Most moms will attest that the majority of gifts our kids receive are almost immediately tossed into the neglected pile of dust-gathering toys and trinkets. But if you want to give a present that is actually useful and will also delight parents, allow me to introduce you to Fabkins.

These adorable cloth napkins, available in a variety of themes, not only help us grownups easily encourage more mature table manners, but also they have the feel-good function of eliminating paper-napkin waste.  Added bonus: They are an affordable and tasteful luxury at  5 napkins for $22.95. A proud owner of the pink ballerina Fabkins set, my three-year-old daughter now literally requests a napkin when she sits down for dinner. Of course she has to see all five and mull over her selection, but, hey, that works for me.

–Erika Lenkert

Technorati Tags: children, gift, napkin, table manners, top, kids, best, designer, best, gifts, fabkins

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I have a huge penchant for the old-school mens club style from the 1940s. The dark, tufted leather sofas, low lighting, and art deco touches create immediate warmth. I can faintly hear the clinking of glasses filled with expensive whiskey.

The best way to incorporate the mens-club look into a modern interior is to start with a few large, solid pieces and then incorporate some contemporary interpretations, such as the Ghost Antler Coat Racks pictured above.

Add a little shimmer with some polished nickel accessories and a few menswear touches like shirt tail stripes or cozy wool flannel.

It is particularly poignant considering that the winter months are coming up. This style is well suited to cuddling up by the fire with a lovely, aged Scotch.

Oxford Ottoman
$895.00-1850.00
Williams-Sonoma Home
A plush, versatile piece that can serve as a coffee table or ottoman, this tufted piece is made of sustainable harvested wood and finished with polished-brass or polished-nickel nailheads. Love this piece paired with a clean-lined contemporary chair or sofa.

Penthouse Bedding
$99.99-$299.99
RalphLauren.com
Inspired by Art Deco elegance and Old Hollywood glamour, the Penthouse bedding suite is comprised of clean lines and subtle, menswear-inspired colors.

Antique English Beaver Skin Top Hat
$135.00
The PERFECT accessory to a modern mens club design scheme. This handsome antique beaver skin top hat dates to the early 1900s. It was made by G&W King Ltd., North Bridge Arcade, Edinburgh. Place on a sidetable or position over a mantle as a key focal point.

Asbury Leather Sofa

$1873.05

This is the one major focal point of a room that will provide an instant update for your decor. It is elegant, but also long and cozy enough for many guests. While the rolled arms and tufted back are classic, the rich, butter soft leather will age to a beautiful patina.


Thomas O’Brien Small Hicks Pendant Lamp
$336.00
One of my favorite designers on the planet, Thomas O’Brien crafts some of the best modern interpretations of the classic Art Deco mens club design. These gorgeous pendant lamps are an excellent way to add a little flash of elegance to your rooms.

–By Kate Bailey

Technorati Tags: mens club, tufted leather sofa, Thomas O’Brien, menswear decor, ceramic antlers, Art Deco

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During the last five years there has been nothing short of a revolution in wallpaper. Whether you are looking for a subtle tone-on-tone pattern or a bold statement, there is literally something out there for every taste and style.
For 60 years Graham & Brown has been crafting some seriously beautiful papers…or rather wall art…that immediately bring boring walls to life. Their patterns, while contemporary, reference the past with new colors and texture.

I know that some of you might be a little nervous to experiment with wallpaper, as it is much more permanent than paint, but when done properly the patterns can make your personality shine through.
If you have never used wallpaper before start with something simple. A small powder room is a perfect space to try something bold and brash. If you don’t want to commit to a full room, cover an artist’s canvas and lean it up against a neutral wall. Those who are willing to be really bold can wallpaper an entire ceiling for some serious impact.

Graham & Brown isn’t the only company that produces incredible modern papers. Today you can find everything from hand-painted versions to uber-contemporary styles in brilliant colors. Check your local wallpaper store, scour design centers, and do some research online. The key here is to have fun…lots of it.

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Watching the fallout on Wall Street has been pretty scary, particularly for someone like myself who doesn’t understand how stocks, bonds, securities, and mortgage markets work.

In times that call for financial responsibility, home design might be the last thing you are considering spending your hard-earned money on, but instead of completely foregoing all design/redesign projects, this is the time to purchase investment pieces. Those that you will have for at least 5 to 10 years, and won’t go out of style in six months.

