After so many weeks at home, the mantra “fewer, better things” has become more meaningful to us than ever before. We’ve always leaned toward drilling into understanding the things and experiences that surround us, but now … with the confluence of sustainability and a strong pull to understanding who we are and what we stand for, we’ve become ever more discerning.

From the pencils we write with to the content we’re watching (fascinating to see how Ken Burns crafts his documentaries or to dive deeper into the work being done by the Gates foundation!), down to the candles we burn at night, we’re thinking about experiences in a whole new way. Is this the best we can do? And are we surrounding ourselves with the best partners in our work at Gracious Style?

Caracole, a company we started working with recently, helped me answer this question. I first became familiar with them several years ago while touring a large home in Los Angeles. It had been staged by Meridith Baer, one of the top staging firms in the city. While walking through, I noticed an extraordinary desk in one of the bedrooms, and it was obviously on a completely different level than anything else in that room. It looked fresh, but the details pointed to a more thoughtful design, so I leaned in to take a closer look: it was made by Caracole.

I dug around and learned more about the company. It was a fairly young line (founded in 2009), and I loved that their approach was modern. Modern in that they understood that furniture no longer gets purchased in sets. Modern in that details matter, from the lining of a drawer to the hardware on a cabinet to the legs on a dining chair. And modern in that anyone who owned one of these pieces would do so knowing that they’d enjoy it for years to come.

Seeing these kinds of details made me realize that Caracole would be a perfect partner for Gracious Style. Their designs are modern classics … confident but not too flashy; just a quiet attention to quality and detail at every stage, from the development, to the construction, to the presentation of a piece.

Let’s take a closer look. Beyond the choice of appropriately durable raw materials and a consistency in design – which really should go without saying with well-constructed furniture – what are the things the production team thought about when they conceived each piece?

At Caracole, so many minute details come into play. For example, take a look at “At Water’s Edge,” one of their consoles tables.

Now take a closer peek at how the interior is lined with turquoise green and crackled gold gloss:

Here’s the Aristocrat nightstand. Notice the supple quilted leather base:

And see how this same detail is echoed inside the drawers, with a quilted fabric-lined drawer.

And take a look at the Skyline Credenza, an extraordinarily gorgeous piece on its own right:

See how the doors are cut asymmetrically so they fit together like a puzzle?

These are the meaningful touches that set Caracole apart, and that you’ll truly appreciate for years to come. So you can live with fewer, but better things.

Love this collection? See the entire Caracole range here.

In our entire time at Gracious Style, we’ve never really come across a line that resonated quite like the one we’re about to share with you.  On the surface, this Portuguese company produces charming pieces reminiscent of a simpler time, but wait until you hear how it all started, and you’ll see why it’s more relevant now than ever before.

Rafael Bordallo Pinheiro was a Portuguese cartoonist in the 19th century.  He created a character called “Ze Povinho,” who personified the average Portuguese man: a rustic farm laborer who was kind to his friends and utterly disrespectful of the rich and powerful who took advantage of him.  Pinheiro was also an artist who widely drew inspiration from nature.

His characters – like his animals – were common folk, the kind who are usually forgotten.  So it is astounding to think how, almost 135 years later, the same themes are now at the forefront of our lives.  Before, they were caricatures; now, they are also perfect teaching tools for our current conversations around nature and politics.  What happens when we don’t listen to those with no voice?  Can we survive if we don’t care about those around us?  How do we maintain the integrity of our environment?  How can we leave our world in a better place for future generations?  Can we change enough to make a difference?

Bordallo was highly trained, but his artistic language was generally more whimsical and caricature-like.  He was part of the Arts and Crafts movement of the mid- to late-19th century that rejected industrial manufacturing and fanciful Victorian designs that appealed to aristocratic tastes.  Rather, he and his fellow Arts and Crafts artists proposed a return to the folk art traditions and using art to celebrate the common people.  His art is similar to Staffordshire figurines, but more exaggerated in a way that reminds us of the dramatic, even grotesque, features of Goya’s earlier paintings.

Surprisingly, the factory that still makes Bordallo’s pieces today was established by the artist himself in 1884 in Caldas da Rainha (the Queen’s Baths), a town on the west coast of Portugal known as the capital of Portuguese pottery.  It is rich in a special clay that gave rise to the town’s fame as a spa town dating back to 1484, when Queen Leonor of Portugal found some peasants bathing in a smelly pond.  When asked why, they told her that the water cured them.  She tried it herself, felt much better, and ordered baths to be built on the site.  The minerals of the baths and the clay are probably related, giving the clay special properties for making the faience pottery that the factory uses.

Every piece of Bordallo Pinheiro pottery is still crafted by hand in Portugal.  And now, they are enjoying a resurgence in popularity given how much more we understand about the role of nature and fair treatment in our world.

To those who follow his work, Bordallo Pinheiro’s pieces are best known for:

– Naturalistic pottery shaped like fruits and vegetables (the cabbage-shaped pottery is a staple of the Portuguese table)

Based in Porto, near the heart of the Portuguese textiles industry, Graccioza is one of the best kept secrets in linens.  Traditionally, they specialized in private-label products for other luxury vendors, but now they’ve finally made their own collection of bath linens available directly to us.  The result is a line like none other on the market today: one that uses ultra high-end raw materials, layers in technology to create some truly innovative bath products, and does so while staying away from harmful substances.

Here’s what sets Graccioza luxury bath linens apart:

1) All their towels are woven using the extra long loops of the finest Egyptian cotton . This produces towels with longer, denser threads, so the they are plusher, softer, and have more surface area to dry you off.  If you are looking for the ultimate in bath linens, take a look at their Egoist and Milano collections, which feature Egyptian Cotton Giza.  Traditionally, Giza is only reserved for ultrapremium shirts and bedding (like Sferra’s renowned Giza 45 percale and Giza 45 sateen), so it is extraordinary to find it in bath towels.

2) Bacteria Repellent Treatment. For their signature Egoist line, Graccioza devised a method to attach microscopic silver particles to the fiber of the towels. Why?  Because this inhibits the growth of bacteria which causes musty smells when the towels are not fully dried. Given that the Egoist towels weigh in at a hefty 800 gsm, this is a game changer which allows these extra fluffy, luxurious towels to feel fresh and require less frequent laundering.

3) Lint-Free Finishes. If you’ve ever run towels through a dryer, you know they leave lots of lint behind. By treating their rugs and towels with a lint-free finish, you’ll see a noticeable reduction (up to 50%) in lint, so that means less time doing laundry.  This treatment also improves the absorption of dye and softens fibers, so you get towels that look brighter and feel softer.

4) All towels are prewashed, preshrunk, and treated to resist pilling.  This means they are fully absorbent from the first use, and you’ll have a towel that keeps its size wash after wash.

5) All towels are finished with rounded corners, bias binding, and double stitching for added durability.  Some, like the Double Tone collection pictured below, are even reversible … with terry on one side and fabric on the back.

6) Standard 100 certification by OEKO-TEX on every product, which means it is free of harmful substances and therefore safe for use with peace of mind.

7) GOTS (Global Organic Textile Standard) certification on their organic cotton products.  This is the leading textile certification available, and it limits the uses of toxic bleaches, dyes, and other chemical inputs while ensuring that the materials are sourced in the most ethical and sustainable ways.  For Graccioza, this covered a large number of processes, including spinning, trading, dyeing, finishing, weaving, manufacturing, and washing.

8) The Clean Ocean Collection.  Made by mixing high-grade cotton with Seaqual, Graccioza has produced a groundbreaking collection of bath towels that looks and feels like premium towels, but draws attention to the plastic pollution in the ocean.  For this line, plastic is collected from the ocean and turned into recycled polyester yarn, which is then mixed with cotton and finished with ecological dyes to minimize the consumption of water and energy at the plant.

9) Their signature line: Egoist bath towel collection.  You will simply not find a plusher, thicker towel.  Woven using Egyptian long-staple Giza cotton, these towels are prewashed, preshrunk, and treated with their innovative antibacterial process.  If you like your towels to be plush, these come in at a hefty 800 gsm (whereas most towels in the market are a more common 500 – 650 gsm), so you’d be forgiven for spending a few extra minutes in the shower each day.  They are also available in a stunning collection of colors, so you’ll find something to match that custom tile in your master shower.  For the kids, get each of them a set of towels in their favorite color, and watch how much easier it will be to get them to take their showers.

10) The Spa Sponge Memory Foam Bath rug, the ultimate luxury for your feet.  Available in white, natural, and silver, this innovative collection features a super soft rug with memory foam.  On the outside, the bath rug has a very plush cotton surface, so it feels very soft. But on the inside, it has a removable memory foam core with a water-repellent cover, so it will feel plusher than anything you’ve ever stepped on.

11) A charming line of bath robes and towels for the kids!

Are you ready to learn more about Graccioza?  Click here to see the entire Graccioza luxury bath linen collection.

One of the happiest things you can do is create a room for a little one. And whether you have kids or are just constantly surrounded by them (ahem … you’re a grandparent, so you’re doing the school run again), it’s important to create an environment that is cheerful but also timeless.  Too often, kids’ rooms have to be redone after a few years, but with a little planning, it’s easy to avoid this by just sticking with classic patterns and colors.

Instagram darling Gray Malin, who first shot to fame with his pictures of pools and beaches around the world, has hit it out of the park with his new collection of furnishings based on his shots of animals prancing around his favorite hotel, the Parker Palm Springs.  Malin, who recently had twins with his husband Jeff, knows what it’s like to think like a child and truly create magic.

Take a look at how these beautiful shots were transformed (by the way, did you know that this gentle elephant is also the star of the movie Water for Elephants with Reese Witherspoon?).  Here’s the original photograph, Always Welcome at the Parker II:

And see the charming print it inspired:

 

Here’s another. This one’s called Love Birds:

And see what it became:

The best part about it?  This collection of pillows and nursery furniture were conceived by the brilliant team at Cloth & Company just outside of Chicago. Led by Meganne Wecker, who with her dad Ted runs the family-owned furniture maker founded by her grandfather, Cloth & Company is all about marrying traditional construction with state-of-the-art technology.

By utilizing digital textile design and 3D rendering technology, they can print just what is needed for production, so their waste and carbon footprint is minimized. And as soon as this is done, the folks at the plant rush to handcraft each piece. It’s a brilliant process, and so streamlined that these pieces can be finished in under three weeks. Imagine that for custom furniture!

The collection is available in five classic colors to go with any decor: blue, pink, tan, grey, and multi.

Here’s a peek into Gray’s son’s nursery, with the Toile Blue Oga Skirted Storage Bench:

While across the hall, here’s his daughter’s room, with the Toile Pink Oga Pillow:

And who’s this friendly bunny sitting on the Parker Parade Multi Oga Settee?

There’s lots to love in the new line!  Headboards and beds in twin, full, and queen sizes:

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There are chairs and settees (for little ones and adults):

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Lots of storage benches (to keep everything neat):

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And a whimsical assortment of pillows:

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Like what you see? Click here to see the entire Gray Malin x Cloth & Company collection!

All images courtesy of Gray Malin/Cloth & Company

Have you seen the latest in melamine dinnerware?  Many of the newest collections from Los Angeles-based TarHong are inspired by natural materials, so they’re perfect for indoor dining.

Escape to the wine country with the Marin and French Oak melamine collections:

 

Their Pewter platters are substantial, but lightweight:

 

Carrara plates mimic marble, but won’t scratch your tabletops:

 

And copper chargers bring warmth, but will never need polishing.

 

Drinks look their very best when served from the Cabo Acrylic carafe.

 

And for a bit of whimsy, bring in the colors of the sea with the Cube Double Old Fashioned.

Like these?  Explore the entire TarHong collection here.

 

Living in Los Angeles, we can’t help being drawn to anything that reminds us to spend more time outdoors.  And whether it’s in Beverly Hills or Lake Como, images of folks on vacation always make us smile.

Gray Malin and his fine art photographs will do the same for you.  The series which shot him to fame, Prada Marfa, is Marfa, Texas (known for its modern art installations) like you’ve never seen it:

Let’s dismount and go shopping:

Aerial photography is his strength.

Often starting work at 6 a.m. to shoot these, Gray stumbled upon his now-signature aerial pieces on a road trip to Las Vegas in 2011, where on a Saturday morning, he got up early to photograph the pool below his hotel room.  The pictures went viral and the rest, as they say, is history.

Here’s what he saw flying above a beach in East Hampton … perfect in a pool house.

And here he is in Lake Como … #vacationgoals:

Closer to home, we love his series at the Parker in Palm Springs:

And here’s a retro look at the Beverly Hills Hotel:

And for all those days when you need to get away?  Sometimes this is all it takes:

 

Hope we got you smiling!  Here’s a selection of Gray Malin art that you could take home:

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Want more?  Click here to view our full collection of Gray Malin’s photographs, trays, coasters, and beach towels. 

If you grew up in the 60’s and 70’s or went camping as a kid, chances are, you’re familiar with enamelware.  And like so many things from that era (Gucci, anyone?), it’s hip again.  It’s loved by the editors of food52, popping up all over Instagram, and being used in countless outdoor weddings.

Today, enamelware feels as appropriate in the Adirondacks as it does in a condo in Brooklyn.  Why?  Because it’s functional.  But it’s also urban and rural; universal in the best sense.

Plus, it’s a treat to reach for something that’s so lightweight, carefree, and fun for both kids and grandparents.

To channel a retro vibe, Crow Canyon Home makes pieces that are charming pieces of Americana, full of nostalgic, old-fashioned goodness.  Used outdoors, they’re a great alternative to glass and disposable paper and plastic containers.

And if you’re going camping, enamelware is easy to carry and safe to use on the grill or the campfire.

For sailors, Crow Canyon Home recently released a collaboration with Fishs Eddy, one of New York City’s most iconic shops.  Here’s their Knots collection; it also comes in Sailboats and Buoys.

Farther afield, we recently found enamelware (in dinnerware, it’s actually porcelain fused onto heavy gauge steel) at Maison et Objet in Paris, where a duo of Turkish sisters were introducing Bornn, a new line of handcrafted enamelware.  Their Marble Swirl pieces, each of which is hand made and colored, is stunning.

I mean, how is this even possible?  Every piece is hand dipped and colored, so the pattern changes throughout.

Or for something simpler, there’s the Bloom collection, available in seven colors:

So what do you need to know?  Enamelware dinnerware is made using a steel base, which is hand dipped in porcelain multiple times to build a base and topcoat to withstand heat.  To create splatterware, a second color is flicked on using a special brush.  Marble patterns are dipped and swirled multiple times until the colors are just right.

Enamelware is dishwasher, oven (up to 500F), grill, and stovetop safe.  It’s also easy to clean and lightweight, so it’s great for kids.  With heavy use, it might chip at the edges; don’t worry, that’s part of its appeal.  And it’s completely food safe (even with chips).  But don’t use it in the microwave, as the metal inside won’t do well.

Love it?  Click here to see more enamelware pieces.

Last year, we traveled to Portugal, and the trip was a revelation.  The country, which for years was ruled by the Estado Novo dictatorship, is now in the midst of a spectacular design renaissance.  Everywhere you see the contrast between traditional Portuguese buildings festooned with centuries-old tiles and clean, modern design.  There’s also a move to bring the country into the future, but there are strong traces of a Portuguese point of view.

