NEW Porcelain Pearl Lamps from Williams-Sonoma Home

How to Use them: I love this new glazed porcelain lamp from WS Home (check out the acrylic base, too!). I wish they also offered it in butter yellow (my favorite color), or, better yet- Orange (everyone knows I'm going through an orange phase). This would make a great bedside lamp for a monochromatic room that needs a subtle shot of color. Equally lovely options would include placement in the Living Room, Family Room or Foyer.

How to get them: Williams-Sonoma Home

Retail Price: $495

This so cute fancy edged "Blanc de Chine" (hey, it IS made in China!) porcelain plate can be yours for, wait for it....two bucks! Target, baby! They also have a large one. too. Find it in the dishes section in the ala carte aisle. This is a new style. I love their ala carte porcelain aisle. I buy so many pieces that go nowhere near food. Jewlery trays, matches tray on the toilet tank, soap dishes, desk tray, little dishes for my paperclips and sticky notes. The ala carte aisle is where its at, people. It's probably my single most favorite aisle at Target.

In case anyone is wondering- the lovelieness underneath the dish is Kravet Couture chenille "Constellation" in Pewter. I need to return soooo many memos right now. I love the good people at Kravet for their patience. =)

Last week I received a call from the NY showroom informing me that Bunny's Beeline Home line will be available at Hollyhock in West Hollywood. I can't wait to see it...oh wait! I already have! (Thank you, advanced copy PDF catalog!). Sicne the line isn't out yet... I won't spoil the release for them and post pics. That would make me a bad designer, a very bad designer!

Click here to bookmark the page so you can check in around March to see the line in all its glory.

I've wanted this poster ever since I spied it way back when. I think 2009 may be the year I actually get around to hanging it on my wall. I can't decide if I want tan, orange or light blue.

For all you designers out there, isnt this the perfect mantra to keep around the studio?!

Buy this tan one from this Etsy shop site.

Here's a list (sorry, I don't have the time to link them!) of mail order catalogs that sell home goods suitable for a Classique home. Pretty much any catalog is good for an accessory or two, but be weary of purchasing furniture through a catalog. In my opinion, upholstered furniture via catalog is either way overpriced, lacking in foundational quality...or both. Stick to accents and accessories and you will be a-okay! Please comment to add your favorite catalog to the list! (The * notes my top 5 personal favorites!)

Anthropologie (the catalog has some home stuff sometimes), Ballard Home, Brocade Home, Crate and Barrel, DWR (great gift items and fun mod lighting), Exposures, Front Gate, Garnet Hill, Gumps, *Horchow, Ikea, Illuminations, Maine Cottage Catalog, *OKA Direct, Pottery Barn, Red Envelope, Rejuvenation, *Restoration Hardware, Room and Board, Room Service Home, *Source Perrier, Sur la Table, Tiffany & Co., *Williams-Sonoma Home, Wisteria

Brass Lamp Finial

How to use it: As a topper to a lamp, of course! Unscrew the plain one your lamp probably came with and replace. Voila! Will a lamp finial change your life? Probably not. Will it look so nice that you will wonder how you went without a proper lamp finial for all this time? Yes.

I want to make it clear that I do not recommend the crazy finials (for example, I really don't think there is a time and place for a garish holiday finial- even if its Christmas!). Keep the shape simple and elegant. Select a finial with a finish already present in your room (meaning, don't introduce chrome if you are currently living with brass). Lastly, don't fight with the lamp- the finial serves as an accent, not a focal point.

How to get it: Once you are aware of lamp finials, they will pop up in lots of little places. You can wait for the surprise of finding the perfect one, or you can indulge in instant gratification here. This particular selection is from LampFinials.com.

Price: $8

Marquetry Tray by Williams Sonoma Home

How to use it: Use a tray as both an accessory and an organizational tool just about anywhere. Read this post for ideas. (As a side note, marquetry is a decorative veneer made up of shaped pieces of wood in different colors that are pieced together to form a pattern or picture. ) This tray is made of mahogany, maple and cherry wood- gorgeous!

