I do love me some melamine

 

Do you ever find yourself obsessed with acquiring certain items for no real reason that you can think of? And if the answer is yes, will you please share in the comments so I can feel like less of a freak? I’m talking here about items you own enough of, but for some reason keep wanting to collect more of—which is how I feel about rolling suitcases (weirdly) and melamine dinnerware, and who even knows why. My favorite melamine plates ever are from the Liberty of London/Target collaboration from way back (I found a few on Etsy just now) and we use them for everything out in Sag Harbor —melamine is so handy  for outdoor dining, which we like to do there. Melamine’s unbreakability is part of the allure, as I am a big fat klutz who breaks dishes endlessly, but they also often come with some standout prints, like this gorgeous floral.

 

The concentric circles here are pretty trippy-cool.

From John Derian: a really elegant tray with a vintage rope print.

I dig the Shibori pattern on this salad plate.

And the Suzani print here is so bold and statement-y.

This splatter print looks so one-of-a-kind.

There are a few colorways available for this one, but I find the pink and blue particularly appealing.

A set of cereal bowls that are delightfully matchy-clashy.

No print here, but I included this plate because it looks so much like a Heath Ceramics plate I own.

All of these things are blue

 

Just because I’m in the mood. How hilarious is this beach towel?

And this bookend is pretty clever too.

I actually think this step ladder is pretty gorgeous.

A witty little mug in the ever-winning palette of blue and black.

This saucepan is so chic—if one can describe a saucepan as chic.

A perfect side table for adding a little hit of color to a room.

A really gorgeous, graceful vase.

I like the idea of a blue dinner plate.

And I love the leather handle on this utensil pot.

I need a new tea kettle, and this one is pretty excellent.

A fun tumbler for serving cocktails.

Such an unexpected shape for a pitcher.

Taking requests: nightstands

My friend Lori mentioned that she might find a post on nightstands useful, and I realized I’ve been sort-of-but-not-really in the market for just this item since I moved into my current place a few years ago. My old apartment’s bedroom was huge, but my current one is small, and I’m stuck with these two unwieldy nightstands that only fit when I turn them sideways, which makes opening the drawers challenging. I like this midcentury-style option because I am always a sucker for wood contrasted with white.

This is very Country Farmhouse, which isn’t so much my style, but I find myself drawn to it nevertheless.

The brass feet and drawer pulls here are a nice touch.

This rattan number is rather trippy in a way I can really get behind.

This one looks like it would just sort of disappear.

Again with the white and wood.

A pop of red is kind of a fun idea for a bedroom.

This is narrow enough to fit in a snug bedroom, and under $100 too.

 

13 black and white pieces you might enjoy

I don’t have the discipline required to decorate a monochromatic room, but I’ve always wanted one. So I throw a couple of black and white items into the mix and call it good enough. I’m crazy for this op art-ish Fornasetti box.

White flowers would look really elegant in this vase.

This concentric dots print is one of my favorite Marimekko patterns, and it looks especially right on this plate.

Another box, this one not quite as pricey as the one above, while still managing to be not exactly cheap.

Such a cute little baking dish, and it’s cheap, cheap.

This placemat almost looks like it has a quilt pattern.

This vinyl floor mat cleverly mimics a Moroccan rug.

A good sturdy basket for your whatnots.

The half-moon print on this duvet cover would look good with matchy-clashy pillows.

A couple of Missoni hand towels would spiff up any bathroom.

A nice, clean-lined canister, the likes of which I keep meaning to buy.

I like the idea of a kitchen clock, and this one from Georg Jensen is so appealingly spare.

And finally: a cute little cheerful mug.

 

Some pink items, just for kicks

This speaker is just too damn cute.

A gorgeous vase from Heath Ceramics.

A nice, sturdy sugar bowl.

This charger is something I desperately need, and is kind of a perfect gift for those hard-to-buy-for types.

These headphones are actually really chic.

I’d use this tray for entertaining (if I ever entertained) or for catching stray scraps of paper on my desk/kitchen table.

Such an elegant side table for placing next to a sofa or even your bed.

And finally: why not a pink rice cooker?

 

Decorating with stripes

This throw reminds me of a classic Breton shirt.

A handy basket for laundry or dog toys or whatnot.

I’d put this quilt on my bed with matchy-clashy pillowcases and sheets.

How could I not include this excellent Fornasetti plate?

This Cornhole set is genius.

I feel like a platter like this would make itself very useful.

Technically this is a chevron stripe, but I liked it so much I included it anyway.

A pouf that looks very Missoni-esque but costs a lot less.

I like how minimal the stripes are on this bowl.

The embroidery on this duvet cover is so pretty, and not overwhelming.

Something about this mug strikes me as very French.

Just a gorgeous planter that would make a fantastic gift if you put a succulent or something in it.