{ All images from Ken Fulk Design }

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It’s been dullsville here the last couple of days and I’m in the mood for an adventure.

I want to explore the house shown in the photo above — climb right up those stairs. Let’s go!

{ Photo by Rachel Whiting }

{ Photos styled by Leslie Siegel } 

And though it was once an object of desire, in years or months – or mere weeks — the beast has settled in and has taken over the room. Against this wall, that wall, another wall — it has slowly sprawled and filled every inch of precious space. Beigyist-beigy-beige (Goes-with-everything!) or Hunter Green (classy!) or basic blue (manly!) is all the eye can see. It’s plush-covered overstuffed cushions have sucked up every foul household smell. Dogs, cats, fried foods, cigarette smoke, ick, yuck, ewwww. Finally, finally its owner has learned, he is wiser, he sees the beast for what it is, he must sell it. And he posts it. On Craigslist — my beloved Craigslist.

Because the owner paid thousands for his once-prized sea of comfort, he prices this monstrous beast for hundreds and hundreds and hundreds of dollars.Beautiful!! Great for napping! And horribly, terribly, stomach-churning, eye-aching UGLY.

Understand that there are handsome, well-made, well proportioned sectionals to be had. Room & Board, for example, offers an array of well designed sectionals. And, please know that I’m not a hater. But, to owners of the Pit Group variety so-called sectionals who are posting to Craigslist, listen up: STOP IT. NOW. No one wants it and I can no longer bare to see it. So, leave your computer and go into your attic. Find granny’s old sideboard, rolled-up rugs, odd tables, old lamps, unused wedding gifts. Post those items on Craigslist instead. Then, go to the basement and repeat. Go to your closets, repeat. Then haul that heavy-as-lead, overstuffed monster outside. Douse it with gasoline, strike a match and say goodbye. Thank you.

Make it stop. Pleeeeeeze.

Author’s Epilogue

As eye spy readers know, I am not usually snarky. I prefer not to rant or be negative. But I was simply pushed too far too many times. I am now going to lie down. On a regular 3-cushion sofa. Next post, I promise to be positively uplifting and totally uncritical. 

Angela Adams 31"x96" runner — $175  { bargain! }

Wood carved bamboo chair — $50

Vintage school lockers — $125  { great colors, great for mudroom or playroom }

Lamp — $35

Never used Restoration Hardware dining chairs — $100/each, 4 available  { another bargain! }

Retro wall unit shelves — $85

Iron { zinc? } planters — $90

Artist-made iron chairs — $230/for set of 4

Asianish panels used as headboard — $175

Hand-painted dresser — $700

Handmade coffee table — $600

I love eye spy’s Beach Week! Squeeze a lime wedge in your Corona and settle in with some fun, sophisticated furnishings.

Shine Home

Started in 2005 by husband and wife team Russ and Susan Ortiz, the Shine Home line now includes upholstered pieces, tables, pillows, accessories, and limited edition artwork. The modern designs are highly decorative —shiny surfaces, metallic elements, bold colors, embellishments, edgy shapes.

{ Images are from Shine Home }

Russ and Susan Ortiz

It isn’t waterfront, yet the Ortiz home exudes a beachy-glam vibe. Filled with their own Shine Home furniture and decor designs and artwork, Russ and Susan Ortiz’ house is modern, energetic, informal, and inviting. Vibrant citrus colors pop against white walls. Shiny lacquer mixes with interesting wood tones and rustic bamboo. Patterns are spirited and the artwork is striking.

{ Images courtesy of Sunset }

TOP, Susan Hornbeak-Ortiz, Shine Home’s principle and designer; BOTTOM, the Ortiz family

It's Beach Week here at eye spy. And on our little vacay, we must make time for souvenir shopping. Here are some lovely items from some of my favorite shops that will bring to mind sea and sand. Enjoy!

Mecox Gardens

Dan Marty Designs

Modern Dose

Mothology

Jayson Home & Garden

Missoni

You’re right… Towels are not exactly souvenirs — more like beach necessities. But the pattern is so fabulous, that I just had to include them. Plan to buy them only if you have hundreds and hundreds to spend. No? Target has some very weak knock-offs.

Photos of Missoni beach towels and accessories are from Unica Home.

Here at eye spy, it’s Beach Week. Slather on some more sunblock and pull up a beach towel. Today, let’s look at some art that calls to mind coastal beauty. 

Add Wallblank to your sources for inexpensive art. Here are some pieces that are particularly beachy. Okay, the palm trees are a little trite, but I couldn’t resist.

TOP, Electric Lake, Michael Maizels; CENTER, Carnival, Toby Keller; BOTTOM, Tornado Love Me, Dave DeCastris

Lisa diStefano is represented by Ann Connelly in Baton Rouge. Her work is focused on the Louisiana landscape. I love the layered effects and details in each painting. Both pieces above are untitled.

Donna Geissler is a fine art landscape photographer who seems to sculpt light.

TOP, Daisy Swims; CENTER, My Earth No. 6; BOTTOM, Cote D’Azur

Kim Anno is represented by Marcia Wood Gallery in Atlanta. Her paintings are gestural and evocative. I love her use of color and her interesting edges.

TOP, Liminal; CENTER, Sonata; BOTTOM, Mythical