Here’s an example.  At the Six Senses in Douro Valley, one of the hotels where we stayed, they carefully renovated an existing manor house from the 19th century to minimize the impact on the hills and the surrounding villages.

So while the exterior looks like this …

… the interiors are much more streamlined.  Even then, the dichotomy prevails.  While the guest rooms are outfitted with floor-to-ceiling windows to maximize the views of the wine country …

… the more intimate reception areas (like the dining rooms, the wine library, and the spa) are all authentically furnished with distressed woods, copper cookware, and local artisan craft.

In Lisbon, we experienced something similar.  While the city is more cosmopolitan, the bars, the restaurants, and the new buildings all share a confident Portuguese streak: one that is more streamlined, but retains influences from the past and includes nods to former Portuguese possessions like Brazil, Mozambique, Goa, and Macau.

One of our many finds on this trip was Cutipol flatware.  Made by a family-owned company in the village of Sao Martinho de Sande, these sleek pieces are (very affordable) jewelry for the table.  The slender handles are so refined, they’re almost sculptural.  And the clear Asian bent (almost every collection sports flatware sets) means it’s at home anywhere in the world.

So much so, they were prominently featured at the 2017 Met Gala, honoring Japanese designer Rei Kawakubo/Comme des Garcons:

By combining sleek design with hand crafting, Cutipol is perfect for today’s world: a seamless merging of new and old across all four corners of the world.  We’re really proud to be introducing it at Gracious Style!

Here’s what you need to know about Cutipol.

1. The collections are designed in-house by Jose Joaquim Ribeiro, a member of the Cutipol family.

More than forty years ago, he was asked by his father for help in guiding the company into the future; his love for architecture is evident in his designs.

2. Cutipol’s signature Goa collection is available in impossibly gorgeous colors including black, blue, brown, grey, pink, red, and white.

3. This is the kind of flatware you want to use to show off your molecular cooking.  Here it is being used by chef Aitor Zabala at Somni, his new restaurant with Jose Andres inside the SLS Beverly Hills:

4. The collections are grounded in traditional design, so they work well on traditional tables.

5. Asian pieces are available in almost every collection.

6. Cutipol flatware is available in different finishes (including stainless steel, black, copper, gold, and rose gold), all of which are dishwasher safe.

7. Cutipol flatware is spectacular for weddings, birthday parties, anniversary celebrations.  Here’s a shot of an event by Casa de Perrin, a fabulous rental company in Los Angeles:

8. You’ll probably be the only person you know who’s ever heard of Cutipol.  Unless, of course, you’re friends with someone who went to the Met Gala …

9. All our Cutipol flatware comes from Portugal, so it’ll take about four weeks to get it in.  But we promise the wait is absolutely worth it!

Here are some of our most popular Cutipol flatware collections:

Shop all Cutipol

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To see more Cutipol collections, click here.

Which materials are used in RabLabs designs?

RabLabs designs are created using semi-precious gemstones, combined with pure silver, 24k gold, and rose gold. They also utilize materials like stainless steel, plated metals, and glass.  These materials are chosen to last forever, and to retain their quality for generations to come.  Each piece is unique, because of the materials, and the variation in the designs.

Where do the materials come from?

All RabLabs pieces are designed in areas of the world close to where the gemstones originate, in partnership with multi-generation, family-owned artisanal companies in Brazil and Italy, to produce these hand-made designs.

What is natural variance, and how will it affect my item?

Each of the gemstones used in RabLabs designs is natural, hand-selected, and unique. Therefore, these products will vary in size, shape, and color.  While RabLabs has standardized its pieces to a degree, nature will always dictate some variance.  It is this variation that makes these pieces rare and one-of-a-kind.  Unfortunately, it is not possible to fulfill requests for more or less striations, a specific color shade, or a particular size or shape.

How do I care for my RabLabs pieces?

Most of RabLabs pieces simply need to be wiped clean with a soft, damp cloth. Products with pure silver gilding will require cleaning with silver polish.

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One of my favorite things about meeting new people is hearing their stories.  I especially love hearing about people like designer Martyn Lawrence Bullard, who started doing one thing, moved on to something else, and then finally took all those pieces together and ended up creating something that’s unique to him.

So when I found out that RabLabs founder Anna Rabinowicz went from designing prosthetics to working with gemstones, my ears were piqued.  How did that happen?

Here’s the story: When Anna was younger, she and her family traveled around the country for her father’s medical career (he was an academic and a doctor).  But on the weekends, they visited mineral shows, where she was mesmerized by the stones (so old!) and their complexity and range of colors.  Back then, collecting agate stones was just a hobby.

Anna grew up, earned master’s degrees in design and engineering from Stanford, and then started work developing medical prosthetics.  At the same time, she taught industrial design at Parsons.

The process of being in a classroom, speaking about creating objects, and delving into research just melded together for her.  She learned that she loved the beauty of natural things.  “Whether it’s the body or elements of nature, they’re one and the same to me,” she says.

Fast forward to 2002, when she turned that love of natural beauty into a line of objects called RabLabs, which combined minerals, metals, and stone into sophisticated products for the home.

Like all the best artists, she ended up following her passion, and as luck would turn out, her first product – a set of Lumino coasters crafted from matched agate slices – was an instant success and continues to be of one of the company’s best sellers.

The product was a hit because in a world filled with mass production, we’re all looking for something that’s intrinsically unique.  Anna’s gift is that she saw how objects that have stood the test of time will continue to grow old with us.

In one of her first interviews with Amara, she said: “I am most inspired by the forms, structures, and textures found in nature … It is incredibly inspirational to realize that what appears so magical about nature to us as humans is also a mechanism for survival, for the animals and plants themselves.”  And later in another interview with Cottages and Gardens magazine, she went on to say: “I use materials that are designed to last forever, so if people love them they will pass them down from generation to generation. They become modern-day heirlooms.”  

But it’s a lot of hard work to turn that vision into these unique pieces.  For example, Anna might start with a massing of raw Italian alabaster:

In her studio, this becomes a foundation for a new collection.  She researches the material, sketches ideas for new concepts, and tinkers with it (to the millimeter!) until she’s found the best expression of their natural textures.

Working with artisans in Brazil and Italy, Anna refines their processes and works with them to realizing her designs from stone:

Then, prototypes are submitted and adjustments are made:

Until something extraordinary is created:

What I love about these pieces is that they fit perfectly well in our modern world.  You can set down the coasters next to the lamp and the candle on a table, and at a casual glance nothing seems out of place.  But when you look closer, you realize that the objects are fashioned from natural materials like agate, marble, and alabaster.

They did not just pop out of an injection mold, precisely shaped like a million other pieces.  Each one has special veins and patterns that only natural stone has.  Each one attained its shape only through hours of work by an artisan.  When you pick one of Anna’s creations up, you’ll be surprised by their heavy weight.  And when you gaze at them more closely, you’ll start to trace the veins and notice patterns, even faces, in the stones.

Eventually you’ll be mesmerized by a little world that draw you in.  And that’s when you realize, “This is art.”

Shop Rab Labs

Founded in 1735 by a Florentine aristocrat, Richard Ginori is one of the oldest porcelain manufacturers in Europe. It is easily the most distinguished manifattura of fine porcelain tableware in Italy, meaning that all production takes place under one roof, so quality is very consistent.

For nearly 300 years, it’s been very closely associated with Italy and its history. Its pieces have graced museums, luxury liners, restaurants, luxury hotels, and fine tables around the world. It has made collections for the Vatican and has featured designs by top Italian architects like Gio Ponti and Paola Novane.

Unfortunately, difficult economic conditions and changing times caused this storied company to file for bankruptcy in 2013.  But in June of the same year, Gucci acquired Richard Ginori, and the company’s artisans breathed a collective sigh of relief.  Richard Ginori has now joined the global luxury company that includes Gucci, Yves Saint Laurent, Bottega Veneta, Balenciaga, Stella McCartney, Alexander McQueen, and Brioni.

Gucci’s strategy with Richard Ginori is the same as with its other brands — focus on luxury and bring in fresh, new designs.   Today, Richard Ginori’s creative director is none other than Alessandro Michele, the superhot designer responsible for Gucci’s huge growth in recent years.

Having trained with Tom Ford, Alessandro is well known for his idiosyncratic take on chic geek vintage.  His impact at Gucci has been nothing short of spectacular.  The house – which had in recent years languished on the tasteful and straightforward – has now been reinvigorated with a playful sense of style, making it a huge hit with millenials.

At Richard Ginori, Alessandro started by going through Ginori’s historical patterns, all of which are kept in this archival book (some patterns date back almost 280 years) …

… and reissued several Gio Ponti collections.  Here’s Catene, created by the iconic Italian architect almost 100 years ago in 1926:

Labirinto, also created in 1926:

And the beloved chinoiserie pattern Oriente Italiano, now available in whimsical new shapes and colors:

Then he started to have some fun with Ginori’s traditional themes.  In one collection, he was inspired by how traditional craftsmen would cover imperfections on porcelain pieces by painting insects.  So he supersized the insects and painted Ginori’s best-loved patterns like Galli Rossi and Oriente Italiano on them:

This new collection is called the Insetti. Instead of an often-overlooked detail, the insects are now the main attraction, honoring the traditional patterns on their backs. Look closely, and you’ll see that the collection is shown inside shadow boxes at the new Ginori flagship store in Milan:

He then took the daintily romantic Italian Pois, reminiscent of a country pattern, and made it chic in black with handpainted polka dots:

Some of Alessandro’s new designs are mirroring his fashion statements for Gucci and his love of color.  For example, his Giardino dei Simplici dinnerware, which draws from Gio Ponti’s Labirinto but with richer, lusher colors:

Can you see the similarities in this look from Gucci’s Spring 2016 Ready to Wear?

And as for this lion on the Giardino dei Semplici vase?

Here it is, as a belt buckle, at Gucci:

Cartiglio Citrino, in citrine and magenta:

Seems right at home with this look from Gucci Fall 2017 Ready to Wear:

And finally, our favorite of Alessandro’s new collections is Voliere.  Featuring a selection of twelve different birds, it’s at once traditional and fresh.  Handpainted on white porcelain, it includes a palette of over fifty shades and is detailed with gold edging.

Look closely below; here are the details being worked out, in preparation for painting:

And so begins a new chapter in the storied history of Richard Ginori.  This time, we’ll see Gucci’s magic of cutting-edge design and global luxury take it to new heights.

Shop Richard Ginori

Late last year, we traveled to Marrakech, and it was a revelation.  Behind dusty doors, we got to peek inside lavishly planted courtyards full of bright pink bougainvillea, olive groves, and lemon trees.  Imagine waking up to this after hours and hours of flying:

These gardens,  combined with a spectacular mix of colorful fabrics and tiles, antique rugs, and the scent of rose blossoms everywhere, created an atmosphere that was intoxicatingly beautiful.  It was such a treat to have a drink here after a hot day outdoors!

Even the bathrooms were little jewel boxes, lit up at night:

It was truly a life-changing experience, which we wanted to bring home.  Construction was out of the question (we – gasp – just finished an 18-month project!), and after all our holiday parties, we really just wanted something that we could pull of easily, but that would make a difference every single day.

Enter John Robshaw.  John, as many of you know, is really well known for his love of Indian and Southeast Asian patterns, done up in his signature painterly way.

And what he’s doing for the bath is exactly what we were looking for.  Something exotic and vibrant, but without the need to get on a flight.

Take a look at these highlights from John Robshaw’s Spring 2018 bath and beach collections.

Here’s the Aloka Coral shower curtain, surrounded by Kalasin Lotus towels and a smattering of John’s signature bath rugs.

Combine this with the Lakki bath accessories, available in coral, indigo, or linen:

Or if you like blue, go with his Jalati Indigo bath towels and matching shower curtain:

And inspired by John’s safari in Kenya, who wouldn’t love his Masai Mara beach towel?  It’s guaranteed to make you smile and take you on a trip around the world without ever leaving home.

To see John Robshaw’s bath and beach collections, click here.  We’d love to hear which one’s your favorite!

 

You’d be surprised how often we are asked this question.  And we are happy to say that you can get Thomas Keller’s dinnerware here at Gracious Style.

Eating at one of Thomas Keller’s fine restaurants – like The French Laundry in Napa or per se in New York – is truly a magnificent experience.  People have flown half way across the world just for that experience.  But he has created a set of dinnerware that lets you re-create the experience at home — if you’ll do the cooking.

Well known for being a perfectionist in the kitchen (his book features some of the most exacting recipes I’ve ever read), Chef Keller is equally serious about the service and presentation of his cuisine.  Like many high-end chefs, Keller wanted dinnerware that are perfectly suited to his style of cooking.  So being the perfectionist that he is, he designed a very refined, all-white collection that lets the cooking speak for itself.  The pieces have an architectural elegance and a pure white color that is only possible with Limoges porcelain, so both lines – the Hommage and the Checks – are made by Raynaud in France.  The Hommage is plain white, while the Checks has a subtle checked pattern.

Here is chef Keller’s dinnerware, waiting to be used in the kitchen of per se Restaurant in New York (from the New York Times).  We love that the dinnerware was designed to withstand the rigors of restaurant use day after day, so the entire line is extremely durable.

There are so many great pieces available.  There are plates with round, oval, and square centers …

… oval trays with quenelle indentations …

… risotto plates and covers …

… coffee, tea, and espresso cups and saucers …

… quenelle dishes …

… and many, many others.

And as an added surprise, every piece is stamped with the logo of The French Laundry on the back … an old-fashioned clothespin:

If you want to learn more, click here to view the whole collection.  It is very reasonably priced (starting at just $15) and extremely well made, so you’ll get years of enjoyment.

This is an incredible gift for yourself and the epicure in your life.  We hope it’ll help you become an inspired cook!

Gracious Style is an online retailer of sophisticated, high-quality products for every room in the house.  We love helping others create warm and welcoming rooms for themselves.  To read more, visit our blog.

Some of the most beautiful memories we have are all the more magical because of smell.  It is the only one of the five senses that is fully developed at birth, so even newborns are sensitive to smell.

As a child, I remember visiting the Giacomin bakery in my neighborhood every day after swim class, enticed by all the aromas of their pastries and breads.  In the summer, the smell of hot, buttered popcorn at the movies always meant we were in for a treat.  During the holidays, the Christmas trees in our living room (and later, the smells of sausages and chestnuts roasting around Central Park) always marked the beginning of the season.  Even while travelling, the clean scents of the Hotel Costes in Paris and the warm smells of the Chateau Marmont in Los Angeles are unforgettable parts of our trips.

Creating scent memories is complex and difficult.  So whether it’s lavender or citrus or cedar, finding the right scent for a room is a little like finding the right score for a movie.  You’re guided by the furnishings in the space or the words on the script, but then you have to thoughtfully layer in the right undertones.  And when you do, all of a sudden your space goes from nice to extraordinary.  The takeaway?  Home scents are one of the easiest ways to add depth to a room.

Luckily, there are a lot of great scents out there.  The most renowned – and usually priciest – scents in the world are French.  From Diptyque to Chanel to all the great perfumes created by Jean-Claude Ellena (Hermes, Frederic Malle, L’Artisan Parfumeur), all the usual coveted names typically contain higher concentrations of natural oils, are expertly mixed, extravagantly packaged, and priced accordingly.

But then in the early 90’s, Laura and Harry Slatkin created Slatkin & Co., a luxury home-fragrance company that brought to the U.S. a new level of luxury. “Until then, the only scents on the market were cherry and strawberry,” Harry says. “We really treated candles like perfume for the home, using sophisticated top, middle, and base notes that you’d want to wear on your skin.” (Vanity Fair).

After 13 extraordinary years, their company was sold to Limited Brands, and Laura focused on creating scents for luxury brands like Estee Lauder, Christian Dior, Ralph Lauren, and Tory Burch (Harry, in the meantime, worked with Tommy Hilfiger to relaunch the fashion brand Belstaff).  Luckily, she also created a line of her own and named it NEST Fragrances.

What is most striking about NEST‘s scents is that they are sophisticated, but approachable.  The scents, including Sicilian Tangerine and Ocean Mist & Sea Salt, are based on familiar memories and they smell like they should.  And while they are strong, they are not overwhelming.

This is a collection that will instantly enhance any space, but not overpower it.  Every item we’ve tried has lasted much longer than other diffusers and candles, plus they’re packaged just beautifully.  And to top it off?  These scents are very well-priced, with every item under $75.  Through and through, this is the best American line of luxury home scents out there.

Here’s a rundown on a few of their scents and how we’re using them at home:

Sicilian Tangerine – diffuser in the entryway

Bamboo – candle in the powder room

Grapefruit – three-wick candle in the living room

White Camellia – candles in the master bedroom

Cedar Leaf & Lavender – candles in the yoga room

Cashmere Suede – diffuser in the screening room

Apricot Tea – a gift of lotion, hand soap, and candles for Mom!

The NEST collection is deeply personal to Laura. “Each scent reminds me of my life and my family,” she says. “Our first apartment, a particular dessert, even my own recipe for Thanksgiving stuffing.”  And so Laura, who has a son with severe autism, also created the Blue Garden collection to support Autism Speaks, the world’s leading autism science and advocacy organization.

Blue Garden – to support Autism Speaks

We’re so excited to introduce NEST Fragrances to Gracious Style!  These beautiful candles, diffusers, lotions, and hand soaps are wonderful for yourself and as gifts throughout the year.

Have you ever wanted to just leave the city?

You’re sick and tired of it all and can’t do another conference call.  So you drive, drive, drive.  All of a sudden, there are no more billboards.  No more big box stores.  No more fast food joints.

Just trees, trees, and more trees.   An occasional farm or cow dots the horizon.

You slow down for a covered bridge, then another one.

Finally you pull into a town.  Instead of strip malls, though, you find a little town center with Colonial-era buildings greeting you as they once did George Washington.  A farmer’s market is in full swing.  Today’s specials: locally made cheese.

Fantasy?

No, Vermont.

One of our smallest and most rural states, Vermont is almost a picture-perfect version of what America might have been like,   before the factories, strip malls, and Walmarts.  Here you can still find country roads lined with just maple trees, little towns gathered around a picturesque square, and family farms that bring their produce to market every Sunday.  And in our age of industrial manufacturing, Vermont has led a revival in traditional hand-crafting.

One of the earliest pioneers is Simon Pearce, who returned to Vermont after studying glassmaking in Europe.  In 1980, he set up a glassmaking factory right on the Queechee River, drawing on the river’s natural hydroelectric for power:

At the time the space was far too large for his needs, but Simon Pearce persevered.  He insisted on the antithesis of mass production, so each piece was individually hand made.  Where our culture modern wants identically perfect end products, he preached a new gospel: That our creations’ imperfections were beautiful.  That “the human creates perfect imperfections.”

Today, a younger generation of artisans is building on the same ideas that drove Simon Pearce.  Zoe and James Zilian, former product and interior designers, apprenticed with Simon Pearce before settling down in Woodstock, Vermont to found Farmhouse Pottery.  They and their team of 8 potters (anyone named Harry there?) now make stoneware pottery the old fashioned way — they hand shape them on a wheel and then bake them in an oven:

Now, I know what you’re thinking: Can I do this too?  (I certainly did.)

Well, here’s the deal: Simon Pearce and Farmhouse Pottery might make artisan craftsmanship look like fun, but the what they do is serious stuff.  This is not a hobby.  To make Simon Pearce’s glass bowls requires skill, physical strength, and total concentration.  Like Simon says, “You don’t want to take your eyes off molten glass for a moment”:

Farmhouse Pottery starts with a proprietary blend of American clay from Ohio, Massachusetts, Tennessee, and Georgia.  It’s blended in Western Massachusetts and then delivered — by the ton.  It’s then shaped on the potter’s wheel for up to 15 minutes with water from the local rivers and fired twice, at 1700 and 2300 degrees, and glazed with (you guessed it) a proprietary glaze.  Their unique combination of materials gives the pottery their distinctive color and makes them durable.

Even more important than the materials, though, are the skills involved: Simon Pearce himself trained for many years in Europe as a glass maker.  The Farmhouse potters started as apprentices to learn their craft and only became “Master Potters” after up to three years.

Finally, both Simon Pearce and Farmhouse Pottery have a distinctly modern look.  While reviving the traditional techniques, they each have produced pieces that are streamlined and simple.  Take a look at Simon Pearce’s Woodbury Glass Bowls, one of their most classic and enduring designs that’s celebrating its 25th anniversary this year:

Or the Tall Silo Mug by Farmhouse Pottery:

Their sleek, streamlined shapes make them a fit for our modern homes today.  In place of traditional decorations, they emphasize the beauty of the natural materials and the imperfections of hand made pieces.  Those imperfections, though, are precious because they show on an object made by a well-trained craftsman who has shaped them to an amazing level of precision.

So am are you ready to embrace this Vermont way of living — close to the farm, away from the big city, and working with my hands?

Maybe not.

Or maybe just not yet.

Meanwhile, I’m glad I can take a little bit of it with me, just to remember what it stands for, and hopefully help me find peace in the big city I live in.

See the latest dinnerware and gifts from Simon Pearce and Farmhouse Pottery.

Every once in a while, a collection comes along that just knocks it out of the park.  Jo Sampson, the British designer responsible for developing some of the most iconic interiors in the world (for Hermes, Fairmont hotels, and Four Seasons hotels), was recently tapped by Waterford to create a fresh new line of barware and home accessories.  And the results are stunning!

Appropriately named the Rebel collection, Jo contrasted the idea of a punk stud (which she chose for its tough, streetwise feel) with the refined craftsmanship for which Waterford is known.  And then, she combined golden metals with crystal in shades of plum, amber, blush, pink and purple for an edge, cool, nonconformist look that expertly mixes the rough with the smooth.

The finished capsule collection rocks!  And if you love how the Brits are so good at creating interiors that feel familiar, yet hip, this is what you need in your home.

 

Are you in love?  Hear Jo talk about Rebel in this video:

To see the entire Jo Sampson for Wateford Rebel line, click here.  Which one’s your favorite?

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Perfect on the mantel, at the dinner table, or in your favorite niece’s stocking, Simon Pearce’s handmade animals are sure to delight.

 

 

Enchanted?  Click here to see the entire collection of Simon Pearce collectibles, including angels, buddhas, sailboats, and evergreens.

There are times when you want an instant burst of color in your dining room, and nothing will do that more quickly than a brightly printed tablecloth.  Beauville’s collections, designed and printed in the Alsace region of France, are meticulously silk screened with up to 20 colors for a look that is vibrant, yet sophisticated.

Here’s a sneak preview of the line, which we’ve just introduced at Gracious Style:

And to match these linens, solid napkins in fifteen colors:

Are you in love?  See the complete collection of Beauville table linens here.

 

Founded by interior designer and arts enthusiast Karen Pulaski, Tribute Goods pays homage to great artists and pays it forward with a 10% donation of all profits to the arts, education and AIDS research.

This fresh, Texas-based brand showcases beautiful prints and patterns, produced on the finest Italian linens.  Sea Glass was inspired by an original watercolor:

 

 

“Strength and Beauty” was an idea from my daughter Emma. She thought that I should create a floral line and the English rose is her favorite. – Karen Pulaski

 

 

I began to dream of images and over a period of years developed my first collection based on the Elements- Earth, Air, Water and Fire. I loved the sentiment and fundamental connection that these themes had. – Karen Pulaski

 

 

I began to search for artist(s) who have a subtle touch in their watercolor technique but with a contemporary edge. – Karen Pulaski

 

 

I wanted to create a floral motif that was masculine as well. A tension needed to be created that emphasized both the fluid floral aspect and a more rigid geometric pattern while maintaining harmony. Like a good marriage! – Karen Pulaski

 

 

Love Karen Pulaski’s free-spirited, give-back style? See more Tribute Goods here!

 

A retail bookstore in the age of Amazon and ebooks?  That’s exactly what Assouline does, and here’s how they’ve done it in their ten “libraries” around the world:

1) Red makes everything look richer.

2.  Display books with interesting objects from around the world (like this Bambou bookrest from L’Objet):

3) Treat your books like art and display them accordingly.

4) Bring in a bit of history and tradition.

5) Some days you celebrate the fast life …

6) … while on other days you just unwind.

7) Well-loved books go with well-worn floors.

8) An alphabet and numbers rug – what a genius idea for a library!

9) Picture lights are essential for illuminating important pieces.

10) The writing on the wall says it all.

Don’t have time to run out to a store?  Come visit our online selection of Assouline books here.

(All images courtesy Assouline).

 

 

 

 

Created in collaboration with Zuber & Cie, Haviland’s Le Bresil Dinnerware is as much a work of art as Zuber’s famous Les Vues du Bresil scenic mural wallpaper collection.  Originally introduced in 1829 and printed in 247 colors from 1693 blocks, Bresil is one of Zuber’s most complex productions.

Each Zuber panel contains large expanses of color and incredibly ornate details, many of which are recreated in the dinnerware.

With tropical trees and exotic birds, the elaborate imagery of the dessert plate captures the imaginative spirit of Zuber’s colorful scenes.

By balancing the delicacy of the bird in the foreground with the intricacy of the trees behind, Haviland’s artisans used dimension to perfect Zuber’s meticulous style in this stunning tray.

If you love this as much as we do, next time you’re in Switzerland, be sure to stop by the Musee du Papier Peint, which has a mural of the wallpaper in their Salon Bresilien:

For more pieces from this exquisite collection, click here.

For over thirty years, Peacock Alley has produced exquisite bed and bath linens, combining classic elegance with incredible comfort.  This season, we’re loving their new throws (so many amazing colors!) so we worked with Janie at Peacock to choose our favorites and we took them home for a spin.

Here’s what we thought …

All Seasons Solid Cotton Blanket: Combining the soft, coziness of a winter blanket with the mild texture and weight of a summer throw, the All Seasons Blanket really is perfect year-round. In 100% Egyptian cotton, all four neutral hues are completely free of dyes and bleaches.

“This 100% cotton blanket is so plush, you could confuse it with mohair, chenille, or wool. I can’t resist cuddling with it!” – Nicole

“Plush, cozy, and surprisingly lightweight, the beauty of this blanket is in the details. With a nice suede label and herringbone tape binding, it is perfect for chasing chills away” – Carolina

“The softest cotton I’ve ever felt, the All Seasons blanket is absolutely luxurious. It is light enough for a brisk summer night, but cozy enough for fireside winter evening” – Eve

“The All Seasons Blanket is creamy, soft and velvety, like a teddy bear. Not too heavy, cozy, and plush” – Si

Captiva Cotton Throw:  Made in Portugal from soft cotton, Captiva is the perfect throw for breezy spring evenings or cozy mornings with a cup of joe.  Available in nine colors … five neutrals and four brights.

 

“This feels like a knit sweater for those cooler summer nights, and the coral color reminds me of the beach” – Si

“The dressy ribbed stripe and happy color give it a tailored finish and refined look” – Carolina

“Comfortable and chic, the Captiva is that beloved blanket you always want to curl up in, but it’s pretty enough to display draped over the couch” – Nicole

“Like a soft, warm hug, this throw is perfect for an afternoon nap, or just curling up with a good book” – Eve

Majorca Cable Knit Cotton Blanket:  In a welcoming, plush cable knit, the Majorca Blanket is as soft and comforting as your favorite sweater. With several new colors to chose from, the Aqua stands out as fun and a perfect reminder of the water.

 

“The sweater-like quality is so inviting, and the aqua color is clean and refreshing” – Eve

“The first thing that caught my eye was the rich, beautiful color. The intricate weave is similar to a cable knit, but has a more unique shape, like a wave” – Nicole

“I like the medium weight, and the aqua color reminds me of the tranquility of water” – Si

“It is a really substantial weight, fluffy and a bit heavy. I love the border finish; it’s so beautiful you could wear it as a shawl” – Carolina

Ready to try for yourself? Check out all of our Peacock Alley Bedding and Bath here!

Inspired by a vintage cup designed in the Raynaud archives, Mariela Schwarz Montiel’s Tresor collection is a modern line with a fluid and feminine spirit. Plates are flat and rimless, while shaped pieces like tea pots and tureens are sleek and generously sized.  Mariela, a French-based footwear and accessories designer, chose colors that reminded her of her travels to India.

With three different patterns, each in four colors (Tresor Beige, Tresor Brown, Tresor Orange and Tresor Turquoise,), the possibilities for mixing and matching are endless.

Chic, n’est-ce pas?

Keeping with their signature style of classic elegance, Peacock Alley has added many new collections for Spring/Summer 2014.

Combining cotton and linen for the perfect summertime weight, the Mary Ella Bedding Collection is the perfect balance of sweet femininity and practicality.

 

Embracing modern simplicity, the new Billy Collection has a subtle jacquard ticking stripe in five inviting hues.

 

Adding new spice to an already flawless design, the Majorca Cable Knit Cotton Blanket gets a new punch of color in Blue, Aqua, Green and Coral.

 

Now available in the all new Grand Euro pillow size, collections such as the Mandalay Bedding offer the ultimate indulgence for your bedroom: the height of a Euro Sham with the width of a King Sham, 26 x 36 inches.

 

With just the right touch of pastel, the new Charleston Collection has subtle Southern charm in a delicate floral pattern.

 

On soft, sateen cotton, Emma exhibits a hand-drawn geometric print in colors that will mix and match perfectly with the more subdued styles.

 

For more beautiful bed and bath linens by Peacock Alley, click here.

The entire design world continues to crush out on gold.  Inspired by jagged edge stone formations (and influenced by Rock and Roll Glam, Cubism, and Art Deco), Michael Aram’s “Rock” Collection feels of-the-moment even as it references past artistic movements.  As Michael says, “the gold finish feels decadent while the faceted rock forms are simple and clean. The result is a bold collection that I feel reflects a casual, yet elegant lifestyle that is very edgy and modern.”

There’s something for everyone on your list:

To see the entire Michael Aram Rock collection, click here.

 

Mariposa began 1984, when founder Livia Cowan found herself driving through Mexico with her sister in this camper.

There, they delighted in visiting different artists and learning about their craft.  In particular, they loved how local artisans recycled materials to create beautiful new products.

At the end of the trip, Livia returned to her home in Massachusetts with her camper full of recycled glassware and set up shop in her parents’ garage.

In the thirty years since then, Mariposa (Spanish for “butterfly”) has become a world of stunning pieces for gifting and entertaining.  And, just as they were in the early days, the majority of their products are still handcrafted from 100% recycled aluminum and glass soft drink bottles.

It’s a collection that’s right for today and tomorrow.

Here are a few of our favorites: String of Pearls (designed by sculptor Michael Updike, who incidentally is author John Updike’s son) …

… their engraved trays (perfect for weddings and anniversaries) …

… Bellini drinkware (for when you need something nice, but not too precious) …

… anything nautical …

… and their adorable Bunny Porringer set!

 

To view our full Mariposa collection, click here.

“I decorate rooms from the bottom up…I always begin with the floors.”

Iconic interior designer Bunny Williams, known for her classic yet charismatic style, has teamed up with sister companies Dash & Albert and Pine Cone Hill to create a collection of indoor/outdoor rugs that is as fashionable as it is functional.  They are designed to stand the test of time, and the occasional spill of red wine!

Williams’s collection is polished and thoughtful, but with a bohemian quality that reflects the designer’s laid-back personality. She says, “What I design are backdrops for living. I want to create rooms to be used, not just showplaces to be admired.” Williams conceived 36 elegant, performance-based designs that would fit in with customers’ busy lifestyles. Marrying comfort and style, the rugs feature sophisticated patterns in soothing color palettes, all on durable, washable materials. The natural jute rugs are made from eco-friendly vegetable dyes while the indoor/outdoor rugs are constructed of a recycled-materials weave.

Williams continues, “My personal style is all about making my houses comfortable and inviting for my family and friends, and of course, my dogs.” Each piece in the collection is named after Williams’ favorite pets, past or present.

For her collaboration with Pine Cone Hill, Williams designed throws and pillows that work beautifully with the rugs, making it easy to get a coordinated look with minimal effort.

For more information on Williams’ collection with Pine Cone Hill, please click here. Click here for additional information on Bunny Williams for Dash & Albert.

Spring cleaning season is here, which means it’s time to freshen up your linens. If your towels are tired, your tub mats worn, and your bathroom is generally looking drab, give your home the update it deserves with Kassatex’s new collections of luxurious bath essentials. Say goodbye to fuzz and hello to fluff with linens and accessories designed to help you clean up in style.

Experience unparalleled texture and comfort with Kassatex’s new bath towel collections, many of which are inspired by destinations in Europe. The Marseilles Collection features a wave effect sculpted in piece dyed jacquard, while the Mallorca Collection is enhanced with an on-trend ombre print and unique eyelash fringe for a more contemporary look.

Named after Portugal’s captivating capital, Lisboa Bath Towels take forms inspired by classic baroque style. Featuring a decorative jacquard bottom border in a delicate palette, this collection is the perfect compliment for any bath.

Designers of well-appointed bathrooms rely on chic bath accessories to artfully store toiletries and eliminate clutter.  A porcelain dispenser from Kassatex’s new Shagreen Collection is a lot more glamorous perched on the counter than a plain, plastic soap bottle purchased from the drugstore.

To view more from Kassatex, including new introductions to the Bambini children’s line, please click here.

 

 

Color can be controversial when it comes to decorating your home. Some people instinctively gravitate towards it, while others shy away, preferring more muted, monochromatic environments. Not Nanette Lepore. The contemporary fashion designer, known for her peppy, pattern-splashed clothing, is making a major statement with her new home collection, Nanette Lepore Villa. Inspired by her global travels, and the vibrant color palette of her ready-to-wear line, Lepore injects the same liveliness and flare into Villa, using bold hues and striking prints fearlessly.

Exotic patterns and rich color combinations abound in Villa’s debut collection. Villa is intricate, yes, but never overwhelming. Jewel tones like cobalt blue, teal, fuchsia, and emerald add sophistication to graphic patterns like peacock feathers, animal prints, and Ikat.

In 2005, the whimsical fashionista commissioned Jonathan Adler to outfit her New York home.  As he recalls, “Nanette insisted we choose furniture that was light and movable because they are a family that dances.” The dance-party hostess collaborated with Adler to transform her townhouse into a space that felt colorful, collected, and eclectic. When it came time to design her own home collection, Lepore applied her same mix-and-match, cheerfully chaotic approach.  She says, “I set out to create something that was daring, energetic, and exciting to come home to.”

Which is your favorite piece from Villa? See the entire collection, and shop the look here.

Growing up in China, I spent much of my childhood in the Han dynasty.  Many of my childhood heroes came from this period, and I would travel 2,000 years back in time to go on adventures with them while sitting in class or doing homework.

As I grew older, I realized I wasn’t the only one.  The Han dynasty is probably the most important period in the history of China.  Its institutions were emulated by all the dynasties that followed it, and it defined what it means to be Chinese.  Even today, the word “Han” means a person in Chinese, most of the Chinese people are called the “Han people,” and the Chinese language the “Han language.”

Artistically, the Han dynasty has a more streamlined, almost modern, look compared to the floral styles of the later Ming and Qing dynasties.   This is the style which inspired Elad and L’Objet’s new Han Dynasty collection.  For example, the dinnerware’s border motif, available in gold or white, recalls the geometric pattern from those ancient times:

The tea canisters, black canister bowl, and black canister vase are based on the shapes of urns and other household objects:

Finally, these salt and pepper shakers vaguely remind me of both ancient Chinese drinking cups and geometric latticework patterns:

So even if I can’t go back in time to feast with my heroes, I can share a little of their artistic tradition.

Take a look at L’Objet’s other fanciful creations, richly inspired by art and history from around the world.  Which time or place is your favorite?

With spring in full bloom and summer drawing nearer, it’s the perfect time to refresh your interiors with a dose of sunny, California style. For an effortless West Coast vibe, trust Trina Turk, who brings her signature fashion sense to a new line of bedding. Casual but chic, Turk’s eponymous home collection reflects the fashion designer’s love of vintage apparel, modern patterns, and vivid color palettes.

Citrus hues and fashion-derived graphics bring an element of carefree glamour to Turk’s coverlets and shams.

 

Dubbed the empress of Palm Springs-chic, Turk is known for her mid-century modern aesthetic. Bold, geometric prints and vibrant hues are hallmarks of her brand. Turk attributes her retro-mod sensibility to her California upbringing. She cites the Golden State’s architecture, landscapes, and multicultural mix as sources of inspiration. Turk’s designs are optimistic, progressive, and accessible; qualities that perfectly capture her California lifestyle.

Large scale prints and dynamic colors speak to Turk’s love affair with mid-century modern architecture. Her designs are also informed by her appreciation for 1960’s – 1970’s vintage apparel and jewelry, and modernist and graphic art. Turk’s bedding can be styled to match any personality. Accessorize with mixed-print throw pillows for an adventurous look, or complement with neutrals for a more modest mood.

To see more of  Turk’s fashion bedding, click here.

And as our gift to you,  enjoy FREE SHIPPING on every Trina Turk item until April 15th.

What makes Yves Delorme‘s Etoile Bath Towels so luxurious? Here at Gracious Style, we just had to find out for ourselves! From the vividly saturated hues to the thick but lightweight texture, these towels are an experience worth sharing.

When our Etoile Bath Towels arrived, we had the following reactions:

“What beautiful colors!” – Eve

“The different weave on the border really stands out.” – Si

“The color is sophisticated and the dobby border gives it a tailored look.  And if you look closely, you’ll see that the pattern on the border looks like small butterflies.” – Carolina

Next, we took them home for a test drive in their natural element: the bathroom.

This is where the feeling of the towels came into play. How would these be different?

“Right away, the softness of the material was evident, due to the combination of modal and cotton fibers. I have never used a towel with this fabric before, but now, this is the only kind of towel I use” – Eve

“It felt elegant …I really care about how linens feel, so I was thrilled to see that the Etoile was soft and not too heavy”. – Carolina

“The texture is soft and plush, like a teddy bear”. – Si

We had discovered the visual charm and irresistible feel, but it was the quality that determined our true satisfaction.

Due to the combination of materials, the unique modal-cotton blend makes Etoile lightweight, but still extremely absorbent.

“The fabric is softer and more absorbent without adding extra weight.  Best of both worlds” – Carolina

We came to the unanimous agreement that this towel made an everyday activity extraordinary. The only test which remained: would this towel maintain all of these essential qualities after washing? We washed, we dried, we repeated. The answer was Yes!

“I have now washed it three times with LeBlanc Linen Wash, and it is just as absorbent as it was when I first used it.  The color has also stayed the same” – Carolina

“The towel came out as fluffy and soft as it was when I first opened it, and had a crisp, fresh scent from the detergent”. – Eve

A true testimony to Yves Delorme Etoile Bath Towels, this collection not only has our stamp of approval, but our enthusiastic recommendation.

For more incredible items from Yves Delorme, click here!

 

We’re proud to announce that one of our favorite Gracious Style designers, Suzanne Kasler, was included by Architectural Digest in this year’s 2014 AD 100 List, a prestigious annual list of the most elite talents in architecture and design.

 

Her sharp eye for mixing European sensibilities, vintage modern elements and architectural details has long earned Suzanne Kasler a place among America’s top designers. Her first book, Inspired Interiors, published in 2009 by Rizzoli, became a classic reference for her iconic sense of casual elegance, sublimely warm palettes, and welcoming sophistication.

 

Suzanne Kasler’s lighting collection for Visual Comfort is the perfect complement to her design philosophy that “a room should be collected, not decorated.” Inspired by her own collections of European antiques and vintage finds, each piece in her stunning array of thoughtfully-designed lighting solutions is a functional work of art. Every detail is crafted from authentic, natural materials in a variety of fine finishes.

 

Her love of history shows. Iconic architectural motifs such as the quatrefoil figure prominently in Suzanne Kasler’s latest offerings.

 

Not to be forgotten is Suzanne Kasler’s love of vintage modern and art deco style. She expertly blends these elements into timeless pieces that evoke a subtle yet chic eclecticism.

 

Not limited to lighting design, Suzanne Kasler also has a line of rugs designed exclusively for Safavieh. Her classic sensibility, pretty palettes, and understated eclecticism shine in these beautifully chic pieces, each handcrafted by master artisans in Nepal.

 

What’s your favorite Suzanne Kasler piece? Let us know in the comments!

View our complete selection of Suzanne Kasler Lighting here.  View all of Suzanne Kasler’s rugs designed exclusively for Safavieh here.

And as our gift to you,  enjoy FREE SHIPPING on every Suzanne Kasler item until March 31st.

 

 

 

 

 

Every now and then, a collection comes along that is so exquisite, it’s impossible not to fall in love at first sight. A spring daydream comes alive in Christofle’s newest additions to their fine flatware collection, Jardin d’Eden. A collaboration with Marcel Wanders, one of the world’s most distinguished designers, delicately engraved floral swirls span the entirety of each piece, turning this collection into sumptuous poetry made real.

Dubbed one of Business Week’s “25 Leaders of Change in Europe,” and “the Lady Gaga of Design” by The New York Times, designer Marcel Wanders is renowned for replacing the coldness of industrial design with beauty, romance and fantasy. The Jardin d’Eden (or Garden of Eden) collection is the perfect expression of this vision.

Precision craftsmanship reigns supreme in these finely engraved lines, inspired by the interlaced leaves, flowers and curls of lush garden greenery.

 

The Jardin d’Eden collection is available in both sterling silver and silverplated settings.

Fine accessories and gifts are also included in this stunning collection.  Notice the apple in the center of the charger (see below):

Let us know if you’re as inspired as we are by Christofle’s incredible creations by sharing your comments below.

To see the entire Jardin d’Eden collection, please click here.

To view our entire selection of Christofle items, please click here.

Chevron is a classic pattern that’s making a huge resurgence. With its dynamic, graphic zigzags, chevron is the perfect design element to give fresh contrast to both traditional or modern home decor.

A chevron rug gives new life to this otherwise understated living room:

 

We’re obsessed with chevron in the nursery:

 

A bright chevron rug gives monochromatic rooms the perfect pop of color:

 

Get the looks above with Dash & Albert’s Chevron Rugs, available in a variety of sizes and colors, and perfect for indoor or outdoor use:

 

Don’t forget the bath! We’re obsessed with this new Kassatex Chevron Shower Curtain:

Revitalize your bathroom with this Kassatex Linen Chevron Bath Rug:

 

These Quilted Chevron Pillows by Lacefield Designs will give an eye-catching hint of movement to any sitting area:

 

 

Wake up your home decor with a dash of chevron! Please view all of our chevron selections here.

Ever kick yourself for not, er, picking up a souvenir from that restaurant on your last trip?  Now you can do it legally with Vietri’s Metro Dinnerware:

This taupe plate brings back memories of The Big Apple, but there’s also London, Paris, Milan, Rome, Tokyo, Singapore, Hong Kong, San Lorenzo, Cortona, Seattle, and Oslo (yes Oslo!), all thanks to the worldly travels of Susan Gravely, the founder of Vietri.

 

Perfect for the traveler in your life, these are sweet reminders of all those places you’ve visited (or are dying to see).  And since they’re made by Vietri, each piece is handmade in Tuscany of Italian stoneware and is microwave, oven, freezer and dishwasher safe.

Click here to view the full Metro Dinnerware collection by Vietri.

What has made Herend’s figurines some of the most beloved and precious collectibles in the world for over fifty years?

It must partly be how cute they look, like these owls:

Or this magical bunny:

Or even this kitten caught in the moment of mischief:

And who will kiss this lucky frog?

Look closely, and you’ll see some of the special touches that make Herend figurines unique:  the pearl-like porcelain, the fishnet pattern (originally created in 1858 to imitate the feathers on a rooster), and the delicate 24 kt gold detailing.

And of course, because every piece is hand painted by an artist who has trained for at least three years before they are qualified, the subtle variations make them charming and completely unique.  Here is one of them at work on a special edition Fireworks Dragon:

 

Did you know that each Herend figurine can take an artist up to 16 hours to paint by hand.  How long would it take you?

See all Herend figurines at Gracious Style.

We adore this series of giclee prints from Natural Curiosities. Chosen to inspire, amuse, and enlighten you, there is one for everyone you know.

 

Available unframed or framed.  To view our entire collection of Notable Quotables, click here.

As we head into the fall, we love warming up our home with splashes of persimmon and chocolate. These earthy tones are the perfect way to spice up any room for the season.

 

 

To see more throw pillows, click here.

Surrounded by the constant motion of today’s busy world, it is easy to overlook the smaller details. But occasionally a vision can ground us, reminding us how fantastic natural beauty can be: a colorful sunset, the feathers on a bird, or the texture of a mineral.

“Cabinet of Curiosities,” L’Objet’s fall collection, is a feast for the eyes spanning centuries of design.  Inspired by natural history, geology and architectural relics, this is our favorite of founder Elad’s collections.  Flooded with saturated colors and fluid shapes, these stunning pieces will take you on an unforgettable journey.

Carrousel Gold is a miracle of movement and light, captured in an amalgam of 24-karat gold-plated brass and pure whimsy.

Snake and Crocodile are flights of fancy for lovers of faraway places, exotic textures, curious curvatures, and distinctive craftsmanship.

Coral is decadent, sophisticated, and entirely unexpected.

Malachite is bold and sumptuous, inspired by cultures ancient and new, united in a riot of elegance.

To view our all of our collections by L’Objet, click here.

 

 

Since its founding in 1830, Christofle has always been one of the most prestigious names in French silver.  Known for the quality of their silver flatware, picture frames, and hollowware, Christofle pieces are coveted by collectors worldwide, including Emperor Bonaparte, the royal households of the Ottoman Empire, and the Tsar of Russia.  Today, Christofle is synonymous with silver throughout France, and its collections are regularly seen at Christie’s and Sotheby’s auctions (as well as our own table!).

Whether sterling, silverplated, or stainless, each item is individually hand made and finished.

Liquid metal is poured into molds at up to 40,000 degrees Fahrenheit to cast each piece. After the metal is cooled, artisans must shape the items with various mallets and hammers, ensuring that the thickness of the item is consistent throughout.

 

Items are then soldered, or smoothed, to guarantee the flawless, seamless finish and mirror-like polish, characteristic of Christofle. Every piece of Christofle silver is crafted by one hundred hands, using time, care and great expertise to complete the long, detailed process.

Jardin d’Eden is the latest Christofle flatware collection, designed by Marcel Wanders. The pattern is poetry made real, with decoration that spans the entirety of the flatware in a single engraving. The interlaced leaves, flowers and curls are inspired by a lush garden, a fine tracery dancing over each piece.

Malmaison, one of Christofle’s most historic patterns, is in the Empire style. The frieze of delicate palm and lotus leaves is typical of this style, and was inspired by the summer home of Napoleon’s wife, where she dined using pieces from this very Christofle collection.

Through collaboration with renowned designer Andrée Putman, Christofle’s Vertigo Collection remains classic, yet takes on modern shapes and designs. The sensual and subtle asymmetrical ring can be seen in every Vertigo piece, such as the contemporary but elegant Three-Ring Candlestick.

Using balance and geometry, the design of the BY Collection is pure and original. The BY Wine Decanter is a marvelous complement to any table.

 

Whether gracing the tables of emperors, princes, or maharajas, on the Orient Express or transatlantic ocean liners, or on your own table, Christofle is a classic that will continue to delight for years to come.

Visit us to see all of our Christofle products.

Jars Ceramistes has created the perfect mix of beauty and function: rustic dinnerware pieces that are made entirely by hand, coated with beautiful glazes, and fired at such high temperatures they become durable enough to be used everyday.

Founded in 1857 by Pierre Jars, the Jars factory (located in southern France near Provence) employs no more than 90 workers, so it remains a small and personal  community of craftsmen.

The complex process of creating each item involves the hands of at least 17 ceramists, as well as countless hours of sculpting, glazing and firing.

Heating these stoneware items to temperatures as high as 2340 degrees Fahrenheit causes the the glaze to fuse with the clay, resulting in incredibly durable, scratch-resistant and chip-resistant products.

Inspired by the beauty of Provence, the depth of details and colors in Jars pieces set them apart from other everyday dinnerware.

 

Empreinte features a series of reliefs patterns on a pure white ceramic base:

With its almost-there glazes, Vuelta Ocean Blue is a trip to the sea.

Like all those small treasures we gather on morning walks along the beach, Plume is reminiscent of shells, feathers, rocks and fossils:

Tourron is retro, yet modern:

And although no two pieces are identical, they all work well together.  No matter how you choose to pair them, these versatile items can be mixed and matched to your heart’s content.

To see the entire collection of Jars pieces, click here.

Inspired by the style of 18th Century Chinese decoration, Mottahedeh’s Tobacco Leaf Collection is as historical as it is beautiful. The flowering Nicotina plant, depicted in vibrant hues, is said to be derived from Indian textile designs. This lively pattern is based on an original work now located at the Metropolitan Museum of Art, and it is the perfect way to bring the elegant art and rich history of this period to your home.

On the elaborate dinner plate, a small phoenix rests atop the tobacco leaf to symbolize the beauty of rebirth.

A beautiful keepsake, the Pomegranate Box was given to the Emperor of Japan by the United Nations, and remains a memorable gift today.

A precise replica of the original 18th Century style, the teapot brings vibrance and color to your table.

 

Have you ever gone on a picnic and realized that you forgot to bring forks?  Well, if you ever went with Michael Aram, he’d create flatware out of twigs and bowls out of leaves, and you’d be dining like Alice in Wonderland.  If you like the idea of bringing something organic and whimsical into your home, this is the collection for you. In Michael’s own words, here are some of the ideas and inspirations behind his creations.

“I love the idea of looking around a room and feeling as if the outdoors is slowly and beautifully seeping into an interior space.”

 

“This (Olive Branch) imagery has always held a powerful meaning… peace and victory. In solid bronze, it takes on a wonderful permanence.”

 

“There is something so seductive about orchids in black… like the dark, velvety atmosphere of haute couture.”

 

“This (New Molten) collection is a celebration of craft. Each bead is created by hand and bears the interpretation of the individual welder who made it.”

 

“I love the idea of finding beautiful pieces from the seaside and creating vessels that can be used to set a magical environment…”

 

 

“I am intrigued by the striking textures created through the hand forging process. For me, they evoke the same deep, brooding mystery that I feel when I look at early 20th Century New York landmarks such as the Empire State and the Chrysler buildings.”

 

To view our entire Michael Aram collection, click here.

As one of the most gracious towns in the south, Charleston is a dream come true for the antiques aficionado and the design-savvy shopper.   From the elegant town houses on the Battery to the grandeur of the outlying plantations, inspiration can be found everywhere.

Luckily for us, the design team at oomph has created a new collection inspired by this extraordinary city, and every piece can be custom finished in sixteen different lacquered colors!

The Charleston Side Table combines traditional Chippendale elements with a modern pop of color.

It makes a perfect companion for the Charleston Coffee Table.

Beautifully detailed, the Charleston Mirror is a traditional Chippendale mirror with a chic twist of oomph.  Use alone or in pairs.

To see the entire oomph collection, click here.

If you’re a fan of the quirky, colorful, modern style of oomph furniture and accessories, you’re going to love this! We’ve just added several great new items from oomph. They’re fun, funky and made right here in the USA from sustainable materials. What more could you ask for?

An elegant waved top gives this headboard an extra bit of style. Upholstered in your choice of four Belgian linens and available with matching, contrasting, or navy blue piping.

The simple silhouette of the Sanibel Side Table is airy, delicate, and elegant . . . but upon closer look, discover why it’s called the Sanibel Side. A glamorous, natural, mother-of-pearl surface that is as lovely as the shell-laden beach after which it is named. Available in 16 lacquered finishes.

This best selling side table now has the convenient option of a self-closing drawer, perfect for hiding all your necessities.

A traditional Chippendale mirror with a chic twist of oomph. A bold new look for an otherwise traditional setting. Available in 16 highly lacquered colors.

These solid colored pillows are designed to coordinate with oomph’s fun and colorful furniture and patterned throw pillows. Mix and match to make a style statement all your own.

Featured in Elle Decor, Food and Wine, or Martha Stewart Weddings – to name a few – the colorful barware of Moser Crystal is beautiful, versatile and durable.

Creating the perfect bar at home doesn’t have to mean choosing function over fun. Moser designs highballs, double old fashioneds, and martini glasses that serve their devine purpose as vessels of that perfect cocktail in a stunning array of jewel-like colors and contemporary patterns. Pebbles glasses have a playful texture etched around the base, with a splash of color that fades toward the top of the glass.

For those who adore color, but also enjoy seeing the shimmer of white wine or the pristine look of a classic martini, Moser creates Lancelot stemware, featuring a brightly colored base with a clear bowl.

Each crystal design has its own unique history, such as Lady Hamilton, which is the so-called offspring of an earlier design commissioned by Pope Pius XI in 1923. Available in solid crystal or with a shining gilded rim, as shown here.

If it’s old-world charm you are looking for, Moser has been delighting Eastern Europe with its crystal for over 150 years. Their dedication to tradition can be seen in their more intricate patterns.

Aside from impeccable bar and stemware designs, bowls and vases are perfect accents in any room, adding color and chic design.

The Globe Vase elevates the youthful underwater motif to high art, shown here in a rich blue that shows off every detail.

The Pebbles Bowl is an elegant complement to Pebbles Glasses from Moser.

View our new Moser collections and learn more about this company’s rich history at Gracious Style.com.

Understated elegance defines the Corail Gold dinnerware by Medard de Noblat. The editors at Veranda magazine, who appreciate simple luxuries, featured this pattern in the February 2013 issue:

Inspired by the texture of round coral, each piece features a raised relief pattern of naturalistic bumps and ridges, and is accented with a hint of gold. A solid white version is also available.

The designers at Pigeon & Poodle believe the details of a home are just as important as the furniture. A gorgeous toothbrush holder or handcrafted canister can elevate an entire bath, the perfect frame can heighten the feel of a whole space, and a good-looking storage basket can be your look’s missing link. With thoughtful design and top-notch craftsmanship, Pigeon & Poodle create home accessories with the care and attention typically reserved for larger pieces of décor.

Here are a few of our favorite pieces:

View our entire collection of Pigeon & Poodle accessories.

Based on the colors and patterns of Fortuny fabrics, the Fortuny dinnerware collection features brightly colored plates, mugs, bowls and more.

The decadent colors and patterns are reminiscent of still life paintings.

In addition to dinnerware, there are also decorative accessories, like these stunning boxes.

Each box is upholstered with luxurious Fortuny fabric and features brass details and a key with tassel.

Limoges porcelain is formed into a pattern of pleats and accented with 24kt gold to form the Fortuny candles. Each candle is shipped in a gift box with a decorative Fortuny pattern. Scented with the fragrance of Bittersweet.

These beautiful vases are available in three colors and sizes. Perfect for displaying flowers and more on your desk, table, or any place that could use a pop of color or pattern.

We’ve just added several gorgeous new collections from one of our favorite tabletop companies, L’Objet. L’Objet’s collections are diverse, but they are almost always inspired by nature and architecture. And despite the lux feel, much of the line is practical with just a touch of whimsy.

Inspired by the enchanting flow of Paris’ famed carousels, the Carrousel collection beautifully captures eternal movement in luminescent metal. Masterfully handcrafted from stainless steel, this holloware set is a timeless twist on classic design, artfully realized for the modern table. Includes bowls, platters, candlesticks and dessert server.

This stunning Bambou Desk Accessories collection is plated in 24kt gold and formed in a bamboo motif. Includes bookrest, bookends, magnifying glass and desk tray.

Fancy Bettas (also known as Siamese Fighting Fish) are a charming motif for placecard holders and salt & pepper shakers in gold or platinum.

A charming addition to L’Objet’s line of jewel-encrusted picture frames, these mini frames measure just 2 inches – perfect for displaying your tiny treasures on a desk or shelf. Available in round or flower shapes and a range of colors.

You can see all of our L’Objet collections, from classic favorites to new additions, at www.graciousstyle.com.

If you like color, you’ll love the new spring collections from Kim Seybert!  Placemats in sea fan coral, crab, and other sea life motifs mingle with coral and aquatic sea life-detailed napkins.

Brightly accented placemats punctuated with architectural elements in the Marrakech, Pagoda, and Tangier collections hint at exotic adventures abroad.

The Dayglow collection adds a saturated pop art vibe to any setting with lime, citron, melon, and bubblegum hues. Rich ikats, fun seersuckers and bold brushstrokes of color complete a spring or summer table.

Ikats and cabochons in indigo and citron are resplendent with handsome bursts of color.

For stylish picnics, the new melamine dinnerware in rich cobalt Chinois and red Coral patterns are must-haves for outdoor entertaining.

See the entire collection of Kim Seybert accessories.

Hudson’s Bay blankets: you probably recognize this classic striped pattern, found everywhere from ski lodges and log cabins to your childhood home and the latest pages of fashion and design magazines.

 

These legendary blankets from the Hudson’s Bay Company have been made in England since the 18th century with wool sourced from England, Wales, New Zealand, and India. Often referred to as point blankets, French fur trappers in the Canadian wilderness took to marking these blankets with a stitched line to differentiate between various sizes. This made it easy for traders to quickly find the desired size. Today, you will find the standard sizes, full, queen, and king, but the point stitches still serve as a strong element of the Hudson’s Bay classic design.

For a true point blanket, not just any wool will do. The finest quality fibers are chosen to be water-resistant, soft, warm, and strong. After all, these blankets have been keeping generations of trappers, hunters, fur traders, and Native Americans warm and comfortable for centuries. Wrap yourself in the comfort of a Hudson’s Bay blanket and you will be surprised at how even the coldest nights are no match for the warmth of this fine wool.

Everyone knows the timeless statement of the original Hudson’s Bay Multi-Color Blanket.

The Scarlet and Black Stripe Blanket will bring that cozy lodge feeling to any home.

For a lighter feel, Hudson’s Bay wool throws, like the Natural and Brown Stripe, are perfect.

This iconic look doesn’t stop at blankets. We’ve seen the Hudson’s Bay pattern featured in clothing, accessories, and even pillows, like this exceptional leather piece from Lance Wovens.

View all of our Hudson’s Bay blankets and throws at GraciousStyle.com.

Patterns are popular this season, and our friends at Sferra have created some amazing new bedding ensembles with plenty of pattern and color. Here are a few of our favorites:

Andover duvet covers and shams are just the thing to brighten the master bedroom, add warm welcome to a guest room, or enliven a summer home. The scrolling waves of this graphic print intertwine in bright, fresh hues.

Italian woven percale bedding takes on a new look with Cossa‘s embellishments rendered in a soothing palette of colors. Moorish-inspired geometric designs are embroidered in unique stitch patterns in a beautiful contrasting hue on sheets, pillowcases, duvet covers and shams.

Barrington is a modern design printed atop the classic Grande Hotel collection sheeting, a best-selling crisp percale of fine Egyptian cotton. As a bold new geometric pattern, it breathes new life into a perennial Sferra favorite.

The lovely Nola pillow features three modern colors of alpaca, with an intricate crocheted embellishment.

See all of our Sferra collections.

The Jacquard Francais story is one of generations of people with a passion for their work. Since 1888 they have created a collection of table linens without equal. Weavers, warp beamers, knotters and other specialists work in harmony to perfect the weaves and colors of all of their table linens.

Traditional techniques and state-of-the-art technology combine to create timeless tablecloths, napkins, placemats and table runners that will beautify your tables for many years.

Le Jacquard Francais coated tablecloths are made of 100% cotton weave with long fibers. They are waterproof and stain-resistant thanks to a patented and exclusive acrylic coating that withstands washing.

Practical and easy to use, these tablecloths will stand up to frequent use for numerous occasions: in the lounge, kitchen or patio.

See all of our Le Jacquard Francais table linens.

Cashmere is one of those classic luxuries that everyone should own. For us, we love cashmere in the form of a cozy, yet chic Rani Arabella throw. Rani Arabella is a modern company, having been established in 1999. Their designs reflect this contemporary feel with an endless variety of colors and graphic pieces, such as the Horse throw. But what sets Rani Arabella apart is the timeless, expert craftsmanship put into each and every throw.

All of these throws are made in Italy by artisans who devote their lives to weaving the most impeccable cashmere pieces. Combining their skills with only the finest fibers along with inspiration from the beauty of Northern Italy, Rani Arabella throws are not only beautiful, but also incredibly soft and strong.

