Store Round Up: Pier One

While Pier One is a great store for basics, I honestly find going into one to be a somewhat overwhelming experience. There is so much stuff crammed in with narrow aisles and many tall displays, so you must circle around a few times to see everything. There is also a tendency to lean towards bright bold colours and kitsch, neither of which I am particularly a fan of. But, if you are willing to do a little digging, there are definitely wonderful things to bring home.

Here is my top 10 list for Pier One (cow udder mugs and rainbow glassware not included):

1 – White Capiz Charger

How about a little subtle shimmer for your table? This charger would work equally well in a beachy theme or a high-contrast glam theme.

2 – Metallic Sphere

Little decorative objects are so plentiful, but this sphere caught my eye. A trio of them on a coffee table would add shimmer and sparkle, especially with some candlelight.

3 – Exhibit Lamp

The crisp rectangular shape is what drew me in to this handsome lamp at first. But you can also open and fill then insides with whatever you choose, making this an extremely versatile piece for your space.

4 – Gold Circle Mirror

I am loving warm metals, and this unusual looking mirror is a step in the right direction. It’s shape would really make it pop, especially when placed on a lavender or grey blue wall.

5 – Black and White Rug

I definitely believe that every room needs a touch of black (or dark brown or grey). This rug is graphic and would make an excellent anchor to an otherwise light-coloured living room.

6 – Black and White Diamond Chenille Rug

This little throw rug has a great pattern. I would love to see this in a modern-country kids room paired with some black spool furniture.

7 – Faux Fur Throw

This would probably be considered tacky by some, but I love a good faux fur throw. They are so glam looking and totally guilt-free. What a great way to cozy up on a crisp fall evening.

8 – Organic Chocolate Glass Vase

This deep brown vase looks hand made (read: totally not from a chain store). It would look fantastic on a table top vignette.

9 – Peacock Circles Pillow

I really love embellished pillows – when used with restraint – and I love the textural feeling of this one. It has both a great price point and the look of one that is much more expensive.

10 – Hanging Rattan Lamps

These are also at a great price and look much pricier than they are. I would like the large one in a dining room, or a trio of the cylinders over a kitchen island. Either would add some world traveller charm to a space.

Pier One definitely has some decor “don’t”s in addition to it’s “do’s”. It is always best to look for unusual shapes and colours, and keep away from anything too multi-coloured or too country kitsch. With a little digging, there are always some treasures to be had. Happy trails and shopping bags!

Store Round Up: Crate and Barrel

Now this, my dears, is one of those elusive stores to me, here on the West Coast of Canada. They have one in Toronto but that is one heckuva long commute. I am more likely to head to the ones in the Seattle area, but I don’t get occasion to do that too often. I am more than overdue for a trip!

So here are my top ten selections here are purely based on what I see online:

#1 – Timber Wall Art

Love this! It’s both mid-century and organic. It would look fantastic in both a modern loft and a rustic cabin. It’s also cheap!

#2 – Marimekko Bed Linens

I am a huge Marimekko fan so it’s no wonder I love this vibrant Poloneesi bedding set. It is also available as sheets, but I would prefer it as a duvet cover. Imagine it paired with pale dove grey sheets -swoon!

#3 – End Grain Chopping Board

First they used acacia wood which has a lovely dark grain and texture. Then they made it end-grain and created a cutting board that I absolutely adore. This looks so nice you can leave it out on your countertop all the time (which is how I roll).

4 – Suki Centerpiece

This black-and-gold bowl has the drama of a Tom Dixon light fixture without the dramatically high price tag. Actually, turning this into a light fixture is not a bad idea! Hmmmm….

5 – Ascend Shelf

The Ascend white shelf is modular, stackable. It can be hung alone or combined with a few different units. I love the simplicity of it alone, but being able to expand at will is a fantastic plus.

#6 – Shesham Wine Storage

This also-modular wine rack has a great mid-century feel. I love a two pack, stacked vertically for a long linear line of wine bottles.

#7 – Dahlia Mirror

Starburst mirrors, while still very in, are becoming a little ubiquitous. That is why I like the different shape of this dahlia-shaped mirror. It has all the symmetrical charm but a slightly different texture.

#8 -Invisible Magazine Rack

I love the sturdy yet compact design of this magazine rack. As a total magazine addict I could do with more than one of these!

