Low key frames

Sometimes you want a photo to take center stage.  These acrylic “blocks” (held together with small magnets) are a perfect way to display your favorite photos without distracting frames.  $16.95 for the 7.75″ W x 5.75″ H frame (fits a 5 x 7 photo) and $13.95 for the 6.75″ W x 4.75″ H (fits a 4 x 6 photo) from Crateandbarrel.com.

Divide and Lacquer

I perpetually battle to reclaim my desktop from the chaos of errant paper clips, binder clips, etc.  These lacquer boxes provide a sleek home for office supplies.  At Westelm.com you can find a square tray for $24.00, lacquer low box for $39.00, valet tray $12.00, and pencil cup for $8.00.  All with free shipping!

These nesting boxes come in a set of three for $29.00, also from Westelm.com.

This all-white version from CB2.com is $4.95 for the small box, $9.95 for the large box, and $19.95 for the extra large box.

Fit for the Phantom

This amazing matte metal candelabra holds 20 candles and adds instant eccentric drama.  $89 at Wisteria.com.

Spin-off

This iron spin table and matching stools are inspired from a 1900’s French design. The table is $349.00 from Wisteria.com and the stools are $149.00.

Simple dining table

This ideal plain dining room table seats four, looks like it escaped from DWR.com, and at $249.99 on sale, is quite the steal for a small house or apartment.  You can find it at Sears.com.

I’m not partial to these chairs (also available on the website for $59.99) but here’s a different view:

A Worthy Cause

This basket from Macys.com is hand-woven by Rwandan women and is available for $79.00:

 

For other items from the Rwanda Path to Peace Collection, see here.

Bamboo

This surprising collection from JC Penney has very simple and crisp white pieces with subtle bamboo detailing. They’re categorized as “bath storage” on the website but should work well in smaller spaces.

The armoire is $209.99 and the space saver is $69.99:

The wide cabinet is $139.99:

Double Take

Who doesn’t love the Petrie Sofa from Crateandbarrel.com? At $1,499.00, it’s a solid and smart design choice:

For $800.00 less, you can find a comfortable and similar version at Macy’s.com for $699.00:

Iron and Wood

Everything is iron and wood and the ideal mix of organic and uility. Check out some current examples from Ethanallen.com, Ballarddesigns.com, Vivaterra.com, Overstock.com and Restorationhardware.com :

Dining table from Ethan Allen $1099.00

Bookcase from Ballard Designs $499.99

More expensive version from Viva Terra $869.00

Dining table and chairs from Viva Terra $949.00 (table) and $298.00 (set of 2 chairs)

Dining chair from Overstock.com $459.99 for set of 4 chairs

Coffee table from Viva Terra $495.00

Nesting tables from Viva Terra $269.00

Console table from Viva Terra $589.00

Side table from Restoration Harware $129.99

Ottoman Empire

This perfect rattan ottoman blends effortlessly with both mid-century modern and traditional decor. At $269.99 from Overstock.com, it’s a little pricey for a piece that may not necessarily be the most functional or comfortable but sometimes a room needs an interesting piece or two to elevate itself.