I Stand Behind: Taking Advantage of West Elm Sales

We all love a good sale. When we shop a sale we feel good that we saved that extra dollar or two that can be used to buy yet even more cool stuff. But lets face it, sometimes we can shop a sale and still not get our dollars worth. Sometimes sale items can still be too expensive for our budget and sometimes we purchase sale items and realize that they should have been marked at even lower prices, this brings me to my I Stand Behind post today, Taking Advantage of West Elm Sales.

I love West Elm. I find almost all of their furnishings on the rather expensive side considering the quality (and so, honestly, would never think of purchasing furniture there) but everything else: dinnerware, curtains, hardware, lighting, pillows, baskets and etc. I find to be tasteful and well made. I have as of late noticed that I only purchase West Elm products when they are on sale, and it is because it is so easy to do so, West Elm always has one sale or another going on and they are very good sales too.  So while they may have been fairly priced beforehand they become, on sale, very affordable well made and well styled home products. Below are a few notable things that I found on sale at West Elm.

$8.99 for a Brook dinner plate!

$14.99 for the Pueblo shower curtains!

$249 for a 5' x 8' Sweater Wool Rug! 

$104 for the Zigzag layered bed set!

Which includes duvet cover, flat & fitted sheet & two pillow cases!

Check out the West Elm Sales

The Pick on Pillows

As a person who recognizes that simple things can pack the most punch sometimes I find it hard to stray from what I usually tend to do, hence my life has followed a path (interiorly speaking) and has thus lacked, in a way, a bit of adventure. I'm sure there are many that can understand this. 

The best way to make any changes, especially when you're hesitant is to introduce this thing (your hesitant to do) slowly into your life, some like to call it baby-steps, I call it... taking it easy.  And with this 'hesitation' in mind I bring you pillows that I find to be top-picks when it comes to introducing a bit of adventure into your home, whether that adventure be a slight modern take, a splash of color, a bit of spice or... perhaps, something just a little bit different. 

The beauty with the pillows featured in today's post is that the base hue of the pillow (or the primary color) is as neutral as it can get, but added to this neutral color is a splash of color and a splash of texture. And while you may think pillow cannot make too much of a difference... let me just say one more time, "sometimes it's the simple things that can pack the most punch"or as another saying goes, "big things come in little packages".

CB2 Boucle Swoon 20" Pillows

It can accessorize a modern home or a retro home. The Boucle Swoon Pillow by CB2 is knit in soft acrylic and features flecks of color. Available in blue or orange.

West Elm Cotton Velvet Duo Pillow Covers

Perfect for the contemporary home, West Elm's Cotton Velvet Duo Pillow features a textured natural-colored cotton with velvet colorful piping along the borders. Stay in your comfort zone while still adding color by sticking to one color or add a bit more fun by opting to buy a set of different colors. Available in blue, red, green, orange and yellow.

The Portable Buffet

When it comes to talking buffets I immediately find myself wondering 'portable or built-in?' My home came with a built-in buffet and since my home was erected about a century ago it's no special feature, I find that most old homes have the built-in buffets. The built-in buffet has many great aspects to it, the most obvious one being you move into a home that already has a beautiful buffet in an alcove like setting. But a part of me so loves the portable buffet, afterall, you can't move the built-in buffet to a different area of the room and you can't pick the style of buffet you so desire, plus, there's just something so charming about a stand-alone buffet that was placed exactly there to house your beautiful China or other dinner-setting whatnots.

In the back of my mind I've definitely been toying with the idea of how great it would be to get a buffet, even though the fact that I already have a built-in one stops me from squandering money in such a way (my husband is in my head!) and for awhile there I did stop thinking about the buffet, but then I saw the Emmerson Buffet by West Elm with it's rustic charm and it's simple design... so now I'm back to fantasizing about portable buffets.

