Friday, October 19, 2007

FALLING LEAVES BRING AUTUMNAL BLISS OUTSIDE: ADD SOME INSIDE

Since fall is now upon us, add some style elements to update your home for the new season. Earthy hues, natural materials and items that have a worn patina of age will add warmth and texture to your cozy home.

Photo Courtesy of Unica Home
This is the best doormat since Target did their Happy Inside mat. Designed by Ed Annink in 2002 for Droog Design, it is finally available stateside. Pick up yours at Unica Home


Acorn Bird feeder from Plow and Hearth adds some rustic charm to your garden. There is a retro homey feeling to this feeder. Find it at Plow and Hearth

Photo Courtesy of Boussac
Falling leaves everywhere! Boussac's Scandale in this rich red color would make a great throw pillow. Look at their other fabrics you can get through your decorator at Boussac

Photo Courtesy of Peter Dunham
Fig Leaf, a Peter Dunham Design is used here in one of his projects to great effect. The two-tone leaves bring the outside in, with a graphic sensibility. I have also seen it used on outdoor furniture on a loggia--such fun!
Check out the other fabrics, some of which are ethnic chic, at Peter Dunham Stay tuned for Peter's latest design venture Hollywood at Home, a shop that will carry antiques, lighting, furniture and fabrics on 636 North Almont Drive in Los Angeles!! Grand opening November 1st, 2007.



Adding fall tip towels to the powder room welcome guests with whimsy. The classic L.L. Bean boots on a hand towel, perfect! From Lady Clare


Charlotte Moss launched her china pattern this year with American company Pickard, capturing garden elements in her seasonless lattice pattern. Check it out at her shop along with other decorating and entertaining goodies, Charlotte Moss


Photos Courtesy of Gien
Rambouillet, the charming Faience woodland hand painted pattern from Gien, is a seasonal favorite for those who love game and the wild. The chocolate patterned background looks great with wood handled flatware and other creamware pieces. Available at Table Ideas

Photo Courtesy of Kim Seybert
Hobnail glasses hark back to early Americana. This chic updated version from napkin ring and placemat trendsetter Kim Seybert looks fabulous on a traditional table. The teal blue is a great, rich shade that looks great with other jewel tones. See Kim's fashionable table accessories at Kim Seybert, her materials, patterns and shapes are inspired by the runway and are always innovative.

Photo Courtesy of Michael Aram
Twigware Forest Leaf Collection flatware is a fall favorite among editors, it looks great with so many china patterns. The delicate branch handles and handmade detailing add to the patterns uniqueness. See all of Michael's artistic pieces at Michael Aram

Photo Courtesy of Baker
The Laura Kirar Collection Lattice Throw plays on a geo pattern, in rich fall colors. Get yours at Kohler, and while you are there look at the lush materials she has used for her Baker line



Photo Courtesy of Ankasa
This yummy throw with lattice weave is sumptuous with the suede border. Better to wrap yourself in, from Ankasa

Photo Courtesy of Homart
Strike up a fire with these sophisticated wallpaper patterned matches. They will look great on the mantle, from Aero Home

Photo Courtesy of William Sonoma Home
Provencal bedding from Williams Sonoma's new bedding collection will have you jumping out of bed this saturday morning to spend the day making ratatouille and coq au vin! So authentique! Make your bedroom tres francais and purchase it at Williams Sonoma Home

Wednesday, October 3, 2007

FOR THE WRITE REASONS

At this time of year, you get the nagging feeling that the thank you notes you need to send out for the summer fun, showers and parties may be a bit overdue. If that is the case, I will make your life easier by guiding you to some new stationery that sends a message.

Photo Courtesy of Elum
Swank. A stylish box sits neatly awaiting you. Contents are influenced by vintage wallpaper patterns and their very presence in the mailbox makes the US postal service look better. Find it at Elum Designs


Jonathan Wright and Company of Los Angeles has been a big part of the momentum for classic revivals. His cursive, scroll work and botanicals in the English tradition are a welcome addition to the paper realm. Deemed Extravagant Postage, this Ready-to-Mail series has affixed stamps with American historical objects on them. For those who embrace the charms of the past, these are perfect for antiquarians. To order call 888-931-1710.


Photo Courtesy of Boatman Geller
Photo Courtesy of Boatman Geller
Classic basics in punchy colors are nice to have on hand when jotting a thank you. The calling cards and stickers are also worth a look at Boatman Geller

Photo Courtesy of Blue Ribbon Design
Letterpress note cards from Blue Ribbon Design take inspiration from classic Victorian flourishes. The soft pastels and charming detail are girly and sweet. See the range at Blue Ribbon Design

Photo Courtesy of Blue Ribbon Design
The Chinoiserie Folio comes with 8 letterpress cards and envelopes in a pretty pale blue. The geometric pattern against the soft overall floral is what really makes this special.

Photo Courtesy of Apiary
Photo Courtesy of Apiary
Photo Courtesy of Apiary
Flocking, outsize damask pattern and modern font make this option new. The stellar combination and contrast colors will not get lost in the mail!


Photos Courtesy of Sharp and Sally
Former editor Sarah Sharp has a graphic eye. Pretty color combinations like celadon
and chocolate are evergreen. Embrace your Preppy Handbook side, at Sharp and Sally



Photo Courtesy of Albertine Press
If you went to visit friends that live near a national park send them this cute take on their cities favorite public space. This letterpress woodblock style can be found at Albertine Press


Photos Courtesy of Charles Fradin Home
Furniture designer Charles Fradin has always found inspiration from growing up in New England. The comfortable luxury he designs is now imparted in writing paper. The wood boxes with sliding lids conceal a beautiful array of designs and small insignias. A classic weather vane, old typewriter and lighthouse evoke a genteel era where writing was an essential part of staying in touch. Make a swell statement with these, found at Charles Fradin Home