Produced, written, directed and styled by Brian Patrick Flynn with photography by Sarah Dorio

Someday I’d love to walk into a big ass fancy mansion and empty a paintball gun laden with hot pink latex ammunition. While ultra formal, luxurious spaces are often jaw-dropping, they sometimes make me want to clock ultra-privileged, silver-spoon-fed owners over the head with their pompous $15,000 flatware. Glamour is so much more interesting when juxtaposed with something raw. ENTER Lisa Pearl.

Lisa photographs beautifully mysterious subjects, then prints their images as bold textiles with glamorous finishes. Months after our first East Coast encounter, Ms. Pearl relocated to Los Angeles to stock hotspots Fred Segal [Melrose] and Barney’s [Beverly Hills] with her latest line, Hot & Cold. Current subject? Mannequins bedecked with dramatic makeup and jewelry fit for Hollywood royalty. Lisa’s style isn’t necessarily for the faint of heart, but this girl is the driving force behind a gorgeously daring new style and I plan on joining her for the ride.

Lady in red

Dramatic pops of red pack punch into a variety of styles from the Hot & Cold collection. Each dollface delivers a dose of androgynous graphic impact sure to spark conversation between guests.

1. Angelica Quad Face on Color is pictured perched on a black and white loveseat 2. Double vision of Blondie: on the left donning a technicolor dreamcoat sits Blondie Full Face in Color on Silver while on the right Blondie Full Face Black and White on Silver poses patiently 3. Angelica shapeshifts into Angelica Full Face Lumbar in Color on White atop the black and white sofa 4. Blondie Quad Face in Color on Silver lays on the salt and pepper silk shag carpet 5. The fifth lady [resting in the right hand corner of the sofa] is Martine Full Face Lumbar in Color on White

[NOTE: silver versions of Lisa's lovely ladies are limited so it's smart to act fast if you wanna "bring her home to Momma".]

She’s gotcha covered

My photographer and I got a first-hand look at the Joan Jett-esque designer’s latest venture, Lisa Pearl furniture. A woman after my own heart, Pearl sticks with all things vintage or custom and [in Hot & Cold fashion] is a stickler for black and white. Although pillows are her main focus [for now], custom upholstered Lisa Pearl vintage furnishings are making their way into LA’s finest—and edgiest—homes. As a pseudo-stylist, do I wanna punch myself in the face for not placing the damn tulips front and center on the coffee table? Sure I do; however, the pink pretties would have blocked the focus of our story, pillows. But enough about pink, let’s keep this about Pearl.

Sit and spin

A Martine Quad Face in Color Plush Sueded Velvet pillow rests on a Pearl-infused vintage swivel armchair updated with Angelica Geometric Face on PVC-free Faux Leather [limited quantity]. Got your own furniture but crave Lisa’s upholstery? [a] we like your way of thinking [b] inquiring minds can set this up through the site’s custom page. Lisa’s team will also fabricate custom pieces from scratch.

Bust out the good silver

Sirens of the silver screen are good n’ plenty at Lisa Pearl. With these hotties in the house, there’s never an excuse NOT to use the good silver.

1. Martine Full Face on White Plush Sueded Velvet leans more on the black and white side; however, the fancy bling around-the-collar reads silver even to the color blind 2. Angelica Full Face Lumbar on Silver gives major attitude to any piece of furniture 3. On the floor lays Martine Quad on Silver next to 4. Blondie Geometric Face on Silver 5. Blondie Full Face on Silver 6. Blondie Quad on Silver [NOTE: before getting too excited about going platinum, keep in mind limited availability of Lisa Pearl pillows in silver]

All hung up

We intended to stay focused on Hot & Cold but couldn’t resist zooming in on Lisa’s work from other collections. The similarities between collections new and old are quite strong; however, Lisa’s printing material couldn’t be more different. Heavyweight satin won as the previous textile of choice for Lisa’s wall prints but was voted off the island for plush sueded velvet [on which every style of the Hot & Cold collection is available]. Sure, Lisa Pearl wall prints are so-last-season BUT can be requested as limited availability special orders. Our very last material girl [photo directly above] is Barbie Hearts Lisa Pearl [plastic/Mattel/dates Ken/sister to Skipper] which was commissioned for the plastic wonder’s 50th anniversary.

