Watching the fallout on Wall Street has been pretty scary, particularly for someone like myself who doesn’t understand how stocks, bonds, securities, and mortgage markets work.

In times that call for financial responsibility, home design might be the last thing you are considering spending your hard-earned money on, but instead of completely foregoing all design/redesign projects, this is the time to purchase investment pieces. Those that you will have for at least 5 to 10 years, and won’t go out of style in six months.

For example, if it is time to purchase a new sofa, go for one that has a timeless shape, color and, most importantly, has the right materials and structure to last for many years.

While certain colors, patterns, and shapes can quickly disappear into the archives of interior design (orang shag anyone), here are a few of my favorite sofas, which are guaranteed to last through trends. Some are more expensive than others due to construction, materials, etc. But all of these are well-made, from reputable companies, and have been tested for their durability. One of my top picks for price and consruction is the Room & Board Clarke sofa (featured above, $1,799.00-$1,899.00).

Now, shopping for a sofa can be extremely daunting, but here are a few important things to look for:

Frame: Look for kiln-dried wood because it won’t warp or crack. With metal versions make certain you can see clean weld joins, rather than those with visible clumps of metal.

Cushions: Like a mattress, the type of cushions you choose depends on whether you like rumpled and supersoft or firm and clean-edged (the former is down, the other is foam).

Springs: The most expensive springs are eight-way, hand-tied steel coil springs. The less expensive, wavy, S-shaped sinous springs will hold up for a while, but eventually will settle into an uneven shape.

Other options to consider:
Is it too soft or too hard? Does it fit your body type? Is the sewing high quality (straight seams, smooth lines, etc.)? Do you like back cushions? Skirted or bare legged?

The most important decision is the fabric choice. You want something that will last for many years, weather pets, kids, etc. Opt for leather if you have pets, as it is sturdy and can be easily cleaned. If you have children, consider something stain resistant.

Ultimately there are endless possibilities, but if you stick with a few specific lines, you won’t be disappointed with the quality or durability. Happy Shopping!

Hartford Sofa
$1,250.00
This gorgeous, and affordable sofa is based on the original designs of Antonio Citterio’s Solo Collection. It is a modern reproduction that has a hardwood frame construction, removable cream-colored microfiber covers, and is finished with stainless steel legs.

Trada Sofa
$3,160.00
This piece from Jayson Home and Garden is a little on the expensve side, but definitely worth the investment. This gorgeous sofa has the option of upgrading to down cushions and an umber-wood finish. It is a perfect, classic shape that can go with traditional or modern style.

Karlstad Sofa
Ikea.com
$499.00
Yes, it is ridiculously inexpensive, but the shape is classic modern and Ikea pieces actually lasts a longer than a lot of people think. It is a great bargain for anyone who is looking for a great look at a super-low price.

Knoll Sofa
HiveModern.com
$7,803.00
This is totally iconic, and totally over the top, but it is one of the most incredible sofas you could buy. Plan on having this one around for at least 50 years. The design is current for today, and was groundbreaking in 1954. There are several pieces that belong to the Lounge Collection, so you can continue to collect over the coming years. You are truly investing in an artwork.

Beverly Sofa
$3,300-$6,950
Part of Williams-Sonoma Home’s Green Collection, which is distinguished by organic, recycled, reclaimed and sustainable fabrics and materials. This piece is incredibly distinguished…with a kind of gentleman’s flair–deep hand tufting, sweeping curves and rolled arms. Love love love this piece.

–By Kate Bailey

Technorati Tags: chic sofas, affordable couches, stylish lounging, Williams Sonoma Home, Knoll furniture, Ikea, living spaces, Room & Board furnishings

Love This Story? Buzz It Up Here!

