Home Decor: Is it me, a devoted lover of tea, or is tea about to have its "in" moment like grass fed beef, farm-to-table organic greens, and charming wine bars? Regardless, I'm set with my set of Bailey Doesn't Bark's Four Season teacups, four dainty 23K gold cups elegantly depicting the seasons. Designed by Brazil native Re Jin Lee, Bailey Doesn't Bark's modern wares are hand-painted but dishwasher and microwave safe, allowing me to host a London-level tea party without the agony of the cleanup. I love my Four Season Series, but I have a strong fondness for Lee's Postcup and Tea Bag Series, so delightful and unexpected with precise brush strokes yet unfussy feel. I'll be keeping my eye out for Bailey's Doesn't Bark's next series, perhaps depicting Bailey, Lee's dog who doesn't dare bark at her master's exquisite creations.
Home Decor: 2009 will be the Year to GO GREEN. Floral design trends should follow Fashion design trends in colors, textures, and patterns. As a professional event planner I follow all design trends in order to provide a wide scope of options and design advice to my clients. My company is based on modern innovation and creativity.
Some of the design basics for 2009 are as follows:
Design arrangements will be more commonly taller and grander, due to the economic challenges people tend to stray away from conforming to the obstacles faced. If a person is going to invest in an event they will ensure they get the best for the dollar. Taller arrangements set a sense of elegance and grandeur. Multiple colors that complement each other are also a big trend in 2009. Colors that blend in the same color family will be more commonly used in 09 (ex. A Deep purple will be mixed with a plum, violet and rose color).
Fresh Flowers is still holding strong in the #1 floral spot - most would think that during these rough economic times people would opt out for silk flowers, but there are some sacrifices worth making. Fresh flowers have and always will be a must.
Spring 2009 Floral Design Trends
Flower for 2009: Tulip (they come in a variety of colors and work in tight, soft, flowing, cascading, or ball arrangements)
Summer 2009 Floral Design Trends
Flower for 2009: Anthurium (a glossy palette and spiky central spathe)
Home Décor: If you want to rock, Carved Stone Creations offers custom designs with stones and bronze for landscaping and residential and commercial building projects. The company imports stones from more than 35 countries, such as marble, travertine, limestone, sandstone, and onyx.
Estate fountains, gazebos, natural-stone veneers, framing for doors and windows, marble staircases and balustrades are but a few of the varied applications that transform a house into a unique home of distinction. Design scopes are as wide and varied as a client's imagination (and pocketbook).
If you are looking for tips to getting stones in your home's decorum, download the catalogs and brochures of Carved Stone Creations for innumerable suggestions, tips, and recommendations. Check out the dozen granite variants and the various exotic stones of jade, limestone, sandstone, and onyx. There are ADA-approved stone basins for bathrooms and kitchens; large-, medium-, and small-stones flooring options; fireplaces and mantles treatments; and bronze statuary and fountains that range from ornate to sedate.
Home Decor: What comes to mind when you think of the word luxury? Viewing the latest haute couture finery? Cruising calm blue waters in the season's latest yacht? Savouring a rare, hard-to-find vintage? So often, we only associate luxury with big-ticket items and once-in-a-lifetime experiences. Yet with just a few small additions, we can live luxuriously every day in our own homes as well.
Here are 5 of our favourite essentials for luxe living:
Fili D'Oro
Once you've tried Fili D'Oro's luxuriously soft sheets, you'll never go back to store-bought sheets again. The linens are sold only to hotels, including the Ritz-Carlton hotel group, but many hotels offer them for purchase either online or through their on-site gift shops.
Ploh
Plush, yet discreet, ploh's exclusive bed pillows, duvets and featherbeds deliver a sumptuous experience to the well-dressed bed. Our particular favourites include the limited edition masurian down pillows and the "ultra-luxe" featherbed - 3 inches of feathers with a full top layer of irresistible down.
Molton Brown
Molton Brown's diverse selection of sophisticated scents and cleanly designed packaging offers something suitable for every lifestyle. Recharge with their black pepper body wash, or pamper dry skin with the lightly scented white mulberry hand wash and lotion set.
