Miles Redd loves velvet sofas...and so do I

Most designers tend to have a few favorite things (be it a particular color, pattern or even piece of furniture) that they use over and over again in their work. And sometimes that repetition can become a designer's trademark, their personal signature on a space. For Miles Redd, there are a number of elements  that the New York based designer returns to again and again: bold color on the walls (often in high gloss), animal print and Chinoiserie all immediately leap to mind. But one thing I hadn't noticed until today was Redd's penchant for rich velvet sofas, often in bold jewel-tone hues. And like Miles, I can't seem to get enough.

Why velvet? Well you'd have to ask Miles himself; however, in my opinion, velvet has the perhaps unique ability to feel at once incredibly luxurious, but also incredibly comfortable and inviting. I can never keep my hands off of it -- and it's this gorgeous textural experience that I suspect keeps Redd coming back. Besides that, velvet works anywhere, from a TV room or study to a more formal salon or living room. It's unquestionably the star that plays so beautifully with Redd's maximalist style.

Is there anything sexier than red velvet? Maybe just red velvet set against pink walls. I love how Redd sets these feminine colors off against the serious artwork and otherwise more masculine feel of the room.

The rich olive green is a nice visual rest from the bold patterns of the rug and pillows. By repeating the wall color in the center of the large room, it also helps ground the floating seating group and keeps the space from feeling too expansive.

A rich chocolate brown velvet feels positively decadent, especially when played off against bold stripes and cheetah print chairs. The ruffled taffeta curtains in the icy blue bring in some coolness to the otherwise very warm space.

The shape of this sofa (enhanced all the more with the nailhead detailing) is absolutely to die for. The green is a nice counterpoint to the rich reds in elsewhere in the room. And those Elkins chairs? Love!

More red velvet, this time with a fringe skirt. The black and white fabrics and art are such a great balance, lending this room a decidedly modern edge despite the traditional furniture and layout.

When I think of orange velvet, I think of this hideous orange chair from the '70s that Dave had when I first met him in Austin. And yet somehow, this orange velvet seems to work. If I were that little girl though, I'd be napping on it rather than on the floor.

More olive green velvet! Such a rich pairing with the deep teals and oranges in the room. This has to be one of my all-time favorite rooms of Redd's.

So what do you think of velvet sofas? Love 'em, too, or hate 'em?

Object of Desire

I'm totally in love with this ottoman/stool (dubbed a chakki by Serena & Lily). Available in two finishes (white and a dark walnut) and 12 fabrics (including some fantastic prints), it's a truly versatile piece that would work in a bedroom, living room or den. Even better? The cushion is slip covered for easy washing; perfect if you've got small children or pets. The one downside? It's on the pricier side at $450. That said though, it could really make a room.

Cutest. Gliders. Ever.

Windward Wingback Glider (from $3250)

Until very recently (like maybe yesterday) I really hadn't given much thought as to how I'll decorate the nursery. Chalk it up to exhaustion, preoccupation with work or perhaps just procrastination, but the likely truth is that I really couldn't bear the idea of launching into yet another home improvement project right now. But fortunately that's all changed thanks to that second trimester high that I'd been promised for weeks but only just now seem to be hitting. And now I can't stop scouring the web for resources and inspiration.

My intentions are to stay on a pretty tight budget for this nursery because (a) the kid will outgrow it rather quickly and (b) the kid will inevitably make a mess of it. But there are a few areas I'm willing to splurge a bit on and one of those is a great glider. Not only will I appreciate a comfortable place to spend the next few months of my life, but it'll prove useful around the house long after I quit nursing. And tonight I (very randomly) stumbled upon these fabulous wingback gliders from Shetter Palevsky Interiors.

Unfortunately I'm going to have to file these into my "for inspirational purposes only" file as they qualify more as extravagant than a splurge (at least for my budget), but I couldn't resist showing you sharing them with you anyway -- besides, just because a great piece is out of your budget doesn't mean it can't serve as inspiration. And fortunately these looks are replicable on a budget as any old glider can be recovered in fun (and contrasting fabrics). Even better: many of these specific fabrics are available at retail from Mod Green Pod (e.g., the butterfly print) and Calico Corners (e.g., the Annie Selke blue and white print). So I may just have to start hunting around on Craigslist for a good DIY option...

But while we're still fantasizing here, there are two other great glider styles on offer through SPI Interiors:

Beckett Glider (from $2250)

What can I say? I love a tufted back. And curves on this chair are sweetly feminine without being cloying. Not a huge fan of either of these fabric options (they both read a bit granny to me), but rest assured there are plenty of other lovely prints and solids to choose from. And, of course, you can always C.O.M.

Kingston Glider (from $2500)

I love the tailored , clean lines of this piece. And the upholstery job is subtle, but still really special. The trim along the skirt is a wonderfully crisp finish and the contrasting stripes peaking from underneath has be weak in the knees. This would be the perfect piece to anchor a nautically-themed nursery (which is one option I'm mulling...think lots of crisp navy and white with pops of color from nautical flags).

