My name is Erin, and I am a hoarder. I have been a hoarder for 12,364 days.

Reportedly, the doctor was quite perplexed when I arrived clutching the umbilical cord for dear life, swearing that I just might find a use for it someday. As a child I had so many stuffed animals that my mom was forced to suspend them from ribbons tied like nooses round their furry little necks, and then hang them from a golden chain swagged across the ceiling. It was only a little scarring. But also informative — I still like gold. And things. Lots and lots and lots of things. Pass on the nooses, though.

Now that I am grown, my obsession has inflated to brobdingnagian proportions — not that the average person would ever know it. Because, like many addicts, I hide my disease well. I work hard at configuring every micrometer of storage space to resemble a Tetris puzzle so that our public spaces appear free and open. Clutter is mostly minimized, although I must admit a newly acquired chair or errant tchotke can temporarily upset the balance.

But most often it’s just a matter of time before the latest and greatest finds are somehow absorbed by the ever expanding attic, closets, or backyard shed. The garage, unfortunately, has been permanently sealed off. Evidently it has become molecularly unstable, and the addition of even one more lamp may open up a black hole. Or so I’ve been warned.

My lamp lust runs like a jingle — bet you can’t stop at just one. It seems that I can’t even stop at 27, and those are just the table lamps. I’m not even counting the unmounted ceiling fixtures and sconces, piled high in wiry drifts.

Then there is the vast, still multiplying chair population. They may be motley multitude, but I love them all well enough to know each by heart. There are: 6 Danish rope cord chairs, 4 Burke tulip chairs, 4 Saarinen tulip captain’s chairs, 1 Milo Baughman tufted chrome chair, 1 chrome Thonet styled rocker, 3 lucite backed barstools, 1 Knoll handkerchief chair, 1 Knoll executive chair, 1 wood and wicker barrel chair, 1 leather club chair, and of course the grub worm chair. Embarrassingly, those are just the chairs I currently have no use for.

I take comfort in the certainty that I am not alone. I frequently sniff out kindred spirits on craigslist who are desperately attempting to offload dozens of items, hoping to make space for their cancerous thrift habits.

It is a vicious cycle. And perhaps — just maybe — some of you out there know what I’m talking about. Maybe you can understand a compulsion that never ceases, gnaws even at your sleep (you have scored in your dreams, haven’t you?), and threatens to push you out of house and home. You know that you should not buy one single more thing, that you should instead hold the biggest garage sale the world has ever known, that clearing the hidden clutter would bring about a Zenlike epiphany.

Yes, I know all these things — and more. And still I bought another ceiling fixture last Sunday… but it it called to me like a shiny gold and lucite siren. And it was ridiculously cheap! And I had to have it. Deals like that are a near religious experience.

My name is Erin, and I am a hoarder. I have been a hoarder for 12,364 days.

[All photographs by Rune Guneriussen, a magically delicious photographer who obviously knows a thing or two about hoarding]

To all you poor souls in the throes of snowy disaster: I know you are without power, and therefore not even reading this (and if you have — by some miraculous happenstance — found electricity, then you are almost certainly doing more important things than blog trolling, like taking hot showers and cooking food and flushing your toilets), but I’m giving you all a shout out nonetheless. Because living like a cave (wo)man in the ice age is totally lame (especially in the absence of exotic fauna, like saber tooth tigers and woolly mammoths) but y’all are some badasses, so I know you’re gonna pull through with style. Also, I would like to congratulate you on snagging the most bitchin’ moniker for a natural disaster ever: Snowmageddon. There is solace to be found in that kind of excellence.

Well, whenever you get around to reading this, just know that I’m rooting for you. And to show my support, I’m shining some bright lights your way. I hope this post finds you soon.

Blizzards suck, but white can still be alright. Bambi helps. via Damian Russell

Then again, nasty weather is the perfect excuse to get cozy and snuggle. via Andrea Ferrari

Charlotte Perriand fixtures light up my life. via Living Etc

I’m sure the view from below is thrilling. via OWI

Ok, is it just me, or do those pendant lamps remind you of skin? via Andrea Ferrari

Message to Mother Nature. via Designage

Might as well… SIT! Go aheaaaaaad annnnnd siiit. via Damian Russell

Calling all trapeze artists and lion tamers. via Sasa Antic

I love this headboard idea. via Style Files

Elton John is such a weirdo. via Pillow Mint

Nevermind the neon love letter, check out the hot Yves Klein gold flake coffee table. Hubba hubba. via Eye Spy

Matthew Williamson’s neon lit stairway is pretty much the sole reason Benny Franklin got crazy with a kite during a lightning storm. Electricity is a beautiful thing. via Damian Russell

Alright people, let’s work together to kick Mother Nature’s ass and ensure there are no more natural disaster posts, because the only disasters we should be discussing are entirely domestic. Disasters like: Erin desperately needs a new couch! Erin is dying to move baby Ike’s crib out of her room! When can Karly remodel her kitchen?!

