Category: How To Guides
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What is Pique?
Our Marco bedspread from Sferra has a small diamond pique pattern that is simply classic. What is pique, you ask? Sferra explains: Piqué (pronounced “pee-kay”) fabric is characterized by raised designs – cords, waffles, or patterns. Technically, piqué fabric is known as a double-cloth, with the unique texture achieved by weaving two layers of fabric,…
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What is a Hemstitch?
Hemstitching is a very elegant addition to many types of linens, from bedding to tablecloths. Sferra explains the technique: A hemstitch is a decorative drawn threadwork technique. A section of parallel threads are removed from the fabric and the remaining perpendicular threads are grouped together with additional thread to make small ornate holes. Despite its…
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Sferra Answers: What is a Flange?
Sferra recently sent us a great explanation on this popular accent to bed linen pieces: A flange is a classic decorative accent, typically added along three sides of a duvet cover and on all four sides of a pillowsham. A flange extends beyond the dimensions of a duvet or sham, creating a large, elegant flourish.…
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What’s the Difference Between Chevron and Herringbone?
Both herringbone and chevron patterns have been very trendy lately. Long used on hardwood floors throughout Europe, they are also very popular in textiles because the subtle weave brings a sophisticated edge to every piece. Can you tell the difference between the two? Here’s how we keep them straight: – In a chevron pattern, the…
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How To Care For Your Bed Linens
Sferra, known for their fine bed linens, recently sent us some great information on the best way to care for your linens. Luxury bed linens are an investment – keep them in top condition for years with these tips. Most bed linens are made from natural fibers such as cotton or linen. These are designed…
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How to Turn Your Closet into a Luxury Boutique
Do you love the way it feels when you walk into the Ralph Lauren store and everything is organized just so? How the clothes just hang beautifully, and it always smells clean and inviting? I do. And although we can’t all move into a boutique on Madison or Rodeo, you can easily recreate the look…
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How to Get This Look: The Beach House
Here’s our first Gracious Style Lookbook, The Beach House, created just in time to get you and your home ready for summery beach house style! Want to capture this look? Here are the items featured: *Casual-chic Lacefield Casablanca Throw Pillows in Midnight and Geranium. *Kim Seybert‘s Coral Branch Napkin Rings are a fun accent for…
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Esquire Magazine: Nine New Uses for Toothpaste
Toothpaste…it’s not just for teeth anymore! We love our Marvis Toothpaste because of the tempting flavors, but the traditional formula is also good for many other household uses. The innovative folks over at Esquire put their toothpaste to the test. Read about the Nine Exciting Reasons to Buy Old-School Toothpaste.
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Care and Precautions for Porcelain
Porcelain is a material that is perfectly suited to everyday life. It can safely be put in the dishwasher, which will not hurt the decoration, but give it a radiant shine. Great care must be taken when putting a porcelain dish in the oven….
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How to Care for Denim (Tips for Darks and Whites)
In L.A., wearing jeans is practically a requirement. We invest a lot in our denim, so we’ve learned how to care of it. Here are our tried-and-true formulas.