Give me shelter

A sofa should be warm, welcoming and comfortable, with looks to match, as it is generally the foundation around which a room plan is built. Shelter sofas, or tuxedo sofas, are my personal favorite, and their clean, architectural form can be used in a myriad of ways.

The Wabi designed by Francesco Rota for Paola Lenti for the outdoor living room.

DessinFournir's Baines Loveseat, clubby and masculine.

The perfect entry perch, Edward Ferrell's Shelter Sofa.

The Milano Sofa, Ebanista's take on the classic Knole sofa, with hinged arms that can be lowered or held upright with cords tied at the corner finials. The detail was originally used to accommodate the large dresses of noble women.

Great looking with a button tufted back and stacked pillows is the Oly Studio Dakota Sofa.

Crate and Barrel's Nines Sofa is available in both a full version and "apartment" size. It also features eco-friendly construction.

The Archetype Collection through Baker, features the Wood Banded Sofa, with a tight back and bolster pillows, an updated version of a 30's Moderne look.

My personal favorite, inducing extreme sofa envy, is the Pavilion Sofa by Michael Berman Limited.

Care to take a seat?

Baker's New Additions

Baker Furniture, founded in 1891 by Dutch immigrant and craftsman Siebe Baker, has been a hallmark of design excellence and uncompromising quality for more than a century. This year, Baker has introduced new pieces in five of its collections, from the ornately carved and gilded pieces of The Stately Homes Collection to the uniquely diverse collection of classic 17th, 18th and 19th century European and Asian designs that make up the Collector's Edition.

Here are a few of my favorite new additions from Baker:

Irish Puca Table from The Stately Homes Collection: Hailing from Moore Abbey, this Irish Rococo carved mahogany Puca Table features a superb demi-lune shaped top laid with a hand-painted faux black marble top veined in gold and random scattered bronze patterning. An elaborate frieze pierced with scrolls rests above three shaped cabriole legs finished in figured maple veneers. The legs are carved on the knees with grimacing leprechaun masks and terminate to distinctive claw and ball feet.


Asian-inspired Occasional Table from Collector's Edition: The slight scale of this table contrasts its bold design elements. The black gesso top is decorated in a cherry blossom and bird chinoiserie design finished in gilt. The table is supported by four faux bamboo legs.


Upholstered Bed from The Milling Road Collection: This collection, which spans more than 50 years, built its reputation on bringing the marketplace relaxed alternatives to classic traditional forms. The French-inspired bed, crafted from mindi wood — an abundant, sustainable resource that when expertly cut reveals a fiery veneer — features a deeply tufted upholstered headboard surrounded by a scalloped wood frame with matching footboard. Wood side rails join the head and footboards. The bed is available in queen and king sizes.


English Arm Sofa from Ease Into Comfort: These pieces, designed with an increased seat height and shallower back depth, offer ergonomically supportive design without sacrificing style. The English Arm Sofa features three seat cushions, three back cushions and two 16-inch square throw pillows, with a choice of three fills. Any of Baker's 22 standard wood finishes can be selected for the feet and customers can choose from more than 1,600 Baker fabrics or provide their own material.


Sectional from the Simply Baker Upholstery Program: Baker's Simply Baker upholstery program brings simplicity, availability and affordability to the marketplace with a selection of upholstered pieces available at three levels of customization. This sectional, designed for level two, is scaled for urban settings and adds a modern component to the program. All pieces in this program are crafted with hardwood frames, eight way hand-tied springs, Baker Comfort Down cushions and available with a shortened lead time.

Introducing Reagan Hayes!

Designer Reagan Hayes has launched her first collection of upholstered home furnishings, each of which embody her inspiration of youthful elegance. These pieces offer unique silhouettes and timeless elegance. In fact, this premier collection of sofas, lounge chairs and dining chairs is so stunning I had a hard time narrowing down my favorite pieces to share with you here.



The Sylvia Sofa won me over with its clean lines and tailored style. Bolster cushions and a high-back silhouette add to its sophisticated look. The sofa measures 82"w x 30"d x 40"h with custom sizes available, as well as 13 standard finish options and a selection of fabrics.



Who doesn't like the look of diamond tufting? The Wendy Sofa also features a skirted base adding to its sense of relaxed comfort. Measuring 86"w x 32"d x 38"h, the sofa is available in custom sizes with 13 standard finish options and a selection of fabrics.



The Duncan Lounge features a double-row nail head trim and a tapered seat resting on scalloped legs. The distinct silhouette adds to the uniqueness of the chair. The piece measures 28"w x 28"d x 36"h and is available in 12 standard finishes and a selection of fabrics.



The architectural lines and unique wing design add distinction to the Morgan Lounge. The curved, upholstered back is accented with nail head detail and an exposed wood frame. The chair measures 32"w x 30"d x 38"h and is available in 12 standard finishes and a selection of fabrics.



The Stanley Lounge exudes sophistication with graduating wings stretching the length of the upholstered back. The single button tuft adds to the stylish charm of the piece. This chair is measures 32"w x 29"d x 44"h and is available in 13 standard finishes and a selection of fabrics.

Pure Love for EF+LM

The Pure Collection from Edward Ferrell + Lewis Mittman (EF + LM) is simply gorgeous — on so many levels. Sustainable design, luxurious inspiration and quality craftsmanship are behind every breath taking piece. The eco-friendly materials used in fabrication include FSC certified woods/veneers, low VOC water-based finishes and paints, water-based adhesives, recycled metals, soy-based foam cushions, feather ticking comprised of bamboo and organic cotton and natural jute webbing.



One of my favorite pieces in the expansive Pure Collection is the Paramount Sofa. The sofa exudes comfort at every curve. The Pure Collection designer, Skip Rumley, revealed that the Paramount was inspired from a sofa spotted in a hotel lobby in Paris. He kept the idea of the shape and refined it a bit by curving the corners, increasing the depth and length and tufting the bench seat to add texture.


Of course, if I had to choose a favorite piece from the collection, I would choose the Dogwood Bench. I was instantly drawn to the uniqueness of the shape and the leather strap work holding the bolster cushions. Rumley's goal in the design process was to create a bench with an architectural edge that was also comfortable to sit on. I say mission accomplished! He also revealed that he found the equestrian quality of the strap work alluring — again, I agree. My feeling for the Dogwood Bench would best be summarized in a phrase I reserve for my favorites: I want one!