May Mixology

I don't know about the rest of you, but May is insanely packed with social obligations. It's as if everyone woke up on the same day and decided it was time to celebrate something. I literally have some sort of commitment every day in May--which makes me even more desperate for a cocktail to get through it.

I first posted my theory on Mixology in the Interior Design universe like 2 years ago--read it here--I feel like it still applies. As a designer I am constantly mixing, old and new, existing with additional, pretty and ugly (more then you would think.) But that's the game, if you don't mix different styles, eras, colors, it all seems sterile and blah. So, to satisfy my need for fabulous furniture and a drink, here are my latest cocktail-esque inspirations. This time we are talking side tables.

I don't know why, but sometimes I feel like finding the perfect side table can be the most frustrating part of a project. It must be the right size, the right height, the right finish, and I often feel like I am constantly searching for the right side table on every single project, and half the time no one even notices it--until they set a drink on it.

Sake.
Obviously.
Harlow Side Table from Bungalow 5

Super Dirty Vodka Martini.
This table is sexy. But when you put Shagreen on anything it instantly becomes sexy.
Shagreen+"Dirty"+Bronze+Vodka+3 legs+Russia (b/c of the Vodka)=Sexy
Antique Bronze and Shagreen Circular Side Table available through Belvedere



Skinnygirl Margarita
Because it's less cheesy then a regular margarita and there is no mini-umbrella.
This table is whimsical and unexpected when used in the right place. If you put it in a hotel in the Bahamas--more expected.
Seahorse Side Table by Noir


St. Germain with Champagne
This is a super fem table and the copper color just adds to that. A feminine table deserves a dangerous yet delicious cocktail--exactly what St. Germain with Champagne happens to be. It tastes and smells so good that you can't help but keep drinking, and drinking.
Oppiacei Table available through Design Within Reach



Ice Cold Beer.
It's made of steel, it's white, it's laser cut, it's awesome.
The Ginger Salt Side Table from Crate and Barrel

Tequila Shots.
This table is awesome and so is Tequila.
Stone Egg Side Table available on 1st Dibs from Lewis Trimble

Mixology

Typically this term is mostly reserved for the mixing of cocktails--in my world, that makes it all the more appropriate for the mixing of furniture. To me the sort of go hand in hand, I think that's the case for most designers. Different pieces sometimes just speak to me as far as what cocktail needs to be had when you are lounging in different types of seating. Some of the best times and my favorite memories have been over a great bottle of wine with friends, too many cocktails on a girls night out, or toasting a momentous occasion. I am by no means a raging alcoholic nor am telling you to go get these chairs and sit and drink in them.

To me design is all about mixing. I don't like it when things all look shiny and brand new, it looks too much like a furniture showroom when everything is fresh out of the box. It's the mix of elements that is important. Mixing color, texture, materials, that is what makes design interesting and fun. Mixing the unexpected is what keeps it unique and fresh. So that's what this post is about, mixing the unexpected.

Mimosa
The Beverly Chair by Oly Studio (www.olystudio.com) This chair is just stunning. Beautifully delicate and to me it just calls out for a glass of Champagne & OJ. I would just want to perch here and toast something fabulous while noshing on an amazing brunch. Brunch is my favorite thing to do with my amazing friends and Mimosas are the best part!

Bloody Mary
One of my favorite things to do in the summer is sit on the patio with the girls and have a nice spicy Bloody Mary. The Supernatural Chair by Moroso (www.moroso.it) comes in a million fantastic colors, can be used outdoors, can stack for easy storage when not in use, can be wiped clean with Clorox wipes (my personal favorite), and it is extremely comfortable. Please pass the celery.

Dirty Martini
The classic Platner Lounge Chair available through Knoll Studio (www.knoll.com) This chair to me just looks so glamorous and makes me wish I had lived in the 60's. This chair is an icon, most commonly seen is the classic dining chair version, but the lounge chair, fully upholstered is just an amazing mix of steel and whatever fabulous fabric your heart desires. A classic dirty martini in my opinion is most appropriate.

Scotch on the Rocks
To me this chair is so wonderfully masculine I feel like it deserves a real man's drink. The Tirup Chair from Ikea (www.ikea.com) just has this great shape and weight to it. Visually I can see it in an office or study next to a bar cart that has an amazing scotch collection. Maybe I am just responding to the color but despite the curves there is something about it that is just sexy, like a hot man who knows a good scotch.

Red Wine
Great read wine and a good book (or design magazine) is all I want when it comes to this chair. I am loving the Briar Chair from West Elm (www.westelm.com) I just love that the subtle wings and the high back give you a bit of privacy. I must confess I'm not a big reader, but if I were I would sit here. I can imagine resting my head in the corner where the wing meets the back, with an amazing cashmere throw blanket and a great Pino Noir.

Tequila Shots
This is amazing--it's totally unexpected, just like the things that can happen when drinking tequila. The Miss Rio Ottoman available at Design Within Reach (www.dwr.com) is all around fantastic, and the fact that it's made from recycled flip flops just makes it even better. I can just see a line of shots, lots of salt and lots of lime, all which would seem totally appropriate!

*Please Drink Responsibly
*None of the above vendors listed support these statements in any way