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Here are the goodies I found at the 1st Dibs Saturday Sale this morning.

Shopping Guide

Mongolian Court Robe, 19th c. silk robe worn on special occasions, $2,200, Burke Antiques, Sarasota, FL

Star-Shaped Mirror, c. 1950s mirror in brown leather and white galuchat, $4,680, 1st Dibs Paris

Pair of Italian Gilt Wood Sconces, c.1780 handcarved, gilded sconces, $9,800, Antiques on Old Plank Road, Westmont, IL

Sideboard by Pieter de Bruyne, 1962-1965 Belgian sideboard in veined teak and brushed steel. Two sliding doors and four drawers, $2,808, 1st Dibs Paris

Eight Resin Paperweights/Sculptures, 1970s resin paperweights by New York artist Norman Mercer, $850
Vermillion, North Miami, FL

Faux Bamboo Armchairs, c. 1950s chairs upholstereed in orange silk, $2,900, Modern One, Los Angeles

Iron and Rattan “Catch All”, 1940s French catch-all perfect for magazines, knitting supplies, decorative objects, etc., $800, Modern One, Los Angeles

French Wax Mannequin, 1940s wax bust and torso, $1,500, Galerie Sommerlath, Culver City, CA

Fire Screen by René Drouet, 1940s French fire screen in wrought iron gilded with gold leaf, $1,872, $1,872
1st Dibs Paris

Just came across these organizational tidbits compliments of Boston design professionals. The tips were supposed to run as a sidebar to an organizing piece I did for the Boston Globe Sunday Magazine last year, “29 Secrets to a Simpler Life”, but there wasn’t space. Too bad they weren’t more, well, organized. (Not actually funny in light of the current Globe situation…) Anyway, I’ll follow up later or tomorrow with a montage of über-organized spaces.

Keep hats, gloves, sunglasses, etc. in their own bins. When seasons change, just move the appropriate bins to the front. Not only is the seasonal transfer easier, the items are already organized. – Jessica Seth, interior designer, Jackson Seth Designs

Never bring unwanted paper, like catalogs and junk mail, into the house. Recycle them before they even get in the door. – Heather Wells, interior designer, Heather Wells Design

Hang mirrored cabinets side by side along the top of a wall. They will not only provide extra storage, without bulky clutter, but at hung at a high level, the mirrors create an illusion of more space. – Stephen Chung, architect

Add a light fixture, even if battery powered, to a dark closet, so you can see what you have. – Sue Adams, interior designer

Invest in wooden hangers for the coat closet. They help coats retain their shape, and because of their heft, coats are more evenly spaced, lending a neater appearance. – Norma Conley, professional organizer

Use old bureaus in living and dining rooms. Put candles and votives in one drawer, placemats and napkins in another, extra silverware in another. Also, an old chest that functions as a coffee table is the perfect for storing holiday ornaments. – Kelly McGuill, interior designer and stylist

Make use of dead space under the kitchen sink by installing a roll out drawer. Consider a locked chrome basket for safe storage of harmful chemical cleaners. – Tone Amado, kitchen designer, Showroom

Are you the proud owner of a glue gun? Watch Martha Stewart shamelessly? Read every decorating blog before you can function in the morning? I need your help!

I’m working on a magazine piece for which I need to come up with 50(!) creative, unique, and  inspiring home decor tips that can be executed for $100 or less, in the living room, bedroom, or bathroom.

I’ve hit up every design professional I know in Boston. Now I am asking you! Email me or post a comment with your fab’n’fresh ideas. I know you have some.

Thanks,xom