If you are looking for the simplicity of a solid throw with a splash of color, the Capri throw has everything you need.

The Horse throw features a bold design with subtle colors and an opulent suede border.

We also adore the Roma throw for a little bit of texture with a classic cable knit pattern.

View more from Rani Arabella at GraciousStyle.com.

Whoever said neutral was boring never experienced the elegant beauty of Sofiacashmere throws. Their camel, grey, and ivory throws come in an incredible variety of textures and patterns with something for every taste. One of their ivory throws was recently featured in a lush blue and white patio setting on HouseBeautiful.com, adding a comfortable and welcoming charm to the scene.

Sofiacashmere is sought after around the world. Their throws and capes are adored by the most discerning customers, not only for their exquisite style, but also for their enduring quality. The world’s finest cashmere is first sourced from the grasslands of Mongolia and China, home to the cashmere goat. The fibers are soft but also strong and only the longest fibers are chosen to prevent pilling. For the design of the elegant Sofiacashmere capes, this soft material is finished off with fox fur imported from Finland.

It’s hard to choose a favorite, but the Campania throw has that classic cable knit look that is so perfect for winter.

The Trentino throw is simple and chic with incredible softness.

You can bring the chic comfort of Sofiacashmere with you anywhere with a cashmere travel set, like the Romagna.

Fur-lined cashmere capes and fur vests from Sofiacashmere are true works of wearable art. The St. Moritz Brown Cape is finished with luxurious fox fur trim.

View all of our Sofiacashmere throws, capes, and travel sets at GraciousStyle.com.

Started in 1995 by Rhode Island School of Design graduate David Reiss, Match creates high-quality modern pewter wares using centuries-old methods in Northern Italy.  Match places value on true craft and artisanship, so their fine pewter pieces look equally at home in a Golden Age Dutch still life as on a contemporary wood dining table.

Match Convivio dinnerware has a rustic pewter edge with a clean, bright porcelain center that stands out from the rest of the dinnerware crowd.

Their lavish pewter frames, like those in the Lombardia collection, remind us of old Hollywood, but with a touch of modern simplicity.

Wine glasses from Match are perfect for an intimate dinner for two or a feast for one hundred. They can be easily dressed up or down for any tablescape. The Crystal wine glass is refined, yet not ostentatious.

Match also makes beautiful flatware and napkin rings to accessorize the dining table. Gabriella Flatware is stunning and Round Napkin Rings complement it well.

Find more from Match on our website.

We love a clean home, and we want to keep the earth clean, too. But we were disappointed with the quality of natural cleaners. That is, until we found The Laundress! Their naturally-derived cleaning products work great and they are safe for the environment.

The Laundress was started by owners Lindsey Wieber Boyd and Gwen Whiting. Like us, they were dissatisfied with the eco-friendly cleaning products on the market. As they put it, “Tired of buying inferior natural cleaning products or toxic cleaners that were not effective we decided it was time to make our own.”

Lindsey and Gwen were both educated in Fiber Science, Textile and Apparel Management and Design at Cornell University. The used their knowledge of fibers to create fabric-specific detergents that are gentle on clothes, but tough on dirt and stains. They have special detergents for denim, workout clothes, and delicates, among others.

The Laundress detergents are formulated from plant-based ingredients, and do not contain chlorine, petroleum products, or artificial color. They are triple-concentrated which means less packaging waste. You also use less product, which is better for your clothes and the environment, and ultimately saves you money.

We love their Signature Detergent for regular laundry, their Stain Solution for tough stains, and Wool & Cashmere Shampoo for our sweaters. (Yes, you can actually wash cashmere – and it comes out softer than from the dry cleaners!)

Their dusters, brushes, and cleaning cloths are made from natural materials – no plastic or petroleum products.

We are always looking for the best tools to make our necessary domestic chores more luxurious and above all – easier! This ostrich feather duster is what Redecker refers to as the “king of feather dusters”! It is so luxurious, we actually look forward to cleaning now.

Well, almost.

Click here to see our entire collection of The Laundress cleaning products. And get ready to love cleaning…or at least, dislike it a little less.

For more than 187 years, Reed & Barton has enjoyed a reputation as one of the country’s foremost makers of fine tableware and giftware. Reed & Barton products are renowned for their superior design and craftsmanship. The Reed & Barton name graces a full complement of unique sterling silver flatware, picture frames, and children’s gifts.

For stylish entertaining, cherished gifts or simply making everyday a little more beautiful, Reed & Barton is the choice for those with discriminating taste.

Established in 1902 and acquired by Reed & Barton in 2010, Lunt’s distinctive product line is the perfect complement to Reed & Barton’s extensive array of tableware, serveware and giftware. The Lunt collection includes flatware, picture frames, baby gifts and Christmas ornaments.

All of our Reed & Barton and Lunt silver products are made in the USA. They make lovely gifts for baby showers, anniversaries or weddings.

View our Reed & Barton collection.

View our Lunt collection.

Has this ever happened to you? You set a beautiful table for your dinner party. Your table linens are stunning, your dinnerware is bright and colorful, even your stemware and silverware sparkle. But when it’s time to serve the meal, you’re forced to choose between setting out plain, boring baking dishes or spending time transferring your entrees to fancy serving bowls. Then you have to wash BOTH.

That doesn’t sound like our idea of a fun evening, so we were thrilled to discover Skyros Designs. They create beautiful, functional bakeware pieces that are full of color and style.

With deep, rich colors and elegant details, this bakeware let you create, freeze, bake and serve, all in one dish. The matching dinnerware pieces are also microwave and dishwasher safe. These dishes are sturdy enough to withstand daily use, and beautiful enough to be on display in your kitchen.

Fewer dishes used means fewer dishes to wash. And that means more time for you to spend relaxing and enjoying the company of your guests.

See all of the latest patterns from Skyros Designs here.

Softer than cashmere and available in a wide range of colors, Alpaca is one of the world’s most luxurious fabrics. Alicia Adams, who has a background in fashion, designs beautiful and luxurious throws, accessories and baby gifts made from alpaca. She has just introduced several plush new throws that we just adore.

This reversible throw is available in six different color options. Wrap yourself in one for some comfy warmth or simply use it to accent your favorite chair.

The Sail Throw has a nautically-inspired knotted fringe and comes in sixteen colors.

This throw features a classic houndstooth pattern. It’s available in grey or ivory.

A fringe of pompoms adds a touch of fun to this reversible throw, available in four colors.

See all of our Alicia Adams Alpaca products.

Established in Ireland in 1783, Waterford Crystal creates an extensive range of crystal stemware, barware and giftware that is highly regarded throughout the world. The company is committed to creating prestigious products for gift giving, entertaining, and home decorating, whose classic designs transcend time.

The leading brand of premium crystal, Waterford has become synonymous with the finest quality crystal sought after by collectors and connoisseurs around the world. Each piece of Waterford is watermarked with the word “Waterford”, a signature indicating the name of the finest crystal in the world.

The best-selling Waterford Lismore pattern was inspired by the gothic architecture of the 800-year-old Lismore Castle in County Waterford, Ireland.  Created in 1962, Lismore is a stunning combination of brilliance and clarity. These surprisingly weighty glasses feature the intricate detailing of Lismore’s signature diamond and wedge cuts and are beautiful examples of stunning drinkware that defines traditional styling even while transcending it.

Today, Waterford crystal can be found at the John F. Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts in Washington, D.C., Westminster Abbey, Dublin’s National Concert Hall, and the Australian House of Parliament.

To start your own collection, see our entire line of Waterford Crystal.

A brand new year, and we have some brand new looks for your table. Linen Way, a fair trade company that creates beautiful, eco-friendly linen tablecloths, has some lovely new introductions for the new year.

A beautiful jacquard in the jewel-like colors of sea glass characterizes the Murano Seaglass tablecloth, runner and napkins:

A classic, relaxed collection, Serenite highlights the beauty of natural linen. New for 2013 are a cheeky pink stripe:

and a soothing teal stripe:

Serenite is available in napkins, placemats, table runners and tablecloths. Also available in Ice Blue Stripe.

And for a classic neutral look, the Paisley table linens are now available in Ivory. This collection includes tablecloths, napkins, and table runners finished with hemstitched edges:

You can see our entire collection of Linen Way tablecloths here.

Anna Weatherley is introducing three new dinnerware patterns for 2013. Featuring her signature, nature-inspired themes of flowers and butterflies, these lovely patterns are just perfect for spring and summer entertaining.

Butterfly Blue features a scattering of whimsical butterflies and other bugs with a blue border.

Butterfly Green features a green border.

Butterfly Floral features butterflies fluttering around Anna Weatherley’s signature florals.

Anna Weatherley’s designs are based on botanical sketches from the 18th century as well as Dutch still-life paintings. At home, we find her pieces look just as good on our tables as they do on our walls. View all of our Anna Weatherley dinnerware.

The new collections from Libeco Home have us dreaming of lazy summer days on the beach. Inspired by vintage surfboards and coastal style, we think you’re going to love these gorgeous table, kitchen and bed linens.

Malibu is a beachy bed linen collection where blue is combined with red, green and sand-colored shades brought together in a summery check. The collection includes duvet covers, pillowcases and shams. It looks great with the new Biarritz, blankets and pillow covers in blue and red.

The Longboard is a 100% linen blanket inspired by vintage surfboards. Blue, red and ochre stripes run through the basic navy shade, lifting the darker base to create a blanket that’s just right for a cool summer evening. Also available in a decorative pillow cover with a zip closure.

The Lisbon collection of tablecloths, napkins and table runners brings together a playful vintage fifties look with fresh colors of rose, yellow and aqua. The darker accents lend a strong pattern.

Our best-selling Polylin table linens now feature three new summer-inspired colors: Lemon Yellow, Strawberry and Verde (a soothing aqua green.)

They’re a great match for the new kitchen towels, called “Waikiki“. As the name suggests, they have a young, warm and summery look inspired by the relaxed island life.

See all of our Libeco Home linen collections.

Skyros Designs loves combining form with function which is clearly evident in the Legado dinnerware collection. Molded in a fine, thin, durable stoneware, this engraved monogrammed dinnerware will become a family heirloom – it’s a wonderful gift for brides.

The salad plate, mug, and oval platter are available with or without an engraved initial. All letters are available except for Q, X and Z. The monogrammed pieces are all kept in stock, so you don’t have to wait weeks for them to be customized.

As functional as it is lovely, Legado pieces are freezer, oven (to 500 degrees Fahrenheit), microwave & dishwasher safe.

These dreary, drizzly, grey days of fall make us want a color pick-me-up, and we’ve found just the thing – brightly colored throws from Simple Things!

An Irish company with a contemporary design sense, they create colorful throws that are the perfect antidote for rainy days.

Beat the blahs and the chill with these fun colors:

All of the throws are made from alpaca. Alpaca fleece is light and up to 30% warmer than the same weight of merino wool. Alpaca has no lanolin content, meaning it’s hypoallergenic, which together with an absence of the ‘prickle factor’ associated with ordinary wool makes it ideally suited for babies and sensitive skins. It is up to 4 times harder wearing than the best wool and does not pill or ball.

These cozy throws make great gifts for hostesses, friends and family – and yourself!

See all of the Simple Things alpaca throws.

Temperatures are dropping all over, and there’s no better time to winterize your bedding. The newest sheets from Sferra are specially designed to keep away chills.

The only European woven, brushed Egyptian cotton available today, Villetta sheets provide the warmth of flannel but with an Egyptian cotton yarn quality that traditional flannel has never known.

Here’s what people are saying about Villetta:

“This feels so much better than any brushed cotton I have.”

“My little ladies who can’t get warm will love sleeping on this!”

“The way we keep our A/C cranked, we need this ‘warmer’ sheet to offer throughout the year.”

Check out Villetta sheets here.

Coveted by collectors worldwide, Daum makes extraordinary pieces that take your breath away.  From intricate vases that bring beauty and style to the home to lifelike sculptures that delight the imagination, Daum elevates glass to the highest art using a technique called pâte de cristal.

So what is pâte de cristal? It’s a process which begins with an initial clay model sculpted from detailed artist’s sketches. From this model, a negative mold is formed, into which hot wax is poured. Once the wax is set, a new plaster mold is formed around it and the wax is melted out.

Next, fragments of luminescent crystal in a variety of colors are inserted into the mold, which is then placed in a kiln for ten days to allow the pieces to melt and flow into each and every crevice. The result is a completely unique work of art that glows with stunning color.

Since they were founded in Nancy, France in 1878, Daum has collaborated with over 350 artists, including Salvador Dali, Arman, and Paloma Picasso. With so many creative minds at work, every piece by Daum is unique and extends the imagination.

 

See more art and decorative pieces from Daum at GraciousStyle.com.

Just what makes some people great designers?  In an age where Steve Jobs has become synonymous with Creative Genius, I found it interesting to read about somebody with an arguably greater impact on how we live today: Coco Chanel.

Whatever you may think of the Chanel products of today, Coco Chanel epitomized the trend that made women dress like Grace Kelly (and Audrey Hepburn and Jackie Kennedy and Princess Diana … you get the idea) rather than Queen Victoria.  She is famous for many of the staples of modern fashion, including the little black dress, women’s trousers, the white pearl necklace, and the shoulder bag.  She’s even credited with making tanning popular.

Chanel’s complex life has inspired numerous movies, including Coco Before Chanel and Coco Chanel and Igor Stravinsky.  There are also many lavish fashion books about her, such as Assouline’s Chanel 3-Book Set.

The Gospel According to Coco Chanel, however, took me through quirkier journey with her, interspersing her (in)famous quotes with the story of her life:

Through her rags-to-riches-to-rags-to-riches-again tale, you get to see her intensely focused vision, which practically cut her off from the rest of the world, and her unyielding determination to see that vision through.

 

The quotes alone should give you a good idea of what she was like:

“The most courageous act is still to think for yourself.  Aloud.“

“Gentleness doesn’t get work done, unless you happen to be a hen laying eggs.“

“Don’t spend time beating on a wall, hoping to transform it into a door.“

“Money is a good servant and a bad master.“

“There is time for work, and time for love.  That leaves no other time.“

“The answer isn’t to climb down but to climb higher.“

Who doesn’t love a puppy? The wagging tail, the slobbery kisses…and all of the dog gear. From beds and bowls to leashes and toys, dogs need a lot of stuff. Unfortunately for the chic dog owner, dog equipment has historically been, shall we say, less than stylish.

Luckily for us, dog owners no longer have to choose between a well-decorated home or Fifi’s comfort. Wagwear has filled in the gap with stylish, functional dog accessories that you and your pup will both love.

Founded in 1998 by former fashion designer Amy Harlow, Wagwear offers “puppy chic” leashes, dog beds, carrying bags and more in cheery colors and sturdy materials.

There are leashes and collars:

Beds:

Carriers:

 

And so much more! See the entire collection of Wagwear dog gear.

Ever wonder why it’s so tricky to get that sweep of eye liner perfectly straight? Or apply your concealer in just the right spots? The reason is that most mirrors have at least some distortion.

Chances are, you’ve never given much thought to the quality of the mirrors you look into every day. But if you think all mirrors are the same, then you’ve never looked into the unmatched clarity of a Frasco mirror.  These are the best in the business today.

