I am in L-O-V-E with hardware and fittings (door hinges and window hardware, even!). The latest thing I'm stuck on is retro-designed light switches. I have been researching Mid-Century Modern design for a project I am working on, and I discovered this quirky passion for hardware laying dormant. I like the push button varities, and I love the cool toggle designs from Forbes and Lomax. Using specially selected hardware puts that extra layer of design interest and integrity into a well-done interior.

Push button switches from Rejuvenation

Antique Bronze Push Button from Forbes & Lomax

Dimmer from Forbes & Lomax

Invisible toggle switch w/ acrylic backplate by Forbes & Lomax. LOVE it!

Also check out House of Antique Hardware if you are a hardware maven like I am. Make sure you look at the period home collections...heaven! Historic House Parts is also a fun site to peruse.

This product, De-Solv-it, is one of my little designer tips (but, actually, I can't take credit for it- since my mom turned me onto it!). I primarily use it to take off pesky labels and stickers from products, (but it can do so much more). It smells great and its environment friendly. A bottle will last you a long time, even though you will use it far more than you think you will! Labels and stickers that would normally have to be soaked and scrubbed off can be removed very quickly with this lovely little potion. Great for removing "made in", price stickers, and logo stickers from accessories and home-goods. Love it! You can get it here.

I have a thing for windsor chairs. Imagine my interest when I received a mailing from Thos. Moser with their take on the calssic windsor chair- two toned with exposed joinery. Ummm, yummy! Love it!

Check out their site to see all of their gorgeous creations- there is something for traditional and contemporary styles alike. They have photo "sharing" blockers on their website (and a google search was fruitless), so I had to scan their mailer to give you an idea of what they do. Simply gorgeous.

And, since I'm talking about windsor chairs....here is the first piece of antique furniture I ever purchased (great story on this, but I'll save it for another day). I love this chair.

This is a story of a petite wingback chair. In every project, there is an issue (well, lets be honest, sometimes there are more than one!). For this project- it was these chairs. I won't go into the details (or out the vendor!)- but lets just say that the normal, nice and cooporative Ms. Janelle Steinberg can turn into a hard-hitting, sharp shooter when anything having to do with my client's project is on the line. This was the case with these chairs. BUT! In the end, all turned out fine and my client is happy (which, at the end of the day, is all that really matters). I am constantly amazed that everything always works itself out. So, the "Behind the Scenes" evolution of this pair of wingback chairs is as follows...

We needed some great head chairs for this gorgeous dining table (excuse the Sharpie- we marked up the spec sheet when sourcing for this project):

We went shopping at the PDC (one of only a few trips- this client was a pro at fast decisions...an interior designer's dream!). We were looking for upholstered chairs for the heads of the table. Possibly a wingback, maybe something else if it struck us as "perfect". I pre-sourced a few options and we visited the showrooms to sit, touch, feel (basically ohhh and ahhhh), and we both decided that this petite wingback with Fruitwood finish was perfect in every way for my client's Dining Room and for the above table:

Now that we had the furniture piece selected, we could find the fabric for it! For me, selecting fabrics if one of the most enjoyable ID activities- its like picking colors for a painting or selecting jems and baubles for making jewlery- both of which I enjoy as hobbies. (Oh, any by the way, you really want to select fabrics after finding or designing your furniture, that way the scale and porportion will be right on.) We went shopping again and my client fell IN LOVE (she really, really loved this fabric!) with this gorgeous and fun stylized Jacobean flower motif printed on silk. Its by Quadrille (lovely, lovely Quadrille!). This was the *first* (see where I'm going with this?) fabric selection:

I received the yardage estimate from my vendor for those perfect petite wingback chairs. Wrote up the PO. Then realized they severly underquoted me as I was double checking everything (you always want to double check EVERYTHING!). Even though I gave my vendor the fabric info...they were wrong. At the very last minute, right before ordering, I realized something wasn't right- thank goodness. I went back to the vendor, waited on emails from their factory on the other side of the country...and they wanted double the fabric they initially quoted me. DOUBLE! Since I take budgets pretty seriously, I was not happy about the situation, and the fact that they misquoted me AGAIN. This fabric is nearly $200 per yard. On top of that issue (which turned out to not be an issue for my gracious client), the REAL issue was Quadrille does custom yardage runs and there just wasn't enough on hand to fulfill the extra yardage needed. The leadtime for European production for more yardage was about three months. This was the straw that broke the camel's back and made us reselect. I was disappointed, knowing how much my client adored this fabric!