WEST ELM

EMMERSON BUFFET, $849

So the Emmerson Buffet inspired me to imagine a life with a portable buffet, a buffet that can charm me everyday with its rustic charms.  My honest opinion on the West Elm Emmerson Buffet? I absolutely love it! Price? Fair, but that fair price is still too expensive for me, especially for a piece that looks like it can be made in your garage (though I'm absolutely sure it is a lot harder to make than I give it credit for). 

So on I go with the hunt for an equally charming and rustic buffet!

CRATE & BARREL

CUCINA PINOT GRIGIO SIDEBOARD, $1,299

The Cucina Pinot Grigio Sideboard by Crate & Barrel is priced at $1,299! While it is a beautiful piece the price is all I can pay attention to, although in the back of my mind someone or something is whispering 'you get what you pay for'- And while this may be the truth for some things is it true for the portable buffet? Hmmm. The Cucina Pinot Grigio Sideboard has plenty of space to store items with pegged shelving for extra storage for larger items, I can picture a set of beautiful collector urns all in a row sitting down below.

COST PLUS WORLD MARKET

ANTIQUE BLACK VERONA BUFFET, $399.99

For $399.99 Cost Plus World Market has the Antique Black Verona Buffet. While I think that red would have made for a more rustic and charming look Black is, I have to admit, rather chic. The Antique Black Verona Buffet features an overall appearance of chic (via color) and rusticity (via design *ahem barn-inspired doors). With storage for wine, two exposed shelvings and enclosed cabinet space the Verona Buffet is very user friendly.

IKEA

LIATORP SIDEBOARD, $350

But my favorite buffet today is Ikea's Liatorp Sideboard. Not only is the price right but I've completely fallen for the side glass cases and the center exposed shelving. The white color lends itself to charm and a country-vibe. I look at the Liatorp Sideboard and I can imagine it in so many other places other than the dining room serving as a buffet (although yes, it would be quite beautiful there), but what about the bathroom? Even the nursery! - Oh~ that is exciting.

Item of Note @ West Elm: Owl Mug

I have a thing for mugs.  I try not to have a thing for mugs because what am I going to do with a  collection of 100 mugs you know what I mean?  However, the  West Elm the Owl Mug is too cute to not talk about.  The owl mug with beautiful dark autumn colors against the white base screams morning coffee, and I do love my morning coffee.

Owl Mug - Autumn Branch $8.00 (sold individually)
Porcelain, measures 3.25" diam x 4.25"h

View other items @ West Elm

New Noteworthy Item @ West Elm

This traditional-wood turned modern bench literally made me go "Oooo~", something no doubt Jonathan Adler would eye as well.  The dual colored frame and leather handwoven seats of the Source Bench at West Elm is definitely a user-friendly decorative choice.  Whether you are placing this piece at the dinner table, family room, entry way or even mud-room you will sure to be jazzing up the area with a little bit of eye candy that can give a whole lot of character via color and design.

Available in red and white

Measures 49"w x 14.7"d x 35"h

Source Bench @ West Elm

Top picks on West Elm's On Sale lighting

Industrial Pendant - Glass $79 from $99

Lamps are one of those house-hold items I didn't get into until just recently or more specifically, until I became old enough to appreciate beautiful lighting, realizing that these accessories however normal and everyday they may be can certainly do a lot to lend character to a room if chosen with some thought.  Like with all other material goods in life lighting can be pretty expensive, hence I bring to you today Top Picks on West Elm's collection of lighting that are ON SALE.

Starting with my favorite (pictured at top) the Industrial Pendant (in glass), where I can easily picture in dining room or kitchen for a clean look that would go most charmingly with a rustic inspired decor.   Be a little daring and try the Industrial Pendant in multiples with layered lengths to create more of a mood.  10.5" in diameter and 11"h. 

I always like to use warm, large shaded, crystal bodied lamps for office decor but even so always have trouble NOT looking through task table lamps such as West Elm's Industrial Task Table Lamp (picture below).  I've always been intrigued by the looks and usability of the task table lamps but have never really found one that looked  just right, however West Elm's Industrial Task Table Lamp comes pretty close with it's multiple choice of colors, high sheen and joint detailing.  7" in diameter and 33" h.

