Aalto Stool: The Icon turns 80

Aalto 60 stool

Alvar Aalto designed this stool in 1933.  It is just as fresh today as it was 80 years ago.  To celebrate the anniversary, an anniversary edition is now available in the five colors you see above.  

At over $250, the Aalto 60 stool is pricey.  

How about this Ikea knockoff for $11.90?  Now you're talkin'!!!

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And why not paint these stools for some added panache.  

This is the stool I painted for my studio.

Don't think of the stools just as extra seating.  They work as plant stands, side tables, nightstands too.

Restoration Hardware Now Offers Tableware

Restoration Hardware has just launched its online tableware collection.  I love collecting all matter of tableware: new, vintage and quirky, and then setting an interesting table.  

There are three styles of dinnerware in the tableware collection:

color, white

Classic Coupe,

color, prairie

Rimmed Square,

 

color, graphite

and Grand Rimmed. 

color, ivory

Each pattern is available in all five colors enabling mixing of patterns within a set.

color, fog

Serving pieces are available in all colors and patterns.

Choose from among fifteen archival flatware patterns.  

Bois flatware

Some handles feature bone or horn and another is modeled after that used on the Titanic.

A variety of stemware and glassware is available ranging from casual to elegant, juice glasses to champagne flutes.

Belgian linens are the perfect accompaniment to the Restoration Hardware tableware.  These stonewashed linens are available in twenty colors and in three style.  Five other types of linens are available to compliment the tableware.

Restoration Hardware offers an extensive collection of items for entertaining.  My favorite is the hotel silver collection.  

Seeing this collection online is one thing but I can't wait to actually view the pieces in a store.  

Clever Staircases

Some of the most beautiful and graceful staircases I've seen have been in Paris.

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Very few of us can boast of staircases as beautiful as the one above.  But, that doesn't mean a staircase must be boring.  A little imagination and some paint can transform dull to fun and clever.

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A painted rug.

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Ombre spindles

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Ombre stair kickboards.

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Painted stair runner.

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Chalkboard paint and let your imagination run wild.

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Stairs become a stack of books.

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For a nautical or casual look, change up the wooden handrail with heavy rope.

Chive Wall Dots

Color! I am craving it right now as it is still very gray here in Michigan.  Chive Wall Dots are just the answer.   

Wall Dots are 6 inch X 1 inch deep round ceramic vessels. 

The "dots" are available in 13 hues.

Dots have rubber cushions to protect your walls and a hole for hanging on a nail or hook.

This side view show that the vessels can be filled with water to hold flowers, or instead of water and flowers, use it to hold pencils or something creative.

A vessel with a tulip.

I mentioned that I was painting my powder room.  I used Benjamin Moore suntan yellow on the walls.  The glossy dots really pop on the sunny walls.  I really like the 3D quality of this wall art as well.

The wall color make the hardwood floors look very rich.  

I used some Bahama beach finds on the glass shelf above the sink.

I'm very pleased with the powder room now and I may just find a few more places in the condo for a "dot" or two!

Mid Century Modern

For the past two decades I've had a penchant for mid-century modern furniture.

I'm attracted to the sleek lines and classic, iconic designs.

Last week I saw this image on the blog, Apartment Therapy.  Certainly the view outdoors is stunning but the Barcelona chairs and stools, hardwood floors and Oriental rugs immediately caught my eye. Barcelona chairs are classic mid-century modern.  They are often seen in hotel lobbies and museums as well as homes.  

Nelson Platform Bench

My first purchase of mid-century modern was this versatile Nelson Bench.  This bench is at home at the foot of a bed, in an entry way or working as a coffee table.  In a guest room it can double as a place to perch an open suitcase or in a family room as a spot for a TV.  Oh, and of course with a few cushions, a place to sit.  My bench has held all these positions at one time or another.

My favorite piece of all time is this Le Corbusier table.  This was my dining room table in my house prior to my move to this condo.  I still own it but it is in storage, waiting for an opportunity to be used again.

There are some great pieces I'd love to own.  

Ghost Chair 

based on Philippe Starck's interpretation of Louis XVI furniture Regency Shop

These Lucite chairs would be wonderful seating in a small dining room as they are transparent and would not appear to take up room.  I think it would make a fabulous desk chair with a bright pattern cushion.  

Modern Coffee Glass Table based on design by Noguchi  Regency Shop

This would be my first choice for a coffee table.  

Comfy Chair based on Womb-chair by Eero Saarinen Regency Shop

I would love to curl up in one of these chairs for a good read or a nap.

The good people at Regency Shop are offering a discount to Spiral Style readers.  The Regency Shop is a tremendous source for classic modern furniture designs at affordable prices.  

Click here to view the online shop and then use the bold print promo codes below for your discount.  

10% OFF (on any purchase over $300.00) – CHEI34

5% off anything – 5OFF

 

Happy Shopping

Summer "To Do" List: Bedroom Curtains

Did you have a summer "to do" list?    I had a list in my mind of things I wanted to accomplish this summer. 

One of the items on my list was curtains for my bedroom.  After 6 years of living in this condo, I felt I wanted a window treatment in my bedroom.  I have honeycomb shades but I wanted a softer look.  

Lenda $19.99 Ikea

I picked up these curtains and the necessary hardware at Ikea.  I like the softness that the curtains add without making a huge statement.  They make the ceiling feel taller too.

Before... dull and stark.

This project was a success.  I'll have to try to accomplish another project on the list before the end of the week.

Do you have a summer "to do" list?  What tasks have you completed?

Ikea Crave

Raskog Kitchen cart Ikea $49.99

I think this cart is fantastic for the price.  It is available in gray as well as turquoise but since turquoise is a favorite color, I'll have that.  

The Raskog cart may be called a "kitchen" trolley but why keep all the fun in a kitchen.  It would be great in a bathroom for extra storage, a craft room, or kids room.  

I can't show photos of how I use the cart since it is out of stock at my Ikea and I'm waiting...and craving.

Where would you use the cart?  Gray or turquoise?

Creative Decor

Enjoy some creative decor ideas I found on Pinterest

                                 Source: centsationalgirl.com via Deborah on Pinterest

                                              Source: poppytalk.blogspot.com via Deborah on Pinterest

                            Source: designsponge.com via Deborah on Pinterest

                                             Source: etsy.com via Deborah on Pinterest

                                Source: designsponge.com via Deborah on Pinterest

Dip Dyed Inspired

I really like the dip dyed look.

Poketo Color dipped mugs $28 each

Dip dyeing is a great diy project to add color to something plain and it can breathe new life into objects you may be tired of or that are looking a bit worn or faded.

Some DIY art and a canvas tote.  Martha Stewart 

Click here for instructions on how to use vegetable dye to make biodegradable cups into this pretty vessel.

Wouldn't it be fun to open the drawer to these pretty wooden spoons?

Martha Stewart has a great tutorial on dyeing fabrics and natural fibers, candles and other household items.

I transformed this $2.50 straw tote from Target into a cute summer purse with Plasti dip.

My dip dye project with Plasti dip on flatware was a success.  Easy to do and it has survived many dishwasher cycles.

What would you dip dye?