Shopping: Home & Design – Repeller https://repeller.com Wed, 14 Oct 2020 00:07:44 +0000 en-US hourly 1 https://wordpress.org/?v=6.3.2 https://cdn.repeller.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/09/cropped-RelepperFavicon-1-32x32.png Shopping: Home & Design – Repeller https://repeller.com 32 32 3 Instagram-Inspired Interior Design Trends to Buy, Like, Immediately https://repeller.com/instagram-inspired-interior-design/ https://repeller.com/instagram-inspired-interior-design/#respond Wed, 14 Oct 2020 13:00:00 +0000 https://repeller.com/?p=218221 After spending 99 percent of my time in my studio apartment during quarantine, I—like a lot of other people, I think—went through an extremely intense phase of wanting to redecorate the joint. I headed to Instagram for some inspiration and immediately became hopelessly overwhelmed by all the really incredible spaces. While chugging home décor insta-content, […]

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]]> After spending 99 percent of my time in my studio apartment during quarantine, I—like a lot of other people, I think—went through an extremely intense phase of wanting to redecorate the joint. I headed to Instagram for some inspiration and immediately became hopelessly overwhelmed by all the really incredible spaces. While chugging home décor insta-content, I noted three interesting trends: checkered, pastels, and organically shaped decor. I did not, in fact, redecorate my entire apartment, but I did invest in some exceptionally pleasing key pieces–all vintage or handmade—from those three categories. 

Here, I’m excited to share the best of what I found with the help of superstar design enthusiast (and Repeller photographer) Beth. These are all quality pieces: one-of-a-kind artworks, handmade pieces, or vintage. Together, we confirmed my hypothesis: These three trends are indeed a thing and worth considering for your abode as well.

1. The Checkered Explosion

After seeing this exact photo from Home Union, I found myself a handmade checkered Moroccan rug on Etsy from Berber Stuff. Mine is green and makes every green item in my apartment stand out—including the plants I work so very hard to keep alive. I’ve found that a checkered rug—whether an area rug or a small mat—can provide a great splash of pattern in a tiny space like mine. Here, my picks from the checkered trend. 

Checkered Rugs to Dress up Your Floor:

Berber Stuff Moroccan Berber Checkered Rug

Berber Stuff

Moroccan Berber Checkered Rug

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Etsy vintage 80s Moroccan Checkered Rug

Morocco Vintage Rugs

80s Moroccan Checkered Rug

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Berber Stuff Moroccan Checkered rug green

Berber Stuff

Moroccan Berber Checkered Rug

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Moroccan Beni Ourain Checkered Rug

Marocarpet

Moroccan Beni Ourain Checkered Rug

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Statement Vessels:

Etsy vintage 80s French Blue Checkered Bowl

Vintage Studio Porto

80s French Blue Checkered Bowl

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Etsy Vintage 40s Ceramic Checkered Kitchen Containers

Little Red Hen Vintage

40s Ceramic Checkered Kitchen Containers

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Etsy hanadmade Checkered Planter

Howdy Studios

Checkered Planter

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Mellow Ceramics handmade Painted Bud Vase & Candle Holder Set

Mellow Ceramics

Painted Bud Vase & Candle Holder Set

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A Splash of Checkered Decor:

Handcrafted Checkered Flag Desk Lamp

The Little Bikers

Handcrafted Checkered Flag Desk Lamp

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Etsy Retro Checkered Salon Chair

Cool Lighting

Retro Checkered Salon Chair

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Berber Moroccan Checkered Pouf

Berber Stuff

Moroccan Checkered Pouf

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Printed Checkered Side Table

Forgotten Cotton

Checkered Side Table

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2. A Soothing Palette of Pastel

Betina Jørgensen posts her handmade ceramics on Instagram, where they sell out in seconds. I dream of getting one for myself, but I also follow the account because of her beautiful interior photos— like the pastel-abundant dining space above. (I didn’t know I wanted a fun-shaped pastel mirror until I saw it.) I dove right in and found a handmade cloud-shaped mirror (for a nursery but nobody needs to know!), some pretty vintage ceramics, and some art for your wall. Doesn’t pastel just feel calm and joyful?

A Splash of Pastel on Your Wall:

Etsy Cloud Acrylic Wall Mirror

Dream Look Designs

Cloud Acrylic Wall Mirror

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Pastel Landscape Serigraph

Modish Vintage

Pastel Landscape Serigraph

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Blu Mint Studios Modern Lacquer Clock

Blu Mint Studios

Modern Lacquer Clock

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Squiggle Mirror

Our Artisan Home

Squiggle Mirror

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Pastel Ceramics for Candles and Cookies and Flowers:

Sophie Lou Jacobsen handle vase

Sophie Lou Jacobsen

Handle Vase

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Vintage Lam Label strawberry mushroom dish

The Lam Label

Strawberry Mushroom Dish

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vintage Luray Pastel Dinnerware

Frederick Hook Design

Luray Pastel Dinnerware

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vintage yellow vase

Skyway Trading Co

Yellow Ceramic Peephole Vase

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vintage art deco pink vase jar

Marvins Hall

Art Deco Pink Ceramic Vase/Jar

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Ceramic Mid Century Tea Cup Set

Ceramic Mid-Century Tea Cup Set

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Pastel to Curl up with/on/by:

Geometric Hand-Crocheted Throw Pillow Cover

Adorning Pillows

Geometric Hand-Crocheted Throw Pillow Cover

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Mid-Century Pastel Table Lamp Set

Modernic A1

Mid-Century Pastel Table Lamp Set

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Reworked pastel vintage stripe chair

Reform Studio

Grammy’s Chair

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Pastel Art Deco Ceramic Clam Shell Lamp

Peachy Fox Vintage

Pastel Art Deco Ceramic Clam Shell Lamp

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Afghan crochet blanket pastel

Gipsy Plaid

Handmade French Afghan Blanket

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3. Organic Shapes Everywhere

I’m sure you’ve seen boob design elements on your Instagram feed countless times, whether from Cold Picnic or Group Partner, two brands with infamous boob designs. What Beth and I (and actually a whole group of us) chatted about recently is how many organic decor elements we keep seeing, from curved surfaces to plant, food, and body shapes (animal or human) with a focus on ceramics. Don’t sleep on The Lam Label’s vintage hand holder or the vintage ceramic vases from Etsy. And keep checking back with some brands like Oatmeal Shop and Nur Ceramics which are both currently fully or close to being out of stock, or Lolly Lolly Ceramics and The Coy Collection whose websites are launching soon. All create carefully handmade pieces that are worth investing in. There’s a world of furniture too: check out the brand Wiggle Room which makes curvy tables (I’d like to get a side table of my own). Goodee, a homeware shop you should absolutely follow, specializes in organic and earthy shapes. I’m eying a child-sized chair made from recycled plastic and a hand-finished pillow. To me, these smooth surfaced organic-looking items are clean, modern and sometimes a little quirky. 

Curvy Statements:

Wiggle Room Side Table

Wiggle Room

Side Table

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EcoBirdy via Goodee World recycled Charlie Chair

Goodee World

EcoBirdy Charlie Chair

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VISO Tapestry Pillow

Goodee World

VISO Tapestry Pillow

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Wavy wall mirror rope

Unique Cat Mirrors

Wavy Wall Mirror

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Hands, Boobs, Fruit and the Like:

vintage hand sculpture

The Lam Label

Hand Holder

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Dancer in Position 1 sculptures

Alubowicz

Dancer in Position 1

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Claude Home Le Minou Studio "Siesta" Mixed Clay Sculpture

Claude Home

Le Minou Studio “Siesta” Mixed Clay Sculpture

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Utility Objects Spork

Utility Objects

Spork

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oatmeal Crater Incense Burner

OATMEAL

Crater Incense Burner

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Handmade Ceramic Berry Dish Pair

Label by Three

Handmade Ceramic Berry Dish Pair

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A Statement Vessels for a Fresh Bouquet:

Handmade Matte Ceramic Vase

haohaochi2010

Handmade Matte Ceramic Vase

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Handmade Minimalist Ceramic Vase Set

Home Creation Workshop

Handmade Minimalist Ceramic Vase Set

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Minimalist Ceramic Vase

Orange is the Sun

Minimalist Ceramic Vase

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Handmade Ceramic Vases

Ever Dream Craft

Handmade Ceramic Vases

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Glass Tube Bud Vase

Orange is the Sun

Glass Tube Bud Vase

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What interior design trends are in your saved folder? Do tell! An added Instagram link for visuals would be much appreciated, too. As I said, I haven’t fully redecorated yet and my appetite for home goods is insatiable.

Feature Image via Annabel P. Lee.

The post 3 Instagram-Inspired Interior Design Trends to Buy, Like, Immediately appeared first on Repeller.

]]> https://repeller.com/instagram-inspired-interior-design/feed/ 0 8 Brands That Make “Lamp Shopping” an Actual Thrill https://repeller.com/fun-table-and-desk-lamps/ https://repeller.com/fun-table-and-desk-lamps/#respond Mon, 21 Sep 2020 13:00:00 +0000 https://repeller.com/?p=215865 I live in a studio apartment that’s uncomfortably dark once the sun goes down with no overhead lighting. It’s been great all summer with long hours of daylight shining through the window, but as it gets darker earlier, this poses a problem for the end of the work day, cooking dinner, and finding my dog […]

The post 8 Brands That Make “Lamp Shopping” an Actual Thrill appeared first on Repeller.

]]> I live in a studio apartment that’s uncomfortably dark once the sun goes down with no overhead lighting. It’s been great all summer with long hours of daylight shining through the window, but as it gets darker earlier, this poses a problem for the end of the work day, cooking dinner, and finding my dog for our nightly walk. 

I recently went on a hunt for very, very cool table and desk lamps—both to decorate my apartment and to do the hard work of lighting it. Instead of figuring out the process of installing overhead lighting, I am on the hunt for 1 or 2 table or desk lamps. I personally favor the softer, more controlled light of a table lamp, anyway. It’s also the perfect light to read under in bed if like me, you are trying to turn your phone off and settle down tucked in with a book by 9.

Below are the lighting brands I’ve bookmarked—if you need a light to do work by, read by, or cook by, check them out.

1. Urban Outfitters

Let’s dive into Urban Outfitters’ home collection first—I go there for both inspiration and pretty good prices. As far as mushroom lamps go: I’ve searched extensively, for both vintage and not—this lamp at under $100 is quite a good price. Even less expensive? This one in lavender, which clicks in at $39. Both lamps also have high customer ratings (something I suggest you always look at when checking out homeware). This silver one with the hanging switch is very space age, while this transparent one from Fatboy appears three times in three different colors on my favorites bar. For productivity after sundown, this one is perfect for lighting up my desk when I’m finishing up the work day.

Mushroom lamp

Urban Outfitters

Mushroom table lamp

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Urban Outfitters little glass lavender table lamp

Urban Outfitters

Little Glass Table Lamp

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UO Dome Metal Table Lamp

Urban Outfitters

Dome Metal Table Lamp

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Fatboy transparent table lamp

Fatboy

Wireless Transparent Table Lamp

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UO blue desk lamp

Urban Outfitters

Pale Blue Desk Lamp

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2. Etsy Vintage

I highly recommend checking out Etsy for vintage lamps. You can set the price range over on the left of the page. I personally search for “vintage midcentury lamps”, “vintage modern lamps”, and “vintage colorful lamps”—occasionally you can find a good assortment at a reasonable price under “vintage mushroom lamps”. 

Etsy vintage green Flying Saucer Lamp

LIGHTMAP

Flying Saucer Lamp

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Etsy vintage Mid-Century Murano Mushroom Lamp

Stoelenmeisje

Mid-Century Murano Mushroom Lamp

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etsy vintage midcentury mushroom ufo lamp

Retroxl

Mid-century Mushroom Lamp

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Etsy vintage pastel green danish Large mushroom lamp

Cosmic Design NL

Pastel Large Mushroom Lamp

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Etsy Vintage Primary Color Desk Lamp

Cosmic Design NL

Primary Color Desk Lamp

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Etsy Vintage midcentury turquoise mushroom lamp

The Mid Century Home LT

Mid-Century Turquoise Mushroom Lamp

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3. Hay

Last year, we shot this lamp from Hay for our gift guide, and since then, I’ve often headed back there for cool, modern lamps. They’re both easy to put together and to move around in your apartment, if you’re as fond of rearranging your tiny space as I am. I love the small Matin table lamp for bed reading (but they also have a larger size). There’s also this cordless chargeable lamp—super useful if you like to work in different spots in your home. 

Hay Turn On table lamp

HAY

Turn On Table Lamp

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HAY Large Matin Table Lamp

HAY

Large Matin Table Lamp

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HAY Small Matin Table Lamp

HAY

Small Matin Table Lamp

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HAY PC Portable Lamp

HAY

PC Portable Lamp

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4. Gantri

Gantri Cantilever Table Lamp

For a multi-brand website with an assortment of sustainably-made modern lamps, try Gantri. They sell this one by Muka Design Lab, which I called in for our photoshoot—its soft glow is immediately soothing. This one by Dims is similar—its whole body (including its base!) glows. For an equally appealing level of glow (a new criteria for lamps, apparently), see this one by Louis Filosa—I love the coral colorway. This one by Ammunition in the sedona colorway stands the tallest of them all—I’d really appreciate it on my double-duty desk/dinner table.

Muka Design Lab ring table lamp

Muka Design Lab

Maskor Table Lamp

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Dims greek column table lamp

Dims.

Word Table Lamp

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Louis Filosa Cantilever Table Light

Louis Filosa

Cantilever Table Lamp

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Ammunition brown table lamp

Ammunition

Gio Table Lamp

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5. 2Modern

Another website with a plethora of awesome options. That includes but is not limited to: these lamps or these lantern style ones (both in a variety of colors) by Marset, this awesome giant lightbulb from Frama, back on the mushroom schtick with these from &Tradition, and then my favorite little colorful bud ones from Innermost.

Marset Bicoca Table Lamp

Marset

Bicoca Table Lamp

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Marset Portable LED Lantern Lamp

Marset

Portable LED Lantern Lamp

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Frama Bulb Table Lamp

Frama

Bulb Table Lamp

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&Tradition Setago Mushroom Table Lamp

&Tradition

Setago Table Lamp

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Innermost Bud Portable Table Lamp

Innermost

Bud Portable Table Lamp

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6. EcoVibe

For affordable lamps for your side table, EcoVibe makes this Terra lamp ($55 for the small size and $85 for the large), this little cement one ($40), and this one that really doubles as an art piece with its resin base and linen shade ($85). They also make really good pendant lamps, if you’re in the market.

EcoVibe Small Terra Table Lamp

EcoVibe

Small Terra Table Lamp

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EcoVibe Nano Cement Table Lamp in Light Grey

EcoVibe

Light Grey Nano Cement Table Lamp

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EcoVibe Nano Cement Table Lamp Dark Grey

EcoVibe

Dark Grey Nano Cement Table Lamp

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EcoVibe Distressed Resin Table Lamp with Linen Shade

EcoVibe

Distressed Resin Table Lamp

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7. Schoolhouse

Schoolhouse Ion Portland Edition Lamp

For high-quality table lamps made in the U.S.A., try Schoolhouse. I love their exposed bulb lamps for illuminating a good amount of space, but I’m also eying this one and this one with the domed shades for evening reading—and this one to light up my desk area.

