STYLEBEAT

15 MEMORIAL DAY MUST-HAVES

2013-05-24T07:30:00.000-04:00

It seems as though the weather on the East Coast will not be cooperating this weekend, so kicking off summer may mean less beach, more movie-going. You can still be prepared for the sun's arrival with beachy basics that have you covered all season long.
From picnics in the park to sunsets in the sand, here are some summery designs you will want close at hand.

Serena and Lily just launched the most amazing Shop at the Beach in Wainscott, LI where I spotted this heavenly perch. Spend lazy days swinging away in their woven Double Hanging Rattan Chair. Throw some of their festive printed pillows into the mix, a cool lemonade and a good book, and you are all set.

Photo courtesy of Crate and Barrel
A summer classic, the Adirondack Chair gets a modern spin with Crate and Barrel's Vista Chair. Strong lines give their teak version an entirely new look.

Photo courtesy of C. Wonder

Carry meals to and fro the garden or set up bar on this Melamine Cane Tray from C. Wonder in a classic navy and white color combo.

Photo courtesy of West Elm

Inventive and festive patterns can transform melamine plates into another realm. Fun plastic plates should never be boring, as with West Elm's cheery Mexican-inspired Bright Shapes design, available in pink, yellow and orange salad and dinner sized versions.

Iced tea and lemonade quench thirst better when consumed from a chic glass, in this case, C. Wonder's Cane Tumbler Plastic Glass.

Photo courtesy of World Market

Could this flatware be any chicer? Dipped-handle enamel and stainless steel flatware from World Market is picnic ready and a major steal. The great color adds punch to a summer table.

Photo courtesy of Pomegranate
The new coral and shell Lyford print in aqua from Pomegranate is one of my favorites. The two color hand-blocked pattern is casual and breezy.

Photo courtesy of Terrain

Have a bottle opener handy at all times, you never know when the party will start. Terrain Just Hooked Fish bottle opener will ensure the ginger beer is flowing.

Photo courtesy of Target

Named after my favorite beach, Surfside, Nate Berkus's Target Collection Towel with an interlocking woven pattern in navy and white is chic and crisp.

Photo courtesy of Jonathan Adler

Pillows that look nice both outdoors and in are tricky to find. Jonathan Adler's Aegean Wave Pillow in cobalt with turquoise trim is a good summer find.

Photo courtesy of Matouk

Amazing graphic abstract patterns on plush beach towels from Matouk, now available through their website.

Photo courtesy of C. Wonder

Perfect your swing with C. Wonder's Paddle Set in lively stripes.

Photo courtesy of Turkish T

Stock up on soft cotton Turkish-T Fouta towels in the skinny Candy Stripe, they double as a beach towel, sarong and scarf.

Photo courtesy of Iomoi
Stash jewelry, shoes and small stuff in Iomoi's monogrammed canvas set of 3 Travel Bags. You will feel SO organized. Choose from a darling assortment of custom designs and motifs Irene has designed.

Photo courtesy of J. Crew

Pack beach balls and towels in a roomy tote, like this one designed by the talented graphic artist Virginia Johnson for J. Crew with friendly sharks swimming in a blue sea.

PERFECTLY CLEAR: SPECTACULAR VASES WORTH THE INVESTMENT

2013-05-23T07:30:00.000-04:00

Few things are as jaw droppingly-beautiful as the Wiener Werkstatte creations gathered in the shop at New York City's jewelbox of a museum, the Neue Gallery. I have long coveted the Moser cut crystal vases they have there; they are perfection. I noticed they recently expanded their vase assortment, so with the abundance of spring flowers, you have a reason to splurge.

Photos courtesy of the Neue Gallery

Smooth, softly curved lines in the Bell-Shaped Bohemian-made blown glass Vase Joseph Hofmann designed in 1915 look as fresh today as they did then. Simplicity goes a long way.

Moser crystal makes me swoon. The Hoffman-designed Facet-Cut Vase they produce is

shown in Rose and also comes in cobalt, pale emerald, and dark violet.

If height is what your after, the Hoffman-designed Facet Cut Vase with a splayed base is the answer. Felekşan Onar for Neue Galerie creates this mouth-blown glass piece exactly the way it was made way back when.

The emerald green orb of mouth-blown, hand-cut and polished glass by Feleksan Onar for Neue NOW was introduced last year and inspired by Josef Hoffmann

Choose from emerald or cobalt blue with the Hoffman Facet-Cut Glass Vase by Felekşan Onar for Neue Galerie design that was created by the Weiner Werskstatte master in 1910.

AERIN ARRIVES AT LEE JOFA: PRETTY LUXE

2013-05-21T07:30:00.000-04:00

Photos courtesy of Aerin

Recently named one of Fast Company's 100 Most Creative People in Business, Aerin Lauder is poised to make the spheres of beauty, fashion and home more stylish with her lifestyle collection launches. When I first heard over a year ago that Aerin was designing fabrics with Lee Jofa for her new Aerin lifestyle collection, I imagined the influences, her elegant grandmother Estee and her high style way of living, her travels, but had no inkling what direction it might take. The one thing I did know is that is she was partnering with Lee Jofa, it was going to be imaginative, pretty, and beautifully executed. I was right on all counts, for the selection of velvets, prints, embroidery, wovens and textures is lush and luxe, and offers designs that easily integrate into traditional spaces or add something sumptuous to modern one's. Taking design classics, like the Tree of Life, an Indienne a batik and cut velvet, she has put her signature stamp on them, reinterpreting and recoloring the fabrics in uniquely fresh ways. The fabrics complement furniture she recently debuted at High Point with EJ Victor, lighting with Visual Comfort and rugs also from Lee Jofa. Here is a peek at the collection shown at Aerin headquarters last week. Today, at Kravet's Blogfest 2013, she will share her design sensibility in-depth, and take the group of bloggers through the studio to see the soon to be classics of tomorrow.

The fabric story laid out to explore by color way.

Richly colored linen damasks sit beside an oversized cotton chevron print on one right side, an animal woven on the left.

Deep reds, rich blues, grass green and lilac in the damask linen.

My first look at Aerin's fabric came at the DIFFA dinner, where the linen damask in lilac made it's debut at the table she designed.

I loved seeing the damask print made casual by the addition of rattan and bamboo accents.

