Anthropologie Styling
September 7, 2010
I like to pop into my local Anthropologie every season, usually for their amazing furniture knobs, but always for the eclectic styling of the store’s display artists.
Apparently, every Anthropologie store has its own Installation Artist that is given a theme from headquarters, but is allowed their own carte blanche interpretation ~ or so the sales clerk told me. I have no idea if this is true, but if it is, it sounds like a dream job. I can only imagine how fun it must be to push the artistic envelope and challenge yourself to ‘style’ outside the box with merchandise as fun as that found at Anthropologie.
Strings of multiples make a huge impact on display, whether it’s falling leaves in the main clothing display room. . .
. . . or paint dipped clothespins in the dressing area.
Embellish a set of basic beads with a fabric flower and you have instant modern style.
This is a favorite. I love the pairing of the elegant wallpaper with the rustic wood crates and pallet.
Speaking of pallets, here’s another example of brackets and shelves attached to this shipping supplier’s tool turned textural design element.
This was a quirky display over the summer ~ a chair fashioned out of an old radiator and galvanized pipes.
I’ve adored this Atelier Chesterfield in a buttery yellow leather for quite some time, swoon ! A rich yellow like this works just like a neutral ~ everything looks great with it. They move it around my local store and restyle it every season, and I can’t take my eyes (or fingers) off of it.
Over the summer, there were a lot of painter’s tarps dripping with plaster, covering light fixtures, forming tablecloths, and even ‘wedding’ gowns in the window display.
A basic wood chest gets more interesting just by numbering the drawers.
Here is something new ~ the High Minded chandelier which has an iron base with the arms decoupaged with encyclopedia pages. Hmmm, interesting. I could see this fixture hung low over a reading nook, or as a whimsical addition to a library space. I thought this would make a great knockoff DIY project, especially when I saw the $998 price tag *choke* plus $150 shipping. Ouch.
One thing is for sure, their light fixtures are never dull ~ you’ll find them covered in jute or made out of baskets and shells. The lampshades are all creatively embellished too, with ruffles, yarn, and patchwork appliqués.
Anthro always has the best books on display with titles that tempt me so.
Here’s the latest eclectic addition to my local store: a pink patchwork canopy made out of burlap and fabric scraps. Not that I’d ever think to place something like this in my own home, but the bohemian global feel conveyed by the entire bed was worth ogling.
An aluminum funnel makes a great rustic garden cachepot, but do you think it makes a good light fixture, especially when paired with galvanized pipe and doilies to form a headboard ? Not so sure about this one!
But that’s what I love about stepping into this store. Visiting a well styled Anthropologie is like visiting a mini modern museum of art. You never know what you’re going to see, but it is always interesting, always inspiring, and always challenging us to decorate outside the box.
Is Anthropologie a favorite stop of yours too ?
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Tags: anthropologie
How could you not love this store? It is amazing. I find inspiration from all over the place the second I step foot in it.
Oh how I wish there was one near me. I have enjoyed your version as much as being there in person. Maybe on a cold winters day I will decide I need a road trip. Anthropologie sounds like a wonderful destination.
I adore Anthropologie! I just wish it was more within my budget. However, there’s nothing like the thrill of a good find in their sale room!
Love visiting Anthro. It’s like a spa day, just slowly walking around the home section. I have to restrain from going there too often!
I absolutely LOVE the Vegas Anthropologie and make a bee-line for it as soon as my feet hit the ground when we land. We’re always there the first week of December so they’re decorated for the holidays and it’s incredible. I’ll be sure to snap a few pics this year and show you so that you can compare stylists. :)
An Anthropologie just opened around here and now I totally understand what all the fuss is about.
I love Anthro’s hardware!
How quirky! I’ve heard of them before but never explored! Bookmarked for later stalking! :)
I actually work at the Anthropologie store in Westport, CT and what the sales clerk told you is truth! It is quite an amazing store to work at, and I’m working on some day moving into that position. It’s fun because every store is different. And it’s not just another job!
Love the dangling Autumn leaves! I’m wondering if my husband would go for this in the living room?!?!? And now, I, too, am swooning over the buttery sofa….to die for! No Anthropologie store anywhere near me here in Central Texas, so thanks for the tour!
I adore Anthropologie. I usually go for the fun knobs as well but love to roam around and look at everything. Lots of great inspiration! They do have good sales, too. How clever is that painter’s tarp wedding gown!
Brilliant Cassandra ! Thanks so much for verifying. LOVE that you work there, what fun that must be! I’m envious of your position!