Stumble It! Save to del.icio.us Digg Email Facebook

I have never hidden my love for Urban Outfitter’s home design line of goods. Funky, quirky, hilarious, and always subversively stylish, the pieces they discover always surprise me and ALWAYS are right on trend (like the Real Good folding chair, $100.00, above).
Trendy is the key word here, because the pieces are not necessarily meant to be heirlooms that you hand down to your grandchildren, but they are wonderful additions to most styles of decor and are particularly friendly on the wallet.
Late-August, early-September is the time when college and graduate students are either going or returning to their school-term residences, and many others are on the move as well, so inexpensive decorating is top of mind.
Below are some of my favorite picks, but I think you will find much, much more to help put your own place together.

While horn hooks and accessories might seem so 2006, I still love the idea of organic elements, such as these, paired with streamlined modern design.
Antelope Hook
$32.00

Club chairs are not just for the country club sect anymore. This piece is fantastic with a creative use of fabric and a smart shape.
Scandinavian Branch Armchair
$380.00

We all have a little boudoir bombshell in us, and this chandelier is the perfect addition to sexy decor. Hang in a bathroom or situated above a gorgeous vanity.
Harlequin Chandelier
$28.00

I love mirror in any way shape or form. This portable tray is stunning and will definitely work as functional or decorative, whichever you prefer.
Mirrored Glass Tray
$16.00

Yet another reason I love Urban Outfitters…inexpensive artwork. This delicate piece is stretched over a canvas and the image wraps all the way around the frame so you can hang it from the ceiling. Perfect for a studio apartment to help define room space.
Birds on a Wire Wall Art
$40.00

As much as we all hate alarm clocks, it is almost impossible not to love this dainty clock with ornate detail. Just don’t throw this one across the room when you don’t want to wake up.
Ornate Alarm Clock
$16.00

–By Kate Bailey

Technorati Tags: Urban Outfitters, inexpensive home design, cheap artwork, pretty alarm clock, modern folding chair, apartment decorating, dorm furniture, college decor

Love This Story? Buzz It Up Here!

Stumble It! Save to del.icio.us Digg Email Facebook

Photo courtesy of Domino

I just returned from another fabulous trip to New York City! Any more visits with beautiful weather and inspiring shopping trips and, I swear, I will pick up and move straight into my friend’s apartment on the Upper East Side. She and her husband are both book junkies, cookbooks to be exact. She is a recipe tester and blogger for the New York Times magazine, he is an amateur pastry chef.

It isn’t easy to fit hundreds of books and cookbooks into a 1-bedroom, 550-square-foot space, so one of their most decisive design challenges is the placement and quantity of bookcases. Their solution? Floor-to-ceiling shelves in the living room and bedroom, as well as a few clever placements in the office area.

Returning to my tiny apartment, I was hyper-aware of my own book problem…stacks and stacks situated in every nook and cranny with nary a bookcase or shelf in sight. It is time for a solution.

After a bit of research I narrowed my choices to a few of favorites. I will mull over each of these for my next apartment (only one more month left in my lease!). If you have any other suggestions, please let me know. I don’t have a big budget, so all the better if there is “more bang for the buck.” Thank you!

Flying Vee Shelves
Design Within Reach
$79/set of 5 (on sale!)
Designed by brothers Cristopher and Paul Massie of Massieoffice, these fabulous shelves are so much fun and can be oriented at any angle to hold books, CDs, DVDs, artwork, etc. Creativity at its finest!

Conceal Bookshelves

Arango-Design.com

$17.50 each

If you like the idea of using books as sculpture, check out these “invisible” steel shelves designed by Miron Lior. I would definitely install a few of these over the top of my desk for easy-to-reach tomes that I use regularly.

Arad Lovely Rita Shelf
HighBrowFurniture.com
$285.00
A little pricey, but really funky for those who don’t have a million books to store. World-renowned designer Ron Arad created this piece to extend upward and several can be hung together to form longer shelves.

No Photo…go to the website!
Pisa Bookshelf
Mxyplyzyk.com
$250.00
Just a cool, groovy twist on the traditional bookshelf…need I say more?

