All is Merry and Bright

The season of light, shining hopefully at the end of a long year, cutting through the darkness with a brilliant shine. A time to gather with family and friends, reflecting on the past, and looking forward to a brighter tomorrow.

Let it snow with the Aspen Mirror from Bungalow 5.

The stunning Grand Tour Mirrored Bed by Century Furniture. Silver leaf and inlaid antique mirror.

Mercury Glass Vases from Pottery Barn. Recreating a process from the 19th c., with silver sealed between double layers of glass.

The sweetest of vintage ornaments, circa 1900-1960. At Flessas Design, available through 1stdibs.

The Emerson 8-Leg Console Table with antique mirror, double-bead stretcher, by Belle Meade Signature.

The Cloisonne Christmas Tree Topiary Napkin Holder from Dransfield & Ross.

Hitting a mid-mod homerun, the Orbit Wreath, created using retro-look ornaments from CB2.

May the glow of this holiday season surround you, and those who are dear to you, with great joy, abundance, peace and prosperity.

Hip + Elegant = Michael Berman

The cool, classic stylings of Michael Berman are evident in everything he touches; from his textile and rug collection designed for Kravet, tiles for Walker Zanger, luxurious bath fixtures for Rohl, his "Trans-Modern" furniture line, to the interiors he designs for a world-class clientele. His unique blend of style, glamour and livability never fails to intrigue, and captures the imagination, recalling decades past, while still firmly ensconced in a modern lifestyle.

Delineate/Malt in a cotton and viscose blend for Kravet. Also available in 2 other colorways.

Walker Zanger puts it all together with the Studio Moderne collection. Shown: Marquis Octagon/Rectangle in Mica Gloss and Plaza Deco in Calacata/Grey.

The Elgin Bed available in a host of finishes.
Instantly recognizable - the Tangier Hassock, 3 versions. Available COM or COL.

Mid-century sleekness re-imagined and wood-wrapped, the London Sofa, 1-Arm. Also available in 2-Arm version.

Reflective luxury, the Dresden Mirror. Perfect for that spot above a console.

The Mason 3-Light Pendant in a dark oil-rubbed bronze finish on chiseled metal.

Beautify your home with the help of Michael Berman.

Dakota Jackson's Maverick

Maybe it's the writer in me or maybe it's just Dakota Jackson's incomparable design sense, but the draw to the sleek and stunning Maverick Writing Table (shown above) is unmistakable. Measuring 90"w x 40"d x 30"h, the gorgeous desk is comprised of walnut and English sycamore veneers, flawless leather and polished stainless steel truss work. Designed with the corporate executive in mind, this desk provides a stamp of luxury in any office setting.

For those who need a little more room for storage, there is also a Maverick CEO Desk (shown above). With dimensions equivalent to those of the writing table, this desk also contains six drawers with stainless steel pedestal legs and accents.

fluid from Sustainable Solutions International

Comprised of eight bathroom collections and two stainless steel kitchen sink collections, fluid provides the discerning consumer with an attractive and environmentally responsible option for the bathroom. All of the collections featured below are equipped with a flow-regulated aerator to dispense water at 1.5 gallons-per-minute, a rate which has garnered these products a WaterSense certification.
The Sublime Collection (above) is a study in form and functionality. The faucet is designed in the shape of a semi-arc rainbow, with a high pointing spout and smooth curves. The gently curved spout makes it a perfect feature for vessel sinks of different heights and shapes, as well as architectural basins. This is the thinking mans faucet.

The Penguin Collection (above) is described by the manufacturer as a "clean, contemporary line of bathroom fixtures, which feature a true fusiform shape and take their design cues directly from nature. The design features a single lever faucet with a streamlined silhouette, upright form and horizontal spout." The Penguin is yet another example of how SSI has rethought and retooled the basic principals of the common bathroom appliance.

The Emperor faucet line (above) takes its cue from the art and designs of the ancient Qin Dynasty. The modern faucet features nods to traditional Asian design, and provides consumers with am agile and attractive option. The facuet was awarded the CIDF Gold Award and the iF Product Design Award for its excellence. The faucet is described by the manufacture as possessing "formal and austere lines that recall the tenants of Asian style and grace."

Al Fresco Décor from Chella Textiles

As winter sweeps across the country, many are clamoring for ways to bring the more pleasant outdoor elements back. Chella Textiles is encouraging everyone – regardless of geography – to embrace a warmer climate with textiles that embody the spirit of a warm summer day. Chella's solution-dyed acrylic fabrics, sheers and trimmings for upholstery and drapery are perfect for creating a warm and inviting environment. The chairs shown above are featured in Chella's Topographie, available in Sandstone (shown), Sand Dune, Carnelian, Desert Sage and Ink. The throw pillows feature Palazzio Stripe, available in Winter Wheat (shown), Holly Berry, Bullion, Sunrise, White Sage, Chapparal, Sand Dune, Mulberry and Plum.