So, naturally, I take her to Schumacher (one of my favs). Almost instantly (remember how I told you my client has that super-decisive thing going on?!) her eyes met the gaze of this super fun linen by Celerie Kemble:

I was thrilled (thrilled!) my client went for orange. Anyone who knows me, knows I've been obsessed with orange for awhile now. So, we took a memo (a "memo" is loaner sample of the fabric that showrooms loan out to designers) so I could find trim. The Dining Room has this great shell chandelier with lots of corals, orange-pinks, bisque yellows, pinks and whites.

I thought pink trim would be super fun against the orange and incorporate some of the pinks from the shells (which you can't really see in the photo- but its in there). I found this at Kravet a few days later, on a solo shopping trip:

The trim was perfect in every way. It was simple (I am known as the anti-trim designer with my fabricator...I stay away, far, far away from frilly trims! They have their time and place- but aesthetically, I am not a fan of drippy and goopy trims), AND it had orange with two shades of pink....perfect! I got back to my studio and sent a mock up to my client via email:

She loved it and approved it for purchase. Now...back to the chairs. My vendor quoted me on the yardage. I double checked, *specifically asked* and made sure that their quote was okay. I got a confimation. I then ordered the yardage they told me to order and has it sent to their factory on the East Coast.

A few weeks later, I get a call. They need to back the linen. Okay- fine. This sometimes happens. (They do it to add support to certain fabrics, and/or make it easier to work with.) Its extra money, okay, fine- its not that much and it needs to happen. Client understands, I understand. We submit the paperwork which pretty much says if they mess it up in the backing process, we can't blame them (kind of a scary document!).

A few weeks later I get another call. The knit backing won't work on this fabric (even though they already told me everything would be okay....not to MENTION this is WEEKS after we submit both approval AND payment for the backing....why are they just calling me NOW about this?!). They need to upholster in muslin first (which means more money), then apply our fabric...oh, and....they need more yardage! I was not happy. At. All. My rep was caught in the middle- shes just the messenger. My client has no idea anything is wrong or that we could possibly go over budget (afterall- it is my job to make it easy on my client! and Im happy to do it!), and these chairs which should be IN my client's house already are not even half way done. It was a headache.

I double checked with MY fabricator that fabricates all my custom designs from the smallest pillow to custom upholstery and drapery to just about anything else I need created. They told me the yardage my vendor had should be enough and that I donn't need more. So...after going over everything with my client, we opted to have the chairs shipped to my workroom to be finished.

After all that....the chairs came out amazing (and with no extra yardage or double upholstery needed- which means my client didn't have to add more to the budget for this room). This is the type of situation designer's handle for our client's. Its all in a day's work! (Well, it was actually spread out across a month or two!). Here is the latest photo I took from a design meeting at my factory. It still needed one more row of brushed brass nail heads...but it came out great! Now, I can't wait for the photoshoot in the beginning on 2010! (We are waiting on the custom rugs!).

And, here is the drapery right after installation (it stays tied the first few days for shape)

I received the May 2009 Pottery Barn catalog yesterday. The best accents (as with all retail companies- I usually only shop accents & decor, not furniture), were these great pillows and baskets with natural fibers. So summery and so classic. Not to mention durable. A great way to add some summer to your space- indoor or out.

Paper Crochet Pillow Cover

Beachcomber Baskets in various sizes

Jute Braid Pillow Covers in two sizes

I am loving this chevron-pattern "Zigzag" rug from West Elm. And the price is right, too. Less than $700 for a 9x12! 80 wool/20 cotton. Its a steal, if you ask me! Would be great in a transitional interior, or even a more classic interior with handsome geometry.

I'm really into brass, brushed brass and gold for metal tones and finishes in my interiors (for the record- I do like bonze and some cooler finishes, too- but the warm metals are my favorite). This frame is just darling. I picture it next to a classic crystal vase filled with baby pink roses. Or on a minimally decorated nightstand, glowing under the light from a swing-arm wall sconce with a smocked linen lamp shade in a creamy oatmeal color. Check out Elias Artmetal " frames. This one is 18K gold plated (also comes in pewter) and is stamped with "Good Forever". Such a little treat.

