CONTACT PAPER!

If you're an urban renter like us, then the ability to leave things as you found them is key. If you can't bear the thought of not getting that security deposit back (and who can) and the idea of painting those walls back to white is just too much for you...CONTACT PAPER! Can we say cheap and easy? A sassy contact paper can add an eye catching pop of color to an otherwise drab and impersonal room. All you need is a roll of your favorite pattern, an exacto knife, and a pin to relieve any air bubbles you might not be able to smooth out. Here are a couple of projects from around 2R!

Sophie's Wish List

While we believe in reusing and repurposing home furnishings, it is absolutely necessary to have a few utterly amazing purchases to tie it all together! Here are a couple of our picks.

We almost fell off the couch when we saw this fabulous chair. Not only does it have the Mid-Century look we are so crazy for right now...it is upholstered in a cayenne pepper colored woodland scene. WHAT!? Oh Urban Outfitters how DID you get it so right? This will look fantastic across the room from our deer and bird damask pillows. Don't be afraid to mix patterns. Carelessly layered patterns add instant style to a previously hum drum space.

For the decorator on a budget here is an absolute MUST-KNOW. DWELLSTUDIO for Target. This line of affordable and super modern bedding will have people commenting on your fantastically graphic bed. Big Print=Big Impact. And for those of us in NYC who can't be bothered making the inter-borough journey to a Target...order online and let them schlep it to your house for you with free shipping on many items when you spend $50.

Sophie Says...

"That don't impress me much!"

Apparently Sophie can do the same thing in her sleep. We won't be testing it out anytime soon.

Sophie's Recommended Shops!

click on store name!

Build-It-Green
This shop is maybe one of the best kept secrets in Queens. It is well and truly off the beaten path but absolutely worth the trek. Build-It-Green is a "non-profit retail outlet for salvaged and surplus building materials," with a mission to " keep these materials out of the landfill, while offering deep discounts on their resale." WHAT!? It's environmentally conscious AND affordable. With a little imagination you can find some real gems here. We did!

The Brooklyn Flea
What better way to spend a Saturday or Sunday than to head to your favorite spot for boozy brunch followed by some rummaging and bargaining? The Brooklyn Flea hosts some of NYC's funkiest vendors and artisans. Whether you are looking for a stuffed deer head or a hand screened graphic tee you'll find it here. Take the train to the Atlantic/Pacific Station and exit at the new Hanson Place atrium. You'll be literally across the street from the Flea! Once you're lugging your haul back home on the train you'll be thankful you had those brunch cocktails.

Second Best Thrift Shop
Step right off the N/W at the Astoria Blvd Station and you are already there! Second Best offers an incredible array of THINGS...knick knacks, furniture, dishes...YOU NAME IT! If you've been there before I am sure you found it to be crowded and difficult to navigate. Have no fear! They have just done a fantastic clean up. You can see all the merchandise without worrying that a mountain of chairs will come crashing down on you. Go in ready to haggle. The owner lady likes an aggressive bargainer.

Ditmars Thrift Shop
This shop primarily stocks musty old clothes but if you are persistent you just might find something you never knew you needed. What with people constantly moving in and out of Astoria they have an ever changing merchandise selection. So far I have outfitted 2R with a whimsical tea cup wall installation and shelves made from old hardcover books. *pictures soon to come*