Five things I (probably) couldn’t live without if I actually had the money to buy them
By Christa TerryPlease don’t confuse this with the five things I can’t live without. It’s totally, totally different! For one thing, I already have some of the things listed below. It’s just that my particular versions aren’t quite as nice. And some of the things are totally impractical, pointless, and even silly!
It is the height of ridiculousness and something I could probably make myself, if necessary. We’ve talked about ceramic cats in the past, but this one is just a tad different. What’s stopping me from snapping it right up is the price tag. The Rosenau Castle cat (part of Nymphenburg‘s Big Five porcelain trophy series) costs a cool $929. Ouch.
Is a nice Oriental style rug too much to ask for? I’m not gunning for a hand woven silk number from Isfahan by any means–hey, I don’t even do silk–but I wouldn’t mind some sort of reasonable facsimile that would fade in the sun just so. The fading is important in my mind because that sucker needs to look OLD.
A writer ought to have a really fantastic writing desk, yes? My mom gave me a lovely one when I landed an agent, but that doesn’t mean I can’t dream of updating my living room with a little something designed by Carlo Bugatti, the patriarch of THE Bugatti family. I also wouldn’t say no to a Bugatti Type 59.
There is no dining room in my house. Surprised? I chose a house with no dining room on purpose! I thought that if I had no dining room, I could never be expected to reciprocate when invited to dinner parties. So far, my plan has worked like a charm. However, this doesn’t mean I wouldn’t love to ditch my Ikea table and chair set (it’s got a name like Schnufli or Bok) for something a little more in keeping with the image of myself I keep in my brain.
Last but certainly not least, there’s the Eames lounge and ottoman. For whatever reason, I can look back and clearly see one of these in my grandparents’ living room, but they weren’t exactly well off back in the day, so I must be dreaming. I think I’m just hoping I’ll go to their house–they’re plenty well off now–and they’ll say something like, “Never, would you like this old chair set? It’s just sitting here gathering dust.” Then I’d drop dead and come back to life and say, “Yes, oh my, yes!”
Now tell me, gentle reader, what yummy pricey extravagant housey things do you lust after in your heart of hearts?
May 12th, 2008 at 10:11 am
My list is simple, yet heartfelt.
1: If I had the money, I would buy a building for Mr. Twistie to put his studio in. Then I could actually have the dining room as a dining room and hold the dinner parties you want to avoid holding. I love to feed people, and I want a room to do it in.
2: A high-quality gas stove with a double oven. I’ve been cooking on an electric stove for a long time now, and I still find it remarkably frustrating. I just don’t have the control I want and it’s easy to forget a burner is on when I’ve got no visual clue other than the fact that one of the black knobs on a black background is turned and a pindot-sized red light is on…which also indicates that the oven is on or another burner is on.
3: A full set of Le Crueset cookware. I want it all, baby, from the biggest Dutch oven to the tiniest individual, berry-shaped casserole. And throw in about six or seven more Emile Henry pie plates while you’re at it. Those things are beyond awesome!
4: A gloriously OTT chaise longue with a heavily carved base and a deliciously decadent velvet cover in a lush mossy green or luminous deep cranberry red.
5: A clawfoot bathtub. I’ve always, always wanted one. Furniture with feet always makes me happy.
May 12th, 2008 at 10:40 am
Oh, and if I can have a sixth thing, it would be an extensive collection of this lady’s work: http://www.rhoneypots.com/
I saw her at a show recently and bought a fabulous rat mug and a gorgeous bowl of a leafy seahorse. A couple years ago, when I ran across her the first time, I got a fabulous octopus mug for my brother.
NtB, you’ll love her cats. Check it out.
May 12th, 2008 at 12:35 pm
Twistie, that site has something for all of you! Squid for Raincoaster, Cats for NtB, etc… Suggest to the Manolo that he get you pieces for anniversaries and holidays! I love this stuff. I’m trying to make up my mind for me!
May 12th, 2008 at 10:49 pm
And if I had the wherewithall, I would have Sven, the personal massuese, Stephen the personal stylist, make up, etc…, Jacques, the personal trainer and chef, David, the personal shirtless handiman, and Richard, the personal shopper and arm candy. These are a few of my favorite things!!
May 15th, 2008 at 3:38 am
Those are fab, Twistie — I love the kitty sculptures, and the everything else!