Schoolhouse Ion Workshop Edition lamp

Schoolhouse

Ion Workshop Edition Lamp

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Schoolhouse Ion Portland Edition Lamp

Schoolhouse

Ion Portland Edition Lamp

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Schoolhouse Sidnie Lamp Royal Blue

Schoolhouse

Royal Blue Sidnie Lamp

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Schoolhouse Gold Donna Table Lamp

Schoolhouse

Gold Donna Table Lamp

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Schoolhouse Princeton Desk Lamp Gold

Schoolhouse

Princeton Gold Desk Lamp

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8. Fy!

Fy! has an incredible selection of quirky statement table lamps. They range in price and so do the below selects, just in case there’s anyone here who’s been saving up. First up: this transparent purple glass lamp with a cork base that I hope gives the room a lavender tint to it. A puzzle lamp! That’s some elegant D.I.Y. for you. This glamorous fringe lamp, handmade in N.Y.C. by a brand I often fantasize about (and known for its fringed accents), Huldra of Norway. A lamp with a noble bust of Napoleon to read you your bedtime stories (or shine light on them). A bright blue hand blown glass lamp, with a shade that has a reflexive copper lining for extra glow. And then this lamp turns on just by simply touching the metal base. That’s just a tiny fraction of the cool lamp styles Fy! carries. I’m a bit overwhelmed.

Fy! Picia Table Lamp in Purple

Zanolla

Purple Picia Table Lamp

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Fy! Wooden DIY Table Lamp

Haim Evgi

Wooden DIY Table Lamp

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Huldra of Norway Fringe and Brass Table Lamp

Huldra of Norway

Fringe and Brass Table Lamp

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Waterloo Napoleon Bust Table Lamp in Natural

Mineheart

Waterloo Napoleon Bust Table Lamp

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Pat Dimming Table Lamp

Jokjor

Pat Dimming Table Lamp

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Are you eyeing any table lamps that I should add to this list? Let me know in the comments below (please and thank you)!

The post 8 Brands That Make “Lamp Shopping” an Actual Thrill appeared first on Repeller.

]]> https://repeller.com/fun-table-and-desk-lamps/feed/ 0 Glaring Empty Spot on Your Wall? Get One of These Vintage Posters https://repeller.com/best-vintage-art-posters/ https://repeller.com/best-vintage-art-posters/#comments Fri, 21 Aug 2020 12:00:22 +0000 https://repeller.com/?p=213622 I just moved into a perfectly clean, white-walled room—and with those white walls, I’ve been inspired to update my wall art. So far, I’ve purchased a few smaller photo prints, including this one, from See in Black and this one by Payton Fulford. They’ll join a few prints I’ve had stored away for ages, due […]

The post Glaring Empty Spot on Your Wall? Get One of These Vintage Posters appeared first on Repeller.

]]> I just moved into a perfectly clean, white-walled room—and with those white walls, I’ve been inspired to update my wall art. So far, I’ve purchased a few smaller photo prints, including this one, from See in Black and this one by Payton Fulford. They’ll join a few prints I’ve had stored away for ages, due to lack of open wall space in my last apartment—but now I need some larger pieces to fill the immense whitespace.

Now my new obsession is digging around on the furniture site Chairish for a large vintage poster to complete my collection—maybe something abstract, yet not too out there (“Vintage art posters” is surprisingly not a particularly rewarding Google search). I started with some low-hanging fruit, like Andy Warhol—mainly because his prints are absolutely everywhere, and I wanted to check the authenticity of the results. Shockingly, there were a lot of genuine first-edition prints—the first print production of the art, based on the original piece—ranging all the way from 1960-2010.

The nice thing about art posters is they can be more affordable depending on the edition of the print: The first is more expensive than the fifth—and more likely to actually increase in value. That means owning a first-edition print from a heavy hitter like Andy Warhol is totally achievable. If you’re not looking to make an investment at this particular moment, I’ve also included some picks under $100.

I’m sure I’m not the only one responding to some serious nesting urges. Here’s my path to better, more beautiful walls.

Heavy Hitters

These include some of the Andy Warhol lithographs and first-editions that lit up my initial search.

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A personal favorite from Andy: a 1993 collector’s edition lithograph print of Grace Jones from 1968… that wasn’t quite what I wanted for my space.

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I bet you never thought you’d own a Matisse, did you? (I did not).

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Or something from retro king Peter Max?

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It wouldn’t be a “heavy hitters” section without a little something from ’80s icon Keith Haring.

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Or NYC native, Jean-Michel Basquiat.

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Then a few popular goodies that will lead to amazing “similar results” sections.

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At this point, I’m feeling a little more confident with the search bar and decide to search for magazine cover art, couture poster art, or anything fashion related.

Fashion Influenced

Let’s all be little French dolls with these 1930s Vogue posters.

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What was that? You’d like to see some vintage covers from Harper’s Bazaar also? No problem.

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Or some new wave beauties from Fiorucci that I should probably already own but don’t. Bookmarking these for later…

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Suddenly I’m bookmarking and saving handfuls of posters, but nothing that really sticks out for my space yet. On the other hand, I am really gravitating toward the pieces that involve typography in some aspect.

Odds n Ends

Under $100

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Exhibition posters for already well-known artists feel just about right.

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These retro advertisements are actual pieces of ART.

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Here, some contemporary pieces that make me want to scream from the rooftops… but that wouldn’t really work in my space.

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Montreal Olympics posters from the 1970s made me realize how much I miss watching the Olympics—and once again how good type is on a retro poster.

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After a thorough search, I realize the ones that really resonate are the museum exhibition announcement posters. I love the mix of imagery with text—the fact that they’re advertisements for an actual artist makes them extra special. I haven’t quite landed on one yet, but I love them all. What do you recommend?

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The post Glaring Empty Spot on Your Wall? Get One of These Vintage Posters appeared first on Repeller.

]]> https://repeller.com/best-vintage-art-posters/feed/ 3 Like Mushroom Lamps? You’ll *Love* This Post on the Biggest IG Design Trends https://repeller.com/vintage-design-instagram-trends/ https://repeller.com/vintage-design-instagram-trends/#comments Tue, 18 Aug 2020 12:00:03 +0000 https://repeller.com/?p=213611 There are a few enduring vintage furniture trends, like the Murano mushroom lamp and Ettore Sottsass’s Ultrafragola mirror, that seem to only see exponential, hockey-stick popularity on the internet. These trends can be met with some resistance, too, out of cost-prohibitiveness (the seemingly ubiquitous mirror fetches $10,000) and sometimes out of a hesitation to copy […]

The post Like Mushroom Lamps? You’ll *Love* This Post on the Biggest IG Design Trends appeared first on Repeller.

]]> There are a few enduring vintage furniture trends, like the Murano mushroom lamp and Ettore Sottsass’s Ultrafragola mirror, that seem to only see exponential, hockey-stick popularity on the internet. These trends can be met with some resistance, too, out of cost-prohibitiveness (the seemingly ubiquitous mirror fetches $10,000) and sometimes out of a hesitation to copy and paste a trend into your home, no matter how appealing you find a bulbous, fungi-shaped original. On the occasion of our second-hand-focused week, I scoured Etsy and a few other sources for vintage furniture to find the most fun, trend-adjacent alternatives, riffing off the formal elements of the wavy mirror and the stout yet voluptuous lamp.

For added intrigue, I also asked Cat Snodgrass of Bi-Rite Studio, a design store specializing in 20th-century furniture and objects, if she has a hunch regarding what the next “it” piece of design will be. And she does: Snodgrass thinks you’re about to see Robert Mallet-Stevens Model 222 chairs everywhere, so consider this your running start.

