Take Out

In trendy restaurants, sometimes the best take-out is the inspiration. While an entire concept designed for a large communal space is unlikely to work in your apartment or condo, once in awhile, there's a signature decoration that can be handpicked and easy emulated at home.See how to take these ideas to-go below...
The inspiration: At Chicago's The Publican, this dressed-up beer hall is nondescript, except for the peppering of round bistro lights.

To emulate: Visit CB2 to check out their firefly pendant light (below), which retails for $199, to create a dramatic look over your dining room table. The upside -- your friends will begin to equate eating-out with dinner at your place.
The inspiration: New York's Bobo charms from head-to-toe with sophistication and nonconformity that invites. The cozy yet eclectic style is achieved through stacked books, an assortment of wall hangings, and mixed-matched antique chairs.

To emulate: Buy a pair of Jayson's Home and Garden small antique chairs (below) finished off with a rich flower chintz patterned covered seat. Then, mix it up with some vintage finds at flea market or resale shop and recover the seat in a solid or stripe or another pattern that is distinctively different, but has a coordinating color scheme. The inspiration: New York's Bagatelle, the notorious french bistro and daytime clubbers delight, exudes a girly-girl ambiance. From the marble top bar to the shabby chic furniture to white rows of lit candles, many of the restaurant's embellishments can easily be recreated.
To emulate: Overstock.com has an plethora of crystal chandeliers under $200, like the "Maria Theresa" 6-light (below). See it's easy to pretend to be a French aristocrat: Doesn't the one below look identical?

So next time your dining out, get some carry-out. It's about the only thing in this world that costs nothing and is calorie-free.