Top eBay Picks: Vintage Clocks!

This Retro Hallicrafters Clock Radio would add a little punch to your bedside table for $79.99

Rare Howard Miller clock, $850. Insanely priced, but I love the shape.

Bring some whimsy to your kitchen with this
Vintage Mastercrafters Starburst clock, $9.99

An oldie but a goodie:
1950's Westclox Big Ben Alarm Clock, $9.99

Island Style

Having just returned from the Caribbean, I thought I would share some outdoor style highlights and inspiration from my trip. Even though our Bay Area weather doesn’t quite compare, we can still make our patios, backyards, and decks as comfortable and enjoyable for those perfect San Francisco afternoons.

The above was taken at Nikki Beach on Turks and Caicos. White drapery panels create a very cool effect in the evening breeze. This would be easy to adapt to your own patio, all you need are some white cotton rod pocket curtains and simple tie backs.


Is it a bed, a sofa, or both? While you may be hard pressed to find something with such generous proportions in a retail store, it still provides inspiration for creating a relaxing outdoor space. Add lots of pillows in the same tone to your outdoor furniture to create a similar, loungy feel.


Blue mosaic tiles, white barstools and natural materials form a nicely contrasted composition.

Top eBay Picks: Light Fixtures!

I've found a number of fantastic and unique lamps and chandeliers for clients on eBay. Unlike larger furniture items, lamps don't usually cost much to ship. Check out my current eBay favorites...

Lucite chandelier, Buy it now for $149. It's not the hottest deal around, but it would spice up a boring entryway or small kitchen.

1930's Industrial work lamp, currently at $32. This would make any work area shine.

I'm a sucker for these Art Deco headboard lamps. This one is in good condition and would be a unique substitute for a table lamp. The current bid is $10.

Vintage arc lamp, starting bid $9.99! This is a classic. The shade rotates to direct light wherever you need it.

Happy bidding!

A Word on Window Treatments

It's about time I threw out some basic guidelines for window treatments. This one area seems to baffle a lot of people. Maybe because there are SO many options! Flat fold roman shade, classic roman shade, pinch pleat, Parisian pleats, grommets...the list is seemingly endless. I'll keep it simple with a few pointers:

1. Drapery panels should fall within an inch or two of the floor.
(Not 3 feet above it)

2. Window treatments should serve their function. If you need to block out light use a blackout shade. If you want light and privacy then use sheer drapes.

3. Mini-blinds are an eyesore. If you rent and can't trash them then pull them all the way to the top position (hidden) and buy drapery panels to soften the space.

4. Inside mount shades are best for generous windows and to show off nice moldings. Outside mount shades can create the illusion of larger windows and hide ugly or puny moldings.

5. Frilly tassels and drapey valances should stay in the last century.

Industrial Heaven!

Above: Pair of vintage industrial metal stools

Above: Milk glass wall lamp

While searching for the perfect desk lamp I stumbled upon GetBackInc.com, a showroom and online store specializing in American industrial furniture and lighting. Sweet Jesus this may be the interior design holy land! Today, for the first time, I wished I lived in Oakville, Connecticut.

Above: Get Back Showroom in Oakville, CT

Goodbye Pesticides, Hello Organic!

Organic bedding and accessories are making their way into the mainstream, with new lines at Pottery Barn and West Elm. Organic cotton and linen fibers are grown without the use of pesticides or synthetic fertilizers, therefore eliminating tons of harmful pollutants that end up in our soil and water systems. The above organic hemp linen Birch pillow from Loop Organic would make a great accent for your bed or armchair.

I can personally endorse West Elm's organic cotton blanket, which I received as a Christmas gift and have been loving ever since.

Pottery Barn's Organic Flannel Duvet and sham are soothing and sophisticated. Bonus: They are currently on sale!

For more info: Niche Interiors, Green Interior Designer San Francisco

Modern Pillows!

It's Spring! Mix up your style and infuse your sofa with some new throw pillows. The Thomas Paul pillows above can be found here.
For a bold punch of embroidered color, try Jonathan Adler's Bargello Waves pillow. Available here for $125.

The above "Desi" pillow is a steal at Chiasso, on sale for $28!

West Elm's Taksim pillows will add pattern and a smooth silky texture to your favorite armchair.