I love everything French Heritage makes (well, just about everything). I received the French Heritage market booklet with a preview of their new pieces for High Point market. I can't find them on their site yet, so I scanned the booklet in order to show you- circled with a sharpie and all! Great styling on this coffee table and etagere*, very masculine and chic. I'm pretty sure these pieces are part of the new Beaulieu collection by Michel Koehl. You saw it here first!

*Despite my aunt and Mr. Wonderful poking fun at me and all the fancy technical names of furnishings and decorative objects, the word "Etagere" is not pronounced "Ed On A Chair". Just had to throw that in there for them.

Also, in case you are wondering what makes an "etagere" an etagere- its a set of open shelving, sometimes having a door on the very bottom for storage (most cases, its open top to bottom).

I am loving the new Trina Turk for Schumacher fabrics! So bright and fun- perfect for spring and summer. I would especially love to see Trina's fabrics on outdoor furniture. Here are my favorites from Trina's new line for Schumacher. You can find Trina's full line here.

Peacock Print in Pool

Sonriza Print in Java

Santorini Print in Persimmon

Trellis Print in Pool

Trellis Print in Watermelon

Super Paradise Print in Pool

Sunglass Print in Charcoal

(photo from Roullier White)

Remember the post on the symbolism of the red front door? This post goes hand in hand. The door knocker- its gorgeous jewelry for your door. Second to your architecture and landscaping, your front door leaves a lasting impression and also subtly nods towards your style. Door knockers have been in use since Medieval times (possibly even before that!)- to say this is a classic that has evolved is an understatement. While there are tons of whimsical designs out on the market I feel its best to leave the whimsy to a second home or vacation home according to the vernacular. If you have a beach house on the Vineyard- go for the crab, lobster or scallop shell knocker. If you have a chalet in Aspen, go for the pine cone. Select something solid in statement for your primary residence- both to echo the architecture and to give your door some classic style. For an amazing and detailed article on door knockers, visit this page on "Old and Sold Antiques Digest".

Now, lets look at some delightful door knockers! I am a fan of classic brass- both for the longevity and the aesthetics. If you go with a cool metal finish, make sure its plated on brass. It will have great hand and it will also wear well. I will start with my favorite one- a fox door knocker. Just charming!

I would love to see this fox knocker on a high gloss orange front door. *Love*.

Fox Door Knocker by The Brass Gallery

This simple and classic style would be great for both traditional and transitional styles.

Classic Ring Door Knocker. From Jefferson Brass Co.

I would love to see this on a colorful front door (any color will do). This classic French motif would really pop on a brilliant color.

Fleur de Lys Door Knocker from Doorknockers.com

The quintessential classic door knocker. Perfect for engraving a monogram or a family surname.

This one is a reproduction from House of Antique Hardware

This glorious eagle knocker is perfect for Georgian and Federalist style homes. I see this on a navy or crimson red door for the ultimate statement in traditionalism. From PE Guerin

This is a nice take on the very common lion door knocker. I hesitated in including the lion- since I feel its so conventional and sort of overused (especially in situations when one shouldn't use a lion- for some reason, I think some people feel if they stick a lion "something" outside it means "classy"...think oversized concrete roaring lion garden decor in front of a dinky tract house). But- I found this one that's done a bit differenly than other lion door knockers. Its quite tasteful and the lines are elegant. As an FYI- lion door knockers were very popular in Victorian times. This one is from Designer's Brass.

This hexagon door knocker would be amazing in brass (Guerin does offer brass as a finish option for this style). This would be a great knocker for traditional architecture with a transitional interior style. Simple, geometric and classic. From PE Guerin.

Lastly- this lovely and elegant acanthus leaf door knocker. This would suit French and American Georgian architecture quite well.

Also by PE Guerin.

Why not spruce up your desk in honor of spring? I am moving my studio this weekend to a bigger space (and therefore thinking about the new studio and everything I want/need to do to it). I am sprucing as I pack (and when I say sprucing, I mean purging!). Offices have been on my mind.

Amidst the chaos of boxes that surround me, I'm thinking about having two desk looks. One for Spring/Summer, and one for Fall/Winter. I know it sounds frivolous (and so far from my current situation, moving and all)...but really, its not that much stuff to switch out. And it could be really fun. I always feel left out when all the spring and summer stuff rolls out to retail. All of that bright and happy product doesn't quite fit in with my home style, which has developed into a decidedly British Colonial/Classic Transitional/kinda Restoration Hardware-esque/Masculine/ Ralph Lauren meets English Hunting Lodge Without the Taxidermy home style (probably due to Mr. Wonderful, my hardest to client to please).

