The new thing I'm drooling over

I'd written previously about how much I really wanted a Dyson magic fan. (not its actual name, but I think we all know what I'm talking about here). Well, between getting my mini fan and not actually having a place to put the magic fan, I'm going to have to cut it from my list of awesome things to get. Womp womp. Instead, I'm going to get one of these!

House Industries has made some pretty cool things, but in a collaboration with Herman Miller of Japan, they're producing a series of tables inspired by some of House's more iconic fonts. The downside? There's only going to be 80 of them. And they're all in Japan. And you thought the Missoni for Target lines were cutthroat. However, the wire-base tables appear on my local craigslist from time to time. If I was crafty, I could probably DIY something kind of like this. But I'd feel a little guilty about modifying a vintage table, especially if it turned out badly. Anyone else ever feel furniture modification guilt? Who's booking a plane ticket to Japan to pick up one of these?

The road ahead

At least this time, I have an excuse for not posting recently. This blogger is now in Minnesota for the summer, having driven 2000 miles in 48 hours to get here.
A couple of things to look forward to:
Laptop version 1.0 is on its way out. Once I get the new one, I'm uploading a backlog of photos. Cool stuff abounds.
In just over a month, this blog will be going international. I'm studying abroad for a semester. Where? It's a secret... I'll let y'all know when I get there.

Okay, let's get to some actual content.
I sometimes I look at houses for sale because like to pretend I actually have money. This leads to unpleasant surprises.

Now that is an imposing entrance. This house could work, I said, throwing my imaginary pile of hundred dollar bills in the air.

Ooh, it's well landscaped. Not strictly my style but it works well for the neighborhood.

The rest of the house is motivated seller beige, but hardwood floors throughout. I'm liking this more and more.



















I just choked on my imaginary beluga caviar.
What. The. Crap. Does the homeowner really like the renaissance fest?

I'm drowning in knockoff old world furniture. The last vanity had the ostentatious dial turned up to 11, this one might be a solid 6, but that still doesn't excuse touching the ostentatious dial. Only Gucci is allowed to touch that dial, and even they don't turn it up that far anymore.

I'm so glad I saved my imaginary 1.1 million.

Wood Paneling grows up

Wood paneling without the basement rec-room feel. My unrequited love for Apartment Therapy continues with this product from B&N Industries. As far as wood paneling goes, I think that this would make an excellent choice for an accent wall, or as a great way to add texture and interest to an entryway. Just be prepared to pay a grown-up price: $600 to $1000 for the standard panels, and $1000 to $1600
I think that someone with very good Dremel skills and plenty of free time could mimic the look, so this has the potential for a DIY inspiration.

Reconciling 'car people' with 'art people'

I'm one of those car guys. The major downside to that aspect of my personality is that it's hard to bring that into design. Most car posters are perfect for garages or the bedroom walls of teenage boys. As a former teenage boy, I admit it worked well for a while.
Now I'm trying to keep things classier. And nothing says class better than rather expensive rugs. (except for caviar, roses, well-pressed tuxedo shirts and Gary Cooper).
Behold, the Oto rug from the Nought Collective

Part of me wonders why a room would need most of a 1970's station wagon on the floor. Part of me thinks that the iconic meaning of that image transcends the seemingly random nature of the design choice. And the last part of me would buy it in a heartbeat, were it either cheaper or me wealthier.
In the meantime, I'll go about seeing if I can't get a super-sized print of this image made.



Image credits:
Apartment Therapy, whom I love and adore.
Flickr