You know the first time you see something unusual and you think oh no, that’s a crazy idea. And then you see it a little bit more and little bit more and it grows on you. That certainly happened with me and mom jeans (I’m praying it won’t happen with the skinny sunglasses thing). But it has also happened with the fuzzy chair trend. Have you seen these guys yet? I’m super curious what you think about them.

idea to steal: fuzzy chairs on apartment 34

I’m talking about the teddy bear-esque easy chairs that have been showing up all over my Pinterest and in virtually every design magazine you pick up of late. Covered in wooly sheepskin and usually curved like a cozy little nest, turns out this idea is not new. Of course, it is in fact mid-century modern.

idea to steal: fuzzy chairs on apartment 34

The most recognized fuzzy chair, called the Tired Man, was created by Danish furniture designer Flemming Lassen in the 1950s.  But the Tired Man chair is actually being produced again today (which is good since vintage ones on 1stdibs are running about $24,000). But the new ones come with hefty pricetags too.

idea to steal: fuzzy chairs on apartment 34

The newest version the scene are literally called the Papa Bear and Baby Bear armchairs by Pierre Yovanovitch. They’re a bit cutesy for my tasty but would be the most expensive chair for a kids room possibly in the world.

idea to steal: fuzzy chairs on apartment 34 idea to steal: fuzzy chairs on apartment 34idea to steal: fuzzy chairs on apartment 34 idea to steal: fuzzy chairs on apartment 34idea to steal: fuzzy chairs on apartment 34idea to steal: fuzzy chairs on apartment 34

A lot of peeps are simply finding cool, mid-century style armchairs and simply reupholstering them in the wooly sheepskin. I just love the texture the look adds to a room. In a house with wall to wall hardwood floors and stark white walls, I think a fuzzy chair would be the perfect way to soften a room. I’m seriously considering adding one to our dining room.

What say you? Are you feeling these fuzzy chairs? Or have I just been staring at them for too long?!

Check out our Idea to Steal archive RIGHT HERE.

images via vipp hotel / lassen / Pierre Yovanovitch / Vogue /Pierre Yovanovitch / 1stdibs / Pierre Yovanovitch / lassen / 1stdibs

If you’ve ever remodeled or redesigned a house, you’re going to relate to this post. If you haven’t, consider this a little peek behind the curtain. You go in thinking everything will just run smoothly, that you will be able to find everything you need and get it when you want it. Alas, the world of home design does not work that way my friends. There are a litany of variables, any of which can trip up your entire design process. Perhaps a trade is unavailable (for the next six months!). Perhaps your dream tile is back ordered (for at least six months). Or perhaps you have a vision that is tough to actualize. This is the case for one of my favorite design ideas for our house: steel doors.

black steel door trend on apartment 34

One of the key design features I want in our house is steel doors separating this room from the rest of the communal space. Steel doors are stately. They add such drama. They don’t block light. They’re black. And added bonus, they’ll tuck away our TV so as my kid has movie nights with friends (many years down the road – have you read my thoughts on kids and tech??) us adults can enjoy the living room with the doors closed.

black steel door trend on apartment 34black steel door trend on apartment 34

That said, actualizing these doors is easier said than done. It’s very hard to find sources for custom work. While I’ve found many a resource if I want some steel doors for my bathroom (this Apartment Therapy story is a good one), but crafting a set of 11.5 ft door has proved to be exceedingly challenging. But look at all this pics. The vision is just too good. This design element must become a piece of our house.

So if you happen to have a line on someone who would want to create the prettiest set of doors that you ever did see, I’ll take any and all recommendations!

For all the latest on our remodel, CLICK HERE

image 1 / 2 / 3 / 4 / 5 / 6 / 7 unknown

A few days ago I Instagrammed the bookshelves in my house and IG (in spite of the algorithm) went wild. And while I love that moment, looking at those shelves got me thinking about the art of the shelfie. We’ve definitely talked about it here ad nauseam. But as I work on my home’s finishing touches, I feel an immense pressure to have everything picture perfect immediately. I suspect I’m not the only one.

slow playing the shelfie on apartment 34

Walls filled with art. Shelves stacked with layer upon layer of treasures (or crap depending on your personal taste), side tables and consoles perfectly accessorized. But what if we stopped chasing “the collection.” What if the goal of decorating your home wasn’t about filling it with objects, but instead filling it with meaning? Even as I push myself to finally “finish” my house, I’ve begun to reconsider my perspective. Rather than look at blank spaces as unfinished, I wonder if I can instead find wholeness in the holes.