The chair cushion above feature Chella's Click Track, available in Kiwi (shown), Sandstone, Winter Wheat, Garibaldi, Rose Quartz, Lichen, Papaia, Persimmon, Passione, Ash Bark, Mulberry and Plum.


The seat cushion above features Classic Epingle, available in Moss (shown), Alabaster, Raffia, Sage, Coco and Smoke. The orange throw pillow features Montecatini and is available in 22 colors including Persimmon (shown). The green throw pillow features Meander, available in Moss (shown), Alabaster, Raffia, Sage and Coco.

Turquoise shines!

In celebration of Pantone announcing that Turquoise is the Color of the Year for 2010, maybe it can come out to play a bit with some of the wonderfully fresh pieces from Shine by SHO!

Marbella Buffet, lacquer with resin details, other lacquer colors available.

Lola Sofa, also available in other fabrics, leathers and COM.

Sofia Stool, available in a multitude of other finishes.

Boro Print Pillows. Photographic linen with teal velvet backs and turquoise beaded trim.

Butterfly I, Archival Ink on Paper, limited edition of 125.

Catalonia Small Chandelier

Cary Buffet, lacquer with resin details, other lacquer colors available.

New Fabrics from Lisa Miller for Cloth

Cloth introduces a unique collection of whimsical linen prints perfect for childrens' rooms and available as indoor or outdoor fabrics. Michal Silver, director of Cloth, flew in from London to introduce the new fabrics at the Thomas Lavin showroom, creating a buzz for designers and showroom personnel alike. The fabrics were designed exclusively for Cloth by famed textile wizard Lisa Miller, currently head of her own design firm and known for being a strong creative force in the industry.


The collection will begin with three of Miller's creations: Constellation, Quadrant and Pods (shown here from top t0 bottom). All of the designs are meticulously hand-drawn and feature the one-of-a-kind quality treasured by textile enthusiasts. The designs are single-color motifs with a strong graphic quality and are available in linen, silk or an outdoor fabric. "Compared to other Cloth designs, Miller’s motifs are small and with a distinctive repeat," says Cloth designer Christopher Farr. “Lisa's strengths as a designer come from a subtle and deep absorption in the primal graphic expression found in the unspoilt native cultures of the world, combined with an experiential knowledge of fashion and contemporary art.”

Crewel intentions

Thought to be a technique that is at least a thousand years old, there is no end to the use of crewel in today's interiors. It can be used for bedding, upholstery and drapery, with traditional florals reigning, the contemporary and the whimsical are evident as well. Crewel is wool embroidery, generally on linen or cotton ground, and as it is a natural product, one will occasionally find bits of grass, seed pods or sticks in the textile, a stamp of authenticity, if you will.

The sounds of the jungle pulse within Jembala (Small Scale)/Original from Clarence House, also available in the larger scale version.

The flowing floral and vibrant color contrasts of Rosehill Crewel in Crimson by Lee Jofa.

Old World Weavers tips the colorings a bit for Lalita in Antique.

Pacche/01 - Solid crewel is a patchwork of beauty by S. Harris.

Robert Allen brings it up to speed with their Unity Rings in Confetti.

A scenic wonder by Lee Jofa, Summerhouse Crewel in Meadow.

Donghia’s Seedpod in Marigold, another solid crewel, but with a mod vibe.

Ahhhh, the changing of the seasons, what a perfect time to cozy up to crewel.

Small Designs Make Huge Impact

It's no surprise that the mimo collection was awarded the Red Dot 2009 award. This innovative new bathroom collection from Laufen, the Swiss company known for incomparable bathroom designs since 1892, offers modestly sized bathroom fixtures in eco-friendly designs.

The collection of sinks, toilets, vanities and bathtubs are available in pink, white and black with various color combinations as well as the exclusive mimo circular pattern. The collection is ideal for small spaces with the bathtub measuring a mere 4.5'l x 2.5'w x 2'd. While the designs may be small, the brilliant color combinations, curved silhouettes and bold designs combine to create a huge impact in any bathroom space.

Pink mimo suite.

Washbasin with concealed overflow.

Double basin vanity unit.

Vanity and tall cabinet.

Vanity unit.

Vanity drawer detail.

Mirror with shelf.

Serving up Thanksgiving

Bone china, pottery, stoneware, porcelain - traditional, modern, antique. Beautiful, themed tableware abounds for the holiday season, most particularly for Christmas, but the softness of the autumnal harvest palette beckons from the Thanksgiving table.

Mottahedeh's Sacred Bird & Butterfly, the original Chinese export sets the dining room of the famed Nathaniel Russel House in Charleston.

Audun Ferme by Villeroy & Boch, is a vintage inspired, modern toile taken from their original design of 200 years ago.

The earthenware Pumpkin Platter by Crate & Barrel.

A little kitsch and lovely colors in the Turkey Serving Platter and matching Salad Plates from Pottery Barn.

Dating back to 1828, the harvest and the hunt feature prominently in Spode's classic Woodland pattern.

Classic Italian elegance, the botanical Affresco by Vietri.

Wishing everyone a very happy and bountiful Thanksgiving.