“No other chair says ‘chic’ to me like the 222—they were first fabricated in France in the ’20s, but were in production throughout the 20th century, so your chances of finding them at an affordable price are pretty good,” Snodgrass tells me. “The design strikes this wonderful balance of simplicity, while still having a ton of graphic visual impact. I’ve been championing these for years—they’re truly a personal favorite of mine—and they’re just now starting to have their moment among some forward-thinking interior designers and curators.”

Snodgrass suggests that the 222 chairs are one way to approximate the ambiance of a Sottsass interior without springing for the mirror: “They were even a favorite of Ettore Sottsass, and he often used them in his interior commissions. Plus they’re such a simple design that they suit practically any interior style—just change the color!”

Below, I tried to operate like a slightly more nuanced algorithm and find a few new points of entry to put your own spin on the great furniture trends of the Instagram era.

If you’re coveting the Murano Mushroom Lamp…

A balloon-shaped ceiling light:

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A Murano glass lamp by Massimo Vignelli for Vistosi:

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A blue glass blown pendant light:

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A mushroom lamp that looks like it’s wearing a Dutch hat:

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A spunkier take on the mushroom lamp:

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A fungal sconce!:

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Or an eggplant lamp:

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A couple of highly saturated options:

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A bright red desk lamp:

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A ceiling fixture to replace your nipple light:

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No one you know is going to have lamps like these:

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If you love the look of Murano glasses, you’re going to want to know about this Etsy shop:

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Some Memphis-like goods to fill the Ultrafragola-mirror-sized hole in your heart…

Glare Goods rescues discarded and dusty mirrors, and upcycles them into curvy things of beauty.

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Bi-Rite has been manufacturing its own Capsule mirrors, bordered with satin lacquered wood.

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A curvy mirror made-to-order:

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A vintage braided mirror with a nice shape from the ‘80s:

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A handmade brass mirror:

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This Etsy shop is chock full of mirrors that come in unexpected shapes and sizes:

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A multi use clock and mirror:

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If you like your candles like you like your mirrors—wavy:

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A Sottsass-inspired vase:

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Memphis-style candlesticks, ceiling lights, and teapots:

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A set of Heller melamine dinnerware by Massimo Vignelli:

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Glow Geometric refinishes parsons tables in Memphis-inspired color palettes:

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A very petite seat:

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If you’re ready for the Robert Mallet-Stevens Model 222 chairs…

https://biritestudio.com/

They’re available via Bi-Rite.

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Feature Images via Bi-Rite.

The post Like Mushroom Lamps? You’ll *Love* This Post on the Biggest IG Design Trends appeared first on Repeller.

]]> https://repeller.com/vintage-design-instagram-trends/feed/ 7 A Practical Guide to Conscious Thrifting https://repeller.com/conscious-thrifting/ https://repeller.com/conscious-thrifting/#comments Mon, 17 Aug 2020 13:00:21 +0000 https://repeller.com/?p=213619 Once, when I was in my mid-twenties and thrifting with a friend, I pulled out my iPhone to capture our day of clothes shopping. I didn’t think twice about posting a Snapchat video of the scene at the Goodwill—until a staffer approached me and said, “Some of the customers said you took photos of them […]

The post A Practical Guide to Conscious Thrifting appeared first on Repeller.

]]> Once, when I was in my mid-twenties and thrifting with a friend, I pulled out my iPhone to capture our day of clothes shopping. I didn’t think twice about posting a Snapchat video of the scene at the Goodwill—until a staffer approached me and said, “Some of the customers said you took photos of them and they’re uncomfortable. Can you delete them?” Even though I wasn’t intentionally trying to take photos of store customers, I immediately realized how terrible the optics were in that moment. Here we were, two privileged young women in a space predominantly occupied by lower-income folx who were thrifting clothes out of necessity, whereas we were simply perusing for cheap vintage pieces in the name of fashion. The fact that I initially had zero qualms about documenting our “thrifting day” for social media was also a certain kind of millennial brain disease. I felt like scum. It was insensitive and careless, and it was a stark reminder of how I needed to be more self-aware moving forward. I apologized to the staffer, deleted the post, and vowed to myself that I’d never do that again.

To be certain: I believe that thrift stores are available to everyone, privileged shoppers included. Spending money at a thrift store allows funding for its aligned charity programs. It creates opportunities for those who are underserved and in need. Plus, we can all agree that buying second-hand is far better for the environment than buying new. But perhaps where I feel more complicated on this topic is the utter ease in how more affluent shoppers—i.e. those who grew up in the middle- to upper-middle class like myself—are able to access the same goods and occupy the same space as shoppers from vulnerable communities, and what responsibilities and etiquette we should actively think about in those environments. And, more broadly, how can we be more mindful and thoughtful participants within the thrifting culture? I am often reminded that thrifting is liberating when you have money; it’s limiting when you don’t. Even though my own thought process on this topic is ever-evolving, here are some things I consider when shopping for used clothing. I hope you find these useful, too.

No photos, please

This research comes as no surprise: A 2014 study in the Atlantic Marketing Journal cited that “saving money was the top motivation (58% of respondents)” for the majority of thrifters. The thrifting experience is unique because it services both the rich and poor and everyone in between, so one person’s hedonistic spree might be another person’s basic need for clothes. (I keep thinking about this tweet and, ahem, how thrifting applies.) All this to say, be mindful of your fellow shoppers, respect their privacy, and refrain from taking pics of folx (no matter how visible or unrecognizable they are) while inside the store.

Shop with a goal in mind

Buying with intention should always be top of mind, but especially with thrifting where it’s easy to get carried away with things priced so affordably. A friend told me she likes to keep her goals straight while she’s thrifting. If she’s in the market for dresses, she’ll make a beeline for dresses and won’t browse other sections. Before you leave your home, peruse your wardrobe, see what’s missing, and make a mental note of what you actually need. Don’t buy anything superfluous.

Stick to a budget, buy less stuff

There have been numerous occasions where I carelessly thrifted an item because it was “only $4,” or whatever. When you have a healthy spending budget, thrifting can yield a lot of clothes, much of which can still get hoarded and later “discarded.” My method for not over-shopping is this: Take out a reasonable amount of cash (whatever that may be for you), and enter the store with only that dollar amount. Having a strict budget will make you way more selective about what to buy.

Try things on

Find a mirror and see how the pieces look on your body, just like you would at any regular store — this is an easy, no-brainer way to stop yourself from purchasing things so flippantly. (And, as you may know, vintage sizing is wild, so it’s best to try things on.) I personally like wearing a unitard or bodysuit to thrift stores because I can quickly throw something on and off with ease. And, if something isn’t right for you, be good to the store staffers and try to place the garments back on their respective racks.

Get rid of unwanted clothes responsibly

If you enjoy thrifting for sustainable reasons, it’s appropriate to get rid of unwanted clothing in responsible ways, too. A 2018 Saturday Evening Post article reported that “the average American throws away about 81 pounds of clothing every year” — much of which end up in landfills. When you’re ready to part with a piece of clothing, discover what options are available to you so you’re not simply trashing it: take it to a resale shop, donate it or have a clothing swap with friends, or bring pieces with qualified fibers to a textiles recycling program.

Donating back? Do it mindfully

If you want to go full circle and give back old threads to your local thrift store, see what their donation guidelines are. An upsurge in people cleaning out their closets and donating their used items during the pandemic has bought on a slew of unforeseen problems. This ends up financially burdening the thrift stores that are then tasked to clean up other people’s (well-intentioned) messes. When you’re ready to donate, sort and organize items with care. Launder if you must. Don’t donate unusable or badly stained or damaged pieces.

Don’t shop in the mens’ section (if you don’t need to)

Gender-inclusive clothing should be the future, but we’re often forced to shop according to the binary. In the case of thrift stores, you may have noticed how the men’s section is always considerably smaller than the women’s. Tamarind Tidwell, general manager of a Boston-based thrift chain, was quoted in Today saying: “Men’s clothing is something that I think probably across the board we always are in need of. […] I would say women’s clothing outnumbers men’s probably 3-to-1.” (Side note: This sentiment applies to homeless shelters too; men’s clothing is scarce all around!) So if you’re able to find clothes that fit you from other sections, leave the men’s section for the folx who have fewer options.

Now, go forth, thrifters! Treat your fellow shoppers and clothing haul with utmost care. I wish you all the wonderful gems and vintage treasures that have yet to be discovered.

Header Image Via: Everett Collection

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]]> https://repeller.com/conscious-thrifting/feed/ 38 The Best Mattress, Pillows, and Sheets, According to 15 Well-Rested Experts https://repeller.com/best-sheets-matress-pillows-blanket/ https://repeller.com/best-sheets-matress-pillows-blanket/#comments Fri, 14 Aug 2020 12:00:14 +0000 https://repeller.com/?p=213457 When I look into my crystal ball, I see myself sleeping on a mattress on the floor for the next two to three months. Unfortunately, there’s a defect in this crystal ball, so it doesn’t do the legwork of specifying exactly what kind of mattress it is: Is it firm, does it have a little […]

The post The Best Mattress, Pillows, and Sheets, According to 15 Well-Rested Experts appeared first on Repeller.

]]> When I look into my crystal ball, I see myself sleeping on a mattress on the floor for the next two to three months. Unfortunately, there’s a defect in this crystal ball, so it doesn’t do the legwork of specifying exactly what kind of mattress it is: Is it firm, does it have a little give, is it made of organic latex, is it better for a side-sleeper or a stomach-sleeper? Does it share a name with a friendly ghost, or a secondary color, or a popular fruit often spread on toast? Does comedian Neal Brennan have the right idea?

These days, the world of sheets and pillows and mattresses-in-a-box and duvet covers is supersaturated. When my eyes glazed over Krispy-Kreme-style after reading my eleventh mattress-centric message board, I decided to change my approach and beeline to a few well-rested experts for their personal recommendations on how to concoct the perfect bed. Below are a bunch of enthusiastic suggestions that’ll make sleeping in your bed feel like snoozing on a CBD-infused cumulus cloud.

Sheets

Liz Eichholz, co-founder and creative director of Weezie Towels
Liz’s favorite sheets: “Here ends the never-ending hunt for the perfect set of sheets! I am obsessed with this super-soft set from Ettitude: the Bamboo Lyocell Sheet Set. I love that they’ve held up well in the wash and don’t wrinkle. Bonus points for keeping this warm sleeper cool throughout the night.”

Elizabeth Tamkin, market strategist of Man Repeller
Elizabeth’s favorite summer sheets: “This 100% Linen Sheet set from Linoto is locally made and the set includes the whole shebang: flat sheet, fitted sheet, and two pillow cases. They also come in 25 different colors to suit your style. This is the perfect summer sheet set that remains soft and sturdy wash after wash.”

Gyan Yankovich, managing editor of Man Repeller
Gyan’s favorite linen sheets: “My boyfriend didn’t get a good night’s sleep for the first two years we lived in NYC—in the summer the weather was too hot, and in the winter, our building’s heat was on full blast. He spent a lot of time researching the best linen sheets and came away with these ones, the Pottery Barn Belgian Linen Sheet set. I was apprehensive to spend so much money on sheets, but we did and they’ve been a game-changer! I have some other sets of linen sheets (from much ‘cooler’ brands) but these are the best by far.”

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Mattresses and bed frames

Allison Petty, design director of Hyphen & Co.
Allison’s favorite mattress: “The Avocado mattress offers both green and vegan options which is something we really love. The quality and comfort is there, while also committing to a more earth-friendly product.”

Ellen van Dusen, founder of Dusen Dusen
Ellen’s favorite bed frame: “I have the nest storage bed from Design Within Reach, and as a borderline hoarder, it is perfect. I do a lot of ‘testing’ for new bedding when we get samples for my line… which means I have way too much bedding… which takes up a lot of space. The bed frame easily lifts and there’s an empty compartment underneath, which is where I store it all. Also, it just looks really good and has a soft headboard. It’s relatively low to the ground and has an aesthetic I’d describe as plump, the visual equivalent of how I want my furniture to feel.”
[Ed. note: while still a splurge, the Cello storage bed by EQ3 is an alternative to the Design Within Reach model!]

Tavia Forbes and Monet Masters, principal interior designers of Forbes Masters
Tavia and Monet’s headboard tip: “We often recommend a bold headboard, like this tufted one by CB2, to our clients. Whether it be ornate or upholstered, the headboard is a great decorative addition to a space. Paired with a beautiful set of table lamps or pendant lights above the side tables, we love!”

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Pillows

Tiffany Wilkinson, creative director of Man Repeller
Tiffany’s favorite pregnancy pillow: “I ordered this Parachute Home Body Pillow as an alternative to the crazy shaped pregnancy pillows, hoping that I’d be able to keep it as part of my bedding set up post-pregnancy. After I ordered it, I had buyer’s remorse, wondering if it was too self-indulgent of a purchase. Once it arrived, it became an instant game-changer—I immediately started sleeping better, my whole body felt so supported, and it’s great to have something so substantial to spoon. I love the pillow so much I even gave it a name. My partner is a little envious of all the love my body pillow is getting, but if I get out of bed before him, I’ll look over and see him fast asleep straddling the pillow in a deep blissful spoon.”

Liz of Weezie’s favorite sham: “I’m a sucker for layers and an eclectic mix of playful patterns throughout my home—and that extends to our bedroom! I’ve long been drawn to the gorgeous prints from Biscuit Home. Next up for me: this Texan-inspired print that reminds me of my hometown of Austin, the Biscuit Home Marfa Euro Sham.”

Allison of Hyphen’s favorite throw pillows: “The Milaya Project has great embroidered throw pillows that have a ton of personality. We love that they also help support the art of South Sudanese refugees.”

Ellie Buckingham and Miri Buckland, co-founders of The Landing
Ellie and Miri’s favorite throw pillow: “We love the Big Rock Throw Pillow from one of our new partners, K-Apostrophe. K’era takes neutral, soothing colors but applies them in interesting ways that make these pillows a great statement piece for many colors of bedding without being too over the top.”

Yours truly
Edith’s favorite slender pillow: “If you, like me, sometimes only want a nominal lift from the mattress for your noggin, the Vermont Country Store makes just the slender pillow for you. I’d dress her up with this brown striped Tekla sham sold by Goodee.”

Elizabeth’s favorite decorative “body” pillow:  “I suppose this isn’t technically a body pillow but during the night I like a pillow to hug and this Hook Pillow by Justina Blakeney is a great substitute for when my dog doesn’t want to sleep beside me. It also happens to be absolutely beautiful (I love many of Justina Blakeney’s designs and find that their price points are great)—a nice touch to a made bed when you’re not sleeping.”

Megan Hopp, interior designer
Megan’s favorite lumbar pillow: “Every bed should have a lumbar pillow, and St. Frank has my favorite selection. While I love color and pattern, I still opt for a calmer combination in the bedroom and these pillows are perfectly patterned. I am also smitten with the gold zipper detail.”

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Comforters

Lindsey Johnson, co-founder and CEO of Weezie Towels
Lindsey’s new comforter: Buffy Cloud
“The Buffy Cloud is the most recent addition to my bed, and it is certainly living up to its name! Not only is it incredibly soft and cozy, I love that it’s sustainable and made up of 100 percent recycled fiber. A win-win!”

