The Breakdown of Fabrics

We love incorporating different types of fabrics into our designs, so today we met with Lauren from our design team to learn a little bit about our favorite fabrics! Lauren reminded us that it is so important to consider durability and clean-ability before deciding on a fabric for your space. These are major factors on whether or not your furniture will last! She told us about some of the best fabrics that she uses when she's designing.

Crypton

You may have seen crypton before in hospital waiting rooms - that rough, kind of ugly fabric covering the chairs. Well, now crypton is being repurposed and used in homes! It is now soft, in beautiful neutrals, and has great patterns. We love using this for furniture because it's hydrophobic, so it completely repels moisture! (Seriously, you can spill a Diet Coke on it and it won't stain - or even get wet!)

Polyester

This isn't the polyester of your grandma's bell bottoms. This stuff is perfect for furniture! We love using this synthetic fabric for its durability. Because it is man-made, it doesn't break down like the natural fibers in linens and cotton do. Polyester also comes in a lot of different styles, like velvets, linen look-alikes, tons of colors, and lots of patterns.

Leather & Hides

As Jessica, our design principal says, with leather, we make sure to get some skin in the game! We love leather for its beautiful texture and durability, not to mention how easy it is to clean.

Furs & Hides

We love furs and hides for smaller pieces, like pillows and rugs! They add a lot of interest and new dimension to spaces because of their wonderful textures.

And last but not least, Cottons & Linens

We love cottons and linens...but only for smaller pieces! Because they are all natural, they will break down more easily, so they are great for bedding, pillows, and pretty things, but not so much for furniture.

So remember, next time you're trying to choose the perfect fabric make sure you keep in mind its durability and clean-ability. That way you'll get amazing pieces that will last and you won't have to replace every time something spills!

Pin of the Week: Springtime Greenery

This spring we are so excited to use Greenery—the Pantone Color of the Year—as some of our inspiration! We loved bringing the color in naturally with some pretty plants to brighten up the kitchen. How yummy does this counter space look with a touch of green? We're obsessed!

Springtime Bow Tie Pasta Recipe

Forget scalloped potatoes and corn pudding, this pasta recipe will take your Easter brunch — or a simple spring Saturday — to a whole new level.

Serves 5 - 7 

1 lb. bowtie pasta

1 cup chopped fresh basil

1/2 cup shredded parmesan cheese

1/2 cup roasted pinenuts

1 bag mixed greens and arugula

1 container grape tomatoes (cut in half)

1 cup yellow pear tomatoes (cut in half)

Red pepper flakes, to taste

Sauce

1/3 cup red wine vinegar

2 tablespoons sugar

1 teaspoon pepper

1 teaspoon salt

1 tablespoon dijon mustard

1 garlic clove

3/4 cup olive oil

Mix the sauce in a blender and pour over the pasta. Chill for one hour before serving.

And don't forget: shop the dishware featured here in our Spring Collection today! 

Spring 2017 Collection!

We are so excited to announce the launch of our Spring 2017 Collection! We think you'll really love what we have to show you. We drew inspiration from so many places, but here are just a few of the ideas we loved.

We fell in love with the bright contrasts and muted pastels  from this Tsumori Chisato image.

We couldn't help but become O-B-S-E-S-S-E-D with this bright—and sexy— Céline chartreuse!

We knew embracing fun textures was the only way to go.

And we decided to bring in lots of mid-century silhouettes and design ideas!

Now we know you're curious to see how Jess Bennett incorporated all these ideas into her home. Here are a few of the highlights.

For the front porch, Jessica made sure to include plenty of pretty Greenery and neutral colors to keep things looking natural.

In the entry way, she used plenty of the pastel colors you saw from our inspiration ideas! We love the pinks and the natural wood tones. The table echoes some of the mid-century silhouettes you saw above.

In the kitchen, she made sure to keep things bright and beautiful with lots of natural, contrasting colors.

With plenty of light in the space—and lots of fun textures—we think the kitchen is a delight!

Spring is such a happy and rejuvenating time, especially for decorating your home. We are so excited to bring the items you see in our photos to our store and online shop!