Pearl essence

As we asked the real Lisa Pearl to please stand up, we noticed that [a] she’s every bit as attractive as all the single ladies she designs and [b] she can also probably kick your ass.

Do you speak Facebook? We do. Come play with us.

Written by Brian Patrick Flynn with photography by Sarah Dorio

Ever have one of those grey-hair accelerating weeks for which you badly needed a clone? Well, now you can — kinda. FAO Schwarz created the Muppet Whatnot Workshop allowing people to create their very own Jim Henson-esque mini-me online. Last year I produced my own Muppet Christmas Special by simply clicking through an assortment of noggins, sniffers, peepers and ready-to-wear wardrobe pieces. My entire design process — including checkout — took less than ten minutes.

Regardless of the holiday — albeit birthday, Festivus or Valentine’s Day — unique gifts are the Steven Seagal of gift wrapped ass-kicking. Creativity always guarantees a big finale but in this scenario it comes with a price. Although Whatnots are at a higher price point of $129.99, just ONE thoughtful splurge split a few ways is much more practical than four dog calendars and eight collegiate beer koozies.

Whatnot to wear

To create your own Hensonized version of yourself or your loved one, start online by choosing key features. Monsters are definitely the most fun to create; however, finding out you look like a furry monster kinda kills the ego. FAO Schwarz sends you paper doll style cut-outs with your Whatnot should you want to see what a future addition to your own Muppet family may look like.

Attack of the clones

Whatnots come in clear vinyl drawstring bags upon arrival.  No need for wrapping or bows, just simply give up custody of the clone and let the separation anxiety set in.  NOTE : beware of freaked out pets during your home’s initial Whatnot welcoming.  [I speak from a teeth-baring Terrier experience]

Picture pages

Once you’ve played with your puppet friends and their paper doll counterparts, keep all Whatnot documents safe and organized in their own colorful graphic folder.

Toy story

My own mini-me strikes up a few key resemblances. First up is the ovular noggin — dead-on as well as the long face — but the green skin tone is a bit of a stretch; however, flesh toned Muppets would be a major snore. Wardrobe options allowed me to sport the TV news anchor look of a plaid jacket/white shirt/tie combo. When it came to accessories, it was great to find the option of retro looking eyeglasses — the key element to creating my own doppelganger.

Little red riding hoodie

In addition to being super fun to look at, Whatnots such as the blueberry-toned fella above, are fully functioning puppets. Facial expressions are created by inserting your arm up the center of the body.  Hands and arms are controlled by a thin black wand which hooks into the side of the hand.

Design your own Whatnot for any occasion at FAO Schwarz.

Written by Brian Patrick Flynn with photography by Sarah Dorio

America’s Most Wanted — a rubber giraffe named Sophie? Yep! From Savannah to Seattle, hipster moms and dads are shelling out as much as $25 for this 48-year-old, all-natural toy wonder. Similar to Tickle-Me-Elmo come Christmas, many stores sell out of Sophie on a year-round weekly basis. Is Sophie Giraffe high-tech? No. Does she come with an interactive online counterpart? Nah. Can she teach your baby Spanish? Nope! Then what the $@#* does Sophie Giraffe do? She squeaks.

For childless city folk like me, it seemed preposterous for something this basic to be so high in demand. Obsessed with the squeaking obsession, I took a country-wide poll on Sophie Giraffe to see what cool moms and dads truly thought. The unimpressed found a .99 squeaky dog cheeseburger to be a better choice. For those unfamiliar, instant google-fests ensued to get in-the-know. Most parents polled truly swear by their baby’s rubberized It Girl. An afternoon between my photographer and her friend Micah, a baby, proved that Sophie’s choice.

