Category Archives: Home Accessories

March 7, 2009 · 9:45 pm

Montage: Zebras

I’m not the biggest fan of the animal print, but I must admit that these zebra print patterns achieve a certain pop. Jonathan Adler lurves zebra – three of these rooms are his designs. Two are boutique hotels designed by Kelly Wearstler. Mostly the poor guy’s skin is found on the floor, but it occasionally makes an appearance on upholstery. I like the zebra paired with pink, even if it’s reminiscent of the Good & Plenty. (Are those still around?) My favorite is the gray drapery next to the desk with the Chinese Chippendale chair – so subtle. Ashley Whittaker’s blue zebra print room is anything but subtle, and made quite the splash in Domino. It’s Rose Cummings’ Zebrine, the red version of which I actually featured in “Cover Ups,” the first piece I ever did for the Globe magazine.

Photos: Viceroy Palm Springs Hotel designed by Kelly Wearstler, Eric Roth Photography, Domino, Shelly Riehl David, Erin Gates, House Beautiful, Wendy Blount, Jonathan Adler, The Tides South Beach designed by Kelly Wearstler, Palmer Weiss, Jenna Lyons’ dressing room, Katie Ridder, Nate Berkus, Domino, Margaret Ann McEver, Jonathan Adler, House Beautiful, Ashley Whittaker in Domino, Apartment Therapy, Jonathan Adler, Domino, House Beautiful, Living Etc., Ashley Whittaker, Sara Story, Domino, Domino, Domino, Domino.

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Filed under . REGULAR FEATURES, Home Accessories, Montage, Rooms

Tagged as Animal Prints, Apartment Therapy, Ashley Whittaker, Domino, Eric Roth, House Beautiful, Jenna Lyons, Jonathan Adler, Katie Ridder, Kelly Wearstler, Margaret Ann McEver, Nate Berkus, Palmer Weiss, Sara Story, Shelly Riehl David, Viceroy, Wendy Blount, zebra

February 21, 2009 · 5:37 pm

Site Spotlight: Abode7

The other day at jury duty , while I was conscientiously reading last month’s Dwell on prefab housing (I’m doing a piece on an amazing prefab in Maine), to kill time, I studied the little ads in the back of the book. I came upon a cute ad for Abode7. This morning I checked it out, and it’s worth a look.

It’s a decent mix of transitional furniture and accessories, blending trendy accessories, like Thomas Paul pillows and Dwell bedding, with more subtle staples, like eight different styles of sisal rugs.

The furniture is along the lines of Crate & Barrel in terms of style and price, with a whole bunch of upholstery options that are so-so. While much of it was too traditional for my taste, I found some simple silhouettes to consider, like the Nolan Cane Back Slipper Chair, especially at its sale price of $519. And the Asian-influenced pistachio curved stool, for $180.

If you’re into bamboo and grass shades, there are about 30 different styles, and there’s also drapery, both custom and ready made. A lot of it is awful (Trudy Plaid Drapery, ick!) but the Moroccan Palace and South Beach patterns have potential.

They also offer a bunch of fabrics by the yard if you’re a DIY-er. A lot of it is eh (again with the hideous pastel plaids), but there’s a zebra linen, Thomas Paul look-a-like florals,and graphic trellis patterns.

So, while you’re not going to get any major inspiration here, Abode7 is a good site to poke around for basics, like well-priced non-trendy sofas, accessories, and such.

Get the Look: Indian Inspired Accessories

I’m lured by the look. It’s pretty, easy, exotic. Chances are, besides my thesis of yesteryear (on the oh-so practical topic of the cross-dressing between Krishna and Radha in Rajasthani miniature paintings), you probably won’t find an ethnic accoutrement in my house. (We tend toward the starkly modern these days.) But I really do love the lush patterns and intense color combinations.

As for your decor, don’t by shy. Add color and layers with Indian motifs of lotus leaves, sultans, and scrolls to achieve a look decidedly Indienne. Pillows, duvets, and throws add immediate spice to a room. If you’re feeling incredibly smitten, consider dhurries, hand-blocked wall coverings, an airy canopy bed, elaborately carved doors, or inlaid end tables. Here are a few fanciful, yet refined, furnishings with which to Indian-ize your surroundings.