I Can Do That

Most of us don’t need a “Chef’s room” anywhere in our lives but this week’s design can easily translate into a dining room, although many Americans don’t need those anymore either. And while I am an open minded person, I am also an avid lover of the Arts and Crafts movement. Needless to say many of these designers need to go back to Period Design 101. And even though most of this design wouldn’t fit into my house (since I have mission furniture)- once again maybe some of you are interested in bringing it into yours.

So, to get the disappointment’s out of the way let’s start with the side board. People, I looked everywhere for that side board. And unless you are going to buy the one from the PDC, which you might have to fight Tom Colicchio for since that was the selling point in the room for him, you are going to have to settle. I found this modern wood one from Crate and Barrel and I think is pretty decent and as close as we are going to get without having to buy three butcher block cutting board, stain them and put ‘em on some legs.

The other “failed quest” was for those white chairs with the cut-out in the back. So I shot for cheap. These are from your favorite cheap place and mine, Ikea. But I think I more than make up for the missing part of this design with my choice of dining table.

Andrea’s table was a traditional tressel table in a lovely black/brown finish. I took some liberties, but when I found this one I just couldn’t resist choosing it. Available from Stacks and Stacks, this table has the rich tone that Andrea’s had but also the geometric quality that added the manly touch for our manly chef, Tom.

This rug is from Add a Rug and shares the rich jewel tone of the one that was in the room. Not much more to say about that.

I loved the lamps that were on the shelves in the room, but I’m sure that they are way out of any budget I might have. Through writing this piece every week I have discovered that Target Online has one of the most varying and vast stock of lighting fixtures. This one has an obvious different base but shares the “presence” the other had in the room. And besides it’s name is Zen Reclining Table Lamp...can’t we all use a little zen in our life?

I really love Andrea’s choice of using table runner’s down each side instead of place mats, which most the time reads very “outdoor deck” eating to me. This runner is also from Target and while it’s not as sophisticated as her pattern was, it has similar qualities...aka it’s black and white. The dishes are white, so I will leave it to you to find the shape and size that works in your home. Same for the stemware. and flat ware.

Finally, the vases that were scattered around the room. Believe it or not, these were also impossible to find, although I swear I’ve thrown out so many plain white vases that came with arrangements from florists. But anyway, these frosted ones are from Modern Vase and Gifts. And while these are...eh...the website is great. If you are looking for a basic vase for a party or even for your house this site has it and for a decent price. I would bookmark this one.

Oh, and before I end this I would just like to show everyone what I found on Eurway website. Looks oddly familiar, huh? And while I’m not a huge Carisa fan, I am a huge fan of sticking it to snooty judges who have evil eyes, overly animated smiles, and are fashion impaired.

Posted by Damselfly