#thehunt | Hicks & Henry

One of the lessons I’ve picked up about design schemes is to start with the floors, and work your way up from there to create a cohesive space. Ie, find a good carpet that you love, and pull from it, letting it dictate the color palette and style of the room.

I was set on finding a coral carpet, the perfect shade of bright, “off red” that would complement my accessories and breathe life into the living room. I had my heart set on the below Brooke pattern from Madeline Weinrib in Pink, but not only is it overpriced, the 8×10′ has been out of stock for awhile (probably a sign):

So I just Zipcar-ed it out to the ABC Carpet & Home Warehouse this weekend in the Bronx and was blown away. What a place. It’s spilling with cast-offs from the pricier flagship store in the Flatiron, and there’s a full floor devoted to rugs. Here are three frontrunners I pulled:

They’re all close to what I’m looking for, but not close enough. But they say those with an open mind are rewarded! I found a cute lamp (on the floor, above) that’s already made its way onto a bookshelf:

…and a new coffee table as well. A mirror-topped neoclassical shape that brings a strong masculinity to my space:

You’ll notice it’s resting on my current carpet. Babysteps..

One of the challenges of moving from a studio apartment into something a bit larger is “filling in” the space. And doing it in a way that feels organic versus rushing to accumulate lots of accessories at once. The biggest project will filling up my shelves. What once seemed like a respectable book collection now looks pretty darn paltry on the open white space that’s swallowed them up. I’ve collected some special accessories over the years (hello favorite seltzer bottles!) but it’s time to hunt for more.

Luckily, I love the hunt. And I’ve never been one to rush things. (You’re welcome to apply this analysis to my love life. I certainly have). Anyway, rather than scooping up an “instant” accessory spread at a West Elm or elsewhere, I’d rather build an arrangement over time to add a patina that matches the age and character of my place.

I’ve always loved scavenging through stores like Housing Works and Vintage Thrift for good finds, but it’s hard not to pick up too much “junk” for someone like me who both loves a good deal and refurbishing random stuff. I’m trying hard to be ruthlessness in my editing; if I don’t absolutely love something, it doesn’t make it through my front door. I got lucky today at Housing Works in Chelsea and found the pieces above, all at what I’d consider a bargain ($47 total). Yahhtzzee!