In good taste

Micah, like most babies, loves to sink his teeth into Sophie Giraffe — here’s why. First up is Sophie’s slight flavor, a result of details created with food paint. Next is her soft body made from 100% natural rubber — the softness of her horns and legs renders Sophie the perfect fit for a teething toy story. Make it a family affair by checking out Sophie’s mushroom-like cousin, Chan Pie Gnon, from parent company, Vulli.

Scent of a woman

Little ones can actually SMELL Sophie coming. Babies are drawn to the scent of her rubber, straight from the medicinal Hevea tree. Some parents believe the association of toy to smell aids in developing a sense of identification. What the @$#% is a Hevea tree, I didn’t know about it either but it’s fun as hell to say.

Aged to perfection

For a 48-year-old piece of squeaking rubber, Sophie is HOT! While some parents love the idea of a tried-and-true classic, others find her more like yesterday’s news. The mid-century appeal of Sophie’s simple lines is a hit with mod moms and dads embracing all things retro. Hipster parents more interested in something more 2010 than 1962 will most likely dig the Speesees organic hop teething toy.

Eager to add Sophie Giraffe to your extended family? Adopt her with your credit card on amazon.com for $14.95.

Produced, written and styled by Brian Patrick Flynn with photography by Sarah Dorio

My grandmother said it best “I believe the children are our future. Teach them well and let them lead the way. Show them all the…” wait, that was Whitney Houston. Nevermind. Flash forward 23 years to children of the 1980′s now raising kids themselves. Have we taught them well? Are they leading the way? What are they into? Perhaps the contents of a modern day kid’s room would reveal the answer.

To get to the bottom of this, we spent an afternoon with seven-year-old Nikhel. The whiz kid’s colorful pad is a testament to eco-responsibility. From organic and/or hand-made toys to hand-me-down modern furniture, Nikhel’s room is proof that sustainable style need not be sacrificed for substance. Future-focused? Check. From the looks of it, Ms. Houston’s lyrically mentioned beliefs are becoming modern day reality. Our small wonder led the way through all of his prized possessions. Then he had to finish his homework and get ready for bed.

Do your homework

Nikhel’s desk, an Indian rosewood antique from the 1950′s, was handed down courtesy of Grandma’s BFF. This same piece he scribbles on was used by his mom back in the 1980′s. Mom paired the mid-century relic with a brand-spanking-new Philippe Starck Le Marie chair from Kartell.

Boys club

Walls in “Sea Isle” create a great backdrop for a custom bed painted “Fruity Cocktail” [both Benjamin Moore].

Bedside manner

A 100% cotton monkey keeps watch over Nikhel in the wee small hours of the morning. Vessel Candeloo LED Rechargeable Night Light Lamps glow from atop a black Kartell Componibili storage unit.

Artificial intelligence

A young modernist’s space wouldn’t be complete without robots. Blik, a vinyl wall graphics company, was the source for the Giant Robot – Re-Stik. The graphic art arrives on transfer sheets; rub it off onto the wall, then re-stick elsewhere should you change things up later on. Nestled inside Nikhel’s desk sits a plush robot from Jelly Cat, a space invader of the organic kind. Avaiilable in turquoise and red, these are 100% knit cotton and retail at $25.

Natural expression

A collection of interactive neutral-toned items keeps playtime both creative and eco-minded. An organic wood bowling set was scored at Target from their summer toys collection. Nikhel received the beech and rosewood xylophone as a gift from a family friend. Pint-sized music makers are keepsakes from a trip to the MoMa store. Dates are well-managed with Enzo Mari’s Wooden Perpetual Calendar. In production since 1959, the classic gem is made from strips of walnut, ramin, beech and maple.

Outside in

Nikhel and Co. stay entertained for hours with the Balancing Cactus from Plan Toys. Friends are challenged with building an entire cactus [made with recycled rubberwood and water-based dye] without it toppling over. A hand-carved rosewood tree puzzle came from India while the hand-made onyx dinosaur was a memento from a trip to the Mammoth Caves of Kentucky.

Graphic nature

From original artwork to playing cards to typefont, Nikhel’s room is loaded with graphic detail. The Bauhaus Pack engages youth with a memory card game focused on classic modern iconography. Leonardo the Terrible Monster has giant-sized typefonts and larger-than-life illustrations. Mid-century inspired monster art is the work of Matte Stephens.

