The Domino Effect
September 27, 2008 by Haidee
Once a month, I open my mailbox with a squeal of delight to see my Domino magazine waiting for me. I typically save it for later that night when I can sit back with a glass of wine and devour the publication in one fell swoop. I swoon over just about every page of the magazine with its fresh designs, modern-yet-classic styles, and unique products. It is one of my little monthly indulgences that usually leaves me looking around my own home thinking of ways to integrate what I’ll call the Domino Effect.
My home is an amalgamation of parents’ hand-me-downs and post-college purchases. There are a few key pieces that my husband and I picked out together, like our antique Henkel Harris dining table and massive coffee table from The Artful Lodger. Many items in our home, however, aren’t exactly representative of my style.
It is no wonder I like Domino. I love bold patterns, bright colors, innovative designs, and clever combinations of old & new. The problem is, I’m uncertain of how to integrate this into my home. Beige and white are just so safe! But I’ve made the decision to lighten up and be adventurous. So I’ve scoured the web and gathered some ideas on how to infuse a little Domino into my home. I’d love to know what you think!
We congregate around the kitchen table, and I want one that beckons us to sit for hours over food and wine. I can’t stop thinking about this red criss-cross glass top table from CB2. It would definitely grace the pages of Domino, and add a little punch and color to our kitchen. At $399, it would just about use up the rest of our Crate & Barrel wedding gift cards!
Our kitchen boasts a little bill-paying nook, and I would love a cool desk chair. These navy-inspired chairs are all over the design mags. The source most frequently cited is Design Within Reach at $395 a pop. So you can imagine my delight when I found them for $112.50 at StackChairDepot.com!
If you are a home decor magaholic like me, then you’ve undoubtedly witnessed a rattan revolution. Rattan (and bamboo) not only frequent the pages of Domino, but they can be eco-friendly choices as well. Ballard Designs offers a very affordable version of a Chippendale style, similar to a $500 version seen in Domino (right).
A modern bed can also make a bold statement, if you so choose to be bold in the bedroom. I’ve seen numerous vignettes in Domino and other mags featuring this simple and affordable four poster bed from Ikea. I could go for the Domino Effect, paint it a bright red or glossy black. Here, Domino features it in a crisp white.
Another item I’ve noticed gracing many pages is seagrass rugs. I have already implemented this in my dining room, living room and entry way thanks to naturalarearugs.com (which even has custom orders and wall to wall). Another eco-friendly product, seagrass rugs seem to go with just about every style and are super durable. Definitely adds texture to the room, as seen here in Cottage Living.
Speaking of rugs, while no longer a shocker, the zebra rug will forever have its place in Domino and my heart. I just snagged a faux one for my bedroom at the Shades of Light outlet decorating center in Richmond.
Accessories, of course, are the easiest and often most affordable way to switch up or freshen up your style. While it may now be passe, I am loving my small menagerie of faux stag heads, which recently frequented my favorite mag. This white resin version greets guests in my entry way. While I purchased mine at the Design House in Lucketts, VA, Modern Dose has it available here.
I also love these lacquered boxes from Z Gallerie for only $49.95. Really anything lacquered would certainly execute the Domino Effect, which without fail includes something shiny in every room. Mirrored accessories can also accomplish the Effect, and I am loving how mirrors were used in the vignettes below (again, from Domino). Where else could I stick a sliver of mirror?
While I’ve mostly mentioned non-local sites, I would like to point out some local options when looking for modern, quirky, or unique home decor. The Artful Lodger should probably be a first stop, with Artifacts and Quince (carries Mitchell Gold + Bob Williams) to follow. I am also a bargain shopper and often hit up Circa for funky finds. Patina Antiques is another favorite. They carry Dash & Albert rugs and pillows which I find to not only be super cozy and colorful, but also an easy way to add a dash of Domino into my home.
Ultimately, I think the Domino Effect is about creativity. Finding beauty in the unexpected and being bold with design choices (but not over the top). What do you think about Domino magazine and the style it embodies? Are you modern style all-the-way, or like me, do you blend styles? How do you incorporate The Domino Effect into your home?
First, let me just say that I found this article to be so well-written! Haidee, you write in a way that really keeps me wanting for more.
Second, as a new home owner, articles like this are supremely helpful in my search to find my personal “home-style.” I tend to pick beige and unpainted wood furniture because, as you mentioned, they are “safe.” However, part of me is yearning to add more pizzazz and color to my home.
Thank you for your wonderful suggestions and information on where to find pieces that can really spice up my household.