Bottega Veneta
Bottega Veneta's classic, understated style is perfectly suited to its wide range of items for the home. Each piece is meticulously crafted and often incorporates the signature hand-woven intrecciato pattern characteristic of the brand. From storage trunks to table chargers, Bottega Veneta can help take your home to the next level.
Dior L'Or de Vie
Youth may be the most fleeting luxury of them all - unappreciated until it has departed. With Dior's new L'Or de Vie anti-aging skincare regime, you can forestall the inevitable, at least temporarily. Ten molecules with both anti-oxidizing and regenerating properties are extracted from the sap from the vine shoots of the sauvignon grapes from the Château d'Yquem.
The Luxe Junkie JustLuxe Contributor
Luxury Insider
Home Decor: Regal painted portraits of people? So 19th century. If you want the portrait of the 21st century, then it's one made of your actual DNA. Right now, I'm staring at a 5-foot long DNA portrait of my hair strands in a stunning cobalt blue, created by the science team over at My Gene Image, a company that turns DNA strands into wow-worthy artworks.
The process was simple, to my delight. A few clicks on the website to select color and dimensions, a swab of my cheek on a little gray stick returned by mail, and I was soon presented with my one-of-kind, sophisticated piece, a canvas of the letters A, G, C, and T on a Matrix-like design. (For those of you who need a brief refresher-My Gene Image explains: "DNA can be thought of as the building blocks of life. It is made of sugars and phosphate. On each sugar, there is one of four bases attached: A, G, C, or T.")
So now I have a little piece of me, literally, hanging in my living room. It's a superb conversation starter. Overheard at my last dinner party:
"Oh, what's that?" questioned a guest.
Friend of mine, "Oh, that's just a portrait of Katherine."
Home Decor: Miami-based designer Facundo Poj is taking his multi-discipline background to new levels with eco-friendly and architecturally forward furniture collection Facundo Poj Design.
Originally from Buenos Aires, Facundo studied Architecture school and also has Masters Degree in Urban Affairs and Environmental Problems. As a result, his handcrafted furniture designs are a complex combination of old and new environmentally friendly materials with a very innovative look.
Facundo Poj Design is a collection of environmentally friendly materials including Plyboo. Facundo explains, "I choose Plyboo as my medium because it is manufactured in large enough sheets, it is strong, durable, sexy looking and non toxic. Bamboo is also a fast growing grass and this helps prevent forest depletion."
The Plyboo takes on a sensuous feel because in Facundo's capable hands, it does not have the sharp lines and edges of most modern designs. Instead, it curves and rounds, giving it a simple, sophisticated and touchable appearance that stems from Facundo's unique design method. "I always start conceptualizing my pieces from a single line. Put the pencil down, give the paper a single stroke, pick the pencil up. I emulate the infinite freedom of the line of the snake. Structural strength, stability and ergonomics must all be solved with this one line; a minimal solution."
Another unique feature of Facundo Poj Design is the lack of nails and screws. Instead, Facundo uses a combination of non-toxic glues and oak dowels, before being clamp pressed to create sold pieces of furniture. Facundo describes his unique construction, "I do not use nails or screws. All layers are glued with a non-toxic glue, threaded together with oak dowels and clamp pressed. The result is structurally solid."
In addition to the Plyboo collection, which includes tables, like the curvaceous Athena Book Table, and chairs built for aesthetics as well as use, Facundo Poj Design also has a "re-incarnated" collection, made from things Facundo has rescued from junkyards.
Using unusual scraps from airplane parts, antique bathtubs, and other finds, Facundo finds use for historic objects in modern mediums that have been overlooked by conventional manufacturers.
One of his more creative pieces is the 727 jet lounge. The lounge chair utilizes 2 aluminum Boeing 727 emergency exit doors and other materials to create a modern, eco-friendly and completely unique piece of furniture.
Most recently, Facundo is adding a home accent collection to his online store, made of re-claimed cardboard and transformed into useful objets d'art for the home.
Each piece of furniture in Facundo Poj design, whether it is made from Plyboo, found materials or other sources is built to last a lifetime, using advanced technologies to hold it together.