Everything in its place

This cotton tote bag comes with major heart. It was created by a handicapped Indian girl who could only carry things with her shoulders. A discontinued coat hook from IKEA gives it a permanent space on the wall.

Modern classic

As we said goodbye to our grade school tour guide, we learned about the biggest staple of any mod kid’s room, Ugly Doll. Each gender-neutral character [such as Jeero pictured above] comes with a hysterical backstory. Jeero’s family and friends all live together on the Ugly Dolls website.

]]> http://www.decordemon.com/2010/02/09/toy-stories/feed/ 4 http://www.decordemon.com/2010/02/08/lawn-ornament/ http://www.decordemon.com/2010/02/08/lawn-ornament/#comments Mon, 08 Feb 2010 15:26:41 +0000 decordemon http://www.decordemon.com/?p=1054 Meet PETaPOTTY: best friend to man’s best friend

Produced, written and directed by Brian Patrick Flynn with photography by Sarah Dorio

Does your four-footed muse refuse to pee in the rain? Mine too. Often I have pondered solutions: shiver through umbrella-covered strolls with my quirky white Terrier or drop some serious cash on a covered pet run? Thanks to PETaPOTTY, your umbrellas and home improvement funds can remain untouched.

PETaPOTTY stylishly brings the outdoors in for stubborn pets with weak bladders. Each boxy modern unit [made of easy-to-clean, non-absorbent polyvinyl material] contains a simple strip of grass enticing scratch-n-sniffers to take care of business and blame it on the rain. A hidden removable trap pan sits beneath the patch of grass. The units are great for covered patios, garages or right inside your back door. From Chihuahua to Great Dane, there’s a size [and price point] for everyone. We enlisted Kuba, a debonaire Boston Terrier, to test it. The result?  A sophisticated one-leg-up response.

Sod story

For dogs in need of the real thing, PETaPOTTY offers Soiless Sod cut to fit your specific size. The strip arrives rolled up in protective plastic. Simply let it unfurl, then place inside inside the tray.

Faking it

PETaPOTTY also carries Synthetic Grass which is weaved onto a perforated plastic matting to drain water [both yellow AND the clear kind used to rinse it]. The company suggests starting your pet with Soiless Sod, then switching over to its faux doppelganger.

Hidden agenda

The front panel [marked PETaPOTTY] simply slides up to reveal a hidden trap pan. Take the trap pan outside, rinse it off with a hose and you’re good to go.

Playing with fire [hydrants]

Every yard needs some accessorizing — even if its only four square feet of turf. PETaPOTTY carries a colorful assortment of fire hydrants molded from a nonporous urethane. WTF does that mean? Basically, it will never absorb any waste. Training your dog has never been so fun.

Outfit your own porch or patio with a mini-me grassy knoll by strolling the PETaPOTTY site.

Produced, written and styled by Brian Patrick Flynn with photography by Sarah Dorio

Jack and Jill went up the hill to (A) steal expensive sports cars, then sell them on the black market (B) fetch a pail of water (C) enjoy an organic picnic lunch beneath the old apple tree. Those who chose A are modern-minded but too pessimistic. Folks in favor of B [as in BORING] shouldn’t choose such a safe, unimaginative answer. If you opted for C, then Spunge is right up your alley.

Graphic designer slash design school instructor Preeti Ayyangar made the leap from logos, emblems and typefont to textiles by way of her new project, Spunge. With an overall mission encouraging mini-me’s to make eco-responsible choices, Spunge offers graphically embroidered blankets designed with certified organic cotton and earth-friendly dyes. Colorful appliques in shapes of trees, clouds and flowers keep little ones interactively engaged and snuggled up with imagery of nature. SNUGGLED UP + NAP TIME = HAPPY PARENTS. From Preeti’s original designs to her seven-year-old son’s product testing, Spungeworthy buyers will be happy to know that Spunge products are kid-tested and mother approved.

