Established towards the end of the 19th Century, Liberty Company remains a beacon radiating a sense of modern English style. Engaging in a quest to foster relationships between retailers and English designers, founder Arthur Liberty intended his store to rival the style centers of Paris as well as the upstarts in New York City. Mr. Liberty kept his designers anonymous in order to promote a cohesive brand sense that became known as “Liberty Style.” Emphasizing upper class whimsy along with the potent influence of Japanese art and prints that was haunting every artistic media from sculpture to Claude Debussy’s music, Liberty Style also became synonymous with the Art Nouveau movement.

Print on Fabric - Ikat

Under the careful guidance of renowned architect and Art Nouveau advocate Edward William Godwin, Liberty opened an “Artistic Costume Studio”. Taking up Art Nouveau’s insistence that beautiful design create intersections between architecture, painting, fashion, stained glass and music, Mr. Godwin created a studio through which textile design became one of the premier reference points for English style. Through Liberty Art Fabric, English style gained an international following. While visiting London, Mrs. Andrew Carnegie and Isadora Duncan purchased Liberty dresses. Marcel Proust bought Liberty print neckties from the store’s Parisian outpost.

Print on Fabric - “Shells” - Liberty Fabric

Today the treasure lies in the Liberty costume studio’s archives. One need only pass through eBay to witness the cult focus placed upon authentic Liberty prints from the 1960s.  Liberty makes a point of reissuing classic and archival prints each season alongside new patterns. The prints now extend past upholstery and fine apparel towards wallpaper, accessories and stationary.

Print on Fabric - “Rose” - Liberty Fabric

Liberty of London has entered into strategic and fruitful partnerships with various American and French companies to encourage the already vast stretch of Liberty style. Such collaborations include work with American retail stores Orvis and J. Crew, the French clothing line “A.P.C.”, London’s Victoria & Albert Museum and American mega-store Target.

Liberty Fabric

Where Liberty Art Fabrics and Liberty Prints are available:

Victoria & Albert Museum, in conjunction with the exhibition, “Quilts: 1700-2010”

The Liberty “Target” Limited Edition

Authentic Liberty Art Fabric is available in the United States through Purl Soho

International Fabric Collection

And, of course, the Liberty Department Store

B&B Italia Modern Outdoor Furniture

B&;B Italia - Canasta Lounge Chairs by Patricia UrquiolaB & B Italia’s outdoor furniture collection provides a futuristic feel to the elements with its 72” egg shaped Canasta Lounger by Patricia Urquiola.  Evoking a James Bond feel, this seat takes lounging to a new height as you become enveloped by the numerous pillows and the sail-like cover.  The PVC-coated polyester fabric of canopy fabric reduces up to 92% of the UV rays.  An afternoon nap takes on a whole new meaning. 

B&;B Italia - Canasta Outdoor Lounger by Patricia Urquiola

Making this piece even more delightful is the option to equip it with a 360 degree swivel mechanism, making it easy to change views or move with the sun.  The over scaled caned design creates a modern twist to a traditional material, and is available in white or bronze.   A steel or aluminum frame is covered with a polyethylene interlacing.  It is then powder coated for enhanced durability from the elements as well as fade resistance.  Spanish for basket, the Canasta collection also features a loveseat and chairs, as well as tables to complement your outdoor area.  Urquiolo, who resides in Milan, has a love of nostalgia that she loves to jolt with today’s modern lines. 

B&;B Italia - Canasta Outdoor Lounge Chairs by Patricia Urquiola

RUCKSTUHL 2010

Ruckstuhl’s rug collection offers exquisite and innovative design ideas for your home’s floorcovering.  Unusual shapes and smart use of materials are the hallmark of their design aesthetic. 

Felt Whool Rug by Deborah Moss

Deborah Moss’s Night Sky is a glittering work of art with hand painted hues and stitched on crystals that emulate the depths of the universe.  The round shape has an infinite quality that is perfect for making a statement in an entry way.

Contemporary Area Rugs - Night Sky by Deborah Moss

Ruckstuhl: Night Sky, Deborah Moss’s contribution to Edition Ruckstuhl, is by far the smallest carpet in this collection. Its dimensions alone underscore the intimate character of its design, which displays an impressive poetry. The delicate colour gradients on the hand-painted felt depict an authentic image of the infinite expanses of the night sky. Stitched-on crystals create a vibrant contrast to the simplicity of the base material, lending an air of luxury to this carpet.

