In Canada, the term “Chesterfield” is just another word for “couch” or “sofa.” But Stateside–and across the pond in the UK–Chesterfield means something very specific. In 18th century England, the fourth Earl of Chesterfield, Phillip Stanhope, commissioned a piece of fine furniture in buttoned leather with arms and back at the same height. It was so elegant, the style became simply known as “the Chesterfield,” and became explosively popular throughout the country.
Curtains are one of those seemingly secondary decor choices that can really make or break a room. It’s all too easy just to say “to heck with it, I’m getting sheers”–but why waste a design opportunity?
This holiday weekend, why not reinvent a classic childhood treat for your adult taste buds: the popsicle. Sure, you might not have had one since the sixth grade (and the memory might be tainted by the resulting super-sticky ring it left around your mouth), but believe us when we tell you this dessert doesn’t have to be for a PG-13 audience.
The Fourth of July is not only a celebration of American independence, it’s a celebration of our hard-won right to eat delicious food out of small containers, neatly wrapped in a basket, and enjoy it in the great outdoors.
We love finding opportunities to transform mundane household objects into stylish objets d’art, and what could be more mundane than an ordinary tissue box? But believe it or not, it’s really tough to find stylish tissue boxes–especially when you’re not into the frilly, folk-art type of thing that’s favored by grannies the world over and covered in flowers and bunnies. There are puh-lent-tee of those around.
Perhaps the easiest way to refresh a room is to switch out the throw pillows. If you currently have more “fall” colors on your couch–which are typically darker hues and heavier textures–consider swapping them for some lighter shades or linen fabrics. Better yet, try a graphic print to spruce up a solid colored couch or chair.
When you live in a small space, you’re constantly on the lookout for household objects that add both style and function. Likewise, when it comes to unavoidable apartment necessities, it’s important to make aesthetic choices, since you’re going to be looking at them all the time (e.g., you might as well like what your trash can looks like, right?)
People are often intimidated by making their own sangria, thinking it’s strictly the territory of restaurants and Tuscany residents, when in fact it’s pretty much the same as making an alcoholic smoothie that you don’t have to blend.
Nothing beats the smell of freshly baked bread wafting through the house, but if you’re not inclined to spend six hours of the day chained to the rising dough, a bread maker will be your new best friend.
Ah, gadgetry. We bet you didn’t realize how much you were over-exerting yourself reaching for that high paper towel holder over the sink, but guess what: you totally were.
