Monday, June 29, 2009

NEW FURNITURE ALERT-INSTANT CLASSICS FROM WHITE FINE FURNISHINGS

At the Fall 2008 High Point Market, I discovered White Fine Furnishings. Started in Lynchburg, Virginia, the great shapes, details and painted finishes are what the market has needed. Easy pieces, the collection of case goods can be used in a variety of settings. They look like great inherited or antique pieces with new finishes and simple, appropriate hardware. The collection was a collaboration between an interior designer and a furniture designer, and came out of a need for custom pieces. The furniture is bench made of tropical hardwoods and hand painted. White offers the line in 13 colors, all understated and easy to use. I decided to show the whole shebang since the collection merits that. I am hoping they will introduce upholstery in the coming season....

Photos Courtesy of White Fine Furnishings
A bamboo trefoil side table with a lower shelf is a good place for a few plants, or a drink.


A tray top, turned legs and x-base details make this cocktail table an easy choice.


A two shelf coffee table with bun feet has storage galore for books and magazines.


The butler's tray table on an x-base has a painted cut-out pattern on the edges giving it that extra something.


The lighter finish with grey detail is great for a warm climate or a neutral color scheme.


The x- stretcher cocktail table has a painted top done in restoration colors, adding a trad detail.


An easy to love writing table has three drawers, and works anywhere that a substantial piece is needed.


The desk has a built in book shelf, with areas to hold papers, stuff, and even more stuff. A curved leg and apron add a feminine detail,while the columns give it architectural heft.


I have said it before and I will say it again: nice headboards are hard to find. Well, here you go. This curvy headboard with matching finials is also available as a four poster, for a twin, queen, king and California king.


The same thing applies here, with additional sizing offered. Clean and streamlined, this bed makes any sheets look better.


Their round dining table is also great for a center hall, with stacks of books and a vase of flowers in the center. The legs curve to the center, and the piece as a whole is chic and not overdone.


The white version.

Maybe you need a bench. This English hall bench is pared down simplicity at its best.

There are so many x-backed chairs out there, their a side chair has a diamond back. Nice touch.
One with nicely curved arms.


Sorry, just can't get my fill of bamboo. So glad they did a bamboo bench, perfect for the end of the bed.


Let's say you have a small bedroom but want a nice piece that can double as a desk. Voila, this chest has a slide out piece for a writing surface.


Again, the hardware is just right. Clean lines, inset panel detail, tapered leg and square pulls make this another winner.


Swedish inspired, their chest of drawers has Gustavian touches in the pulls and the diamond motif on the side.


An adorable nightstand has a diamond pattern painted in a soft blue. A door provides easy storage.

Swedish furniture has old world charm and simple forms. Another nightstand with reeded front and sides, has two swing doors and a drawer.

I always find drawers and shelves helpful in nightstand design. For a guestroom, this one does the trick, since there will be low magazine overflow.
This two- tier side table flanking a sofa is my idea of fabulous.








An X- Sided Etagere has back stretches to support it against a wall. You could also float them in a room to create a division of space.


The X- Sided Small Etagere is a mini version of the piece above, and would work well in an entry with a top shelf to hold key trays and mail.

Friday, June 26, 2009

THE LIST: 20 DESIGNERS TO WATCH FROM TRADITIONAL HOME

This spring Traditional Home published their hot list of designers to watch. They did a countrywide search and came up with fresh faces and great takes on neo traditional. One of the designers selected happens to be my sister, Amanda Reynal. I am so proud of her amazing work and her sense of style inspires me daily. Even though she is far away in Des Moines, IA, she has proven that you can make life stylish anywhere. A New Yorker through and through, she has embraced e-commerce and local finds.





Photos Courtesy of Traditional Home
Trad Home's list is worth printing out, since you will be seeing this group and their work setting the pace. Many magazine's tend to focus on the NY LA axis and forget about (or do not look into) what great design happens everywhere.