Preeti Woman

We spent an afternoon with the modern mom to get the scoop on her cozy creations. Preeti, born in India, does a balancing act between teaching graphic design at Portfolio Center and designing Spunge products from her home studio. The Ayyangar’s modern bungalow is a testament to Spunge’s own style: simple, mid-century and organically sweet.

Collective efforts

Between the boldly colored embroidery and the three-dimensional leaf flaps, each blanket aims to please both parents and kids alike. Boys and girls are kept happily engaged while mommies and daddies get some time to themselves.

Biggie smalls

Though only 18″ X 24″, Preeti’s stroller and lap blankets are big fun for babies and toddlers at a price point of only $27.

All in the family

Preeti’s smartypants son, Nikhel, gives her creations a trial run before they make their way out to vendors. Large size blankets such as the yellow flower and electric green tree above are 36″ X 40″ and run $80.

Afternoon showers

Spunge is becoming a colorful hit with the gift market for both boys and girls. Green, blue and yellow blankets are gender-neutral: girls are more of a fit for versions in salmon and magenta. Wish lists are proving Spunge to be a must-have for baby showers and first birthdays. For walkers and talkers, Spunge is an eco-conscious alternative to the humdrum security blanket.

Coming around again

Change up the look! On the flipside of every Spunge blanket is a bold solid color. Sticky fingers and messy little feet? No problem. Spunge products are machine washable and come clean after a simple run through the rinse cycle. Getting the blankets out of your little one’s hands? That’s a different story.

Become Spungeworthy online with a simple visit to Spunge Design. Atlantans can swaddle themselves with Spunge in person at Beehive Co-op.

Produced, written and art directed by Brian Patrick Flynn with photography by Sarah Dorio

Peter Cottontail was never truly “hopping down” a “bunny trail”. The fluffy stud was most likely bouncing around Club Risque loaded up on top-shelf tequila. Sounds harsh and disillusioning but have YOU tried being cute, puffy, bushy-tailed and stuck inside a children’s book every day of your life? Exactly! A schedule like that definitely calls for acts of alcohol-infused debauchery. Reasoning like this often goes through the mind of pop artist Rebecca Scott.

The four-foot-eleven cutie conjures up cuddly creatures in her colorful mind, then heads to the easel with art supplies and bad habits. Next, the diminutive, curly-haired ball of energy downloads ideas from her cranium to the canvas via colorful acrylics, spray paints and paint pens. Scott’s audience consists mostly of hipsters with blank walls begging to be dressed in edgy art; however, there are some nifty nicotine-free versions of her work well-suited for nurseries and kids’ rooms. We spent an afternoon with the poppy artist and her schnockered subjects at Design Within Reach Atlanta. Although my photographer and I drank nothing but bottled water under the table, we managed to have just as much fun as Rebecca and her imaginary 24 hour party people.

Great Scott

Our Atlanta-based subject sports a wardrobe just as vibrant as her bad bunnies, wasted robots and merry monsters. The aluminum Neutra house numbers and Primary Pouf trio are both outdoor products available through Design Within Reach.

Playboy bunny

Interested art buyers can have the real playboy bunny smokin’ in the boys room for only $60. “Bad Bunny” [sitting in a white Bertoia Diamond Chair] and all other Rebecca Scott pieces are available for purchase online through her website.

Dearly departed

Breathe life into the poppy purple “Zombies Need Love Too” for $60. This soul-lacking sweetheart is propped up against the Random Pendant in white.

Do the robot

Rebecca uses glow in the dark paint in some of her pieces creating a lasting impression that will stick with kids through the night. “Robots Glow in the Dark” is a safer alternative to Scott’s popular floppy-eared drunks and is priced at only $20. The Mr. Roboto doppleganger is kickin’ back on the Panton chair in orange.

Raising the handlebar

Mr. Moustache [$60] is a lounge-loving question-raising robot programmed with a touch of facial-hair denial.

R2D2 version H20

Some kids want to walk the plank like Jack Sparrow while others want out of this world with R2D2. Why not have both? “Pirate Party” combines the two sans Lucky Strikes or Captain Morgan making it a great fit for a child’s room. Fish this fiesta from Rebecca’s studio for $60. This piece as well as all of Rebecca’s art can be customized in any color or size [prices vary].

