...because home doesn't happen overnight.

*THIS GIVEAWAY IS NOW CLOSED.*

Congrats to Linzy! She’s tackling a bathroom reno soon and is in need of lighting and hardware so this gift card should come in handy.

schoolhouse electric hardware 1

I’ve always loved the idea of adding special hardware to the Ikea vanity in the master bathroom, but it’s never been a necessity as the standard plastic pulls (mounted to the top of the drawers) functioned well. I was more than content waiting for the perfect handles to find me. And find me they did – just a few weeks ago in the form of the 11″ edgecliff pull from Schoolhouse Electric & Supply Co. They were a bit of a splurge but they instantly brought the vanity’s level of sophistication up a notch. Totally worth the wait.

schoolhouse electric hardware 3

Installation was easy enough. Two screws per pull (which were included with the purchase) screwed into two pilot holes and that was it. (The new pulls are mounted 2½” from the top of each drawer.) The handles are quite substantial and feel hefty underhand. They’re one of the those subtle details that bring a sense of luxury to the space and they’re used so frequently that they really do make a regular, mundane task (opening a drawer) feel special.

I don’t think I’ll tire of the gray-brass combo anytime soon. And, yes!, you CAN mix finishes in a small bathroom! The brass pulls pick up on the gold vase and wall urchins but they don’t “match” the chrome finishes in the rest of the bathroom. THAT’S OKAY.

schoolhouse electric fall 2014-2

I love our new pulls so much that I asked Schoolhouse Electric & Supply Co. if they would be interested in a giveaway. They were kind enough to offer up a store credit! The timing couldn’t be better. The company just released their fall ’14 collection today. Like the rest of the inventory, the new items blend seamlessly with traditional or modern décor and the quality is superb.

schoolhouse electric fall 2014

sources: metal hoop stand // round brass tray // brass rail // Jack loveseat in nubby tweed

I’ve got my eye on the metal hoop stand. Even though we converted the original wood-burning fireplace to gas in the living room, I like the idea of displaying stacked split logs for an organic vibe.

See anything you like? Check out the full collection here and keep reading to enter to win a $100 gift certificate!

PRIZE: one $100 gift certificate to Schoolhouse Electric & Supply Co.

TO ENTER: Leave a comment on this post proclaiming “SCHOOL ME!” and let me know which item(s) you would put the $100 toward.

RULES: You must be at least 18 years old and have a shipping address (no P.O. boxes please) within the continental U.S. One entry per email address.

DEADLINE: Enter before 9:00 p.m. EST on Sunday, September 21st. One random winner will be announced Monday, September 22nd.

Good luck!

images: 1 & 2) Dana Miller for House*Tweaking 3 & 4) Schoolhouse Electric & Supply Co.

09.08.14 / Arhaus Giveaway!

*THIS GIVEAWAY IS NOW CLOSED.*

Congrats to Leslie! She’s got her eye on the Wordsmith for her modest midcentury den.

arhaus interior 1

Today’s giveaway comes from the kind folks at Arhaus. By combining their passion for design with a focus on quality and a commitment to sustainability, it’s easy to see why the company has been furnishing interiors for more than 25 years. I was invited to visit a local brick and mortar store (near the Dayton Mall in Dayton, Ohio) to scout potential prizes for the giveaway. Not only did I find a slew of amazing pieces, the store itself was an inspiring display of texture and warmth. Here are a few of the standouts.

arhaus den 1

I fell hard for this particular setup. It reminded me of a cozy den with its dark walls, warm wood tones and layered textures.

arhaus den 2

The outside corner of the sectional was softened by a glittery, floor-to-ceiling chain chandelier. If executed well, an inspired DIY version could be great in an open living space to delineate a casual seating area without blocking the view.

arhaus den 3

“Chandelier” and “Fancy” wouldn’t stop playing on the little radio in my head.

arhaus pouf

The store had a good mix of high and low. I was surprised! I guess I’ve always thought of Arhaus as a high-end retailer and assumed they only offered big, incredibly expensive items. This navy and white round pouf proved me wrong. It was less than $200.

arhaus knot pillow

arhaus felt pillow

There were loads of pillows with textures that made me want to rub my hands all over them. (I suppressed the urge.)

arhaus deer heads

These wood deer heads caught my eye, too. You know I’m a sucker for anything with antlers.

arhaus fabric wall

I even had a moment with the fabric sample wall. It was like a muted rainbow and the golds and rusts made me ache for fall. But then I stumbled upon a trifecta of comfy leather chairs and that’s all she wrote.

arhaus alex leather sandalwood recliner

I found this cushy recliner first. I love that it looks like an unassuming club chair in the upright position. The slender arms are so much better than the oversized puffy or rounded ones you typically see on recliners. Hello, Midwest. I hear you. You want to have your cake and eat it (in a good-looking AND comfortable chair with your feet elevated) too.

arhaus wordsmith leather recliner

Next I found this handsomeness with its perfectly patinaed leather and sleek wood frame. The funny thing is I had no idea it was a recliner until I took a picture of the tag for reference and realized it said RECLINER. Mind. Blown. Yes, indeedy, this is a real recliner. Your display screen isn’t playing tricks on you.

arhaus kerouac leather chair

And, lastly, there’s this understated beauty. Okay, so it isn’t a recliner but it is a hand-crafted statement piece with a midcentury modern vibe. For kicks, I sat in each of the chairs. They’re all comfortable!

I found many other great pieces at Arhaus but a post can only be so long before people start falling asleep and brains explode so I’ll stop here. So what’s up for grabs today? Lucky for you, Arhaus is graciously offering up one of the three leather chairs just mentioned! The choice is yours. See entry details below.

PRIZE: a choice of one of the following: the Alex leather sandalwood recliner (retail value $2,999) OR the Wordsmith leather recliner (retail value $2,099) OR the Kerouac leather chair (retail value $2,399). Prize is non-refundable, non-exchangeable. Prize cannot be exchanged for cash.

TO ENTER: Leave a comment on this post proclaiming “ARHAUS IN MY HAUS!” and let me know which chair you would choose if you won.

RULES: You must be at least 18 years old and have a shipping address (no P.O. boxes please) within the U.S. One entry per email address.

DEADLINE: Enter before 9:00 p.m. EST on Sunday, September 14th. One random winner will be announced Monday, September 15th.

Good luck!

images: Dana Miller for House*Tweaking