CHANGING HARDWARE: PULLS OR KNOBS...

Want a big impact for not a lot of money - change your hardware. Whether on your kitchen cabinets or a favorite piece of furniture, there are so many options to add new life without breaking the bank.

Start by determining if you want a knob or a pull.  Its really a matter of preference when adding new hardware where there is none.  Most important when switching out existing pulls - measure the distance between the screws to get the right fit. The most common is 3" but that can vary. 

In the kitchen, determine what finish you want to use:  Nickel, Chrome, Brass or Bronze. There are many color variations within each finish category - usually satin, brushed or antiqued. In recent years, the big trend was towards ORB or oil-rubbed bronze but happily brass is making a strong comeback. I've always loved Brass! (FYI, see the post on Interior Design Trends for 2013.)

Satin Nickel

Brushed Bronze

Oil Rubbed Bronze

Antique Silver

Of course, the styles vary as well. Whether your taste is MODERN and CONTEMPORARY...

Or very TRADITIONAL...

Or somewhere in between aka TRANSITIONAL...

Or you even WHIMSICAL...

There are many colorful options as well made from glass, porcelain and ceramic.  

The selections available are almost limitless. So whatever you decide, CHANGE IS GOOD! Have fun with it...

Peace and Blessings,

Tammy

THE LOW DOWN: H&M HOME...

For those who love H&M's affordable fashions, the Swedish chain will open H&M Home next year in the Spring of 2013.  Open across the pond since 2009, the H&M Home collection includes mostly soft goods such as bedding, pillows, towels, etc., accessories and accent furnishings with its distinctive European flair at the great H&M prices.  Check out what you can expect... 



Bedroom



Kitchen and Dining Room

Living Room

Kids Room

Nursery

Bed Linens

Bathroom

Accessories

As apparent, the fun won't be limited to just their fashion. My hope is that they will feature items curated by top designers as they have done with the likes of Lanvin, Versace, Roberto Cavalli, etc.

I predict many US households will adapt a homespun look with H&M Home...

Peace and Blessings,

Tammy

Photos courtesy of HM.com.

THE LOW DOWN: CB2...

CB2 is a modern offering from the Crate and Barrel line of stores that first opened in Chicago in 2000. CB2 offers very affordable furnishings with simple yet stylish design and great attention to detail.  They have great, what I like to call, "first apartment" furniture.

CB2 has everything from furniture to bedding to rugs to dinnerware at incredible prices.  Some of my favorite pieces are the:

Hide n Seek Wall Mounted Storage

Array Bookcase in Orange






Proof Nightstand

Asymmetric Closet Armoire

 

TPS File Cabinet in Charteuse

CB2 has 11 stores throughout the US -Atlanta, Berkley in California, Chicago, LA, Miami, Minneapolis, NYC, San Francisco, Santa Monica and DC - and 2 in Canada - Toronto and Vancouver.

Happy shopping...

Peace and Blessings,

Tammy