The Modern Materialist : decor

Real Deer Heads Are Passé

Shaun Seneviratne — Mon, 23 Feb 2009 19:02:00 GMT

[photo via]

With more people adopting a cruelty-free attitude, taxidermied deer heads are becoming extinct. For the hunter in all of us non-hunters, Curbly provides plans for a DIY Faux Deer Head that is, in my opinion, way cooler--particularly because you can match it to your surroundings:

[Via Curbly]

Related: Trend Watch: Oh Deer

It's A Bloodbath

Steph Auteri — Mon, 14 Jul 2008 19:30:00 GMT

Just as no self-respecting psycho killer would shave with a normal razor (see above), that very same psycho would never dare decorating with that Pottery Barn crap.

As for Hot Topic, that's for poseurs.

But there is a solution.

That's right. Horror Decor. For those of you who grew up reading John Saul.

Love It or Leave It? Nintendo Wall Decals

Steph Auteri — Tue, 17 Jun 2008 19:30:00 GMT

[$75, Blik]

Though I've since proven too lazy even for wall decals, the nostalgic in me finds these appealing.

[Via geeksugar]

An Easy Way To Add Color

Steph Auteri — Mon, 16 Jun 2008 14:00:00 GMT

[34 Euros, Bonjour Mon Coussin]

Have you noticed that the matching pillows that come with a new couch are always bland as oatmeal or ugly as sin? Is that just me? I've been getting the decorating itch again. My living room sort of bored me, as most of it is the color of...well...oatmeal. Perhaps these bold-as-heck pillows from Bonjour Mon Coussin are the way to go. My faves after the jump...

[34 Euros, Bonjour Mon Coussin]

[Via Bloesem]

Love It or Leave It? Trophy Wall Lamp

Steph Auteri — Fri, 16 May 2008 18:30:00 GMT

Does high cost equal good taste?

[$7,500, Generate]

I'm thinking no.

[Via GearCrave]

Cheap Trick: Expandable Vases

Steph Auteri — Thu, 15 May 2008 13:00:00 GMT

Spots In Your One-Bedroom That Often Become Used As Storage:

the hall closet
the bedroom closet
underneath the end table
underneathe the desk
on top of your bookcase
your kitchen chairs
the broiler
any available surface

Question: Do you have room for more decor?

Husband's Answer: I'm cutting up your credit cards now.

My Answer: Dude, we totally have space, especially if it's something like this:

[$8, Jill-Able]

These Fill Me Up Vases can be folded up for storage, yet expand when you fill them with water for use. If only everything else I owned was collapsible...

[Via Hostess with the Mostess]

Confessions of a Blogashopaholic

Steph Auteri — Fri, 28 Mar 2008 14:00:00 GMT

[$49.95, Wrapables]

I've been doing a lot of shopping since I started working on this blog.

First it was this Threadless-designed Blik wall decal (I actually already own the t-shirt). Then, I picked up the Tord Boontje Garland chandelier from a small shop in Montclair. After that, I ordered these speakers from DLO (and I've thus far been thrilled with how well they operate). I also stepped up my search for a lower-end version of the Aeron, and got myself all sorts of giddy upon the purchase and super-quick arrival of my new travelhoop.

Life is so stylish lately.

Life has finally come to the point, however, where I am buying things with the thought of posting about them shortly thereafter.

And so it was with the vase above, which is even prettier in person. They have a bunch of other designs as well!

Please, someone tell me that I'm not the only one so quick to succumb to the wiles of the Modern Materialist.

Loose Change

Steph Auteri — Thu, 20 Mar 2008 17:00:00 GMT

[$34, Uncommon Goods]

Does anyone ever really save up for anything anymore? I mean, I told my husband that I was planning on purchasing a new desk chair after I paid off my credit card debt. Then I went and bought one less than a week later. Instant gratification, yo.

This Coink Bank, however, tries to make it easier for us. It wants us to save. The funnel at the top makes it easier to throw in multiple coins at once.

Please tell me that y'all have more self-control than I do. Leave a comment to let us know what you've been saving up for.

[Via Product Dose]

Light Show

Steph Auteri — Wed, 19 Mar 2008 19:00:00 GMT

[$55, Peek Keep]

I love the way that certain candle holders manipulate light, releasing it in little pinpricks that throw constellations splashing across the walls.

These porcelain cups from Austria-based Feinedinge are real beauts. I mean, just in case the Twilight Turtle doesn't go with your decor.

