Like this? Do this … nautical pendant lights

Yesterday I did some house hunting with a friend, and the one room that seemed to be the main topic of conversation in each house we visited was the kitchen.  A beautiful, well-designed kitchen can make a sale. Understandably, since the kitchen is often the heart of a home.

The kitchens below are beautifully designed, and you can bet that if the homes they’re within were for sale, they’d be off the market instantly.

You can recreate this look with fresh white cabinets, a simple/understated backsplash, an island with a light-colored marble top, cool stools, and classic pendant lights. Lucky for you, at least that last element won’t be much of a challenge….

Pair of brass nautical pendant lights:

Asking: $275 for the pair
Condition: “In very good condition”
Dimensions: 44″ long, 10″ wide
Location: Glen Echo, MD
Thoughts: These were originally $575 each (good lighting is expensive!), so you’re getting a hell of a deal.

Check ’em out. No longer available

Contemporary rugs

I love traditional rugs, but their contemporary counterparts can be quite fun too:

And as luck would have it, all four of those (or very close replicas) happen to be available on Craigslist right now…

Dwell Studio Draper Striped Rug in persimmon:

Asking: $100 Reduced to $80
Condition: ”Perfect condition, lightly used.”
Dimensions: 5’x8′
Location: Springfield, VA
Thoughts: I can see this working in any number of spaces, from a chic dining room like the one pictured above to a nursery to a first apartment.

Check it out. No longer available.

Pottery Barn neutral links rug:

Asking: $75
Condition: ”Great condition.”
Dimensions: 5’x8′
Location: Glover Park, DC
Thoughts: As the seller points out,this neutral rug will pair well with multiple styles.

Check it out. No longer available.

Urban Outfitters aqua zigzag rug:

Asking: $75
Condition: ”Like new.”
Dimensions: 5’x7′ (ish)
Location: Alexandria, VA
Thoughts: This is currently on sale at Urban Outfitters for $89, but you might as well save $14 if you wanted it anyway (and there’s always room for negotiation on CL!).

Check it out. No longer available.

West Elm Kite Kilim:

Asking: $200
Condition: Not described
Dimensions: 5’x7′ (West Elm doesn’t have it in 5’x7′, so I assume it’s the 5’x8′)
Location: Dupont Circle, DC
Thoughts: This one’s my favorite!

Check it out. No longer available.

Candy-colored furniture

These pieces aren’t for the faint of heart, but if you’re looking for a pop of bright color to liven up your space, you’ve come to the right place.

Pink dresser:

Asking: $200 OBO 
Condition: Not described
Dimensions: Not provided
Location: Rockville, MD
Thoughts: Wow. This is some teenage girl’s dream dresser. It terrifies me a little, but I’m confident that it could work in the right space. (This helps me make my case.)

Check it out. No longer available

Pair of mint green side tables:

Asking: $199 (for the pair, I think) Reduced to $149
Condition: “Freshly painted”
Dimensions: Not provided
Location: Reston, VA
Thoughts: Turquoise side tables are a definite possibility for my friend’s daughter’s bedroom makeover… These are making me wonder if mint green could be a good alternative.

Check ’em out. No longer available

Tangerine MCM stools:

Asking: $300 (for all four, I think)
Condition: “Very good condition”
Dimensions: Not provided
Location: Silver Spring, MD
Thoughts: Such a happy color, and I can’t think of a more appropriate seat on which to perch as you drink your morning OJ.

Check ’em out. No longer available

Apple green end table:

Asking: $40
Condition: “Sturdy piece,” “lightly distressed”
Dimensions: 21-1/2″ high x 28-1/2″ diameter
Location: Tacoma Park, MD
Thoughts: Fun/interesting shape, extra storage–what’s not to like?

Check it out. No longer available

Elephant desk

Maybe I should have saved this for next Wednesday, but you never know how long things will last on CL…

Want a really happy home office? This elephant desk will surely make you smile:

Asking: $800 OBO “Best offer accepted” 
Condition: Some wear and tear, and a tiny nick on the top
Dimensions: Not provided
Location: Rockville, MD
Thoughts: This is probably a little over the top for me, but I’m pretty sure I’d want to be friends with someone who had it in his/her house. I can’t help but be drawn to pieces and people that don’t take themselves too seriously!

Check it out. No longer available

I often cross reference Pinterest when I find intriguing pieces, as it’s a quick and easy way to gauge popularity/trendiness, and low and behold, today I discovered that there’s quite a market for kidney-shaped elephant head desks. And they look great in just about any color you can imagine:

Red…

Peach…

Black…

Plus navy, turquoise and white… Some of them had already sold, but of those that were still available, price tags were between $3500-$4000.

To enjoy on your patio this Labor Day weekend

I’m sorry about the chair kick, but aren’t these darling?

French-style cafe chairs:

Asking: $15 each (not sure how many there are …) No longer available.
Condition: Not described
Dimensions: Not provided
Location: Capital Hill, DC
Thoughts: They’re charming.

Check ’em out.

And you totally use them inside if you wanted to:

Cute, right?

Like this? Do this … alternative headboard

Were you as inspired by Jamie Meares‘s bed stylings for The Everygirl as I was? I especially liked the third look with the screen-as-headboard:

If you want to recreate this look, you’re in luck, because an almost identical screen is currently available ($155… a year later this is still available but appears to have been reduced to $125. Make them an offer!):

P.S. I just realized that the pillows in Ms. Meares’s design are done in one of the fabrics I listed yesterday. Hmmm, a sign, perhaps?

