The Bright Side (above)
The sumptuous styles of Kravet’s fine fabrics are no longer limited to indoor use. The Kravetsoleil collection features high-performance and low-maintenance fabrics that are resistant to fading, mildew and stains but show no resistance to the notion of outdoor living and entertaining. Wren’s Tontine Shade & Design, 1533 Prytania St., 525-7409, or go to www.wrenstontine.com.
Not Your Granny’s Goblet
Mouth-blown and handcrafted by skilled artisans, Slant’s brilliantly hued wine goblets offer a new spin on stemware. Oversize with a style described as “1950s martini chic with a modern aesthetic,” these gorgeous goblets explain why fans of the brand are tipsy for this tableware. Bella Nola, 4236 Magazine St., 897-9499, or go to www.bellanola.net.
Fashion Meets Function
Plain Jane accordion-style file folders get glam and become must-haves for every working girl. Part of its Audrey collection, russell+hazel’s five-file totes are polished and versatile with distinctive details and classic inspirations such as sleek black and white patent vinyl hard covers, elegant gold-toned metal hardware, patent handles and scrollwork-printed interiors. Cambria Cove, 866/944-2683, or go to www.cambriacove.com.
No More Bedroom Blahs
Finding inspiration at Fashion Week 2009, interior designer Johanna Santos took color cues from the runways of Diane von Furstenberg and Nicole Miller when devising the palette for her nail-head-styled headboards. Her original designs mix textures and materials for a chic and refined look that, even with the simplest crisp white sheets, can seamlessly create panache no matter how boring the bedroom. Deco by Designers, 888/215-4487, or go to www.decobydesigners.com.
Thad Hayes: The Tailored Interior
(Rizzoli, $55.00)
Since establishing his office in New York in 1985, Thad Hayes has become one of the most desirable young interior designers. His interiors embrace the period and the modern, significant objects and simple ones, furniture he finds and pieces he designs. Among the 22 residences featured in The Tailored Interior are a penthouse on Central Park, a Palm Beach retreat and a Hamptons hideaway. Each design is remarkable for its symbiotic sensitivity to the client and Hayes’ own subtle, extraordinarily beautiful aesthetic.
Relics on Royal Street
Pieces of Russian history – 154, to be exact – are now calling New Orleans home. One of the only complete silver services to survive the Communist Revolution of 1917, this rare Fabergé service for 18 boasts a lavish Louis XIV motif with gold gilt accents and is arguably one of the finest sets of silver ever created in the renowned firm’s Moscow workshop. M.S. Rau Antiques, 630 Royal St., 523-5660, or go to www.rauantiques.com.
A Stitch in Time
Guided by her imagination and an eye for antique textiles, Louisiana State University alumna Emily Alexander designs opulent, one-of-a-kind pillows from centuries-old Aubussons, tapestries and toiles and pairs them with the highest-quality down; antique trim; and premium silks, velvets and linens. Her creations could have graced the beds of everyone from Marie Antoinette to Princess Diana but are appreciated today by world-class designers and local tastemakers alike. E Alexander Designs,
858/350-8389, or go to www.ealexanderdesigns.com.
Getting Personal
Just say no to paper plates this spring. La Plates’ lightweight, durable melamine plates are more personal, stylish and eco-friendly than their disposable counterparts. Available in a wide- ranging menu of colors, designs and fonts, the plates are perfect for picnics, barbecues and everyday dining. La Plates, www.laplates.com.
