TABLE TALK

Southampton tablescape

Give me a big coffee table; the bigger the better. No diminutive or delicate little table me.  I love a table that's substantial, with the weight and presence to anchor a room in style and large enough to house my favorite books and trip mementos. For many, styling a coffee table can be a daunting task, but there's a simple formula that can help you get started:

Interesting Books+ Colorful Flowers + Decorative Objects= Beautiful and Inspiring Tablescape!

In Southampton I found a linen covered  Springer style table at Homenature in town. The glass top and delicate linen finish lighten up the table's form and leaves me considerable room to display some favorite objects; a collection of seashells from a trip to the Caribbean and an antique looking glass from London's Portobello Road. A delicate yellow orchid gives the table height and color.

 New York tablescape

In the city, my coffee table is a weighty Ralph Lauren Chinoiserie inspired table in a deep mahogany finish. The coffee table serves as a central meeting place for the family; great for eating a meal of take- out Thai and home to an expanding collection of favorite design books. A lucky stone Buddah sculpture and giant shell from a trip to Santorini bring interest and character to the dark table and a casual vase of tulips is a welcome splash of color.

Now you've had a chance to see my tables, so tell me, what do you like to put on your coffee table?

LA PLAGE

Ralph Lauren's new home collection La Plage, is inspired by the casual, chic summer entertaining style found on France's seaside villages. As only Lauren can do, the collection artfully combines tranquil sea blues, preppy nautical stripes and French country floral prints with rustic rattan- styled just so, the combination is a fresh and welcome touch after a much too long winter.  My favorite piece of the collection is the Breen Wine Caddy, a clever rattan and wire wine and glass holder that can also be used as a tray when the interior wine caddy is removed- the perfect piece for entertaining. After I lingering over the beautifully stylized vignettes,  I ran a quick check on my frequent flyer points. Alas, I'm still a few points shy for that ticket on Air France. Quel dommage!

 

 

all images courtesy Ralph Lauren

PRETTY AS A PICTURE-RALPH LAUREN FRAMES

Gardiner Chainlink frame from Ralph Lauren

On a recent visit to the Ralph Lauren emporium, housed in the old Rhinelander Mansion, Christmas was in full swing. Bing Crosby crooned holiday ballads and the woodsy scent from the signature  Holiday candle collection infused the air.  I strolled past the beautiful round mahogany table in the entry hall groaning from the weight of a large blue and white jardiniere filled with fresh holly and red roses. Scattered photos of models and their pedigred pups were perched in their stylish silver picture frames. A preppy, chic, Christmas was in full swing and I was in heaven!  I padded my way on the threadbare old Persian carpets to the fourth floor, home to linens, china and silver and always a great place for stylish gifts and inspiration.

The rooms tall black etageres and bedside tables were lined with Italian leather boxes and beautiful silver frames.  I don't think there is anything lovelier than a beautiful collection of curated family photos in gleaming silver frames. I was immediately drawn to the Gardiner Chainlink frame, a square frame with a delicate heirloom bracelet surround.  But there so many beautiful frames to choose from, and all on sale.  I'm hummed  a few bars of White Christmas with Bing and went shopping!

Chapman crocodile embossed frame

Barset wood and silver frame

Lauren Equestrian Braid Frame

Austen Horsebit Corner frame 

DESIGN 911 FOR SMALL BATHROOMS

Guest bathrooms can sometimes be a design challenge--tight spaces, windowless rooms and odd shapes are just some of the obstacles you may face.  If you look at the space as a creative opportunity you can create a unique, beautiful room by using color and texture to bring personality to to the room.

I recently worked with beautiful alabaster wallpaper squares for a guest bathroom in a townhouse in Manhattan.  The shimmering panels caught the light of the antique light fixtures and gave the windowless room a glamorous feeling. These alabaster chevron patterned tiles are from Maya Romanoff.

I would really like to work with  Schumacher's Nest Collection wallpaper.  Crafted entirely by hand of natural feathers, these wallpapers bring the beauty of nature into your home. The Peacock wallpaper is a statement making exotic blue--gorgeous in a small bathroom. Caumsett in sable shimmers in tones of gold and brown.

For a warm, luxurious, clubby feeling, Ralph Lauren has a beautiful collection of faux leather and exotic skins.  I particularly like the Yacare Crocodile in red and the Ostrich in dark camel.