The ' Laurel & Hardy ' Trunk

Speaking of 'ice breakers', and instant conversation makers.....
imagine you had this trunk behind a love seat or sofa , or you could use it for your media in some capacity. Whatever.

This is a trunk from the collection of ' Laurel & Hardy '.

I would be extremely psyched to use something like this in my family room.
And it is an important piece of nostalgia .
And In regards to design, it does not get better than that !

Renee Finberg 'TELLS ALL' in her blog of her Adventures in Design

A Mirror Framed In Oysters

( click to enlarge for details )

I know it sounds disgusting to frame a mirror in oyster shells,

but in the right application it would look really great.

And what I love most is that it would not be expected, and it would bring an element of curiosity out of your guest, which is always good.

One of my design trademarks is to accessorize with items that almost always stir a question out of a house-guest.

Like: What is that ? Where did you ever find it ? How did you ever think of using it for that purpose ?

Built-in ice breakers are priceless. And you won't appreciate it until you need one.

Over a powder room sink would be perfect.

Buy it here: www.wisteria.com

Renee Finberg 'TELLS ALL' in her blog of her Adventures in Design

An Ice Box Made of French Oak - Versus A Refrigerator

The La Glaceier Antique(ish) Refrigerator.

This arts and crafts look alike is really the best that I have seen.

The interior is as much a work of art as the exterior, providing state of the art refrigeration that is also state of the art luxury with its interior satin finish stainless steel shelves, a brass light, stainless steel meat hooks and separate temperature controls for food conservation compartments and the wine areas. Depending on the model selected, one can store as many as 68 wine bottles, and the doors may be glazed or solid wood.

There are only 2000 units year made.

This is supposed to look like an ICE BOX. ( google it,... if you are too young to remember one )

And it really does.

Not that I have ever seen a real ice box......but my grandmother called a Refrigerator an Ice Box when I was a small child.

You can customize these babies.

This Ice Box/ Refrigerator is exquisitely crafted, fully pegged, solid French Oak casing with an antique finish. They then go on to adorn it with solid brass fittings and finish it up with your name on a solid brass plate! Cha Cha Cha !!!

Go here to find out more: http://cft411.com/2008/10/31/refrigerator/

If I were to 'spec' this for a client, this would be an easy sell to the husband.

It's such a manly Fridge-

I always like to give the husband a goodie or two. It makes the total cost a little easier for him to swallow.

We must keep him happy as well. No ?

Renee Finberg 'TELLS ALL' in her blog of her Adventures in Design

Peacock Walls and some good, bad, & ooogly

This paper is the entire reason for this post.

This is wall-covering from Schumacher.

Can you imagine what impact you can make with this gorgeous paper.

The only bummer is that they are real feathers.

(Hit pic and enlarge , the info is on the bottom)

This is sea glass for your garden.

The fabric from this site is sooooooooooooo inexpensive.

Alexander Henry Home Fabrics.

This is one of the latest trends for 2009,

Using semi precious gemstones for the coming year on furniture and on accessories, there will be rhinestones glued on furniture doors and drawers. Jeweled drawer pulls, etc, etc.

You should see the throw pillows, with jewels and metallic fabrics.

YUCK.

Candles anyone ?

If you are doing a kids room , whatever, this is happy fabric . It is from the same place that has great prices.

And if you do have kids.......perhaps a rubber vase ?

These are for the babies. They call them 'Fuzzy Bunz', they are a riot and come in many colors.

And lastly, who wouldn't want to come home to this little face ?

Click on any pic to enlarge for info at the bottom

Renee Finberg 'TELLS ALL' in her blog of her Adventures in Design