This is somewhat offtopic, but I really don't understand and actually quite dislike the "random huge letter on the table/shelves" trend.
It's so irrelevant and ugly. What's the deal?

I actually really like the letter trend. It's graphic, and often shows a love and appreciation of typography.

Oohhh! Is that it? Honestly the thought never even entered my head, and I enjoy typography and am often nutty for logos.
Probably because instead of a nice poster-sized image of at least an alphabet or something, they're Big. Gray. Chunky. Sparkly. Single. Letters.

Lyesmith, I've always wanted to get enough big huge letters to spell out "GREENS" in my kitchen. And then paint them brilliant tangerine to mess with people's heads, also, you know, because it would look really cool against the bright teal walls. But I couldn't ever find a big fat type that I liked and could afford.

Still looks cluttery

Lyesmith I am with you quit tired of seeing the random letter and tired of chalkboards too. Both ok in a young children's rooms and depending if the child is still learning the alphabet and wants a place to draw besides on the other walls in the house.

I don't like stuff that collects dust these pictures look like they will attract lots of dust. I am always looking for ways to organize my home office this just does not do it just too cluttered.

I actually have this issue of Sunset and read through this article a few weeks back. I liked the arrangement of objects and the materials used, though the storage solutions wouldn't work for me personally.

One thing: according to the article, the wire baskets used in the 2nd photo come with a price tag of $30 each. That's $150 for the set of 5 pictured. yikes! The various wood crates used in the first photo also cost a pretty penny at $60-$80 each, which puts that arrangement in the $400 range...

I would have to use the images as inspiration and go on a little scavenger hunt to 'get the look for less'.

This picture seems staged like the IKEA catalogs. Do people really live that way?

Have you every noticed those California Closet ads have very few clothes in the pictures?

I love these images - can you tell me the paint that is used in the top image? Thanks!

I agree it seems staged... and people think it's cluttered? Come to my place, I'll show you clutter...

I also agree that typography is not as cool as gargoyles ;)

I've been a collector of the "odd chunky letter" for years now. Nice to see the stylists finally catching on. :)

I have a basket of E's, since they are one of the easiest to find and stand on their own.

I also collect photogrpahy that features signage or typography.

I think these articles are geared to "stuff people" to begin with, so no surprise there are still those (minimalists) here who find it "cluttery."

K T G: I'm with you all the way.

Oh, and chalkboards look great in virtual house tours, but seriously: all that chalk dust? Feh!

I am with corij. Anyone know the paint brand/color in the top image?