Is it meant to be?

Several years ago I fell in love with a photograph in a magazine. I wish I would have scanned that picture.  It featured a beautiful dining room with an oversized antique balance scale prominently sitting on a sideboard like a precious sculpture.  I can't explain what the allure was but it was  love at first sight. Every time I walk into an antique shop I keep my eyes peeled for a beautiful balance scale ever since seeing that picture.   I have seen a few since then but not many. And none that took my breath away as the one in the picture did.

While Christmas shopping a few weeks ago I walked passed Z Gallerie.  Their window display stopped me dead in my tracks.  There it was- a beautiful modern balance scale. It made my heart swoon. I chose not to purchase it due to its grand scale (29.5" wide by 37" tall). The scale is actually a good thing. But a statement piece such as this needs to be in just the right place.  I don't think I have a spot in our home that would do this piece justice.

Fast forward to this afternoon. I was thumbing through the January 2011 issue of Real Simple and there was an article that caught my eye.  This was the title:

"Love it but not sure what to do with it? Armed with know-how and a bit of courage you can make even the most intimidating objects...blend seamlessly into your home...".

This article automatically made me think about the modern balance scale.  Was it meant to be?

Affordable finds

Open any design magazine or browse thorough almost any design blog and you will most likely see some version of the starburst mirror.  I have always been a fan of the starburst mirror. And when I found this beauty with  a convex mirror a few months ago at Homegoods for only $30 I couldn't pass it up. So, I followed the advice of many: "If you love it you will find a place for it".

The mirror is patiently sitting in my  home office on the floor underneath my desk. The installation will be a bit tricky because it will not sit flush with the wall.  The mirror will actually be layered over the corners of four pictures already hanging on the wall.

I went to Homegoods today and here are a few other things that caught my eye.  Unfortunately, none of them made their way home with me. But it was fun shopping. The hunt is always exciting!

What are your favorite affordable finds from Homegoods? Do any of these catch your eye?



A great desk at a great price (only $199).  I'm loving the hardware.



Silver and horn frame and tray.



I really was tempted to buy the genuine white onyx canister.   I love the shape of the black and silver covered dish but the crooked finial was a deal breaker for me.



I would love to see this side table painted a high gloss black.  There's that onyx canister again!



A trio of gorgeous lamps.



Another great pair of lamps.