The Heights
by habituallychic
06 . 17 . 08
I almost ordered the ridiculously expensive Ralph Lauren dresser today for the Bachelor Pad but I decided that perhaps I should double check again that it will fit through the vestibule and into to the bedroom and more importantly into the freight elevator. Otherwise, we’re going to have a very expensive living room console instead.
I did however take the opportunity to inform our showroom rep that since I was going to be ordering such an expensive item that she should finally get me a replacement knob for the Equilibrium lamp that she had yet to find for another client. That lit a fire under her! Of course the knob is now costing $5,000 but at least we’re finally getting it!
I won’t tell you exactly what piece I am ordering yet but it is part of the Pacific Heights Collection all of which is perfect for a bachelor including the bar above, although that one is a bit too small for him.
I need to start looking for beautiful vintage or vintage-looking bar accessories soon. If anyone has any good sources that are insanely expensive, please let me know. I’m on a budget remember.
I don’t love some of the chairs in this collection but that dining table is pretty spectacular. I saw a Milo Baughman version that was similar but now he wants a round table…for better dinner party conversation…I’m not sure who’s he’s going to get to help him throw these imaginary dinner parties so if he expects me to lend him a hand, he should start by being a little nicer to me.
Love this wardrobe but the chair, not so much. I also love the black and white photography in the silver frames. I’m definitely making a mental note of those for later. 
The Equilibrium Lamps are used as bedside lamps in this bedroom, a trend that I wrote about recently that seems to be becoming more and more popular. 
I think the bed linens here look pretty bachelor appropriate. I stopped by Schweitzer Linen last week to take a look but everything looked too feminine. I also stopped into Restoration Hardware today for another client and was pretty impressed by their bed linens. I may be going back to pull together some options. They also have a great box spring cover that I was looking for so I immediately ordered one for the bachelor pad. Now if he would just make his bed, we’d be all set!
21 Comments
Dear HC: Keep the bar out in the open. Don’t hide anything. Nothing is more absurd than keeping the liquor behind closed doors (rather like my mother used to do when my censorious, cocktail-denouncing grandmother used to visit). Get a massive silver tray. Stock it with honest bottles (not decanters). Make your friend buy a big ice bucket. And some nice tongs, please, something vintage, though Thomas O’Brien has some nice barware and accessories. As for glasses, depends on his price range. Double old-fashioneds will fit the bill for a long time when it comes to drinks, so think about the tumblers from CB2, either the Beaker glasses or the Marta barware. If he’s willing to open his wallet, show him William Yeoward’s Atalanta ice bucket and Vesta glasses. Oh, and make sure you get him a big console where all this can be displayed openly and honestly. Make it a focal point. And then throw a shindig!
Aesthete, Thanks for the advice. I definitely want a big open bar with bottles displayed in perfect alignment next to beautiful glasses and accessories. He’s already agreed to a party and I’ve warned him that I’m in charge of the details…and guestlist. I want an classy affair not a party with plastic cups and a keg in the corner 😉
does the dresser rhyme with:
Sodern Dollywood Tarment Sesser???
You are too good… everything sounds fabulous.
I have order RH’s Italian Satin Sheeting for clients before – and they were very pleased.
Erika, I could tell you but then I’d have to kill you!
For some reason, I haven’t been in a Restoration Hardware in a very long time so I was very impressed by their wares today. The prices seemed reasonable too, at least in relation to the $1000 duvet cover I picked up at Schweitzer!
I love Ralph Lauren! He is just the ultimate designer. I’m loving the pictures you’ve shown us, I’m sure the dresser you have chosen is just as beautiful.
Love that bedding!!!
I adore the RL Collection…the first photo served as great inspiration for a temporary home in wine country I am completing. With regard to RH linens… they actually work well and are pretty darn nice…they give you that classic look on a modest dime.
For bar glasses: WS HOME…they have great clean lines, heavy weight and decent price…I scored some great d.o.f there.. . check out their deco silver pieces
Heres another great source:
http://www.plantationhomeaccessories.com/tabletop-barware.html
Check out the ribbed decanters, the set of 3 decanters, etc.
Dear Ms. Chic,
Don’t know how often you are out near Sag Harbor, but Sage Street Antiques (on Sage Street, near Division), is one of my favorite places for useful and lovely service items. While many items tend to be a little more “traditional”, more masculine items can be found. (Make sure you go to both houses.) And the prices are good! Sadly, they are only open on the weekends, but thought I would pass the info along. Happy hunting!
Hmmmm. A man who WANTS you to decorate for him? And even pays? Sounds like he won’t be a bachelor for long…if only my husband would pay me to decorate (on top of the spending I already do).
;)sara
Melissa, The dresser is to die for! The minute I saw it in the showroom, I knew it would be perfect!
James, Thanks for the suggestions! I am going to check them all out!
CB, I was in Sag Harbor last summer and I feel like I might have peered into Sage Street Antiques one night when they were closed. We will be installing at a home in Sagaponack soon so I might have to stay the weekend and go shopping! Thanks for the suggestion!
Sara, Let’s not get carried away. He is currently not paying me but he will definitely be paying in the end 😉 And it’s great for my portfolio!
Dear HC,
I’m really luving your Bachelor Pad Updates. The nitty gritty of what it really takes to pull it all together has got me hooked. Looking forward to your next update.
HC-
Found some vintage bar items at a local thrift shop.
Let me know, happy to ship em to you.
Please add an allure of some sort of feminine touch to his place, nothing worse than it feeling so overly masculine and hotel-ish. I always love a photo of women in his life, like his mother or grandmother when – I worry if it is so overtly masculine, like the man is trying to hide something.
Patricia
Lolita, Nitty and grtty is defintely a way to describe all the hardwork that goes into coordinating a design job!
Patricia, I’m definitely trying to keep it soft and not too overtly masculine. The bedroom is going to be much lighter which was one of the reasons I wanted the RL dresser. It will be a perfect fit. I think the bathroom look much less bachelor-y too!
Hello HC, Aessthete’s got it right. The bars I most admire (and I do my time in front of ’em at every chance) always have silver trays, bottles, good glasses and a great ice bucket with tongs. A big bonus is the silver julep cup, but they kill a budget.
Man, this place is going to be some kind of beautiful.
looks like it coming along beautifully! i like the clean lines and soft hues of your inspiration photos.
i’ll be spending 4th of july weekend in sag harbor with my stylish english friend. his bar has great vintage glassware and accessories. i’ll try to get photos, if you’re still working on the bar.
every bachelor pad should definitely have a bar. if you absolutely need a cheap place, there’s always goodwill. just boil the glassware to disinfect and you’re good to go
Hello HC,
Just stumbled upon your blog the other day and feel like I’ve found a kindred spirit! I have three sets of RH sheets and like them very much. I bought the Silver Sage and the beautiful silvery grey ones on Ebay- brand new, Queen size, for under $150 each. I just bought the gorgeous pale pink set at the RH outlet store in San Marcos, Texas for $88. I believe the RH outlet stores are having a 20% sale (starting tomorrow?) and the store in Texas told me they will ship smaller items like linens. Just thought I’d share that with you…
All the best! Shannon
You should try E. braun and Co. on Madison Ave for amazing bachelor appropriate custom linens. They are the best in the country!