Sometimes, no matter how much I love something, I cannot bring myself to invest in it. Sometimes, for me, practical beats out pretty. But in general, I tend to lean pretty over practical most of the time. Ideally whatever I buy is both pretty AND practical, but sometimes I just want something, and even though I know there are more level-headed purchases I could make, I go with my heart. And I do mean my heart. You know, when you see an inanimate object and your heart skips a beat? Ugh.
Let’s start with my nightstands. They should really have a second drawer for storage. I live in Manhattan. I always need more storage. But I liked the arched top and I liked the lacquer-linen finish, and well, add in a discount code for moving from CB2, and the pretty nightstands are mine.
The verdict: I shouldn’t have been swayed by these. I knew they were a little shorter than I wanted. My bed is fairly high (I need that under-bed storage!) and I knew they were below my ideal height. And they look fine, but they are just a tad too low. And I could really use the extra drawer. Although I will say, the one drawer that they do have is deep and substantial…..and they sure do look nice. If you don’t need the equivalent a mini-dresser for a nightstand, I think they’re great. I just think I could have found a beautiful nightstand with more storage.
I do not mind cleaning my bathroom. I know it’s gross and germy, but cleaning it does not bother me. Do you know what chore I hate above all others? Dusting. Do you know what I decided to put in my entryway instead of a closed cabinet? Glass shelves. Do you know what glass bookshelves require? SO. MUCH. DUSTING. I could definitely have used more closed storage in the hallway (have I mentioned I live in an NYC apartment??), but, I saw these in person at CB2 and I gasped. In fairness, I was looking at a different bookcase at the time and not closed storage because I didn’t want a piece that would make the hall feel crowded (although a compromise of closed storage lower + upper shelves would have been best) or closed off, but, if I had a practical mind, I would have gone with a storage cabinet.
The verdict: no regrets. The bookshelves are beautiful. They don’t close the space off. I need a place for my books anyway, and the piece is very functional as a landing-site for when I’m coming and going (ok, ok, there isn’t much “coming and going” these days, but, the shelves are where I keep my bowl of masks). I love that they’re the first thing I see when I get home. They may be my favorite purchase for this apartment. So much so that I tolerate the dusting.
My snake plant. Now, let me explain. I do not think a plant is impractical. They improve air quality, add color, and have a myriad of other benefits. But, I have never, ever owned a plant in my life (ok, fine, I had two tiny succulents that I’m fairly certain arrived not alive that I did not succeed with) and I decided that my first foray into plant ownership would be an extra-large $150 floor-plant sized sansevieria. You know what is a good plant to start with? A small table-top sized plant. I was completely swayed by the fact that I wanted the plant to look substantial. I could have gone faux, but, the heart wants what the heart wants. And I wanted an enormous dark green snake plant.
The verdict: I would recommend buying plants (especially one this large) locally. I do think that perhaps it’s a little worse for the wear from shipping (not the seller’s fault, it was shipped during peak Christmas season, so things were hectic). But, it’s alive (and still alive almost 2 months later). I’m not the best plant mom and a few of the tips are starting to brown, but, I think I’m in a good place with it now. And I love it. It makes me so happy being in my home. I still don’t think this should have been how I started out as a plant owner (a snake plant yes, this size, no), so don’t be like me, but I’m glad I went with pretty (large) over practical (small) in this case.