For example, if it is time to purchase a new sofa, go for one that has a timeless shape, color and, most importantly, has the right materials and structure to last for many years.

While certain colors, patterns, and shapes can quickly disappear into the archives of interior design (orang shag anyone), here are a few of my favorite sofas, which are guaranteed to last through trends. Some are more expensive than others due to construction, materials, etc. But all of these are well-made, from reputable companies, and have been tested for their durability. One of my top picks for price and consruction is the Room & Board Clarke sofa (featured above, $1,799.00-$1,899.00).

Now, shopping for a sofa can be extremely daunting, but here are a few important things to look for:

Frame: Look for kiln-dried wood because it won’t warp or crack. With metal versions make certain you can see clean weld joins, rather than those with visible clumps of metal.

Cushions: Like a mattress, the type of cushions you choose depends on whether you like rumpled and supersoft or firm and clean-edged (the former is down, the other is foam).

Springs: The most expensive springs are eight-way, hand-tied steel coil springs. The less expensive, wavy, S-shaped sinous springs will hold up for a while, but eventually will settle into an uneven shape.

Other options to consider:
Is it too soft or too hard? Does it fit your body type? Is the sewing high quality (straight seams, smooth lines, etc.)? Do you like back cushions? Skirted or bare legged?

The most important decision is the fabric choice. You want something that will last for many years, weather pets, kids, etc. Opt for leather if you have pets, as it is sturdy and can be easily cleaned. If you have children, consider something stain resistant.

Ultimately there are endless possibilities, but if you stick with a few specific lines, you won’t be disappointed with the quality or durability. Happy Shopping!

Hartford Sofa
$1,250.00
This gorgeous, and affordable sofa is based on the original designs of Antonio Citterio’s Solo Collection. It is a modern reproduction that has a hardwood frame construction, removable cream-colored microfiber covers, and is finished with stainless steel legs.

Trada Sofa
$3,160.00
This piece from Jayson Home and Garden is a little on the expensve side, but definitely worth the investment. This gorgeous sofa has the option of upgrading to down cushions and an umber-wood finish. It is a perfect, classic shape that can go with traditional or modern style.

Karlstad Sofa
Ikea.com
$499.00
Yes, it is ridiculously inexpensive, but the shape is classic modern and Ikea pieces actually lasts a longer than a lot of people think. It is a great bargain for anyone who is looking for a great look at a super-low price.

Knoll Sofa
HiveModern.com
$7,803.00
This is totally iconic, and totally over the top, but it is one of the most incredible sofas you could buy. Plan on having this one around for at least 50 years. The design is current for today, and was groundbreaking in 1954. There are several pieces that belong to the Lounge Collection, so you can continue to collect over the coming years. You are truly investing in an artwork.

Beverly Sofa
$3,300-$6,950
Part of Williams-Sonoma Home’s Green Collection, which is distinguished by organic, recycled, reclaimed and sustainable fabrics and materials. This piece is incredibly distinguished…with a kind of gentleman’s flair–deep hand tufting, sweeping curves and rolled arms. Love love love this piece.

–By Kate Bailey

Technorati Tags: chic sofas, affordable couches, stylish lounging, Williams Sonoma Home, Knoll furniture, Ikea, living spaces, Room & Board furnishings

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If you love cashmere, then get ready for a whole new definition of “cozy”. For more than six generations, Loro Piana has crafted some of the softest, most luxurious, and stunning fabrics that are cut and sewn into clothing for men, women and children, as well as home furnishing accessories.

The company’s latest endeavor is a line of fabrics for interior design, including sumptuous cashmere, incredibly fine wool, as well as vicuña, linens and ultra-fine cotton.

The designs range from a chevron to a plaited weave, raw and lightweight linen to sexy silks and tactile cottons. Use the thicker cashmere fabric on a sofa, the delicate linen for curtains, and the raw linen or soft cottons for a cozy duvet cover.

Of course all of this luxury comes at an equally pretty price, but you can start out with a small chair or blanket and add to your collection over the years. If you really feel the need to splurge, try the cashmere carpet…just don’t spill any red wine!

–By Kate Bailey

Technorati Tags: Loro Piana, interior design cashmere, luxury home fabrics, fine linen, smooth cotton, luxurious carpet, best cashmere fabric, new textiles for home

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