Installation day- Asian book box to coffee table

Client space- testing the rug and the new coffee table.

I found this awesome antique Asian book box at a local tag. It was perfect for a client's coffee table, but it was a little short in stature.

I love the light antique patina on the box and the subtle Asian closure.

So, my fantastic metal-smith made a frame to hold the box and it turned out great! This is a perfect example of how to support your local artists!

The waxed finish on the frame looks natural, without being match-y, with the box's hardware.

Such a handsome look, with or without a glass top!

More from this space will be coming in the next few days. We are adding some lighting, art and a bench in the space before we are totally done. But we have good bones installed already.

The rug is in! Beautiful Heriz is perfect under the piano

As I mentioned last week, I was at Scott's shopping for a rug for a client. This weekend, I was able to snap a few images of the rug in place. It looks fabulous! The colors suite the palette in the room and echos the lighter wood tone of the piano and floor as well as the depth of color in the black Eames lounge chair and ottoman across the room. It also picks up on the colors of the rooms upstairs.

Mostly, the 1930's Heriz rug in William Morris type colors look appropriate for this 1915 house with Arts and Crafts details like this lovely staircase.

Sapien bookcase- the quickest installation ever

DIY installation of the Sapien bookcase

I have put together many of the Sapien bookcases by Bruno Rainaldi- both the Design Within Reach and the CB2 versions. (Both version are designer by Rainaldi and both made in Italy) And having done so, I have a few tips on putting them together that I thought I would share... especially if you are doing it yourself!

By yourself seems like the biggest challenge with the weight of the shelving. The tips below should  make your this DIY much easier. Then, all you are left to do is stack it full of books.

The problem is that the bottom plate has to screwed in about 2 inches from the edge. The big tip is to raise the spline up enough to be able to flushly install the screws. Make sure to raise both ends the same so that the screws go in straight.

For the large bookcase from Design Within Reach you need 4 DVD cases, a blue-ray case and two of the shelves stacked. (Yes, that is that is "The Sisterhood of the Traveling Pants 2" on the bottom. It's a guilty pleasure of a movie! )

For the small bookcase (CB2) you will need the 4 DVD cases and the blue-ray case.

Remember lefty loosy, rightsy tightsy to quickly install the screws. I like to tighten them, then place the shelving upright and checking for stability. Them lay back down and re-tighten.

delivery day! Ottomans, pillows and bookcases, oh my...

I love delivery day! The day you bring lots of pretties to a fabulous person's home to create a room that exceeds expectations. Tomorrow is delivery day. I've packed the car early in expectation of an early delivery.  Not only will I be delivering ottomans, pillows and a spline bookcase, but I will also be receiving an enormous piece of art. I cannot wait to show everyone!