You know. Important stuff.

It’s still feeling a little dreary around here — outside it’s dark, cold and rainy, Ike got four shots this morning, and an earthquake just swallowed up 50,000 people in Haiti. Yeah, that last one is a doozy. I’d say we’re all due for something pretty and colorful, yes?

These gorgeous light sculptures by Paula Arntzen are handcrafted of paper which was screenprinted with fluorescent ink. They’re so festive, I’m inspired to throw an impromptu dance party for me and the Ikesaurus. I think I’m going to switch on the Christmas lights (yes… they’re still up), crank NWA up to 11, and get jiggy with it. Ike loooooves gangsta rap — it’s going to be awesome.

For more eye candy, be sure to check out Paula’s website.

And if you’re feeling some extra love, head over here for ways to help send relief to Haiti.

Wishing you all a bright and happy weekend!

Ok, so yesterday I tried to be all tasteful, because I expect you people get tired of some of the weirdo stuff I often post. (But seriously — who doesn’t want a plywood house???) Anyhoo, today I am feeling mischievous and spry, kind of like a leprechaun on acid, although I should probably feel like something more holiday appropriate. Perhaps like the great pumpkin on PCP? And by the way, have I mentioned exactly how little sleep I am getting lately? Like, maybe four hours a night, and not in one stretch? IT REALLY MESSES WITH YOUR BRAIN. After a while you pass tired and head directly to crazy.

I digress. For this fun Friday post, I’m featuring more lighting, and as an added bonus I’m allowing you to share in my hallucinatory state.

Simon Schubert

Terence Koh — this one has poo in it (among other things).

Hey guess what else is going on? K-Dawg will be back to blogging on Monday!!! Be sure to tune in and show her some sweet sweet loving so she will never ever leave us again. I know you all missed her so.

Have a far out Friday!

I have a problem. Yes, I frequently misinterpret Neil Diamond lyrics, but it’s worse than that. It’s my lighting addiction. Every night when the lights get low and my sleep deprivation has turned itself inside out, transforming me into a frenetic Mrs. Hyde, and there is nothing on tv — not even a Flipping Out marathon, I start trolling the dark streets of Ebay, looking for a fixture. Or two. Or three. I can’t stop myself from adding sconces, table lamps and chandeliers to my watch list. And do I need these things? Well, I could use a new light for over my kitchen sink, but in short: No. Hell no. I have a garage full of crap bought from Craigslist, Round Top, thrift and vintage stores. Anytime I shop for furnishings, I studiously avoid anything that is not, in and of itself, a source of illumination. Lighting is the jewelry of the room, and I like da bling.

So, during all my sleepless nights spent trolling, I’ve noticed two distinct lighting trends: restrained industrial, and architectural glitz. In the restrained camp, there is a plethora of very elegant French lights by 50’s designer, Serge Mouille:

House to Home

Mouille lights are classic and spare, but with an edgy vibe. Very French, no? In the glitzy camp, we have scintillating fixtures by Italian designer Gaetano Sciolari:

Via Brown Turtleneck Sweater

Sciolari’s lucite and brass chandelier does a lot to glam up an otherwise studiously neutral room, don’t you think? So, which do you prefer — French, spare and edgy, or Italian, shiny and voluptuous?

Catherine Deneuve or Sophia Loren? (And if someone can direct me to their male equivalents, I’d be most appreciative…)

I know. It’s cruel asking you to choose between two gorgeous creatures, but can two such strong personalities coexist in a polygamous marriage? I’m talking about the light fixtures, of course. Need more lighting porn to help you decide? Your wish is my command:

Mouille in David Netto’s apartment.

Sciolari via Vintage y Chic

Mouille in Jenna Lyon’s bedroom.

Sciolari via Apartment Therapy

Mouille, forgot source. Je regrete!

Sciolari in Kelly Wearstler’s crazy pink and purple guest house

Mouille via Met Home

I ran out of home pics with Sciolari chandeliers in them, so I’m including this sexy number all by its lonesome.

Mouille via Gribouillis Magazine

Sciolari. I think I just had a brassgasm. Orbrassm.

So, lovely readers, what are your thoughts? Shiny or spare? Glittery or sophisticated? Could you decide between one style over the other, or does the very idea of such a Sophie’s Choice bring a tear to the eye? Perhaps you think the two could be peaceful bedmates? Tell momma all about it.

Ah – the weekend. For some, a break from the nine to five bore and snore. Families are pumpkin picking, men are losing bets over football, and classes take a backseat as college students booze. Wait, I’m in college, so where’s my vodka bramble? Oh ya, that’s right.. I’m in grad school – different kind of college. My weekend gets sucked into a big vacuum made by Hoover, model name ”all work and no sleep”, and the remains? Well there are none. The lack of weekend begins Friday evening after leaving my assistantship to go straight to an artist’s lecture. I return to my pad around 9:30, work on half drop repeats until the early morn, and then go back to my assistantship for the Saturday gallery hours of 11-4.

I admit, I make it sound grueling, but every second is worth it when I realize how surreal it is. The home of my assistantship is a 7,000 square foot sprawling ranch called The Design Center. Think Case Study Houses, or the Singleton Residence, now you’ve got the idea. This gem of a house was inhabited by Goldie Paley, the founder of CBS’ mother (a.k.a mom-in-law to style icon Babe Paley), before being donated to my university. TDC contains a huuuuge textile archive, as well as textile-manufacturing relics, apparel, and three lovely ladies behind the scenes. As if this isn’t enough to overwhelm the midwest doe-eyed girl in me, the Design Center also has gallery space where the lace-inspired work of three international artists resides: Demakersvan, Tord Boontje, and Cal Lane.

Ok ok, I’ll stop gushing and show you the damn pictures. First we have Tord. As you can imagine, hours and hours went into making this raffia curtain:

Tord’s Design Studio was well-known for their beautiful light fixtures for artecnica prior to this exhibition.

Above: Midsummer Light, www.unicahome.com

Above: Come Rain Come Shine Light, www.unicahome.com

Below: Garland Light  (Give me this, now, in black please):

Good stuff, huh?

But check these one of a kind bad boys out:

Tord’s maquettes of raffia designs, based on Quaker Lace sample(in top of photo):

Tord didn’t stop at the raffia curtain and light fixtures.

How would you feel about this being front and center in your living room?

Yes.  This is a couch.  Yes, I’ve sat in it.  Yes, It’s super comfy.

above photos: courtesy of The Design Center

With his lace-making approach to the couch, Tord has created a (very) modern
rendition of a Victorian love seat, IMHO:

Furniture I found outside of Tord’s Lace in Translation work includes the Shadowly Armchair / Chaise Lounge:

www.unicahome.com

Which brings me back to one of Erin’s finds, a hooded wicker chair from her Round Top Round Up.

Enough with Tord, onward to Cal.  Cal Lane that is.  She’s Canadian, and pretty much amazing.  She’s the artist whose lecture I mentioned above.  I had seen her work in these next three photos before I saw her Lace in Translation work, which you may be familiar with also:

That’s some durrrrty lace

Seeing her work in person, not to mention at the place I work at, is ten times better than any photograph:

Cal used a Quaker Lace Sample from the Design Center’s collection as the inspiration for her burnout pattern in the grass (which as a result of mulching, I was able to give my classmates a whole new way to experience her work: through the smell of cow.)

The same design was used for her massive oil drum sculpture atop the pool.

above photos:  courtesy of The Design Center

Like I said, amazing, right??  Well, that’s my rant.  Back to my unweekend plans of relaxing print work.  Ciao.

The Lace in Translation Exhibition runs September 24th through April 3^rd. Visit www.laceintranslation.com for details.

I love things en masse.  Take something small and insignificant and multiply it by 100, suddenly you have an interesting collection.  Take something small and kinda cool, then multiply that by 1,000 and shape it into something awesome then, well, then you have a blog post. 

