Perspective: A Man’s Take on Faux Fur Decor

Interior design can be a female-dominated world (our own office is a ratio of 4:1), so when dealing with clients we always try to make sure that the husband/fiancé/boyfriend/bachelor’s voice is heard loud and clear. Therefore, with the chilly fall weather rapidly approaching, we wanted to get a male perspective on one of our favorite warm and cozy home accessories: the faux fur throw. To get the scoop on what the other half thinks, we spoke with Busybee partner Mark Miklosovich for his take on this comfy home decor.

“Living and loving an interior designer I have come around to certain aspects of design. Some begrudgingly like making a bed, then making a bed well. Others enthusiastically, such as enjoying the comforts of a great bed,” says Mark, “But, when it comes to pillows I’m out of my element.”

Busybee designer-in-training, 2-year-old Miles Grey, enjoying one of our faux fur throws at home with best friend Sasha.

Our designers understand that throw pillows and blankets can make or break the comfort level of a room. Pillows that are too flat (or too firm or too itchy or…) can be an uninviting burden, and never allow the inhabitant to truly relax in a space. “My son [Miles] takes it to the next level by chucking these pillows to the floor every time he is near them,” continues Mark.

Perfect for fall and winter, faux fur is animal-friendly and adds a dose of warmth to your décor.

We hear this quite a bit, which is why we absolutely love incorporating faux fur accents into our designs – and we’ve found that our male clients agree. These soft pillows and throws are available in a variety of sizes, textures, and colors. Plus, they’re animal-friendly and washable.

“Once you experience this kind of comfort, you’ll never want to go back,” Mark concludes, “We’ve made a habit of giving these faux fur pillows and throws as presents for the holidays. Our thought is, what better gift than the gift of comfort?” We couldn’t agree more.

1. Faux Fur Pillow. 18” x 18” shown in Chinchilla. $95.
2. Faux Fur Throw. 80” x 70” shown in Onyx Mink. $350.
3. Mongolian Lamb Pillow. 18” x 18” shown in Ivory. $95.

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Line We Love: Phillips Collection

For our clients with discerning taste and a desire for unique statement pieces, there’s one vendor that we know is always sure to please. Pulling inspiration from one of a kind pieces found in Southeast Asia, Africa, and the Pacific Rim, this furniture is anything but ordinary.

Gorgeous furniture from one of our favorite lines.

Our designers agree. “Finding interesting non-traditional art can be tricky, but this line carries some amazing sculptural wall pieces. One of my personal favorites is a set of oversized silver or copper disks. They add a 3-dimensional element and create an amazing focal point in a room,” says lead designer, Alexis Pew. “Plus, their teak root console tables are amazing!”

This Busybee living room design featured multiple items from Phillips (including the coffee and dining tables), to create an earthy and eclectic final look – while still keeping the feel modern and elegant.

Whether it’s a gnarled organic root, a silver-leafed river stone, or a simple stone table – this line does it all with style. If you’re looking to add a touch of the unexpected to your own home, look no further.

1. Freeform Teak Console Table. 80”W x 14”D x 30”H. $2495
2. Galvanized Wall Disks. 22”Dia. x 6”D. $425 for 4.
3. Stick Wood Wall Art. 66”W x 3”D x 43”H. $995.
4. Indented Resin Coffee Table. 43”Dia. x 16”H. $1495
5. River Stone Coffee Table. 54”W x 32”D x 17”H. $1350
6. Framed Root Divider. 71”W x 5”D x 56”H. $1875.

Philly, Ink: Inspired by Tattoo Design at Busybee!

Think tattoos are only for the skin? Think again. Designer Amanda Rillo has a love for tattoos, and she wanted to share with you what Busybee has to offer from books on the classic art to “tattoos” for your wall!

“These books inspired me because of the history of the art – I love the “classic” genre of tattoos – and mine are very “Sailor Jerry’esque”. We offer a book on his stencils here at Busybee. The Big and Great Books of Tattoos show an array of people in tattoo history which to me is beautiful. I love art and the fact that we can express ourselves artistically on the skin is an amazing thing to me, you take it to the grave – and every piece tells a story. The same with your walls at home, a decal and wallpaper can really express who you are and you can display a story of your interests (for those not so bold to ink their skin, ink your walls!),” says Amanda.