As a lover of Domino, you’ll get a kick out of the fact that a little slice of C’ville was in it recently. Check this out:
http://artpark.typepad.com/artblog/2008/07/brian-mallman-in-domino-magazine.html
Brian Mallman is one of Migration’s cornerstone artists.
ooh, thanks for all the excellent tips on local decor sources! i, too, savor my new decorating mags and search out ways to apply the latest trends to my abode. i love modern flair, but the pieces that really get my attention are the ones that offer a modern take on a classic silhouette–like my tyler sofa from carter furniture, or the steel parsons-style bedframe my husband & i bought with our wedding $$. i also fell head over heels for this chandelier from Z Gallerie: http://www.zgallerie.com/pc-1467-38-calais-chandelier-black.aspx
but be warned–it takes about 6 hands to hang it!!!
i guess i’d call our style something like “modern vintage,” which is to say that we serve our martinis up, in the classic style, but we sip them while sitting on our brand new stain-proofed upholstery…
anyhow, allow me to return the favor and suggest some additional outlets for the decorating-obsessed among us:
the british magazine ideal home (http://www.idealhomemagazine.co.uk/) is always a few months ahead of domino–must be that 5-hour time difference–on the latest looks, and they have TERRIFIC organization tips, too. (it can be had from b&n at barracks.)
for slightly less expensive versions of some of the furnishing trends, try http://www.homedecorators.com/ , which has just about one of everything from file cabinets to fork rests.
etsy.com, of course, has terrific pillows and decorative objects by the DIY crowd; and at http://www.artthatfits.com you can browse all manner of original hanging artwork that can be customized to fit your space.
happy hunting….
Wonderful resources, CWB! Thanks for the additional links! I can’t wait to find the perfect wall art for above our upholstered headboard.
So I gotta throw these out as well if we’re talking about Domino-esque ideas:
http://www.apartmenttherapy.com (I don’t live in an apartment, but that doesn’t make it any less relevant!)
http://casasugar.com/
http://dannyseo.typepad.com/
http://www.style-files.com/
“I can’t wait to find the perfect wall art for above our upholstered headboard.”
Hopefully this isn’t too obvious, Haidee…. Have you been to Migration yet for your original art fix? Stop by and introduce yourself. I’m certain we can set you up.
http://www.MigrationGallery.com
Although for years I’ve been a fan of IKEA, there’s always the one piece of furniture that appeals to you and just works… but is so out of your price range. In this case, it’s the bed pictured above. There’s one in black I saw (can’t remember where) but this post raced that memory back and I now want it again.
Nice post Haidee.
Zikki,
When you get that bed you want, you know where you HAVE to come for bedding! Yep, Pillow Mint!!
I just got in some amazing sheet sets from Bliss Living. Come check them out!
Best,
Anita
http://www.pillowmint.net
Haidee,
I love your choices and pics above — there’s something so inspiring when you see a room that really comes together. And mine always feels disjointed, making me want a “re-do.” I think you said it perfectly — bold and unexpected, yet not over the top. I’d also add patience — to add classic, quality pieces over time so you’re never “stuck” with one trend.
I found the stag at “show” for a little less (also a source for other cool decorating items):
http://www.showlifestyle.com/index.php?main_page=product_info&cPath=7&products_id=98
and just got an email from CB2 on some neat desk chairs similar to the one you showed above; some very cool options.
My latest inspirational addition was this silver wing from Zippergifts (link to buy is on the ’sensuous home’ page):
http://www.zippergifts.com/sensuous_home/s_sliverwing.jpg
I’ve been in love with this “Fantome Ghost clock” available at 2jane.com for awhile now…
http://www.2jane.com/innermost-fantome-ghost-clock-small.aspx
You can’t go wrong with the understated and timeless glass lamps from Simon Pearce:
http://www.simonpearce.com/prdSell.aspx?DeptName=DeptLighting2&SubDeptName=sub-glass-lighting&Name=sell-glass-table-lamp-hartland
Thanks for the contributions, SmartAlex. I love the items you linked to! Especially the Simon Pearce lamp. I’ve seen it before and always wondered…how the heck does it work? I see no cord, no wiring…
Anyhoo, I also love the wing art. Perfect for a bedroom.
SmartAlex: if you like show, you’ll love velocity art & design: http://www.velocityartanddesign.com/home.php
i just got some david weeks’ campfire votives from them to use as halloween centerpieces!
CWB: you’re right, i DO love velocity — what a great site, i hadn’t heard of it before. thanks for passing it along, i’m going to add it to my “favorites” list.
domino has a book out!
http://www.amazon.com/Domino-Decorating-room-room-creating/dp/1416575464/ref=pd_bbs_sr_1?ie=UTF8&s=books&qid=1222973148&sr=8-1
how did i not know this?!?