Cool Breeze's Profile

Wow, the Riga desk looks really ugly to me. I assumed it was one of the cheap ones. I've always loved the Albini desk. And the Offi Wave Desk is surprisingly attractive for only $900 (though, it has the same problem as many modern desks: very little storage space). I guess this is a semi-good sign: I usually gravitate toward the most expensive. Like that Ralph Lauren in one of the earlier comments. There I go again. :-P

I have had the Crate and Barrel leaning desk now for about 2.5 years, and I can't recommend it. Each joining area uses only one bolt, which ends up feeling very flimsy. Also, the finish has not worn well. Once I move again I plan on replacing it with a more substantial desk.

Daniel P: I agree, as hipster flourish, overdose.

But for slightly classier holiday decor, I think they are cute. Other than the bone candle holders, which are tacky beyond belief. :-)

Of the items posted, I think the black candelabra is really the only piece that could be year-round, unless you really have a theme going.

Confession: I am a post-goth...

I have the coffee table. I use it without wheels. It is very sturdy; recommended. I am thinking about replacing it at some point though because it is a bit too low for my sofa.

I just have to re-post part of somedudeinvicenza's comment because it is so awesome:

'Finally, I love all the "how bourgeois!" comments. Uh...this is a design blog. Who are you calling bourgeois?'

I think this is a clever and interesting way to wrap gifts. I don't see why it is tacky at all. I would totally do it.

I also love the huge forest canvas. The tree pictures seem to be a theme. My favorite element is the contrast of the baroque frames with the industrial brick walls.

I vote for cream, or a pastel.

Concur with veto on bright orange and chocolate. Anything too saturated will jump forward way too much against the other colors there, I think.

You could go creative with a number of different subtle pastel shades, if you don't want a neutral like cream.

Think about warm/cool. Which do you want to be dominant? Right now, the wood floor is a pretty heavy warm element, the counter is a moderate cool tone, and the white cabinets are neutral. Not saying you need to match one or the other, just think about how the various elements play off each other.

Modfan: thanks. I found bauhaus2yourhouse also and was likewise slightly put off by the knock-offs, but they claim their Thonets are made in some of the original factories and are licensed. Have you used their Thonets in person?

Wow, I know I can bring the snark sometimes here, but prettybirdblog takes the cake. Burn it?! Please. Critical is acceptable as long as it is constructive.

Anyways, I'm surprised that no one mantioned breaking up the set, rather than DIY refinishing. What makes this look dated and suburban to me is that all the pieces match. I would try not using more than once of these pieces per room. Contrast with other furniture and maybe add some edgy decorations, if you are into that sort of thing. Definitely something metal. To me, the dressers look neutral enough that they might be able to fit into a number of spaces, though the bed will be a bit harder, due to the more traditional architectural detailing.

There is a case to be made that precious archaeological objects require careful preservation. But this article is not talking about precious archaeological objects being "looted"--it is talking about traditional objects being manufactured for trade.

So by this logic, I guess the little black dress would be masculine?

I don't think this is a useful paradigm for balancing a design. Instead, why not focus on real qualities (many of which are not dichotomic)? For example: scale, color, texture, complexity.

There are also many other intangibles that can play off each other, like cultural references.