House Things

Candlelight is always the way to go, unless, of course, you’re trying to read or write something. With summer, though, it’s hard to work the candles in the wind bit. Here’s a nice solution from Outer Banks Trading Company. This copy of a West Indies lantern can be placed on the table or hung as a sconce. The large is 9 inches X 19.5 inches and is on sale for $35.

These pendant lamps from Mibo, by way of  Design Public, are absolutely delicious, don’t you think? I saw them on Design*Sponge, a terrific design blog you should definitely check out, in a roundup Grace Bonney did on pendant lamps for under $100. If this one doesn’t suit your fancy, click here and see what other wonderfulness Grace cooked up. The Mibo lamp here is apparently inspired by British seaside resorts. Each shade is handmade. Price is $80.

The addition of a new grandchild — my first! — this past week got me thinking about family as I was trolling Etsy for Top Three Thursdays. I’ve got a history bent in general and thought this idea of making silhouettes was kind of cool. Miss Crowland will create whatever portraits you wish. Price is $50 for 3, $70 for 4, and $85 for 5. All you have to do is send her clear, full frame side photographs and she’ll do the rest.

This apex cabinet from the Rupple Design Group Shop stopped me dead in my scrolling tracks. What a unique shape! Made of curly cherry and curly maple, it features an ebony inlay and has two drawers. Absolutely stunning and not to be ignored, no matter where you put it in your home. Price is $2,675.

A variation on the typical bowl is this square twice-fired piece from Felicity Glass. The bowl measures 11 3/4″ on the top sides and gracefully tapers to 4 1/4″ at the base. It is 2 1/2″ deep. It would be lovely holding fruit as a centerpiece or to serve other foods, such as vegetables. The riser is sold separately. Price is $60.

Generally I am a fan of Anthropologie and lust after much of their home goods — I am past their demographic for clothes, but if I were younger, I’d be up for those too — but this chair just seems strange to me. I was looking at their outdoor furniture section when I happened upon it. Made of the same nylon cord used to weave Sengalese fishing nets, it is designed by Tord Boontje. So I toss it out to you–yea or nay? Would you have this on your porch or patio? Is over the top or just right? Price is $2,298.

If you’re into coastal chic or wanting to be reminded of a favorite spot by the ocean in your land-locked home, you might find the Cottage Coastal Store worth a click. Dedicated to all things coastal, the online store offers a plethora of beachy decor. Here’s a sampling to give you a feel for the options.

Child's Sailboat Pillow with enclosure for note or visit from the Tooth Fairy, $42

Harbor Buoy Bells, echoes sounds of various harbors, $75 each

Sand votives, made in Cape Cod, set of 6 $54

Looking for something a little more contemporary for your patio or outdoor room? This sofa from Exclusively Home caught my eye. Talk about making a statement! This Anjuna Bed, as it’s called, has clean lines and colors and yet is so bold at the same time. Price is $2,298 with free shipping.

When our daughter got married in our backyard last summer, I realized a number of things I wanted to repeat even without a big celebration. Top was lighting in and around the yard because it just looks cool and brings the outdoors alive in a wonderful way. So I’m always on the lookout for ways to light a yard without worrying about matches or electricity. These hand-blown solar votives from Uncommon Goods could provide some nice accents to other white lights. Here they are unlit.

And here is the garnet one lit.

They would look nice on a patio wall don’t you think? Each is $39 and will last 4-6 hours with a full charge, which is 6 hours of direct sunlight.

I know I featured a chandelier here not too long ago, but I thought a wall chandelier was a little different so I’m kicking off Top Three Thursdays at Etsy with this one from Bacon Square Farm’s shop. The iron chandelier is hand-hammered to order on the farm, just as it was done in the colonial days. Price is $70.

If you’re in the market for a pine hutch table to go with your rustic chandelier, this one from Jeff Builds Furniture shop could be perfect. I love the triple function of this table. Lift up the top, as pictured here, and you’ve got a bench — and more room in your house. Time to eat? Just flip the top down for an instant table. As a table the 36″ x 60″ top with breadboard ends will seat 4-6 with ease. The top is made from three boards taken from barn siding. Need storage for tablecloths or whatever? Lift up the bench top. Oh, those clever early settlers where this idea, I think, originated. Price is $700, which seems absurdly inexpensive given the three functions.

Finally, some primitive pottery to round out today’s farmhouse decor Etsy tour:  bowls from the Primitive Home. This set of three, 4″, 6″ and 8″ bowls has been hand-thrown on a potter’s wheel, leaving ridges and imperfections that make each piece unique. The most notable feature of Yellow Ware is the yellow clay itself. Covering it with a clear, lead-free glaze brings out the natural yellow color of the clay. The pottery is made with historically correct clays, glazes, designs and application. Price is $77.