Doggie Bed for Humans

Steph Auteri — Mon, 10 Mar 2008 16:00:00 GMT

[$720, Design Within Reach]

The products at Design Within Reach have never felt particularly within reach for me, but that never stops me from gushing over them against my better judgment. This pouf designed by Christien Meindertsma is no different in its hold over me, and I swear that it's been calling to me, with sweet promises of ultimate soft smooshiness and lazy abandon.

The DWR website assures me that it can be used as "a seat, occasional table, ottoman or even as a purely organic sculpture," but I imagine that if I got my hands on it, it would be utilized more as my eternal resting place.

And by "eternal," I mean: "Where you can find me when I'm actually supposed to be doing work. Or preparing dinner. Or visiting my grandfather. Or existing."

Do-It-For-Me: Handmade Bird Houses (Because I'm Not That Talented)

Steph Auteri — Thu, 06 Mar 2008 23:00:00 GMT

[$165, Tiny McSmall]

I find it amusing that Tamar Mogendorff's gorgeous/adorable handmade bird houses are being sold through a site for stylish young kiddies, mostly because I wish I could buy a trillion of them for the blank canvas of a wall above my desk, and my childhood was a long, long time ago.

These little bunches of adorableness are crafted from collaged vintage fabrics, embroideries, etc.

Love Hurts

Steph Auteri — Thu, 06 Mar 2008 21:00:00 GMT

[$180, Show]

It's missing the other person when they're not there. It's swallowing the lump in your throat when you both go to bed angry. It's choosing what's best for both of you, and not just you. It's ordering the pepperoni pizza when you'd rather get Veggie Lovers, and sharing your Hershey's Hugs when you'd really rather be a fat pig and eat the entire bag yourself because, my god, that white chocolate just melts in your mouth. Love is hard and it hurts and these vases will remind you of that when he gets you I'm Sorry Flowers instead of Just Because Flowers.

</angst>

Spring Is Coming! Spring Is Coming!

Steph Auteri — Wed, 05 Mar 2008 22:30:00 GMT

[$27.98, Etsy]

Passing the units in my little condo complex on my way out to the car is like running a competitive gauntlet of seasonal wreaths. No matter what the season.

B2 and B4 always have something country-cute. B3 goes for sparkle, most probably purchased at Drug Fair. B1 has a rotating cast of wreaths that look like thrown-together leaves in the shape of a vagina, and I always wonder who in heck the provider of such wreaths could possibly be. B6 has the only empty door, as the inhabitant is a stodgy old man who refers to women as "broads" and refuses to catch my eye.

Now that spring is imminent (it is!), it's time for me to replace my own Joanne's Fabric winter wreath with something more efflorescent. Perhaps from Dancing Circle's collection of dried flower wreaths. Check it, yo.

Love It or Leave It? Still Life Fruit Bowl

Steph Auteri — Wed, 05 Mar 2008 20:00:00 GMT

[$100, Show]

Inventory I Lust After: Graham and Green

Steph Auteri — Wed, 05 Mar 2008 17:00:00 GMT

[$98.28 USD, G&G]

I am absolutely enamored with the way Graham & Green's pieces play with the juxtaposition of light and reflection. In addition to the tea light holder above, G&G has a number of products that utilize mirrors...flames...sunlight to optimal effect:

[$59.46 USD, G&G]

[$784.23 USD, G&G]

[$335.53 USD, G&G]

[$395.09 USD, G&G]

Because It's Pretty

Steph Auteri — Tue, 04 Mar 2008 20:00:00 GMT

[$98, MoMA Store]

Yes. Because It's pretty. And sometimes that's the only reason you need.

Though of course, when the person I'm with happens to need convincing, I upgrade to: "But it's Art!" With a capital "A." And a snooty voice. (That's how I got away with spending 1800 pesos on this sculpture in Mexico; do you like the Febreze in the background?)

You'll only need to drop $98 on this bowl — $$88.20 if you're a MoMA member. Created by Talila Abraham, this black lace bowl was inspired by vintage Eastern European lace handkerchiefs, and was handcrafted using stainless steel.

And it's pretty.

I Accept Gifts, But Forget Holding Hands

Steph Auteri — Fri, 22 Feb 2008 16:30:00 GMT

[$90, Supermarket]

Once, when me and my hubby first started dating, he kissed me in the middle of the China Club. It was our first kiss. I smiled, looked into his eyes, and said, "I don't like public displays of affection."

I've pretty much been killing the romance ever since.

But sometimes, something comes along that just reduces me — utterly, completely, and without warning — to a sappy, insufferable puddle of mush.

Like Hallmark commercials. Or fathers having a rollicking good time with their sons. Or cute, little old people holding hands as they cross the street.

Or the Love Is Blind vase, pictured above, and inscribed with a collection of love letters in braille.

I mean, I'm not a romantic, but I'm still human!