Industrial Task Table Lamp $55 from $69

Mia Table Lamp $103 from $129

I saw the Mia Table Lamp (pictured above) in person and immediately stopped in my tracks.  I have to admit that the Mia Table Lamp is much more catching in person as the picture does not give the full detail and texture of the lamp as it really is, the body has the appearance of crackled pieces glazed together, a very subtle yet beautiful and eye-catching detail which cannot be seen in pictures.  The red glazed ceramic body is especially beautiful with the texture of the linen shade, and the clean modern lines created by the round shade and the symmetrically angled body lends a modern style to what could be otherwise have been a rustic vintage piece.  The Mia Table Lamp would be a beautiful accompaniment to any room that needs a pop of color or has red accents.  14.5" in diameter and 9.8" h.

My second favorite out of the On Sale selections of lighting at West Elm is the turning Pendant Lamp in wood and white (pictured below).  The potential that this lamp has to turn a room into something spectacular is what sells me.  Two of these Turning Pendant lamps on each side of a large bed in a minimal styled bedroom would be breath-taking, the wood detailing would give off a rustic vibe to an otherwise rather modern looking bedroom, I am especially taken with twists, turns and intrigues when it comes to decorating, hence my love for this Turning Pendant which is modern and minimal yet warm and rustic.  19" in diameter and 20"h.

Turning Pendant - Wood/White $119 from $149

West Elm's choice of throw blankets

Believe it or not finding the perfect throw blanket can be a hard task, I know this first hand.  My first throw blanket was a deep red, beautifully soft, knitted, thin tasseled throw blanket.  I threw the blanket over my bed, the color went perfectly with the painting on my wall of a ballerina in mid-bow, most likely after a show, holding a large bouquet of flowers close to her chest that was similar in color as this certain throw blanket.  After about a month of using this throw blanket I slowly became more and more aggravated with it, the thin tasseled edges began to knot and soon were snarled around each other.  It was impossible to sit there and try to get the knots out so I stopped trying and gave in to the fact that I indeed made a bad decision to buy.

Other times the throw blanket can be too thin, the texture not quite right.  So yes, finding the perfect throw blanket can be a hard task.  But of course you learn from your mistakes, I've learned... 

1.  You must consider the edges:  are there tassels?

If so, will they get knotted & tangled?

2.  What is the fabric?

Do you prefer knit, faux-fur, etc.?

Will it shed or will lint and things get easily picked up on it?

3.  How large is the throw blanket?

Is it too large or not enough for the space you plan to use it?

These are usually the three things I look out for now when considering any kind of throw whether rug, pillow or blanket.  That being said let's consider throw blanket options from West Elm.

The Chunky Tassel Throw for a very good price and in three different shades is a great option, the knit texture is always comforting and makes one feel at home.  And though I've had a bad experience with throw blanket with tassels, the tassels on the Chunky Tassel Throw seems much too chunky to get tangled and knotted.

Chunky Tassel Throw $55.00

The Cozy Throw, even a great price couldn't get me to buy this blanket!  The loose thin-tasseled edges is a MUST STAY AWAY sign.  Take it from me, after a month of use these edges will be tangled!

Cozy Throw $55.00

The Faux-Fur Throw, my favorite.  My first concern was that the faux-fur would get on everything, my clothes included.  My mother has had a faux-fur throw blanket for some time now and even after as much use as it gets not once have I seen the faux-fur on me or on any of the furniture.  Of course where you get this faux-fur throw blanket and the quality which it is made is a big factor, so ask the nearest salesperson or simply... rub yourself up against the faux-fur rug and test it out for yourself.

Faux-Fur Throw $95.00 - $119.00

New Notable Item @ West Elm: Glass Jar Pendants

I saw the new glass pendant jars at West Elm and thought they were simply fabulous!  Just had to share these unique urban-styled light fixtures that come in two different shapes and tints.

