Have you ever been to IKEA for just one thing and ended up with a buggy full at the end. This recently happened to me. Here are my five favorite must haves from IKEA that I live with every day!

#1 The Bumerang clothes hanger

Not only do these hangers keep your closet organized and tidy, they are a bargain at $3.99 for an eight pack. Your closet will look like a department store when you are done!  (Photo: IKEA, www.ikea.com)

#2 The Cylinder glass vase set of three

Perfect for those who like to have flowers at all times. The larger vase is an ideal size for any coffee table and the smaller vase is perfect for bedside. I use the lowest vase for a succulent garden surrounded by river rock. (Photo: IKEA, www.ikea.com)

#3 The SVEP cabinet handle in chrome

These handles not only look good, but they feel great. They rival any higher end brand name. I recently used these in my own kitchen and specify these on my design projects, too.  A bargain at $4.99 for TWO! They also come in matte black.(Photo: IKEA, www.ikea.com)

#4 The FJADRAR down pillow form, 20"

Have you purchased a  20" throw pillow with a springy foam insert that doesn't look good or is not comfortable at all?..I would recommend changing all inserts out to these all feather ones. A steal at only $6.99! (Photo: IKEA, www.ikea.com)

#5 The IKEA vanilla yogurt cone!

OK, I don't live with these every day, but I do enjoy one every time I leave an IKEA. How can you pass this up for only $1.00?

What are your IKEA favs???..I will probably have five new ones that next time I go.

until next time....Scott 

Here are five of my favorite ottomans that can be moved around the room to add extra seating or just to rest weary legs and feet.  From the most traditonal English leather ottomans to the poufs of Morocco...which ones do you prefer?

#1  The Moroccan "pouf"

I love these Moroccan poufs...great size and easy to move around the room. I would use these in the most traditional setting as well to add that touch of the unexpected. Don't be afraid to mix and match different colored ones..three or four in a room would be amazing! (photo: John Derian, www.johnderian.com)

#2 The upholstred Dhurrie Slab ottoman from West Elm

This is one of my favorite finds from West Elm...it is perfect for lower upholstered furniture and a little on the bohemian side~! Great to stack books on and can also be used as a head rest while watching television. I love the patchwork dhurrie style. (photo: www.westelm.com)

#3 Ballard Designs Storage Ottoman

This ottoman is perfect for families with young children. A great, good looking place to store toys and games when you need to clean up quickly! (photo: www.ballarddesigns.com)

#4 The traditional tufted leather ottoman by LEE Industries

The most traditional of ottomans...perfect for a club room like setting...could also be really cool with mid-century furntiure to add something whimsical and not expected. (photo: www.leeindustries.com)

#5 The leather Rhinoceros footstool

This 1950's Rhinoceros leather footstool would be so great in any home! Traditonal or contemporary... Check out 1st Dibs for those one of a kind pieces that will give any room that added touch! (photo: www.1stdibs.com / David Duncan Antiques)..These and other animal stools are also offered at Jonathan Adler Stores.. www.jonathanadler.com

These five ottomans are only a sampling of what is out there..so, kick your feet up and relax....Enjoy the weekend ahead!

Until next time....Scott

Lighting can be that unexpected surprise when you walk into any room.  I feel these five light fixtures not only add the necessary light, but provide the "jewelry" that all rooms need!   All different...some new, some old....can you imagine where you would use these?.

#1 Jason Miller's Modo Chandelier

This would look amazing over an antique farm table with a collection of mid century dining chairs and maybe french arm chairs at the head of the table..it is available in black, brass, bronze, and copper. (photo: www.dwr.com)

#2 Circa Lighting's Extra Large Hicks pendant, designed by Thomas O'Brien

I would use these over a large ktichen island in a heartbeat!...perfect scale and would acutally work with any kitchen design...traditional or contemporary...it also comes in chrome!  (photo: www.circalighting.com)

#3 Venetian jewel, c. 1920

I know this is not for everyone, but I think this hand blown chandelier from Murano (near Venice) would be amazing over a Knoll marble Saarinen table...hung lower than usual...candle light would really make this fixture sparkle (photo: www.1stdibs.com) Carl Moore Antiques, Houston, TX.

#4 Restoration Hardware/ Foucault's Iron Orb Chandelier

one of my favorite fixtures!...I would lacquer these with car paint and make these a feature in any room.  How amazing would this be bright red or canary yellow?...would also be stunning in bright white!  (photo: www.restorationhardware.com)

#5 Hand gilt and painted Swedish chandelier, early 20th c

How wonderful would this be on a rope pulley???   It would be great with lit candles in a grand foyer with a sweeping stair case, or very intimate over a grouping of four chairs. (photo: www.1stdibs.com) Southall Antiques, San Francisco, CA.

The definition of lighting is: {light-ing: Equipment in a home, workplace, studio, theater or street for producing light}... we all need light...aren't you glad we have so many beautiful choices to let the light shine through!

Until next time...Scott 

Memorial Day is a time when we honor those who have fought for our freedom.  It is also the weekend that many people will be heading to the beach to celebrate the official beginning of summer!  Beacause of this, it has inspired me to pull together some photos of beach interiors I feel embody the patriotic spirit of this weekend...Red, White, and Blue!

The American Flag!

Love this relaxed beach cottage look (photo: Coastal Living)

(photo: Coastal Living)

I love this painted floor!  (photo: Coastal Living)

(photo: Coastal Living)

(photo: Coastal Living)

Enjoy the weekend and dream of the lazy summer days to come!

Until next time....Scott 

I have always been fascinated by the old world block printing methods used to create beautiful textiles. This is truly an art form and I feel these people and their companies are at the top of their game!.. I hope you enjoy my five favorite pillows created from these beautiful works of art~!

#1 Katherine Rally Textiles, Bali, Indonesia (photo: www.katherinerally.com)

Produced in Bali, this beautiful hand blocked pattern is called Afrique-Chocolate.  It is available in more color ways...you have to check out her beautiful site...napkins and table cloths are also available (photo: www.katherinerally.com)

#2 John Robshaw Textiles

John Robshaw's textiles span the globe with artisans in India, Asia, Indonesia, and Thailand. This metallic gold blocked pillow is one of my favorites..in fact, I own two! (photo: www.johnrobshaw.com)

#3 Fortuny

Fortuny was founded in 1921 and still produces their world famous fabrics in the original factory in Venice, Italy. Definitely old world beauty! (photo: www.1stdibs.com)

#4 West Elm

These hand blocked pillows were crafted on hand loomed raw silk by skilled Indian artisans. A great value at $39.00! (photo: www.westelm.com)

#5  Tie dye!

OK, these are not exactly hand blocked, but a great DIY project.. whip out the RIT dye and rubber bands...this technique you can do at home and have fun results! Perfect to do on old sheets.. (photo: Elle Decor)

These are some ideas that will add color, texture and some interest...remember pillows are like jewelry and shoes...they are the best way to accessorize any room!

until next time...Scott