#9 – Finley Pendant

The Finley Pendant is a classic drum shade, with diffuser for an incredible price ($199!). It’s simple timeless shape means it will look great anywhere from a dining room to a nursery.

#10 –

Last but certainly not least is the Working Glass. It has a great cafe style shape and I love the rolled rim. This one is a C&B classic and for good reason.

Ikea – The Good, The Bad, The Cheap

The design world definitely has a love-hate relationship with Ikea. Price points? Love. Design? Love. Ubquity? Hate! So while Ikea is perfect grounds for basics and odds and ends it is definitely not a one-stop shop (unless you are a college student then by all means, go for it!).

So what is worth picking up at Ikea? CalloohCallay gives you the best and the worst of Ikea:

5 of the Best:

1 ~ Kitchens! ~

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Yes, really Virginia. Those Ikea kitchens are amazing, the hardware is great and they are of generally great quality and value. I particularly love the organizational accessories available. Recycling centers, utensil organizers, in-drawer spice racks, oh my! They are all clever
and useful and similar devices will cost you a fortune elsewhere. So even if you are diamettrically opposed to Ikea, I would go so far as to suggest even getting all your kitchen carcasses (ie. Akurum units without the doors) from Ikea and get custom doors supplied from a millworker. You will still save money!

2 ~ Pax! ~

The Pax wardrobe system is, simply put, amazing. Like the kitchens there is a huge variety of
organizational accessories that really make this one stand out. Plus it is available in different
heights, widths and door styles that really make it work in different spaces. I used to have a huge unit and I miss it terribly. I will be buying one again and I can’t wait to map out all our needs.

3 ~ Expedit! ~

Expedit

I love how much this thing holds. Truly, if you are having storage problems this baby is the answer! I have the large white one and it has survived two moves. Plus last year I added the desk addition to it and it is now my perfect little crafting area. I have another one in my living room and I am trying really hard not to buy one for the husband’s studio space.

4 ~ Rugs! ~

Ikea Andrea Rund

You have to admit that the rugs are pretty rad for the price point. I love the Andrea Rund in particular. But they come in all sorts of cool and kooky designs. Normally my advice would be to stick to something classic when it comes to rugs, but when they are less than $500 that line of thought goes out the window. You can pick up something relatively trendy and in five or so years, not have guilt about replacing it. Win win.

5 ~ The Little Things ~

I am cheating and lumping these things together. Here is my mini-list of the many little Ikea essentials:

Candles!

Glimma Tealights

Stay away from the scented candles and you are good to go. There is nothing wrong with having a good supply of votives, pillars and, of course, tea lights on hand from the big Blue and Yellow. I use tea lights like crazy, especially in the winter. I love lighting them for parties or just for evenings at home. I put them in little glass votive holders, also from Ikea. Originally we bought a whack of these for the aisleway at our wedding and we are still using them regularly six years later.

Napkins!

Admete napkin

If you must use paper, those big plain white squares (Fantastik are perfect. I always have a stack on hand. Also the linen cloth napkins are cheap and perfect for everyday use.

Dish towels!

Elly dish towel

I discovered these relatively recently. The 4-packs of cotton dish towels (Elly are a must. The are super absorbent and dry quickly – exactly what you need in a tea towel. Have stacks on hand, especially if you are a baker, like me. I could use some more right now actualy.

Batteries!

So cheap! I am constantly throwing a couple into my to-buy pile at the cash register. Plus they also have a battery recycling center for your old ones.

3 to Avoid:

Glassware

Don’t go there. Not the cute water glasses, not even the oversized wine glasses. They will be cute at first but I can’t tell you how many times I have picked broken glass out of my dishwasher because one exploded during the wash. I would rather pay a bit more money and get something more substantial that will last.

Sofas

Nothing will make your room scream Ikea catalogue faster than an Ikea sofa. If you must, skip the matching throw cushions and blankets and get something a little less expected. I know that they are cheap and sometimes it’s that or used and I understand that dillemma. But I am speaking from experience. I have put that damn foam thing into the back crevice
one too many times (Klippan I’m looking at you).

Flooring

Ikea Tundra

Just don’t okay? While I am currently entranced with the white washed Tundra , I know that it will give my space that Ikea Showroom syndrome. There are better options out there that will cost you a little more but will also outlast Ikea.

(Banner image credit to Oi Max)