Scott Jarvie Recycled Straw Clutch Chair

Nendo Designed Fabric Scrap Cabbage Chair

Fully Loaded Chair made from shotgun shells by Alexander Reh (yes, I’ve blogged about this before here)

balloona stool confetti by natalie kruch for umbra made from 500 balloons

Tide Chandelier made from collection of man made debris washed up on Kent coastline by Stuart Haygarth

Tail Light Chandelier Also by Stuart Haygarth

Mr. Haygarth is pretty much the king of making things out of things, view his entire site here

Volivik 347, Bic Pen Chandelier by en Pieza

#2 Pencil Chandelier by Daisuke Hiraiwa Gallery via inhabitat

Hello DC Readers! My name is Amy and today I am honored to be guest blogging here on Design Crisis – its like a dream come true – somebody slap (or spank…) me!  My usual home is over at Waxyhearts where I write about basically everything I love on the internet – most often Etsy – since I am addicted.
Enough self promotion…(but I need more readers – really!  My chihuahuas are neglected and they can’t justify the time I spend at my computer without at least 100 readers…)…but glad to be here at Design Crisis today where I can have a much larger audience to frighten.  Anyhow I had one heck of a time coming up with something Design Crisis worthy…and I still haven’t…so instead I will bore you with the details of my day yesterday – which certainly qualifies as a freaking crisis…

So the day begin with turning on my bedside lamp – luckily it takes up most of the nightstand with its huge base – so not only do I not have to dust the nightstand, but I have no room for an alarm clock – thus I have gotten fired from every job I have ever had and now I am on food stamps (thanks to all you hard workers out there for supporting me!!!).

So I go the bathroom to get ready for the day – ugh – accidentally went in the one with the fresh flowers in the faucet – yuck! Flowers and minty toothpaste scents do not go together first thing in the morning (or ever?)! Moving on to the other bathroom…

Just remembered (and forgot due to severe head injury) why I never use this bathroom…
Get some ice out of the freezer for my head injury and attempt to sit on my favorite chair…shoot – I forgot that I prefer to sit on my behind…won’t fit here!

Moving on to my anatomy chair – this is very helpful when I watch Grey’s Anatomy…and if I never see Denny again it will be fantastic…

Once my head stops throbbing I head out to the garden to do some planting with my trusty leather handled bucket…since buckets often transport liquid don’t ask me why it has a leather handle…at least it looked good when I bought it, right?

Heading out for the day! I think I will stop in at this shop – stores that are all white and have limited items always have the most friendly sales people, don’t you think? Walking through the door is just like interrupting a conversation between a bunch of people you don’t know.

Next its over to my friend’s dinner party! A few drinks later I get disoriented by the mirror balls (I have a twin? What’s happening???) and pass out – my friend not wanting me to mess up their dark house (who would notice vomit in that place anyhow?) drops me at some new hotel close to their condo of darkness….I remember none of it…and luckily I didn’t grab one of the guns on the table…

I wake up here – in a hotel made for 5 yr olds?  What???  It takes quite a bit of time to unfold my 6ft body…

ahhh – and now I am back home telling you my story! Hope you enjoyed it!

Thanks again to Karly & Erin for the privilege of allowing me to guest post – and a big shout out to Erin’s husband for getting her knocked up – without him this would not have been possible! Yippee! Don’t forget – you can catch me at Waxyhearts if you want to write hateful comments! And don’t abandon DC – tomorrow will be better, I promise!

I pretty much don’t buy new things. Mostly it’s because I’m cheap, but when I’m making some pretense at self righteousness (usually when trying to justify the purchase of yet another thrifted chair to the Hunny), I say that I’m saving the earth. Pretty much single handedly. Ok, Karly helps, too. However, we’re remodeling our kitchen, and gosh darn it’s hard to thrift built in cabinets. Plus we’re furnishing/decorating a nursery, and used sheets and rugs for le bebe just won’t work for me. This newfound taste for uh, newness, has resulted in THREE trips to Ikea in the past week alone. If you’ve never been to an Ikea store, just know that a) there is never one conveniently located by your house and b) it takes hours just to navigate the showroom labyrinth.

You see, Ikea’s “floorplan” is actually a nefarious plot designed to keep you trapped within the store for the longest possible time without actually causing brain damage. But I can tell you, it comes damn close. So today, I’m going to shower you with all the Ikea knowledge I’ve gleaned over the past few months of epic trips, in the vain hope that I might spot some goodies for you and prevent Ikea overload should you ever step into the store yourself. Even so, it might be best to tie a rope to your car, all Poltergeist style. Just in case.

First of all, what in the world have I bought there? Well, this corner of our nursery (yes, there is a bed in our nursery, but don’t worry — there’s a crib, too) features a Ludde sheepskin on the rocker ($49.95), the Stockholm nubby throw ($29.99), a pair of black Jorun pillows ($14.99 ea), and linen Aina curtains ($49.99 for 2). Sorry, Le Tigre is not available at Ikea. I have to say that of all these items, I think the curtains are a steal. They’re linen, 8 ft tall with rod pockets in the back and faux pinch pleats in the front. Good deal.