And of course you'll need an ottoman to put your feet up on during those late night nursing sessions...

While the offspring ottoman is less expensive, it still clocks in at $370 (for a solid fabric!) and at $545 for the super cute Hable Construction print (bottom left). Again, these ottomans are simple and inexpensive DIY projects -- and, unlike the gliders, needn't require a professional upholstery job. Indeed, I'd opt instead for a close flitting slipcover option over any tired ottoman cube. Indeed, here's a $60 option from Walmart, though you could certainly find one used even cheaper on Craigslist or Ebay. Sure, with a slipcover you won't have the nifty self welt but the savings/ease of use is probably well worth forgoing that small detail. Extra bonus: a slipcover would be washable! Very key for a nursery.

But let's take one last look at my two favorite prints on that gorgeous wingback again:

To die for, no? Of course, the question that remains unanswered though is am I decorating for a baby girl or a baby boy? Alas, you (and I) will have to wait a few more weeks to find out!

La la la Lucite

I'm thinking about getting this chaise for my home office (in a lilac fabric though, not the black). Not only does it have killer Lucite legs but it's also got a nice, curvy back which perfectly suits the super glam, Hollywood Regency look that I'm going for in there. Even better, I can get it (tax and shipping included) for under $1000. A very good price considering how expensive Lucite/acrylic pieces often are.

Anyone have any experience with this particular manufacturer (Light Energy Studio)? I'd love to get some feedback on quality as I hate purchasing furniture sight unseen.

This really irks me...

Restoration Hardware is peddling antique unbound "book bundles" as objets de art. Firstly, I despise the idea of buying books as purely decorative items. Certainly, bindings and covers can be -- and even should be -- beautiful (see the new Penguin Classics series HERE), but I'm a firm believer that books you display in your home should be books that, you know, you've actually read and enjoyed. Secondly, the idea of filling your shelves with packages of mistreated, long forgotten literary works to achieve some monochromatic, industrial "style" strikes me as incredibly sad.

Salvaged Wood Kitchen Island ($2695) + {Reproduction} Vintage Barstools ($295)

On a related note, can Restoration Hardware, Pottery Barn, Wisteria, etc. just stop with the "found" and "antiqued" furniture and accessories? I'm all for vintage and antique, but can't we just buy real vintage instead of faux? Decorating your home with items that look like they have history (but in reality either don't or, if they do, said history has no particular meaning to you) strikes me as incredibly fake.

Burlap sack turned tablecloth, for a mere $69

I don't really understand spending the big bucks just to decorate your home with discarded soda boxes and burlap. I know that many antiques are (quite rightly) expensive, but why is 50-year old trash suddenly a design statement worthy of a mark-up befitting its newfound trendy status? If you're going to decorate with inexpensive, "humble" materials, then the prices should reflect that. It's like buying a plain white tshirt for $100: just plain stupid. Beyond the absurdity of these prices, the idea of elevating the ordinary and everyday (of the Great Depression!) to designer status strikes me as bizarre and even a bit condescending: We aren't poor, we just decorate like it.

On a final note, prices and subtext aside, the Belgian/industrial look is just too damn depressing for me. I'm a big fan of gray, but we've taken the whole gray, linen, limed wood look way too far. A piece or two here or there (or gray walls) is one thing, but when its thrown altogether (as staged by Restoration Hardware in particular), a monochromatic color palette in gray tones makes a room look like it's had all the life sucked out of it. When used en masse, gray is just as blah as beige. Where's the joy?

Lest you think I've got something against the big name retail stores (which I really don't -- much of my own home is filled with PB, RH and C&B), here are two items that I'm drooling over:

Weathered Zinc Single Fex Mirror ($849)

I adore the quatrefoil shape of this mirror. And, while I think I'd prefer the frame's finish in something a bit more glamorous (silver leaf, perhaps), I don't even mind the weathered zinc. As it is though, I'll be waiting for this piece to go on sale before I consider making the purchase.

Lafayette Chandelier ($399)

I was absolutely shocked when I saw this chandelier in the latest Pottery Barn catalogue. It's so chic! So Pieces, etc.! The red faux coral is the perfect hit of color for a breakfast room or den. I'd maximize the beachy feel of it by pairing it when blues and turquoises -- and speaking of turquoise, wouldn't this be fabulous if there was a turquoise version? [Are you there, Pottery Barn? It's me, Averill. Bring back your Summer 2008 collection!]

High versus Low: Pop Quiz Time!

It's been a while, so I thought it was time for another pop quiz. One of these mirrored-top tray tables costs $699. The other, $69.99. Can you tell the difference? Place your votes below and I'll let you know the answer tomorrow!

poll by twiigs.com

Update: The majority is right. Table A is the Mirrored-Top Tray Table from Horchow and retails for $699. Table B is the Country Living tray side table from Kmart and is currently on sale for $69.99. Sometimes it absolutely pays to shop around!