Happy spring shopping, everyone!

Legendary Designers

If you haven't seen yet, our design principal Jessica Bennett was featured in the most recent issue of Western Art and Architecture! You can see our post about it on Instagram here. She talks about the beginnings of her career and some of the designers who have inspired her the most. As a master mixer of design styles herself, it's no wonder Jessica talked about designers like Thomas O'Brien and Kelly Wearstler!

Design by Aero Studios.

Thomas O'Brien, principal of Aero Studios, has a very traveled look. He is an expert at blending traditional and modern styles! His work is timeless.

Design by Aero Studios.

He mainly pairs creamy neutral colors with darker woods - curating the perfect balance. He creates spaces that are inviting and comfortable, but oh-so stylish! We just love how classic his looks are.

Design by Kelly Wearstler.

Kelly Wearstler's designs are bold and unapologetic. Her spaces are so energetic and upbeat. Her work is full of color and soul. We are definitely crushing on her style!

Design by Kelly Wearstler.

She can take furniture from different periods and blend them together in the same room. She can blend any design styles together and make them look good. Talk about talent!

Design by Jean-Louis Deniot.

We also draw inspiration from Jean-Louis Deniot! His clean designs are open and balanced, and the perfect mix of old and new.

Design by Jean-Louis Deniot.

We love his use subtle colors and tones, and that the lighting in his spaces is always impeccable! Not to mention his perfect placement of accessories. We love the details!

These are just a few of our favorite legendary designers. We hope they inspire you as much as they do us!

Featured Image by Aero Studios.

Runways to Rooms: Romantic Valentino

We love this romantic look in Valentino's spring collection. The pink is so dreamy, and we can't get over the subtle metallic hints in this dress! Here's how you can turn this look into the perfect bedroom!

Ingrid Bed

Julien Champagne Duvet

Shortwool Pillow

Gold Foil Pillow

Hampton Big Cream Pillow

Darlene End Table

Anderson Lamp

Dynasty Leaves & Blossom Ginger Jar (For a little splash of blue!)

Blush Emergence Art

And tie the room all together with the Constellation Vintage Rug!

Runways to Rooms: Dior Drama

Sometimes it's fun to play with a minimal amount of colors, like Christian Dior. This dramatic navy and black look will work perfectly your living room! Here's how we styled it.

We took our Janelle Sofa . . .

and paired it with the Haven Rug . . .

the Navy Stud Pillow . . .

the Gradient Stitch Pillow . . .

and the Ibiza Pillow.

We used the Oxford Coffee Table (because no living room is complete without a coffee table!) . . .

and added the Antwerp Floor Lamp for some light.

And last but not least, we used the fabulous Large Cutting Edge Mirror!

You can find all of these pieces in our Online Store!

Pin of the Week: Inspiring Home Offices

Haven't you heard that offices can be functional and beautiful? Then why not have one in your home! We love the natural light that streams into the space. It's so beautiful and bright! The clean lines of the woodwork and hardware make the space feel organized while the cabinetry actually keeps it that way! It's just what you need in an office. What a perfect place to get inspired and get to work!

Pin on our Home Office Board

3 Trends We Hope Make a Comeback!

Today we talked with one of our amazing designers, Kristina, about some of the trends she hopes make a big comeback this year. We're super excited to tell you all about them!

The 90s

Kristina said she has been seeing hints of the 90s everywhere. But don't worry, it's not the 90s you remember from when you were a kid! This time around, there is a refreshing and modern twist that we love, especially in the colors. We're seeing lots of pinks, pastels, bold colors, and even silver!

We're obsessed with the pale pinks and pastel blues in this room.

Design by Jean-Louis Deniot via Instagram

Check out the use of a bold blue and silver! (But don't worry, gold lovers! Gold isn't going anywhere soon. We're hoping for more use of gold and silver together!)

Design by Alice Lane

Mid-Century Silhouettes

The next concept we're hoping to see is an increase in mid-century silhouettes. Mid-century furniture so modern and sophisticated, but it never loses its class! It can fit into any room, any design, any time. We're wanting to add more of it to the timeless looks we love creating.

