House Things

I discovered this great decor deal of the day website, Wuslu, and am passing on the good news to you. Here’s how it works: The owners of the site post a deal a day, thanks to their extensive database of manufacturers and suppliers. They offer it up to you, one at a time, a day at a time. Once it’s sold it’s gone (or if the time hits 10 a.m. EST). How great is that! You can also sign up for alerts on their website, which seems like a no-brainer to me. Anyway here’s a sample deal from last week to let you see the possibilities: Buy two pillar holders and get four free pillars. Total price: $21. It’s like Christmas every day at Wuslu.

Today’s Etsy lovefest starts at Eco Tables, an Etsy shop devoted to reclaimed wonders. Each table is different because of course it is created based on what wood and objects he’s working with.. This signature Eco Table, for instance, is 11″ X 11″ X 20″ and is made from recycled and reclaimed redwood from beer tanks, water tank wood and salvaged barn wood. Price is $350.

Up next are these unusual twist candle holders from Blue Room Pottery. Twelve inches high, these holders feature a stainless steel twisted bottom and ceramic top. You can get them in a variety of colors, but I loved the red with the black and silver. They can hold either a standard taper candle, tealight, small pillar or round candle, making these quite versatile in the places you could use them. Price is $36.

And finally, last but not least in today’s Top Three Thursdays, is something for you vintage folks out there. This vintage milk glass cake stand (and remember, cake stands can and should be used for more than just cakes: They make fabulous beginnings for interesting table settings.) from Haven Vintage. If you don’t need a cake stand, this shop has a plethora of other vintage goodies. Price of the cake stand is $58.

I continue to be amazed every week as I visit Etsy, the online Mecca for all things handmade. The serving pieces in Leawood Ceramics shop are just one of many regular jaw-dropping examples. I love her many shapes and the interesting things she’s done with glazes and colors. Why use a typical platter shape when you can have something in a figure 8 that will make everyone stand up and notice? Her contemporary free-form ceramics are dishwasher safe and lead-free. This piece is $250.

This next item wouldn’t work for everyone, but they might be just the thing in a teen’s room or in a funky den or entryway, or maybe just for your favorite movie fan. I’m referring to this set of vintage seats from a movie theater Rhapsody Attic’s shop. These folding chairs apparently were originally in a Chicago theater that closed in the 1950s. Price is $950 for the set, which still have the original seat numbers — 4, 5, 6, 7.

And, finally, some fabulous pillows from Nena Von. I have been very good about not bringing up pillows for a while, but regular readers will know I have something of a pillow fetish. I just think they’re a fairly inexpensive way to completely change the vibe of a room or spruce up a room for a change of seasons or when you’re feeling down in the dumps. I mean if you want to completely throw out all your furniture but don’t have the money, a few new pillows can do wonders for your mood and your room. Anyway here are some stunners from Nena Von. I’ll take one of each, thank you.

Java Trellis Pillow Cover, 18", $35

Indigo and Aqua Mod Paisley Indoor/Outdoor Pillow Cover, 16", $25

Suzani Floral on Oatmeal Flax Linen Pillow Cover, 18", $35

As we become increasingly aware of our planet’s fragile condition, it’s heartening to read about the increasing number of sites devoted to reusing, reclaiming and recycling. Today’s find is Redefine Home, which has a cool section devoted to found objects. Each of these one-of-a-kind items has a story, and obviously if you like it, you should click and buy because there won’t be two of them. Anyway, below is a sampling of some of the items that were there when I visited. If you want new items for the home, not to worry. Redefine Home has plenty of those as well.

Blue Industrial Cart, $215

Barnwood Display Cabinet, $849

Vintage Milking Stool, $40

Looking for something a little different for your kitchen island or bar? These rattan stools from Viva Terra could be just the thing. The stools are on wooden legs and thickly woven, i.e. made to last. On sale for $159 each, down from $239.

I’m not sure I’m loving these, but I figured I throw them out there to you all to see what you think. Obviously you’d have to be into modern decor for these to work but what do you think? Too space age? Just the right contemporary feel? These curly lamps are at Branch Home, the online site devoted to sustainable design for living. They are made from 100 percent recycled plastic (a plus in my mind) curled around at bulb. Instant light. Might be kind of cool in an office perhaps? It comes in two sizes for $35 and $45. The small one is 12″ tall x 7.5″ diameter and the large one is 15.5″ tall x 10″ diameter. Each includes an 8′ long power cord with inline switch, molded plug, and attached socket

I’m in the market for a new bedspread. While this one from CB2 doesn’t exactly fit my bedroom color scheme, I liked the floral print and the general brightness. It’s apparently patterned after an Asian kimono. If you’re interested in eco-friendly linens, these fit that bill, too. They’re 100 percent organic cotton. Prices range from $24.95-$109. Sweet dreams!

It’s Thursday and you know what that means: time for my top picks from Etsy. As I’ve trolled the web this week, I’ve had my eye out for interesting upholstery because I am in the market for redoing our living room couch. So it’s not surprising this barrel chair from Spruce Home caught my eye. It’s been redone in a vintage linen that I think would be great in a casual sunroom or even family room. Price is $850.

Up next is the reclaimed furniture from Matthew Holden. I wanted to give him a shout out because of his story. He makes all his furniture from reclaimed furniture he finds in the 7th Ward in his New Orleans home. I just think that’s a plan that needs some support. This bench, which is 44″ long, is made from reclaimed heartpine wood and features whitewash bargeboard for the seat. This one is $120 but he’ll build a bench for you in whatever size you want.

Finally this clever re-use of reclaimed pine floor joists from 19th century houses from in and around Philadelphia. I’m always amazed when people see something old and then picture it being used some completely different way. Peg and Awl make these reclaimed “illuminators” in their shop and include hand-poured pure beeswax candles with them. They are each sanded and finished with 100 percent natural tung oil. $13 for one.