Going Crazy Furnishing
I haven’t blogged much this past week because I’m stressed out over my condo. Yes, I’ve been living here only a few months shy of a year but I’ve been living in a state of disarray that I’m finally trying to wrangle so I can actually enjoy the place. Unfortunately this is an agonizing process of color matching, material co-ordinating, painting, carpentry, etc.
For instance, I thought I found the perfect media console/credenza today. I got it home (it weighs a ton), unpackaged most of it, but am now worried that its walnut doors conflict too much with the floors and cabinets in my place. Am I being too high maintenance? Probably.
If you too want to slit your wrists as a result of furniture over load I recommend the following:
In Seattle:
Area 51: They have a big show room on Capitol Hill with new and used pieces. Their used pieces are usually pretty pricey. I’d go with Great Stuff first for used. Most of their new stuff is in stock in at least one color. I hate waiting 6-16+ weeks so this place is good for no waits.
City Home Store: They have some good stuff and some bad stuff here. I got a shag rug on sale; wasn’t the size I wanted but the price could not be beat.
Design Within Reach: Yes, yes, DWR is within no one’s reach and should probably be on the list of places I can’t afford but I have received a few DWR pieces as gifts.
Great Stuff: The X21 of Seattle.
Ikea: The resourceful can always find a good piece or two that doesn’t scream Ikea. On the other hand, I’ve bought a lot of Ikea stuff that I ended up returning.
Kasala: Some good and some bad stuff here. I bought a lot of furniture for my old apartment here because, like Area 51, they have a lot in stock. For my current place I got a pair of Sapien bookshelves for cheaper than DWR. I also fell in love with a rug but balked at the $7200 price tag and 16 week wait.
Recycled Home Company: I have tried a few times to get here, it is right downtown after all, but its never open. Looks promising though!
Restore: For when you need a used claw foot bathtub. I found an old spotlight that will likely burn my condo down.
Retrofit Home: See Kartell and Bludot pieces in person. I bought a Bludot coffee table here and carried it home.
Space Oddity: A small space crammed full of old vintage pieces in Ballard. My kitchen table is from here and I’m hoping to pick up a desk and bench tomorrow.
In Seattle but out of my price range:
Bo Concept: They’re opening a store on Western.
Ligne Roset: If I had a proper loft I’d get a Togo sectional in something crazy like orange.
Online:
CB2: The more modern Crate and Barrel. Inexpensive. Step above Ikea but not too much.
High Brow Furniture: Unlike DWR, they have stuff in stock for quick shipment.
Room and Board: They stock the usual modern classics from Eames, etc. But also have a large array of everything else. I bought a sectional sofa here.
West Elm. Dare I say a cross between CB2 and Pottery Barn. I bought a stainless steel bed frame here. Overall pretty good but don’t look to close at the joints where the pieces don’t fit as well as they should.
Alrighty, back to my disaster. If I’m missing any of your faves let me know in the comments, though the last thing I need is yet another store to waste money at.
Bonus link: NY Times, Mystery on Fifth Avenue. Maybe I should live in a puzzle instead!