Wick Design Group
San Francisco
415/437-0125
wickdesigngroup.com

Julio QuiƱones & Associates
Dallas
214/350-6437
jqassoc@sbcglobal.net

Tocar Interior Design
Susan Bednar Long and Christina Sullivan
New York
212/779-0037
tocardesign.com

Carrier and Company
JESSE CARRIER AND MARA MILLER
New York
212/706-1025
carrierandcompany.com

Woodson & Rummerfield's House of Design
Los Angeles
310/659-3010
wandrdesign.com

Angie Hranowsky Design Studio
Charleston
843/810-3286
angiehranowsky.com

GCI Design
GEORGIA CARLEE
Santa Rosa Beach, Florida
850/217-8155
info@gcarlee.com

Reynal Interiors
AMANDA REYNAL
Des Moines
515/418-8715
reynalinteriors@att.net

Lucas Studio Inc.
JOE LUCAS and PARRISH CHILCOAT
West Hollywood
310/858-6884
lucasstudioinc.com

Oliver M. Furth Design and Decoration
West Hollywood
323/654-4290
olivermfurth.com

Kristen McGinnis Design
New York
212/488-6820
kristenmcginnis.com

Melanie Elston Interiors
Chicago
312/640-8111
melanieelston.com

Jennifer Flanders Inc.
New York
646/368-1404
jenniferflanders.com

Annsley Interiors
Boston
617/413-3173
annsleyinteriors.com

Vallone Design
Scottsdale
480/421-2799
vallonedesign.com

Emma Jane Pilkington Fine Interiors
New York
212/644-0248
emmajanepilkington.com

Kara Mann Design
Chicago
312/893-7550
showroom@karamann.com

Susan Dowhower Interiors
Atlanta
404/355-8506
sdowhower@bellsouth.net

j.d. bell inc.
New York
212/339-0006
jdbellinc.com

Tobi Fairley Interior Design
Little Rock, Arkansas
501/868-9882
tobifairley.com


To see their work and hear more about them, log on to Traditional Home 20 Young Designers.

Tuesday, June 23, 2009

SPECIAL DELIVERY: SEND PACKAGES MADE PRETTY

I am a bit obsessed with mailing labels, stickers, tags and generally making what I send look good. With wedding gifts, camp care packages and baby gifts to send, make them memorable the minute they arrive. Wrap boxes and cards with creative tape from Tape Swell, the "practical pretty tape."


Envelope wraparound tape provides pattern for a solid envelope and space to write the address.


Emerald Cut Mailing Tape is nice for the geometric Tory Burch wearers.


Birdy Bright Mailing Tape works for camp.


Frame Label Mailing Label Tape is for you, the interior decorator. You can cut one label at a time for an insta- mailing label. You get 150 labels.


Scroll Mailing Label Tape has 120 various frothy mirror frames on it for Baroque grandeur.

Photos Courtesy of Tape Swell
The rolls come in a tin that shows the pattern. What a swell idea.

Monday, June 22, 2009

NAUTICAL ACCENTS FOR A BREEZY SUMMER

Photo Courtesy of Sperry Tents
No one likes to miss a good party. Regatta's tend to be well attended, and often spill out onto the lawn. With the rain we have been having on the east coast, safeguard your party with a Sperry Tent.

Photo Courtesy of Crawford Contemporary Silver and Gold
If you are a sailor or know one, learning how to tie knots and when to use them is kind of important. Crawford, a British import, is now at 1044 Madison Avenue, offers a chic gift option for those that love high knots, spinnakers and Mount Gay Rum. Their Reef Knot Bracelets are made of marine rope and have silver or gold shackles. These are a constant reminder to learn the bowline and finally get it down pat. Visit their new shop or order online at Crawford Contemporary.

Photo Courtesy of Sea Bags
Sea Bags are made in Maine from old sails. They are green, since recycling is in full effect, and they will take donated sails and turn them into bags. Buy a bag and send a sail to them at Sea Bags.

Thursday, June 18, 2009

MONOGRAM MANIA


The Preppy Handbook may be out of print, but you can still live by its monogram mantra.

