JC Penney Gets Mid Century Modern with Jonathan Adler.

Check out JC Penney going Mid Mod!  It truly is everywhere these days, huh?

I have noticed their image skewing much more modern and youthful over the past years, but bringing in home decor from Jonathan Adler brings them to a whole new level!  Go Penney's!

Browse these fun pieces:  

I have to say, I still prefer the real deal though.  If you notice, I see a lot of MDF noted in the construction of these items.  Eh...no thanks.  I prefer my teak and walnut.  

Have a great weekend and Happy Easter! 

Sea Urchins as Mid Century Decor.

There is something about the sea urchin that I find so beautiful.  Beautiful enough, that I want to display them in my home.  Apparently I'm not the only one either, because lately I've been seeing them pop up everywhere.  

It's actually not a new design, but one that garnered appreciation in the mid century.   From the starbursts to the C. Jere pom-poms, the design of long extending spikes from a center base, has been loved for many decades.   I've always loved vintage starbursts, so the urchin love must be run-off from that?  It's as if the sea urchin is the starburst's cousin, right?

Nate Berkus for Target. 4" Sea Urchin in White Or Gold. 

I saw these in Target on Sunday but didn't get them. Ugh, why?  Now I need to go back.

Oly Cast Resin Sea Urchins in 10", 11"and 25" circumference.

Hmmm, I feel a project coming on.  I'd like to try and recreate these with some clay.

Zhush Gold Ceramic Sea Urchins $25. Also available in white and silver.

I'd go white! 

Sea Urchin Bowl at Element Clay Studio @ Etsy $82

Brass Urchin Accent at Furbish $45

Gorgeous!  I can see this atop some vintage home decor books. 

Set of 3 Brass Sea Urchins Wall Art Clayton Gray $100

Move over C. Jere Pom Poms, you have some competition! 

Interested in the real thing?  Check out Ebay for Sea Urchins with Spikes.

Sea Urchin Chandelier ELLE Magazine

Holy shhhhhh, that is gorgeous!

In searching the above image I found it on an awesome blog called My Hands Made It, plus a tutorial on  how to make your own here. Saturday project!  I can't wait to give this a try.  Look how beautiful hers turned out below:

If you're into sea urchins/starbursts too, and you enjoy making things head over to google and do a search. You'll find multiple how-to-make-your-own urchins. Have fun!

Totally Atomic. Tile-top Boomerang Coffee Table.

Now that is a boomerang! Check out the angle on this baby and the gorgeous tile detail. I've never seen anything like it.

Rescued from a Hollywood Hills estate, this beauty is looking for it's new home to hang out for the next 50+ years.

Email me if you're interested and I'll put you in touch with the owner.  He's asking only $300 - makes me wish I had space for this in my home.    RhanDesign@gmail.com

Mid Century Modern for Pets.

If you're like me, mid century obsessed, you like everything to have the mid mod look.....even your pet's furniture and accessories.

I've been drooling over Hepper's super cool cat Pod Bed for quite some time.  I saw one on Craigslist a while back at a great price and missed out.    My kitties would love this!   

As you can see below small dogs apparently love them too:

available in tons of colors and the top comes off for an open seat.

I'm also really loving the Pei Pod

How cool do these cats feel in this egg shaped house? Yeah, very cool.  

And the Kitty Pod, another raised pod style bed, by HJ Mews.

Does Kitty love the Eames style?  Check out another cool design by HJ Mews, the Canopy Lounge. 

Kitty love mid century architecture? Let him / her sleep in their very own mid century home by Urban Pet Haus: 

 

We all know cats work so hard...yeah right, and deserve a great place to sleep. Let your kitty (or man's best friend) lounge in style on the Bambu Pet Hammock by Pet Lounge Studios.

I never thought in a million years I could appreciate the design of a cat scratcher.  But, here it is:  

Modern Cardboard Scratcher at Modern Cat

And an attractive litter box? Never....right?  Nope, they made that look good too:

Litter Hideaway Circa 50 at Modernist Cat

And slightly more litter boxy feeling, yet still way cool in a space age design, the Litter Robot, self cleaning system:

Does kitty crave pretty feeding bowls like you crave vintage dinnerware?  Try one of Vurv's amazing designs:

Can someone tell this little cute guy he's not technically supposed to be IN the bowl? 

Makes me want to go shopping for my cats. How about you?

Yep, I'm Still Talking About Modern Rugs

Boy, when I get on something I really stick to it until it's complete. I like to check things off the list!   You might remember a few posts back I wrote about mid century modern rugs.  I've decided I can't wait around for the perfect true 60's rug to pop up. I need something soon, but later if the right rug comes along at an estate sale or garage sale, great!

Here are some cool new rugs with a mid century/retro look .....

All from Overstock.com.  Can't beat the selection and prices!

4x 6 Ultimate Shag Cream & Smoke Rug $79.99 

Vintage Modern Spaces.

While my taste in home decor and interior design is predominantly mid century modern, I appreciate many other design styles.  I especially love when one mixes completely different eras to create a unique, modern look and feeling.   Here are some great examples from Etsy Storque's "Get the Look" series:

Tones of Sepia, Dallas TX. 

Creative Corners: Netherlands 

Coloring Outside the Lines: Portland OR. 

Modern Practicality, Ontario Canada

Renovating Modern: Mountain View, CA. 

Curb Alert: Madison, WI. 

Personified Modern: Ohio

Romantic Curiosities: Ghent, Belgium

Retro Renovation: Nashville, TN.

Colorful Cooperation: St. Paul, MN.

Feeling inspired? I am! I look at these images and feel like I can do "more" with my space. I tend to keep things simple and minimal but every time I see creative design like these I feel like I have some  holes to fill.  I also fear color.  I admire people that use bold color. It always looks great if you go for it.

What do you think of these spaces? 

Want more?  See this post I did last summer: Mixing Mid Century with Traditional