Love at first bite

“Monsters in Love” depicts a softer side of the beast and sells for $200. The Mint Table Globe may help your little monsters track their own origin.

Bitchin’

“Bitches” [$50] features a confident and confrontational robot with a Napolean complex. Rebecca is sitting in Arne Jacobsen’s Egg Chair upholstered in “Aqua” amidst a wall of Nelson Starburst, Sunflower and Spindle clocks.

Party of five

“Bunny Party” is a happy portrait of an addiction-free family which sells for $60. Below the bunnies sits the Bantam sofa which will leave relaxed human families with smiles just as toothy.

Caked-on

The pint-sized “Cupcake Love” is priced at only $15. When grouped in odd numbers of different color schemes, these baby cakes make a sweet statement.

Make a connection with more of Rebecca’s work right here by clicking on The Rebecca Scott.

Atlantan modernists looking for top-notch classic furnishings to complement their own art should head into Design Within Reach Atlanta at 2451 Peachtree Road in Buckhead.

With friends and neighbors being voted off corporate islands daily, splurging on art seems sinful. ENTER the divine intervention of Ugallery. Strictly online, it connects apt pupils, future Friedas and budget-conscious collectors by selling original masterpieces at economy-friendly price points. Ranging from acrylic to chalk to photography, the art is both raw AND refined.

Ugallery itself is a true work of art. The user-friendly website allows speedy searches by medium, genre, size, price, color and artist. Before any pieces enter the gallery, they must be approved by an expert panel of curators. They’ve also got a Picasso of a return policy. Try any artwork out for seven days and if your walls aren’t smitten, send it back with free return shipping. If this policy were around circa 1888, perhaps Van Gogh would have gotten that earlobe back from Gauguin.

Turning Japanese

Charcoal grey and red all over, “Japanese Cityscape #4″ by AK Daves is acrylic on canvas [20 w" x 20" x 1" d] and will only set a buyer back $375.

Forecast : AFFORDABLE

A second piece by AK Daves titled “Clouds, Sky, Water; Middle of the Ocean” is acrylic on canvas [12 w" x 16" h x .5" d] and will have you sailing away for $250.

Forever young

Jennifer Robeson caters to the scribbling tot in all of us with “Fancy Hands Ride 2″, acrylic on canvas [12" w x 12" x 1" d]. This happy wheeler runs $200.  [Robeson's "Fancy Hands New Ride" appears as the cover shot of this post -- 36" w x 24" h -- priced at $600]

Little bugger

“Thirsty Cars” by Jennifer Robeson juxtaposes a realistic Volkswagen Beetle with an eager-to-please stick figure. Hitch a happy ride for $450.  This acrylic on canvas piece is 30″ w x 15″ h x 1″ d.

Zip it up

This 14 x 11 black and white photograph on paper titled “Reveal” by James Casalena can be revealed to you for $70.

Shoe fetish

A second 14 x 11 black and white photograph on paper by James Casalena “Strings” can be unstrung for $70.

Oooooh…..SNAP!

Kaylie Abela’s “Snap” is acrylic on canvas [27" w x 38" h x 1" d] and runs $900.

What a drip

Kate Fauvell’s acrylic on mylar “All in Time” [30" w x 40" h] is a stunning edgy take on the human form. For $325 this beauty can be yours……all in a very short amount of time.

For their full inventory of emerging art, check out Ugallery.

Gossip website celebrity bashing is hurtful.  Save those comments — both scathing and sweet — for I Love It. I Hate It.  I Want It. Consider this your online couch to vent on something purposely hideous without the consequences of hurt feelings. Whether you want to set these beautiful disasters on fire or place them atop your fire-lit mantel, they’re up for grabs. Those not in favor may add comments of disdain. On the other hand, fans of these multi-interpretational messes may soon receive them in the mail. Want it? Just email a snapshot of where one of these elegant eyesores will soon take center stage to bpf@decordemon.com. Now on to our finds….

