You are currently browsing the ‘B’ Musings weblog archives for the day 14. February 2008.
14. February 2008 by Parker.
We’ve all been there. The moment when we realize we have tapped out. We’ve used up all our local go-to stores and arsenal of catalogs only to discover we still cannot find that perfect piece for the agonizingly empty corner of the living room. Designers are no different. After hitting 50 or more stores, sometimes we need to seek out the new and undiscovered. The following is a selection of my favorites.
Artwork: A single piece of artwork can change the entire look of a room, so it is imperative to find the right piece. Ballard has a knack for carrying some true gems that are not typically available in the mainstream stores.
Accessories: There is no accounting for good (or bad) tastes. If you are looking for some abstract accessories, call on Urban Outfitters. Mostly known for their trendy clothing line, they now carry a variety of knick knacks for the home that are eye catching, quirky, and unique.
Carpets: Whether you are looking for a traditional oriental carpet or a more contemporary design, this site offers thousands of options to compliment your style. Some will even be in stock locally so you can check them out in person too.
Childrens : While I don’t have any kids of my own (yet), I already know where I’m going to buy their furniture. At Powell Furnishings they have a great selection of children’s furniture for whatever theme you are aiming for. They give furniture a playful feel using adult shapes and a variety of wood choices beyond MDF (Multiple Density Fiberboard)
Curtains: Drapery options have expanded greatly in the last 20 years and the current selection of prefabricated curtains on the market are a prime example. Anthropologie caters to the young and hip homeowner who wants a bright pop of color or an off kilter fabric to set the desired mood for their room.
Furniture: This local store is one of the coziest places in the ATL to shop for truly eclectic finds. You can see everything from dynamic lighting to extravagant bedding, all showcased with a sly wink of sophistication.
Lighting: The on line store I start with to find all my lighting choices has thousands of shapes, sizes, styles, colors, and price range options. Bellacor embodies a plethora of choices for the discerning consumer.
Linens: We spend roughly one third of our lives sleeping, so why shouldn’t our linens be soft and luxurious? With warm color palettes and high thread counts, Yves Delorme offers a niche selection of towels, bedding, and pillows.
Paint: There are an innumerable amount of paint companies in the world today. To top it off, each of these companies offers a large variety of color swatches to choose from. Before tackling any paint project, stop by this site and take their quick quiz to determine the color palette which is best suited for your personality.
Tile: Most showrooms are typically restricted to the trade only. However, Renaissance has a wonderful selection with a wide range of patterns and materials. Best yet: they are open to the public.
Wallpaper: Back in the 80’s, wallpaper was all the rage. Horrific floral patterns and textured metallics were glued to the walls with what now seems like superglue. Today there are plenty of vibrant patterns to accent the smallest of areas which will adhere to your walls as easily as it can be removed.
The Internet has blessed the Do It Yourself (DIY) homeowner with a constant green light to tackle any home project. Take a few minutes, and a leap of faith, to search beyond your ‘safe’ stores and reliable catalogs to unearth something truly original for your space. You may just be surprised to find out how much buried treasure is out there waiting for you.
Posted in Decor | No Comments »