How to get it: This one is an internet exclusive. Get it here.

Retail Price: $168 square, $198 rectangle

{As featured on Ava Living!}

I find that there are a few essential accessories that any room, regardless of style, can use as part of a total look. The top accessory? A Tray. Not only do trays look nice, they function well, too!

Trays unify and organize. They provide an opportunity to bring in an accent material, color and/or finish. Throw a tray under just about anything or a group of somethings, and it immediately looks pulled together and "finished".

As a guideline when shopping, the things to remember are the following: 1) there are many different sizes and shapes of trays (large, small, long, square, circular), and scale should be a consideration; 2) trays are made of all sorts of materials such as bamboo, silver, acrylic, copper, wood, porcelain, leather, stainless steel...the options are endless! Choose a material that will live in harmony with your interior and provide a subtle accent.

Ten ways to use a tray throughout the home:

1- Place a tray on the entry or hall table. Phone, keys, wallet, planner, mail....let the tray be the dumping ground. The tray prevents "clutter spread" by concentrating it all in one place. Plus, a tray in this location saves you time- since you know where you left your keys.

2- Place a small tray under meal necessities. Items such as the salt and pepper and the sugar bowl (I even venture to add vitamins, but place them in a glass jar for aesthetics sake, first) can be displayed nicely when not in use, and can easily be carried to and from the morning room, dining room or outdoor eating area.

3- In the dining room, a tray on the sideboard can anchor a swanky cocktail set. Or a fancy wine decanter and wine "tools". Or a collection of your grandmother's crystal...

4- In the living room, a tray can be used atop a table to showcase a small collection of whatever it is you collect. It can also showcase a mixed collection to create a tablescape- think of a small stack of books with a small bud vase and a few objects. Just lovely.

5- In the family room, a large tray can act as a table. Set it on the ottoman and you have a surface for drinks, snacks, or an area for display (see living room, #4).

6- In the bedroom, a small "valet" try can serve as a catch all for cuff links, watches, earrings, etc.

7- In the bathroom, a tray can house and display bath products on a ledge or on the vanity. Cologne and perfume look especially lovely grouped on a tray atop the vanity.

8- In the closet, several small trays can help with organizing accessories and jewelry. A bunch of small trays or tiny shallow bowls organized on one large tray looks really hip. You will want to organize your stuff if it looks that good after you do it!

9- In the office- tray it up! One linear tray can hold thumb drives, SD cards, iPods, wrapped up ear buds, etc. Its a desk lifesaver since it keeps place and is easily accessible throughout the workday. If you are into having all your supplies out on the desk, utilize #8 for your paperclips, rubber bands, sticky flags, etc.

10- In the garage or utility room, a sturdy tray can hold the dog leash, grooming tools, and plastic baggies for walks. All in one place, all the time.

Weekly Retail Pick:

Fabian Chandelier by Chandi

How to use it: This too cool chandelier would add sparkle and add that "wow" factor to an entry, a dining room, music room (I can just see it over a grand piano!), a  fancy bathroom or any other appropriate place you can think of. I love this chandelier because its a new take on a classic, and a very mod shape. The drum shape makes it undeniably current and the crystals add that classic, stately look. This chandelier would shine in classic, transitional and the right type of contemporary interior. I Love it (now, if only I had a place for another light fixture...)!

How to get it: Contact the good people at Chandi Design

Retail Price: The smaller model retails for $6,100, the larger (not shown) for $14,000.

Thank you to Chandi Design for the photo!

Reclaimed Wood Panels

from B+N Industries

How to use them: These panels would make a great focal point in a transitional or mod room. In lieu of a painted accent wall, these would fill in quite nicely. These panels would also make a clean and cool statement behind the bed, acting as a headboard. I feel they have more uses in Commercial design settings, but they could be the star of the show if properly used in a Residential application.

