House Things

Spring is here and I am serious throw-it-out mode. I am getting ready to hire a dumpster for our house to make it easy for us all to toss the stuff we just don’t need anymore and that isn’t worth anything (i.e. there will be plenty of stops at Goodwill and the town swap station as well).

So I was thrilled to get a surprise in the mail last week: this office organizing system from DiVOGA. As anyone who works with me knows, my office is in need of some serious organizing. While I know where everything is — okay, where most things are — the reality is that it is a mess and with all the juggling I do, it’s time for a change. So as I clean up the homefront, I’m going to focus on the office.

This limited edition workspace collection will make it easy and give my office space a more contemporary look. It’s feminine but not girly, so anyone who comes into your office will know you have style and substance. DiVOGA is part of OfficeMax’s brands and available at their stores nationwide, as well as online here.

I’ve got a desk in my home office that is going to be the first thing I toss into the Dumpster we’re renting to do some much needed downsizing. This thing is an embarrassment and was cheap when it was new. I inherited it from my parents because we were poor and they had passed on and it seemed like the easy thing to do for our youngest child. But he’s gone and now that spare bedroom is my office and this thing has got to go. This desk at Room & Board caught my eye. It’s not like anything in my home really, but I just love the sleek lines and color. It’s made from solid maple, cherry or walnut, with a lacquer finish. Price is $999. I’m worth that, don’t you think?

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.

I see fabric headboards and think to myself “I could make this myself” … and then I don’t. This queen-size headboard from Holley and Gill’s Etsy shop is a wonderful example of how distinctive a fabric headboard can be. It can set the tone for an entire room and become its own piece of art I think. This one is made of 100 percent cotton in Montreal. Price is $950. If this doesn’t fit your color scheme, there are others to choose from.

Something else I always say I’m going to do — and have actually done once to our dining room chairs — is reupholster chairs. Maybe I’ll just go to Rubbish Rehab’s shop instead, since he creates fabulous chairs like this arm chair. He also is offering free shipping to the continental U.S., which you’ve got to love. Price is $450.

And, finally, I admire and think I will make, but clearly don’t, small gardens in bowls for, say, my office desk or other spots in my house. This individual cactus garden is exactly like the kind of low maintenance mini-garden I would make … or just buy from McCheek’s Mayhem’s shop. She makes the bowl, fires and glazes it, and then fills it with three lovely round cacti. It is 7 inches in diameter and 3 inches high. Price is $35.

This Herman Miller Airia desk at ABC Home is gorgeous in its simplicity and shape. Who could have a messy desk if this is where they worked? Seriously. The desk, which is 56″ X 30″ X 30.5″, features a drawer with three removable trays and is made from aluminum with a walnut top. Just beautiful. $2,199.

I stopped by 1000 Markets to see what was cooking and fell in love with this Arts and Crafts style clock from Grand Prairie Woodworks. 1000 Markets, if you haven’t visited, is an online virtual departments store of handmade goods, sort of like Etsy, which I feature every week in Top Three Thursdays. Anyway, this clock, which is made from solid quarter sawn white oak with a golden oak, hand rubbed oil finish, is 14.5 inches high. I love the simple, clean lines of this era in design and think this would look great on a mantel or on the right table or shelf. It can also be ordered in other woods and finishes. $295

Everything’s turning up orange for Jonathan Adler this week, everything from storage boxes to plates to trays to chairs. Might be a tad much all together, of course, but as a fall accent piece orange can be just the thing. And as you can tell from the display below, Adler has something for just about everyone.

This is one of my favorite days of the week — the day I get to troll Etsy officially as part of my job. Really, it doesn’t get much better. I am inspired and impressed every time I surf this site. There’s a lot of amazing handmade goodies being created out there in the world! This week’s focus is office supplies.

Up first this week are these styling pillow computer keyboard wrist supports and mouse pillows from HomeGrown Pillows. Your office will immediately have a bit of pop with one of these numbers. They’re filled with organic flaxseed and lavender (that scent is a great twist I think). This particular one is covered with an Amy Butler fabric. There are a ton of fabrics to choose from if this one doesn’t catch your fancy. It would make a great gift for a college student too. Price is $11.95.

Need a cute cover for your Macbook or Macbook Pro? Me And My B’s shop has just the thing. The side opening has snap closures, which leaves the charging outlet exposed for easy charging. Two layers of thick cotton batting provide plenty of protection. There is a pocket to store paperwork and cords. The material is upholstery fabric. Pearl snaps add a nice touch. Price is $25. They also make Iphone covers, in a ton of colors and patterns, which are pretty cool as well. They’re $12. I’ve put one in here to whet your appetite.

Finally if you need a stylish bag to carry all your office “stuff” to and from the office, you might consider a bag from Oktak’s shop. I happen to love this leafy print but, trust me, there are PLENTY of options if this isn’t your, um, bag. Price is $68. As you can see from the second photo, there is even room for newspapers–for those who still read them, which I certainly personally hope they do since I work in a newspaper company! The size is approximately 13″ wide x 14.5″ high. Outer material is made from 100% cotton (home-decor weight – canvas-like) with a lining from 100% cotton duck (slate grey). Inside material: polyester fleece. The shop owner, Aki, who is based in New York City, is away until Sept. 2 so she’ll fill orders on her return, but will also apply discounts to all orders placed during this time as a thank you for waiting….so don’t wait!