WHAT TO CARRY:

The Jane Basket Queen Bee Studio means you can hit the beach and town in style over the weekend.


Then there is the Beach Basket, also from Queen Bee Studio, that will hold a towel and flops.

Photos Courtesy of Queen Bee Studio
The Half Moon Basket (Queen Bee Studio) is good for going from pool to party.

WHAT TO WEAR:
Morgan and Company
A Monogrammed Shell Necklace by Morgan and Company is cheap, cheerful and adorable for bridesmaids.

WHAT TO DRINK FROM:
Photo Courtesy of So Luxe
16 ounce party cups are a summer monogram must have, order yours at So Luxe.

WHAT TO EAT WITH:
Photo Courtesy of Dabney Lee
Paper placemats are stress free for everyday meals. Dabney Lee has tons of fresh designs and monogram options to choose from. They come in a set of 25.

TO PARTY WITH:

Photo Courtesy of Iomoi
Okay, so I have a thing for trays. What could be cuter than this for a summer visit to an old friend with a young family? This custom Double Elephants Tray from Iomoi is handmade of Lucite and the trunk is up, so there will be good luck involved.

HOW TO GET IT TOGETHER:
Photo Courtesy of Jack and Lulu
Rainy day project, incoming! Record your classic gazpacho and rhubarb pie recipes for generations in this adorable Red Tile Lucite Recipe Box from Jack and Lulu. There is no reason to have an old ugly one around that is splattered with tomato sauce, are you ready to upgrade?

WHAT YOU NEED FOR A HOT CAR:
Photo Courtesy of GG Bailey
Car Couture monogram floor mats make a great uber- preppy gift, perhaps for Dad's set of wheels? From GG Bailey.

Wednesday, June 17, 2009

WHY DON'T YOU: ENTERTAIN OUTSIDE!

Add a few new seasonal items to perk up your outdoor space this summer. Make the most of the balmy nights with chic umbrellas, stylish lanterns, and more:

WEATHERED WICKER:
Photo Courtesy of Jardins en Fleur
The wicker Voyage chair from Jardins en Fleur is like sitting under a tree, you get shade and a great view. The side portholes allow for an added sky view.

Photo Courtesy of Pottery Barn
Pottery Barn makes a huge wicker tray large enough to set on a round ottoman for drinks and platters.

MADE IN THE SHADE:
Photo Courtesy of Z Gallerie
The Soho Square Umbrella with fretwork detail and side tassels from Z Gallerie provide your garden with a Hollywood Regency hotel vibe.

Photo Courtesy of Pier 1
The batik print Hot Pagoda Umbrella Pier 1 has a jaunty two-tier design.

NIGHT LIGHTS:
Photo Courtesy of Z Gallerie
The Rize Garden Votive Holder is a garden stake post that holds a votive. Line a pathway with there for instant evening drama from Z Gallerie.



Photo Courtesy of Pottery Barn
Traditional lanterns reinterpreted with soft lines make the Bristol Lanterns from Pottery Barn look great around the pool, by the front door or lining a walkway.

GET A THRILL FROM WHAT YOU GRILL:
Photo Courtesy of Pier 1
Seagrass pitcher and glasses from Pier 1 will transport you and your iced tea to the French riviera.

Photo Courtesy of Target
Acrylic tumblers from Target" online look like hobnail glass. Why sacrifice style for plastic?

Photo Courtesy of Target
Add a little bug humor with Target's Ants and Gingham plastic platter. The uninvited guest that always shows up! Available online only.

Photo Courtesy of Pottery Barn
Fun flatware is hard to find, it is often tacky and cheap looking. Fear not, Pottery Barn comes to the rescue with this 12-piece set. It is easy to bring to the beach in it's tube carrying case.

HOME COMFORTS:

Photo Courtesy of Land's End
These folding chairs are easy to store and have a clean design. Land's End has them with and without arms.

Photo Courtesy of West Elm
A beanbag table adds a youthful playroom vibe to an outside living room. Outside? Well, yes, it's water-resistant and great for using in a covered area. West Elm did Ikat for a loungey piece.