Things I Like: House Stuff Edition

Plywood surfaces and curvy shapes

Our house is coming together slowly, just the pace I was hoping for as we collect items with intention, swapping old for new. Among the old is a $300 couch from Walmart that we bought when we lived in a tiny apartment in Flagstaff while Steve was in grad school. It’s big enough to fit three (two humans and a dog) and comfortable to sleep on, but I’m starting to despise it. It looks small and squished and weathered next to everything else in the living room. I cover the seat cushion with a blanket because it has started to pill. I’ve stopped fluffing the back cushions because it doesn’t really help its cause anyway. Its time has come and that time is today. Our new couch is scheduled to arrive this afternoon, a purchase that we contemplated for months. I studied reviews and ordered swatches to make sure we wouldn’t start despising it after only a few years. This morning, someone from Facebook Marketplace is (hopefully) coming to pick up the little couch. Out with the old, in with the new. Next on our list of big purchases is a living room rug, but here are a few other pieces I’m lusting after—two of which we already have in our home.

Unfnshed Table

I don’t know how I discovered this small brand. Probably Instagram. But I’m glad I did because the design of this side table is genius. The three flat plywood pieces easily snap together to create this funky little functional statue that now sits in our living room. I bought it for Christmas. I think I’ll eventually use it as a plant stand because it’s somewhat small, but for now, it’s the perfect statement piece (only $59). I also bought the wall shelves that now hang in our main bathroom.

Bertoia Side Chair

Harry Bertoia designed a collection of wire chairs in the 1950s based on ergonomics research he gathered in a Navy engineering lab. The collection of gridded shapes, including this side chair, was made to conform to the seated figure. “[The chairs] are mostly made of air….Space passes right through them,” he said. I can’t afford a real one but I scored a dupe on Facebook Marketplace for basically pennies. It sits in our kitchen at the head of the table…for now. Another statement piece.

Noguchi Lamp

One day I will own a Noguchi lamp. One day. A knockoff simply won’t do. I love the three-tiered bubble shape of the Akari 24N, but every single design is exquisite. Each lamp is made in Japan from handmade washi paper and bamboo ripping, based on Isamu Noguchi’s original 1951 paper lantern sculptures. Iconic.

Plywood Credenza

Sometime this year, I will build a plywood credenza to replace our cube shelves. You know the ones. Seen in dorms and college houses, but oh so convenient for storing things. I can’t wait to get rid of it. I plan to model its replacement after this beautiful credenza but with unfinished Baltic birch. I just have to wait for it to stop raining (but when?) so I can work in the yard for a full weekend.

Odds And Ends

Simple Japanese Furniture book, these Ferm Living bookends, Copenhagen smorrebrod print, David Hockney exhibition poster, bubble pendant light, these Tekla terry towels, discounted Hay duvet cover, the String Pocket shelf, these striped throw pillow covers, and this little arched wall shelf.

Read more posts from the Things I Like column here.

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