Allison of Hyphen’s favorite comforter: “We love down comforters but are always looking to see how we can make more ethical choices in the products we suggest. Feathered Friends comforters come in different weights depending on preference and use ethically sourced down!”

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Blankets and duvet covers

Lindsey of Weezie’s favorite quilt: “At the end of the day, nothing beats a solid white quilt, and this one—the John Robshaw Hand Stitched White Quilt—has stood the test of time! It’s my go-to base for a fun mix of pillows and a patterned duvet.”

Ellen of Dusen Dusen’s favorite blanket: “Tooting my own horn here, but I love our coverlets at Dusen Dusen! My current favorite is the river coverlet. It is really soft and drapey, has enough heft that you’re not missing the weight of a duvet, and it’s light enough that you’re not sweating all night during the summer. They are all individually woven by a small manufacturer in Portugal and then stonewashed, so they have that lived-in quality while still looking fresh. Plus, it’s cute!”

Ariel Okin, interior designer
Ariel’s favorite blankets: Kashwere blankets
“Kashwere makes the MOST comfortable blankets—you’ll feel like a little kid with your blankie.”

Tina Rich, interior designer
Tina’s favorite bedding: “I’m a huge fan of Cultiver Bedding! I have them in my own home and recommend them to all my clients. The linen gets softer with each wash and I especially love their gorgeous colors. Their bedding is perfect for a natural, effortless look.”

Elizabeth’s favorite dog-proof blanket: Pendleton Glacier National Park Throw Blanket
“I have a dog who’s slept in bed with me since she was a baby. I only like white sheets, so this combination has been an ongoing struggle for all nine years of our time together. I’ve never had a blanket that disguised her shedding or protected my white sheets quite like this Pendleton blanket. It’s not cheap, and I purchased it after much consideration, but I’ve now had it for over five years, and it still looks brand new. It is hands-down the best home purchase I’ve made.”

Allison of Hyphen’s favorite duvet cover: “Duvet covers are a great way to bring in color or pattern without having to commit, we love going soft and neutral with tones but if you want something a little more fun, Aelfie has a great line of duvets that come in exciting and unique prints.”

Edith’s favorite duvet cover: Marimekko Unikko duvet cover
“I’ve had this duvet cover for years, and it does a lot of visual legwork in a room, plus it does not overheat the sleeper who runs warm. If I could buy it again, I’d pick this beige/light blue/off-white color-way instead.”

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Bed-adjacent bells and whistles

Liz of Weezie’s favorite diffuser: Vitruvi White Stone Diffuser
“I love crawling into bed at the end of a long day, adding a few drops of lavender essential oil, and letting my Vitruvi diffuser roll. It’s a simple indulgence and the perfect way to unwind, relax, and prepare for a good night’s sleep.”

Ellen of Dusen Dusen’s new bedside lamp: Duck Lamp from Dave’s Clubhouse
“It gives off the perfect amount of soft light and is on a dimmer, which I love. When it’s off, it’s a cute piece of art on your wall.”

Ariel Okin’s soon-to-be favorite alarm clock: “Very excited about Hatch’s new alarm clock—it sounds like a great way to untether from your phone at night.”

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Feature Image via Cody Guilfoyle.

The post The Best Mattress, Pillows, and Sheets, According to 15 Well-Rested Experts appeared first on Repeller.

]]> https://repeller.com/best-sheets-matress-pillows-blanket/feed/ 1 We’ve Reached Peak Tchotchke https://repeller.com/tchotchke-home-decor-2020/ https://repeller.com/tchotchke-home-decor-2020/#comments Tue, 14 Jul 2020 13:00:48 +0000 https://repeller.com/?p=211566 A tchotchke is typically defined as “a small object that is decorative rather than strictly functional,” but in these decidedly atypical times they have taken on additional meaning. There is something special about bearing witness to other people’s something specials–the little things that punctuate a room like exclamation points, fancy or simple, artfully curated or […]

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As our external worlds have been shrunken by mandates to spend less time outside, our interior lives—that is, our lives inside four walls—have expanded to fill the void. Interiors are suddenly taking up more real estate in our daily lives and social media feeds (metaphorically, that is), imbuing the smaller details of private spaces with more visibility and therefore more significance. The Reign of the Tchotchke has thus begun, thanks to an unprecedented exposure to the various objets that people choose to surround themselves with.

A tchotchke is typically defined as “a small object that is decorative rather than strictly functional,” but in these decidedly atypical times they have taken on additional meaning. There is something special about bearing witness to other people’s something specials–the little things that punctuate a room like exclamation points, fancy or simple, artfully curated or haphazardly placed, new or nostalgic–small clues to the precious secret of how someone else lives.

I’ve been bookmarking tchotchke sightings over the last few months. Below are some of my favorites, organized by category into the ultimate tchotchke shopping guide, for your punctuating pleasure.

The Tchotchke So Nice You Don’t Want to Cover It Up With a Glass (Even If It’s Technically a Coaster)

Eye spy with my roaming eye: a coaster so nice it defies functional logic and begs to stand alone, with nary an obligation to separate sweaty glass from unsuspecting table (though bonus points that it can easily waffle between its art object status and its destiny to buffer condensation, as exhibited in the above carousel). Why not roll with the ceramic floral route and consider these Liberty of London coasters? Or this lovely set made from Portuguese tiles?

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The Tchotchke That Looks You in the Eye

There’s something quite compelling about the marriage of a classic bust with a distinctly modern color like neon yellow or baby blue, which is why if someone else doesn’t buy these pistachio bust bookends for $21.95 I absolutely will. Alternatively, here’s a turquoise statue that would look great on a mantle, and here’s a butter-colored one that doubles as a vase.

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The Tchotchke That Waves Back

Handshakes may be out of style for quite some time, but hand tchotchkes are all the rage. Here’s a cool pink one, and a gold one that offers some assurance. On the pricier side, this hand comes replete with a bowl to fill with M&Ms–or whatever suits your fancy.

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The Tchotchke That Holds Your AirPods, Thank You Very Much

Maybe it’s just because I’m constantly misplacing my AirPods, but the idea of having a designated tchotchke in which to tuck them into bed every night (or after using them) is extremely appealing. Possible vessels include: this espresso cup, and this asparagus jar.

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The Tchotchke That Belonged to a Young Englishman Who Was Picking Grapes in France

I highly recommend vintage flasks on Etsy for your next Internet rabbit hole. Particularly enchanted with this one, this one, this one, and this one.

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The Tchotchke That Undulates, One Way or Another

A tchotchke’s charm potential increases tenfold when it happens to resemble a macaroni noodle, or a ric-rac border on a slice of thick card stock. Do as Ryan Norville does and check out the ceramics offerings at Rachel Saunders or Home of the Brave. I also love this seller on Etsy, whose designs have a similar aesthetic.

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The Tchotchke You Could Conceivably Light on Fire

A candle becomes a tchotchke when it’s fun or pretty enough that you’re reluctant to actually light it on fire–this is a cardinal tchotchke rule. Candles that potentially fall into this auspicious category include: this twisty guy, these friendly-looking blobs, this lovely lady, this cereal bowl, and anything by Piera Bochner.

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What are your most beloved tchotchkes? I want to hear where you got them, and the stories behind them, in the comments.

Feature Image via Maggie Shannon.

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]]> https://repeller.com/tchotchke-home-decor-2020/feed/ 16 I Trolled Etsy for the Best Lamps under $100 https://repeller.com/etsy-floor-lamps/ https://repeller.com/etsy-floor-lamps/#comments Thu, 28 May 2020 12:00:05 +0000 https://repeller.com/?p=209705 Have you signed up for MR Thoughtline yet? It’s Man Repeller’s new text-based service that lights up phone screens with good bits from around the internet, opportunities to chat with cool people, and digital recesses to help your mind take a break from the news in favor of a recipe, physical activity or, trust us, […]

The post I Trolled Etsy for the Best Lamps under $100 appeared first on Repeller.