Product Description: These are sold per panel, so make sure you measure accurately! Three different wood types, as well as Classic White, is available. These also require special installation (don't worry, the company provides an installation instruction sheet).

Price: The reclaimed wood panels start at around $1,300** per panel.

Zebra Burnout Window Panel Sheers

from West Elm

How to use them: Use as sheers in a transitional or eclectic space. These would make a fun statement behind a solid color drapery (be sure not to use them in conjunction with lots of other pattern in the same treatment- it will be too much).

How to get them: Order online at West Elm

Retail Price: These panels are a steal at $34-$54 each, depending on length.

Architectural House Numbers

by WestOn Letters

How to use them:

For your exterior address, these architectural house numbers can be installed horizontally or vertically. Choose from one of 41 styles , 12 finishes and 12 sizes to compliment the exterior style of your home. They come with spacers and an installation template.

How to get them: Order online at WestOn.

Retail Price: Price varies by size, style and finsih combination. Go to the order form for an estimate. My selections came out to about $52 per number.

"Notre Dame" Fireplace

by Francois & Co.

How to use it:

This fireplace would fit nicely in just about any room. I can see it in the library, the morning room, a formal front entry hall, a sitting room....it'll work just about anywhere.

This particular style is most suitable for a Gothic Revival, Tudor or Tudor Revival or Jacobean Revival house or estate.

Product Description: Francois & Co. fireplaces are fine handmade reproductions. This green "Scagliola Stone" fireplace is made of a proprietorial mix of limestone, travertine, and crushed marble. All Francois & Co. products are also available in solid Limestone. Made to order, 6 week lead time upon deposit.

"Cambridge" Camelback Sofa

by Hayes De Fer

How to use it: Any space where you would normally use a sofa- it can be dressed up or dressed down according to intended placement. Since this particular style has no arms, it would be especially suitable for use as a banquette in a morning room or breakfast nook.

Product Description: Available in three different widths. Requires 14-18 yards of fabric. 10% extra for nail head details. Custom made to order.

Retail Price: $7155

Antique Iron Savonarola Chairs

from Brookleberry's Antiques

How to use them:

This pair of 1920's French chairs would be great in the foyer or at a smaller bistro style breakfast table for two. They would be a handsome compliment to a traditional furniture arrangement, perhaps in a formal Living Room. The pair would also look elegant flanking a sideboard or hutch placed up against a wall.

How to get them:

Contact Brookleberry's Antiques at (951) 781-7692.  (Reference #TJ-028)

Brookleberry's Antiques is located in Riverside, California

Retail Price: $1650

I would like to present the glory that is Muff's Antique Hardware. (Contrary to the exterior signage, its known to locals and listed on the internet as Muff's Hardware.)  This little gem of a shoppe is located on Glassell Street in Old Town Orange, California, just south of the traffic circle.

Muff's primarily offers hardware such as drawer knobs, drawer pulls, door knobs, doorplates and lock sets, escutcheon plates, a small selection of towel bars and lavatory sets, and all sorts of other small items and random bits of interest. Even if you aren't in the market for hardware- its a fun place to spend a half hour if you find yourself  shopping in Old Town Orange, (which is quite lovely, especially at Christmastime!).

To clarify, they really do have antique hardware- and lots of it! They also offer a smaller selection of new parts on special order. A designer tip: if you see a fantastic, perfect piece of antique hardware and they only have one of whatever it is- snatch it up! You can have custom reproductions made to suit the amount needed for any project. (Just another trick we designer's have up our sleeves!)

Muff's Antique Hardware is located at 135 Glassell Street, Orange, CA 92866. There is convenient non-metered parking on the street front.

"Deborah Marie" Bench

by Scott Arthur Yerkey Furniture

How to use it: This bench can be used for function, beauty or both. This bench would look particularly nice at a hallway termination, as a pair in the foyer, at the foot of a twin bed or crib, in a closet or dressing room, or at a vanity.

This bench is suitable for classic and transitional styles and would also lend itself nicely to a variety of more specific European styles.