Used at beauty counters in fine department stores around the world, Frasco mirrors are completely distortion-free and made with optical quality silvered glass and premium grade brass.  The finish on Frasco mirrors is guaranteed for three years against manufacturing defects.

Each Frasco mirror is made by hand in Germany and goes through 40-90 different steps in manufacturing to ensure a perfect product every time.

Take a look at the process:

View our collection of Frasco mirrors at GraciousStyle.com.

The secret to beautiful hair is no longer hidden. We’ve recently discovered Mason Pearson hairbrushes and we’re not alone in our infatuation with them. The company has been producing the same top-quality brush since 1885 and continues to impress beauty icons the world over. Heidi Klum has revealed her love of these handmade brushes both on InStyle.com and on her own AOL website. Emma Watson has told Marie Claire the Mason Pearson brush is a beauty must-have for her; she has one in pink.

Creating the perfect hairbrush may seem simple, but Mason Pearson is meticulous in every innovative detail. From the natural boar bristles and extra-smooth nylon bristles to the hand-polished handle and specially-designed rubber cushion, each element comes together in one essential beauty tool that will last a lifetime. So why do they put so much care into such a simple item? Because it is more than just a brush; it’s the key to healthy hair.

Mason Pearson brushes are made specifically to stimulate circulation in the scalp, exfoliate the scalp and cleanse the hair shaft, as well as to distribute vital natural oils throughout the hair. Following their prescribed routine of brushing 40-60 strokes each night and detangling hair before and after shampooing will bring you manageable, beautiful hair. Just ask Heidi and Emma.

View our full collection of Mason Pearson brushes and combs at GraciousStyle.com to determine which one is right for you.

Sir Elton John’s love of interior design and gardens is legendary, so it’s no surprise that the luxury candles he has created with NEST Fragrances founder Laura Slatkin are extraordinarily scented and gorgeously packaged.

 

Featuring a festive blend of evergreen evergreen and balsam fir needles combined with rich woods and sparkling citrus, the Sir Elton John Holiday candle is decorated with an etching of a coat of arms belonging to a noble family that lived in Luxembourg during the 1800s. After modifying the design to include gold, red, and green seasonal holiday foliage, calligrapher Bernard Maisner blended in handwritten lettering in a Gothic style from the medieval era and an italic script from the Renaissance period.  For warmth and color, Sir Elton added a deep aubergine color to the glass.

 

 

For a lighter feel, the Woodside Garden candle features a sophisticated and arrangement of notes inspired by flowers from Sir Elton’s floral gardens at Woodside in Old Windsor, England, including hyacinth, freesia, rose, and jasmine.  Housed in a brilliant translucent chartreuse glass container stamped with a regal gold crown, Woodside Garden’s packaging includes lavender roses and green foliage drawn into the artwork.

 

And as an added bonus, a portion of the proceeds from their  sales of these candles will benefit the Elton John AIDS Foundation.

See our entire collection of NEST Fragrances.

Vagabond House is a family-owned American company specializing in fine pewter tableware, servingware and giftware. Largely inspired by nature, their exclusive products are designed to be unique, functional heirlooms for those who seek to express tradition and style in both family and formal entertaining.

Pewter was prized in colonial America, and continues to be a popular material today. Its subtle sheen is beautiful and doesn’t require polishing like silver. Pewter is perfect for those who appreciate quality but don’t want to spend a lot of time on upkeep.

Here are a few of our favorite pieces:

To see our entire Vagabond House collection, click here.

We’re excited to bring you the best of Jonathan Adler’s quirky and cool home collections. Adler, originally trained as a ceramicist, is well known in design circles for his bright, cheerful colors, irreverent patterns, and generally groovy aesthetic.

His bath towels and shower curtains will liven up any bathroom:

And his whimsical brass sculptures are both interesting to look at and useful:

To see our entire Jonathan Adler collection, click here.

Did you know the French are also passionate about tea?

While the English are famous for their tea-drinking, the French have loved tea since the early 1600’s.  Tea was a favorite drink of the French royalty, who believed it would cure illness and old age.  Eventually it became associated with the aristocracy and the upper classes, and tea drinking acquired its own elaborate tea ceremonies and etiquette.

Today, you can find chic tea shops through Paris, offering exotic blends from all over the world in that ever-so-stylish French way:

We wanted to recreate this feeling back at home, so we held a tea tasting in honor of our new line of teas from Le Palais des Thés.  Powerful and inviting aromas surrounded us.

First we sampled Thé Des Alizes, a fresh green tea packaged in a delightful green and yellow tin that perfectly suits the carefree smell and taste of its contents. As we opened the tin, we smelled notes of fruity white peaches along with that classic green tea scent.  The first sip was clean and mild; not bitter like so many traditional green teas. The overall experience was a wonderful combination of fruity scents with a complementary subtle taste.

Thé Des Vahines Rooibos was next and it was a calming contrast to the more refreshing green tea. Rooibos is simply the Afrikaans word for “red bush”, referring to the plant with which an herbal tea is made. Again, with this tea, the scent was strong, yet not overwhelming. It was almost as intoxicating as being in a chocolate shop, with notes of caramel, vanilla, and almond floating in the air. The tea leaves were very fine and made for a smooth flavor with a slight lingering sweetness. Thé Des Vahines Rooibos is caffeine-free, making it a perfect treat for any time of day.

Finally, we tasted an updated version of a classic English tea, Thé des Lords. This is an Earl Grey with strong bergamot flavor and a vibrant overall scent. The leaves are very dark and created a deep flavor with a subtle smokey note. It has an intense flavor that would stand up to a dash of milk, though it’s mild enough to drink black, depending on one’s preference. We liked Thé des Lords as it was not too bitter and would be a great pick-me-up in the mornings.

Parisian cookies from Poilane and chocolates from Jean-Paul Hevin were also served at our tea and made for a decadent experience. The sweet treats went perfectly well with each of our teas.

We are really excited to be carrying fine teas from Le Palais des Thés.  We found that each of them was true to its traditional roots, yet pleasantly infused with new flavors and scents.

If you read any of the popular decorating magazines, you’ve probably seen Pine Cone Hill‘s bright bed linens on their pages. We’ve long been fans of the colorful collections designed by Annie Selke, and we’re thrilled to be able to offer them to you.

They have so many wonderful designs. There are duvet covers:

Sheets:

And matelasses:

There is also a collection of bright, cheerful bathrobes and sleepwear.

These bright colors are the perfect antidote to the chilly fall weather that will soon be upon us.

“As Cartier is to watches, Assouline is to books.”

This quote from Time Out New York says it all. Assouline takes the best of art, culture, fashion and travel and presents it in the highest quality form. Just as a Cartier watch is not merely a watch, so too an Assouline book is not just an average publication; it is a cherished part of your life.

Since 1994, Prosper and Martine Assouline have produced books that not only tell a story, but actually transport you.  Assouline’s books are filled with the finest and most fascinating places, people, and creations. These pages give us a glimpse into other worlds as well as a chance to reflect on the richness of our own lives and dreams.  Savoir vivre, or the art of knowing how to live, is an idea that carries through in everything Assouline publishes.

Here are some of our favorite hardbound editions:

“Windows at Bergdorf Goodman proves that looking can be more fun than shopping.” – Harper’s Bazaar

Ziad Raphael Nassar shows us the real-life fairytale weddings he has designed over the past decade in Once Weddings.

“Inside its tire-black rubber case is a richly photographed compendium of 100 exceptional 20th-century automobiles.” – Vanity Fair

We never like to say never, but Assouline gives us a look at an art collection that would be pretty tricky, to say the least, to obtain in just one lifetime.

“The 100 black-and-white photos and gatefolds of burly, frostbitten men eating Heinz baked beans from cans; dreamscape chasms; and beautiful, huffing huskies are candid and transporting.” – The Wall Street Journal

To visit our Assouline library, click here.

We hope you’ll enjoy perusing the breathtaking photographs in this very special book as much as we do. It’s the perfect way to gear up for Fashion Week. Written by Ingrid Sischy and photographed by Patrick Demarchelier, who’s known for his work in Vogue, Elle, & Harper’s Bazaar, Dior Couture comprises a portfolio of portraits of over one hundred incredible gowns from the entire era of Christian Dior haute couture, including dresses designed by Dior himself.

What do you do with leftover pieces of teak wood? This is the question that the founders of Selamat Designs asked themselves. Working in the furniture industry in Indonesia, they noticed that there were often bits of wood left over after building large furniture pieces. They decided to use these “off-cuts” to make stylish home decor accessories, and Selamat was born in 1988.

The company became so popular that they expanded into full-sized furniture. Selamat remains true to its original values, using select and sustainable mahogany and teak for their designs which blend easily into contemporary interiors.

In addition to furniture and accessories, they also create modern lighting fixtures.

Selamat pieces are stylish and classic – made to bring you years of use and enjoyment in the home. Their signature style of casual elegance easily fits into homes and commercial spaces.

Click here to see our entire collection of Selamat furniture, accessories, and lighting.

We love the luxury soaps from Claus Porto, our unique toothpaste from Marvis, and the scented body washes and lotions from NEST.  But the men at the Gracious Style team pointed out that something was still missing from our bath collection. We didn’t have any quality shaving products – or any shaving products at all.

Never ones to leave such an oversight uncorrected, we went on an extensive search and discovered a great manufacturer of top-quality shaving creams, foams, and aftershaves.

We’d like to introduce you to Proraso.

Created in Italy by the Martelli family, these one-of-a-kind shaving creams, soaps, and foams are still being made in the time-honored traditional way. The distinctive quality and performance of Proraso products has made them a staple in barbershops throughout Italy.

The traditional recipe contains no parabens, SLS, artificial colors, silicones or mineral oils, only natural moisturizers and essential oils that are good for your skin. There’s a shaving cream in a tube, a shave soap in a jar for lovers of tradition, and a shaving foam in a can for those that like convenience. Pre- and after-shave creams and balms round out the collection.

Proraso has three formulas. Refresh contains refreshing Eucalyptus oil and Menthol. Nourish features Shea Butter to keep the skin soft and supple and Sandalwood Oil for a calming and soothing effect. Sensitive is formulated for the most sensitive skin with Green Tea Extract and oatmeal extract.

 

We love this old-fashioned shaving brush, the result of a collaboration between Proraso and the famous Omega company.   And you know what else?  The well-designed packaging on all Proraso products looks great on the counter next to our Marvis toothpaste!

See the entire Proraso collection here.

When I was young, I remember going to the county fair and watching the glassblower create tiny, beautiful animal sculptures. He would deftly take a shapeless lump of molten glass and turn it into a prancing horse or a graceful swan. The process seemed quite magical.
 

This video from the Simon Pearce Company brought back that memory for me. At Simon Pearce, they create beautiful blown glass stemware, bowls, and other products for the home. All of their products are created from blown glass and finished by hand. Unlike other glass makers, who use factories full of machinery, Simon Pearce continues to use the traditional methods. All of their products are made in America.
 

Simon Pearce opened his first glassblowing shop in 1971 in Kilkenny, Ireland. 10 years later, the factory was moved to Quechee, Vermont, where it remains today. The Ottauquechee River provides clean, hydroelectric power for the facility. Simon Pearce has expanded with two other factories in Vermont and Maryland.
 

Although they make it look easy, glassblowing is a difficult art to master. The material is unforgiving – mistakes usually mean the artist must start over on a new piece. An apprentice glassblower studies under a master for a period of 2-5 years. During this time, the apprentice learns the traditional methods and skills, as well as developing their own unique signature. This gives each piece of glass its own distinct character.
 

In addition to glass, they also make pottery. Like his father, Simon Pearce was a potter before he began working with glass. The company carries on this tradition as well, creating beautiful, durable pottery dinnerware that is lead-free and safe for use in the dishwasher and microwave.
 

Simon Pearce glassware and pottery is an affordable, everyday luxury. It’s made to be beautiful as well as functional. The pieces are meant to be used and enjoyed every day, and will last long enough to be passed down to future generations.

See the whole Simon Pearce collection.

We recently took a trip to the curious world of Natural Curiosities. Set in Echo Park’s converted Jensen Recreation Center, the studio itself is an ode to the ever-evolving and fantastical nature of art. Once an Ancient Egyptian-themed bowling alley, it’s now an inspiring space for creating oversized prints, silkscreening, metallic leafing, and other artistic techniques.

With Natural Curiosities pieces being spotted everywhere these days, with notable appearances in Elle Decor, Vogue.com, House Beautiful, and Stylebeat, among many others, it was refreshing to see that owner Christopher Wilcox and his team remain close to their hands-on roots. Beyond the inventive design of the space itself – high ceilings, exposed brick, and other thoughtful remnants of the original Jensen Rec Center – the art house is filled with beautiful finished pieces hung floor to ceiling as well as large tables for aging prints, drying racks filled with delightful new pieces, printing screens and inks, and sustainably sourced natural specimens awaiting their close-ups.

Despite their popularity, Natural Curiosities has managed to retain the feeling of an intimate artists’ co-op. This comes through in each of their whimsical collections, which they take care to keep from overproduction, retaining the integrity of the art.

Natural Curiosities silkscreen and metallic-leaf pieces, like the Rumana Seahorses, are stunning. See how these incredible techniques are used: Metallic Leaf and Silkscreen

We also love the uniqueness of hand-colored prints like Noah’s Ark. Take a look at the process: Hand Watercoloring

Photographs from Natural Curiosities carry a nostalgic and magical feel, while remaining chic and modern design statements.

Their sculptures breathe new life and beauty into objects we’ve seen many times before.

Prints come in a variety of styles with something for any room. The Lord Bodner Triptych speaks to Natural Curiosities’ octopus fascination.

Finally, we think their specimen art, like Fallen Feathers, is right on trend in the art world with clever ideas we’ve never seen before.

For more art from Natural Curiosities, visit GraciousStyle.com. And don’t forget to take a look at our entire Art section.

Mottahedeh just introduced two lovely new patterns for summer. Both collections include dessert plates and cups & saucers in sets of four. Perfect for afternoon tea and cake!

Everybody has been going “nuts” over the first pattern – Nut Leaf. Beautiful, rich green foliage is dotted with different nuts and decorated with 22 karat gold. The set of four dessert plates illustrate the hazel nut, pecan, chestnut and acorn nuts and leaves. The set of four teacups and saucers have the nuts cleverly hidden on the saucer, seen only when the cup is lifted.

The Nut Leaf pattern is getting rave reviews. It was even featured in the spring issue of Martha Stewart Weddings.

The other new pattern is a floral called Lowestoft Garden. The dessert plates, cups and saucers are adapted from a European plate c. 1775 painted in ‘famille rose’ enamels. Highlighted with gold, they look especially lovely when mixed with Mottahedeh’s Apple Lace dinnerware.

There’s never been a better excuse to have some dessert! You can purchase or register for these and more Mottahedeh dinnerware patterns here.

Buccellati has long been known for their exquisitely detailed gold and silver work.  A family business with traditions rooted in the 18th century, the company started in earnest when Mario Buccellati, then an apprentice at the prestigious Beltrami & Beltrami jewelry shop, took over the firm in 1919 and renamed it Buccellati.