]]> Have you signed up for MR Thoughtline yet? It’s Man Repeller’s new text-based service that lights up phone screens with good bits from around the internet, opportunities to chat with cool people, and digital recesses to help your mind take a break from the news in favor of a recipe, physical activity or, trust us, very useful WFH outfit ideas. Subscribe here.

If this story had a doormat, it would say, “THE REST IS SEARCH HISTORY,” and you might ask where I bought it. Welcome. Take a seat. Would you like something to drink? And would you like to hear the whole story of how I tracked down the Murano glass in which your drink is served? If so, you have come to the right place.

The Rest Is Search History stems from my inherent nosiness: I want to hear about other peoples’ hyper-specific search terms, guarded like sapphires at the Smithsonian, their laborious and surprising journeys down various shopping rabbit holes, and the elaborate shopping strategies they’ve honed over time. Today’s guest is, at times, my closest confidante and archnemesis: I am interviewing myself.

Edith Young, associate editor chez Man Repeller

Your shopping rabbit hole: Cool lamps under $100 on Etsy, because they said it couldn’t be done!

Can you walk me through what going down this rabbit hole entails? On behalf of pedestrians everywhere, yes. I am a firm believer in the idea that restrictions and boundaries inspire creativity, and my search for table lamps on Etsy supports this theory. Etsy, offering both vintage and handmade/upcycled options, promotes a system of recycling that really gets my gears going. To narrow my search, I visited the “Price” toggle with my cursor, adjusting the limits from zero dollars to a maximum of $100. Search terms? “Lamps,” (so crazy that it just might work!) and also “murano lamps,” to dredge up some dupes or kindred spirits to those mushroom-shaped lamps everyone on Instagram likes so much.

From there, I tunneled through pages and pages of lamps: lots of junk, but also a good deal of treasure. This is the part where I annotate all the good stuff I found and walk you through it like it’s my own personal Etsy sub-$100 lamp showroom:

Nothing says, “Restoration Hardware, for less!” like this pair of minimal Dutch lamps. Beauties:

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The product description describes this cornflower blue lamp as “shapely.” A photo of its luminance confirms that it turns sultry when lights are low:

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Simple! Lovely! You will write the next Great American Novel under its glow in the dark of night:

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Are you, like me, bonkers for banker lamps? They should sell green eyeshades (the visors that tax accountants wore) as a package deal.

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Midcentury, a term that seems to mean a lot of different things to different people! I must admit, the green Italian one from the ’70s has my heart.

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Here are a few that look like you got them from a flea market:

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Some Memphis-esque solutions for what some affectionately call “nipple lights,” installed overhead in your rental when you move in:

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My favorite bar in New York is the Trailer Park Lounge, which is the kingdom of kitsch, and I love it when I find something that I’d see there. Do you want to feel like you live inside a 20th-century sitcom? Then I recommend an owl lamp with glowing eyes. With regard to the wooden sailing ship—can you be an adult and have a pirate-themed bedroom?

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If you click on the link to the cowboy lamp and it’s marked “sold,” it’s because I bought it between the time I wrote this story and we published it. One step closer to this powder room by Miles Redd.

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If you’re going to hang a skateboard on your wall, it might as well function as a source of light?:

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Dr. Seuss books were harmed in the making of this lamp:

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Just add an oceanic noise machine:

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Does anyone have a Mini Heng Balance lamp? Would love to hear your review.

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Lamp arithmetic: Green porcelain enamel… + exposed Edison bulb… = results beyond your wildest dreams. And someone out there wants a Lego lamp, I can just feel it in my bones:

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There are a lot of people who gravitate toward household items in the shape of an animal. For those people, I recommend this pair of panther lamps. These seem to be designed to also accommodate a small plant:

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As all good searches do, this quest takes me on some inexplicable tangents: take, for example, this Popeyes poster, which looks like a college graphic design project, these truly nutty life-size lamps, and from the way other side of my taste’s spectrum, this gorgeous Flowerpot lamp.

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I am also quite taken with this poodle lamp, though it exceeds my poodle lamp budget at the time of writing:

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What ultimately satiates the quest? The cowboy lamp and the green, midcentury Italian number are the two finds that speak to me, and now they duke it out for a place on my desk.

Graphics by Lorenza Centi.

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]]> https://repeller.com/etsy-floor-lamps/feed/ 8 Micro Life Upgrade: Have a Candle-Lit Dinner Every Single Night https://repeller.com/candlesticks-quarantine/ https://repeller.com/candlesticks-quarantine/#comments Fri, 15 May 2020 12:00:43 +0000 https://repeller.com/?p=209103 Have you signed up for MR Thoughtline yet? It’s Man Repeller’s new text-based service that lights up phone screens with good bits from around the internet, opportunities to chat with cool people, and digital recesses to help your mind take a break from the news in favor of a recipe, physical activity or, trust us, […]

The post Micro Life Upgrade: Have a Candle-Lit Dinner Every Single Night appeared first on Repeller.

]]> Have you signed up for MR Thoughtline yet? It’s Man Repeller’s new text-based service that lights up phone screens with good bits from around the internet, opportunities to chat with cool people, and digital recesses to help your mind take a break from the news in favor of a recipe, physical activity or, trust us, very useful WFH outfit ideas. Subscribe here.

Each weekday morning, my one-bedroom apartment splits into two home offices. My boyfriend Michael takes the bedroom, working from the small writing desk we have tucked into one corner, while I work from the dining table in our living room. Come dinnertime (if we’re not bent over bowls of red curry on the couch) we sit either side of that same dining table, and I can’t help but feel like I should be listening for a Slack ding or fumbling for my headphones in preparation to join a video call as soon as we’re done. The transition from desk-to-dining-table has made switching from work to rest feel borderline impossible… until I started lighting candles.

I’ve had a gold candelabra holding two tall white candlesticks in the middle of my dining table since Christmas, when I hosted a group of friends staying in the city for the holiday. In the rush of serving—then enjoying—Christmas lunch, I forgot to light them. Until a few weeks ago, they’d been standing untouched for months. I’d become so accustomed to their presence at my dining-desk I’d basically become blind to them.

The night I first lit them, everything felt particularly dull, at the end of a day that felt like it had actually been a week. I was craving, even more than usual, something—anything—to make the night feel even the tiniest bit special. I set the table as normal then, before serving, grabbed a lighter and sparked those bad boys to life. For the first time since quarantine began, sitting across from Michael at the same table I’d spent my entire day working actually felt festive. Dare I say, even romantic!

Much like setting candles atop a birthday cake or lighting a scented candle after a morning of cleaning, eating dinner by candlelight is a small ritual that makes a huge difference. We might not be able to go to restaurants right now, but at least we can make our dinners at home feel like something worth celebrating. And so far, lighting my candles is the quickest way to make that happen.

This life upgrade works whether you light a fancy-ass candlestick in a fancy-ass candelabra or just a simple flickering tea light candle. However, if you’re in the market for something new to admire while dining, I have some suggestions!

If You Want Some Candlesticks to Call Your Own

These tapered candlesticks are the perfect amount of drippy and come in all the colors I want in a candle, including navy, petal pink, and a perfect mustard yellow. I also quite enjoy these striped candy-colored sticks and these ombre candles that prove it’s the color trend that will never die.

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If You Have Candlesticks but Wouldn’t Mind Something New to Hold Them

I’m obsessed with this blown glass holder, which I would personally like in the amber and pink if you’re listening, Santa. I’m also really into these candle holders that can house either a candlestick or a tealight candle because why not get you a holder that can do both?! These glass holders are also exceptionally cool and something I would very much like to be eating in front of ASAP.

