Inspiration: Fresh White

I'm loving this fresh snapshot from Domino (where else):

Because the furniture is all pure white and the color comes from accessories, it's easy to create what looks to be a whole new space by just swapping out the books and pillows. 

To recreate the look, start with the white furniture. I like how slender the side table is above; here's a similar one from Wayfair (I would also spray paint--glossy pure white--a table if I found a good style in the wrong color!):

The sofa's straight lines keep the crazy pillows from getting too... crazy. Here's a goodie from abc home :

And here's a budget-friendly version from Ikea (with slipcover). A little white paint on those legs is all you need--or check out PrettyPegs for alternative furniture legs made for Ikea goods (why didn't I think of that??).

I've always loved this white coffee table from Hay (sold by abc home):

And the obligatory sheepskin OF COURSE:

A mounted wall light for reading (this one is from Restoration Hardware):

And now for the color! I think that huge Asian fan is a wonderful thing--and I think the black aspects of it (in the original photo above) really work to pull together the many black accents in the pillows, light, even from the books. Here's a vintage one I found on etsy:

The leopard pillow looks to be a classic Brunschwig et Fils pattern (here), but here's a less pricey option:

... cherry red pillow from Target:

... and a black throw pillow from Overstock:

... add one of these catch-alls from Michele Varian:

... grab a few succulents from Homecoming (the coolest coffee shop/florist in Brooklyn) or at the local hardware store:

... and, finally, load on the coffee table books. Need help deciding? MyDomaine, One Kings Lane, and Remodelista are here for you :)

Voila!

Do you have a room you'd like to see broken down on The Spoonful? Let me know in the comments below!

Trunks for Coffee Tables

One of my favorite pieces in all of the apartments that I've lived in has been this glorious steamer trunk: Screen Shot 2015-11-21 at 1.53.28 PM

It's an old family piece, and I love all of the textures it brings into the room: wood body, metal hardware, leather straps. The best part, though, is that this thing holds A LOT: an air mattress, extra sheets, towels, out of season clothes... you name it. And in this cozy (tiny) apartment, multipurpose furniture is this girl's best friend!

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I've seen the trunk-as-coffee-table idea executed well in many situations. Here's a bit of inspiration...

Love how this room (via CocoCozy) works the deep plum walls and dark floors. And the trunk rocks:

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This vintage Louis Vuitton makes my mouth water (from Interiors Addict):

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And another LV inspiration. SO GOOD!

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It could be yours... to the tune of $24,000 (via 1st Dibs):

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While I'm dreaming, how about this amazing trunk headed to Buenos Aires?!

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This acrylic trunk (as shown on Refinery 29) gives a new spin on the antique trunk idea:

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Here's a similar one on sale at One Kings Lane:

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Vintage trunks like mine run the gamut in pricing. Thrift stores often have them--I've even seen one on the street!--and a little elbow grease can go a long way. The key is to pick one with a flat top (to place a tray, books, drinks on top, of course!) that hasn't fallen too far into disrepair, and it should be a good coffee table height. Around 16-21" is standard, depending on the height of your sofa; a table more than 2" lower than your sofa will feel funky. That said, my trunk is higher than 21" and feels perfectly fine! (If you're looking for the right height for your space, I suggest holding up a measuring tape next to your sofa and visualizing it that way. The table should be high enough to comfortably place a drink or book but not so high that you feel like you're at a dining table.)

A quick eBay search turned up a few inexpensive diamonds in the rough, like this amazing green one:

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And this one. It's about 14" high--a few inches shorter than it should be--but it could have another, smaller trunk stacked on top, or some great coffee table books piled up on top to add height would look so chic too. It needs some good refinishing and some polish on those hinges, but what a great weekend project, amiright?!

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Something about this old trunk makes me want to leave it as-is and embrace its vintage feel:

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For those of you dear readers in the NYC area, here are a few Craigslist options:

Imagine this trunk cleaned up with polished hardware... gorgeous.

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This is a gem:

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Reminds me of this LV orange trunk:

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This definitely needs some love but the possibilities are endless...

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Have you ever used  a trunk as a coffee table? I'd love to see photos--send them over and I'll feature your space on The Spoonful!

 

Throw Blanket Round-up + Coziness Formula

It's fall (y'all) in New York City, and this forgotten chill in the air has me reaching for the best coziness formula I know: warm liquids and warmer blankets. I've recently come across some wonderfully warm blankets and thought I'd share my favorites. Nothing makes a sofa seem more beckoning than a comfy throw: Screen Shot 2015-10-04 at 2.01.44 PM

Wonderful buffalo check from Hudson and Vine, $110:

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Gorgeous red-orange in this House Beautiful shot:

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Wool & cashmere throw from Garnet Hill, $138:

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One of my favorite sofas from Southern Living:

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Cream knitted throw (with festive metallic woven in!) from West Elm, on sale now for $55:

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A luxe-y (faux) fur throw on this leather sofa softens up the dark walls (via The Design Daredevil):

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Restoration Hardware ($139) for the win:Screen Shot 2015-10-24 at 9.57.32 PM

How about this cozy reading nook by the fabulous Emily Henderson (and how great is that wall color?!):

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One King's Lane has this big windowpane check for $199:

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Stay cozy!

P.S. In the spirit of autumn, my mom sent me this darling note:

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Isn't she the dearest?? (And for those of you who don't know That Girl... Go! Watch! Now!)