dwellings and décor

There is something so natural and beautiful about real block wood furniture. I love the wood grain that shows through and the smell is amazing. I have mixed feelings about the environmental factors of wood furniture. On one hand I don’t want to see more trees cut down and on another I don’t think we should have furniture made with formaldehyde which is a type of glue found in particleboard and MDF. I have read that some environmental companies are starting to not use formaldehyde in the furniture making process so this is a nice compromise. You will notice that with most furniture companies there is a huge price difference between the furniture you see below and furniture made with particleboard or MDF and veneer. A few things to consider when purchasing wood furniture is how long you intend to keep it and how often you would be using it. Particleboard and MDF will on average not last as long as hardwood furniture therefore you may end up spending more money in the long run if you have to keep buying the same piece every few years. For instance you might want to go with a less expensive piece of furniture in your guest room because drawers and such will not be used as often and therefore it will last longer. Hopefully this information will give you another perspective on furniture buying and I am more than happy to answer any questions you may have on the subject.

Clockwise from top left: 1. Neiman Marcus 2. Style Park 3. Room Online 4. Artful Home

A desk can be one of your most functional furniture pieces you own. (I practically live with mine.) Before purchasing a desk ask yourself what you will be using it for. Will it be a desk you use all day or is just something to write a letter on? Will you need storage and how big do you need it to be? All of these desks below are unique in beauty and functionality. The first desk is a great desk for people who work from home. It has a warm wood stain which will work well in any residential dwelling and it has great storage and a cutout for all your computer cords. The second mid century modern desk is glamorous and I like that the A frame legs let other people sit comfortably on all four sides. The third desk is great for small spaces and its super functional for the at home worker. It is designed by Marcel Wanders and he created a lid to cover and to hide your office clutter. Number 4 desk has great geometric lines and plentiful leg room. I love the unique design and the way the designer creates a beautiful balance between the front legs and the back. The fifth desk is great for the office or at home and it has beautiful clean lines and sleek storage compartments with cork lined trays. Number 6 is labeled as a dressing table but I think it would also look great as a desk for writing letters to your loved ones. The seventh desk has a bamboo strip top and teak legs. This desk is great for tropical and natural styled interiors. Number 8 can be used as a desk or a dining table and I love that the design is ornate and simple at the same time. Number 9 is super functional. This desk is designed to work with your daily work patterns. There are three cantilevered extensions that were added to the table which increases its surface space and usability. It can also be used for working closely with other people. This desk can look great in an office or residential setting. Like 8 number 10 desk can be used as a dining table as well. This piece seems very architectural to me and I like the designers use of material and form.

From Top: 1. Espasso (Green Product) 2. Bond & Bowery 3. Moooi 4. Room Online 5. Jules Seltzer 6. The French Bedroom Co. 7. Maisons Du Monde 8. Brocade Home 9. Martin Sprouse 10. Pirwi

These fun but elegant circle side tables are perfect for your modern home. The first one on the top left is called the Machinist Cocktail table and they are made with Mozambique wood with a natural satin finish with a clear acrylic top. The one next to it on the right can be used as either a side table or a stool or even a play area for your cat. I love the ornate carvings in this sustainable bamboo side table. The image below it is shown in a limed ebony. It is from Bobby Berk Home and they suggest ordering 2-4 to create a great coffee table. The last image on the bottom left hand corner is called the Geisha End Table and it is designed by Jacques Garci. He was inspired by a piece designed by him for his Paris apartment. You will notice that all of these side tables play with very familiar forms; the circle, the line and the cube.

Clockwise from Top Left: 1. Cliff Young Ltd. 2. Kalon Studios (Green Product) 3. Bobby Berk home 4. Kohler Interiors

I have collected ten lounge chairs that I believe to be quite unique and more interesting than your standard looking chair. Traditional to modern these chairs can give you that wow factor you may be looking for. Which one is your favorite?

1. Williams Sonoma Home 2. Conran USA 3. Anthropologie 4. Architonic 5. Godoy Lab (Eco-Friendly Product) 6. Tonic Home 7. Jennifer Delonge 8. Fredrik Mattsson 9. Room and Board 10. Design Within Reach