The magnificent world of Ralph Lauren has expanded to include the Lauren by Ralph Lauren Furniture Collection. These smart, sophisticated and elegant furniture designs are beautifully crafted and sold at a price point that is quite appetizing. The furniture is grouped into collections that range from the more traditional to a bit more modern. Within each collection there are offerings for the Bedroom, Dining Room and Living Room. The Laurel Drive Desk, (shown above), is a unique piece that immediately snapped my attention. The desk boasts a Mahogany finish, three drawers, shelving on either end, a delicious leather insert on top and a punctuation of polished nickel drawer pulls. The retail price on this piece is $1,699.00, which I think is just fantastic. For more on Lauren by Ralph Lauren Furniture, click here.
I like the modern sophistication of the Running Ridge End Table from Edward Ferrell + Lewis Mittman. The clean lines of the table base are a lovely foil to the fluid oval table top. This table is a sculptural study in geometry. I would place just one strategically in a room where it would serve as a delicious "jewel piece". The table measures 26" w x 18" d x 25" h and is available to the trade.
When I hear Wicker, Rattan or Cane furniture I sometimes flinch, unless it is done right. Here are two chairs from Bielecky Brothers, that are beautifully made and have a sophisticated, modern edge. They are made from Cane, which according to the Bielecky Brothers website, "is the skin of the rattan plant, which is peeled off to be used for wrappings and winding over hardwood or solid rattan frames. It can also be woven for seats or surface texture. It is relatively non-porous, and always retains its naturally mottled surface." I would not mind seeing a chair or two mixed into an eclectic setting with other pieces of wood, glass and metal furnishings. Throw in some sumptuous fabrics and great prints and I think it would be a great look.
It is not always necessary to spend a lot of money to obtain great style. This floor and reading lamp from IKEA is sophisticated, contemporary and looks great for just $90.00. The Stockholm lamp is available in Nickel, Black and White. As an added benefit, this lamp uses LEDs, which consume up to 80% less energy and last 25 times longer than incandescent bulbs. I would enjoy seeing this floor lamp integrated into almost any setting.
The Sylvie Curved Sofa from William Yeoward is a classic piece that has been upholstered in a way to give it some great punch. I am fond of the colors, the pattern and texture and the contrasting pillows. This is a terrific piece for a smaller living room. The curve gives it a nice spin. The piece is available in several different wood finishes and, of course, it may be upholstered in almost any choice of fabric.
Mid-century modern Danish design is remixed in this Copenhagen chair from Restoration Hardware. The chair is available in several different variations, including leather on hide, all leather and leather on aluminum. The leather is hand-distressed for softness and vintage appeal. Each one-of-a-kind chair swivels 360 degrees and also tilts backwards. The chair sits elegantly on an aluminum base. I think the chair looks great paired together in a drawing room, (as shown below), or poised by itself in a contemporary or transitional interior.
It's going to be a sunny-side up kind of Easter with this fun, whimsical and somewhat surreal creation of a fried egg completely made out of white and dark chocolate. The chocolate masters at Bond Street Chocolate have made this crafty confection available at my favorite market, Dean & DeLuca. $24.00 each.
A local Brooklyn artist has taken latex, bungee and rope in bright colors and wonderful elasticity to create the one-of-a-kind Stretch Chair. I would love to see this artistic creation in a child's room or perhaps as an accent piece in the living room of high-rise condo just off the beach in Miami. This fun chair is available at ABC Home in New York City.
