(Don’t worry – more kitchen reno. updates coming soon!)
‘Tis the season to be inundated with fall catalogs. I’m going to be honest with you: I don’t usually read them. There are just too many, and if I want to browse, I browse online.
That said, every once in a while I pick up something that comes through the mail slot. Maybe the paper is late that day (yep: I still read The Washington Post on paper), or a colorful, shiny cover catches my eye.
The other day, I just happened to pick up the Ballard Designs catalog, and I found 5 things that were compelling enough to tell you about…in other words, things I would buy myself ;)
Simple, long, and super narrow, this Asian-y (oh, all right: Asian inspired) table has the potential to be VERY useful. It’s nearly impossible to find tables as shallow as 12″, and the Rustic Black finish is pretty versatile. The Ananda Serving Table could be terrific in a small dining room or behind a sofa. Thanksgiving is coming, Gentle Readers…for $349, that extra serving space could be nice.
CHANDELIER SHADES: LINEN WITH TRIM
If you have a chandelier, most of us could stand to freshen up the lampshades (especially if the fixture is vintage — new shades keep it looking fresh). These linen shades with colorful banding at the top and bottom are very sweet — not too formal (linen instead of silk), and the trim makes them look tailored and tidy. They’re $15 each, which is very, very reasonable.
This one, I love. I’ve had my eye on it for a while, actually. It’s cute, isn’t it? It’s only 9.25″H, but I could see it next to a low chair or a shallow tub. I love a stool by a tub; I used an Eames stool in this bathroom (scroll through to the blue tiled bath). It’s $55.
I like the Coral, naturally, but it also comes in black and white. A Chinese Chippendale chair is the ultimate stylish pull-up chair. (Recover the seat cushion in multi-colored fabric to make it really fun.) The footprint is tiny, so it’s great in tight spaces, such as the corner of a bedroom or as an extra chair in the living room. It’s $279, and I think it looks more expensive than it is.
And finally, PROVENCE DOVE ART
Let’s be honest: it’s a huge drawing of a pigeon. But hey, if Ballard wants to call it a dove, it’s a dove. I don’t know what my excuse is on this one, beyond, “most people need larger art.” I’ve never seen this in person, so if you get up close and you can see the pixels, I withdraw my endorsement. But based solely on the pictures in the catalog and online, I like it. It ain’t cheap, so if you can see this before committing, excellent.
So there you have it, Gentle Readers! I hope this saves you some shopping time.
A final note: sometimes I’m skeptical of Ballard. Is the quality decent and consistent? On my catalog, there was a little overlay that says: “Hello, D.C., Come Visit Us in Tysons Corner.” Did you know Ballard had stores? I didn’t. So you and I can check the quality in a purchase-free manner. Please report back ;)
Bossy color | Annie Elliott interiors is based in Washington, D.C. We create outrageously beautiful homes, starting with color.