Additionally, I’ve bought a bazillion dollars worth of kitchen stuff there, including Abstrakt white cabinets and Nexus brown black cabinets. (You can read all about my obsession with both in this post.) I’ve been shopping for some kitchen accessories to go with, and I think these Asker egg shaped cups on rails are pretty swift. They also look nice in this cute office, which is sadly marred by that creepy “Hello.” Link via Apartment Therapy.

And, of course, I love my giant wicker beehive light ($89.99 for the biggun) that hangs in our dining room, which currently looks nothing like this. At all.

In addition to all these purchases, my pinched pocketbook lusts after — but will probably not buy — the following items:

Blob lights! Ok, I might actually buy a pair of these bad boys because THE HUNNY LIKES THEM. This does not happen. Ever. Ikea Jonisk, $49.99. Awesome proportions — it’s big.

I would also lurve to have an entirely new patio set… alas, I am broke. But if you’re shopping for a giant umbrella, Ikea has some super fantastic ones. This cantilevered badass is HUGE. Ikea Karlso, $129.00 for 10 feet of shade.

Ikea also rolled out these new deck chairs for the summer season. Brommo has all the elements of a classic: clean lines, decent construction, and it’s comfy. Plus you gotta love a good rope chair. $59.99.

You could always imitate the effervescent Ione Skye and buy these lounge chairs for your outdoor wonderland. Karl Skrona is kinda pricey at $169, but if it’s good enough for ex Mrs. David Netto… (Netto, what were you thinking, anyway? Ione is adorable!)

If you’re among the rich and famous and have $129 to burn on ONE chair, the Ange is Salternini sweet. Oh, and Karly and I would each like a set of six while you’re at it. Thanks!

Anna from Door Sixteen has the Karlstad couch, and I have to say that sucker is super comfortable! Another friend has the same sofa in a sectional configuration, and I am sorely tempted to sell my leather sofas and buy one, too. It’s that squishy good. Do yourself a favor and buy the best fabric they have. $599 for gray wool flannel.

One of Ikea’s greatest strengths is probably their textiles; the rugs in particular are priced well considering the materials and patterns. Clockwise from top left: 1) Admete, two sided cotton runner, $19. 2) Flatweave Jorun, two sided wool, $179. 3) Tarnby, braided jute $99 (much nicer in person — very thick). 4) Stockholm, wool, $229.

They had some pretty cute new duvet covers when I was there, too. Love this one in a child’s room, styled by Creature Comforts. Unni Slinga, $19.99 for duvet cover and two pillowcases.

Ikea’s other greatest strength is its straight up cheapness when it comes to the basics:

Remember my last post about Blobs where I waxed hateful on Damien Hirst and how damn much money he makes for “designing” things like the light configuration in this home? Well, eight Ikea lights later and you’ve got your very own Damien Hirst design. Left: Lillholmen, $9.99. Right: Fado, $29.99. Boo ya!

So, in closing, I would like to summarize all the things I like about Ikea: 1) It’s cheap. 2) Sometimes it’s cool. 3) They have great customer service, as in they will take ANYTHING back. Are you listening muthereffing Target? I’m also in love with tiny Bob, the kitchen designer at the Austin store, and Kumar, the most excellent customer service dude, ever. 4) They have this new deal where using your debit card nets you a 3% credit on your next trip. Yay! Free money! 5) They only have reusable bags — no disposable plastic nasties. 7) “Ice cream” cones. 6) Occasionally they give their products very funny names, like this corkscrew:

But it’s not all sweet smelling rosy stuff. There are things I hate about Ikea, too. 1) It’s far away. 2) It’s really far away. 3) The zombies:

If you’ve ever been to a brick and mortar Ikea store, then you know eactly what I’m talking about.

Today’s post has lots of gold, the dirtiest lamps you’ll ever see, and very little writing.  Let’s do this:

See!  What did I tell you?  At Your Command Lamps by Daniel Loves Objects

Bookcase From his  Of Wars Wits & Power Series

These Bookshelves remind me of the Beijing Olympics Opening Ceremonies.

I will give you a million dollars if you can guess what this is.  A humidifier!  Hello!  I really don’t need one of those here in Texas, but if Daniel ever comes up with a dehumidifier in gold, I will be first in line to checkout.

Daniel Loves Objects has lots of great goodies, you should go check them all out, I just chose to share the ones that were my favorite color.