Pier 1.com...It's so Hard to say Goodbye

I was recently shopping online and looking for a particular item that I thought I'd be able to easily find at Pier 1 Imports but much to my dismay I found it very difficult to get the price of and purchase the item. I thought maybe they were encountering problems with their website so I shrugged it off and thought I'd return later to finish the transaction....UNH UNH UNH, that's not going to happen! Pier 1 has announced that being 09/01/2007 (more like today) they will not offer online purchases :-( you can still get all of their great items in their stores but they will not offer ANY PRODUCTS ONLINE!

It's so hard to say goodbye but we must bid Pier1.com farewell! I need a hug.

Steal Style

It's Friday folks and that means it's time for our next Steal Style! Looking for something to do with your three-day weekend, well here goes a project you could work on.

I really like this cozy, stylish bedroom. I love the bold patterns used, especially the geometric pattern used on the window treatments, but because it's such a subdued color palette this room manages to be relaxing with just a hint of retro.

So here's the game plan

Now Steal that Style!

Remember this Zak Table Lamp from our "Designer, Deal, and Steal" post a couple of days back, it was the clue to what the next "Steal Style" post would be. Buy it here at $199.00, the best price I've found online.

I would have loved to find those folding stools, like the ones in the photo but I didn't come across those exact stools. I thought either of these were comparable folding stools for $99.00 each or the wine barrel stave chairs set of 2 for $349.00. I believe the stools would be more comfortable than the chairs and the stools would make for a more appropriate setting.

3 Black Studio frames with white picture matting hung above the bed for art. Use whatever subject you'd like for your pictures, as long as the photo is black and white. Buy the 16x20 frames here for $39.99 each.

Down to the tiniest detail if you want your room to emulate the designer room you'll need a coral or shell statue for your bedside table. This lacquered shell on a stand (center) can be purchased for $22.95.

Three neutral colored toss pillows and the "head" of the bed (tan, ivory, taupe, beige, etc.). Target is a great place to find pillows and linens like this pillow that's on sale for $7.50. You'll need basic white sheets and pillowcases which can be found for as low as 29.99, and don't forget the throw for over your stools or chairs.

So now that we have accessories out of the way it's down to the real business...finding fabrics like the one's in the designer room

First things first, the duvet. I doubt that you'll find a bed covering like the one shown so you'll have to sew one, when you choose your striped fabric it is EXTREMELY important that you choose one that has EVENLY PLACED STRIPES and that the stripes are AT LEAST 1" WIDE. The fabric I've chose has 1 1/2" wide alternating stripes of black and off-white fabric. I would try not to get a stripe fabric that used "true white",but lean more towards off white, cream, taupe, etc. As always remember to get a fabric that's suitable for the project you're doing, this fabric (left) is $7.99/yd and specifies that it's suitable for bedding.

Next comes the drapery fabric which is where the real decision making comes into play. I've shown two options, "Diamante" which is $14.99 yd or "Grid" which is $11.98/yd.

Now, when you look at the page of the stripe fabric I've chose the fabric store shows you the coordinating fabrics they choose for this particular pattern, but I wouldn't recommend any of them for this look. You need to choose a geometric pattern that looks very sophisticated, and if you choose the darker fabric make sure the stripes in your bedding are the same color as your drapery fabric.

So what's left for you to do...well make sure your walls are the right color, most neutral paint shades will do. You'll notice I didn't choose any furniture, I felt like having the exact bed and side table wasn't important, as long as the bed you have does not have a foot board and your furniture has a dark tone to it. You've got what it takes so don't be bored this holiday weekend...Steal that Style!

Potraits of a Woman...

These prints are by artist Michelle Buhl-Nielsen and I think they are beautiful. She's used bold primary colors yet they are not overpowering. The prints come in rather rather small sizes but I still feel one or all of them would make a contribution to one's art gathering. They are reprints (of course) on poster so they are very inexpensive, click here to shop her collection available through art.com.

"Green Turban"

"Morning Lust" and "African Rain"

"The Awakening"

New "Fatboy" by Dwell

Dwell has teamed up with Fatboy to bring you this special edition signature print beanbag. It's available for pre-order exclusively at Design Public for $299.00; shipments roll out early October so if you want your very on you better order now.

Better off RED

I'm so excited! Red is my favorite color and just a couple of weeks ago I dedicated an entire week of posts to the color RED...well low and behold Urban Outfitters thinks some things are "Better off Red". Below is their latest fall ad for their home decor, accessories, and furnishings. Take a look!

Add the Z Factor

Check out these photos; they all have the Z factor...

Who would have thought, "Bubblegum" pink mixed with cobalt blue and sophisticated furnishings makes for a very unique look. Throw in the zebra skin rug...and that's what I call a BOLD yet elegant entry-way.

Who says you can't mix all your favorite things in one room? White furniture, warm fabric tones, and cool avocado green on the walls. Bring on the zebra, and you've got one eclectic bedroom.

What a love story; Curvy furnishings mixed well with clean lines. Tradition falls for modern and black revisits white, when the zebra hits the floor. The glass table says, "I know I could have covered this up, but I want you to see it all"!

What is that...velvet?("Coming to America" fans can appreciate that LOL) Not too much fuss, just some wall paper, lemon trees, and bold color. Lay out the zebra rug to "anchor" it all and it's dinner for three in this retro dining area.

No matter the style the equation is simple;

if you want a room that = BOLD and FUN + ZEBRA !

Rooms Courtesy of Laura Day Designs, House Beautiful, and Coastal Living

Poppy Power

Poppies are a great way to bring fun and color to a room, check out these "poppy" picks I've chosen. I especially like the vintage style and eclectic flair that poppies can add...Happy Shopping!

Poppy Rug - $270.00

Crate Paper Wall Hanging

Giant Poppy Pillow - $ 75.00

Field of Poppies Pillow - $45.00

Poppy Bath Rugs (available in 3 colors) - $24.00

I Always Feel Like Somebody's Watching Me

George Nelson's "Eye Clock" - $365.00 Buy It

Lock and Key

How about some art for your home in a less conventional method. Graphic artist and designer Piero Fornasetti adapted this famous black and white image of a woman's face from a magazine and turned it into an iconic embellishment for various home decor pieces.

Fornasetti's Pillow Key- $100.00

(Front and back view)

Designer, Deal, and Steal...Plus a Preview

Love this lamp but wanna save some money? Well how about this...can you even tell the difference? I can't until I check the price tag; click the image to find out which lamp is $199.00 and which lamp is $325.00.

Psssttt--- this lamp will be featured in the next "Steal Style" post, check back to see the gorgeous room it belongs to.