d3

Knocking Off

I'm about to call it a day...but before I do, a quick link to regencyshop.com. They offer both classics, as well as reproductions of well-known modern designs - Barcelona, Egg and Ball chairs, for example. I'm not generally in favor of promoting reproductions, but given the economy, why not be open-minded, I guess. Especially when they have things like a Barcelona chair-reproduction that "meets architectural specifications of the original design," for $345.

If I were looking, I'd probably go for the Eames chaise knock-off, aka the "La Chaise Style Lounger," at $845 vs. the usual $1900. Hard to measure quality from photographs, but at these prices, probably worth the risk...

Sexy industrial desk magic

I made a pre-baby run to IKEA yesterday, and while I was yet again disappointed with their child furniture options, I noticed this along the way. (Not to worry, despite that disappointment we still managed to spend a boatload on new storage cabinets for the garage. I'm being subjected to a major filing/organization project by the cruel taskmaster, aka my husband.)

Back to the desk - I hadn't seen it before, online or off, and I'm here to tell you it's really sexy. A stainless desk that has the sturdiness and texture of industrial with the sexy curvy legs? Love. True love.

I wish the picture did it more justice - it really does look great "in person." And yeah, $140. I mean, really. What a find.

VIKA Hyttan/VIKA Fintorp table top and legs, $139, IKEA.com

Now open: Le Depot

One of my favorite furniture haunts in Venice, French 50s 60s by Michele Sommerlath, has been sadly shuttered since last summer as construction drags on...

Michele doesn't let a little thing like the loss of the primary address for her business slow her down, though. She's been running Galerie Sommerlath on Venice Boulevard for several months, and today announced the opening of yet another location, Le Depot, in Jefferson Blvd. (In case you haven't caught on - all of these addresses are in LA).

From Michele:

Originally we intended just to consolidate our many storage locations but soon after we stumbled upon this particular warehouse, we realized the potential of the space.  The plan quickly mushroomed into a floor to ceiling restoration and the result is the biggest showroom yet. 

Michele's specialty, no surprise, is mid-century French design, but I've found such a range of amazing finds with her, there's no end to her ability to find something unique and incredible (and fairly priced, I always find) to satisfy your modern sweet tooth.

Can't make the trip to LA? Visit online, too.

Le Depot, 4321 W. Jefferson Blvd., Culver City, CA - now open 12-5 Saturdays and by appointment
French 50s 60s, Abbot Kinney, Venice, CA (closed till summer 08 - we hope)
Galerie Sommerlath, 9608 Venice Blvd., Culver City, CA

 

I never even considered Urban Outfitters...

Then something, somewhere caught my eye. It was well-designed, it was well-priced, and it was from UO. So I went and dug around and found a few little things...

Like 8.5" ceramic plates in great designs (my favorite at left), at 4 for $15! In fact, they have a bunch of kitchen stuff at 4 for $15, and you can mix and match any of it. Some great graphic ceramic bowls are a part of that deal, too...

I've also always wanted one of these fab French chairs, but they're always in bad shape or too expensive when I try on eBay. But here's Urban Outfitters to the rescue with the De La Tour chair. $160! They don't specify that it could be used outdoors (actually, they're probably never supposed to be used outdoors, that's why all the ones on eBay look like rusted-out crap). Whatever. Throw a cushion on it, ignore the rust and revel in your great deal.

I'll end with this mid-century style sofa. Who knows if it's at all comfortable, but it's got such nice simple lines, and the armlessness means it can fit into that one space you've been struggling with (it is 75"l, not so small). Covers are made of polyester, which is probably gross but easily enough replaced for minimal cost. At $480, can you resist? In charcoal and red, too.

Anyhow, the lesson is not to be a snob, I guess. I thought of UO as a store full of poorly made super-faddish clothing for teenagers, but clearly it's worth a look for more than that. Would love feedback on the quality of their stuff - my review comes entirely based on perusal of their website...

Ceramic plates, 4 for $15, Urban Outfitters
De La Tour Chair, $160, Urban Outfitters
Mid-Century Sofa - Natural, $480, Urban Outfitters

A tulip by any other name...

This is a great table. It's IKEA's knock-off of the Eero Saarinen classic, the Tulip table, manufactured by Knoll.

The original is a classic for a reason - but it's also design out of reach for most of us. DWR.com currently lists it for $1431.

IKEA has stepped in brilliantly with the DOCKSTA table. It's about the same size as the larger version of the Tulip dining table, at 42" diameter. And it's $149. Yep, $149.

I bought this for my last company's offices. We used it for meetings, for lunch, for hanging out, and for project organization. Point being, it took a beating. When we got rid of it (which I've been regretting ever since - we should have used it on my back deck, though I'm not really sure how well it would stand up to outdoor use), I sold it for almost the original price b/c even after a year of use, it cleaned up so well it looked pretty much new.

Looks great. Based on a classic. Ridiculously well-priced. Well, I'd say that counts as a design deal, wouldn't you? If you think this might work in your house, just get it. Then invite me over to sit there...

DOCKSTA dining table, $149, Ikea.com