Category Archives: Fun Finds

by Orblogdo | 7 February 2012 · 11:10 pm

I Want Something From To Do Something

Dear Furniture & Cabinetry Company To Do Something,

I was at the home of one of my favorite clients today and she told me about you and showed me your stuff and I was instantly in love. I love the clean, modern lines, the playful color, the clever legs. I love the beautiful woods, the generous scale, the masculine shapes. Therefore, To Do Something, you are my favorite discovery of the day. Thank you for existing.

Let’s start with the sexy chairs.

Hay chair! I’m not usually a fan of plywood, but I love how it’s juxtaposed with white lacquer here.

I think good design often means you don’t notice the design at all. This chair is exactly what it’s supposed to be, without any stupid distracting details.

I love the stain on this piece, making it look all cartoony plastic. Like my face.

If I had a record player (which I don’t, because I’m a nerd), I’d name him Herbert and put him in this piece of furniture designed specifically for record players. Luxury.

I’d like to put this pop-y table in my urban loft. If I had one. I hate my life.

The legs on this dining table mean the world to me. How much do you love that gold on the bottom? When, due to the ramifications of Prop 8 being overturned in California, people are allowed to marry goats and inanimate objects, I will most certainly be marrying this table, getting a gold wedding ring to match his gold legs. That sentence was way too long. I’m sorry.

Ugh. Be MINE!

In addition to uberglamourous furniture this company also does uberglamourous custom cabinetry. There is more on their site but I was drawn to the aqua kitchen. Like, duh.

Someday, I will have a house full of this gorgeous cabinetry (who doesn’t love built-in storage?) and each and every one of these pieces of furniture. If that doesn’t happen I’ll hate my life and resent you for it. Yes, you. This is all your fault!

Love,
Orlando

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6 Comments

Filed under Cool Designerz, Design, Fun Finds, Interiors

by Orblogdo | 19 January 2012 · 6:30 pm

Awkward Space? Put A Bench On It!

Dear Benches,

You have no idea how handy you are in home decorating? Awkward empty wall? Add a bench! Weird space at the end of the bed? Put a bench on it! Empty space in the bathroom that keeps reminding you how empty your life is? Bench! I think you get the picture. Thus, Emily and I are always looking for benches. Often, we enter stores and flea markets screaming at each other in terror about how there just aren’t enough benches. For some reason flea markets have been dry as a bone when it comes to benches, so I’ve taken to trolling around online for them. I found some good ready-made benches, most of them at pretty great prices. I’m actually looking for a bench for my own living room so I’ll probably be getting one of these. Let me know if any of them strike your fancy (so I’ll know which one to buy).

Who doesn’t love a pop of color? CB2, $299.

This one is clean and quiet. Unlike everything else in my apartment. Thus, it could add some much-needed simplicity. West Elm, $399

Just a basic bench at a good price. $183, Overstock.com

This looks very cozy and welcoming. It kind of reminds me of a whale grandma but in a good way. $307, Overstock.com

Knock-off Nelson Bench. Totally classic design. Don’t mind if I do… Overstock, $205

I like how modern and architectural this one is. If it were a person it would probably be snotty and pretentious and cruel, but I bet the bench would be nice to you. Etsy.com, $850

This one is farm house-y and cute. Could add some rustic charm to my mid-century living room. CB2, $399.

I’m sorry, I still really like pin legs. So shoot me. Etsy.com, $295

Something I’ve realized lately is that if you have a lot of vintage you need to balance it out with some fresh new pieces every once in a while. I like how bright and fresh this white bench is. $220, apt2b.com

This Martha Stewart bench is cute, no? Very clean lines but still has some visual interest. $229, homedecorators.com

In conclusion, if there is anything missing in your life I’m pretty sure you can fill the void with a bench. Valentines day is coming up in about a month and I know that I’ll be on a date, sharing spaghetti with my true love. We’ll both suck on the same noodle and accidentally kiss, at which moment I’ll realize my date is actually a bench and we aren’t at the Italian restaurant from Lady and the Tramp but actually just sitting in my apartment alone, listening to Enya. Just kidding that probably wont happen. (Yes it will).

Love,
Orlando

11 Comments

Filed under Around The Apartment, Design, Fun Finds, Interiors

by Orblogdo | 11 January 2012 · 4:43 pm

The Rose Bowl: My Heart Will Go On And On!

Dear Kate Winslet,

Remember that scene in Titanic where you and Leonardo Dicaprio are so cold that you look like this?

Yeah, me neither. It’s been ages since I saw that movie. But the above picture describes perfectly how cold Emily and I were when we showed up to Rose Bowl on Sunday at 5:45 AM. I was pretty much wearing a speedo and a backpack and my teeth were chattering (I think I need to hire someone to dress me in the morning, I’m a total idiot). Emily was dressed more sensibly, but by the end of the morning neither of us could feel our feet. I tell you this not to make you feel sorry for us, but to let you know how very dedicated we are at beating people to the best deals at the Bowl. We love our clients enough to freeze to death in order to find furniture for them.

We liked this chesterfield for $800. Emily was all “It’s real leather!” and then I was like “No it isn’t.” and then she was like “You ruin everything.” And that was that.

