Author: pauloverton
Old But Not Harmless: What You Need to Know About Toxins in Vintage and Antique Finds
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Not all treasures are innocent. But that doesn’t mean we throw them away—it means we get smarter. You know the feeling. You spot a perfect old chair on the curb. Or a velvet lampshade in a thrift store. Or a dresser with hardware that makes your heart skip. And you think: mine. But here’s the…
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We’re taught from the jump that if something’s not working—an outfit, a room, a relationship—the solution is to replace it. Fast. The idea that “new equals better” is stitched into the seams of modern life, reinforced by ads, algorithms, and influencers who promise transformation with the click of a button. But here’s the thing: most…
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In the world of disposable convenience, few objects illustrate our shifting values like the humble IKEA couch. Affordable, stylish, and accessible, it’s a staple of first apartments, student lounges, and starter homes. But what happens before and after it enters your living room? This is the story of its lifecycle—from origin to afterlife. 1. Birth:…
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What if you treated your home less like a product and more like a living thing? We’ve been trained to think of design as an event. A reveal. A before-and-after. Something you knock out in a weekend with a credit card and a shopping list. But real homes—the ones that feel soulful, layered, and alive—don’t…
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Let’s talk about bouclé. You’ve seen it everywhere—on TikTok, in every influencer’s home, wrapped around curved sofas that all look like oversized marshmallows. It’s the texture of the moment. The shorthand for “elevated.” The darling of design trends that prioritize the look of luxury over the longevity of anything. But behind the nubby, cozy facade,…
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You’ve seen the videos. A glossy hand opens a box with a flourish. There’s soft music, fast edits, maybe a pinky ring tapping against plastic wrap. The caption reads:“OBSESSED. Run, don’t walk.” What’s in the box? A new set of “aesthetic” laundry bins. A plastic spice rack with matching labels. Another acrylic drawer system promising…
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This year, I swore I was going to make myself a comfortable outdoor space where I could enjoy the Summer with my dog. Problem was, due to unexpected events, I wasn’t exactly swimming in cash. So, it was time to get creative. I knew I wanted a slat wall, a ton of plants, a comfortable…
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What’s In Your Laundry Detergent (And What to Use Instead) Let’s talk about something most people use every single week — but rarely think twice about: laundry detergent. Those bottles lined up at the store promising “Mountain Spring” or “Fresh Breeze”? They’re full of synthetic chemicals, many of which aren’t just bad for your skin…
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Let’s get one thing straight: most design shows are fantasy. Not the good kind — not imaginative, experimental, inspiring fantasy. No, they’re more like the Disneyland of interiors: scripted, sanitized, and surgically airbrushed to make the mess of real life disappear. What they offer isn’t design. It’s theater. You’ve seen the formula: A chipper host…
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Greenwashing Is the New Glitter: Shiny, Useless, and Everywhere Let’s get something straight: just because it’s beige doesn’t mean it’s sustainable. Everywhere you look, design brands are shouting their eco-virtues: “Made with recycled materials!” “Natural finishes!” “Conscious collection!” But dig even a little beneath the surface and it’s all marketing mulch. This is greenwashing—the art…
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Let’s Talk About Hand-Me-Downs Not every gift is a treasure. That’s where we start. Because when we talk about “Gifted” in the TGIF philosophy—Thrifted, Gifted, Invented, or Found—we’re not just talking about things people gave us. We’re talking about the complicated reality of inherited stuff. The hand-me-downs. The heirlooms. The boxes of “perfectly good” decor…
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Most of us don’t think twice about grabbing a new desk online or upgrading a sofa when the style feels stale. But behind every shiny new furniture purchase is a web of environmental damage that’s easy to ignore—and costly to the planet. Here are five reasons to rethink the cycle of buying new: 1. It’s…
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INTRODUCTION: BURN THE CATALOGS We don’t need more stuff. We need better eyes.Better questions. Better taste — and I don’t mean expensive. I mean earned. This is not another article about how to make your home look like a boutique hotel or a Scandinavian influencer’s rental flat. This is an article about not buying your…
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Color isn’t just a visual experience — it’s a psychological one. It shapes how we feel in a space before we ever have a chance to think about it. A room’s color can soothe or energize, focus or distract, uplift or overwhelm. That’s why choosing the right hue for the right room is one of…
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Saying these are challenging times doesn’t quite capture it. But since simply checking out isn’t an option, I’ve been finding comfort in quieter, simpler routines that bring a little peace and normalcy back into my days. This week, I’ve found myself spending more time with my plants. Watching the pothos cuttings grow their small white…
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Welcome to the first installment of my new series: the East Bay Plant Crawl. I’ll be making my way through local nurseries, garden shops, and hidden green gems across the Bay Area, searching for the best plants, the best prices, and the most inspiring spaces. Whether you’re a seasoned collector or a casual houseplant lover,…
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Hiring an interior designer can feel like a luxury. But in reality, it’s a smart move—especially if you’re trying to avoid expensive mistakes, make the most of what you already have, or create a space that reflects who you are (and not just the latest trends on HGTV). That said, not every designer is right…
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When it comes to decorating a home, art is often treated as a finishing touch—something you add once the big decisions have been made. But at Object Lesson, we believe art can be the starting point. Not because it’s expensive or exclusive, but because of what it does, not just what it looks like. You…
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Hanging art can seem deceptively simple—until you’re staring at a heavy frame, a bare wall, and ten types of hooks at the hardware store. Choosing the right hanging hardware isn’t just about aesthetics; it’s about safety, wall integrity, and longevity. This guide walks you through the most common types of picture hanging hardware, when to…
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A gallery wall can anchor a room, express your personality, and bring warmth and texture to a space. But achieving one that feels cohesive instead of chaotic requires more than a hammer and a handful of frames. It takes thought, rhythm, and an understanding of how color and harmony interact across a collection of diverse…
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When it comes to creating a cohesive and calming space, color is everything—and one of the simplest, most effective ways to harness its power is through an analogous color palette. This approach uses colors that sit next to each other on the color wheel—like blues and teals, or reds and oranges—to create a sense of…
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Creating a home that feels stylish, welcoming, and uniquely yours doesn’t require a big budget—especially when times are tight. In fact, challenging economic conditions can actually be the perfect opportunity to flex your creativity and embrace a more meaningful, personal design philosophy. Enter the TGIF rule: Thrifted, Gifted, Invented, or Found. This approach is about…
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If you’ve ever looked at a scratched or dull piece of furniture and thought, “I really should sand this down and refinish it someday,” you’re not alone. But for many of us, someday never comes. Fortunately, there’s a quicker, easier, and more affordable solution: Howard’s Restor-A-Finish and Feed-N-Wax. These two products, used in tandem, can…
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Flea markets are a treasure hunter’s paradise—but only if you know what to look for. Amid the bins of mystery cords and chipped mugs are pieces with real design potential. Whether you’re furnishing a space, styling a shelf, or just craving the thrill of the find, here are ten categories of flea market gold worth…