Croft House

One of my Philadelphia design clients recently introduced me to a store called Croft House.  Based in Los Angeles, Croft House is a retailer that carries fantastic modern furnishings with a rustic edge.  They design and produce their own furniture using sustainable materials, they'll ship their products across the country, and they'll even customize certain pieces depending on your needs.  I love their modern style and fabulous prices. 

Here are some of the Croft House pieces that caught my eye...

Mossam bookcase

Railcar media cabinet

Ruthie leather chair

Greenly Live Edge Reclaimed Wood Table

Beehive pendant lamp

And the rugs!  I love the rugs...

Katherine rug

Leslie rug

Wesley rug

Aurora rug

Visit the Croft House website HERE.

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French Rattan Bistro Chair

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The French rattan bistro chair is a favorite of mine.  Not only is it a total classic, but it's virtually indestructible, and totally kid proof.  These multi-colored pieces have been gracing city sidewalk cafes for years.  We usually see them paired with a tiny wrought iron bistro table (and a cappuccino).  I love these chairs for their wonderfully graphic woven designs, their strong wooden frames and sturdy rattan seats. 

And, let's face it: this chair is never going out of style.

via TradHome

Victoria Hagan via Elle Decor

via House Beautiful

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via Ashley Whittaker

source unknown

via House Beautiful

via Nate Berkus

bistro chairs at The Paris Market from our recent trip to Savannah, Georgia

If you're in the market for a French rattan bistro chair, check out TK Collections.  Sold only to the trade (you'll have to order these through a designer or furniture rep), the selection at TK is excellent.  Barstools, chairs, armchairs, and stools...  they even sell the classic wrought iron cafe table!  I'm telling you, this company stocks the best versions of this chair:

barstool

square side chair

bistro side chairs at TK Collections

(I'm loving all the different patterns and colors!)

There's also a company called Cap Sud who sells bistro chairs made by the French company, Maison Gatti.  Like TK Collections, these guys have a great selection:

Maison Gatti French rattan bistro chairs

And, if you're looking for a bargain? 

You can get a set of 4 chairs at Overstock.com for less than $450.00!

bistro chairs at Overstock.com

image from TK Collections

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An Unplugged Weekend

Our internet connection has been down since Friday afternoon.  A freak thunderstorm came through our town and somehow, it killed our DSL motem.  Normally, I would be freaking out.  NO INTERNET FOR 5 DAYS??!!  But, it's been such a nice little vacation!  I caught up on laundry, did a little shopping, and worked on a client presentation.  I even played Spider Solitaire (which has proven itself to be the most addicting game in the universe... I keep telling myself "I'll win the next one", "One more game. I'll win the next one...").

While I wait for Verizon to send me a new motem (hopefully, it's arrives today), here are some random iphone pictures from this weekend...

 

the Pennsylvania sky after sunset.

colorful plaid trays at Ikea for $7.99

so cute for summer entertaining!

the coolest brass doorknob, found at a flea market this weekend.

a pair of midcentury modern side chairs, and a brass Sputnik ceiling fixture.

(didn't buy either one, but loved the idea of buying everything)

a super chic (and super expensive) Oscar de la Renta side table at the Century showroom, in the Philadelphia Marketplace.

a very pretty upholstered bed at Restoration Hardware

impressed by this console table with a blue stone top.  Spotted at Crate & Barrel of all places.

It would be very pretty in the right setting (I would fill that lower shelf with chunky woven baskets).

a few of my design boards, illustrating possible fabric combinations.

They're waiting for next week's client presentation.

So, did you all have a nice weekend?  Sometimes, it's nice to just "unplug".  Whether you like it or not.

Happy Tuesday.

xoxo

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Thank you, Kravet!

Kravet heard our requests!  This week, I posted about my love for the Dakota Quilted Bench.  It's pretty much the perfect cocktail ottoman with a polished nickel frame and a sleek upholstered top.  The only problem is the macassar wood lower shelf.  It doesn't come in other finishes.  Why not, Kravet?  So, after that post, Kravet left this comment...

And then, today, they wrote us THIS...

Yay!  Thank you for your stellar customer service, Kravet. 

I knew you wouldn't let us down. 

Now, everyone go out and order that Dakota Quilted Bench.  One with a glass shelf, one with a dark wood shelf, maybe one with a carrara marble shelf?  The sky's the limit.

Happy Weekend.

xoxo,

Kelly

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Dear Kravet...

Dear Kravet,

I'm a huge fan of your work.  I love your affordable designer fabrics, your top notch upholstery, your friendly and knowledgeable sales people.  I love your beautifully decorated showrooms, your sister companies Lee Jofa and Brunschwig & Fils.  All of it.  You're a go-to resource when I start a design project.  That being said, I have one request...

You carry the most perfect upholstered cocktail ottoman.  You call it the "Dakota Quilted Bench".  I love the size and shape, love the polished nickel frame (love that!).  It has a simple upholstered top and a fabulous lower shelf.  It's perfect for fancy city living, or suburban family rooms.  But, here's the problem: that macassar finish on the lower shelf.  While it is fancy and stylish, it can be a bit limiting.  I'm not saying I don't like it, Kravet.  I'm just saying it's limiting.  Can you please offer this in another finish?  It's just on the lower shelf, so how hard can it be to offer this simple shelf in a regular wood finish?  Or even white?  How gorgeous would that lower shelf be in a white carrera marble?  Think about it, Kravet.

Sincerely yours,

Kelly

the dakota quilted bench in the Philadelphia showroom

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Not Your Average Cube

I hate a love-hate relationship with upholstered cubes.  In a pinch, you can use one for extra seating.  When used as a pair, upholstered cubes make terrific coffee tables.  They're soft, so they're the perfect place to rest your feet at the end of the day...  and, if you have kids?  Well, they're ideal. 

So, where does the "hate" part come in?  It's here: most upholstered cubes are pretty boring, blocky, and bland (exhibit A).  Let's just say, they're not my first pick when furnishing a space.

But, these nailhead cubes???  Well, these are AWESOME.  It's a love LOVE relationship.  I recently recommended a pair of these cubes for one of my favorite clients in San Francisco.  Upholstered in a chic microfiber (no, not an oxymoron. chic microfibers DO exist) a pair of these cubes will make the perfect living room coffee table, and they're completely kid proof. 

It's amazing what a few nailheads can do.

If you're interested in ordering these guys for yourself, send me an email at highstreetmarket (at) gmail.com.  Also, the nailhead finishes can be customized to fit your space (polished nickel, pewter, antiqued brass, etc etc). 

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