by Alexis L. on August 25, 2011
One of the most frustrating things about rental quality housing stock is the ugly overhead lighting. Yes, I’m talking about the nipple lights and in our current apartment we were given 5 of these $16.98 visual offences:

We’re slowly changing them out. After a farcical and failed attempted installation of a simple but poorly machined West Elm fixture, I took a step back. I realized that I was forsaking quality for immediate availability and cheapness. Rather than go for something off-the-mass-shelf, I decided to look more deliberately for vintage or handmade items, which are more in line with my consumption ethos and are more unique.
So after an abundance of eBay surveillance, this is what I found for the tiny hall between our kitchen, bathroom and office:


This cast aluminum exposed bulb fixture is hardly in vogue these days but if you love deco, how can you resist the carved waves, the dramatic silhouette? The finish needs a little bit of work to fit our space, the Porcelier sockets need some touching up, and I doubt I’ll keep chrome crowned bulbs in the fixture permanently, but even as is, this makes me smile. From excellent EBay seller JNAntiquelighting for about $110, shipped.
by Alexis L. on June 28, 2010
As promised, today I am beginning a series of giveaways here on The Studioist.
DwellStudio‘s Chinoiserie pattern is one of its most beloved and I am thrilled to offer one winner the choice of either (4) reversible linen/cotton placemats, retail value $96 or (1) 20″x20″ 100% linen throw pillow with down insert, retail value $110.
via DwellStudio
via DwellStudio
To enter do any or all of the following:
- Follow The Studioist on Twitter twitter.com/studioist
- If you blog, add The Studioist to your blogroll
- Reblog this or any Studioist post
- Post about The Studioist on Facebook, Digg, Stumbleupon or any social networking media or forum you frequent (you can use the ‘Share This’ button in red below)
Simply put: spread the word about The Studioist for more chances to win.
Each activity will count as one entry and multiple entries are welcomed and encouraged!
Then
Comment below, explaining how you have entered (with links) and which prize you want. Easy, right?
The winner will be selected via random number generator and will be contacted via e-mail. In order to claim your prize, you must respond within 48 hours of the announcement e-mail so please check your inbox or I will move down the list of entrants. Open to residents of all countries, except where prohibited. Shipment will be via USPS so if you are located outside of the US, please be patient in allowing for delivery time. You must be 18+ plus to claim the prize.
Contest ends Friday, July 9th at 11:59 PM EST.
Please note: This is a Studioist-sponsored contest. I am not receiving any compensation, including the prizes themselves, from DwellStudio or any DwellStudio retailer. I simply want to share great goods with great readers.
Tagged as:
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free decor,
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by Alexis L. on September 28, 2009
Well the end of September is nigh and for all of us who have been in denial about the passing of summer, Fall is now an undeniable and chilly fact. There are some benefits: the opportunity to whip up hot mulled cider, the advent of pumpkin picking season and the chance to snuggle up under warm, wonderful bedding. Here are a dozen options, from $20 to $150:
What’s keeping you warm these nights? Let me know in the comments.
Affordable Bedding (click to enlarge)
1. Classic Sateen Quilt from The Company Store. Clean crisp lines to appeal to any sensibility. Buy it for $84.
2. Sonoma Life + Style Seacliff Duvet from Kohls. Wonderful Indian-inspired ikat print. Buy it for $98.
3. Manor Quilt from Garnet Hill. Plush cotton velvet for the traditional bedroom or to soften the lines in a modern space. Buy it for $98.
4. Veranda Coverlet from Crate and Barrel. Buy it for $105.
5. City Scene Branches Mini Duvet Set from Kohls. Playful graphic in a wide variety of colors. Buy it for $78.
6. Jazz Duvet from Crate and Barrel. Menswear-inspired. Buy it for $60.
7. Poppy Duvet from Urban Outfitters. An artsy take on floral that appeals to both sexes. Buy it for $68.
8. Diamond Quilt from West Elm. Buy it for $60.
9. Signature Flannel Sheets and Duvet Cover from Garnet Hill. The ultimate in warmth and coziness. Buy it for $18-$120.
10. Dvala Duvet Cover and Pillowcases from Ikea. I own this set in white and the quality is about what you would expect–featherweight. Nonetheless, the bedding does hold up and the value is unbeatable. Buy it for $20.
11. Pebble Dot Quilt from West Elm. You can still dream of the beach. Buy it for $80.
12. Provence Quilt from Garnet Hill. Feminine french country. Buy it for $148.
13. Medallion Quilt from Brocade Home. Ready for any Hollywood Regency bedroom. Buy it for $50.
14. Ribbon Quilt from Brocade Home. Tons of texture in an unforgettable leaf green hue. Buy it for $80.
15. Medallion Print Duvet from Brocade Home. Sophisticated and restful Moroccan. Buy it for $49
Tagged as:
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i bought it,
under $200