The Cultivated Home

Knotty or Nice
Feb 16 2010

Knotty or Nice

Knotty or Nice—we are voting Nice!  We know it’s a little cold out there, and all we can think about is the beautiful summer full of warm weather and the beach.  In celebration of what’s to come, here are our favorites from Nautical Luxuries!

Three Piece Towel Set – $275 for the set

Nautical Rope Towel Bar – $198

Mackinaw Nautical Accent Pillows- $53-$59 for 16” square

Seafarer’s Rope Ottoman – $245 each

Fair Folks & a Goat
Feb 12 2010

Fair Folks & a Goat

We have fallen in love with a great, new concept shop tucked away amongst the brownstones near the Met and Guggenheim.  This unique modern furniture and vintage clothing store first perked our interest with their quirky name, but Fair Folks & a Goat won us over with their great concept and unique way of business.

Located in a studio apartment on East 88th Street that is owned and was once occupied by owner Anthony Mazzei, it has been transformed into a store that resembles a lived in apartment.  The main space is filled with a great selection of contemporary furniture but, unlike other furniture stores, they encourage their visitors to sit and enjoy the space and furniture.  Mazzei and his partner, Aurora Stokowki, have added a vintage clothing aspect to the store, which is supplied by Texas-based Archive Vintage.  Rather than being displayed on racks, all of the clothes are stored in the actual closets of this apartment, allowing you to almost feel like a child again searching through your mother’s amazing closet.

Access to Fair Folks & a Goat is though appointment only (thegoat@fairfolksandagoat.com), but that does not mean you are going to break the bank purchasing pieces there.  Furniture ranges from $120-$10,000, and clothing starts at as low as $30.

With plans to open a second location in a bed and breakfast in New Orleans, we have a feeling this intimate shopping experience will be a hit!  Check them out in this great Racked article, or e-mail them for your own appointment.  We know you will be as obsessed as we are!

Valentine's Day Inspiration
Feb 11 2010

Valentine’s Day Inspiration

Valentine’s Day is right around the corner, and this year your special someone isn’t the only one deserving some love—show your home some love too with great home accessories!  We have put together a few special V-Day inspirations from several of our favorite stores.

ABC Carpet & Home: You can find everything here: from furniture, to carpets, to home accessories, and there are some great ‘Valentine’ pieces to discover.  Check out the Cindy Lamp in Violet, Toss Pillow in White/Violet, Handle Stool in Red, Red Lacquer Boxes, and the Chunky Crochet Throw in Alpaca.

Cavern: This is one of our favorite places to snag some great wallpaper and, yet again, they did not disappoint.  We love Knit in Cashmere for some February 14th inspiration.

Urban Outfitters: Always a great place for accessories on a budget, some of our suggestions for inspiration include the Glass Parlor Box in Pink and the New Highland Vase in Red.

The Modern Pet
Feb 4 2010

The Modern Pet

When you think of pet furniture, what pops into your head?  Probably either an oversized dog bed or a 4-foot tall carpet-covered cat tree—not the most appealing pieces to add to a modern home.  Wait no longer, we have found some great modern solutions to pet furniture!

ZenHaus Designer Crate: This comfy critter cave adds extra surface space.  It’s a great place for your pet to escape, and they’ll look good doing it.

BowHaus Designer Crate: Is it a pet crate or a side table?  Well, we approve it for both!  This little baby looks like it could have come out of a West Elm catalog for pets.

WoWo Pod: Dress up this pod with a white faux fur shag-like pad, and send your pet back in time—in a good way.  They compare this to “an Eames chair for your best friend,” and we agree!

Ellipse Pet Bed: With a simple ellipse design containing many different finishes and two sizes to choose from, this is one of the most modern, elegant pet beds we have seen!

Couchette Modern Cat Sleeper: It’s eco-friendly, has a timeless design, and it’s super comfortable for your furry friend, what could be better?

RONDO Stand: The RONDO is pure modern design.  This pod-like perch comes in many different colors and finishes, 60 variations to be exact.  It might just make you want to redesign your home!

Tall Modern Cat Condo: Any cat would love to lay or play on this elegant, steel framed modern cat tree made with foam scratching pads.

Winter Antiques Show
Jan 21 2010

Winter Antiques Show

It is that time again—time for the 56th Annual Winter Antiques Show held at the Park Avenue Amory! The show runs from January 22nd to January 31st and is open daily from 12 to 8 p.m. with the exception of Sundays and Thursdays when the show is open from 12 to 6 p.m. Exhibitors from all over the world come to showcase their pieces and support the East Side House Settlement, which offers a variety of educational and social services to the South Bronx. The best part about the show is that general admission tickets are only $20, including the catalogue. So whether you love antiquing or just want to help out a good cause, come check out the Winter Antiques Show!

Also, be sure to check out the Young Collectors Night on Saturday, January 28th, 2010.