Object of Lust: Moreno Nesting Tables

My jaw literally dropped when I saw this pair of Moreno nesting tables from Crate&Barrel. Not only are the tables a departure style-wise from the typically very contemporary C&B (these look more like something you'd find at Jayson Home & Garden), but they also look way more glamorous and high-end. Between the antiqued brass finish and the polished shell top, it's as though C&B were channeling Kelly Wearstler.

Sure, $399 is some serious dough to pluck down for a pair of accent tables, but these look as if they cost twice that. Even my very frugal hubby loved them and wanted them for his man room.

It's Greek to Me

This past weekend found me hosting three out-of-town guests and no big plans other than a birthday dinner on Saturday night. And so we decided to spend Saturday afternoon at the Greek Festival, one of the largest of its kind in the country. We spent the day gorging ourselves on spanakopita, gyros, and baklava and even sampled some Greek wine and coffee (very sweet!). And, while there was little to do at the Greek festival aside from, well, eating Greek food, we still had a wonderful time. In honor of that, I thought I'd bring together a round up of my favorite items featuring perhaps the most iconic of design motifs: Greek key.

A popular explanation of the Greek key motif is that it's meant to recall the Greek myth of the labyrinth that imprisoned the minotaur on the island of Crete. While the idea is loving (and indeed fitting), the origins of the interlocking right angles and vertical lines (also known as Meander), the origins of the pattern are unknown and are probably not exclusively Greek. In fact, the Greeks (or rather the Minoans, the early inhabitants of Crete) probably borrowed the design from the ancient Egyptians, with whom they frequently traded. In truth though, there are probably multiple, independent origins of the design as it was used all over the ancient world -- for example, the motif has been found on Aztec sculpture, Peruvian crafts and Chinese architecture. But, since the Greeks (and the Romans after them) used the design liberally in their architecture, pottery and sculpture, the term "Greek key" has stuck.

And, while it's debatable whether or not the repeating pattern is a universally-recognized symbol of eternal life, it's certainly one of the oldest and most enduring patterns in human history. If you're in the market for home decor that can stand the test of time (and who isn't in this economy?), then just about anything with Greek key is a safe bet.

Source list (clockwise from top left): 1. Greek Key accent table ($330) from Global Views. 2. Greek key personalized coasters ($80/set of 100) and stationery ($60/set of 100) each by Dabney Lee Stationery and available at Saks Fifth Avenue. 3. greek key pillows ($375 each) from Jayson Home and Garden. 4. "Frank" white lacquer dining table ($2,750) from Revival Home and Garden. 5. abbott single arm sconce ($210) from Circa Lighting. 6. Greek key settee by Eric Cohler for Lee Jofa. 7. Greek Key frame ($78) from Jonathan Adler.

Source list (clockwise, from top left): 8. Byzantine barware ($175) from Pieces. 9. Greek key letterpress mini cards/enclosures ($6/set of 8) by Missive. 10. Greek-Key scroll jacquard bedding ($79-$399) from Williams-Sonoma Home. 11. Clay Very Stoned Carpet ($75-$1400) from Madeline Weinrib. 12. greek key border tile from Ann Sacks. 13. Suzani upholstered ebony toned greek key chair ($245) from Material Recovery. 14. Cypress cocktail table from Hickory Chair. 15. Radcliffe etagere ($2,500) from Jonathan Adler.

The Factory Cart Table: Yea or Nay?

Design insiders have been touting industrial chic as the next big thing in home decor for a year or so now, but until fairly recently I'd been ignoring it as a passing fad that I didn't particularly have a great deal of interest in participating in. After all, metal chairs like the Lyle chairs from Crate&Barrel don't strike me as particularly comfortable and the rusty, dirty look has just never really been my thing.

But never say never, right? Despite my better instincts I keep finding myself surfing on over to the factory cart at Restoration Hardware. I can't get it out of my head. Made of white oak and iron, these tables are the real deal as they're all refinished factory carts from early 20th century factories in North Carolina. These carts aren't just made to look old (and there's little in design that I dislike more than "fake old"), they are old.

But as I continue to search for the "perfect" ottoman for my family room, I keep coming back to this piece. There's just something interesting about it that I think might really help shake things up in my otherwise brand-spankin' new space. That said though, I can't bear the thought of ponying up $1295 (not including taxes or shipping!) for what is essentially a wood crate on wheels.

At $599, this factory cart table from ZGallerie is less than half the price of the Restoration Hardware piece. And, while the ZGallerie version is not an actual antique from the early 20th century, it is still made from reclaimed wood from mills and warehouses making its industrial charm not entirely contrived.