Contemporary Area Rugs - Night Sky by Deborah Moss

Pure Wool Area Rug - Hypnos by Atelier Oï

The Hypnos rug does exactly the opposite – instead of pulling you into the universe, it pushes you down a spiraling hole.  Rather than a depressive state, Hypnos is an elegant example of movement and pattern.  Centered in a room, the rug may give the impression that your furniture has a gravitational pull toward it.

Contemporary Area Rugs - Hypnos Rug by Atelier OïRuckstuhl: The design of the Hypnos carpet was inspired by “Les Danseuses”, a kinetic installation which Atelier Oï presented in 2009 on the occasion of the grand opening of its new office and workshop building in La Neuveville. Within the circular, ever narrower wavy lines that characterise the carpet’s striking pattern, the installation’s motif of rotating, ornamentally perforated textile umbrellas that instinctively evoked an association with the robes of whirling dervishes has been frozen in place.

Wool Rug - Hypnos - Modern area rugs by Ruckstuhl

Pure Wool and Sheepskin Rug - Pompon by Hugo Zumbühl

Ruckstuhl Rug’s whimsical side shows with the Pompon rug.  It’s three dimensional effect has a spontaneously happy aura, making you smile each time you see it.

Pure Wool and Sheepskin Rug - Pompon by Hugo ZumbühlRuckstuhl: The starting point for Zumbühl’s contribution to Edition Ruckstuhl was once again a material discovery. The backing fabric for the Pompon carpet with its dense white tuft is made of chenille yarn, a particularly plush wool thread that has practically disappeared from the market. Pompoms stitched in at regular intervals animate the surface structure and provide colourful accents. The result is a spontaneous image of a flowery meadow illuminated only by the light of the moon.

Pure Wool and Sheepskin Rug - Pompon by Hugo ZumbühlRuckstuhl has distributors all over the US, and will create its rugs in custom sizes and colors to suit your needs.  Using natural materials of wool, linen, and silk, they create heirloom quality rugs that will last a lifetime.  Check out the entire line to find a rug that is perfect for you.

RuckStuhl 2010 Designs Contemporary Area Rugs

Nine designers from Europe and Canada designed twelve out-of-the-ordinary limited edition carpets. The constraints imposed by larger production runs were simply ignored in order to create an exquisite selection of artworks for the floor which bear the distinct signatures of their designers.

Where to buy Ruckstuhl 2010 Rug Designs?

Living The High Life

You seat your family on chairs, so why not buy your chairs in a family?  Living Divani’s aptly named Family Chair series offers several sizes of tubular steel formed chairs.  High backs, short backs, wide seats, skinny seats…there is something for every member of your tribe. 

Living Divani Contemporary Family Chair

We love the slight optical illusion created by these chairs’ open weave.  The forms seem to undulate with pride when seated around the table.  Leather cushions provide some seating comfort while the curved backs hug your body. 

As you scroll through Living Divani’s site, drink in the incredible images of their furniture collection. The Leaf Colletion features a decadent chaise lounge and chair enveloped in a plush cushion.  The Dondolo rocking chair has a sexy sling seat that invites lounging.

Living Divani Leaf ChairLiving Divani’s collections of tables, beds, and outdoor furnishings are nothing short of remarkable.  Their designs take modern to the next level and have an ingenuity that is refreshing.  This Italian based company has distributors all over the world, with a range across the US in designer showrooms. 

Living Divani Dondolo Chair

The Andre Arbus Collection by Baker Furniture celebrates the artistic innovativeness that he stood for in the late 1930’s through the 50’s.  Honing his craft as a cabinet maker apprentice in Toulouse, France, Arbus (1903-1969) became known for his ability to add an architectural flair to furnishings.

Baker Furniture Andre Arbus Collection

Baker Furniture has taken elements from his original designs and developed their own homage to his designs.  The subtle sexiness of the Gallerie sofa has a Parisian influence that meets Hollywood glam.  The smaller scaled dimensions will find this piece nesting calmly in bedrooms as well as salons.

Baker Furniture Gallerie Sofa

The Pacquebot chair has a very French feel to the design, ultimately giving this chair a romantic slouchy feel.  It works well next to the simplicity of the Galerie sofa, and would find itself at home in both modern and traditional interiors.

Baker Furniture Pacquebot chair - Andre Arbus

As a crown jewel in Arbus’ collection, the Chateau table features his distinctive star motif on its frame.  Made from antiqued brass with steel and marble surroundings, the Chateau table is the definition of Arbus’ decorative style.  The elegant simplicity of the overall table makes a statement when all these elements are combined.

