cushion source

via Cushion Source

This post is similar to yesterday's in that Cushion Source provides a custom service/product at a more accessible price. As the name indicates, Cushion Source is an online retailer of custom cushions, pillows, drapes and other decor items (tablecloths, bedding etc.). They have around 1,000 fabrics to choose from or you can send your own fabric (COM). I am particular excited about this COM feature although I did find some fabrics I liked in their gallery (the two brands that I recognized are Robert Allen - a major brand of relatively inexpensive fabrics - and Sunbrella - known for outdoor textiles). See below.

I have learned a good amount about upholstery and custom pillows over the past year and from my experience this company seems to be on to a really good thing. Their prices are competitive, they offer customizable selections for welting and fill and their online process is easy to follow. I also really like how they output a rendering of what your specific end product will be. I think I am going to test it out but I can't decide if I will have some pillows made or if I will go for the big ticket item of my daybed cushion. The only downside I can see thus far is that the lead time looks to be a bit long - a couple to several weeks. Any readers out there ever tried Cushion Source before? If so, I would love to know your thoughts!

SemiHandmade

Working in the residential design industry, I have learned how beautiful and expensive custom cabinetry can be (like WOW). And while I am a big supporter of investing in quality materials and design elements in your home, the price of a custom cabinetry just makes it not feasible for most people. That is why I think the concept behind SemiHandmade is so amazing. SemiHandmade uses the boxes or cabinet fames from IKEA and creates custom door fronts and drawers drilled to fit. This short and informative video explains how it works. 

Essentially, you design the cabinetry layout you want using IKEA's software then you send your plans to SemiHandmade and they use the scheme to create a custom kitchen, closet, bathroom etc. for you. The cabinets take about 7-8 weeks once a deposit is received and ship UPS ground.

SemiHandmade's doors are veneer and they offer roughly 21 material choices organized into 4 different price categories. The website indicates that most of their customers spend between $5,000 to $10,000 on their custom doors. Add this to a typical cost of IKEA boxes and hardware - $1,000 to $3,000 - and installation - $1500 to $2500 - and the all in range is $8,000 - $15,000. While this is still a lot of money, its about 30-40% off a typical custom project. Below are some examples of their completed projects - I think they look so good and totally custom!

via SemiHandmade

via SemiHandmade

via SemiHandmade

music at home

Last night, we went and saw The Avett Brothers at the Peabody Opera House. It was the second time we have seen them and they did not disappoint. I have to admit I am not a big concert goer so I tend to be a tough judge. That being said it is pretty much impossible not to be captivated by the band's lyrics, stage presence and musical talents.

Watching the crowd around me - some who were VERY enthusiastic - it got me thinking about music's ability to affect our mood. Growing up my parents would always put on a favorite CD while cooking or eating dinner and while I am by no means a musical connoisseur (nor can I play an instrument or sing very well) I like to think I have a great appreciation for music. I don't pretend to have great musical tastes but I know what I like and how it can affect how I am feeling. Fast forward to now and you can usually find a Pandora or Spotify station playing while Jeff and I are doing things around the house. For me, having music on is just one of the many things that makes our house a home (sorry to be cheesy but sometimes a cliche is really the best way to say something). So in honor of today's musings I thought I would share a few musical inclined links. 

The Avett Brothers live on Letterman

 - This article from Discovery News about Why Music Makes You Happy

February Seven music video by The Avett Brothers

Because its so good especially on a Friday