One of My Favorite Shopping Secrets

Decor

If you’ve followed Apt34 for awhile, you might have noticed that I’ve slow played the completion of our house. A lot. While your typical blogger is usually in a rush to give you all the before and after shots we can, I’ve taken a different approach with this home. That is because I have been committed to finding unique, interesting and well designed pieces for each and every nook and cranny. This is my forever house people! This is no longer the dress rehearsal. This time things need to be make it for the long haul.

I am constantly searching high and low; scouring local boutiques, estate sales, and many an online resource, but one of my tried and true treasure troves for both something special and a good deal might surprise you – I’ve purchased many a piece for my home on eBay! This includes everything from current desk chair in my home office to a gorgeous Kaare Klint safari chair for my living room, to pretties for my kitchen. I just scooped up a set of Heath Ceramics plates. In this day and age it is the small things that bring you joy.

A few bonuses about eBay shopping. Yes, you can score cool vintage finds – I love looking for old portraits, kitchen accessories and those iconic mid-century pieces, but there are so many brand new items for sale as well. One of my favorite best kept secrets is the eBay DWR Outlet store. I stalk it for good deals on timeless designs constantly. This Knoll bar cart is currently taunting me, begging me to bring it home. The best part is you can often buy things right away – no bidding required and thousands of items ship free.

It can be really hard to commit to pieces for your home. It is easy to start small. A piece of art. Maybe a vintage set of glassware. But then you just might find that piece that you’ve long coveted (my current hunt is for the perfect antique mirror for over our dining room fireplace) at a great price. That’s the beauty of eBay – you might find just what you were looking for – or discover something you didn’t even know your home needed.

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this post is a paid collaboration with eBay. Thanks for supporting collaborations we’re excited about and that have kept apartment 34’s doors open.

What to Scoop Up from the 4th of July Sales!

Shopping

The holiday may have come and gone (and good riddance – fireworks kept my 3yr old up and terrified for many an hour last night), but the bevvy of summer sales continues! While I’m currently doing my best to purge my closet (more on that to come very soon!), I never pass up a good deal on something for my house – and fourth of July sales are major when it comes to interior design. I’ve been making the rounds and there are some steals out there. Some items are as much as 70% off – some stores are doing 20% everything! I’m tellin’ ya, if you’ve wanted to do a little refresh, maybe new pillows for your couch, a new pendant light for the bathroom, update your bedding, now is the time!

But I’ve gone ahead and done the legwork for you. No scrolling through pages and pages just to find that one good treasure. Simply browse below – I promise this the best of what’s out there. Just shop fast, a lot of these sales end tonight! Happy almost Friday that kinda feels like a Monday, but also still a vacation day. Fourth of July on Wednesday is no bueno.

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Designer Files: A Modern take on American Tradition

Decor

As I’ve worked on our house, (slowly and surely, slowly and surely), I’ve come to appreciate really well-made furniture. Pieces with craftsmanship, major style, and most importantly a soul. Yes, I agree that it’s quicker, easier and most often cheaper to grab something online, but these days I’m looking for pieces that I will want to hold onto for years. So when I saw the studio tour of Sawkille Co. in the latest issue of Rue Magazine, my heart skipped a beat.

As soon as I happened upon these images, I realized I already knew Sawkille Co’s work. I’ve seen their pieces pop up in many a gorgeous home tour (you can see a lot of them right here). Co-owner and lead designer Jonah Meyer puts a stunning minimalist bent on traditional Shaker furniture-making. The bar stools, chairs, and case goods offer a perfect mix of tradition with a distinctly modern vibe.

But it makes sense. Jonah Meyer has a fine art background, having studied painting and sculpture at RISD. After college took up residence in upstate New York – a hotbed for makers and craftspeople. Reason number 1,000 I really need to take a trip out there! What was originally a self-taught side project, Jonah’s furniture making began to attract the attention of friends and family and over time he and his wife Tara (now Sawkille Co. creative director) saw an opportunity to turn their passion into a business. Their production shop is now located in the Mid-Town neighborhood of Kingston, NY. Today, all of the Sawkille Co. furniture is handcrafted using sustainably forested material and their studio is a no-waste facility.

But their showroom is just as beautiful as the pieces it houses. The ceiling dates back to the 1940s. Jonah added plastered walls and a mix of raw and whitewashed floors.

It’s a little hard for me to decide what I love more. All this gorgeous natural light or Sawkille Co.’s stunning pieces. I’m so obsessed with this bed. But what I really love is discovering the fact that American traditions like furniture making continue, in a fully modern way.

To check out the entire profile of Sawkille Co. in Rue Magazine, CLICK HERE.

photography by gentl and hayers photography for rue magazine

7 Sexy Summer Lounge Chairs

Decor

So I was looking back through the site the other day and I realized I have never shared a definitive guide to lounge chairs. I guess after 10 years, I can’t remember every post I’ve ever written. And while we’ve chronicled many a beautiful outdoor space, finding a perfect lounge chair can be a bit of a challenge.

While they’re a rather utilitarian piece of furniture, that doesn’t mean lounge chairs can’t be stunning. In fact, I firmly believe they should be. But even a casual Google or Pinterest search of modern lounge chairs turns up some pretty slim pickings. While I’d love to have a vintage set in my backyard, (this vintage rocking lounge chair is pretty dang good), there are some current productions that would certainly spruce up the style of any backyard.

I grew up wit the plastic-slatted loungers – you know the ones I’m talking about. They had the super light metal frame that burned you when you touched it. The plastic slats stuck to your skin on hot days. And slowly stretched out over time so by the end of the summer your butt nearly scraped the ground. Not cute. Thankfully, lounge chairs have since improved.

These days, I prefer a clean and refined lounge chair design. No overly bulky frames. No massive padding (who wants to take care of all that). A cool, minimalist shape, a unique design detail or two and a little bit of swagger. I think that makes more a personality packed chair. It would certainly boost the style of any back yard. And yes, I imbue inanimate objects with personalities. What, don’t you?

So I’ve done some digging and found my current favorite seven lounge chairs. They’re all neutral but no where near understated. These chairs are made to be noticed. The added bonus? Virtually everywhere you look is having their outdoor furniture sale. It’s the perfect time to scoop up one or two of these beauties, grab some frosé and not move until September. I’m into it. Are you?

lounge 1 / lounge 2 / lounge 3 / lounge 4 / lounge 5 / lounge 6 / lounge 7

9 Things I’d Actually Want for Mother’s Day

Shopping

So I’ve read that Mother’s Day has turned into a multi-billion dollar industry. And I guess it ought to be – we should all express greater appreciation for our moms (and probably not just one day a year). But now that I have a couple of Mother’s Days under my belt I thought I’d offer a few ideas for Mother’s Day gifts (feel free to forward this post to your husband/ partner/baby daddy).

Because the worst thing to receive on Mother’s Day is something “well-meaning.” We deal with well-meaning every freakin’ day. Everyone always means well. On Mother’s Day, a mom should be showered with the ultimate pampering. And pampering does not include mugs that say Boss Lady, nor candles that clutter my countertop or fancy tea. I have plenty of tea. Sure kid’s art is precious and a mimosa is just a given, but the mamas of the world deserve to be given a real gift. For further clarification, a real gift doesn’t include any kitchen appliances, cleaning tools or really anything household related. Unless you’re getting the house cleaned. That could be acceptable. Instead, treat us to something purely superfluous, indulgent and seriously cool. Don’t worry, I’ve got your cheat sheet.

SHOP: Coco Rose skincare / Madewell Denim jacket / Freda Salvador slide / Ariel Gordon necklace / Sunnies / Margaret Elizabeth earrings / Le Labo perfume / Face roller / Canvas & leather shoulder bag

Of course, hugs are heartwarming, a day with the family special (as long as I don’t have to pack the car or plan the meals) and the opportunity to sleep in is gold. But of these lovely items would gladly bring a smile to my face this Mother’s Day and for many days thereafter – especially if one was also accompanied by a massage. Just keepin’ it real friends.

Happy early Mother’s Day to all the mamas out there. Check my Instagram later today btw – will have a little surprise for you!

SHOP MOTHER’S DAY GIFTS

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The Color Palette that Never Goes Out of style

Decor

I know this is supposed to be the year of big bold color. I’ve even espoused being brave with color a couple of times myself. I’ve been pinning a ton of color too. But as much as I love a courageous design decision, there’s something about a timeless palette that will always look of the moment. Case in point, the combination of black, white and wood that I just cannot quit.

This classic color palette is a calm, cool and refreshing respite from life’s noise. It offers the space for your day-to-day to add the color rather than objects that surround you. But this palette isn’t one note. There’s actually a ton of variety to play with.

You can decide between cool whites or warm. You can mix and match a huge range of wood tones. For example, walnuts feel rich and sophisticated. Light maple feels airy and bright. Wood floors add warmth to all white walls. I’m obsessed with the patterned floor above although herringbone is always a good choice too. It’s a lovely old world look. But I also love the modern vibe of a white floor too.

It’s the hits of black that modernize – a black focal wall adds drama, pops of black like a light fixture or faucet offer places for your eye to land and black furniture feels chic. Black will always elevate with its sleek edginess. I recommend putting something black in virtually any room.

So while I try to conduct a bit of a spring purge, I’m looking to both pare back the colorful clutter, and instead, add just a few subtle layers to my world. Any of the 18 black, white or wood objects below would definitely do the trick!

SHOP: 1 / 2 / 3 / 4 / 5 / 6 / 7 / 8 / 9 / 10 / 11 / 12 / 13 / 14 / 15 / 16 /17 /18

What do you think? Do these subtle yet striking rooms speak to you as much as they do to me?

