6 Vintage Hyper-Fixations: Murano Sconces, Zebra-Print Ottomans, & More
Plus, my 1stDibs Summer Sale selects
This post is brought to you by 1stDibs.
One of the best ways to source interior inspiration is by spending hours on 1stDibs. It’s the truth. Just click on New Arrivals, and start scrolling. This is a go-to for me in terms of educating myself about makers, styles, and trends. 1stDibs has an entire staff that’s up-to-date on what people are actually buying, so what you see on the site is the stuff you should be buying (either by clicking “add to cart,” or by taking a mental note and looking for similar pieces when you’re vintage shopping IRL).
Right now is actually a great time to shop the site because they are hosting the 1stDibs Summer Sale, when items are up to 40% off. There’s a whole host of things I’m eyeing, so I’m rounding them up here, in the form of a hyper-fixation list: all the pieces I’m manifesting right now.
Cy Twombly Posters
Something about the messy scrawl and the frequent pops of red makes Cy Twombly works feel moody and romantic. I can’t afford an original (obviously) but I’m happy to incorporate a vintage Twombly exhibition poster into my space.
This 1984 Winter Olympics poster is high on my “to find” list and this 1960s gallery leaflet would be amazing to frame and hang as art.
Murano Glass Sconces
I’ve been talking about renovating my primary bathroom for years (I actually bought the floor tiles before I even moved in, and they have just been sitting in storage). I’ve been scouring 1stDibs for gorgeous sconces to add to the space and I’m partial to anything made of Murano glass.
I love this brutalist iteration — the scale, the shape, the color — and for something more in line with the above design, this 1970s glass number fits the bill.
Anything Zebra-Print
Bold but also neutral, zebra print feels sexy and modern. A small dose inflects a space with energy but a lot of it (say, covering a sofa or setee) makes more of a statement.
The Forsyth zebra mushroom pouf is a favorite, as is this mid-century Persian rug (love the red punctuating the black and white).
Gaetano Pesce Vases
Italian designer Gaetano Pesce may be best known for his wildly playful furniture, but the vases that are still made under his name are also beyond (and happen to be a much more affordable way to scratch the itch).
It doesn’t get cooler than the pink nugget large vase, though the black and white iteration is pretty great, too. You could also splurge on the set of five which would make such a statement.
Text-Based Art
It’s no great secret that I love text-based art. I do make it, after all. I love words and I love to hang them on my wall.
Oh, how I long for the Barbara Kruger “Kiss” mirror. It’s subversive and sexy and I love that her work offers a window into the viewer (in this case, quite literally). And this expressionist drawing, by artist Juanjo Saez, is spectacular.
Colorful Glass Italian Mirrors
I love how Tamsin Johnson juxtaposed the above 1950s Italian mirror with pieces from other eras and aesthetics — a very primitive three-legged chair, an ornate console, and Murano glass lamps.
This 1960s blue glass mirror hits all the marks, as does this 1950s green mirror.
Other 1stDibs Sale Selects
ODDS & ENDS
I don’t iron my clothes, I steam them — and I use this little straightener to do it. It’s easily packable and doesn’t take up much space in your laundry room.
There are so many great n/a cocktail brands on the market right now for those who don’t imbibe (or are just looking to lessen the amount of alcohol they consume). Current faves for me include Figlia’s Fiore Frizzante (use VIRGINIA20 for 20% off) and the Aplós Negroni.
If you’re sick to death of seeing Aesop in every bathroom but want something similar, try this hand wash. Chic packaging for a powder bathroom and it’s fragranced with essential oils, so it’s moisturizing.