Emily practically started making out with this sofa when she saw it. It’s freshly reupholstered velvet that you just want to stick your whole face in. $750. A steal! We didn’t buy it because we didn’t have a client for it and Emily’s blue sofa collection is getting out of hand. (I’m scared).

If Brian ever asks me what he can do to keep Emily interested, I’m going to tell him to dress up in a wicker costume. I mean, every time that girl sees something wicker she’s all over it. I like wicker too, but I think wicker is a lot harder for dudes to get away with so I tend to run the other way when I see it. This was $300. I had to pull Emily away from it, kicking and screaming.

This was one of those moments when you’re like “Is this cool? Or ugly?” And then you blink and when you open your eyes you realize it’s hideous and feel ashamed for looking at it in the first place. God, why am I so mean today? I think it’s my OrlanDiet. I’M SO HUNGRY!

We bought this delightful table for our equally delightful client. $695.

Who doesn’t love a worn leather suitcase? $20.

Get this: 90 yards of fabric for $90. That’s a dollar a yard! Trust me, I was a math major. (No I wasn’t). And it’s so cool. I hope there’s some left over for me to make Hammer Pants out of.

Little brass table, come to me. $30.

Hi Woven Chair, I just love those turned arms! $75.

Those Kilim pillows are killin’ em! $40/set of 2.

We wanted to buy this coffee table for our friend Corbett but instead we bought it for our other friend Rachna. $300.

We purchased this suave guy for a bachelor pad we’re doing. $135.

These French friends are going to be king chairs at another home we’re decorating. $90/set 2.

Look at these little brass antelope bookends! $40.

We bought this classic dresser for our bachelor pad. I kind of coveted it, but I already have a dresser and it would be rude to steal from our clients. Right? $400.

Dear World, I’m a brass-legged side table and I’m the cutest thing ever. Love, Brass Side Table

We bought these two mid-century chairs for a project we like to call “The Cool House” (because the clients are so cool). We thought the retro fabric on the left might scare the homeowners. So if they don’t want it I’m taking it home. I’ll name him Harold and he will be my new boyfriend. We’ll argue about how he’s such an old fuddy duddy and can’t keep up with the times. Eventually, he’ll undergo a massive surgery so that I will love him again. I’m scared that I just made that story up. The pair cost $600.

Do you think it’s okay for a boy to have one of these crazy big round loungers? Because I really want one. This one was pretty rad. Emily was all “I love the pattern!” and then I was like “EWWWWWWW! That COLOR!” and she was like “I’m not talking about the stupid color I’m talking about the pattern!” and then we were fighting and then we made up and then we hugged. $300.

We bought this ugly old vinyl ottoman for $60. But guess what, this ugly old vinyl ottoman is going to be reupholstered in sumptuous linen and is going to be the most glamourous coffee table ottoman ever known to man. So there.

We thought this dresser was cute. But it was an actual piece of junk so we passed. Literally falling apart before our eyes. $125.

I don’t know why I took a picture of this. Probably because it was so disgusting. Reupholstered they’d be totally cute Hollywood glam, but who let their cat EAT these things? I mean, just imagining what happened to them is giving me nightmares. $300/pair.

We found these fun French jugs. They’re big, and weren’t cheap. Sometimes you gotta pay the price. $160/set 3.

All in all, it was the most fulfilling day of our lives. Once the sun came up, the freezing weather subsided and was replaced by warmth, fun, and about five million people eating hot dogs right in front of my face. Afterward, Emily, Corbett and I went to Secret Lunch (at a location SO secret, no one will ever find it) and talked about how we’d remember our day at the Rose Bowl forever, and would someday tell this legend to our grandchildren and their grandchildren. No we didn’t. We talked about boys can clothes and the mall. We’re only human.

Love,
Orlando

7 Comments

Filed under Emily, Flea Market Finds, Fleamarkettimez, Fun Finds

by Orblogdo | 10 January 2012 · 7:10 am

I Am A Teenage Girl From Japan Who Likes Weird Things

Dear Diary,

Like many teenage girls in Japan, I love all things graphic, bright, and cartoony. Yesterday, I went on a crazy shopping spree at Target and was reminded how much I like cartoon-inspired objects. In particular, I was struck by a mug in the shape of a whale (which happened to be in my favorite color aqua). It titillated me because I find it both revolting and completely necessary. At first I thought it was too cheesy and disgusting to buy, but then I thought to myself that if I saw it at Cerealart, I’d totally want it. This mug cost me $3.99 and it was worth every penny. I liked it so much I bought one for myself and one for a new friend (who threw it in the garbage as soon as I left her apartment. Probably). Can you imagine not being filled with joy whilst drinking from this ridiculous mug?

Target has some other weird/cute stuff right now, including this cookie jar. That mama elephant looks like she’s about to eat her baby.

This candy jar terrifies me. Thus, I want it.

I’m a fan of Takashi Murakami and Yoshitomo Nara, which probably explains why I like these weird, subversive cartoony objects so much. In fact, I have both these Nara pieces in my apartment:

Cute Clock.

Cute puppy in a teacup.

If you aren’t familiar with Cerealart, you should check them out. They sell all sorts of glamourous artist editions and a ton of fun objects (including those below) made by artists whose actual work is too expensive for, like, anyone to afford.

I like this adorable brass tooth by David Shrigley.

Also, I need this sign by Maurizio Cattelan:

Keith Haring coasters. Gimme.

If I smoked I’d totally want this ashtray by Yoshitomo Nara.

I guess the moral of the story is that I love weird cartoony objects. And so should you.

Love,
Orlando

7 Comments

Filed under Collecting, Fun Finds, The Artz

by Orblogdo | 4 January 2012 · 5:50 am

Shopping With Emily: Get Your Hand Off My Brass!

Dear Emily,

Well it certainly was a fun and exciting holiday season this year. It was the best of times, it was the best of time, but thank goodness it’s over. I mean, REALLY. We have so much to do it’s not even funny. And by “so much to do” I mean so much to buy.

One of our clients is really into gold and brass. In fact, Emily and I spent three days in her house going crazy with gold accessories, gold spray paint, and gold leafing. I have a secret desire to paint every single thing in my apartment gold (down to my toothbrush). It’s an addiction. Spray painting something gold makes it automatically more exciting. Try it. If your husband is sitting next to you, paint him gold and watch how sexy he becomes (yum!). It’s just a scientific fact that gold things are way more attractive than non-gold things. I need to calm down. But I can’t.

Ok, so I found this cute little brass lamp at Wertz Brothers (one of our fave resources for vintage furniture). Nothing too special but a good deal at $49 because they’re usually around $250 if they’re good. And they look very handsome next to a reading chair. Just like me.

I can’t tell what I think of this one. I think it’s either disgusting or awesome, which probably means it’s cool beyond comprehension. It’s also $29. Whut-WHUT?

I liked this for one of our clients who needs a new filing cabinet. It’s totally functional even though it has so much age and character to it. Like your mom. $195.

Trunks are kind of like benches, you can never have too many of them because they fill awkward empty spaces so nicely and are a nice place to put thing (like tea kettles and copies of your various restraining orders). $199.

There were a few cute mid-century desks. I like this one but not as much as another one below.

I like these turned legs. I feel like this would be a cute desk for a lady if it were spray lacquered white. $499.

This was the desk I liked. The asymmetry really says something to me. It says, “Hey Orlando! I’m me, and even though I’m not symmetrical, I’m a delight! Come sit and write The Great American Novel!” $499.

I never knew I had a thing for drums, but apparently I do. This one is humongo. 3′ wide. Well I guess that doesn’t sound so humongous. But, it’s pretty big for a drum. I kind of want it was a coffee table or a large side table. $349.

Pretty classic chrome nesting tables. $199.

I feel like this disgusting sofa would be totallyhot reupholstered. And [GASP!] it has brass legs! $399.

This chaise is ugly and looks like a whale, but if we took off the skirt and made the cushion slightly less inflated, it would be good for our French country client. That plumpness of the cushion reminds me of how I felt after Christmas dinner and for most of my teens. Blub. $795.

This DISGUSTING find is from Goodwill. It was $99. But get this, it’s a sleeper! And guess who has been looking for a sleeper for, like, ever? ME! So I’m the proud new owner of a revolting sofa! I literally made barfing noises for three minutes when I saw it because it was so dirty and disgusting. But don’t worry, it’s at the upholsterer right now getting new foam, new down filling, a new mattress, and then being covered in uberglamorous peacock blue velvet. Purr!

This is from Ikea. $299 and not bad, right?

How cute is this wicker chair from Ikea? Emily is much more of a wicker hoarder than me, but even I think this is cool. And it’s new, ready made, and $119.

This is also from Ikea. Another sleeper. The secret about most sleepers is that they are totally ugly and gross, so when you find one that’s not bad it’s kind of exciting. We’ve been looking all over and they’re either 5 million dollars or they look like gargoyles inside of the Michelin Man inside of a hot air balloon. Uglez McGee. This one is $849.

This we found on Craigslist for a happy client. $500, super comfy.

I’m kind of obsessed with these chairs from CB2. I want them to go with my new sofabed. They’re kinda steep for CB2 ($399), but they’re way sturdier than most versions of this chair and the leather is a good color. Gimme.

I think this CB2 pendant is cute too. $249.

And I can’t tell if I love this one or if I just love that it’s brass. $179.

And finally, both of us liked this white sconce from West Elm. It’s cute and basic. Why not!?! And it’s $79. HOW?

So yeah, that’s what we’ve been shopping for. Pretty exciting, huh? Everybody calm down!

Love,
Orlando

15 Comments

Filed under Emily, Fun Finds, Interiors

by Orblogdo | 16 December 2011 · 8:54 am

Me And My Drum

Dear Cute Little Drum Emily and I Bought for a Client,

We bought you for Rachna (one of our most delightful clients) but I had to bring you inside to keep you warm until we deliver you because you are SO adorable. I’ll miss you, Drum, but I know Rachna will give you a good home. And if she doesn’t just call me, and I’ll come pick you up. I’ll always be there for you.