Kate
Yes, I adore Anthropologie and have done a couple of posts on their styling too. I get so inspired there, they really help me think outside the box!!!
I always find Anthropologie to be inspiring, but want the same look for less. I found your blog somewhere on the bunny trails today; you have lots of great information!
I love walking around in Anthropologie as well. They have some greally inspiring ideas. I agree that it’s not all right for my home and it’s waaay to rich for my blood, but it is fun to look around.
I am total agreement with you. That store is just one big ol’ HUNK of design inspiration! That would totally be a DREAM job! I’d love to know what they do with their “props” when they are done. Over the summer, ours had a totally FABULOUS bed made from a vintage wooden rowboat. I was in LOVE with it!
Anthro is my all time fav of fav stores…..in the grand scheme of pricing tho, I find that if it is a piece that I will use and not just a seasonal fun item then I think that the pricing is right in the budget of good furniture stores, and you know that you are getting a unique item. As far as seasonal things go, price markdowns are taken every week and all you have to do is watch the sale room which is as dreamy as the store. There hasn’t been one decorating item I have bought at the store that I have ever regretted nor has it lost it’s design power over time, love the ideas and the shopping experience there, I could actually pack a cute suitcase and just move in the dressing rooms, all I need is a kitchen and I am set….have a great day…..Susan
Butter yellow leather is one of my faves too! As I couldn’t afford the leather, I instead bought it in a suede couch made to order by Sears. Many $$$ dollar signs cheaper, but a real beauty none-the-less.
I have pages of the Anthro. cut and saved for future project thoughts in sewing and jewelry etc. They sure can put the odd numbers, beside the even can’t they?
A rather exciting blog – gets the creative juices boiling.
Cheers!
It’s true just walking into an Anthropologie is an experience in itself. For me it’s like getting away from reality and stepping into a dream land where everything is beautiful and magical. I really enjoyed this post Kate and I think a visit to my two local Anthropologie’s are due this week. :)
Love from Toronto, Canada
P.S: I am hosting a giveaway on my blog, take a peek if you have a moment and feel free to enter yourself. :)
ABSOLUTELY! Actually thinking about working there…yes I know I would never have a paycheck. :)
I would love the job of installation artist at Anthropologie! I think if I worked there it wouldn’t even feel like I had I job… and I probably wouldn’t have much of a paycheck left either!
I love Anthropologie. I love their unique clothing & accessories, their homegoods, and the stores. I love how every store has its own personality. I love everything about Anthro…except the pricetags (but they have good sales).
That clothespins display is just amazing. I have asked the Anthro by me who does their displays because they are always so inventive and fascinating to look at.
I am so jealous that you were able to photograph inside the store! My sister-in-law and I were asked to leave the store (!!!) when they saw me photographing the inside of the dressing room area…..what’s up with that? They told me it’s their corporate policy to not allow photos taken. Hmph! (This was at the Kierland Commons store in Scottsdale…)
The first time I stepped foot in Anthropologie was 11 yrs ago in Long Island NY. I was a nanny fresh from HS in Nc. I felt I had died and gone to Heaven. I then went weekly to hit the sales and just get inspired. Your photography was so fun to look at.I call Anthropologie my happy place. Great post. I never mind a post about my favorite store. :) Thanks!!!
Love my newest Antro edition! Check it out here! http://www.bouffantsandbarnacles.com/
xoxo
I am obsessed with all things Anthro. Look at my new knobs I picked up from there last week and used in my office redo, I’m so thrilled by them. Knobs, that is what thrills me these days, ha ha. I also posted last week about a great deal on another home decor item I saw in their new catalogue, this FABULOUS red bowl (they called it a planter) =) I was so proud that I had bought it before the catalogue came out and at a MUCH lower price. I see you like to find the deals just as much as I do. AWESOME BLOG BY THE WAY!!! Here are my Anthro finds =)
http://alamodemaven.blogspot.com/2011/03/pretty-in-pink-office-redo.html
http://alamodemaven.blogspot.com/2011/03/anthropologie-adoration.html
Thanks for sharing all of your great taste!! Shelli
It’s me again with another Anthropologie find for less (I found yesterday at TJMaxx/Homegoods) if you wanna see =) xoxo Shelli
http://alamodemaven.blogspot.com/2011/03/chic-boho-bargains.html
Another Anthropologie budget find if you wanna see! xoxo, Shelli
http://www.alamodemaven.com/2011/03/from-earth-came-high-style.html
I have an anthropologie ‘ish’ give away posting for you anthro lovers….xoxo, Shelli
http://www.alamodemaven.com/2011/04/giveaway-anthropologie-inspired-ceramic.html