A recamier by any other name...

...and actually, known by many other names; fainting couch, dormeuse, day bed, chaise longues. From the sleek to the fantastical, all are wonderfully functional, decorative and can be used in a variety of settings.

The classic Barcelona Couch by Mies van der Rohe, manufactured by Knoll in accordance with the exacting specifications of the 1930 original, through Design Within Reach.

Cleverly adjustable bolster cushions highlight the contemporary beauty of the chaise by Kevin Walz for Ralph Pucci.

With skirt or without, with button tufting or without, the Andante by Kravet offers almost limitless choices with 60,000 fabric options, or COM.

The sinuous curves of the one of a kind Boudoir Chaise in wool challis with chenille lumbar pillow at Irwin Feld Design.

The unusual Root Wood Recamier, c. 1890, at George N. Antiques through 1st dibs.

Thomas Pheasant brings classic style to his Paris Chaise Lounge for Baker.

A Louis XVI style dormeuse by David Michael.

Quatre ... what?

Lucky in any language, the quatrefoil is a motif shaped like a clover, literally translated from the French as four leaves. It has been used since at least the 12th century, in heraldic, architectural and military symbolism. Even the legendary French jeweler, Van Cleef & Arpels, uses it extensively in their collections. It is a symbol of symmetry and perfection, and can be found in a vast array of interior furnishings and finishes.

A quatrefoil above the West Door of the Croyland Abbey (image from Wikipedia).

The artful Kensington tile from the Kibak Collection from Ann Sacks.

Victorian Leaf Quatrefoil, a document wallcovering from c. 1850, recreated to perfection by Hamilton Weston.

The Moss Tile Jute Rug from Pier One.

Acrylic and cotton blend for soft durability in Duralee's Alastair in Thyme.

Natural parchment and beveled glass are a beautiful reflection of the quatrefoil motif, from Paul Marra Design through 1st dibs.

Antiqued and foxed mirror enhance the beauty of the Quatrefoil Armoire from Niermann Weeks.

Ironies specializes in organic inspiration and interpretation, most evident in the Asilah Chandelier and Asilah Bed, both in bone, shagreen or shell.

"For each petal on the shamrock this brings a wish your way. Good health, good luck, and happiness for today and everyday." ~ Irish Blessing

What's Your Perfect Palette style?

Gibson Design Group recently celebrated the launch of their Perfect Palettes, a product and service all rolled into one. Each of the eight Perfect Palettes feature designer paint and wall covering specially coordinated by the design professionals of Gibson Design Group to provide homeowners with cohesive color solutions for their interior décor. Perfect Palettes offer a diverse range of themes, ensuring that you are certain to find one to suit your style. Each palette also includes guidelines for how to use the palette and where best to apply each color.

Now we want to know, what's your Perfect Palette style? Let us know which palette is your favorite by leaving a comment on our Facebook page. Two winners will be selected at random to receive the Perfect Palette (an $87 value) of their choice!

Clodagh for Duralee

Clodagh for Duralee... need I say more? I mean when two names that are synonymous with fine design – one a leading fabric manufacturer and the other a world renowned designer – collaborate to create a gorgeous new textile collection, it kind of leaves you speechless.
Clodagh, known for her unique and innovative design aesthetic, teamed up with the fabric experts at Duralee to create Global Passage, a high-end residential fabric collection. It also reflects both Clodagh and Duralee's commitment to protecting the environment as it consists of organic cottons, recycled polyesters and renewable bamboo.
Clodagh has drawn on her pioneering expertise in Feng Shui, chromotherapy, biophilia and sustainable materials to infuse the collection with an incomparable look and flow that appeals to all the senses. The collection features five color books, each intended to inspire individuality and promote rejuvenation.

Jean de Merry

Uber-sophisticated, elegantly cool and unabashedly sexy, Jean de Merry turns heads with their well edited line of case pieces, upholstery and lighting. They also have an exclusive line of textiles from Italy. Their flagship showroom in Los Angeles was the logical next step for a family heritage in the French leather industry, which spanned several centuries. They now have representation and a legion of fans world-wide. All of their pieces represent quality of the highest order, here is a peek at some of their outstanding work.

The Riviera Table with forged iron base and top options in antiqued parchment, shagreen or marble.

Mirror in all of its iterations; foxed, antiqued mercury, clear or dark silver with open work forged iron feet on the Parigi Credenza.

Cerused, satin or lacquered wood finishes highlight the curvaceous beauty of the Cambodia Arm Chair.

The Racine, just about the perfect wing chair for any space.

Filigreed jewelry for your walls, the Venezia Sconce. Available in bronze, nickel, silver-plated or gold leaf finishes.

Quite the explosive exclamation point in a dining room, the Lumiere Chandelier in 3 sizes, up to 60" diameter.

Not one detail has been overlooked in their beautiful collection.

"Taking Wing"

Originally designed to protect against chills in those drafty, old castles, the wing chair has been elevated to iconic status. They are characterized by a high back, comfortable arms, those enveloping wings and are available in styles from traditional to modern, even to the whimsical.

A statement is made by the exaggerated lines and proportions of the Aland Wing Chair by Jean de Merry.

Mid-mod fans can satisfy their style of choice with this chair, originally designed by Hans J. Wegner for Carl Hansen & Sons, and available through Room & Board.

Restoration Hardware's new French Upholstered Wing Chair exemplifies traditional form.

The Balloon Chair, also known as a canopy chair, brings the Victorian age to your hearth. Available through Horchow.

The Van Wing Chair by Bright Chair ups the style quotient with the slightly raised, exposed wood arms.

Clean and simple, Stanley Jay Friedman's Winged Chair for Brueton.

Delicate, hand painted chinoiserie sets off the detailed fretwork on the Chinese Chippendale Wing Chair by Gregorius|Pineo.

Now, you just need to pour a brandy, open the damper, stack the wood and light that cozy fire!

A perfect studio with Grange

Grange has just introduced the new Architecte collection with straight lines and industrial minimalism, drawing inspiration from a turn-of-the-century architect's drafting table. The solid lime wood frame is available in any of Grange's 28 painted finishes, accented by drawer casing and top surfaces in the golden grain of solid French cherry wood.



Great for small spaces, home offices and work stations. Architecte is a stylish new feel for your residential workspace from Grange.

Chandeliers from Claire de Lune Lighting & Mirrors for Accent

Original. Refreshing. Different.

These are just three of the words that may pop into your head when looking at the new chandeliers from Claire de Lune Lighting & Mirrors for Accent. The design is inspired from the arms of a clock, creating a unique and complicated piece. Each chandelier features a chrome light, in addition to the five arms shaped to look like candles. This is certainly not the chandelier hanging over your grandmothers dinner table, and the design is aggressive and hypnotic at the same time. The acrylic materials provides an odd choice for a chandelier of this shape, but all of the design risks really pay off in the end. This is a nice addition to the modern home looking for a piece to make a strong statement.