slow playing the shelfie on apartment 34 slow playing the shelfie on apartment 34

Sure, things will creep in over time. But that’s the operative phrase – over time. I’ve only lived in my house for just over a year. We only completed some major construction just before this past holiday season. And while I love my blogger and stylist friends who shop and pull until the cows come home, whipping up a “completed” home in time for the afternoon’s photo shoot, I’m wondering if I can just step out of the race entirely.

slow playing the shelfie on apartment 34

Instead, I want to create beauty from the one thing, maybe the two things that truly give me joy. I want to reveal in that negative space. I want to be filled up by the openness because our lives are already crammed full of so much stuff (and in my case legos). I want to have room to breathe. I think each shelfie in this post exemplifies this idea.

slow playing the shelfie on apartment 34

Yet you often hear disparaging terms applied to this idea. Sterile. Impersonal. Cold. But I just call it real life. There’s no need to swing by Target or CB2 every two days for some new thing. Instead, find an art fair. Take time to walk through your local gallery. Hit the flea market when the mood strikes, but take home only the “I can’t live without it” piece.

I’m pleased to report that I can name the source of everything currently on my bookshelf and there’s not a big box store to be found, but I actually want to edit out even more. I want to try to open up as much blank space as possible and  see how the years will fill it. And I want that to feel more than good enough. I want it to feel like home.

For more of our best ideas to steal, CLICK HERE.

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When you’re working with tight spaces, you gotta make evert inch count. A perfect, often overlooked spot? Under the stairs! When we were living in our first San Francisco loft and its cozy 700 sq feet, our under the stair space was used for our pups (if you want to see how you can evolve your style in 5 years look at this – oy). But our under-the-stairs space was the perfect little doggie bedroom. But you can get incredibly creative and make an oft forgotten spot super usable and super gorgeous. Check out the examples below for proof.

How to Make the Most of Every Corner on apartment 34

How about an impromptu art gallery and a little wall mounted storage? It’s the perfect place to tuck away treasures that make you smile every time you walk by.

How to Make the Most of Every Corner on apartment 34

I love everything about this sophisticated use of under the stairs space. An oversized piece of a art, a beautiful side chair and low coffee table makes a perfect little space to hide away along with a perfect vignette to enjoy as your pass.

How to Make the Most of Every Corner on apartment 34

Tucking a cozy seat under the stairwell is a great spot to curl up with a good book.

How to Make the Most of Every Corner on apartment 34

How about a mini home office? If you pick some eye candy like that vintage desk and classic chair and can can keep your piles in check, it’s the perfect place to get work done. It could almost feel like you’re in an entirely separate room.

How to Make the Most of Every Corner on apartment 34

To optimize space, try a little custom stair-stepped shelving. The closed storage is a genius move for everyone with kids (or something to hide!).

How to Make the Most of Every Corner on apartment 34

Why not use your under the stair space for a mini garden? This shelving unit is just genius. Sliding brass shelves let your plants grow to their hearts’ content.

Any other creative ways you’ve used seemingly unusable space? I’m always looking for more good looking solutions.

For all our most creative design ideas, CLICK HERE.

images 1 // 2  // 3 // 4 // 5 kelli murray // 6 design chaser

Since I’m still basking in the glow of the Kauai sun, I’m taking a cue from my tropical location for today’s Idea to Steal: hanging hammocks as wall decor.

idea to steal: hammocks as decor on apartment 34idea to steal: hammocks as decor on apartment 34idea to steal: hammocks as decor on apartment 34idea to steal: hammocks as decor on apartment 34idea to steal: hammocks as decor on apartment 34idea to steal: hammocks as decor on apartment 34idea to steal: hammocks as decor on apartment 34

I’ve talked about hammocks in modern spaces before. I even incorporated one into the den I designed for Sunset Magazine a few years back! But as woven wall hanging remain all the rage, I love the idea of switching things up a bit and using a hammock as your wall decor instead.

Famed Tulum hotel Coqui Coqui is most likely the originator of this look, and some copy the vibe verbatim which is fine by me. It’s a damn good idea. Hammocks look great in living spaces or above a bed. But there are some original twists on the hammock as wall decor too – like Sarah’s idea to put a mini one over a fireplace in her Palm Springs a-frame. Genius. I’m particularly obsessed with the dramatic look of an all black bed with a striking black hammock draped above. Not sure where one would find an all black hammock, but I just might be adding that to my wishlist for the Victorian. Talk about some seriously sexy decor drama.

