Revolutionary Road

I recently watched Revolutionary Road, and although it was a pretty depressing portrait of the destruction of an American family, I couldn't help but stare at the sweet mid-century furniture and housewares in their home. Is it just me or do other people get distracted by the lovely retro design in movies?

(Source: All Movie Photo)

With Leo's boyish looks, I often forget how good of an actor he is. He does a great job playing the husband. As for the overall movie, I think the best parts involve their realtor's son. You must watch it to know what I mean.

Midnight in the Garden of Good & Evil

Sorry guys for the lack of posts. It's been pretty hectic especially trying to keep up with 2 blogs. So posts may be more sporadic (at least until after finals are over), so please bear with me. :)

Lately, I've been getting emails from the Jonathan Adler subscription list that have given me great ideas for holiday gifts. The sleek lines of his pottery mixed in with whimsical and retro details make for the perfect addition to any home.


These fun, stark white ornaments give a high contrast to darker-colored walls. And at only $24, you're not breaking the piggy bank.

For the opposite end of the color spectrum, Adler also has a Midnight collection to add a touch of sophistication (or cool goth vibe) to your space.

Decent Exposure

I'm a major fan of exposed brick when it comes to loft spaces. It helps to balance out the modern with the rustic and gives the room a warm and cozy feeling. I remember having brick walls in my first college dorm room and trying to figure out if I could hammer nails into it to hold up my posters. Indeed they did!

I think the warm and fuzzy feeling I get is from associating brick with sipping hot chocolate next to the fireplace. Even though I had a chimney in the house I grew up in, my family never had to use it because we had such mild winters (if you can even call it that) in Texas. I wouldn't say exposed brick looks great in all spaces considering it can also make a house look outdated. Below are some examples of the kind of brick I would love to find in a home:

Apartment Therapy


Design Sponge


Apartment Therapy


Lavender and Lilies


House and Home

This Bullet Belongs in No Gun

I am totally digging these retro bullet planters from Hip Haven. I think every decent mid-century home needs at least a couple at their doorstep and back entryway. They come in 3 sizes and you can pick from an array of colors. I especially like the aqua and rattan one!

And if you're looking for a contemporary version, here's a stylish silver one to house your pruned bonzai!

available at chiasso

FIT

Today I discovered an amazing new store called FIT. My sister had told me that a cute Japanese dollar store had opened up, but I didn't really know what I was getting into until I went for the first time today. I think of it as a candy store for adults (even though there are plenty of things for the kiddos too). It also reminds me of The Container Store with its huge array of cute storage options and bento boxes. It's touted as a Japanese home products store, and they are not kidding. You will probably find almost anything and everything you use at home (shampoo, plates, crafts, storage, washing supplies, ...you name it). Best of all, nothing is over $5. You heard me. The prices range from $2-$5 based on a colored dot system, and if it doesn't have a dot, then it's 2 buckaroos.

It was difficult pulling myself away from the store, but I did grab several things that, of course, I didn't really need.


I've always wanted a clear umbrella! This one has a single pink panel and a pink plastic handle.


A cute Scandinavian-patterned oven mitt! So much better than what I've been using- kitchen towels.


Cute panda stationery. How can you say "no" to a panda that dreams of riding a camel some day?


I've been needing a pencil bag to hold all my highlighters for school.


I am getting super prepared for Halloween. Now I have a 5 different costume choices! I'll make Bryan wear one too!


Don't you just love this new set of bowls? The mid-century pattern is perfect!

Finally, for every 10 items you purchase, you get a spin at the bingo ball cage. If one of the lucky numbers fall out, you get 1 or several free gifts that you pick from a wall of stuff. I won 1 free gift and chose this nifty secret pen.

Can't wait to write ultra secret notes with this!

The employees also greet you and say goodbye to you in Japanese as you enter and leave the store. It's like having a little bit of Japan hidden in the middle of Chinatown.

Wishlist Wednesdays: CB2 Roundup

A smattering of my current faves at CB2.

Wishlist Wednesdays: Angela Adams Rugs

The first time I came across Angela Adams' work was on a Design*Sponge Sneak Peek (go figure!). I immediately fell in love with her textiles.

Her rugs are plush, have great dimension, and add whimsy and color to a room.

Her wool rugs range from almost $300 to over $1,000, so I guess I will have to wait on getting one at the moment. Apparently, a student budget does not allow room for beautiful rugs.

You can purchase the rugs and other Angela Adams goodies at her online store.

Sputnik Splendor

I'm a big fan of the atomic era especially for its funky and whimsical designs. One classic piece from this genre is the Sputnik. If you keep the rest of the room simple and modern, the Sputnik can be a standout statement without being too kitschy.

Below is a roundup of some of my favorites:

1. Inmod

2. George Kovacs at Allmodern

3. Kare at Haier Boutique

4. Advanced Interior Designs

Etsy Lookout

Besides beautiful glass bubble jewelry, jeanpelle makes gorgeous home accents like faceted wood candle holders and one-of-a-kind assemblages. These would make wonderful gifts for a special friend or your special self.

Wishlist Wednesdays: Retro Shelving

I'm kind of a neat freak when it comes to organization. I love furniture that provides a clever way of holding all my extra junk. Although my apartment is currently full to the max with shelves (mostly Ikea Kilby), I'm really adoring these unique storage options.

Love the off-center placement!Photo from Terry's Fabrics.

Whimsical '50s vintage orange (metal?) and glass shelf that I'm sort of in love with.Photo from Apartment Therapy which was originally from a Craigslist posting.

Mid-century inspired argyle shelving unit off of Etsy. Kinda' looks like a large wine rack, doesn't it? It's pretty affordable at $400 and perfect for storing records!Available from Lunar Lounge Design.

Ultra-sexy shelves!Photo from Design Boner.

I was originally interested in these Eames shelving units, but now that I've seen the choices above, these don't really seem to compare...Photo from Design Shop UK and Retro to Go.

A Quick Fix to House Stalking

Yes, I am that person who will stare in your window (if the curtains are open, of course) to check out the inner stylings of your home. Some people can't seem to peel their eyes away from a car accident, I can't ignore the allure of an inviting window. Call me creepy or whatever. I will be the first to admit, I am a house stalker.

Several months ago, I discovered a way less creepy way to satisfy my urge to stare into people's windows- Design*Sponge's Sneak Peeks! This is where I get my weekly fill of cute home interiors, which may have started because of creepy house stalkers like me (and possibly Grace Bonney). Below are some of my favorite Sneak Peeks:








I know! I have a lot of favorites!