Check out the iconic Womb Chair. It fits perfectly in the timeless feel of this bedroom!

Design by Vicente Wolf

We loved using this sleek swivel recliner!

Design by Alice Lane

The Ocean

Last but not least, we talked about bringing back the ocean. Remember when it used to be all the rage to glue little shells onto picture frames to bring the beach inside your home? Well, now we have a little bit classier option!

We love coastal-inspired design and the organic feel it can bring into a space. We can use blues, earthy colors, and even pieces of coral (but not glued to anything!) to bring in the ocean-feel we're really going for.

We love the use of shells and coral surrounding this bath, and that the wall sconces match the feel of the coral!

Design found at Architectural Digest

Cross you fingers and keep your eye out for these awesome trends to make a comeback!

Featured image design by Tori McBrien

Runways to Rooms: Rosie Assoulin Dining Room

We love all of Rosie Assoulin's looks for this spring, especially this sunny yellow ensemble. Here's how you can brighten up your dining area using this outfit as your inspo!

Monroe Dining Table

Brattle Road Side Chairs

Pompom Runner

Dauville Platters

Dauville Gold Coasters

Lorrain Blush Rug

Sorbet Hued Floral Orb Painting

And for the final dash of red, the Red Geordi Sculpture for the table!

Pin of the Week: It's All in the Details

Something that really sets great design apart is attention to the little things. We love this ceiling and how the light fixture echoes the little golden stars all across the ceiling. It would have been so easy to leave the ceiling white...or to put a regular old light fixture against that wallpaper. But putting them together adds something so special to the space! Great design is all in the details! For more detail inspo, check out our Details & Styling Board on Pinterest.

Runways to Rooms: Luxurious Chanel

We're drooling over the newest looks from Chanel's spring 2017 collection! Check out how you can have this white look in your home.

Park Avenue Bed

Rayden Duvet Cover

Now fill that bed with the yummiest pillows and throws you can find!

Ivory Velvet Pillow

White Fur Pillow

Sequin Hair-On-Hide Pillow

Kora Pillow

Iced Mink Throw

Mongolian Lamb Rug

Finish your room off with the fluffiest rug you can find for a super luxurious Chanel-inspired bedroom!

Pin of the Week: Modern and Natural Kitchen

This beautiful kitchen perfectly blends modern and natural aesthetics. With wood flooring on an angle, custom stainless steel appliances and a fantastic mix of natural materials, this space caters to everyone's idea of the perfect kitchen! For more kitchen inspo, check out our Kitchens board on Pinterest!

Runways to Rooms: Thakoon's Book Nook

This week we are turning one of Thakoon Panichgul's spring designs into a reading corner. Here's what we chose from our store!

Fenton Bookcase.

Sirena Chair.

Ariana Side Table.

Ceramic Table Lamp.

Elixir Rug.

Amore Dipdye Pillow.

Troy Throw.

Tollmache Lidded Jars.

The only thing missing from this ultra cozy set up are your books!

(See more about Thakoon Panichgul's spring designs here.)

Pin of the Week: Shoe Obsessions

Raise your hand if you have a healthy obsession with shoes. (We're raising our hands, too, don't worry!) We are loving how Cara Loren's closet is styled—with PLENTY of room for shoes! The other features in this room, like the hair on hide ottoman and the statuesque lamp, make this space oh-so-classy and inviting.

Now raise your hand if you want this perfect shoe haven closet in your home. (We're raising our hands, too.)

Pin on our Closets board. Design by Alice Lane.

Runways to Rooms: A Valentino Valentine's

Don't you think this outfit serves as incredible inspiration for Valentine's gifts? (Hint, hint.) We think so, too! And all these items are available in the online store.

Serve up a romantic dinner on these Brush Stroke Plates.

Maybe you can even serve a divine dessert from the Chocolate book? (Because is it really Valentine's if there isn't any chocolate?)

Show your love with the Cartier Heart Strings wall hanging.

Set the mood with the Crisp Champagne Candle.

Treat yourself to Harper's Bazaar Greatest Hits and enjoy hours of fun reads.

And don't forget to spend some snuggly time with the luxurious Sable Throw.

For more Valentine's gift inspo, check out all of our Valentine's Gifts!

Caring for Your Bed Sheets

We've spoken on the subject of caring for your bed sheets before, but it's been awhile and with The White Sale going on we thought we'd do a quick refresher! First off, if you want your sheets to last longer and maintain their comfort, it's important you buy good quality sheets to begin with. Don't be fooled by fancy sheet jargon such as "Egyptian Cotton" and "Thread Count" and assume you're getting a high quality product. If the deal sounds too good to be true, it probably is.

However, you also shouldn't be led to believe that you have to pay an arm and a leg for true comfort. We've done our fair share of research and testing and while we won't bore you with the details of that today, we encourage you to check out our post on "Our Favorite Bed Sheets" here.

Once you've found the perfect sheet set, it's important you properly care for them to not only maintain their comfort, but to make sure you really get your money's worth out of them!

Of course, the manufacturer's care instructions are a good place to start, but we've found that these few tips almost always fall in line:

1. Wash your sheets separately - Never wash your sheets with other laundry, especially with things that contain polyester or have abrasive materials like zippers that can damage the fabric.

2. Don't overload your washing machine - This will cause the fibers to break down from excessive agitation. Your sheets should be able to easily move about in your washer.

3. Wash in warm water - Avoid washing your sheets in hot water as this will only cause your sheets to shrink (especially if you have linen sheets). Choose a cycle that uses warm water to wash and a cold water rinse.

4. Only use mild detergents - It's best to use a mild liquid detergent (like Woollite or The Laundress), and unless your sheets are very soiled, use only half the recommended amount of detergent.

5. Avoid bleaches and other whiteners - Bleaches and other whiteners will only break down the fibers in your sheets and, believe it or not, cause them to turn yellow.

6. Air dry or tumble dry on low heat - If you have the patience for it, line drying your sheets is best. Otherwise, tumble dry on a low heat setting until slightly damp.

7. Do not over-dry - Remove your sheets promptly from dryer while slightly damp to minimize wrinkles and avoid shrinkage.

8. Smooth or iron out wrinkles - Most cotton or linen sheets can be pressed with an iron at a high temperature setting if desired. Otherwise, lay slightly damp sheets on your bed and smooth out any wrinkles.

Currently all of our sheets are 20% off during The White Sale! If you have questions on what sheets are best for you, any one of our stylists can point you in the right direction. You can even do a little testing for yourself while you're here!

Hurry in because the sale ends Saturday!

Runways to Rooms: Proud Prada

The patterns in Prada's spring look are perfect for your home! Watch how we turn it into the perfect living room.

Janelle Sofa

Longwool Pillow

Triangle Trail Pillow

Hobson Cocktail Table

Longevity Heaven Jar

And the Light Studies Art Piece for a little pop of red.

Living the Hygge Life

Are the cold winter months getting you down? We've got the remedy to the winter blues: making a hygge home! Hygge (pronounced hue-gah) is a Danish word that means finding genuine joy in making the ordinary things in life beautiful. In design lingo, it's all about turning your home into a personal cozy haven.

There's no one word in English to describe hygge, but here are a few that get close: coziness, contentedness, comfort, and simplicity. How perfect does that sound on a rainy or snowy day?

Here are some examples of hygge items for your home that you can find in our online store!

Fight the cold when you get up in the mornings and keep your toes warm with this extra soft Mongolian Lamb Rug. Maybe it will make waking up a little easier, even if that Alpaca Throw Blanket wants you to stay in bed!

This deliciously soft Sable Throw by Alice Lane will turn any living room or bedroom into the coziest place in your home.

The Hampton Cream Big Pillows are a perfect way to make your bed more comfortable than you've ever imagined. You'll never want to leave.

The Morris Lantern by Alice Lane will add the perfect amount of light and warmth to any room. It's the perfect remedy for the drab gray outside.

The Bourbon Vanille Candle from Alice Lane will make your house smell so yummy and throw in a pretty little sparkle.

Remember, there are so many ways to live the hygge life. Do whatever makes you feel cozy, and your home will become the perfect place to hide out from the cold!