But my office...that can be a departure, right? I have already painted the new space a soft, creamy butter yellow (my favorite color of all time...until I see an orange that makes my heart race). I am still pondering all the fun stuff...my new desk skirts (see my brilliant desk solution at the end of this post), what color I will refinish a vintage lamp that is slated for the new studio, what type of window treatment I want, which art I will hang...how big a bulletin board I want. All the fun stuff. And right now, I am thinking I might possibly go bright. Maybe its just spring. Either way, I'm going to punch it up.

Personalized pencils from Lillian Vernon.

Drop them into a shiny brass or chrome pencil cup. Look for a cool cup in the bathroom section of your favorite store. Usually they come with a top or a topper with holes for a toothbrush- just toss it and use it on the desk for pencils. This is why my pencil cups are always unique- they are really bathroom accessories.

"Croc Box Clock" from Room Service Home. In real life I would get croc for sure (do you know I have this thing with crocodile? See here and here. But I would almost for sure find one in orange croc).

"Marrakesh File Folders" from Ballard Designs.

I would use these for the files I keep out on my sorter, not the ones that go away and hide in the file cabinet.

"City Push Pins" from Ballard Designs. A classic bulliten board is a must. Whats an office without a cork board? I currently have loads of those clear ones (all left over from pin up critiques in design school). I think its about time to get some fun ones.

Brass Stamp Dispenser. This is possibly my favorite desk item ever. Love it.

From Jefferson Brass Company

Sailcloth Storage Collection from Exposures

I like this collection because its neutral. You won't have to ditch your whole collection of black boxes and mag files when you decide to depart from the toile* ridden Paris office theme (or whatever the theme du jour may be).

*Not that I have anything against toile. I actually quite like it.

Birght and happy-hued bound planners and desk journals. A must (although my current agenda is navy pebble leather, I can dream its turquoise). These are from Horchow.

"Newport Frames" from Z Gallerie. I have the tiny one on my desk right now. I love it. Bright and happy. And orange, which makes me happy. Glossy enamel makes it fancy.

A useful tip to anyone who actually needs desk space (and not just a pretty desk for writing thank you notes and managing a social calendar, which is equally important, for sure)...build them! I'm usually not a huge fan of D.I.Y. projects (or at least recommending a D.I.Y. project to individuals without knowing their capability with power tools or their interest in detail). Get 4x4's cut to size (mine are about 29" tall so I can slide file cabinets under the desk) and drill a door (yes, an entire door) on top of the 4x4's. You will have an instant, and HUGE desk (which is very cost effective)! This is what I have done in my studio from the suggestion of one of my past architect teachers. Both of the large desks in my home studio have taken a serious beating, and they are still standing. I will post photos when the new studio is finished.

So I am reading my morning emails...and this comes across the wire. "Diamond Head" interchangeable nail heads. Honestly- I have never seen anything like it (well, rhinestones- but not in a nail head for upholstery). Its so novel! Wouldn't these look great in certain Hollywood Regency styled rooms? Or, maybe for your little one's first Big Girl bed? These can be integrated tastefully, for sure. Usually I'm not a huge fan of sparkly things (I will admit I usually like pearls more than diamonds), but these are kinda fun!

Diamond Head Interchangeable Upholstery Tack

I love the following fixtures and chandeliers from Currey & Co. They have so many really great products, but these ones really struck my fancy. I love their updated flare- very elegant, yet fresh and unfussy. I also love that they look like cutouts- such an updated take on a classic form. These are great chandeliers for transitional interiors- anywhere you want to hang a chandelier is usually appropriate (can you tell I adore chandeliers?). Visit Currey & Co. for more eye candy.

Candor

Ardor

Everlasting

Domani Chandelier

Tocca Chandelier

Yesterday, after lunch with another fellow interior designer and BFF, Ian Patrick, we went shopping in our usual fashion for cool odds and ends for our own homes. We both purchased a darling boxed set of Modern Alchemy candles. We've talked about how fantastic it would be to do a Gothic inspired, kinda Edwardian, kinda creepy, Victorianesque manse full of velvet and over-sized flocked wall coverings and curiosities (a far cry from our fresh and classic style, but that's what fantasies are for, right?!). Modern Alchemy candles reminded us of that design fantasy. They also reminded me of The Chintz of Darkness blog (which you should check out if you haven't already- they are thoroughly entertaining and paint wonderful pictures of interior fantasy lands). The presentation, candle jars and scents are all unique and interesting (which is getting harder due to so many candle companies out there!). With such woodsy and exotic scents, I am planning on saving these until fall and make myself wait to burn them. We'll see if I can hold out that long!