What say you? Are you into this look? It definitely has a laid back vibe but I think you could put a sophisticated spin on it. I think I’m gonna try.

Inspired? Click HERE for our entire Idea to Steal archive.

images: stories by sarah sherman samuel // lonny // cerruti draime // domino // domino // cerruti draime // the now // 

This week’s Idea to Steal is perfect for sipping a summer drink, relaxing with a book or hiding out from the world. Right now I’m loving the look of a niche. They are perfect tucked away places to sit, sleep or simply hang.

idea to steal: the niche on apartment 34

This deep outdoor alcove is the perfect place to lounge, read or take a nap! As the sun moves it would also be a great spot to hide in the shade.

idea to steal: the niche on apartment 34

I love the idea of a tucked away nook. Whether you use it as a bed or a simply a cozy place to relax, it’s both fun and in the case of this minimalist example, extremely chic.

idea to steal: the niche on apartment 34

A more rustic take on the nook is similarly inviting. It’s also the perfect solution for awkward small spaces that you don’t quite know what to do with.

idea to steal: the niche on apartment 34

This lovely exterior niche is the ideal spot to sip rosé. And did you spy the wood-clad ceiling?!

idea to steal: the niche on apartment 34

If you’re lucky enough to have the right architecture, a bedroom niche is secluded, seductive and seriously sexy. Yes you have to crawl over one another if you have to use the bathroom in the middle of the night, but sometimes killer looking design isn’t about practicality!

I’m kinda wishing we had put a niche somewhere in our remodel. What say you? Are you into it too?

 

For our entire Idea to Steal archive, CLICK HERE.

 

image 1 / image 2 / image 3 / image 4 / image 5

 

I know I’m not the first to jump on the rattan bandwagon, but I’m partial to a modern (rather than vintage-y) spin on the trend.

modern rattan trend on apartment 34

This dining room is a prime example! The round dining table is made of mixed materials giving off a chic, contemporary vibe. The oversized pendant adds serious modern drama. The neutral color palette is punctuated with all the black accents. And the variety of natural materials – stone, metal, wood and ceramics creates a ton of texture. This room feels global and summery. It could just as easily be beachside as it could be in an urban loft, but the design would be a breath of fresh air all year round. I’m officially looking to add a cool piece of rattan in our house somewhere. Consider this idea stolen.

Here are a few of my favorite modern rattan pieces.

modern rattan on apartment 34

pendant / swing / basket chair /snug chair / venice chair

 

 

For the entire Idea to Steal archive, CLICK HERE

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photography casa cook via est living 

While I’m always partial to neutral interiors, there’s something striking about adding a bold hue into an otherwise mellow color palette.

Idea to Steal on apartment 34idea to steal on apartment 34

Right now I’m loving a punch of royal blue. Especially when it’s blue velvet. The color takes on a sultry, chic vibe in a luxe fabrication. When surrounded by creams, browns and touches of black, the pop of blue doesn’t feel too in your face. Instead, it contrasts beautifully with wood pieces or metallic finishes yet still feels almost like a neutral itself.

What say you? Are you into this blue idea?!

For our entire Idea to Steal archive, CLICK HERE.

 

image 1 via the design chaser, image 2 by aubrie pick for apartment 34

If, like me, you’re a huge fan of picture rail shelves (I’ve used them repeatedly over the years, like here and here and here), but are hesitant to drill permanent holes in your wall, you’re going to love this Idea to Steal. It offers a super creative away to display your treasures.

idea to steal: innovative displayidea to steal: innovative display

This is literally an Ikea hack. Rather than drill into your wall, you can create your own leaning picture rail display. Simply screw some picture rails into a run of black marble patterned Ikea countertops and you’ve got a flexible, moveable display case.

Books, art, magazines and odds and ends suddenly become an eye catching focal point – especially if you style everything in a monochromatic color palette. And I’m always a sucker for black (case in point, my new dining room). You can use this leaning display to create a still life in just about any space – a living room, bedroom, office. Even a hallway. And the best part? You can change the look whenever the mood strikes.

I smell a spring project coming on! What do you think? Are you into this idea?

 

For our entire Idea to Steal archive, CLICK HERE.

 

design by Pella Hedeby for IKEA | Photo by Karl Anderson

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