ModLivin.com
$193.00/modular cube
Nothing new here, this popular shelving system has been around since designer Guilio Polvara created it for Kartell in 1979, but its practicality and functionality make it one of the best of all times. It can be configured into hundreds of different formations to perfectly fit into the size and shape of your room.

Linear XL Bookcase with Storage
$600.00
PureModern.com
Extra-large bookshelf, storage, environmentally friendly, and all at a decent price (lots of bang for the buck). InModern’s bookcase from the Linear Collection is simple to assemble and will easily transition between traditional and modern design. This will definitely stay with you for a long time.

–By Kate Bailey

Technorati Tags: modern bookshelves, small space living, contemporary bookcases, shelving, book storage, urban design, city decor, Design Within Reach, PureModern.com, Ron Arad, Kartell

Love This Story? Buzz It Up Here!

Stumble It! Save to del.icio.us Digg Email Facebook

I have a serious love of exotic goods and textiles, and on my recent trip to New York I went completely mad for the modern furnishings upholstered with exotic textiles shown on nearly every floor of ABC Carpet & Home (see above and below). From the vintage embroidered Uzbekistani and Central Asian tapestries that embellish slipper chairs, benches and cushions, to the Indian sari that transforms a classically modern chair, these pieces spoke to me as the ultimate symbol of modern design.

While not everyone can afford these one-of-a-kind pieces from ABC, a favorite designer of mine, John Robshaw, handcrafts some of the most beautiful, rich and exotic textiles I have ever found. Their traditional printing, dying and weaving techniques reinterpret centuries old patterns with contemporary colorways and fresh combinations.
Late in 2007 Robshaw opened an online storefront, bringing his stunning wares to anyone with access to the Internet and a true penchant for the exotic. I think you will enjoy his goods as much as I do, and, if you are feeling particularly crafty, consider using one of his fabrics on a fabulous vintage chair or chaise…at half the price of a piece from ABC.

Here are some of my favorite pieces from the latest John Robshaw collection.

Phulkari Bedding

Placemats

Durries

Greek Harpies Pillows

Java Bedding

Technorati Tags: ABC Carpet & Home, exotic fabric, modern exotics, John Robshaw, Indian sari print fabrics, johnrobshaw.com, exotic bedding, exotic tabletop, exotic pillows

Love This Story? Buzz It Up Here!

Stumble It! Save to del.icio.us Digg Email Facebook

Stripes can be bold and brash, or subtle and handsome. I recently returned from a weekend getaway to New York City and, as I browsed through the six gorgeous floors of ABC Carpet & Home, I noticed that stripes are a wonderful way to add pattern to a room without overwhelming the rest of the space.

Harbor Stripe Shower Curtain
$40.00
The Company Store

Menswear-inspired patterns in muted shades can be translated into traditional or modern spaces, and are just as well-suited to simple cotton upholstery fabric as they are to a set of mouthwatering drapes. Any of the pieces featured here will add an injection of grown-up, personality to a room.

West End Stripe Percale Bedding
$25.00-$98.00
Garnet Hill

Wide Stripe Curtains
$525.00-$595.00
Williams Sonoma Home

Don’t be afraid to mix stripes with other patterns as well! A striped fabric in an understated color can act like a neutral, which gives you ample opportunity to play with bolder patterns and colors. For example, pair the Dylan Stripe Bedskirt (top) with a bright red or yellow blanket covered in large-print florals.

Striped Jewelry Box
$240.00
Vivre.com

I love the idea of covering my incredibly modern sofa in a simple haberdashery-style blue-and-white stripe and then adding my polka dot pillows and a bright pink throw! As always, have fun, mix it up, and experiment.

Marcel Armchair
$699.00-$799.00
Pottery Barn

–By Kate Bailey

Technorati Tags: Striped Furnishings, Striped Bedding, Menswear-inspired home design, Pottery Barn, Williams Sonoma Home, Vivre.com, Striped Shower Curtains

Love This Story? Buzz It Up Here!

Stumble It! Save to del.icio.us Digg Email Facebook