Facundo Poj Designs have been featured not only in art exhibits, but also at luxury events from brands like Louis Vuitton to Veuve Clicquot.
Home Decor: It's one thing to travel to the most over-the-top, lavish hotels and resorts (like I have by some fortunate fate), but it's another to enjoy your home as much as a favorite luxurious retreat. So I have, thanks to my discovery of a gem company, Cesar's Exterior Designs, which decks out the exteriors of historical homes, private residences, posh hotels, and stunning commercial areas. If you've seen the Ivy Hotel in San Diego, The London in LA, or any number of estates listed for sale in the Southern California area, then you know Cesar's Exteriors has graced the grounds. From custom glass fire-pits to mosaic-style bubbling hot tubs, Cesar's Exteriors' team of 60 skilled craftsmen designs and builds nearly anything, precisely to your order. Right now, I'm gazing at my custom BBQ area and solar-powered lighting system that makes my home look right up there with the Playboy Mansion. An extra bonus to love: green design is what Cesar's Exteriors lives for. They even recycle marble from your outdoor kitchen top to use it in your sultry fire pit.
Home Decor: The latest innovative "project" from Florian Kräutli is his magnetic curtains.
Florian Kräutli is a Swiss designer, studying in The Netherlands. His background in the arts, including graphic design, interaction design and communication make him one of the most interesting innovative artists.
The magnetic curtain can be shaped into any form. Its incorporated structure, along with the innovative use of magnets, allows the curtain to be pushed and pulled into any shape and maintain it.
Used in multiples or singly, the magnetic curtain is a 3-D functional work of modern art.
Although the curtain is not yet in production, it will be available through Droog Design.
Home Decor: T. Anthony, the Manhattan luxury luggage and leather goods company with a history of illustrious clientele, has come out with the ultimate in luxurious desk accessories. Their genuine Louisiana alligator executive desk set is available by special order only, with a production time of 8 12 weeks. The price fluctuates depending on the market for the exotic leather, but when we last checked it clocked in at $13,000. Available in brown with polished gold fittings or black with polished nickel fittings, the set consists of a document tray, blotter, letter opener, scissors, memo pad holder and pencil cup.
The firm was founded in 1946 by Theodore Anthony, who had designed luxe cosmetic cases for Elizabeth Arden and decided to open his own shop on Upper Madison Avenue and expand his repertoire. He gained immediate success with a commission from the worlds most stylish couple, the Duke and Duchess of Windsor, who ordered a set of custom luggage. Then Marilyn Monroe did likewise in the 1950s, commissioning a set of luggage in bright red, followed by Jackie Onassis in the 60s (bright blue), and even President Richard Nixon in the 70s who went with plain black.
Home Decor: Famed French luxury house Hermes has come out with an ultra-luxe update on its classic Pippa folding chair, finished in the world's finest matte black crocodile skin. The limited edition campaign-style chair is made of ebony finish maple with nickel plated hardware and sells for $24,000. The Pippa chair was originally fashioned in pear wood and leather 20 years ago by architect and designer Rena Dumas, principal of the Paris-based design firm Rena Dumas Architecture Interieur and wife of Hermes President Jean-Louis Dumas-Hermes.
The Pippa chair, which has since evolved into a line of foldable indoor and outdoor furniture, was in turn inspired by the leather furniture designed by Jean Michel Frank and Paul Dupre-Lafont for Hermes in the 1940s and 1950s, which has since become something of a holy grail in design circles. Dumas furniture is sleek and contemporary with references to Hermes saddle making tradition in the use of leather and stitching. Besides the furniture, Dumas has also designed accessories in silver, such as picture frames and candlesticks, as well as the interiors of several Hermes boutiques.
Home Decor: Vikki Smyth, Inc. and her line of food-presentationware have taken the hospitality industry by storm, and the owner/designer has only just scratched the surface.
With the sole goal of "Revolutionizing the Art of Food Display," Smyth's food serving trays are elegantly gracing buffet tables everywhere as more and more Food and Beverage Directors are "getting rid of silver" and moving toward her innovative, clean and contemporary, food display designs.
