So, last week I went with my family to a furniture store that was having a sale. This wasn’t billed as just a season-changing sale, this was advertised in the paper as The Sale to End All Sales–We Will Pay YOU to Take Our Inventory.
Naturally, I thought this would be a great spot to score a dining room table. I was completely wrong. First of all, the items remaining followed this general theme:
Not to disparage this style of decorating, because I’m sure there a lot of people who pay out the nose for it. I will never be one of them.
Second, let’s address the “on sale” prices. I don’t know about you, but when I go to a sale, I expect somewhat affordable options. Here? You could get a Turkish silk rug (albeit a GORGEOUS Turkish silk rug) on sale for $12,000. The full price? A mere $57,000. I could buy a lot of dining room tables for $57,000.
I’m currently going through the entire West Elm site systematically and putting stuff I want in my shopping bag. Yes, it’s that kind of day, y’all. (I’m entirely charmed when my Southern friends say “y’all” but I understand if it doesn’t have the same effect on you. Although it should, because I’m an honorary Cajun, y’all.)
Some of the things in my theoretical shopping bag:
[[parsons desk with drawers, $299, west elm]]
[[parsons low bookshelf, $299, west elm]]
[[taksim tile rug, $199 for 5x8, west elm]]
A few trends things I’ve noticed: I have a thing for Parson-style furniture; I have a non-thing for animal prints; West Elm needs more color and pattern; I am ridiculous for wasting 45 minutes of my life on this.
Lo and behold: Even MORE time has passed since I last posted. Quick little update about something I’m researching today: suzanis. These gorgeous textiles are made in Uzbekistan, traditionally by mothers. When they have a daughter, they start hand-embroidering the suzani, hopefully finishing it by the time the daughter marries (Mom–do I get one??). You can buy some on eBay (but a quick Google search also revealed a few more contemporary versions). I love the idea of throwing it over a table or using it as a coverlet (it’s original use). Look for these ethnic patterns and bold colors to be repeated on a lot of design motifs this year.
Like this? It’s available on eBay, current bid: $47.
