As we get closer to our move, I find myself increasingly obsessed with organization. How to organize all this crapola that we’re schlepping three miles from one Jenworld to the other? I keep thinking that if I plan now, there will be less chaos later, but I think we all know that some chaos is inevitable.
Yesterday, I found myself browsing Pottery Barn’s website. Not because I plan to buy anything, but because I knew I’d get some ideas. Or, as it turns out, a few chuckles. Because Pottery Barn is all about the Big Ideas. This is what your home SHOULD look like. And, that home is part of the Ideal Life.
How else to explain this:
That’s right, a changing cabana. Because we all have pools and pool boys. And because going into the house to change your clothes is just so passe‘.
And how about the Chesapeake Lounger:
Forget about going to Target and getting a chair. You need to get this chair/bed thingy so that your life will be complete. Of course, the website doesn’t mention the spiders that will build webs on the posts or the birds that will poop on the canopy or the Kool-Aid your kids will spill on the white pillows.
How about some tree stumps for your walls?
Do you think the so-called art comes with termites to add to the authentic look?
When I first saw these murals, I was reminded of that wallpaper that used to proliferate in 1970s-era rec rooms:
From tacky to classy in just 30 years. Huh. So there’s hope for Chia Pets after all.
And can someone please explain this to me:
I love how they say this is “retro.” Um, no. It’s not even close. And what is the deal with the cut-outs on the sides? Are they portholes for spying on your neighbors?
I will admit that Pottery Barn always has interesting and thought-provoking organization systems. For example, check out this one:
It’s so complicated that I’m guessing even Martha Stewart would be intimidated. But! I totally get what they’re shooting for. One central location — a Command Center, as we call it here in Jenworld — for your calendar, your To Do lists, etc. It makes sense, even for Pottery Barn.
And what do you think of this wall-mounted wrapping paper organizer:
It’s cute, but not $179 + shipping cute. I think I’ll stick with my sophisticated system that involves me storing everything as a jumbled mess in a drawer. Maybe I’ll upgrade to a plastic bin when we move.
So I looked through Pottery Barn’s website pretty thoroughly and saw nothing that tempted me. I didn’t even find much inspiration.
Does anyone have any good websites I should look at? I’m specifically looking for ideas for the Jenworld Blogging Headquarters (our home office) and our coat closet.
Have you checked out the Container Store?
LOL! This made me laugh! Good call on Container Store. I am a fan of Target (said with a French accent, of course). Or Linens & Things; Bed, Bath & Beyond; Pier 1…
ha. they finally stopped sending me their catalog. i think someone from PB stopped by and said, ‘oh. no, she definately will never buy anything from us.
I am totally in love with the Container Store. It’s a good thing the nearest one is in Denver. Otherwise I’d be hitting that place weekly!
I like Crate & Barrel for ideas as well – it’s right up Pottery Barn’s alley. But at least they run some great sales where you can pick stuff up at decent prices. You’d probably really like CB2. It’s their more modern offerings. http://www.cb2.com/
I suspect nothing will top your love of IKEA however. : )
A cabana for one’s pool seems a bit much… West Elm (which I think is part of the PB family) always has gorgeous things, as does DWR, but at the end of the day, I’m with Alex… the Container Store is probably the most helpful.
$179 + Shipping? Are they smoking crack?
Yep, Container Store sounds like the way to go! Go luck!
Try working there and trying to convince the customers that they NEED that stuff.
I am so unorganized in this rental. I hope to do better when we finally settle someplace…probably in 2 years.
I love and laugh at the things available at PB.
Pottery Barn drives me crazy! Who is buying all this stuff?
And seriously, who wraps enough presents to justify a wall-mounted wrapping paper station?
Where would you even hang it? I guess in your wrapping paper room. Duh!
Lately PB has been pretty offensive–expensive and off-putting combined:) I think you should stick with your first love: IKEA!
Pottery Barn depresses me – its like you too can have this if you have 10 gs of available credit.
I say Ikea/Target/Container Store/and my personal nemis…WALMART.
I have never heard of the Container Store. But you know I heart IKEA as much as you do.
Unfortunately my life seems to follow this arc:
1) This place/office/closet/fridge is a MESS, I must clean it and get organized!
2) Clean, clean, sing a happy working song, clean, organize, clean, la la la la.
3) There. It’s done, doesn’t it look great?
4) Wow. It’s two days later, and I’m still coming in here and basking in how good it looks. I’m finally an organized person!
5) Oh, this needs to go in my office/closet/fridge, but I’m kind of in a hurry. I’ll just toss it in/put it here on one shelf/lean it against the wall, and deal with it properly later
6) Hmmm it’s getting a bit messy in here. It’ll only take 10 mins to get it back to perfect so I’ll just…Oh, Grey’s Anatomy is starting.
7) This place/office/closet/fridge is a MESS, I must clean it and get organized!
I have the best of intentions, but I’m busy all the time and easily distracted (oh look, something shiny!) and so my house is where entropy goes to practice. Sigh.
IKEA is the only place around that doesn’t disappoint. Besides, you get the meatballs and you can check the kids into PLALAND, or whatever it’s called. Target’s stuff is overpriced and overdesigned (in this category). Just do an IKEA trip, and get to Saks at Potomac Mills while you are there. I want to get a petition to IKEA to open a store in Charlottesville or Richmond. Anyone want to join me?
I didn’t buy mine through this website but I have the exact same thing and as far as wrapping paper/bow/ribbon storage? It’s awesome. And portable.
http://www.fingerhut.com/ProductGroup.aspx?offergroupxid=43882
The only thing is that my husband had to cut the ends of the super long wrapping paper rolls off with his chop saw. Still, though – well worth the trouble.
Really, between IKEA and the Container Store – both can’t be beat.
I like the bed/chair thingy…but some of those things are just plain weird.
Container Store is my personal Nirvana. Seriously.
And that non-retro retro wicker chair? You are spot on with most of your observations, but I have to quibble with this one: we had one of those when I was a kid. And I’m 45 now. If that’s not retro, I don’t know what is! LOL
Was a *great* place to read, for the record.
Ok, the “thought-provoking organization system” — I have that, but ONLY the MIDDLE part, and mine has less … STUFF going one. It was several year’s ago’s model, so I guess they needed to pimp it up more!
Jen ~ have you tried TJ Maxx or HomeGoods? They have lots of great organizational stuff.