Target — Blog — Trulery

So I was sifting through piles of interesting junk at the flea market when I came across what looked like a classic mid-century Platner side table. My heart leaped because it isn’t often I find a classic at my local flea market. After clearing out the table, I saw that it was attached to a lamp with a less than thrilling lampshade on top—not exactly what I was looking for. At the time, I had no vision for a lamp table and thought the table would have been perfect without it. I’d always associated lamp tables with being a little hokey or dated, and had a hard time figuring out how I could make it work. So I sat there for 20 minutes (literally) trying to decide if I should get the table or not. I thought of cutting out the lamp but that would have been a disaster. Without a clear vision, I decided to just let it go, and walked away. I wasn’t quiet settled in my decision as I knew anything that looked like a Platner table was hard to find.

After walking away, I decided to look it up and found a number of lamp tables online, including the one I saw! “Wait, did I misjudge this piece?” I learned it was a reproduction, but a really good vintage one. I immediately turned around and power-walked my way back to the vendor hoping no one had taken the lamp. And luckily, it was sitting right there, out in the open. No one even noticed it, including the vendor who was just happy to get rid of it.

On the way home with my new lamp table in tow, I wondered if this is how people adapt to new styles. I started out with no intention of buying a lamp table, and didn’t even think they were that cute until this experience propelled me to consider a new vision for it. I already loved the table, but couldn’t accept the lamp until I realized it was a classic piece, and could possibly work in my space. Maybe sometimes that’s all we need, just to consider that something could work; or even better, seeing it presented in a way that we can relate to.

In honor of my new, not yet styled lamp table, I’m featuring a few that might make you re-think the lamp table. Some are no longer available, but I’m showing them anyway so you can see what’s out there, particularly if you were like me, and lamp tables aren’t on your radar.

One obvious thing about these lamp tables is their functionality. How convenient is it to have a lamp and table all in one. But pure function does not a beautiful piece make, and it’s up to designers to blend function and aesthetics—something all these designers have in common. This nickel finish lamp table from Miles Redd is classic traditional glamour. It adds glitz to a modern traditional setting, but like with any piece of furniture, it can probably work in most settings if it fits in with your vision for the space.

This minimalist modern lamp by Paolo Cappello and Simone Sabatti, made of metal and wood, looks great against ornate architecture like the molding on this wall. I love the juxstaposition of minimal and maximal styles.

Here is one from Urban Outfitters in all its bohemian minimal glory. It’s tall, lean, wood and aluminum structure work together to create a modern vintage look.

Here is Justina Blakeney’s version of the lamp table from her new line at Target. This rattan and metal lamp table with the large, elongated lampshade gives-off warm vintage vibes in such a homey way.

Have you thought about lamp tables? Which ones do you like the best? I’m looking forward to styling mine with a patterned lampshade for the living room. Pic to come.

Miles Redd Articulating Floor Lamp/Cappello & Sabatti Ozz Lamp/Victor Tripod Floor Lamp/Mix Material Shelf Floor Lamp by Justina Blakeney for Target

Finally. The boys bedroom is finished. Well at least for now anyway. I like to think that a room is never really finished, it just evolves, you know. All in all, I absolutely loved decorating my boys' room. Yes, the process was trying, especially during times when I was waiting for an item only to find that it wasn't the right fit or what I wanted, or when I tried to buy something only to find that the item was sold out. But I try not to get too upset about those things because it always works out in the end. And if I never knew it before, I certainly know now that interior decorating is my passion, and (I'm pleased to say) a service I'll be offering under my new creative consulting company, Truly, LLC (read about it here). So without further ado, let me take you through the design process.You may recall from my mood board (here) that the guiding theme for the project was:

Traditional
Modern
Pop culture
Global Style

Or also known as Traditional Modern Meets Pop Culture With A Dash of Global Style. It's essentially a conglomeration of what appeals to me and the boys. Of course, the boys are into superheros and legos, and me, I like a traditional boy's room that infuses modern touches with a sense of multiculturalism. But to be sure that the room felt like their own, I made sure to display familiar items, ones they made themselves, like the wooden bracelets or their drawings. When they get tired of the drawings, they can always switch them out so the artwork continues to feel fresh. They also wanted to make the ceiling light look more like the death star and insisted (along with their dad) on coloring it free hand with a black marker. It's not something I would have done, but hey, it's not always want we want when we live with other people, right? So needless to say I made some concessions in the room. But all in all, we're all happy with it, and that's what truly matters. BB rug I chose the zebra rug early in the design plan. If you saw my inspiration rooms (here), you may know that I was initially looking for a zebra print headboard. But I had a really difficult time making it happen so I opted for the rug instead. And I really like the way it glams up the room a little. The duvet came later in the design and adds a nice pop of color. I initially chose a cream patterned duvet that had an ethnic vibe to it, but since it was sold out I looked for other options. I really like this one because it's kid friendly, and the modern triangle can also be interpreted as ethnic, a perfect fit for theme of the room. BB front view BB I side These multicolored ethnic and pom-pom pillows tie in much of the colors in the room. Whenever I'm looking for a color scheme I usually like to find all the colors in a piece of fabric, or pillow so that it gives a sense of cohesiveness, and doesn't feel like just a hodge-podge of colors that don't speak to each other. BB side dresser BB lotion and powder I didn't want to keep the lotions and powder in the original packaging. I wanted to present them in a more original way that feels consistent with the design of the room. So I used bottles with chalkboard tape to label the items for a fun touch. BB pouf Of course I had to include all their friends, ha. BB tall dresser angle This basket houses their laundry, and I put a piece of fabric over it as a make shift cover. BB kermit Books are big in our house. My eldest loves to read, and books can make most any space feel cozy. BB M So there you have it. Hopefully you've been inspired with ideas for your own space. If so, I'd love to hear about it. Below are links or resources for some of the major items in the room: