Alicia B.'s Latest Obsession: Architectural Models

I love stuff. I have a lot of "stuff" in my apartment because I like to look at it and it looks pretty/fun/interesting. I don't have any room for any of these things that I want lately but I can talk about it anyway, right? Maybe some of you guys DO have room for it and I'll inspire you?! I've been lately very obsessed with architectural models; wire ones, wooden ones, you name it. Check them out:

A wire Duomo from Ballard Designs for $99 "had me" at Duomo. As you all may know, I'm a sucker for anything remotely related to Italy. Maybe I could fit this one because it wouldn't take up too much space on a table or window sill.

Another amazing Wire Conservatory from Ballard Designs for $79! I love the shape of this one.

I'd die for an architectural model staircase. This Grand Staircase is well priced from Ballard Designs for only $225. Most antique ones go for upwards of $1500.

I have wanted a wooden birdcage for a very long time (without the birds. ew.). This breathtaking Victorian beauty is from Mecox gardens. They have SO many special birdcages and models.

A little more on the rustic and distressed side, this hand carved Altar for $168 is also from Mecox Gardens.

A little more on the whimsical (and pricey) side, this ADORABLE Chateau wire lantern is from Anthropologie. I saw one similar to it at ABC Carpet as well a few weeks ago. This one above is only $1598--no biggie!

If you're into the whole wire thing that is going on right now, West Elm has these decorative spheres (tumble weeds) for only $13! Personally I think these are the types of things that you buy and then get them to your house and have crushing regret but they could be fun...

These wire birds are SO CUTE from Sundance Catalog. Song Birds of Paris, TX set of 3 for $48.

Hopefully this post will calm my need to acquire a new accessory that I don't technically need. Or it will convince me that it's meant to be and that I must have one now! Sorry to be so down on the wire spheres, I can see that wire decorative accessories are pretty much everywhere and i don't want you guys to get caught up in something you'll regret. It happens to everyone! How do you all feel about these?


Alicia B.

Basket Case

Manden Basket from the Sundance Catalog for $75.

If you recall a few posts ago, I wrote about foyer spaces and realized that my sister's foyer spaces was seriously lacking. We brainstormed about a lot of different options but my favorite was the addition of a basket underneath her console table! Not only does it add visual interest but it adds storage and depth to a flat space. I love baskets because they can look old and like they have a history.

This is what we're working with.

Eileen Kathryn Boyd is one of my new fave designers these days. This is quite a tall basket but I like its wide weave.

Paula Perlini used lots of baskets here--all different. You can put fresh flowers in them (she gets so many flowers from that husband of hers anyway)!

This is just an example of the different kinds of baskets you can choose from. These are from Pima--they remind me of these gorgeous baskets that my parents have from South America. By Michael Dale.

This is part of the John Peixinho home that I can't stop looking at, but isn't this basket perfect? It peaks out the perfect amount from under the console table.

I think this basket idea would not only add a bit of depth to the foyer/console area but that area needs a bit of texture too. They have that gorgeous lacquered console and crystal candlesticks, so I think they need to let in a little softness or something with a more natural feel. Also, they could put colorful things in there like flowers, throw pillows, etc. What do you think? Any other solutions?

Alicia B.