A Decanter for the Dark Season

This black Italian crystal whiskey decanter by Vellum looks like it should hold a poisonous brew, but still feels so elegant. At $190, it's a little rich for my blood, but probably quite a good deal for the quality. Vellum also makes a Noir wine decanter. Both are available at Vivre.

Via Productdose

Storehouse Furniture Going Out of Business

No one seems sure why, but Storehouse Furniture is going out of business. If I had to guess at the cause, I would say high prices. All merchandise is currently 20-40% off.

Decorating for the Dark Season

I love the feel of Halloween. Maybe it's because October is the first cool month after the long Texas summer, but this has always been my favorite time of year. I would love to capture the dark but comforting feeling of Halloween all year long as a part of my decor. I've mulled this idea over for the last few years, tried various dark paints and accent pieces, but my rooms always fall short of my expectations. For the rest of the month, I am going to keep a sharp eye out for decorating ideas with a sophisticated Halloween feel.

Every dark room needs a few candles and curiosities. Here are some I spotted at Z Gallerie .


Illusion candle holders. $19.95


Lacca pillar holders. $9.95 - $17.95


Buffalo horn on stand. $49.95


The Bedside Book of Birds. $29.95

Listpic

I was just tipped off on a great new way to search Craig's List. If you've spent any time trying to search for anything on CL, you know that you have to search, then sort through text links, and then click a text link before you see a photo of the item.

Listpic cuts right to the photos, allowing you to search your local Craig's List items as a series of thumbnails organized by date with price and location info attached. Look for what you like and click through to see the item details.

Thanks to my brother, Dan, for the heads-up.

D Home Blog's Review of West Elm

The D Home blog has given the new West Elm a glowing review. I hope to check it out this weekend, but don't know that I have the patience to surf the crowd.

WEST ELM WOWED US

Hannah and I are awestruck from our jaunt to Mockingbird Station. The biggest West Elm opens tomorrow morning (see you at 10 a.m.), and, boy, is Dallas in for a treat. A few highlightsÂ… jump with us

Bamboo throw (less than $50), hip holiday ideas (animal ornaments--goldfish, owls, grasshoppers; mirrored tree garlands; sequin stockings; all in vivid colors), Enchanted Forest line (silver, white, black, and oh so glam), British Eccentric line (dark greens, blues, peacock motif), Wabi Sabi red Asian line (love it).

Be sure to grab a cart because you'll need it. Check out the chair wall with all their latest looks and colors. There's a 10,000-square-foot storage area, so bring the cash and carry out the look.

FYI - the West Elm site is also having a Fall sale on select items.

West Elm Finally Opens in Mockingbird Station

"Coming this Fall" is finally here! West Elm has opened their new store in Mockingbrid Station.

West Elm
5307 East Mockingbird Lane (at Central Expressway)
1-866-westelm or dial the store directly at 214-821-3999
Monday-Saturday from 10:00 a.m. – 9:00 p.m., Sunday from 11:00 a.m. - 6:00 p.m.

Neat Trick

This is our last weekend in Istanbul, but there is still a little time for gathering new ideas. We just saw an inexpensive lighting solution in a local bar. The owners had simply wrapped a round wire wreath frame with strings of white-corded Christmas lights. It's neat trick for a patio or party.

In the original version of this post I forgot to mention that they then hung the wreath frame from the ceiling with chain like a chandelier. A slightly important detail...

Cool Home Tour in D-Luxe

D-Luxe recently featured a color-saturated tour of the home of Anna Walker, founder of Anna Sova Luxury Organics. It's definitely worth a look if you are interested in adding an exotic note to your own decor.