A rich chocolate colorway.

Blue is a signature color, making it's way into many of the patterns.

Birds and flowers add light, pretty elements to a neo Tree of Life and Indienne pattern.

A new take on batik in shades of blue and white is great for a casual Island feel.

Gray is a neutral in the Aerin line. Remember how brown was the big neutral a few year's back? Gray is now its replacement.

A classic climbing vine on the Tree of Life pattern is reinterpreted in a simple, less-detailed revival. It's more modern in this incarnation.

Robust, juicy colors make this version a favorite. An ode to Joseph Frank.

Rich cut velvet in geometric squares.

The chevron goes Italian in a stried cut velvet.

The green tones are unusual and interesting, and the strie allows for greater flexibility with shades of green.

The same applies for the red, you can match it, but it doesn't need to be an exact match.

MEET KATE SPADE SATURDAY: POP ART PLAY FOR A CHIC SATURDAY

2013-05-20T07:30:00.000-04:00

What does the weekend look like for you? For Kate Spade's new offshoot brand, Saturday, the anticipation of a day of leisure is channeled through a collection of graphic, linear, pragmatic designs with a Modernist Pop Art angle. Fun, strong well-design shapes make their impression in the casual lifestyle collection that combines women's clothing and accessories, travel basics, tabletop and soft goods. I can't help but notice the proliferation of on-trend black and white, it dominates their designs.

The line made it's debut in a Tokyo retail shop and is available in the US through Saturday. Because isn't the best day of the week deserving of it's own fresh finds?

Photos courtesy of Kate Spade Saturday
Wearable and snappy, the Zig Zag Everyday Shift is part of a range of clothing done in the Signature Zig Zag print that pervades the assortment.

I love a good slip on in the summer with a classic shift dress. These slides in the Windowpane Check are so easy breezy.

Wear fun on your wrist with the Jump Around Bracelet that looks like licorice candies all in a row.

Pillow Cover in Signature Zig Zag of cotton canvas peps up a sofa in seconds flat.

Pillow Cover in the Windowpane Check for the minimalist - minded.

It's time for the beach with the two-sided beach towel you won't miss on the sand.

For the table, mix pure white and ebony for visual impact. Napkins, plates and mugs keep the pattern play going.

Saturday Morning Mug, in the signature ZZ with a low profile and retro feel.

The Windowpane Check version is a bit more toned down.

Deco meets Pop Art in the Half Circle Stacking Mugs, one of the defining moments of the assortment.

Turn tea into a Modernist masterpiece with the Everyday Teapot of matte black and white stoneware.

Choose from tall or short clear glasses in a crisp Windowpane check.

A black rim and white center on the Full Circle Stacking Accent Plates make the case for eating your vegetables.

Stacking Bowls recall Vignelli's classic Heller plastic version created in 1964.

Keep your passport visible in your bag by encasing it in the Fantastic Elastic Passport Holder in the Signature ZZ pattern with yellow elastic closure.

Take to the friendly skies with a catchy striped neck rest and eye mask.

Get your game on and play.

Big Tic Tac Toe Set, great for gifting.

Pull this notebook out in a meeting and get nods of approval. The Slim Notebook with windowpane-ruled pages in Signature Zig Zag with yellow fabric edge is styling.

RUSTIC CHIC: BEST MADE COMPANY COMES TO TRIBECA

2013-05-17T07:30:00.000-04:00

Best Made, the last word in cool functional objects is opening a store in Tribeca, their first NYC retail setting. Rejoice, urban weekend warriors! Their signature metal and wood axe, designed with impeccable style and verve in 2009, introduced legions of loyalists to their clean designs that pair aesthetics with a nostalgic bent. They have a cult following for their solid, well-made heritage products with an old-school vibe. I cannot wait to take a field trip down to 36 White Street, where they are offering classes in things like Ax Restoration and Field Medicine. I am already channelling my rustic side to hit this shop for summer.

The well-stocked interior of the new Tribeca Made Goods HQ

The Axe, surrounded by other design basics stuff

The Fulton Street-made Annin American Flag

Designer printmaker Nick Zdon's Everything Here is Wonderful printed on a silk-screened US Map inspires road trips.

The Camp Chair fold flat for an insta-seat in the great outdoors

An enamel plate with a cheeky compass detail

Get games going in red, white and blue style with the best made darts I have ever seen. So sleek and chic.

I've shown their famous red wool blanket before, and love the old-school vibe of the Lumberland Camp Blanket with stripes and a solid ground. Made from wool with a bit of cotton by Pendleton, it comes with a handy leather carrying sling for easy transport for everything from star watching to baseball games.

BLOGGER COCOCOZY DESIGNS WITH THE GRAPHIC TOP OF MIND

2013-05-16T07:30:00.000-04:00

I have been meaning to cover Cococozy's ever-expanding collection of home accessories, so here it is. She started with pillows, and has jumped into window treatments, throws, candles and more. The LA blogger seems to be a miracle worker, launching initially with a product collection at The NY Gift Show, all while blogging and working full-time, but amazingly, remaining behind a veil of anonymity to (most) everyone. The latest addition of home products featured include an edited assortment of rugs with Capel, which made their debut at High Point Market. Her creative patterns, also available by the yard, are carried at an array of nice home shops around the country, as well as through her Cococozy website. Fun, easy to use prints, on-trend colors and breezy graphically-inclined patterns are her thingI don't know how she does it.

Chain Cotton Pillow

Circle Chevron Linen Pillow

Etoile Cotton Pillow

The Quatrefoil, the pattern that started it all

Maroc Etoile Cotton Pillow

Maroc without the embroidery detailing

Window panels work well where you want a quick fix and easy-to-design-with color palette

The Loop pattern in Light Blue

Cococozy plaid in Hunter Green

The Quatrefoil pattern looks great on a rug. The Apple and Ivory is great.

Coco's Flower made in India of 100% wool in a hand-knotted, Indo-Tibetan weave, in Light Blue and Ivory

A sharp version of the Fence rug in Navy

FABRIC FRENZY: SPRING MARKET AT THE D AND D BUILDING

2013-05-15T07:30:00.000-04:00

Some of the imaginative fabrics that caught my eye last market

Today I will be spending the majority of my time in the D and D Building, getting previews of new fabric collections. I always look forward to spring launches with giddy anticipation. Getting inspired by new patterns, color directions, unusual combinations and ways of making an impact through fabric, I take a deep dive into textiles. Stay tuned for newness, coming your way soon.