The Busybee team has even designed a tattoo parlor for a client, where they added in eye-catching elements and a mix of industrial metals, woods, and black and white details. Other tattoo-inspired items that you can find at Busybee include this Warhol-style Japanese Woman Wallpaper and a tribal Mirror, a symbol that is often found in tattoo designs.

Amanda convinced the team to carry tattoo books, which are perfect for gifts or reading material for the coffee table. “When I came across the book,  The Russian Criminal Encyclopedia, at the 2012 Philadelphia Tattoo Convention, I convinced Busybee we should carry it. Not only do I love tattoos, but I also have a lot of Russian in my blood, my dad was half Russian, half Italian, and my mom comes from Russian roots as well. I knew Anna, owner of Busybee, who also loves tattoos and is from Kiev, would appreciate this book just as much as I do. It may be about Russian “criminals” and their tattoos but each one is so personal and tells a story of their way of life, it is very inspiring and interesting!”

“Philly being a cultured and heavily tattooed city – I knew our tattoo books would be a hit, I’m always on the lookout for new “tattoo” items to bring to the table and to share with our customers, it’s a passion that I will forever have – just as strong as my passion for design.”

Get the coolest anytime gifts for the tattoo enthusiast at Busybee:

1. Cherry Blossom Fabric, $65/yard. Available in 6 colorways

2. The Russian Criminal Tattoo Encyclopedia, $32.95

3. Japanese Woman Wallpaper, $85/yard

4. Wall Decals, $65

5. Transit Chest, $1,395

6. Historic Flash, $25

Design Process: Black & White & Bold All Over!

How it began…We had an initial consultation with the Bozzelli’s last July. The project was a full renovation of their three story townhouse. Linsey wanted it to feel fresh and updated, yet still classic. We balanced fun pops of color, graphic black & white prints, and polished chrome elements, with more traditional details like hand-scraped walnut flooring, farmhouse sink, Carrara marble, and oil-rubbed bronze hardware.

The first floor was the biggest transformation – and you can see from the photos how much bigger and brighter everything feels!  We installed new floors,  new light fixtures, fresh paint, painted the existing kitchen cabinets, new countertops and backsplash, new appliances and hardware, and all new furniture throughout.

One of the challenges of the project was to provide extra storage for their family, especially their son’s toys. On the first floor alone we gave them a storage coffee table ottoman, storage bench, and an enormous dining room shelving unit with sliding glass doors. Having the option to hide all of the clutter makes the room feel that much bigger and more relaxing.

The bathroom was another great transformation. Like the kitchen, we used their existing vanity but simply repainted it in a high-gloss black, switched out the old hardware, and installed a new marble countertop and vessel sinks. We brightened everything up with new lighting, soothing blue paint, and gray stone tile on the floors and wall. We also switched out the existing solid door for a frosted glass French door to help carry light through the second floor.

Stay tuned for more client transformations!

Favorite Last-Minute Gifts! Get ‘Em at Busybee!

Give the gift of design this year with a click through our online store or come in and shop with us at 734 South Street.

 

Busybee Homestore Online is Live! Take 10% Off Holiday Gifts & More!

A Seat for Everyone at the Holiday Table

If there’s anything that’s hard to come by during the holiday season, it’s extra seating for all of your out-of-town guests!

Don’t make your guests play musical chairs, expand your seating with our designer’s top chair picks for the season. There’s something for everybody and every taste at Busybee Homestore & Design Center.  Come talk to us about your space and seating needs, and we’ll make sure you have the best seats in the house for your holiday event. Places, everyone!

From top left: Black Leather/Black and White Cowhide Chair, $895, Reclaimed Wood Bench, $975, American Walnut Chair with Upholstered Leather, $975, Galvanized Steel Chair, $175, Eco-friendly Mango Wood Chair, $140, Leaning Chair, $170, Adjustable High Chair, $265