Wish List: Imaginative Side Tables from Andrew Martin

Irwin Weiner ASID - There's nothing more exciting than finding a good side or end table! Okay, lest you think my life is pretty ho-hum for making a sweeping statement like that, let me qualify - there's nothing worse in a professional interior than bland, vanilla side tables. It used to be that these handy little utility pieces were in short supply when it came to good design, but companies like UK's Andrew Martin have changed all that. Click on the photos below for more information on a few of my favorite side tables.

Elegant Curves: Elena Occasional Table

Glittering Stack: Chrome Log Side Table

Beatlemania: Sgt Pepper Drum Side Table

Tailored Effervescene: Champagne Side Table

Sentimental Journey: Lewes Canvas Trunk

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Add a Tropical Touch to Your Home Decor

Jessica Ackerman - While living in a tropical locale may sound appealing, the reality is that most of us are pretty much “stuck” wherever we're planted at right now. And although an escape to a tropical island may be the perfect vacation, we can invariably create that same tropical atmosphere in our own homes with just a few simplistic touches. The tips that follow will allow you to bring a touch of the islands to your home, instantly transporting you to the sands whenever you need a lift!

Wooden Accessories

Decorative accessories crafted from wood or wooden materials like wicker or bamboo look right at home in a tropics-inspired room.  Whether you elect to go for small pieces like mirrors framed in wicker and candle sconces made from bamboo, or for larger items like a wooden wall grille, you can add an authentically beautiful touch to your tropical decor with the use of wood.

Palm Tree Themes

Bringing in touches of palm trees to your room is a wonderful way to bring true tropical style to your space. For example, tree wall sculptures or palm tree wall hangings can be beautifully displayed in a prominent spot in the room to draw the mind’s eye to a palm tree lined beach.  A beautiful tapestry throw draped over the back of a sofa or chair that bears a palm tree motif can add to the visual effect that you are looking to create. 

Tropical Plants and Flowers

Perhaps no theme is better suited to the addition of plants and flowers than the tropical or island inspired theme.  Whether you select a lush potted yucca cane tree that resembles a true coconut palm, or opt for some other plant that is native to your region, you can create a beautiful tropical look with plants.  You might also add a touch of wrought iron decor to your space with a beautiful wrought iron plant stand that oozes island appeal. 

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Holiday Cards from Egg Press

Irwin Weiner ASID - Aren't you tired of the same holiday cards year after year? I remember once opening a box of glittery Christmas tree cards at the checkout lane of Home Goods and later finding silver sparkles all over my clothes once I got into the car. I'm over the usual greetings and messages "of the season." It's like looking at a boring interior - time to change it up and get something fresher happening! That's why I'm liking egg press, the Portland OR stationery and design company, more and more. They've been doing custom stationery and cards since 1999, but also getting into branded design ventures with home goods companies like West Elm and Schoolhouse Electric. Some of my favorite alternative egg press holiday cards are below ... and by now you know the drill - click on each picture for more information. By the way, if you get a holiday card from me this year, I'd better warn you to check your clothes for silver sparkles afterwards. (Next year, I'll go with egg press....)

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Wish List: Schoolhouse Electric & Supply Co.

Irwin Weiner ASID - I just received the catalog for Schoolhouse Electric & Supply Co., and I must say ... I was impressed. The crunchy-granola, green-oriented Portland, OR lighting company just matured into a full-blown purveyor of home goods and furnishings. Everything ties together in a retro, industrial, casual, relaxed way that I think will be a big hit with consumers. Here's a video from eco-friendly interior designer Cheryl Janis that gives you a bit more background on the company and their home base.

I picked out some of their items for our Design2Share holiday wish list. Click on each photo for more info.

Simon Pearce Revere Bowl

Natural Cork Umbrella Stand

Aria Shades

Ana Striped Candles

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