Dazzling in appearance, Smyth's acrylic serving-ware trays reveal uniqueness in food presentation, great sense of style, and sophisticated taste. Her designs allow the Chef to present their delectables the best possible way they can. "Not only will my platters enhance the Chef's creativity, but also allow the Chef to showcase his food-art most fashionably different every time. Stunning buffet stations and versatility- it doesn't get any better!" Smyth exclaims.
And spectacular it is. With an impressive client list from the W to Ritz Hotels, Smyth has been working with properties, both designing and collaborating on food displays that are consistent with their brand, just like the she did with MGM Grand's sexy new pool, Wet Republic, which she exclusively designed the tappas platters for.
Once the hospitality aspect of business took off, retail came knocking at Smyth's door as she is now custom designing a seven foot glittery wall guitar for a famed rock star. Additionally, Smyth was invited to design an exclusive bath line for Steve Wynn's brand new 5-Star Las Vegas property, Encore. "I'm honored to be involved with such a prestigious Hotel," Smyth proclaimed.
Similar to the clientele of that 5-Star property in Vegas, Smyth's wares are for those who value the extraordinary. Individuals who appreciate table art, functional art, luxury gifts, entertaining, individual style, luxury living, alluring displays and most of all, desire the unexpected. Vikki Smyth Designs to Live For is, at the very least, a reflection of refined and cultivated taste.
With this in mind, Vikki Smyth's focus is to consistently develop new products to satisfy the fundamental luxury-living need to keep designs exclusive, distinctive, fresh, stimulating, and lastly, to live for!
Shopping: Mary Jurek Design, Inc. - a company renowned for its magnificent works of hand-hammered stainless steel for the kitchen and home décor - has introduced a new artisan piece your gal is sure to fall in love with. I sure have.
New to the company's illustrious collection is the Amore Heart Tray, which can literally serve as a shining example of how much you adore the lady in your life. Made of magnificent hand-wrought stainless steel polished to a high luster, this Amore Heart Tray may also be engraved with your professions of love to give this gift of - and from - the heart even more impact.
Even when Valentine's Day is long gone, there are many useful ways she can continue to enjoy this elegant artisan stainless steel Amore Heart Tray, which is also surprisingly durable - it's even dishwasher safe!
She can use it as...
... a sophisticated office accessory for business cards, mail, or a tray for bottled drinking water and glassware on a desk, executive credenza or conference table
... a decorative bathroom vanity tray for perfumes, jewelry or cosmetics
... a cake tray to celebrate a beloved family member or friend's special day - birthday, promotion, retirement...whatever
... a serving tray for cookies and snacks when gal pals come over for a soiree
... a bridal shower showpiece with sweets or hors d'oeuvres when hosting
... a cocktail or accoutrement platter when entertaining neighbors, friends, colleagues
... a father's day serving tray filled with steaks, ribs and other fare Dad loves
... a foyer or entryway catch all tray for mail, car keys, cell phones, iPods and the like
... a romantic candle base
The possibilities of how, when and where this Amore Heart Tray may be used are endless, as are the emotions are this steel heart will evoke. "Heart shapes are timeless and always sentimental," notes designer Mary Jurek. "The soft rounded top and the broad upper width symbolize the tenderness of romantic love. I like the contrast of the strong durable stainless steel fashioned into this stylized shape. It is a very good metaphor for the emotional core of everyday life."
For my part having received this lovely tray sans a romantic overture, it just makes me happy.
Mary Jurek Designs' Amore Heart Tray comes in two different sizes, 9" x 9" or 12" x 12", with respective retail prices of $90 and $150. Visit www.MaryJurekDesignInc.com for more information.
The Luxe List product review editor Merilee Kern scours the luxury goods marketplace for new and innovative must haves. Product submissions accepted via e-mail at Merilee@JustLuxe.com.