Glass Jar Pendants @ West Elm

West Elm's Notable Item: Paul Loebach Credenza

Paul Loebach Credenza @ West Elm

Paul Loebach's Credenza table... A modern vintage... eclectic?  Table.  I may be at a loss for words on how to properly describe and detail the credenza table but it clearly took my breath away the first moment I set my eyes on it.  Wood with high gloss, I'm not quite sure if I've seen this combination before, but it works.

The kind of table that can transform and hold a room together, now that's the type of furnishing worth paying for, which brings me around to the pricing of this beauty, at $599.00 - it is decently priced.

Front view

Also comes in white

Paul Loebach's Credenza Table was such an attention grabber for me that I became curious about the designer.  With the push of a few keys I was able to find his website that proves he is an eclectic visionary in the realm of furniture design.  Check it out for yourself at Paul Loebach.

New Items @ West Elm, Wood is big

When it comes to decorating my home I go with wood, that's my thing, wood.  I love wood.  West Elm has got a few new notable items made of wood, my favorite being the table pictured below, the Carved Wood Coffee Table, not so oddly it reminds me of my yoga classes... inner peace, oooohhhhhmmmm.

Carved Wood Coffee Table $299.00
Solid mango wood
32"d x 12"h

Next, the Salvaged Wood Shelf.  I think the black brackets really does a lot for the overall look of the wood shelf.  It's got a "this is a comfortable home" kind of vibe to it and I think the best part of the shelf is that I can picture it almost anywhere in the house, this is very important as you well know, multifunctional/versatile pieces goes along way towards getting your money's worth.

Salvaged Wood Shelf $79
36"l x 8"d x 1.5"h

I find it quite hard to find a nice standing clock of good size, I suppose this is why the Wood Mantle Clock caught my eye.  When I first moved into my Los Angeles apartment I hunted actively for an affordable mantle clock but to no avail, eventually my mother gifted me hers, a triangular clock with an orb foot base and round clock face from Ethan Allen.  The West Elm Wood Mantle Clocks, which I think are just adorable, a little too adorable to go on a mantle as suggested by their name but perfect for a kitchen counter clock or in the children's bedroom, perhaps even the work-room.

Wood Mantle Clocks $34.00
8.65"w x 1.75"d x 9.5"h

Readying Your Outdoor Space For Warmer Weather

When Spring and Summer come around a lot of us have our minds on pool parties, bar-b-ques and hosting beautiful outdoor patio dinners.  There's no perfect time then NOW to look at some of Beautiful Abodes' top picks on outdoor furniture from West Elm. 

Dexter Outdoor Bench 60"w x 22"d x 29"h

I've always had a thing for these types of long benches with the high backs that curved around.  It would make a beautiful stand-alone outdoor bench as well as a beautiful addition to a long wood table for indoor or outdoor use and can even be placed in long hallways or entryways.  The options of use alone for the Dexter Outdoor Bench is a reason that it would be a good purchase.

Dexter Outdoor Coffee Table 36"dia x 16"h

The Dexter Outdoor Coffee Table caught my eye due to it's simplicity, it looks durable and so gives off a cozy feel that reminds me of being indoors near a fireplace, and it's rustic appearance appeals to me which I think gives off a certain something that ordinary modern or contemporary outdoor furnishings lack.

Rajputana Outdoor Rug in Red or Blue
2"w x 3"l, 3"w x 5"l, 5"w x 8"l, 8"w x 10"l, 9"w x 12"l

I think can see how's it a bit odd to have a rug outdoors, even if it is an outdoor rug, the two in a way go against each other.  But Should you have a deck outside with some outdoor furniture an outdoor rug can make all the difference when it comes to your outdoor furniture looking like it's just outside or your outdoor furniture looking like home outside- get my drift?

For more outdoor furniture at West Elm click here