Retail Price: $2850

Vera Wang "Duchesse" Cut Crystal Champagne Saucer

How to use it: use these retro saucers (aren't they more elegant than flutes?!) for champagne and other sparkling white wines (if you dare!). These are great for semi-formal and formal entertaining, and, the impromptu toast whenever called for!

How to get it: Vera Wang online or anywhere Vera Wang china and stemware is sold.

Retail Price: $40

Safavieh "Greek Basic" Rug from Horchow

How to use it:

Use it as an area rug or runner in a traditional, transitional or contemporary interior (this rug can mesh with many different interior styles). The historic and classic Greek Key motif combined with a solid color makes for a subtle yet refined statement. This rug is made with wool. Feel free to use it in high-use rooms, it will perform very well and resist against stains.

How to get it: Horchow online

Retail Price: $299 - $2,560, according to size.

"Ginger" Sconce from Circa Lighting

How to use it:

Anywhere you want a set of wall sconces- over the fireplace, flanking a console table, in the bathroom...the possibilities for wall sconces are endless. This sconce is perfect for a Transitional style interior.

-Designed by Alexa Hampton for Circa Lighting

Retail Price: around $350 each, $700 for a set

Upholstered "Manhattan" Chair by Summer Hill

How to use it:

A great chair for Traditional and Transitional styles. If covered in a light fabric with lighter leg stain, this chair could also sit in a more formal Contemporary style interior. The gracefulness of the simple, sloping lines is the main feature of this versatile chair. Use a more formal fabric (velvet, mohair, silk) for a living room or a casual fabric (chenille, corduroy, linen, cotton) for a family room.

Product description: Exposed wood leg: Walnut stain (shown) or select from 14 other custom wood finishes. Optional nail-head detailing. 33" seat depth

Retail Price: $3936 (base price)

Metal Architectural Cookbook Stand

How to use it:

-Obviously, use it when cooking! Also consider staging with your favorite recipe even when you aren't cooking!

-Great as any other book holder. Maybe your favorite hardback novel in the study, or an antique hymnal for a music room table scape.

-You can also use this cookbook stand as an easel for small artwork or large photography prints. Just flip the ball and chains back so they don't hang over your display.

Where to get it: Wisteria online or via catalog.

Retail Price: $29

Source Perrier French Directoire "Gueridon" Occasional Table

How to use it:

-This table is flexible enough for pretty much any situation. The study, the office, the living room, the bed side...anywhere you want to chic-up a space, echo French style and furniture savvy, or even juxtapose masculine and feminine. Perfect for a lamp or as a "helper" side table (such as a cocktail surface for guests, or a surface for stacked books and a small flower arrangement).

-The clean and modern lines lend themselves well as a statement piece for both modern and contemporary interiors. The historic interpretation of Directoire style is well suited for transitional, traditional, classic and period interiors. It just may be the perfect table for any situation!

-Remember that in design- the possibilities are limitless. You can have the metal refinished if you don't favor brass (but I see a comeback for Brass and gold-tones) or create an insert for the top of the table if you don't favor black granite. You could employ a wall covering you like, leather, a fine lacquer finish or even photos and paper mementos put under custom cut glass. Personalize an already fabulous piece of furniture to further define your style and ensure no one else has the same thing.

How to get it: This piece is available through Source-Perrier online and via catalog.

Retail Price: $875

Bates and Bates "Princess Basin"

How to use it:

-This sink would be especially wonderful for adding a touch of surprise to an otherwise ordinary powder bath.

-A bar sink, or a floral prep sink in a Mud/Hobby room would also be ideal for such a unique design element. Any application where the use isn't super "high traffic" or subject to harsh, everyday chemicals or substances.

Product Description:

-Handcrafted, sculptured metal

-Special finishing process guarantees no corrosion or tarnishing

-Six metal finish options available (Antique Copper is shown here)

-Special cleaning required (no harsh chemicals or abrasives)

Retail Price: $1,010 and up, depending on finish