The packaging is the size and weight of the pencil boxes I had in elementary school.

Inside are three scents: Speakeasy, Twice Bitten and Cake Walk. With these names, how could I not buy this set?! I love more woody and spicy notes- and all three of these are scents I would naturally be drawn to. The frosted glass jars and the color of the box interior makes the inside look dusty and old.

Once I am done burning the candles, I'll have a set of adorable bud vases. I love the frosted glass with the Modern Alchemy monogram- looks like something I would pickup at an antiques shop.

Retail Pick:

Crocodile Rug from Horchow

Some people have a weakness for leopard print, zebra or shagreen...mine is crocodile. I pretty much like crocodile anything- key fobs (I have a yellow one from my sister, actually), desk accessories, tiles- do you remember my love for the Walker Zanger Crocodile Matouche tiles? (I am still waiting on the client that wants to use them!). And now, this lovely rug. Crocodile runs the fine line of gorgeous and garish- so its best to tread softly and use wisely. This rug works because its understated in a soft palette. A guest would not notice the rug first, its a detail that supports everything else. This would be a great choice for a living room or bedroom. Get it here.

I am on the mailing list for many, many (many!) product lines. This one came across my wire today and I drooled a bit, thought about where I could put it in our place, decided I didn't have room for it- and that I would just post it here. I'm pretty sure I have an affinity towards British Colonial styling from growing up on "Pippy Longstocking", "The Swiss Family Robinson" and Disneyland's "Jungle Cruise" as a child. I also love the dark wood in British Colonial style- just like American Georgian and Federalist, which I (surprise!) admire as well. Enjoy this gorgeous settee! I would get a long down stuffed, self-welted cushion made from cut velvet for this chair. In white or possibly my signature mossy green from my living room. I would then place it in the foyer or somewhere in my bedroom. No pillows. Wouldn't want to hide that gorgeous canning or fluting!

"Settee BR003SE", Chocolate stained Mahogany wood.

$4,200 retail. By British Regency.

Do you know about Jack Arnold? Have you seen his work? He's a residential architect that has carved out a little niche for himself in the French County and Olde World style architecture arena...and I am a huge fan. I've noticed (for awhile now) he is running more and more ads in shelter publications, and he also has a few product lines out- so I'm sure Arch_ID minded people are catching the fever. If you remember back about a year, his personal home was featured in Veranda, too. I have the spread somewhere in my files (which I am noting to myself to go and find!).

After viewing many of his houses online and from his folio books of plans (see photos below), I honestly can't pick The One I like best. The hardest part of being an interior designer is "committing" to a home style for us (sorry, Mr. Wonderful- what I say goes!). Its hard to make a final style decision (both exterior and interior) when there are so many lovely choices for everything! Its easy to do for clients, but for me- when I can feel my emotional response to so many different styles- its really hard to pick just one (currently, we are stuck between American Federalist and Jacobean Tudor Revival w/ a bit of French Normandy flare). I want them all- even the stark modern spaces. I love them all.

Anyways, I digress. I do not know Jack Arnold, but maybe our two worlds will bring us together one day. Or maybe I will hire him as my architect one day, purchase an antique from his wife (I'm pretty sure she has a shoppe and does interior decor) or at least purchase his plans (and of course tweak them a little...I am pretty particular and I feel mass produced plans can only take someone so far, especially a classically trained designer who rocks space planning). But oh how I love his work. The character really jumps out at you...the rustic stone, the brick, chimney pots, shutters, and other details...enough to make a (very picky) designer like me very happy- even just to look. I heart Jack Arnold. Jack...if you are out there- I love your work! Consider me a patron in waiting. (I also say this about Derek Gores, the artist responsible for amazing collage portraits).

Go here to see his photo gallery. Really- go, now!

Go here to see his product line for architectural chimney pots.

Go here to see the house plan portfolios he offers....or, walk through the ones I have received as gifts from my mom- who is equally (well, okay, not equally) enamored with interiors and design.