COLOR AND LIGHT: HUGO GRENVILLE'S PAINTING'S DELIGHT

2013-05-14T07:30:00.000-04:00

Grenville's work was included in Celerie Kemble's 2011 Kip's Bay Showhouse room. The colorful piece was placed over the fireplace creating a central focus for the art to be seen.

The arrival of spring in NYC brings tulips to Park Avenue, blossoms on branches that moments ago were bare, and a myriad of introductions-- be it gallery openings, new fabric collections, and product debuts. Season-specific color palettes will tempt everyone with the allure of re-doing a room or two, and with that comes the pull of what to hang on the walls. The British artist Hugo Grenville will help ease you into a new palette with his color-filled canvases flecked with swaths of gold. A series of new paintings have just arrived at the Wally Findlay Gallery at 124 East 57th Street as part of his new show, Harmonia. As a self-described colorist and romantic painter, influenced by the color and sensibility of Henri Matisse and his young post-impressionist contemporaries, Grenville captures a similar joyful spirit and pattern play. Women lounge in pretty pattern-filled interiors and flowers are never far from reach. If you get the chance to visit the show, your mood will brighten in an instant, regardless of the kind of day you are having. If you are shopping in the neighborhood, stop in for an uplift.

La Reve

42x42

Studio Interior, Morning Light, Girl Reading

24x30

Summertime: Studio Interior with Jug of Flowers

36x34

A Winter Promise

36x28

SLOW AND STEADY: TURTLE CROSSING

2013-05-13T07:30:00.000-04:00

With summer comes a slowing down. Longer days, warmer weather and vacation time on the horizon add up to a general change of pace. Switching gears is a good thing. Try to enjoy the fleeting days to come, and hopefully these turtles will aid in the promotion of a vacation state of mind.

Photo courtesy of Karen Robertson

Add interest to your wall with texturally interesting pieces like Karen Robertson's hand-painted Brown Hawksbill Turtle, made from a mold of the real thing.

Photo courtesy of Katie Ridder Wallpapers

When an interior designer with a flair for fabric and wallpaper design creates a new pattern that is this much fun, it is hard to resist sharing it. Known for her great sense of color and hand-drawn artistic designs, the new Katie Ridder Wallpaper pattern with a large sized sea turtle swimming is a transporting pattern. Here, a sneak peak of the soon to be released Sea Turtle Wallpaper in Blazer red, available through Holland and Sherry and Harbinger in LA. I hope an outdoor fabric in the pattern comes next, just think of the possibilities...

Photo courtesy of August Morgan

Politely remind guests to take it easy on the sauce with August Morgan's adorable (and well-priced) embroidered turtle napkins.

Photo courtesy of Barneys

Need a gift for the person who has everything? Chances are they do not already own an engraved silver pill box with a turtle on the top. Made in England by Ari D. Norman, you can track down this little gem at Barneys and gift to said partygiver above to hold their hangover helping Aleve stash.

Photo courtesy of Aerin

Every table can benefit from the addition of something whimsical. Adding this little stoneware glazed Turtle from Aerin to a dinner table or side table is a conversation starter.

Photo courtesy of Pottery Barn

Have a friend that is really into their bar and the stylish accessories it holds? Chances are their collection of bottle openers will be enhanced and enlivened by the addition of this rugged Turtle Bottle Opener at Pottery Barn.

Photo courtesy of Anthropologie

Covering a bit of ground at 20" in diameter, Anthropologie's blue and green glazed ceramic Sea Turtle Planter will make a statement in the garden amidst a sea of green.

LACQUER AND CLEAN LINES: WELCOME TO 2013 KIPS BAY BOYS AND GIRLS CLUB DECORATOR SHOWHOUSE

2013-05-10T07:30:00.000-04:00

Filling a 7,000 square foot Federal townhouse in the East 60's, this year's Kips Bay Decorator Showhouse is big on art, less so on color. There are a few colorful broad strokes, but for the most part, the majority of spaces pay homage to the neutral color palette. Where have all the printed and patterned wallpapers gone? Beige, greige, cream, gray and other soothing tones provide a backdrop to beautiful decorative details, shiny hardware, a mix of vintage and antique furniture and streamlined upholstery. Take a look at the rooms that stood out, designed by a crop of establishment, new guard and long distance decorators. Let me know what room you feel delights and inspires. That is, after all, the ultimate goal of showhouse spaces. The townhouse at 161 East 64th, is open now through June 4th Monday through Saturday 11am - 5pm Tuesday and Thursday evenings until 8pm Sunday Noon - 5pm (No entry 1/2 hour before closing).

Photo Trevor Tondro for NY Times
New York/Palm Beach- based Nievera Williams Design turned the outdoor space on the ground floor into a sanctuary, complete with cream colored walls, lanterns and manicured green boxwood poufs making an urban outdoor room.

Robert Brown, the Atlanta-based interior designer created a pretty little sitting room punctuated by touches of brown and gray.

Fabric- upholstered walls in a fabric that resembles skin added a textural backdrop.

Clean forms and luxe finishes are well-placed around the seating areas.

A moment featuring modern abstract art and a klismos chair.

Color is Andrew Suvalsky's bag. When I walked into this two-tone turquoise powder room, I was taken with the glowing luster the high gloss lacquer band on the walls.

A mod loungey foyer tied the turquoise into the space from the powder room. Vibrant blue cabinet doors and lamps added a sense of fun. The gold gleam of Odegard's lotus table balances the jewel tones from the red velvet sofa and pink and yellow pillows.

Ford Huniford has had a busy spring. He focused his talents and efforts on making April's Housing Work's Design on a Dime fundraiser a smash this year. Then, he turned his attention to creating this Kips Bay living room on the first floor. A custom high-backed mustard yellow sofa designed by Huniford dominates a long wall in the room.

Minimal shapes and maximal finishes make his room a triumph of luxury simplicity. I mean, how amazing is the vintage bone and brass coffee table from Mondo Cane? Exactly.

Majestic modern triple height glass windows frame the wall and bring tons of light into the space.

An enormous Pat Steir painting dominates the wall across from the sofa

Books play an important roll in a room, adding personality of the person who lives there. This is a nice way to display them with simple stacks.

Oh, this mirror! A Jansen octagonal mirror that has not been seen for years grabbed my attention.

Ever-inspired by her creative coterie of friends in the fashion and art worlds, designer Kristen McGinnis wowed. Her friend, the hot artist Elliot Hundley created a mixed media neon and wood chandelier to hang over the mid-century modern dining table. Walls buffed to a high gloss sheen were lacquered in the darkest shade of gray. A gold leaf paper from Romanoff glistens above, the perfect foil for the shiny surfaces below.

Black glass adds another glam shiny, solid surface.

It's all in the details. Matte gold flatware and subtle gold porcelain china paired with gold-flecked Nason and Moretti glassware.

Another view, picking up the 1930's Bruhns rug from Beauvais.

Two large Al Held paintings from 1966 ground the corners of the room.

A gleaming matte gold amoeba-like Wendell Castle bench sits between the chartreuse Claremont curtain panels through which you can see Huniford's space.

A killer black buffet that looks like it is exploding in the center is from a New Zeland artist.

Giant lacquer doors lead into the narrow room by Dineen Architecture and Design PC.

Their objet selection and placement made the space a cool mix.

I'm not the biggest fan of sheers, but these graphic, soft geometric panels made me a convert.

The most divine metal tree sculpture sits on a round table in Mariette Himes Gomez's cream sitting room.

Sexy and swank, Garcia Maldonado created a space for chillaxing. Walls covered in light suede and silk window treatments kept the feeling airy.

Maximalists rejoice, Jack Levy is in the house! Including the latest Fornasetti Blowfish wallpaper as a backdrop, detail enriched every surface.

Some of my favorite Swedish porcelain vases from dealer Berndt Goekler.

British LA-based designer and funny gal Kathryn M. Ireland designed a bedroom around her new French-inflected Scalamandre fabric collection. The Anglo Indian bed is just awesome. I get a headache thinking about that installation feat.

A mod world with touches of lilac as created by Sara Story. Black and white is a big color story right now, so I am glad someone went there. Playful and art-filled, the room's walls are papered in Bamboo, from her new paper line available through Holland and Sherry.

A series of 6 scribble paintings add this wonderful sense of humor.

The bathroom she tiled in strong black and white squares as an homage to the great Andree Putman who passed away this year. The Cubistic vanity base continued the purple theme.

Palm Beach-based designer Stephen Mooney designed a space his clients probably know and love. The lady's writing room. Gotta have a room of one's own.

Barbara Ostrom created a stunning display of architectural detail through beautiful millwork.

These books love these nooks.

More high shine surfaces on the recessed ceiling in Eve Robinson's polished family room. Soft gray hues and yes, more lilac. She uses striking pieces and lets them do the work in her spaces; they have good "flow" to them.

IF YOU ADORE ADLER: THE BROOKLYN WAREHOUSE SALE IS ON MAY 9-11th!

2013-05-09T07:30:00.000-04:00

It's on! Jonathan Adler's Warehouse Sale is here, bringing savings up to 70% on Jonathan Adler's furniture, lighting, pottery, home decor, dinnerware, and more...go crazy!

ENTER THE THRESHOLD AT TARGET: HOME AWAITS

2013-05-08T07:30:00.000-04:00

With the launch of their new Threshold Home Collection, Target steps up the design of their in-house brand. Last night, Target transformed a portion of New York City's Grand Central Station, building a real life two-floor dollhouse, complete with washer and dryer. Everything from classic interior design motifs to ikat and florals, their decorative accessory and furniture assortment is very now. Combining great price with design staying power, there is something to make everyone that needs a cheap and cheerful sprucing up happy. See for yourself, as I call out my favorites ahead. If it seems I go on and on, I do, so you get how good it really is.

Photos courtesy of Target
Starburst Mirror Set comes with 3 variations on the theme

The Round Captains Mirror with a hanging strap. I love the original version of this from BDDW. This is the steal of a deal.

A Pierced Metal Lantern with a handle for easy transport

Brass Cage Hurricane's resemble sleek bird cages. The large one has great presence.

Round Faux Coral that looks like the real thing

Give nautical accents their day with a handsome rope-handled light wood tray.

It's a dual functioning side table! The Hex Table with removable lid for storage earns its keep.

Gold and groovy, a modern take on a drinks table, the Iron Wire Table.

A large basket weave pattern and gold finish on a drum table. So chic.

Bright green goes the distance in a classic x-base drum table.

The Wave Accent Table of painted metal with a light as air geometric pattern.

Threshold Contrast Back Tan/White Diamond Pillow

White and Turquoise Knot Chevron Pillow

Threshold Cottage Pillow

Kitsune Pillow

Mixed colors and woven rows of pattern keep this Blue Multi Print Pillow unique

Loopy Floral Toss Pillow

Marble Toss Pillow

Knot Pillow

Outdoor Round Pouf Footstool in Green Ikat

Red Ikat Outdoor Pouf with red contrast trim

I love the contrast of accent trim on a Chinoiserie inspired lampshade silhouette, as with this Wax Paper Shade.

A skinny striped border and wide striped center on this citrus and white lampshade is pure cuteness.

Green, turquoise, pink and yellow ikat pattern make a lampshade merry.

Cream and Green Lampshade with linear trim diamond pattern

A clean bordered teal trim in this classic lampshade is a good bet to spruce up any lamp with color.

Honeycomb Lamp in white

A Fluted Column Lamp adds a classical element to a space, adding a sense of design history along the way.

Crackled Foil Lamp Base

Fretwork Border Window Panel

Farrah Floral Window Panel in a climbing Indienne floral

Shell print window panel

Carson 5 shelf bookscase on tailored leg

Gray Accent Table with curved apron

A White Two Tiered Accent Table has an octagonal detailed surface under glass and lower shelf to store aplenty.

The Cobalt blue on the Single Drawer Accent Table with a tapered mid-century modern leg brings this piece into the "buy this now" category.

If I had a summer house, this piece would be fast-tracked into the guest room as a bedside table. A modern x-base and clean design in the Accent Table with a drawer comes in a rustic Swedish gray finish.

Accent Stool with wood seat

X-back Carey Stool in white

A Rattan Hamper with a removable liner. Yes please.

I tend to prefer storage bins that have straight edges so they fit flush on shelves when placed in a row. The diamond weave pattern on the Palm Leaf Woven Basket adds a textural appeal.

KEEP A LOW PROFILE: COFFEE TABLES THAT CAUGHT MY ATTENTION AT 2013 SPRING HIGH POINT MARKET

2013-05-06T07:30:00.000-04:00

Mission: coffee table. Finding THE perfect place to artfully create tablescapes that also fits the style of your living room requires a bit of a search. I scoured High Point, looking high and low for interesting coffee tables to suit a variety of interiors. Many of the new additions with a wide appeal stemmed off the classic Parsons table silhouette. Lucite, brass, raffia, faux finishes and metal add a bit of spark to seating areas that require a spot for a drink, your favorite books, flowers and a hurricane or two.

Based on covered vintage style, the Kemble Interiors for Henredon collection worked brass accents into many of their pieces. A bamboo textured frame supports a glass-topped square coffee table, great for large areas.

Lucite like this is swoon-worthy. Thick lucite column legs with brass end caps and trim on the neo-vintage coffee table from Kemble Interiors for Henredon was a showstopper.

A second shelf provides extra display capabilities in Arteriors elegant-legged hammered metal coffee table.

Worlds Away mixes materials on the Conrad, a lacquer and gold leaf coffee table with a modified Greek key metal base.

A clean classic shape, the waterfall table never fails in appeal, since it's chameleon-line ability allows it to suit many environments. This Raffia Cocktail Table from Pearson is covered in light raffia, which provides the addition of texture.

Another grass cloth-covered classic, this time from Century. Simple lines are enhanced with a curving decorative bracket that works its way around the piece. Aged brass ferrules ground the leg.

An L-shaped leg gives linear impact to Pearson's ivory faux Shagreen Cocktail Table. The scale is just right.

Subtle painted gold detailing adds charm to Century's Alexa, a low, 2-tiered coffee table with removable tray top.

A stepped base influenced by a Chinese antique table, the Low Cocktail Table covered in vellum at Mr. and Mrs. Howard for Sherrill adds a neutral element.

Faux bois can tend to look heavy, but that isn't the case in Mr. Brown's new white painted metal coffee table. Intertwined branches have a lightness to them that is made modern by the white finish and a smoky mirror top.

The finish on this table is what makes it really wonderful. The Paris Cocktail Table from Mr. and Mrs. Howard for Sherrill in a swirly cream and brown dragged finish elevates it giving the surface interest.

Festoni also launched an acrylic coffee table. Mixing clear and black plastic, a splayed leg and low profile bring flair to seating areas.

Noir uses repurposed wood in this low, rustic light wood table with zig-zag base. It has heft to it that would look great in a modern barn setting.

Trimmed in white, Bernhardt's large rectangular Bexley Coffee Table has modern lines and graphic punch.

A curved leg reminiscent of classic Chinoiserie pieces on Bungalow 5's Higashi Coffee Table gives it a subtle sophistication. Brass accent cut-outs add a bit of sparkle.

Baker debuted a new traditional collection from Michael S. Smith at High Point. Richly carved details in the Peking Cocktail Table accompany a decorative Chinoiserie scenic on the top. True to the original antique it was based on, Baker has duplicated every intricate detail on the carved textural fretwork border that continues from the border to the leg.

Century's upholstered coffee table with tapered, curved leg and movable, raised center portion allows for a perch and a spot for a drink.

THIS WEEKEND ONLY! MADELINE WEINRIB SALE TO BENEFIT MEMORIAL SLOAN KETTERING

2013-05-03T07:30:00.000-04:00

Photo courtesy of Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center

Get thee to shopping Maddie! Madeline Weinrib, that is. For the first time, Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center Thrift Shop on Manhattan's Upper East Side is teaming up with the global goods guru Madeline Weinrib to sell her high-design rugs, pillows, fabric, furniture and accessories at deeply discounted prices. I do whatever I can to support this wonderful charity, and succeeded in raising over $7,000 for my March Cycle For Survival Ride with the generous support you all provided. So, any chance I get to pitch in, I do.

Occurring this Friday May 3rd beginning at 10am, the brightly-hued sale will run until Sunday May 5th till 6pm. The entire shop will be turned into a chic global bazaar of sorts, filled with her designs from Morocco, Asia and India. Head on over to 1440 3rd Avenue between 81st and 82nd Street to score colorful patterned accessories, just in time for a spring freshening.

HAVE BREAKFAST WITH MARY MACDONALD TO KICK OFF THE NEAR AND FAR AID HOUSE TOUR IN CT

2013-05-02T07:30:00.000-04:00

Photos courtesy of Near and Far Aid

A few of the interiors featured in this year's homes

Photo courtesy of Mary MacDonald

Have breakfast with Mary

If you find yourself in Connecticut this Friday, treat yourself to a day of design. Begin the day with the Designer Breakfast where Mary McDonald will talk about how she creates glamorous interiors. I just saw Mary down in High Point and she is heading back from Houston where she did a book signing. Woosh, this is one busy/traveling lady. Then head out on a tour of some of the prettiest homes where I grew up in Fairfield County's historic Greenfield Hill, charming seaside town Southport and cultural center, Westport. Since the tour always falls on a Friday, I will miss it, so if you go, share what you saw.

Then close out your day of design in one of the tour homes with a cocktail at Toast The Tour. The day benefits The Near and Far Aid, a wonderful charity my mom has long been involved in. It supports and funds those living at risk, elder care and the homeless in Fairfield County. For tickets and locations click here. The media sponsor Connecticut Cottages and Gardens is supporting the event, and it is great to see magazines get behind local charities in this way. Head out for a day of blooming gardens and gracious home, you will be so glad you did.

NEW ADDITIONS FROM BUNNY WILLIAMS HOME

2013-05-01T07:30:00.000-04:00

A neutral interior with pale green, grey and beige hues created from a melange of Bunny Williams Home pieces.

With soft shades of blue, a civilized living room as created by Bunny Williams. Texture, subtle hues of blue and interesting forms both modern and trad live together in great style.

Bunny Williams Home has just added new additions to her lighting assortment. After recently changing the name of her product company from Beeline Home to her namesake Bunny Williams, there have been new designs launched, including Bunny Williams for Mirror Image Home and Doris Leslie Blau rugs. I love the modern take on the classics her designs provide. Whether inspired by the past and re-done in a new finish or color, her reworked designs offer a fresh take, always bringing something new that hasn't been created before. Here, a look at some Bunny new-ness. To see it all beautifully displayed en suite, head to her shop Treillage at Lexington Avenue and 71st Street. If you are in California, visit LA's terrific home shop, Harbinger, which also houses Holland and Sherry and unique worldly finds.

Photos courtesy of Bunny Williams Home

The showstopping piece is the metal-wrapped Bandit table lamp, with alternating rows of brass and nickel in varying widths. So chic, and the Lux Lampshade paper shade (not included) is perfect with it.

With a beautiful lustre, the Crackle Lacquer Lamp in a neutral creamy color reveals a varied surface appeal.

For those that like a pop of color in their spaces, the Mesa Lacquer Lamp in a rich red Pimento glaze with gold trips adds an artistic handmade element that instantly softens everything around it.

Also available in a deep Avocado green, the same lamp makes a more subtle statement. What a great shade of green, it is really sophisticated and lush.

The Jury's still out on this one for me. The Ponytail Lamp is an uplight that I could see looking amazing as a sculptural object on a modern, beautifully styled bookcase.

A really elegant and refined uplight

the Iron Torchere Floor Lamp would make a statement used in pairs in a grand marble entryway.

The Garbo with an octagonal frame and ebony and gold banding for glahmour, darhling.

Be There or Be Square in gold with overlapping rectangular center and angular edges.

Few colors make an impact in the powerful way red does. Pretty Me, a curvy mirror that resembles a mirror from her first collection with a wide colored mirror border in blue gets shapely in red.

NAUTICAL NECESSITIES FOR A SUMMER BY THE SEA

2013-04-29T07:30:00.000-04:00

Photo courtesy of Pottery Barn

Sometimes I come across something that is just so adorable I instantly want it and am transported to the environment in which it would work perfectly. Such is the case with this useful two-tiered Anchor Stand from Pottery Barn. Available online, it is well-suited to ocean settings to use as a bar station or to place in a bathroom to hold extra hand towels and accessories. I love it. I guess I will have to buy it to give as a house guest present this summer, because I need someone to benefit from its perfect form and function in the proper locale. I suggest you do the same, cause it is pretty darn cute.

Photos courtesy of Kim Seybert
While I was hunting for nautical themed entertaining ideas, I discovered this new pattern, All Aboard, from Kim Seybert. Her embroidered theme napkins never disappoint, and this could not be any cuter for boat-bound parties.

If it's just cocktails, set a stack of these bar side next to the Dark and Stormy Ginger Beer. Available at Kim Seybert. Very swank. But you may need a real one if someone falls overboard.

Photos courtesy of Pomegranate
Elevate BBQ and Lobster dinners with Pomegranate's hand-blocked Ahoy placemats, festooned with mini anchors.

Ahoy napkins mix well with solid navy or stripes, have fun mixing it up for a more varied pattern play.

SPOTTING STYLE AT 2013 SPRING HIGH POINT MARKET: VOTE FOR STYLEBEAT STYLESPOTTER PICKS

2013-04-26T07:30:00.000-04:00

I spotted many great finds while Stylespotting at this year's spring High Point Market. As I scanned each company's booth examining what was new, I was on the lookout for interesting introductions that I felt were worth noting. Here, I highlight those selections that I tagged with my Stylespotter cards. I hope you will follow my Pinterest board here, and vote for my picks to help me garner enough votes to win a trip back to market next season. You can vote for my pins/board until 5pm (EST) on May 3rd.
I encourage you to do the following:

Voting:

“Likes” equal 1 point

“Repins” equal 2 points

Repin to your heart's content and I thank you for your time well-spent!

Low and loungey, the Bedford Slipper Chair from Thibault is a nice bedroom or living room addition with mid century lines. I love the coral print on it.

The right scale is everything. Hickory Chair introduced the Maud Chair, an armchair that sits well in small spaces and larger seating arrangements that requires pieces with sleek lines.

Diminutive and darling, CR Laine's Slipper Chair upholstered in a summery printed fish cotton is just right used in pairs.

Well-scaled, the Caldwell Tub Chair from Van Collier covered in linen grain sack fabric lends a casual air to a country setting.

With a swooping curved back and diminutive scale, this two seater from Kim Salmela is adorable for apartment living.

Lounge around on Lee Industries supremely comfortable, right-sized sectional sofa. In chocolate velvet with a pale wood leg, it can fit into a tight space easier than you think.

Fret no more.. Kelly green and bamboo on Bungalow 5's Jardin Chair gets Palm Beach right.

Swirly pale blue upholstery and a clear Lucite leg on Century Furniture's Signature Collection Ottoman adds deco glam.

Fuzzy with vintage flair, Wesley Hall debuted a Mongolian Ottoman on spindly tapered legs that is fuzzy and FUN.

Designer Marjorie Skouras knows how to create a statement. Here, she encrusts the Silvio Console with shells at Currey and Company, covering every inch in sea treasures.

Graphic and geometric, Bernhardt created a bone-inlay dresser in black and white zig zags called The Herringbone Dresser. Very chic.

Available in a wide array of juicy lacquer colors, I have an Orange crush on the Gabrielle Commode from Tritter Feefer. Choose from over 200 high gloss finish colors.

:A-based designers Woodson and Rummerfield styled up the Stanley Furniture showroom where this coral painted Beaufain Bachelorette Chest with brass swag pulls caught my eye. It also looks great in crisp pure white.

Chelsea Textiles added to their mid-century modern assortment with a new two-drawer Bedside Table in a streamlined silhouette with clean linear brass loop pulls.

A cut-corner mirrored Backgammon Table with eglomise surface was just part of the great debut from Celerie Kemble for Maitland-Smith. Upholstery was with Henredon, and the whole collection and showroom styling blew everyone away at market. Even the Fig tree planters were beautiful, with bone inlay.

Give this swirl a whirl in grey with white from A Lacquer Piece. The Graffiti reinterprets a modern classic in an artsy way.

Special finishes are the details that count. Mr. and Mrs. Howard for Sherrill Furniture had this new Paris Cocktail Table with dragged paint finish luxe treatment.

Faux Bois is refined in Mr. Brown's new painted metal coffee table in aged white with a burnished mirror top.

Books will be happy in Noir Furniture's Regence Bookcase in a washed gray finish. The Dutch architectural pediment is an unusual and beautiful detail.

Tall, tailored and triangular, the new Etagere from Arteriors is well-suited for storage in small spaces and looks great flanking upholstery.

Sometimes bigger is better. The brand new XL Moravian Star lantern at Visual Comfort makes the case well.

Bunny Williams for Mirror Image debuted several new designs. The Garbo, an ebony and brass hexagon mirror is a gem with deco glamour.

A spot for a drink courtesy of Baker Furniture. The Soren Spot Table in a nice muted brass is an elegant end table.

Ostrich eggs have never looked so chic. The lucite stands turn them into modern art.

JUST BACK: 2013 HIGH POINT MARKET

2013-04-25T07:30:00.000-04:00

I moved with lightning speed to get through as much of the Spring High Point Market, which is where I have been for the past four days. With thanks to CR Laine, my sponsor, I was able to to enjoy their beautifully styled showroom that was filled with color and pattern, alongside vintage case goods and the new pillow collection, Madcap Cottage, from my friends Jason Oliver- Nixon and John Loecke.
As I sort through my pictures, I am so happy to be able to cool my heels. After a whirlwind of meetings with great companies, seeing fellow bloggers like Quintessence and A Stylist's Life to name a few, hearing Aerin Lauder speak about her new lifestyle vision, and attending launch events to ring in new collections at every end of the style spectrum, it is good to be home. That said, it is so nice to be at Market, seeing all the familiar faces every six months, and how companies are innovating in materials and design.
Watch this space for more in-depth coverage soon...

A seating area filled with pieces Celerie Kemble's brand new collection of furniture and accessories for Henredon and Maitland Smith

A colorful red and blue vignette at CR Laine

Chevron fabric at the windows in a green and yellow moment at CR Laine

A living room at Baker showcasing the new Michael Smith Collection

An impeccably styled living room at Mr. and Mrs. Howard for Sherrill Furniture, where Phoebe Howard mixed antiques alongside pieces from her collection

LADIES WHO LAUNCH: LOOKING FORWARD TO SEEING CELERIE AND AERIN AT HIGH POINT MARKET

2013-04-22T07:30:00.000-04:00

Photo courtesy Celerie Kemble

Photo courtesy of Aerin

Two of the launch collections I am most looking forward to at Market are those from Celerie Kemble for Henredon with accessories by Maitland Smith and then AERIN from E.J Victor with lighting at Visual Comfort. It looks like its going to be a great market so watch this space for updates soon. These ladies have style by the mile so I cannot wait to see the environments they have created to launch their designs.

MAKE YOUR GARDEN GORGEOUS AT THE NYBG GARDEN SCULPTURE AND ANTIQUES FAIR 1750-2013

2013-04-19T07:30:00.000-04:00

Photo courtesy of NYBG

To kick off the New York Botanical Garden's weekend-long Garden Sculpture and Antiques Fair, join a great group of garden swells on April 25th for the preview party. The worlds of philanthropy and interior/garden design will come together to support the great New York institution and partake in cocktails and a silent auction. In addition to perusing antique garden furniture, urns, statuary, garden-related accessories and botanical prints from the esteemed 30 vendors below, you can pick up a beautiful rare plant from the array in the evening's silent auction. To purchase tickets to the 1st Dibs-sponsored event, click here.

If your dance card is full that evening, visit The Garden from April 26th to April 28th, from 10-5 daily to shop for antique Belgian, English, American and Italian garden ornaments and more. Your garden deserves it.

Every dealer is the terrific, so you are sure to find beautiful things--

Antique American Wicker

Arader Galleries

Balsamo Antiques

Joan Bogart Antiques

Brennan and Mouilleseaux Antiques

Dawn Hill Antiques

Scott Estepp Gallery

Finnegan Gallery

Fleur

French Country Living Antiques Ltd.

Jeffrey Henkel

Barbara Israel Garden Antiques

Anthony Kavanaugh Period Garden Ornaments

Judith and James Milne At Home Antiques

Aileen Minor Antiques

Susan Frei Nathan Fine Works on Paper, LLC

Pagoda Red

Francis J. Purcell,Inc.

R.T. Facts Antiques The Red Horse Antiques

Rose Garden Antiques and Design

Schorr and Dobinsky

Shop in the Garden

Linda Howard Stein

The Sugarplum

Telescopes of Vermont

Village Braider Antiques

Bob and Debbie Withington Antiques

BIRDS, BUTTERFLIES AND BLOOMS ON MELAMINE FROM THE MAD PLATTERS

2013-04-18T07:30:00.000-04:00

You can hang them on the wall or use them for a picnic, either way, the Oregon-based Mad Platters highly detailed melamine designs are a wonderful addition. Highly - detailed, hyper-realistic fish, fowl, flowers and other archival document designs don these decorative plastic plates, the result of a recent Pinterest discovery. Available through Etsy, these well-priced pieces are sure to become summer beach and hostess gift basics.

Photos courtesy of The Mad Platters

Fish II with a yellow and blue fish swimming in opposite directions

A school of 6 blue fish cruising along

A Spotted Fish against a tiny pink pin dot background

A Pink Fish set against a geometric pink and beige design

A tropical Yellow Fish against a soft neutral graphic diamond pattern

A Blue Big Scaled Fish against a spiral design

Octopus tentacles spiraling toward the center of a white plate

The bloom is on the rose against a spotted rose and beige multi-colored ground

An archival Dandelion botanical print makes its way onto melamine

A field of detailed blue, beige and bold butterflies flutter on every inch of the plate

Who knew moths could looks so good?

An Antshrike with amazing coloring

A green bird perching on a branch

A Stilt on one delicate looking leg

A Heron midstep

A Madagascar Rail, posing

A Roseate Spoonbill framed by an ornate pink border

SPOTTED: STYLE SPOTTING AT 2013 SPRING HIGH POINT MARKET

2013-04-17T07:30:00.000-04:00

Photos courtesy of High Point Market

It's April, which means it is time to get out the comfortable walking shoes to conquer High Point Market. Two times a year, buyers, editors, trend seekers and interior designers descend upon High Point, North Carolina, to seek out the best home furnishings and accessories, all in one place. I will be arriving Sunday and leaving Wednesday, where I will be doing a deep dive into American design. Some of this year's highly anticipated debuts include Celerie Kemble for Henredon with accessories by Maitland-Smith and Aerin for E.J. Victor. There are gems to be found, as well as trends galore. This year I am attending Market as a Style Spotter, where I join other bloggers that have been selected to seek out all that is exciting and inspiring in home. I am joined by some bloggers I know and others I am looking forward to getting to know.