Another great option online is Antique Factory Cart Coffee Tables, which has a large selection of original factory carts that start as low as $399 (though bear in mind shipping will run you over $100). With a little sand paper, Murphy's oil, and some serious elbow grease, I could refinish the table myself (or, for an extra $300, Mike will refinish the table for me, but then I'd be only a few hundred dollars less than the RH version). Of course, I might be able to snag something similar at the Urban Market in November, which would save me the cost of shipping such a heavy object.

So what do you think of the factory cart-turned-coffee table or the industrial trend more generally? Is this a great way to add a bit of character and earthiness to a room or is it doomed to become this decade's equivalent of Shabby Chic?

Spotting the Fake

[OetA Update: Contrary to the poll results, the authentic, licensed chair is actually Chair #1! I suspect most folks were confused by the exposed screws on the rockers of Chair #1.]

Time for a little quiz. What's the difference between these two chairs?

One, is an authentic reproduction of the Eames molded plastic rocking chair and retails for $479 at DesignWithinReach. The other is an inexpensive knockoff from Target, the purveyor of cheap chic, and retails for $180.99.

So which is which? Can you tell the difference? If not, would you consider purchasing the Target version or do you feel strongly about avoiding knockoffs?

poll by twiigs.com

Optimum Optimorum 4: Mirrors

Mirror, mirror on the wall, whose the fairest of them all? Mirrors are a favorite design element of decorators not just because they're pretty, but because mirrors have amazing space (and light) enhancing properties. While any old mirror will help make a room look larger and brighter and, when properly positioned, can maximize a good view, a beautifully designed mirror can function as art in its own right.

While many of these mirrors would work beautifully as vanity mirrors, try placing one large mirror over a fireplace or sofa. Smaller ones can be grouped together for a big impact. In short, the possibilities are endless and I've already got several of these mirrors tagged in ever-growing wish list for the new house. While searching for my favorites, I found a ton amazing mirrors both at Horchow and at Wisteria that I was unable to feature here due to space constraints, but you should definitely check out both sources.

From top left:

1. Marisol Mirror from Restoration Hardware ($278.99). Sunburst mirrors are a classic dating back to the reign of King Louis XIV, the Sun King. Of course, you can find various versions of this iconic style just about anywhere and for just about any price point, but I love this one from RH for its generous 48" size and antique silver foil finish. And at over 30% off [and with all the promotions RH has been running, I imagine you'll be able to score it for even less], the price on this one is very reasonable. In fact, I'm thinking that this may be good, less expensive option for my dining room over the flower mirror (#6 below) that I've been dreaming of.

2. Mansard Mirror from Mothology ($89). The distressed gray paint gives this mirror a certain vintage appeal that will help balance out a lot of new furniture. Since this mirror is on the smaller side (about 20" high), try grouping this in multiples. If you're looking for a slightly larger version, Wisteria has a larger lookalike (HERE) for $399.

3. Four-point Mirror from Horchow ($295). While I generally shy away from gold finishes, the modern shape of this mirror and softer gold tones keep it from looking dated. Several of these would be absolutely stunning in a dining room.

4. Queen Anne Mirror from Jonathan Adler ($595). I realize that something from Jonathan Adler has figured into just about every optimum optimorum round-up. Certainly, Mr. Adler knows the way to my heart, though absent a sale I'm usually resigned to lusting for his pieces from afar. At 26" x 38", it's the perfect size for a powder room mirror and graphic black or white frame would really pop against contrasting walls.

5. Perspective Mirror from CB2 ($149). For some reason I'm more drawn to antique or transitional mirrors than I am to truly modern ones, but if you're looking for something uber-modern, I really like CB2's highly affordable perspective mirror. If you need a larger mirror, try hanging several of these tightly together for the look of one larger mirror.

6. Flower Mirror from High Fashion Home ($599). Although this mirror is available in both white and black, I strongly prefer the lighter, more whimsical feel of the white version.

7. Art Deco Venetian Mirror from Wisteria ($329). I have a weakness for just about anything labeled "art deco" and this mirror is no exception. With its antiqued glass frame it looks like you could've picked it up at your local antiques' dealer. At over 44" high, this would help raise the ceilings of just about any room and, in particular, would be stunning over a fireplace. Actually, that gives me an idea for my own family room...hmmm....

8. Hampstead Mirror from Williams-Sonoma Home ($595-795). I featured this mirror in the mood board for my dream master bedroom and I still think it's just about perfect...well, everything except the price. That said though, it's a wonderful touch of chinoiserie that's still neutral and modern enough to work in just about any space. The honey stain version has a more "island" look if you're going for an India Hicks sort of vibe.

9. Chevron Bone Mirror from Pottery Barn ($249). Don't get me wrong, I love Pottery Barn for its solidly built basics and fun accessories, but every so often PB comes out with a product that really blows my mind -- and this is one of those times. Does inlaid bone in a chevron pattern sound like PB to you? It doesn't me, anyway. You better believe though that at this sale price, it won't be available for long.