Baker Furniture Chateau Table - Andre Arbus

Baker Furniture’s collections feature the works of many well known designers such as Bill Sofield, Thomas Pheasant, and Laura Kirar.  Visit an interior designer or a showroom to see the exceptional quality and design of their collections.



The innovative designs of the company Aqua Creations, out of Israel continues to shock and awe my senses.  Taking inspiration straight from forms in nature below the sea, their Gladis chair undulates with the fluid motion of corals. 

Gladis Lounge ChairCovered in lush textiles from Creation Baumann and other high end textile sources, this unique chair is well designed with its ergonomically shaped form.  It cradles the body for optimum comfort, and will swivel to obtain optimum positioning.  The details of this chair are hand stitched in order to obtain the ethereal effect of motion within the ripples. 

Aqua Creations Gladis Lounge ChairEach piece that Aqua Creations makes is considered a work of art and is signed and numbered by its creator Ayala Serfaty.  Headquartered in Tel Aviv, this growing company has a flagship store located in New York, and has been picked up by numerous showrooms across the US to provide for their growing demand.  Interior designers love the uniqueness of the line, allowing them to work the arty seating and lighting into numerous types of residential and commercial projects.

Sometimes a garden needs a bench, and then sometimes a bench needs a garden.  The Romeo and Juliet bench from Belgium company Extremis takes care of both, creating a planter system with seating.  The long strips of wood planking for the seats are in harmony with the aluminum slats that create a floating affect.  Fiberglass pots underneath create a sturdy base, and are spaced far enough apart for sizable trees to be planted within. 

In a play on the theme of Romeo and Juliet, the design of this bench was meant to create a space where trees could live together, but without touching.  However, without being doomed like the two lovers, the bases provide a large enough space to allow roots to grow and expand, providing longevity to the growth of the plants within. 

Perfect for residential or commercial spaces, the benches can be lined up or circled, creating a well balanced line of trees as the spacing is identical between all of them.  Designed by the team of Stijn Goethals and Koen Baeyans, the Romeo and Juliet bench creates architectural elegance regardless of where it is placed.  A single bench is 320 cm long by 74 cm wide. 



The J.J. Rocking Chair by Antonio Citterio

modern lambskin rocking chairJust because the population is aging doesn’t mean we have to sit in a boring, old rocking chair.  Antonio Citterio has reinvented a hip and cozy version that will appeal to the young at heart.  The J.J. Rocking Chair has a Mongolian lambskin cover that sooths the cold lines of steel and wood. 

Modern Rocking ChairThis glammed up chair is also available with a leather or canvas seat for those wanting a more subtle version.  Using chromium plated rod structure, the lines of this rocker are delicate in appearance, but profoundly durable in nature.  The ash wood base comes in a number of finishes, allowing this sleek chair to work into modern and traditional interiors.  Antonio Citterio’s collections are available through B & B Italia. 

Modern Rocking Chair by Antonio Citterio

You won’t want to spend all your time outdoors napping, though.  You’ll need places to entertain as well.  Why not add an outdoor bar?  Bring a touch of the islands to happy hour with a thatched roof bamboo tiki bar or choose a modern bar set for a taste of Tuscan elegance.  Gathering with family and friends will be terrific fun for everyone when they sit and unwind at your own personal backyard bar.

Want to create the feel of an outdoor living room?  There’s terrific furniture choices available that will feel like your inside space has just overflowed into the outdoors.  Instead of picnic type tables, coffee tables and end tables mimic your interior living room furniture.  This beautiful set has great mid-century modern lines and makes a charming setting for sharing lemonade and conversation.

Another way to make your outdoor space feel like an extension of your home is to pop down an outdoor rug.  This is a great addition, especially if your patio flooring isn’t the prettiest part of your yard.  The material in rugs designed for useInsert Image outdoors is made to hold up against the elements. Use these barefoot-friendly accessories to add a punch of color or a touch of luxury.  

 Cooking in the great outdoors has evolved a long way from roasting hot dogs over an open fire or grilling burgers on your hibachi.  Now outdoor kitchens can include grills, stovetops, refrigerators, wine coolers, pizza ovens, storage and more.

 Modular outdoor kitchens have made this luxury once reserved for the wealthy more obtainable for those with more moderate incomes.  Cost for assembly and construction is lower than that of  a custom outdoor kitchen and you end up with a beautiful, functional space.  Adding an outdoor kitchen may still be a significant investment, but for those who want to make the most of staying at home and boost their equity, too, an outdoor kitchen is an excellent choice.

You’ll want to extend the time you can spend in your backyard paradise into the evening by adding a fireplace, chiminea or a fire pit and some great lighting as well.  The fire will add ambience as well as warmth and the lighting makes your garden a safe place to walk at night, adding visual enhancement to your landscaping features.

