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 Shopping Begins for Home Goods

Irwin Weiner ASID - It's time to start spending money on presents. Traditionally, we've squirreled away gifts for family and loved ones, but these economic times have created some new trends. I'm seeing a lot of paring down on gift giving ... more caps on spending amounts, one gift only, and so on. And there's the big trend of spending money - splurging - on gifts that you buy for yourself. 

Skitsch Home Kit Large Bookshelf

Design2Share wants to inspire you with some of our home goods favorites this year, and we're kicking off our Wish List series with home goods from Skitsch. (Click on the photos for more product information.)

Skitsch Fire Kit Table Lamp

Skitsch Cinderella Broke a Leg Bed

MORE FAVORITES: Click here for more of our favorites from this design-worthy purveyor. 

Skitsch Villa Julia kids cardboard playhouse 

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Shelving It In Style with Drugeot Labo Storage Systems

Irwin Weiner ASID - I'm on my handmade high horse once again. I admire furniture that speaks fluent handmade. With French design and manufacturing firm Drugeot Labo, I've found some wonderful storage resources that are flexible and bespoke looking, thanks to the designs of Pierre Rochepeau. Pictured above: Kao Shelving Triple, Kao Shelving Single, Bric à Brac Shelving, and 3 Mats Shelving.

Also look to Drugeot Labo for innovative coffee and end tables, like the lovely whirling dirvish Toupie side tables (above), beautiful top-like creations crafted from limewood and steel. But back to shelving systems - I'm also in love with Bibliofleur, a whimsical take on bookshelves supported by modern white flower bases (see photos below).

 

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