The plan books come in different styles. Each folder has two components: a look book of each plan, and loose plans that relate to the look book. You get a rendering, photographs/details and the actual floor plan (not to scale) of each house. Really fun!

Fauteuil Pacha by James Duncan Collections

Cane /kan/, n.: stems of bamboo, rattan, or wicker used as a material for making furniture or baskets.

Fauteuil /fo-te'y...for us Americans, it sorta' sounds like "fo-toy"/, n.: an upholstered chair with open arms and a wooden frame.

I love this chair because it proves my theory on caning. It looks better painted, rather than stained. Its more graphic and fresh when its painted a solid color. Love it. Also, contrary to popular mistake, this type of chair is not a Bergere. A "Bergere" is an enclosed upholstered arm chair.

Perhaps people call it a Bergere because its easier to pronounce than "Fauteuil", but technically, an open arm chair such as this is a Fauteuil. Or, perhaps people think these are Bergeres due to sites like this. No matter- now you know! Impress your antiques dealer and your interior designer next time you discuss chairs.

For those of you who are desperately bad at French, like myself (due to four total years of Spanish in both high school and college- I just mix up all the rules and pronounce French words like a train wreck), just take a stab at it. Its better to call it what it is, rather than call it what its not.

"Hot Surface Houndstooth Set" by Jaime Salm @ Mio

Cork /kork/ n.: A sustainable natural material harvested from the outer layer of the Cork Oak tree.

I have to admit that I pretty much relegate cork to the bulletin boards in my studio. I appreciate it, but I don't employ cork all that often. But here is a cork I am loving. Houndstooth pattern cork pieces that interlock! Novel! Its meant for a table surface, such as a trivet for hot things. I would like to consult my favorite GC to see how I can do this for flooring...there has to be a way to use these little pieces as flooring. Or....I can houndstooth cork a large portion of a wall in my studio, frame it out and have a cool new inspiration board. Although, I may not want to cover up the pattern!

DWR (Design Within Reach) is having a sale. March 5-18th get 15% off of EVERYTHING, plus FREE SHIPPING! If you aren't on their mailing list, you can sign up here.

Think there is nothing at DWR for your classic house and lifestyle? Think again. Here are my top ten picks from DWR. Perhaps they are classic because they would fit in both modern and traditional spaces? Its another example of "classic knows best".

My Top Ten from DWR

1. A Classic Kitchen Scale.

Even if you don't normally weigh anything, a beautiful scale would look great on the counter or in the butlers pantry. Scales are more handy than you think, so chances are- if you have one, you will start to use it.

2. Glass Apothecary Jars

These jars are all about utility, which means you can actually use them (good luck with all the pretty, fancy shaped apothecary jars out there! I've broken one and it wasn't very hard!). Think about jars for storage in the kitchen cupboard and bathroom. If you want to get really neurotic (like me), these would make gorgeous containers for nuts, bolts and odds & ends on the workbench. Who says the garage can't be pretty?

3. Adirondack Chair

This is a streamlined take on the truly classic Adirondack chair. If you want to be unconventional, it comes in a choice of colors. I would have custom seat cushions and a kidney pillow, both with contrasting welting, made for each chair. Think navy blue, hunter green or black fabric with white welting with this white finish. Fresh and classic.

4. Shaker Settee

A very classic and iconic style that is suitable for colonial styles (think cape cod and dutch colonial revival, and even more casual American Federalists styles). Great for an informal entry, a bench in the mudroom, or a settee for the morning room table.

5. An hourglass

Or, in this case, a 45 minute glass. This would be great for a study space for the kids or your office.

6. A Murano Glass Chandelier

Comes in other colors. Fantastic foyer or dining room light fixture.

7. A shave set

I love this one. My husband uses an electric razor, but I would still get this- even though it would be for display purposes only. Its gorgeous. And classic. And a true luxury. Perhaps a great accent for the guest suite bath?

8. A Teak Tree Swing

Honestly, this one makes me a bit sentimental. I picture a big lawn with a mature oak tree and this swing hanging down. I am totally romanticizing this swing, I know- but its pretty cool (and classic).

9. A teak Croquet Set

I have great family memories playing croquet on my father's perfectly manicured Bermuda grass lawns. Get a croquet set and create family memories for years (decades with a teck set- its made to last!).

10. Glass Tumblers

Perfect for everyday use. Juice. Water. Soda. Very multipurpose, very classic.