom.
1. Once the weather gets warm, you will live in these soft, cropped, barely-blue jeans. Jeans from American Eagle, $49.50.
2. A classic striped bateau neck shirt is the definition of casual cool. Tee from J. Crew, $36.
3. This mixed-print bohemian-inspired dress is perfectly breezy for Spring. Bandeau Dress from Spool No. 72, $86.
4. A one-of-a-kind vintage tooled leather bag looks so chic and effortless. Shoulder bag from Capricious Traveler, $16.
5. A pair of flouncy floral shorts are an on-trend alternative to the ubiquitous miniskirt. Shorts from Urban Outfitters, $38.
6. A pair of unique and feminine woven sandals will look great with everything in your Spring wardrobe, from floaty floral dresses to cuffed boyfriend jeans. Shoes from Lord & Taylor, $129.
xoxo,
Lesley of 315thomas
Room by Room – the Eames Elephant
Mar. 4 10
This week, Room by Room with FormFire Glassworks takes a look at an fun addition to the children’s room, the Eames Elephant.
Designed as a child’s toy/seat in 1945, the original elephant was created from two pieces of bent plywood. Only two original pieces were made, one of which went directly to the Museum of Modern Art. In 2007, Vitra decided to release an all-plastic version that is also suitable for outdoor play. Whether used as a toy or a chair, this is a sweet, fun and modern piece for any child’s bedroom or play area.
There are so many great handmade choices out there to accessorize your child’s room or play space. A knobby-kneed alligator print adds whimsy to the top of a dresser. A puffy quilt creates warmth and texture, while a set of stuffed owls hangs as a garland above a window. An animal-filled alphabet is a super learning tool, while a vinyl forest enhances creative play.
Next week I will choose a new iconic piece and give you my picks for accessorizing your modern home.
Fashion Finds: Minty Fresh
Mar. 1 10
1. Retro-inspired swimwear is all the rage. This mint green polka dotted version is perfectly flirty and femme. Elsie Bikini from Curly Wurly, $50.
2. A large green moonstone ring is a simple but bold way to accessorize. Moonstone ring from Sparkle Couture, $38.
3. This pleated grosgrain purse looks like a giant floral bloom dangling from your shoulder – a great conversation piece! Corsage bag from Topshop, $55.
4. This flowy vintage blouse features a lovely crocheted neckline in the perfect shade of mint. Vintage blouse from It’s Bella, $18.
5. Add an unexpected burst of cool color with these lace-up oxfords. Suede Oxfords from Urban Outfitters, $48.
6. Crafty types will find endless uses for these mint lace and silk fabric covered buttons. Use them to spruce up an old blazer, sew a corsage-inspired cluster onto a tote, or pin one into your hair for girly glamour. Covered buttons from LiD Designs Supplies, $6 for a set of 3.
7. Sweet meets sexy in this cool-toned floral print dress with skin-baring back. Rose Fields Dress from Free People, $98.
xoxo,
Lesley of 315thomas
Room by Room – the Mies van der Rohe MR Chair
Feb. 25 10
This week, Room by Room with FormFire Glassworks takes a look at an iconic transitional piece, the Mies van der Rohe MR Chair.
Originally created in 1927 with a tubular steel frame and wicker caning seat, this simple chair fits nicely into both the minimalist modern home as well as into a warmer, more natural setting. Designed as part of the MR Collection, Mies’ chair is available with leather seating and padding, and also comes as a side chair, without arms. Personally, I am a fan of the wicker version, which keeps the clean lines of the shapely frame, while adding texture and warmth. The slight springiness of the steel frame makes this a comfortable piece, and its spare construction makes it a light addition to a dining room, home office, or as an extra chair in a living area.
This combination of simple line combined with tactile sensation led me to an eclectic selection of handmade accessories. I love the melding of authentic materials and simple forms. A concrete box houses an indoor thermometer, while bowls of a similar material hold succulents that bring in a contained piece of nature. Linen baskets hold oft-used items, and add substance with their leather handles. A set of simple porcelain vases counterbalance texture with a touch of smoothness, and a walnut base lamp with an Edison bulb adds the warmth of wood and a modern twist on an antique look.
Next week I will choose a new iconic piece and give you my picks for accessorizing your modern home.
Room by Room – Wright’s American Modern
Feb. 18 10
This week, Room by Room with FormFire Glassworks re-enters the kitchen to look at a classic of modern tableware, Russell Wright’s American Modern.
As we have been going through modern classics, it is important to remember that furniture is not the only type of iconic item that can bring immediate style to the modern home. Designed in 1939, Russel Wright’s American Modern line, currently in reproduction by Bauer Pottery, is a great example of timeless style. In a fun range of colors and with an amazing sense of form, these pieces are just as often displayed as part of home decor as they are used for the table. I have collected quite a few pieces in chartreuse and brown myself, and have just pulled them out of the cabinets to make use of them in our kitchen. Wright’s motto was that “good design is for everyone,” and the re-release of this gorgeous line has made that more possible.
To complement the strong style and colors of Wright’s pottery, simple lines and strong design are best for your other kitchen accessories. A hand-shaped oak cutting board echoes the sinuous lines of the pottery. A magnetic knife block is spare, yet practical, while a wooden salt and pepper set feel wonderful in the hand. Coasters made from vintage fabrics add and extra kick of color, while a cutout felt runner adds a touch of geometric pattern with a subtle look.
Next week I will choose a new iconic piece and give you my picks for accessorizing your modern home.
Thanks to backhomeagainvintage for the American Modern collection photo.
Vintage Glam Clutch {before and after} DIY
Feb. 16 10
I love a good before and after as much as the next girl. So today, I’ll be sharing an easy diy that transforms a worn out clutch to a glamorous evening bag. The idea came to me several months ago when I found a great vintage bag that needed some TLC.
Days later, I opened up a little handbag shop called Laur, where I sell hard-to-find vintage pieces, that are either left in their original condition or hand-painted by me for a new look. These are the results from one project.
Here’s what the clutch looked like before…
And the “after” is at the top of this post.
So, how do you get the look? Well, it’s a lot easier than it looks. Here is the step by step…
1. Once you’ve found the perfect clutch to makeover (remember you want to look for something that is leather or something similar to leather like vinyl for best results), choose a high bonding textile paint in the color you would like to use. I recommend the brand Jacquard.
2. Using a round paintbrush for the least amount of visible brushstrokes, start painting using thin, even strokes, while avoiding any metal or hardware that you don’t want painted. You may even want to tape those areas off if you think you will have trouble avoiding it.
3. Once a layer has been applied, use a dry cloth or paper towel to remove some of the paint while it is still wet, with a patting technique. This is going to help the first layer to really get into the material and also will help diminish the look of brushstrokes.
4. Repeat steps two and three with 3-5 layers of built up paint. That’s it!
Pretty simple right? Here’s a couple more pictures of the finished product:
