THE LIST ~ #5 Ottomans

Whenever I work with a client on designing their main hang out and relax area of their home, whether it be a hearthside room, family room, cozy den or theatre room I insist on a seating arrangement that is accompanied by a something to put their feet up on.  I’ve never met anyone who lounges and relaxes by sitting straight up in a chair or on a sofa.  Everyone likes to lean back and put their feet up.  Here are some of my favorite and most stylish ottomans that you can put your feet up on and they also serve a dual purpose as a coffee table. 

 

Alex Cocktail Ottoman – Hickory Chair

This one is fantastic because you can also add this optional wood tray.  Hickory Chair will also customize the size of the ottoman in their made to measure program, see below  (note the tray only comes in one size that fits the above ottoman).  This is very sharp done in leather with nail head trim. 

Alex Ottoman – Made to Measure by Hickory Chair

This next ottoman is also by Hickory Chair and is another highly function piece.  It has a tufted top that opens to reveal 2 serving trays and deep storage.  Its available with a bun or tapered foot.  I actually own this piece and have it in my lower level – its one of my favorite pieces in the house.  

 

Wyland Ottoman with tapered leg – Hickory Chair

Wyland ottoman with bun foot – Hickory Chair 

 

 

Kendall

I include this one because its large 42” x 31 and has a very reasonable price point. The only thing that is customizable is the fabric, we can put any fabric on it but the finish is as is.  Unless of course you’re a DIYer then, as you wish.

Technorati Tags: hickory chair,ottomans

 

Barbegat and Berkshire Ottoman

 

The above a classic, tailored and proof that there are great options in many sizes.

Rolland Ottoman – Hickory Chair

Clean and simple, this ottoman is perfect for the client that wants straighter lines and less tradition. 

 

Egg Ottoman – Hickory Chair

The wonderful thing about the egg ottoman is that it can be dressed with contrast welts, braids and multiple fabrics to create a look that is unique or kept simple as shown above.

These pieces are all so inspiring that you could design a room around them.  So the next time you’re pondering your lounging space don’t forget a place to put your feet up.

THE LIST ~ #4 Monogramming

When it comes to a design element that's so simple and classic that it surpasses the test of time, you have what’s called a monogram.   My parents who are about to celebrate their 50th wedding anniversary have monogrammed china by Royal Doulton  similar to the set on the right below by Pickard.  I have always admired its simple elegance.

Monogrammed China

Ok, this is a little seque but look how fabulous this is Grecian Gorham antique spoon from 1882 with the name Alice monogrammed on it is, now if my name were “Alice” that spoon would be on its way to me right now. 

Silver Collect: 1882 Grecian Gorham

Of course there is monogrammed stationary, my favorite source for this is Crane.  There is a very special feeling that you get when you both send a note with your initials or name monogrammed on the paper and even more special is when you receive a note with someone else’s monogram.   The monogram can be as simple as one letter, or your first name, first and last name or the traditional 3 initials.

 

Crane: Single Initial

Crane: Single Initial

 

Crane: 3 Initials

Naturally I’m going to include bed and bath linens in my selections, here are some of the very best!!

Matouk: Parterre

Matouk: Mirasol

Matouk: Providence

Matouk: Bel Tempo

This monogram style is a new one for Matouk, it’s unique because its woven right into the towel, quite spectacular.

Matouk: Auberge

And the traditional styling of monogramming.

 

 Leontine Linens

And we can’t forget shower curtains and robes….

Leontine Linens

Matouk

I also like monogrammed furniture, especially dining room chairs, see this one below by Hickory Chair.

Hickory Chair:  Adam Arm Chair

Or if you want to go a little crazier and bigger do something like this!!

Courtesy of Brenda Kelly Kramer Interiors

Need a little inspiration for monogram styles here are some unique options:

Monogram style resources Matouk and Leontine Linens.

The list of objects to monogram goes on and on….luggage, glassware, napkins, napkin rings, blankets, frames, candles, cakes, shirt cuffs, shirt pockets, coats etc, however, a word of caution, contrary to popular belief,  there can be too much of a good thing.  So be judicious and pick a few objects to monogram and then use them!!!

Client Project: Foyer and Powder Room

This is a small project for a client who I’ve been working with for about a year.  They have asked me to spruce up their foyer and the guest powder room which is just off the foyer.

In the powder room sink area I’ve selected this beautiful hand embroidered velvet to upholster the walls.  Note that this room is not a main powder room that is used every day. 

Lee Jofa Bartholomew Velvet Color Sea 2006162

In the water closet will be the gorgeously textured burlap wall covering by Schumacher.

5000865

There is enough room in the water closet for a small piece of furniture; I love the luxury of space in a powder room where I can add a chest or a chair.  I chose this Serpentine Chest in Antique Burl with a 12” depth, it fits perfectly.  I’m now searching for an intriguing piece of art to hang above plus I’ll add a small lamp and accessories to the top. 

Serpentine Chest in Antique Burl

 

In the foyer I’ve selected the Frederica Bench from the Suzanne Kasler collection at Hickory Chair. 

Frederica Bench – Hickory Chair 

It will be covered in  Bosphorus Red fabric by Lee Jofa seen below with Samuel and Sons (which by the way is my very favorite trim company) Cambridge Strie Braid in Black, featuring antique brass nail head trim spaced 1” apart.  Note that the white floral stripe will be positioned up the middle of the seat and back cushion of the bench with the more leafy red and tan pattern flanking either side of the floral stripe.  The outside back will be simply upholstered in the appropriately named fabric Simply Canvas in Cinnabar (below) with the Cambridge Strie Braid and spaced nail head trim around the perimeter of the back panel.

Lee Jofa Bosphorus – Red

Samuel and Sons Cambridge Strie Braid

Fabricut Simply Canvas – Cinnabar

I’m also adding this small Berrod Chest in Antique Black to the foyer.

 

I’m still in search of the perfect mirror to hang over this chest, and the requisite  lamp light that sets the mood for the entry, see my post here on foyers.   I will also be including a pair of laurel leaf mirrored back sconces that will flank the double entry doors.  Unfortunately, I do not have a picture as they’ve been discontinued (and the client has them at their home).  

I will post photos of the finished project at completion, which will be in about 2 months, stay tuned……

Sandra’s Top 10: Favorite Beds

I’m going to start doing posts on my top 10 favorite design elements, it may be furniture, lighting, bedding, artwork, accessories, carpet…well you get the gist…

Note these aren't in any particular order.

1.  This bed is that perfect balance of sophistication and elegance.  It makes me want to be served breakfast in bed.

Newport Bed E. J. Victor 

 

2.  A Saturday morning bed, complete with the morning paper, a laptop and a cup of Illy coffee with steamed milk, perfection!!

Continental Classics Upholstered Bed – Hickory White

 

3.  Quintessentially Hollywood, simple, chic…mimosas come to mind. 

Julia Gray Mirrored Bed – E.J. Victor

 

4.  A gentleman’s bed. I can see this paired with a masculine plaid or the total opposite, softened with white walls and gauzy cotton sheers blowing in the breeze. 

Island Classics Hi Low Poster Bed – Hickory White

 

5. Perfect for a young lady or in the cottage at the beach.  Relaxed and comfortable. Fabulous upholstered with chunky linen fabric, brightly colored leather or natural woven grass cloth.

Helena Bed – Oly Studio

 

6. Another sophisticated look with a modern twist.  Although hard to see, it features nail head trim along the bottom of the side and foot rails. 

 

Upholstered Bed – Precedent Furniture

 

7.  Elegant but not too overdone.  I ordered this bed in a dark sable finish, with the swag  and fluted detail highlighted in antique silver stripe.  The headboard was upholstered in a  beautiful  natural woven fabric with antique silver nail head trim.  Magnificent! 

English Regency Upholstered Bed – Hickory Chair

8.  The wonderful thing about this bamboo inspired poster bed below, it’s available in 17 colors, imagine the possibilities!

Summerland Key Bed – Somerset Bay Home

 

9. Yin and Yang…equally comfortable in a traditional environment and has clean lines to go more  modern without being too edgy.  

Annie Selke Canopy – Vanguard Furniture

10.  Last, but certainly not least.  I’m drawn to anything  Louis XVI, he is by far my favorite Louis:).  As a designer, we see so many options and admire so many styles and see what’s being introduced before the general pubic does, which frankly can make it difficult to make a decision about our own homes.  But this bed, I visited each Market and it was the benchmark for which I compared all other beds for my room, so hence I now own it and I absolutely love it!  See it pictured in my bedroom below. 

Louis XVI – Louis J. Solomon

Sandra Ling –Instinctive Interiors