For more color palette ideas, CLICK HERE.

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The April Edit

Fashion

I used to have the luxury of spending a lot of time thinking about clothes. They were fun, they were a way to express myself, they were a way to make a statement to the world and if we’re all being honest, clothes are often a means competing with others. For my April edit, I’m taking a very different tact.

But as years have passed and life has gotten much more full, my perspective on getting dressed has shifted dramatically. Now don’t get my wrong, I still fully agree with the ethos of every makeover show that’s ever existed – how you dress is your initial calling card to world so you don’t want to mail it in. But that desire to one up, to out do, or to draw attention feels so childish now.

What if your closet was only housed timeless, classic, high quality staples that looked good and made you feel good every time you put them on? What if your closet was trend free so you didn’t feel the need to purge and replenish after every season, but instead you could pull a piece out like you’re saying hello to an old friend?

My closet is slowly but surely headed in that direction and you know what I no longer spend hours doing (nor even really have the urge to do?!)? Shop! Once you build a closet full of beautiful pieces that let you revel in daily life, rather than worry about what you’re wearing all of that distraction falls away. And I never thought I’d say this but it feels great.

Because life is complicated. Getting dressed shouldn’t have to be.

SHOP: nikes / rachel comey jeans / madewell tunic / denim loafers / leather bomber jacket / luggage / sunnies / hoop earrings / purse / gray t-shirt / denim jacket

There are a few more staples I’d like to add to my rotation this spring. These days I live in high quality t-shirts. They’re flattering. They’re comfortable and you can layer them with everything. And when you invest in a good one, they don’t pill or stretch and so don’t have to be replaced nearly as often.

I’m obsessed with denim jackets that have a little edge. An oversized silhouette. A cropped sleeve. Maybe some patchwork. Something that makes the jacket just a little different. It makes the piece and therefore your look a little more special.

The perfect cream wide-leg jean. You will wear them for years. The end.

The exception to my fill your closet with basics rule is shoes. I do love to have a little fun with my footwear and these denim loafers with a big ole bow totally fit that bill.

Anyone else have itchy feet? I want to take my entire spring edit, shove in it a cute suitcase and jet off to a beautiful destination. Maybe I should go back to Greece this year.

SHOP OUR APRIL EDIT

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Our Mid-Winter Edit

Shopping

Has January felt exceptionally long to anyone else? It’s an odd time of year. After the endorphin rush of the fresh start that the new year brings, energy can wane, leaving us wallowing in a bit of a mid-winter limbo. While thoughts of spring are just beginning their jig in the back of my mind, the temps are too cold to indulge in all the short-skirted and sleeveless pieces already hitting store shelves. And I’m a regular person so there is no jetsetting to tropical locations for me. Instead, I’m trying to don some rose colored glasses as we idle in this shoulder season. Scroll below to see what I mean.

While I realize pink has had its day, I’m feeling all the soft but warm tones to keep my spirits buoyant (see yesterday’s post for more evidence). While we’ve tipped back toward longer days the light is still soft and hazy, giving off a cool, languid vibe. The chilly temps still have me craving texture, be it cozy knits, beautiful ceramics or supple leathers. A mix of washed-out pieces in creams and taupe juxtapose with saturated earthy hues that perfectly balance winter’s hold with the promise of the spring that’s yet to come. This mid-winter edit satisfies my current cravings but also has me excited about what’s next.

SHOP THE POST: ceramic table lamp / rachel comey embroidered clutch / sneaker / knit throw / wood block print / fanny pack / sunnies / signet ring / knit chloe sweater / throw pillow

For more of our favorite finds, CLICK HERE.

SHOP THE POST

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10 Things You Need From…

Shopping

I’ve cut down how much I talk about shopping around here significantly. That’s partly because I want to embody the minimalist philosophy I so often espouse. It’s also because when looking for cool things to feature, I always fall victim to the temptation and buy something for myself! However, this year I’m testing myself by sharing 10 things you need from my favorite finds again, all while reveling in the covet, rather than the purchase. We’ll see how this goes.

I’m currently coveting just about everything from Hawkins New York. I’ve seen pieces from this Brooklyn-based design house at other boutiques for the last couple of years, but I hadn’t gone to look at their website directly. Big mistake. Huge. Scroll. You’ll see. These are the 10 things you need from Hawkins New York.

From textiles to dishware, candlesticks to pendant lights, everything Hawkins New York makes or carries is highly covetable. I’m obsessed with that concrete toilet brush holder (did you know you needed that?!). I also love that they’ve collaborated with Alyson Fox on rugs. So while it’s probably a stretch to say you need any of these pieces, your world might be a little happier and your home would certainly be a touch more beautiful with a Hawkins New York item in it!

Now I’m going to go back to oogling all the things I’m not buying (yeah right).

For more of my most recent favorite finds, CLICK HERE

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