Like this? Do this … glamorous dining nook

I saw this pic on Pinterest this morning, and I knew I had to post about it right away:

[Found here, via Pinterest.]

Because this nearly identical table is yours for the taking ($600):

(Truthfully, I’m not positive this is a dining table, since no dimensions are provided… but there is a small version available for $375, so I’m hoping this is at least bistro size…)

Of course, there aren’t identical chairs on CL right now. The universe is good to me, but not that good to me.

These chairs could be a good option though, if you want to paint the frames (part of a $595 set that won’t be broken up, though):

Or perhaps a these chairs–cheap for a set of four–are worth some DIY time ($55):

*The CL pics are all linked to their postings.

Like this? Do this … Viceroy-inspired space.

Truth be told, I wasn’t thrilled with yesterday’s “Like this? Do this …” post. I love B&Bs, but I’m not usually uber impressed with their aesthetic. But you know what do have awesome style? Boutique hotels. Like the Viceroy Palm Springs:

[Both images found here.]

Recreating this look will take a little work, but will be well-worth your effort. First, paint all your walls, trim and moldings a really bright white. Then…

Paint the frames of these vintage yellow-gold velvet chairs high-gloss black … or maybe white, your choice ($160 for the pair Update: No longer listed.):

Put out this amazing black settee/sofa as is ($1995):

Throw in a black and white houndstooth bench for some additional seating ($75 Update: no longer listed):

Paint this side table glossy white so you have a place to put your drink ($30 Update: No longer listed.)

While you’re at it, repaint this coffee table glossy white too ($20 Update: No longer listed):

(Is it just me, or are coffee tables the single hardest pieces of furniture to shop for? I can never tell if I really like them …)

Include a couple of crazy parrot lamps, spray painted glossy white and with new black shades ($40 for the pair):

Hang a set of silouette plates as art ($20):

You’ll have to move beyond CL for some finishing touches–it needs a hint more yellow, for sure–but this is a good start.

*The CL pics are all linked to their postings.

Like this? Do this … red and white bedroom.

If you like the classic look of a red and white bedroom like this:

[Found here, via Pinterest.]

Or this:

[Found here, via Pinterest.]

You can recreate the B&B charm with this beautiful, brand new handmade Hawaiian king-size quilt ($495):

(There’s a similar queen-size version in green and white, if you prefer.)

And this French shabby chic king-size headboard–that needs a little TLC ($380 Update: No longer listed.):

And some white wicker furniture ($180 for the set Update: No longer listed.):

(Set includes one dresser, one chest for the foot of your bed and two coordinating nightstands.)

And maybe a couple of lamps with red shades ($35 for the pair):

*The CL pics are all linked to their postings.

Going to the dark side

I love color. And I like wood. If you had asked me a few months ago, I’d have said that I don’t really like black furniture. (Probably because what comes to mind is either way too modern for my tastes or way too cheap looking.) But times they are a-changin’. I’m willing to be a big girl and admit that I might have been wrong. Okay, I was wrong. I’m 100% sold on these spaces:

[Found here, via Pinterest.]

[Found here, via Pinterest.]

[Found here, via Pinterest.]

Which means I’m also 100% sold on these pieces (sold, but not buying–that’s your job):

Black buffet:

Asking: $225
Condition: Not described, but it looks gorgeous.
Dimensions: 65″ long, 36″ tall (depth not provided)
Location: Germantown, MD
Thoughts: The legs! The curved panel on the front! The detailing on the outer drawers! The gold hardware!

Check it out.

Black (and green and gold) Victorian sofa:

Asking: $450
Condition: Antique, with original horsehair in the cushions. Was reupholstered 35 years ago, but seems to have been well maintained.
Dimensions: Not provided
Location: Reston, VA
Thoughts: I know, this is a repeat. But my mind wanders back to this beaut at least once a day–and it’s still available–so it was worth sharing again.

Check it out.

Black dresser and nightstand:

Asking: $300 for the pair (or $110 for the nightstand & $210 for the small dresser)
Condition: Vintage, but with a new paint job.
Dimensions: Nightstand: 24″ high, 23.5″ wide, 16″ deep; Small dresser: 30″ high, 20″ wide, 19″ deep
Location: Petworth, DC
Thoughts: I wish they were the same height so they could both be nightstands on either side of a bed. And I wish they had gold knobs. And a lower price tag. But aside from all that, I like these a lot!

Check ’em out.

Update: These items are no longer available.

Black (and white and gold) curio cabinet:

Asking: $60
Condition: “More shabby than chic right now.” It needs a little help. Also missing the skeleton key. The glass, however is in good condition.
Dimensions: 74.75″ high, 16″ wide, 14″ deep
Location: Alexandria, VA
Thoughts: This is definitely a “project” piece. It needs some love. But the legs are great, as is the domed top. It could be a nice home for your favorite knick knacks.

Check it out.

Update: This item is no longer available.

Black “Wishbone” chair knockoffs:

Asking: $150 for a pair, with two pairs available (it’s confusingly worded, but I think that’s right.)
Condition: Brand new, in packaging
Dimensions: Not provided
Location: Herndon, VA
Thoughts: I’m not the type to get my panties in a bunch over knockoffs, but if they bother you, then don’t buy these chairs. If you can afford the real ones ($850/piece from DWR), go for it, but if budget is paramout to you, these ain’t a bad deal.

Check ’em out.

Black dining table:

Asking: $300
Condition: Not described, except that they had it professionally painted
Dimensions: Not provided
Location: Not provided
Thoughts: You know I was a total sucker for the gold claw-feet detail–such a nice touch. The shape of the pedestals is nice too. It’s a classy table.

Check it out.