Pallet Furniture

I recently discovered Pinterest, a virtual bulletin board for all the images that capture us on the web--and I'm now hooked on the constantly updated stream of funny, thought-provoking and inspiring images its members discover. As far as interiors go, I've been noticing trends in the images that are being pinned. One trend that I'm loving is the stacking of shipping pallets as daybeds, sofas and coffee tables. I love this idea on several levels. Firstly, it's extremely inexpensive. Pallets are a necessity of the shipping process that often end up in landfills when their initial task has been fulfilled. I've seen Ikea sell them for a song, which makes them the perfect candidate for recycling. But none of this would matter a bit if the end result wasn't gorgeous. To me these photos are proof that style doesn't have to cost an arm and a leg and that a couple of rustic pallets create a perfect place to crash at the end of the day, among other things.

Images: Table Tonic. WebEcoist. Creature Comforts. Apartment Therapy. The Stories of A to Z. Ashley Ann Photography. Papernstitch. ChrisFaves.Tumblr. Cal Interiors.

Film Interiors: Mr. Magorium's Wonder Emporium

When Mr. Magorium's Wonder Emporium first came out, I assumed it was just for kids and didn't make any effort to see it. One day I caught part of it on cable and ended up putting the DVD on my queue because it so captured my interest. The film is a visual feast. The toy store at the center of the narrative is exactly what its name implies--bursting with wonders both new and vintage. Mr. Magorium's apartment above the shop is equally charming--full of quirky curiosities and jewel-tone colors on the walls and furnishings, not to mention a pet zebra.  Molly, played by Natalie Portman, also lives in a space rich in color and the pleasant clutter of one-of-a-kind furniture. Besides being a gorgeous film to watch, the story itself is lovely and life-affirming. Mr. Magorium utters one of my favorite movie quotes to a struggling Molly: Life is an occasion. Rise to it. 

No living room is complete without a life-size toy soldier.

Beyond the zebra, tangerine curtains and quirky silhouettes in oval frames.

Love the high-backed armchair with a cityscape design on the fabric and the miniature Tiffany lamps lining the table.

Industrial molds and newspaper-wrapped chairs are stacked precariously.

The kitchen has one blue wall, one purple one and emerald green plates displayed on a shelf. The look is pulled together by two jewel-toned glass chandeliers.

My eye goes to the turquoise walls, the lamp with a coral shade and the parasol.

Architectural posts with stained-glass windows between them make unique room dividers.

Etsy is full of creative options that channel the magic of Mr. Magorium's world. A bold coat of paint makes the perfect companion to some of these pieces.

Horse silhouette from Flea Market Trixie.

Armchairs from Name Design Studio.

Newspaper Dress Form from Corset Laced Mannequin.

Mid-century Mod Lamp from Arty Czechs.

Japanese parasol from Poppeacock Vintage.

Stained glass window from Silence DoGood's.

Movie Images: Walden Media.

Greyhounds

A few years ago, I saw a feature on television about an agency that helped find homes for retired greyhounds. I decided then that if I ever got a dog, it would be a greyhound. Though puppies are gorgeous, I've never wanted to take on a pet that needed constant attention as well as basic house training. Retired greyhounds are not only elegant and easy going, they are generally between the ages of two and six when they're done with racing. My window washer at the shop, Mark, was recently telling me about his two greyhounds and he got me hankering for one of my own. All of a sudden, I'm noticing greyhounds everywhere -- the real variety and and a few that take inspiration from their real-life counterparts. With their natural elegance and svelte physiques, greyhounds were a popular inspiration for art deco designers. The intertwined pair above are thought to have been part of a department store display. I may have to settle for a stylish imitation until I can bring a real one into my life.

Playing card from Paper Picker.

Bronze statue from Julia Boston Antiques.

Lamp from The Antique and Artisan Center.

Urns from The McNally Company Antiques.

Dog park sign from The Antique and Artisan Center.

Images: Flea Market Style magazine, 2011 issue. Paper Picker. Julia Boston Antiques. The Antique and Artisan Center. The McNally Company Antiques. The Antique and Artisan Center.