10. Areaware Songbird Self Portrait Mirror from Velocity Art and Design ($55). Areaware's self portrait mirrors are a whole lot of fun -- perfect for a kid's space (especially since it's from unbreakable acrylic) or for a room that you just want to take down a notch. Even better, at this price you can afford several to switch out as your mood changes.

11. Gallery Mirror from Modern Dose ($342.95). I love the nautical styling and sophistication of this gallery mirror. The brass finish has an antique mirror but if you're looking for a more modern look, try the nickel finish with the plain mirror.

12. Roost Carved Bone Sunflower Mirror from Velocity Art & Design ($150-$190). Roost has quite a few beautiful, well priced mirrors, but this bone sunflower version is my favorite.

Don't forget that the competition to win one of my favorite three design books is currently going on. To enter, simply leave a comment to this post filling us in on your favorite mirror(s). For more information on prizes and rules, click on over HERE.

Optimum Optimorum 3: Accent Tables

Occasional tables. Accent tables. Side tables. No matter what you call them, they're the undeniable workhorses of any room. But not only do these small tables hold books, lamps, accessories and the occasional evening cocktail, they also serve a strong decorative element as they help create conversation areas and finish off the look of a space. A small table on either end of the sofa can keep it from looking adrift in the middle of a room while another small table, placed in a corner and artfully styled, can fill a forgotten void and pull it into the flow of the rest of a room. I'm also a big believer in playing with interesting shapes and/or colors for these tables; after all, their diminutive size means any statement you make will serve more like the exclamation point to your style rather than the dominant element.

But let's get down to business, shall we?

Clockwise, from top left:

1. Circolo Nesting Tables from PBTeen ($299). PB Teen is a never ending source for fun (and more affordable) furniture and accessories. Case in point: these Circolo nesting tables. While you may be tempted to disregard the green and pink versions as too sweet for an adult space, I think either one could work beautifully in a more neutral space. Imagine the green ones flanking either side of a creamy beige sofa. A few green throw pillows would tie in the color scheme without being overpowering. I only wish these came in turquoise -- wouldn't that be fun?

2. Umbra U+ Collection Rolly Table from Velocity Art & Design ($300). I've been eyeing this particular table for some time now as I think it would work perfectly in my guest room with some existing Ethan Allen furniture I inherited from my mother. The style here is very MCM, of course, but I think these are flexible enough to work well in just about any space. Also, $300 for Umbra furniture is a totally decent price.

3. Lola Side Table from Revival Home and Garden ($350). Red lacquer + a modern interpretation of a lion's claw = be still my beating heart. Since this piece is such a statement maker, I love the idea of allowing it to stand on its own, perhaps in a forgotten corner of a room, like a piece of sculpture. This table is also available in white and black for $345 from Modern Dose. I'm planning on picking this one up in white for my new study.

4. Warner Side Table from Layla Grace ($870). While the majority of items on Layla Grace are more shabby chic or French country, the site also has more modern pieces, like this stunning Warner Side Table (also available in white). While this piece is definitely a budget-buster for most of us, it's certainly a piece that you could own for a lifetime.

5. Turned Wood Pedestal Table from Brocade Home ($199). Brocade Home is a great online source for more modern (with a touch of Hollywood glam), solid wood pieces. Even better, their pricing is very reasonable. I love this pedestal table for its lacquer-like black finish and its gorgeous undulating curves, which recall the shape of many of Jonathan Adler's lamps. This table would be a great compliment to very linear furniture.

6. Mia Nesting Tables from Mitchell Gold + Bob Williams ($785). Okay, so these are pricey, I grant you that, but they're so incredibly versatile. The drawer in the largest table pulls out to double as a valet tray (brilliant!).

7. Carved Mango Wood Stool from ZGallerie ($189.95). ZGallerie is definitely my "go to" source for glamorous, interesting -- yet still accessible -- design. A pair of these stools would look great in an entryway, tucked underneath a console table or even as end tables in a sunroom or patio.

8. Trellis Side Table from Modern Dose ($225). I absolutely adore the paired down Chinoiserie style of this table. Even better, it comes in a ton of colors (gotta love options!). I'm thinking a pair of these is in order for my new family room.

9. EDLAND Nightstand from IKEA ($79.99). Sure IKEA markets this piece as a nightstand, but there's no reason why it has to stay by the bed. The petite size of this table makes it perfect for just about any tight space where you'd like to be able to squeeze more storage and/or table top. Besides the great price, I also love the hanging pull. This may be a bit of a stretch, but this table instantly reminded me of Vermeer's Girl with a Pearl Earring. I only wish IKEA sold this in white or a natural finish, but at this price, you can afford to repaint it whatever color you want.

10. Mix Side Table with Two Shelves from Crate&Barrel ($199). I love the strong industrial vibe of this piece, which would be a great way to modernize a room with strong traditional leanings. Lots of glass shelf space also means you'd have ample room for display.

