one thing is for sure, if you are looking for color and happiness behind your furniture design- maine cottage has definitely got you covered. we are lucky to have a store downtown and you cannot walk in there w/out being greeted w/just that. don't be afraid if you can't get yourself to commit to that much color- they do offer a great brown, a gray, and white paint options....
okay so i said i was going to write a post on why i thought crate and barrel did a good job w/ their furniture and so here it is. again, when i thought mail order catalogs, crate and barrel would not have been my first choice on who to turn to for the "look" but going to the store surprised me and this is why... the upholstery was very current. i really loved the ross sofa. i think it really depicts a coastal feel w/ the current look i tend to go for (slipcovered, squared arms, waterfall drop skirt). the next thing that i liked was the pacifica dining room table and buffet/ hutch combo. it has a natural finish that i think looks great in a beach environment. also the big sur is a great look for dining. i was shocked at how much the calypso chairs are modeled after mcguire. they are really sharp looking and a minuscule of the cost. i also really loved the madsen mirror...it Is a take on the convex mirror that is going around and it's done very well. lastly, with it being summer, everyone is in the market for outdoor furniture. while i ADORED the stuff restoration hardware had (especially the antiqua outdoor collection) i was shocked at how horrible it sat...very low to the ground and not comfortable at all. c & b's outdoor stuff was by far the most comfortable...but i will say they need to update their styles. so there you have why i liked crate and barrel...i guess it really just depends on what you are shopping around for....
he had me at one click...the second his homepage appeared on my computer screen, i was smitten. he is an interior designer and a store owner who takes great pride in american and european vintage finds. he is not afraid to change the appearances of the pieces he brings into the shop to suit his style...and from what i can see, he shouldn't be b/c he obviously has outstanding taste! find out more about the master mind here or check out his inventory on 1st dibs...
i love this quote that house and garden used to describe this slightly offbeat and fearless furniture and accessory store..." For a glimpse of coming currents in interior design, ...Downtown may be as good as a crystal ball..."
do you ever run across something and you are like "where did this come from?" well, that is exactly how i feel about mecox gardens. and i have to say, i am still stumped by what exactly it is....but it has some kick butt furniture and lighting and just a mecca of inventory on this website; the variety is insane. i had to share some of the awesome stuff...i think that the cara burlap pendants are really cool. i also love the fact that they are made out of a potato sack. i love the shape of the ipanema rope console. and these cut velvet pillows are gorgeous and would look amazing on any sofa. basically, if you see something you like in elle decor, mecox gardens will most likely carry it.....
while web surfing i stumbled across this gorgeous store Hudson. i love this store...well from what i have seen of it online. its like the perfect mix of old and new, stylish yet sophisticated...right up my alley. the owner, jill goldberg started out as a struggling actress in LA and left to become an interior designer. don't you just love the kelly weastler's trellis fabric upholstered on the armchair...and those pillows are vintage feed sacks...so chic!