Whoville doesn’t only exist in the mind of Dr. Seuss — its thriving in the flea market community. In search of a Victorian chaise, I instead returned home with nothing but this trio of nocturnal nasties. First came an umbrella stand, practical and most likely from the 1960′s. Flea market number two was where I set my eyes on the demonic delight that is the yarn art owl. One part smitten and two parts scared, I knew it was meant for me — SOLD! Lastly was the white ceramic owl who had me at HELL-o. Satisfied yet confused with my purchases, I conclusively release custody to you.

All strung out

Velvet never looked so _________. This watcher-in-the-woods came straight out of the 1970′s. Tacky? Yes, but someone took the time to painstakingly stretch string across hundreds of pins to create this gorgeous mess. It easily could have gotten worse but somehow the well-done framing of [what appears to be] dark walnut with an inlaid band of brass kinda saves it from the depths of decorating hell. This perched Picasso would make for great comic relief hung above a serious sofa. On Facebook, I would give this looker a LIKE.

Black-eyed widow

Of the three owls, I find this snowy surprise to be the least offensive. Let’s refer to this design star as Snow White the Black Eyed Widow. Big Momma was most likely made — either in an artisan’s studio or Made in China — back in the 1960′s [per the sassy shopkeeper]. Her antique white body is as purdy as her painted finish; however, those damn black eyes give me the impression she’s scheming to devour my dog. Again…Facebook LIKE!

Save the best for last

He’s an imposter! I made a beeline for this umbrella-ready dreamboat only to find out he’s not actually made of wood. Deceptive, huh? Eighteen dollars later, this proved to be a happy accident since a 4 foot fall resulted in no chipping. This little guy makes rainy days happy. Imagine coming in from a miserable wet day only to find this little aviary Adonis waiting for you. Once you’re inside, Old Blue Eyes welcomes you with those glassy peepers. Unless, that is, those peepers are a Satanic surveillance system TO YOUR SOUL!

Not enamored with the avians?  Perhaps you’ll like the custom Chamberlain chair we’re giving away.

If Thomas Chippendale and Coco Chanel had a one night stand, the nine-months-later surprise would have been House of Habit. Founded by designer Wendy Blount and co-creative director Brooke Taylor, the company produces high-end furniture legs inspired by every girl’s best friend: designer heels.  But guys — you’re not left out of this — the brute strength of the “Groove” leg will definitely pique your interest.  House of Habit morphed from concept to execution in just nine months with a mission of bringing instant glamour to any chair, sofa or ottoman. Whether you’re in for leather, brass, crystal or glass, Wendy’s got great designer legs. Wax need not apply.

Crystal vision

Give ‘em the old razzle dazzle with the “Crystal” leg.  With hand-applied Swarovski crystals over a shiny painted platinum finish, this style is one part function and one part Tony Duquette.

In the garden of [Barbara] Eden

The “Genie” model gives Barbara Eden’s fancy lamp a run for its money.  Made of solid brass in a natural finish, this gem’s height also is customizable.

Take home the bronze

“Bronze Leather” scores a perfect ten for its sheen and texture.  This upholstered trophy of a leg is wrapped in polished bronze leather with a wood veneer bottom.

About facet

Strong and sophisticated pretty much sums up the “Facet” leg.  This customizable style is made of stainless steel, plated in nickel and then given a polished look — literally.  NOTE : all metal styles can be customized as large as a full scale chair leg!

I can see clearly now

See right through the bottom of your guests—their feet, that is—with the “Groove” leg.  This glass act boasts strength and style with a polished finish that features carved groove detail.  By the way, if you’re thinking glass legs equal potential disaster, think again.  Ms. Blount demonstrated the strength of these transparent pretties by chucking them onto a concrete floor.  Thrice.  The result?  Not even an iota of a scratch.

Color me happy

Add perk to your settee or sofa with the happy hues of the aluminum “Enamel” leg.  The nearly infinite color options are sandwiched between a top and bottom plated in polished nickel.

Grab that mouse and click your way over to House of Habit.