11. Twisty Stool from Viva Terra ($165 for the short, $195 for the tall). Like the mango wood stool from ZGallerie, this organic wood stool definitely blurs the lines between accent table and stool, but I decided to include it here because I think the addition of a strong organic element can really be a great statement in a room for folks who are a little intimidated by strong color.

12. Curvee Shelf Table by House Eclectic from Burke Decor ($371). Another modern interpretation of Chinoiserie. Like the Trellis side table from Modern Dose, this piece comes in an array of candy colored hues (as well as black or white). By the way, Serena and Lily sell the same piece in melon, yellow or white for $2 less, but since Burke Decor offers free shipping to the Continental U.S., Burke is definitely the way to go.

Don't forget that the competition to win one of my favorite three design books is currently going on. To enter, simply leave a comment to this post filling us in on your favorite accent table(s). For more information on prizes and rules, click on over HERE.

Optimum Optimorum 2: Table Lamps

I'm back after the long weekend with a second installation of my Optimum Optimorum mini-series, which is highlighting "the best of the best" in home accessories available for purchase online. Today, I've got a roundup of my favorite table lamps. Lighting is an often ignored -- but incredibly important -- element of design and table lamps are a great way to create atmosphere in a room and provide specific task lighting for a small area.

Table lamps are also an opportunity to go for broke and get a little crazy in terms of color, texture and shape. Just think of them as functional pieces of sculpture and really go for something that speaks to you and your style.

From top left:

1. Uma Lamp from Modern Dose ($185). Gorgeous green silk shade, modern squiggle detail (in matching green!) on a traditional base, and good price -- what's not to love here? By the way, Modern Dose has dozens of great lighting options. From ultra-modern to more traditional, the selection is truly unique. I had a lot of trouble picking my favorite in fact and this faux bois one comes in a close second.

2. Photographer's Lamp from Pottery Barn ($99). Of all the major home decor stores, I think Pottery Barn has the best lighting for the money and I have quite a few of their lamps in my own home. Right now, my favorite is their Photographer's lamp, which is a great iteration on the increasingly popular industrial trend that's been popping up in design this year. With its adjustable height and canister-style heads, this lamp is perfect task lighting for the office or bedside table.

3. Palladian Urn Table Lamp from Restoration Hardware ($351). Crystal lamps are a design staple: they go with everything, reflect light beautifully and add a touch of elegance and sophistication to any space. Restoration Hardware is a great place to go for high quality, moderately-priced crystal lamps and I like this Palladian Urn table lamp in particular for its modern take on a classical shape. This is definitely not your grandmother's crystal.

4. Allison Lamp from High Fashion Home ($549). HFH is a huge four-story home store here in Houston and only minutes from my house. It features a great collection of furniture and accessories and their lighting in particular is a lot of fun to browse. The Allison lamp is absolutely stunning in person -- the smoky greige glass base and silk shade are inject a huge dose of glamour into any room. Perfect for a living room or sultry master bedroom.

5. Geometric Lamp Base + Ribbon Shade from PB Teen ($19.99 and $35, respectively). I love PB Teen and Pottery Barn Kids for fun lighting and rugs that work equally well in an adult space as they do in a child's. The shapes of these lamps are dead-ringers for Jonathan Adler lamps, but at a fraction of the cost. I'd snap these babies up quickly before they're gone.

6. Kate Table Lamp from Circa Lighting ($336). But for Dave's moratorium on home purchases until we get into the new house, I'd be at the Circa Lighting store here in Houston in a heartbeat buying a pair of these for the new dining room. Ah well, you can bet I'll be there later this month when the house is done doing some serious damage with my Discover card.

7. Globe Lamp from West Elm ($228). What I love about this lamp is its incredible scale -- one of these babies stands over four feet high! Conventional wisdom is that a lamp shade should be no taller than the height of the base and yet somehow, this really works for me (perhaps it's the contrast between the cylindrical shade with the squat, rounded base). One of these on either side of a bed or sofa would make such a statement.

8. Cameo Lamp in Gray and Yellow from Burke Decor ($220). Burke Decor is another great online lighting source, especially if you're looking for something very modern and/or very unique. Cameo lamps have long been a popular lamp-style and I love how this one is updated in a very "of the moment" yellow and gray. A pair of these in your living room would definitely add a certain je ne sais quoi.

9. Retro Lamp in Brushed Nickel from Pillows and Throws ($250). A great MCM-style option, but updated in brushed nickel in lieu of brass. Of course, if you're looking for the real deal, eBay has tons of great original teak-and-metal (or teak-and-porcelain) options.

10. Perch Frida Desk Lamp from Velocity Art & Design ($300). For some reason, this goofy lamp makes me smile (and it comes in an array of colors besides mustard) and would be a nice way to incorporate color into a neutral space. With its burlap shade and beaker-shape, its also got a homemade quality that I sometimes find appealing.