- Merilee Kern
JustLuxé.com's "The Luxe List" Product Review Editor
JustLuxe is a luxury Web publication providing objective analysis and information to affluent consumers to assist with their decision making, decisions such as charting a yacht, purchasing a jet membership card, booking a luxury hotel, traveling to a specific destination, or buying real estate. Our writers conduct interviews with industry executives and leaders in their fields, analyze product offerings and review the Web sites of leading companies to ensure our readers have up-to-date data to make informed decisions. Consumers can find purveyors of fine luxury goods, services and travel solutions throughout the pages of JustLuxe via content or with our advertising partners. See our Best of Luxury High end Brands and partners.
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Home Decor: 2009 will be the Year to GO GREEN. Floral design trends should follow Fashion design trends in colors, textures, and patterns. As a professional event planner I follow all design trends in order to provide a wide scope of options and design advice to my clients. My company is based on modern innovation and creativity.
Home Décor: If you want to rock, Carved Stone Creations offers custom designs with stones and bronze for landscaping and residential and commercial building projects. The company imports stones from more than 35 countries, such as marble, travertine, limestone, sandstone, and onyx. 
Home Decor: What comes to mind when you think of the word luxury? Viewing the latest haute couture finery? Cruising calm blue waters in the season's latest yacht? Savouring a rare, hard-to-find vintage? So often, we only associate luxury with big-ticket items and once-in-a-lifetime experiences. Yet with just a few small additions, we can live luxuriously every day in our own homes as well.
Home Decor: Regal painted portraits of people? So 19th century. If you want the portrait of the 21st century, then it's one made of your actual DNA. Right now, I'm staring at a 5-foot long DNA portrait of my hair strands in a stunning cobalt blue, created by the science team over at My Gene Image, a company that turns DNA strands into wow-worthy artworks.
Home Decor: Miami-based designer Facundo Poj is taking his multi-discipline background to new levels with eco-friendly and architecturally forward furniture collection Facundo Poj Design.
Home Decor: It's one thing to travel to the most over-the-top, lavish hotels and resorts (like I have by some fortunate fate), but it's another to enjoy your home as much as a favorite luxurious retreat. So I have, thanks to my discovery of a gem company, Cesar's Exterior Designs, which decks out the exteriors of historical homes, private residences, posh hotels, and stunning commercial areas. If you've seen the Ivy Hotel in San Diego, The London in LA, or any number of estates listed for sale in the Southern California area, then you know Cesar's Exteriors has graced the grounds. From custom glass fire-pits to mosaic-style bubbling hot tubs, Cesar's Exteriors' team of 60 skilled craftsmen designs and builds nearly anything, precisely to your order. Right now, I'm gazing at my custom BBQ area and solar-powered lighting system that makes my home look right up there with the Playboy Mansion. An extra bonus to love: green design is what Cesar's Exteriors lives for. They even recycle marble from your outdoor kitchen top to use it in your sultry fire pit.
Home Decor: The latest innovative "project" from Florian Kräutli is his magnetic curtains.
Home Decor: T. Anthony, the Manhattan luxury luggage and leather goods company with a history of illustrious clientele, has come out with the ultimate in luxurious desk accessories. Their genuine Louisiana alligator executive desk set is available by special order only, with a production time of 8 12 weeks. The price fluctuates depending on the market for the exotic leather, but when we last checked it clocked in at $13,000. Available in brown with polished gold fittings or black with polished nickel fittings, the set consists of a document tray, blotter, letter opener, scissors, memo pad holder and pencil cup.
Home Decor: Famed French luxury house Hermes has come out with an ultra-luxe update on its classic Pippa folding chair, finished in the world's finest matte black crocodile skin. The limited edition campaign-style chair is made of ebony finish maple with nickel plated hardware and sells for $24,000. The Pippa chair was originally fashioned in pear wood and leather 20 years ago by architect and designer Rena Dumas, principal of the Paris-based design firm Rena Dumas Architecture Interieur and wife of Hermes President Jean-Louis Dumas-Hermes.
Home Decor: Vikki Smyth, Inc. and her line of food-presentationware have taken the hospitality industry by storm, and the owner/designer has only just scratched the surface.
Shopping: Mary Jurek Design, Inc. - a company renowned for its magnificent works of hand-hammered stainless steel for the kitchen and home décor - has introduced a new artisan piece your gal is sure to fall in love with. I sure have.
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