When I cover row after row, showroom after showroom of introductions, I am mindful of designs I feel make an impression for style, scale, material, form, function and innovation. Regardless of how tired my feet and eyes are, I still keep plugging away till I have taken in as much as I possibly can. It is the editor in me; I am on a never-ending quest to find that elusive special item to get excited about.

Join me on Pinterest at

/http://pinterest.com/stylebeat/

as I share my High Point Market (under the hashtag

#HPMKT @stylebeat on Twitter) Style Spotter selects, and I hope you will log on and vote for my choices to make my @stylebeat Marisa Marcantonio Pin board a favorite. I will be pinning as I walk the show live. Your all-important votes can add up to my winning a free trip to High Point! Stay tuned for the latest, greatest editions, coming soon.

LOUNGE ACT: OUTDOOR FURNITURE

2013-04-15T07:30:00.000-04:00

When the summer beckons, it is natural to spend a great deal of time thinking about gardening and outdoor spaces. Getting those outdoor areas in summer-ready shape is no easy feat, as furniture, outdoor fabrics and accessory options abound. If you are in the market for some new wood or metal outdoor furniture, there is just so much to choose from. I ended up finding most of the exciting design was really happening in metal and wood, not as much in wicker and teak. So, I decided to round up some of the most beautiful garden furniture out there, just to make your decision process that much easier. Stay tuned, as my blog panel conversation and fair at the Chicago Botanic Garden will yield new discoveries.

Photo courtesy of McKinnon and Harris

The Gilliam Tray Table being made

McKinnon and Harris is one of my favorite companies. They are very old world in their dedication to creating some of the best high quality outdoor furniture out there. Their classic furniture, meant to be left in the elements all year long, is handcrafted out of meticulously crafted high grade aluminum in Richmond, Virginia. Their pieces are guaranteed, and their classical detailing make it a good choice for traditional architecture.

Photos courtesy of McKinnon and Harris
Du Val Double Sun Chaise
A tete a tete for lounge luxury.

Large Pavillion Sofa
Fretwork sides and a tapered leg bring 1950' details and current style together

Otey Three Seater Sofa
It doesn't get more classic than this over sized lattice back.

Scaisbrooke Ottoman
A newer design, the bobbin leg, looks very English but also very modern in metal. I look forward to seeing chairs and chaises in this design.

Beaufort Dining Side Chair
Little chairs are always needed

Graves Dining Arm and Side Chair
The nice thing about this design is it looks like it could be inside, but is reinterpreted to be out of doors.

Tangier Dining Tables
Pushed together or used for 2 tables of 4, this design has line and ball detailing that is just detailed enough.

Scaisbrooke Coffee Table with Square Adams Top

So gorgeous. Who can say no to red?

Albermarle Dining Table
Concentric circles with a trad base merge modern and antique.

The Perrow Tray Table serves up style with slat design.

Photos courtesy of Accents of France

Goulaine Chair and Bench with a custom paint finish

I have known Accents of France's founder Philippe Le Manache since he showed at his first gift show, back in the mid 2000's, when he started his standardized and custom tailored treillage creations, based on French 18th Century designs. Since then, his hand created lattice walls have graced many a garden large and small around the globe. He's pretty amazing at what he does. I was pleased to see his recent foray into furniture, so now the seating options can be as beautiful as the greenery. Taken from the great benches around France, his detailed wood lattice details include a pattern to suit a variety of settings.

Malmaison Chair and Bench in White Oak has a Chinoiserie feel

Chantilly Bench and Table in a custom color with a double lattice pattern

Nozay Chair and Bench in White Oak of interlocking squares for a graphic detail

Photo courtesy of Brown Jordan
You can't think outdoor furniture without thinking Brown Jordan. Both my interior designer mother and sister got outdoor furniture recently, and they went with Brown Jordan. Their assortment is endless, and every style is represented. They tend to do something new to hit every style trend, so expect to see innovations first with them.
When I walked into their High Point Market showroom last market, the killer new Kantan II vied for my attention. Updating a 1956 design classic by Tadao Inoye, the new version has a cool brushed metal frame and cloth instead of vinyl straps. It's sexy, low and inviting.

Photo courtesy of David Sutherland
You too can own one of the iconic 1960's designs of San Francisco designer John Dickinson. David Sutherland carries an assortment of the playful small reproduction pieces, created out of a glass fiber resin concrete composite.

Photo courtesy of Janus et Cie
Made of lightweight fiberglass, Janus et Cie's Totum table comes in a zippy orange or soothing white

Photo courtesy of Janus
Janus et Cie's Janice Feldman has had a passion for gardens and what goes in them for forever. Her dedication to finding, creating and designing the most gorgeous elements is unsurpassed. She appreciates outdoor spaces in all their variety- and herself lives with a pretty splendid garden. Light in feeling, the Lucy collection from Janus et Cie is durable resin wicker and aluminum and easygoing.

Photo courtesy of Soane
It is not a secret how much I adore what Soane Britain does. Lulu Lytle is kind of a genius. She's young, super-knowledgeable and has make her English furniture and decorative accessories company a place that is full of stunning design surprises. From reviving a Victorian era wicker manufacturer to finding detailed metalwork artisans, she designs true antiques of tomorrow, by looking back in history to innovate for today. Here, her Schooner Oak Daybed with scroll arm has curves in all the right places.

NOT YOUR GARDEN VARIETY

2013-04-12T07:30:00.000-04:00

Photo courtesy of Coral and Tusk

The charming, naif embroidery stylings of Coral and Tusk never fail to warm your heart. Since gardening season is around the bend, gardeners are starting to accrue the tools of the trade. To keep clippers and trowels close at hand, the Garden Work Apron keeps tools handy and at the ready. What a sweet way to call the birds, butterflies and bugs that keep the greenery humming along into action.