Mario first exhibited his wares in the 1920 Exposition in Madrid, where his booth was completely sold out.  Soon after, he was invited back for a solo show, and Spanish aristocrats, including the royal family, became ardent supporters and lifelong clients.  After nearly a century in business, Buccellati’s creations have been exhibited at the Smithsonian and joined the Pope’s private collections in the Vatican.

Although Buccellati is well known on the red carpet for its jewels, it’s actually the light-as-air engraving on the metal pieces that sets the company apart.  Buccellati pieces are often covered with multiple engravings and piercings, so in the hands of its artisans, metal often resembles fine fabrics like linen, tulle, or lace.  This distinctive Buccellati technique, practiced in the company’s workshops around Milan, Florence, and Venice, has allowed Buccellati to remain one of the world’s foremost gold and silversmiths.

For the home, Buccellati has created an exquisite line of sterling silver flatware, frames, and dishes.

The Buccellati flatware collection of 14 patterns represents the beauty and excellence of fine craftsmanship. Timeless and elegant, the designs span many centuries from the classic to the contemporary, giving the collection versatility suited to today’s eclectic lifestyles. The weight and balance of each piece of flatware make it a pleasure to use, while the many serving pieces in each pattern add sophistication to the table. All Buccellati flatware is crafted from sterling silver.

 

 

Buccellati also makes intricately detailed, sterling silver picture frames. Available in a range of styles, they make wonderful wedding or anniversary gifts.

 

 

Buccellati’s exquisite dishes showcase the beauty and elegance of nature. Handcrafted from sterling silver in the shape of flowers, leaves and shells, they make lovely gifts that will become heirlooms.

 

 

Surprisingly, Buccellati is still a family affair, making it one of the last great family-owned Italian luxury businesses. It is run by Mario’s son Gianmaria Buccellati, his wife, and several of his children.  Together, they’ve kept Mario Buccellati’s voluptuous Renaissance and Art Deco look intact, while bringing it forward into the present.  Click here to see our entire collection of Buccellati flatware and gifts.

For over 25 years, Legacy Home has produced unique and beautiful bedding collections that bring a modern elegance to the most important rooms in your home.

All of Legacy Home’s linens are custom made to order in Virginia and available in just 6-8 weeks.  The best part?  They’ve made it easy to choose by conceiving entire collections for you.

 

 

 

 

 

 

Click here to see the entire collection from Legacy Home.

We are obsessive about materials because this is where it all starts.   So when we started looking for leather frames earlier this year, we wanted to find a company that only worked with premium leathers and, like the old-fashioned leather manufacturers, still made everything by hand.

We were thrilled when we discovered Graphic Image, a New York-based company that has long been producing private label products for companies like Tiffany and Bergdorf.  Like Smythson and Cassegrain, Graphic Image specializes in premium French and Italian calf skin and goat skin leather, but their products have a refined, yet practical American sensibility. The founder, Bennett Glazer, was a graphic artist who worked in one of America’s largest specialty book-binding firms.  So when he started his company, he naturally drew upon his background to create a line of products that is well-designed, well-made, and well-priced.

President Obama, Oprah, and Rachel Zoe are all fans; here are some of our favorite items.

For the office – The Crocodile Embossed Leather Frame in Brown adds subtle luxury to your workspace and comes in three desk-friendly sizes:

For travel – If you seek beautiful, inexpensive design in all things great and small, you’ll love being able to show off a touch of style anywhere in the world with a rainbow of luggage tags from Graphic Image. The British Tan pairs well with any suitcase:

For the library – We love that Graphic Image carries their own limited edition leather-bound books. They make a beautiful gift for the friend who has everything. Vogue: The Covers is perfect for the fashion aficionado:

For yourself – Separate your iPhone, iPad or eBook Reader from the crowd with their incredible line of tech accessories, including this chic iPad Envelope in a light blue that reminds us of a certain beloved jewelry box:

 

For special occasions – Photographs from significant moments like weddings deserve a special place. Keep them protected and looking beautiful in this elegant leather photo album in Black:

Click here for more great gifts and accessories from Graphic Image

 

Barbara Cosgrove’s lamps are popping up everywhere, including Elle Decor, House Beautiful, In Style, Southern Living, and NBC’s The Apprentice. From its humble beginnings in a garage studio, Barbara’s lamp collection has reached celebrity status. Five-star hotels, including the SLS Beverly Hills, have joined the ranks of her fans and many now add style to their rooms with Barbara’s lamps.

An artist at heart, Barbara began creating lamps from her garage studio in 1996, sculpting clay and metal bases herself. Though her work is produced on a much larger scale now, her pieces have maintained a sculptural elegance while taking inspiration from real life, including architecture, animals and plants.

 

 

Each of Barbara’s pieces has a timeless look that will work in a variety of settings. Her style is simple, clean and minimalist.  Some of Barbara’s best-selling items include the aptly named Eggs Floor Lamp, available in Mustard or Silver.

 

 

Her Dog Standing Table Lamp is a great piece for adding fun to a room.

 

Beyond lamps, Barbara takes home accessories to the next level using lavish materials, like leather, bone and wood.

 

 

Discover more from Barbara Cosgrove on our website.

 

As the largest manufacturer of French Limoges porcelain tableware in the world, Bernardaud  is used to setting worldwide standards for quality and innovative design.

Every piece from Bernardaud is glazed by hand (many are also individually colored) and undergoes anywhere from 15 to 17 stages during production (read the entire story here).  It takes an entire week and more than fifty different artisans to make just one teapot, but the firm’s classics have stood the test of time.  In 2006, this commitment to integrity won the company the “Entreprises du Patrimoine Vivant” label, an honor from the French government which distinguishes traditional craftsmanship.

Over the years, the company has innovated by continuously introducing new designs in partnership with artists like Marc Chagall and Jeff Koons.  As a result, Bernardaud china has graced the tables of countless luminaries including Marie Antoinette, and in modern times, New York restaurants Le Cirque 2000 and Cafe Boulud.

Next year Bernardaud will celebrate its 150th anniversary as a fifth-generation family-owned company.  Here are some of our favorite patterns, all of which are perfect for brides and newlyweds.

Classic patterns like Chateaubriand represent the refinement of traditional French luxury:

 

Patterns like Fusion emphasizes a modern look while staying true to the brand’s roots in craftsmanship:

 

For a look that is at home in both the contemporary and traditional worlds, Louvre is the essence of a modern classic:

 

Bernardaud has stunning patterns in pure white, but never shies away from a touch of whimsy and rich color. Aux Oiseaux incorporates the decadence of precious metals as well with its gold branches:

 

 

For many more Bernardaud patterns view our site.

Planning a trip to France?  Why not see this exceptional artistry for yourself?  Bernardaud offers guided workshop tours at their Limoges factory.

For those who like traditional style china but don’t want their dining room to look too stuffy or formal, Royal Copenhagen’s dinnerware patterns look as fresh today as they did when they were first introduced more than 200 years ago.

Founded in 1775 by pharmacist Frantz Heinrich Muller in partnership with the Dutch Royal Family, Royal Copenhagen’s stylish blue and white patterns are based on historic Dutch dinner services, but with a twist of youthful modernity.

The classic Blue Fluted pattern was originally a coffee service in the early Royal Copenhagen collection. Designer Arnold Krog, who was a restorer of ancient castles before becoming the Artistic Director at Royal Copenhagen, expanded the pattern to an entire dinner service in 1885.

 

 

More than 100 years later, Blue Fluted remains unchanged yet still looks fresh and modern.

 

 

At the turn of the Millenium a young design student, Karen Kjaeldgard-Larsen, presented Royal Copenhagen with a bold idea: to recreate the classic Blue Fluted pattern in a larger, more graphic form.  Instantly, the new collection felt fresher and a modern classic was born – Blue Fluted Mega.

 

 

Each piece of Blue Fluted Plain and Blue Fluted Mega, like the other Royal Copenhagen dinnerware, is handpainted and signed by the artist. When you hold a finished cup, plate, figurine or any Royal Copenhagen porcelain item in your hand, it has already passed through up to thirty pairs of hands which have taken the porcelain clay through molding, painting, firing, glazing and packing.

 

 

Click here to see our entire line of Royal Copenhagen Dinnerware.

What’s green, American, and oh-so-chic?  Oomph’s stylish line of modern furniture! We love this collection of tables, chairs and mirrors – because every room could use a little ‘oomph’!

 

Oomph was founded by Amy Rice, Patty Hopple and Louise Brooks. These stylish women believe that simple elements of great design can totally transform any room. Their designs have been featured in everything from House Beautiful and Traditional Home to Garden and Gun and Oprah Magazine.  It’s not hard to see why: Their side tables are like tiny jewels that pack a big style punch:

 

When was the last time you saw a good-looking backgammon table?

 

oomph Chairs are hand-made by a family of artisans who have been working their trade for generations. Comfortable and beautifully constructed, they will be a stylish addition to any room in your home.

Oomph throw pillows are hand-sewn with careful attention to detail in oomph’s New England workroom. Filled with down and feathers and made using Quadrille fabrics, they’re perfect for adding a pop of color to every room.

Oomph’s furniture, mirrors and pillows are carefully color-coordinated so you can have a beautiful room without agonizing over color matching.

All of oomph’s pieces are made to order in their workshop in Connecticut.  Skilled artisans construct each table from sustainable, plantation-grown poplar.

Most pieces are available in your of 16 high-gloss lacquer colors and are customizable with a range of surface finishes, including “gator” and natural raffia. To help you choose, there’s a handy lacquer color and surface swatch deck available for only $50.  And once you’ve made your choice, your piece will be ready to enjoy in just 6-8 weeks.  Not bad for custom furniture!

 

Click here to see our entire oomph collection.

Whether you’re an astrology aficionado or simply appreciate beautiful sculpture, the latest series of figurines by Royal Copenhagen will capture your fancy. Rendered in fine porcelain, they depict the twelve signs of the zodiac with classical grace and form.

 

 

Over the course of a year, the Sun passes all the constellations of the Zodiac to complete The Circle of Life. Comprising 36 designs, Royal Copenhagen’s zodiacs are available by gender as well as by individual star sign.

The female zodiac is both sensual and innocent. Designed by the Danish artist Christel Marott, who rose to fame with her magazine illustrations, the figurines convey vibrancy and beauty in unglazed inky black or velvety white porcelain.  Christel’s signature designs depict alluring girls with long legs and a characteristic, vibrant sensuality. They are level headed and provocative at the same time.

Energy and charisma are captured in the powerful male sculptures, created by artist Pia Langelund. Pia graduated from the Kolding College of Danish Art and Design and worked as a sculptor in bronze, earthenware, iron and granite before joining Royal Copenhagen in 1991.

For Pia, the driving force is the sculptural challenge itself, and one of the recurring themes in her work is the strength and movement of the body in both animals and humans. The close attention to muscles, movements and attitudes bring her sculptures to life in a very special way.

 

Each figurine is $175, and measures between 9 – 12 inches high. Alone or as a series, they make spectacular gifts and add a powerful touch to any home or office.

Click here to see the entire Royal Copenhagen Zodiac collection.

You surround yourself in luxury with fine bed linens, bath towels, and luxe, beautifully scented cleaning products. Why should brushing your teeth be any different? Pamper your pearly whites and your tastebuds with Marvis Toothpaste. Made in Italy using a traditional recipe, Marvis whitens, protects, and cleans your teeth with seven couture flavors like Ginger Mint and Amarelli Licorice.

Marvis toothpaste is sold widely throughout Italy, and the company is known for their clever advertising posters. The silver metal tube and retro label definitely up the style quotient in any bathroom.

Of course, we couldn’t offer you this luxury toothpaste without first trying it ourselves. So the Gracious Style team personally taste-tested three Marvis flavors: Classic Mint, Cinnamon Mint, and Amarelli Licorice. (It was a tough job, but we soldiered through because we care about offering you the best.) 🙂

Here’s what we thought, in our own words:

“I love the way these look!  The Classic Mint is mild and refreshing; it doesn’t have the strong chemical taste you find in regular toothpaste. I love the taste of the Cinnamon Mint…the flavor is gentle and it reminds me of starlight candies.”
– Carolina

“The texture surprised me, it was very smooth and rich…kind of like the toothpaste equivalent of cashmere. I didn’t expect to like the Licorice flavor, but it was surprisingly good. It was more like a hint of licorice than actually tasting strongly of licorice. ”
– Shannon

“The flavors are nice but subtle, they don’t overpower. The consistency is just right. It’s not as sweet as regular toothpaste, but sweeter than the all-natural brands. And the Cinnamon Mint is not too spicy.”
– Emily

“A subtle yet pleasant sensation.  The Cinnamon Mint tastes a little like Coca-Cola.  The Amaretto Licorice starts very mild but leaves you with a gentle sensation afterwards.  So this is what toothpaste without maximum flouride-baking soda-peroxide tastes like.”

– Si

 

Each 75ml tube is just $10.50; click here to see all of the Marvis toothpaste flavors.

Have you tried Marvis? What did you think?

Have you ever noticed how chic French waiters look?

I was thinking about this the last time I was in Paris, and it occurred to me that they’d simply pared their look down to a sort of minimalist elegance: no logos, no stripes, nothing at all to get in the way.

So if you’re a serious cook and you want to look good in the kitchen, take a look at these pure linen aprons from Linen Way.  Made in Europe using Belgian flax, they’re practical, they’re lint free, and they will get softer with every wash.

The aprons come in three styles: Garcon Natural, Garcon Chocolate, and Cafe Natural; all are just $60 each.

 

 

 

We’re excited to announce the newest addition to our catalog – furniture! If you like our home decor selection, you’ll love the fresh, modern look of the Bungalow 5 furniture and accessories.
 

Bungalow 5’s modern furniture is designed and produced by a group of architects and designers in New York City. The collections are inspired by their travels throughout the world. Working with in-house cabinetmakers and finishers, the Bungalow 5 team produces unique and stylish pieces. The Marco collection is a beautiful example, with pieces finished in textured lacquered grasscloth:
 

Their furniture designs are influenced by both Eastern and Western classical forms, but they have a modern sensibility. Details of silhouette, material, and color combine in these versatile tables, desks and dressers. They look just as good in a traditional room or a modern loft.
 

The hallmark of a Bungalow 5 piece is that it always feels comfortably familiar yet strikingly fresh.

Here are a few more of our favorites:
 

 

See our complete collection of Bungalow 5 pieces here.

Spring is officially here, and it’s brought with it a riot of wonderful colors! Sferra’s new bed and table linens are right on trend.  And to get you started, we’re offering free shipping on every order over $100 (see details below).

Two big trends this season are pastel colors and distressed linen. The popular Classico linen bedding has been updated with pastel colors for a new collection known as Classico Vintage. We suspect it will become just as popular as the original.

 

The new Orlo bedding is a snappy stripe that we love. The sheets are white or ivory percale, and the stripe is a colorful sateen for a sleek effect.

 

 

For the table, we absolutely adore the new Spectrum napkins and placemats. We’re not the only ones – Spectrum won Best New Product in Dining at the New York International Gift Fair this year!

 

The new Juliet tablecloth is also quite popular already. The special ringspun polyester has the look and drape of pure cotton, with a stain-repellent finish and easy laundering. A simple lattice jacquard pattern adds just the right touch of interest.

 

Click here to see all of our collections from Sferra Fine Linens.  To watch a video overview of the collection, click below.

 

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