Don't forget that the competition to win one of my favorite three design books is currently going on. To enter, simply leave a comment to this post filling us in on your favorite lamp(s). For more information on prizes and rules, click on over HERE.

Optimum Optimorum 1: Dining Chairs

As I mentioned yesterday, Optimum Optimorum is a Latin phrase meaning "the best of the best" and I thought that, while I was away on vacation, I'd bring you some tightly edited selections of the best of the best in home decor. Today, we'll kick things off with dining room chairs.

My obsession with finding "the perfect" dining chairs for my new house continues unabated and I've spent entirely too much time scouring the web for my favorites. In this roundup, I've tried to highlight an array of styles, from traditional and transitional to mid century modern and just plain modern. And, while some of these are certainly more aspirational than attainable, I've also highlighted several moderately priced options for the budget-conscious (i.e., 98% of us). If you find yourself in lust with a more expensive chair, you can always just purchase a statement-making pair for the ends of your table -- or use one or two as desk chairs or extra seating in the living room. After all, there's almost always room for just one or two more chairs.

From top left:

1. Beau Hall Chair from Baker Studio: Baker Studio is a more contemporary and casual line of furnishings from the big name furniture maker. I love this chair for its modern and sleek interpretation of classic Chinoiserie. This chair would play well with a more traditional space, adding a great jolt of color and sleekness. I see a pair of these on either side of an amazing Chinoiserie-style buffet or console table in an entryway or dining room. This chair is also available in a mid tone wood and black lacquer, but I love the red lacquer (shown here) best.

2. Spindle Chair from CB2 ($79.99): Classic shaker-style chairs will never go out of style and I love this interpretation from CB2 both for its price and for its sleek white finish. These would add a great dose of traditional style in a modern kitchen. Since they're made of solid rubberwood, these are also a sturdy, eco-friendly option.

3. Chippendale Chair from Jonathan Adler ($550 as shown): Of course, Jonathan Adler wasn't the first to invent the Chippendale chair (that'd be Thomas Chippendale), but I love Adler's interpretation of the classic design in lime green. Since there are plenty of lookalike options that can be found at your local antique store or eBay, I'd do some serious digging to find a less expensive set, which can always be repainted to the color of your choice. I just ran a search for "faux bamboo chairs" in eBay and came up with several amazing options for way less money. Of course, going the vintage route may mean you won't be able to find a complete set (rarely can you get more than 2 or 4 of any given chair at once), but you can always mix several styles together and then have them all painted and upholstered to match/coordinate.

4. Alexandra Side Chair from Hickory Chair ($840): I'm a sucker for a quatrefoil and I love how this chair is at once graphic and feminine. The detail work in this piece is also amazing -- note the quatrefoil detailing on the front of the chair legs. As with all products from Hickory Chair, this chair is completely customizable, from the fabric to the finish. You can even select contrasting welts or different fabrics for the seat and back. If I had the luxury of my own dressing room/vanity area, I'd put at least one of these in there upholstered in raw silk. Since I don't though, I think a pair of these upholstered in a navy velvet would be the perfect accent chairs for a small sitting area in my new bedroom.

5. Overlapping Squares Side Chair from West Elm ($169 or $329 for two): The overlapping squares chairs are instantly recognizable and wildly popular -- and rightly so, in my opinion. A modern take on Asian design, these West Elm chairs are rapidly becoming a modern -- and affordable -- classic. Each season West Elm puts out the chocolate and white versions as well as seasonal colors (like cinnabar or green). To keep your dining room from looking like a West Elm showroom though, I'd add some custom seat cushions in a fun pattern and would avoid pairing these with a West Elm table.

6. Juliana Armchair from DWR ($650): To be honest, I think MCM is getting a bit overplayed at the moment, so, despite my love of Saarinen's tulip chair, I've intentionally stayed away from several MCM classics in this list. However, I have to make an exception for this chair. Its simplicity belies its brilliant design and I love how fluidly the legs become the back which becomes the arms (which flow back into the legs). Simply stunning. I'd like to see these paired with a smoke glass-topped table, like this one from Williams-Sonoma Home.

7. Napoleon Side Chair from Pottery Barn ($199): Like the Overlapping-Squares chair from West Elm, this chair from Pottery Barn is ubiquitous, but its range of finish options and solid construction make it a good choice for those who are looking for transitional style at a reasonable price. To keep things interesting, I'd upholster the seat cushion in a fun fabric (like the zebra-print shown in the chair above). If you're looking for a more traditional chair-style, Pottery Barn's take on the classic Queen Anne ($249) is also a good choice.

8. Folio Chair from Crate&Barrel ($249): Crate&Barrel's folio chair is a riff on modern Italian design, but at a far more affordable price point. I've sat in these on multiple occasions and I can vouch for their comfort. C&B has also done a great job in offering the style in a range of color choices. Right now, I'm all for the cool gray.

