Look for Less: X-Bench

There are a handful of pieces that will never date.  Chesterfield sofas, starburst mirrors, trestle tables are a few examples.  One of my absolute favorites is the X-bench (remember when I used one in this Louis Vuitton inspired room?).  Whether your style is contemporary, traditional, country, or something in between, I bet you could find a place for this design staple.

Like the master bath...

...the master bedroom...

...the living room...

...and even the dining room!

 William-Sonoma X-bench in leather (starting at $1700)

As you can see, they can cost you a pretty penny.  It's a great investment if you have the moo-lah, but most of us don't.  Let's take a peak at some looks for less!

 Jonathan Adler X-Bench (starting at $495)

Ballard Designs X-Bench in Domino Chocolate Fabric (starting at $275)

Serena & Lily X-Bench in Antique Linen (starting at $850)

Ballard Design X-Bench in Suzanne Kasler Linen Flax (starting at $275)

Where would you place one in your home?

{images via Decor Pad, Elle Decor & William-Sonoma Home}

Look for Less: Quatrefoil Mirror

First off, I'd like to apologize for taking such a long hiatus. My life has been on a sort of transition the past weeks as I started a new full-time job and am designing another home on top of the new build I've been working on. It's been CAH-RAY-ZEE to say the least. But, I'm back with a goal to continue to write, but it may be only a few times a week. Thanks for being so patient with me!

As I was sourcing bathroom mirrors for one of my projects, I came across a quatrefoil mirror that took my breath away.  I've always been a huge fan of quatrefoils. In college we had an assignment to design a fabric and mine was a fretwork pattern made up of the classic Italian shape.

Unfortunately, the original mirror we liked for my client's room was a bit out of our price range so we both set out to look for a "look for less."

Ironies's Araby Mirror Cost: $3,000+

Cooper Classics' Kristen Mirror Cost: $500+

Check out the great find my client found at Lowes of all places!

Lowe's Allen+Roth Mirror Cost: $65!!

Obviously the Lowe's version is lesser quality than the other two, but the Lowe's one has rave reviews.  They say you can't even tell once it's mounted on the wall that it's made of hallow plastic, not wood or metal.  Hey, if it saves $3K, I'm all for it!

{Interior images via Decorti}