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Or, If You Want a Candle That Doesn’t Need a Holder at All

What you need is a layered pillar candle! Or one of these sculptural candles! Orrrrr these twisted candles that somehow manage to be both a candlestick and candlestick holder at! the! same! time!

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Whatever candle you choose, light one tonight and let me know how it goes.

Feature Image via Luke Edward Hall.

The post Micro Life Upgrade: Have a Candle-Lit Dinner Every Single Night appeared first on Repeller.

]]> https://repeller.com/candlesticks-quarantine/feed/ 11 Juice Squeezers, Steamers, and More: 7 Crucial Kitchen Upgrades (But What Do We Know?) https://repeller.com/best-kitchen-utensils/ https://repeller.com/best-kitchen-utensils/#comments Thu, 30 Apr 2020 13:00:13 +0000 https://repeller.com/?p=208046 Exciting news! We’ve launched MR Think Tank, a digital braintrust we want *you* to be part of. We’re kicking it off with a survey that will help us get to know you better, so we can keep making stuff you love. In exchange, you’ll receive exclusive content and other fun things. Interested? Sign up by […]

The post Juice Squeezers, Steamers, and More: 7 Crucial Kitchen Upgrades (But What Do We Know?) appeared first on Repeller.

]]> Exciting news! We’ve launched MR Think Tank, a digital braintrust we want *you* to be part of. We’re kicking it off with a survey that will help us get to know you better, so we can keep making stuff you love. In exchange, you’ll receive exclusive content and other fun things. Interested? Sign up by taking the survey!

In the back of my journal, I’ve been keeping a list of everything that’s going to remind me of quarantine: Alison Roman’s shallot pasta, the opening music in Animal Crossing, and these Outdoor Voices shorts I’ve been wearing almost every day. That list also includes spicy margaritas—made with one part tequila, one part Cointreau, one part lime juice, and sliced jalapeño—which I’ve been making every Friday night.

My Friday cocktail hour is one of the best parts of my week—the sound of ice cubes shaking inside a Mason jar delivers instant end-of-the-week calm. But here’s the thing: One part lime juice is a lot of lime juice—like just as much lime juice as tequila!—and I dread squeezing limes. It’s worse than you think: My hands would end up raw and rashy (is a lime allergy a thing?), and I’d lose a considerable amount of juice down my arms. Suitably inspired, I started researching the best juice squeezer on the market. I was subsequently thrilled to discover a recommendation from none other than Bon Appetit’s Chris Morocco: the Chef’n FreshForce Citrus Juicer. Obviously, I ordered it immediately.

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This nifty $20 juicer was everything I could have hoped for and! more! With barely any effort, lime halves are squeezed into cute lil’ flat discs, every drop of juice collected and ready to be mixed with tequila. I’ve also used it on lemons and plan to test it out with a small orange ASAP. The little utensil has single handedly taken my Friday night routine from perfect-once-I-get-these-damn-limes-juiced to consistently excellent start to finish.

In an effort to spread the word about my juicer—and potentially find something else new to try along the way—I asked the team to share their favorite kitchen utensil.

A steamer basket that won’t leave you with soggy, sad veggies

Jasmin's Steamer

Price: $8
Recommended by: Jasmin
When did you buy this and, most importantly, why? My mum actually bought this for me. At first I was like, “Surely just boiling your veg is fine enough?” But this actually makes it so much easier! Never over-boiled, and the clean-up is minimal!
What’s your favorite thing to make with it? I’ll usually steam broccoli, green beans, asparagus, etc., while the main part of the meal is cooking (maybe some baked salmon), so when I’m ready to plate up, the veg is good to go. Recently I’ve also been tossing my vegetables in oil, salt, and lemon, too—not groundbreaking but definitely delicious.
Who would you recommend this item for? Someone with saucepans deep enough to fit a steamer basket and still close the lid.

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A silicone baking mat that will save your sheet pan

Tiffany's Slipat

Price: $21.95
Recommended by: Tiffany
When did you buy this and, most importantly, why? This glossy mat nestles in the bottom of your baking tray and catches all the oily-sticky bits that would normally bake onto your sheet pan to form food rocks that need to be chiseled off—use this and you’ll never have to scrub your sheet pan again.
What’s your favorite thing to make with it? Mostly I roast veggies on it, but I’ve used it for everything from baking cookies to making pizza. Recently I’ve been baking tarts using it—this Roasted Mushroom and Butternut Squash Tart from NYT Cooking was a good one.
Who would you recommend this item for? Do you love eating, but hate washing up? Use this! Hate waste? Use this to cut down on single-use baking parchment. Francophile? This silky mat was developed for French patisseries, so you can live your best Julie & Julia fantasies without leaving your home. (Stanley Tucci not included.)

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The rounded-tip paring knife from this very good Wusthof set

Leandra's Knife

Price: The set is $19.95
Recommended by: Leandra
When did you buy this and, most importantly, why? I took this knife from my mom’s house one weekend two summers ago, I am pretty sure, after acknowledging how good it was at cutting shit: an apple, a slice of baguette from a loaf, and parmesan cheese from a pretty big block, all in an hour’s work.
What’s your favorite thing to make with it? Apparently I am supposed to be using it to peel, cut, and mince, but because the blade is so sharp and the knife is so light, I basically use it to cut everything from raw fish (and other forms of protein) to bread or onions–so while there is no one particular food that I love to make with it, the knife plays a role in basically everything that comes out of my kitchen. I am sure this is a gigantic faux pas (or as I like to call it, a fax piss), but I didn’t even know what a paring knife was before this, so I prefer to call it progress.
Who would you recommend this item for? Anyone who is aware they are in a bad relationship–cut that shit!

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A microplane that makes zesting a breeeeeze

Eliz Microplane

Price: $14.95
Recommended by: Elizabeth
When did you buy this and, most importantly, why? Three weeks before I wrote this story, which goes into great detail about my love for it. I’d seen it on a NYT YouTube video of necessary pantry essentials. (Also, my mom has three.)
What’s your favorite thing to make with it? Basically everything, from sweet potatoes to yogurt to cake to sparkling water to garlic, which produces an aromatic, creamy garlic paste. I’ve also used it to grate chocolate over ice cream and nutmeg over a cocktail. Everything!
Who would you recommend this item for? Anyone who takes photos of their foods. But also, anyone who loves a citrusy burst in their dishes, snacks, desserts, and drinks.

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A stainless steel tea kettle that will calm you the f— down

Price: $31.25
Recommended by: Mikaela
When did you buy this and, most importantly, why? My family bought this tea kettle after moving to St. Louis 15 years ago—we were excited to match all our utensils to our fancy new kitchen, with stainless steel appliances. For the last three months, it’s been used about six times a day. I guess tea is our chosen coping mechanism.
What’s your favorite thing to make with it? Earl Grey tea with a splash of Coffeemate creamer
Who would you recommend this item for? It’s perfect for the dehydrated and H2O averse who must be coerced into drinking water. Try it scalding and steeped with plants; your pores will thank me.

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A marble mortar and pestle perfect for smashed avocado lovers

Price: On sale for $23.95!
Recommended by: Marisa
When did you buy this and, most importantly, why? This was actually a housewarming gift from my mom a few apartments back. I love a homemade guacamole moment, and this set was the perfect tool for the task.
What’s your favorite thing to make with it? Any sort of smashed avocado. It’s also a great vehicle for mashing garlic, crushing spices for a homemade blend, or crafting pesto/aioli/chimichurri/the like.
Who would you recommend this item for? The smashed-avo lover with arms of steel and a penchant for marble decor.

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