Jayson Home & Garden: Who Doesn't Love a Sale?

Here is another one of my favorite online retailers: Jayson Home and Garden. I went on to their site to do my periodical perusing and saw that they are having a sale - oh how I love a sale! Some of their prices on furniture are really marked down. None of this $50 off hocus that so many retailers advertise. So if you are in the search for some interesting pieces, check it out. Also, if you are a true originalist and like to have something no one else does, take a peak in the rare finds section. But be prepared for what the term "rare" brings...much higher price tags!!

Sundance: Shelving Worth Noticing

I get many catalogues in the mail as I am sure most of us do. I'd say 60% of them are not worth looking through, but occasionally I will open one on a whim that doesn't particularly look like my taste. The Sundance catalogue is one of those that carries clothing that is a little more rugged for my taste, but I have looked through it several times and have been pleasantly surprised by some of their furniture selections.

They have some great vintage shelving that would look great in a loft type area or in a reading nook somewhere. These wire shelves (above) are a cool urban way to display your goods or the rustic vintage shelves will add a warm cozy throwback vibe to any room. So don't ignore your shelving and go for a standard blah bookshelf - they can have just as much personality as the next piece of furniture!

West Elm and CB2: Side Orders

There are some great side tables out there that won't empty out your pockets. With a discerning eye and a little scavenging, you can find plenty of options for whichever design style you tend to swing towards. Here are two that I think have great lines and have enough character that they deserve a title more than just "sidekick".

This sweet number from West Elm is following the nature trend of the moment. At $179, the Branch Side table won't set your budget over the top and will add a whole lot of personality to your room.

If you are the classic type, you might be drawn to this Alchemy Side Table from CB2. With a nod to classic laboratory equipment and only $249, you can afford to do some additional design experimentation on the rest of your home.

Martha Stewart Furniture: Martha, Martha, Martha

I wasn't sure when I heard about the Martha Stewart line of Furniture by Bernhardt. I was skeptical of the quality and only paying for the name. Macy's carries pieces of her line so I went to check it out for myself. I was pleasantly surprised by the extra details that were considered in the designs. I wouldn't say it is the highest of quality, but in comparison to the rest of Macy's furniture and by taking advantage of the "One Day" sales that they have every day (never buy from Macy's if it's not on sale!!!), it can be a good deal for what you are getting.

I ended up purchasing the Lily Pond East Hampton side board for $1,500. It's a substantial piece of furniture with a built in silverware organizer, pullout extension shelves and a wine storage compartment in one of the cupboards. So for that - I say her furniture is definitely worth checking out!

Bistro Sets: Europe in Your Backyard

My sister-in-law said the other day she was looking for a bistro set for their back patio and so I went to the web to look for some reasonably priced bistro sets. These classic bistro sets make me want to go back to Paris and sit in the town square sipping on an espresso without a care in the world. But for now, we will have to settle and create a little Paris hideaway in our backyards with these adorable Louvre armchair and table sets from American Country Home Store. (something seems wrong with a store named "American Country" selling Parisian bistro sets doesn't it?).


Check out other styles on their site if this one isn't just your taste - they have many to choose from and lots of colors!

Get a Step on it!

If I had to pick one piece of furniture that is most indispensable, it would have to be these stools. I have placed these gems in almost every room of the house in the last several places I have lived. From apartment to house, they have found a home as my coffee table, end tables, at the foot of the bed, and now they live in the entry as a place to put your shoes on. They also can be tucked away under a console table and be pulled out for extra seating when guests are gathered around the living room, which I am sure mine will fulfill their duty there too some day.

I found these at random years ago at Ross (discount store)of all places for $15 each - what a steal! Little did I know then how functional these "little stools-that-could" would be. I don't think you can find these exact ones, but if you come across some stools/ottomans that can multi-function (such as leather cubes, metal, or wood), grab a pair!! And I recommend a pair. They look better in two's and have more purpose working as a team. So get a step on it!

Bungalow 5: Write on!

If you haven't come across Bungalow 5 furniture, you should check out their website. They have a limited selection of furniture, but some truly unique pieces that could fit in to many decor styles.

I am particularly fond of this writing desk. It comes in many colors to suite any one's taste and is just the perfect size for a little nook or cranny that you need to fill in your home. I am trying to find the perfect spot for one of my own and am having trouble deciding if I go with a daring color or play it safe with a neutral (that's the usual path for me and I should just break free!).

If you see anything on their site that strikes your fancy, just let me know and I can get you pricing and availability.

Oly Studios: Stylish and Comfortable - is it Possible?

My husband built our house and it has pretty much been a blank slate since we got married a year and a half ago. He did a more than amazing job and I am truly a lucky girl to have such a beautiful canvas to create a home for us. With that said, I have been slowly adding to our furniture collection (which is no small task) and the latest and greatest is our Oly Studio chairs that just arrived a week or so ago. I have admired Oly furniture for a while now and am excited that I have a few of their pieces.

If you are like me and have a harder time making a furniture decision for yourself than for others, then you know how long I mulled over finding a pair of chairs that are just right for our living room. I bit the bullet and went with the Oly Sienna chair as you see above. My only worry was that I was never able to see them or sit in them in person before ordering - eeck!! What if they weren't comfortable?! Well, 12 weeks and a fat bill later, they arrived for the big reveal. And I have to say I am absolutely thrilled with them. And the major bonus? They are VERY comfortable too! I was also worried about getting them in slate grey leather (not so conventional), but it proved to be a good choice with the grey stone of the hearth already in place. Phew! And I am so pleased how the yellow tone of the nailheads pulls out the yellow linen color of the sofa. Oh, and you may recognize the yellow pillow on the chair is the new Dwell for Target line. Such a great price!

Hopefully I will be able to write about other Oly products in the future. I just love almost everything they offer! If you are interested in getting any of their products, contact me and I can get you pricing and availability.