Category: console

  • House tours from Domino

    House tours from Domino

    An oldie but a goodie – a classic Domino post!

    As part of my ongoing series of posts honoring our late friend Domino, I now bestow upon you some lovely house tours we all came to look forward to every month. *sigh* Enjoy.

    Kathryn Ireland’s rustic style home. I love the humble bathroom, and the console in the kitchen with the dishes stowed underneath.

    Actress Julianne Moore’s stab at interior decorating. I like some of the choices she made – not all my style, but still pretty. I like the piece of drift wood on the radiator.

    A rebuilt green home in New Orleans.

    Domino style director Dara’s lovely white bedroom.

    I love Amanda Peet’s down-to-earth, bohemian home. It’s so ethereal and filled with interesting, meaningful objects. I also love that you can tell that she had a hand in it. She didn’t just hire some designer to come in and make it look like a movie star’s home.

  • Small Kitchen Inspiration and Ideas for adding space

    Small Kitchen Inspiration and Ideas for adding space

    Working within a small space is a hard job, especially in a kitchen when you love to cook! There are some really creative ways to work in a small kitchen and one of them is a small island. Sometimes you just need that extra work space and it can make a huge difference, and also look pretty awesome.  I have also found that once I get my small kitchen organized, it can actually be easier to cook in because everything is within an arm’s reach!

    An island is an obvious solution and for good reason.  They can add surface/work space and storage underneath.  And these days, you have your pick when it comes to island style, size, etc.

    I don’t think the island has to match your cabinetry, but I do like them to be tied into at least one other element in the space, like this island does the hood.

    Keep it clean and sleek looking and it will help keep the small space from looking cluttered. Dress it up with a vase and flowers when you have company over.
    Buy one with wheels so it can roll away if you need it to! Some kitchen’s need that extra work space but it’s not convenient to have around all the time.  We actually have this exact same island from Ikea and it’s going strong 4 years later.
  • Awesome deals on some mid-century mod. pieces

    Awesome deals on some mid-century mod. pieces

    I can’t decide if I want a glass console or coffee table. This furniture is great for keeping an open feel to a room, because since you can see through them they don’t take up much visual weight.

    $285 for the console

    only $295 for the coffee table – can’t really beat that.

    and only $139 for the nesting tables – I’m trying to decide if I want to go with two small tables, like the nesting tables, to serve as a coffee table in my living room, or the clear coffee table…hmmm… Anyway, if you want to snatch up one of these great deals, it’s on sale at HauteLook (but only for the next two days or so!)

  • When life gets hectic, it’s the little things..

    When life gets hectic, it’s the little things..

    Phew…sorry for the neglect this week! I have a lot of major deadlines this week..my average bedtime the past two weeks has been 3 AM. Anyway, I figured I’d take time today to post some eye candy, not only to inspire you, but also to give me a much needed break from my current projects. Here are some little (and big) pleasures to indulge in if you can…

    a peaceful soak

    a meal enjoyed without TV and catching up with those you live with but don’t necessary get to talk to everyday!

    A beautiful place to read…

    The piece you’ve had your eye on for ages and finally get to bring home

    Little details that make life beautiful

    What makes your life beautiful?

    via 1. Mag 91, 2. Design Interior, 3. TradHome, 4. Adore Home, 5.  ?

  • Entryway inspiration: Prepare for the influx of holiday guests

    Entryway inspiration: Prepare for the influx of holiday guests

    I love a good entryway. They are often small enough that you can try the bold paint color or large print wallpaper without investing a ton of money or work if you turn out hating it. It’s also small enough that it forces you to keep clutter under control. In my last apartment I had a mail sorting system that kept junk mail and other unwanted stuff from going into my living space.

    With the holidays bringing guests it may be a good time to check your entryway or foyer to make sure it can handle the extra traffic, or just check up to see if it’s handling the everyday to it’s best potential.

    Here are some entryways that are perfectly achievable for anyone, and combine some good ways to handle coats, shoes, keys, parcels, etc.

    If space permits, I feel an entryway should be composed of the following elements
    • a rack, cupboard, or hooks for coats
    • somewhere or something to sit on while removing/putting on shoes
    • atleast a small lighting source. Put the light on a timer during times of short daylight so when you arrive home it’s already on. Not only is it practical for the dark, it’s welcoming to come home to
    • a tray, surface area, or some storage for mail and keys
    •a space for shoes
    •a dresser or console. I prefer a dresser with drawers, even if small, for storing seasonal items like hats, scarves, and gloves.

    Other items you may want
    • An umbrella stand
    • A vase for flowers, which will add to the coziness of the space, and take away from too much “mudroom” aesthetic
    • A mirror for last minute peeks before heading out the door
    • A mat or durable rug
    • Art work or photos that make you smile
    • A calendar, paper and pen, or other solution for leaving notes or agendas for your family and yourself. A dry erase mirror would kill two birds with one stone – creating a space for notes and a mirror.

    I’m sure I missed something…can you think of anything else?

    A basket under the console saves surface space and keeps items neat

    If you don’t have an actual room or landing strip for your entryway, create one by the door by placing a chair, console, coat rack, etc. against a wall.

    Using sconces for a light source saves surface space, and a framed chalkboard makes a pretty way to leave messages.




    Even if space is small like this example above, you can distinguish it with paint, and even find a small cupboard or console.

    6 images above via Domino

    A chic entryway that still has all the essentials
    via the bubbreport

    This bench is welcoming and provides a seat for shoe removal. If you can do something like this, try to find a bench with a seat that lifts up to hidden storage.
    via Country Living

    So pretty!
    via KML Design


    If space is super tight, hooks on the back of the door can hold coats, a small side table for surface area, and even an umbrella holder (which could double for holding mail or as a recycling bin when it’s not the rainy season). We have a very similar white owl umbrella holder buried in the basement somewhere. Do you think I should freshen it up ? Any suggestions if I should paint it another color?
    via It’s Personal

    The symmetry of this wonderfully chic entryway keeps it looking neat and tidy. Even though this space is super luxe, it’s still functional – stools for sitting, a console for surface area, lamps for lighting, and a mirror.
    via Doryn Wallach Design


    Cupboards for coats, a bench for removing shoes, a basket for storage, and a console for keys and mail, this entryway has it all!
    via Country Living

    Great antique cupboard!
    via Canadian House & Home

    This chalkboard calendar coat rack is really clever. You can get it at Plow & Hearth

    What’s the state of your entryway these days?