9. Ava's Chair from Calico Corners ($799 plus cost of fabric): Last, but certainly not least, is Ava's Chair from Calico Corners. Since I included it in my wish list mood board for my new dining room a few weeks ago, y'all know already how much I love this one. Sure it's insanely expensive, but it's sure statement maker. And, with 25 wood finishes to choose from and hundreds (if not thousands) of fabric options, it's sure to fit in with any decor.

Don't forget that the competition to win one of my favorite three design books is currently going on. To enter, simply leave a comment to this post filling us in on your favorite dining chair(s). For more information on prizes and rules, click on over HERE.

Bunny Williams and Beeline Home

Interior designer Bunny Williams is perhaps the most famous of the "society decorators" still in business today. Her clients are the true "blue bloods" (the likes of whom I didn't believe still existed until I went away to college in Connecticut): the folks who inherited their fortunes rather than those who made them in reality TV or in Hollywood. Williams' style is evocative of Parish-Hadley (where she spent her early years) and Dorothy Draper. Williams' style is (mostly) traditional and a very, very expensive mix of antiques and custom pieces. In fact, when I think of Bunny I think of cashmere curtains, in-laid marble floors, priceless antiques, and hand painted wallpaper.

While I acknowledge that Williams' style is purely aspirational for 99.5% of us and that this post may be a trip down fantasy-lane, I'd argue that, in the words of Ms. Williams' herself, "If you look at the best it helps you buy better".

Bunny's online portfolio is subdivided by room, and her entryways were far and away my favorite shots -- perhaps because so many featured absolutely jaw-dropping staircases like the ones shown in the two shots I've included here. Of course, I'm not entirely sure if these stairs were designed by Bunny herself or by an architect, but either way, the wrought-iron work here is gorgeous and understated. The gorgeous marble and stone work on the floors are also stunning. For me at least, the hallmark of a luxury home is a large, gorgeous entryway. Entryways set the stage for the rest of your home -- and a large, grand house needs a similarly large, grand entryway to welcome the visitor into it. Beyond that, giant entryways have a way of publicly announcing the owners' lack of concern for economy. After all, these large two-story foyers are huge "space eaters", especially in areas where square footage comes at a huge premium like New York City.

While the fabric choices in this room are a bit too stodgy for my tastes, I absolutely love the color of this dining room. I think green is a rather unexpected choice for such a formal space and it really does seem to make it more approachable. After all, don't you usually associate green with the more casual spaces in your home like the kitchen or a sunroom?

This living room is one of my absolute favorites (and not just for the neoclassical reliefs, though those are pretty fantastic). While I'm sure this room costs more than my house, it still manages to convey a cozy, lived-in warmth that is a hallmark of Williams' style. I can just imagine flopping down on that sofa to read a book or watch TV. Speaking of, did you notice the TV inside the built-in cabinet on the far right of the picture? It's good to know that even high end designers like Williams acknowledge (and design around) modern necessities when designing a space.

If only I could have a huge veranda like this one. During Houston's milder fall and winter months, I'm sure I'd spend the majority of my free time outside, lounging on similarly cushy couches. My absolutely favorite detail here is how the shape of the cushions mirrors the shape of the wrought-iron backs. It's details like these that make me start to think the (presumably) exorbitant price tag might be worth it.

Admittedly, I'm not a huge fan of most of Bunny's bedrooms, which tend towards too much fabric (huge curtains, coordinating canopies or half-canopies, etc.) and too much matching pattern. Sure, the above picture features walls upholstered in the same fabric as the curtains, but the quietly elegant bed linens and simple white floors really help calm the visual noise and the overall effect is very pleasant. I also love how beautifully the vintage settee finishes the room.

I love this room and the room below primarily for their spectacular wood ceilings. Despite their granduer, both rooms are dressed down a bit with more relaxed furniture and fabric choices (like plaid). The use of modern art in both rooms is also brilliant as the modern touches create very smart counterpoints to the traditional surroundings. Despite their grandeur, these rooms do actually look lived in to me.

Perhaps in an effort to reach a wider audience, Bunny Williams has just put out a new, tightly edited line of home furnishings called Beeline Home. While all the pieces are expensive (think over $2000 for a dining chair and $8000 for a sofa), they're nothing compared to what it would cost you to hire Bunny Williams (or her staff), since her clients' budgets for decorating are often well into the seven figures. [By the way, thanks are in order to Cristin at Simplified Bee for cluing me in to this new line.]

My absolute favorite piece from Bunny's line is the olive cotton velvet couch with nail head trim. Unfortunately, at just under $10,000, I'll have to make do with dreaming about it. What about you? What's your favorite? Also, do you think there is anything to be learned from a high-end decorator like Bunny or is she (and her ilk) only good for a little midday fantasizing?