Defining Luxury: The Qualities of Life at Home (Rizzoli, $65)
Jeffrey Bilhuber, the media-savvy designer for tastemakers and celebrities such as Anna Wintour, Elsa Peretti and Iman and David Bowie, presents his most recent projects from coast to coast in Defining Luxury: The Qualities of Life at Home. Bilhuber views luxury as essential to every life well-lived and encourages the reader to seek, aspire to and revel in luxury at home, however simple or adorned. In seven chapters filled with charming anecdotes and observations, the designer explores the idea of luxury as life’s abundance reflected in a home’s varied elements: Discovery, Passion, History, Ornament, Grace, Comfort and Delight. Each project discussed evokes the many qualities of a distinctively American luxury practically expressed and fully enjoyed at home: beauty, family, refinement and hospitality.
A Cut Above
Developed to celebrate its 300th anniversary this year, Osborne’s Magdelana cutlery pattern merges the lines of today’s modernistic designs with art deco influences. The English manufacturer’s new pattern is offered in heirloom-quality sterling silver or more practical silver plate and is a contemporary addition to its vast collection of more than 200 cutlery designs, many of which date back to the classic “parish patterns” that originated in Sheffield more than 400 years ago. Osborne, www.osbornetableware.com.
Rock Solid
Made from wrought iron and heavy-gauge steel, the Gibraltar fixture offers a medieval appeal to today’s home. Each fixture undergoes an electrostatic process to increase its durability. Lanterns are available in a variety of finishes as wall mounts, pier mounts, post mounts or pendants. Approved for both indoor and outdoor use, each piece can be customized with a few simple changes to create a one-of-a-kind design. French Quarter Lanterns, 3511 River Road, Suite B, Jefferson, 834-0850, or go to solara.tv.
Bauhaus Revised
The streamlined minimalism of the German Bauhaus greatly influenced French master designer Le Corbusier. His 1920s chair is the primary inspiration for Thos. Moser’s Chaise rendered not in Bauhaus’ stark chromed steel but in strong, flitch-cut American black cherry. A moderately padded full-grain-leather cushion combined with a gently reclining back makes the Chaise among the most comfortable chairs you can find. Thos. Moser, 800/862-1973, or go to thosmoser.com.
Social Butterfly
Keep the darling deb on track this Carnival season with a gift that’s stylish and practical. Kate Spade’s lightweight cotton canvas trifold calendar pops with colorful detailing thanks to its striped cotton twill lining, smooth calfskin trim and leather license plate signature closure. Scriptura, 5423 Magazine St., 897-1555 and 3301 Veterans Blvd., Metairie, 219-1113, or go to www.katespade.com.
The Shining
Many of today’s best designers use metallics to add a modern and fresh counterpoint to neutral interiors. Made of recycled copper, the 40-inch Farmhouse Duet Pro Sink does just that. The spacious sink’s richly textured surface reveals thousands of hits of an artisan’s hammer and adds energy and visual excitement to a kitchen. Triton Stone Group of New Orleans, 6131 River Road, Harahan, 738-2228, or go to nativetrails.net.
Good Karma
After slipping on her mat during a yoga session, SKIDLESS founder Susan Nichols created a complete line of patented yoga and fitness products that are eco-friendly and colorful. Both the PREMIUM yoga mats and towels have gripping eco-nubs made from 100 percent silicone and are super-absorbent to put a hygienic layer between you and your mat or sports equipment. Each color in the collection is bright and bold and represents of one of the seven major chakras,
or energy centers, in the Hindu tradition. LIFE: A Lifestyle Boutique, 5422 Magazine St., 267-0380, or go to yogitoes.com.
From Carpet To Couch
Anatolian kilims, the flat-weave carpets of Central Asia, have long been a source of inspiration for Western artisans. Through the complementary use of color and motifs rich in primitive symbolism, Brunschwig & Fils captures the elegant simplicity of such carpets in its Tashkent Figured Jacquard. Ideal for upholstery and drapery, the dramatic interpretation in this complex jacquard weave makes a bold statement of classic contemporary style. Brunschwig & Fils, 914/684-5800, or go to brunschwig.com.