Your choices are vast and varied when considering how to create the perfect outdoor living space for your family. The options are only limited by the amount of room you have and your budget. With careful planning, even a small budget and a tiny space can be maximized. If you’re spending more time at home these days, why not make the most of it?  What would you do to create your perfect backyard getaway? 

Hmmm…Maybe something good has come from the turbulent economic times we’ve been dealing with recently.  Maybe we needed a reason to spend more time at home and a little reminder that happiness can be found most often right in your own backyard.

Bring a tranquil touch to your garden with a water feature.  The sound of tinkling water soothes the weariest of souls.  Water features come in all sizes, so no matter how small a space you are working with you can find a perfect spot for one.  Whether you are striving to create a fun, whimsical feeling, a Zen quality or a formal elegance, there is a water feature that will help you accomplish your goal. 

Beautiful rain chains attach to your gutters and act as an alternative to boring downspouts. Originated centuries ago in Japan, rainwater dances down these decorative chains to the ground.  In the winter the water freezes to the chain, creating a beautiful ice sculpture.  Rain chains works beautifully in even the smallest spaces, like on the deck of an apartment. Copper rain chains, like the one pictured here, will develop a lovely patina over time.

Part 1: Modern Outdoor Lounges

When the winter blues are getting you down and your cabin fever is rising, there’s one sure cure for the problem…well, okay, two, but if you can’t take a trip to a sunny tropical isle right now, the next best thing is planning an exotic outdoor getaway…right in your own backyard.

Many people are choosing to spend more time at home these days and manufacturers are making it easy for them by providing beautiful, versatile outdoor pieces to help you turn your yard into a vacation spot. 

Outdoor Lounges

One of the hottest items for your backyard this summer is an outdoor bed.  Whether you place it next to the pool or find a secluded corner to tuck it away in, an outdoor bed not only adds a feeling of exotic luxury to your space, it makes the perfect spot to curl up and enjoy the breeze with a good book, take a summertime siesta or have a romantic rendezvous.  There are a variety of styles available to help create just the feel you want in your own little piece of paradise. 

Whether you choose an outdoor bed built for two, complete with gauzy drapes, or a contemporary daybed, you won’t be able to resist spending time lounging in your new favorite place.   Just add a pineapple drink with a cute little umbrella in it and you’ll feel like you’re at a tropical resort. Don’t be surprised if this piece turns into one of the outdoor items you use most often.

 Remember the old-fashioned hammock in Grandpa’s backyard?  Well, hammocks have come into the 21st century.  You don’t even have to have two trees to  tie them up anymore.  Now you can get free standing hammocks that range from the basic to the ultra luxurious, or choose a hammock chair for small spaces.  Either option delivers an irresistible urge to kick back and relax..

Sometimes it’s nice to have an old friend over for dinner.  That’s exactly how I feel about Knoll’s Platner Dining Table – a classic in modern design.  This unique table has been a staple in Knoll’s since its 1960 debut by designer Warren Platner.  This steel wire sculptural base comes in several heights to not only anchor a dining table, but to be appreciated as a coffee or end table. 

The beauty of this table is its sheer simplicity.  The play of light and shadow require little in additional adornment – leaving the glass top empty gives those seated a glimpse at the steel rods’ huddle.  Surround the table with Knoll’s sexy tulip chairs, in a minimal undulating iconic style.  The Tulip Collection has celebrated its 50^th year of production, a rarity in this industry. 

Both pieces are considered sustainable design pieces, and are Greenguard Indoor Air Quality certified for low emissions.  Knoll’s continued commitment to industry leading standards in environmentally responsible products is a testimony to their own longevity.

“If it’s not fabulous, it’s meaningless!” has been the long time mantra of the design team Hutton Wilkinson and the late Tony Duquette.  Based in California, Duquette was an innovator in creating lush, over the top rooms that came together with a masterful layering of pattern, color, texture and his signature gilt.  Recent projects have included a furniture collection under Duquette’s name, and a line of silk fabrics for Jim Thompson.

A new book about Duquette’s work is available, authored by Hutton Wilkinson.  More is More features rich photography of their lavish collaborations, as well as the things that served as great inspiration to their designs.  It also takes an intimate look at his longtime marriage to his wife, Beegle and her artwork.  More is More pays homage to their renowned dinner parties and jet-setting lifestyles.

Tony Duquette’s design aesthetics broke all the rules and played with nontraditional objects, creating exotic and intricate shapes.  His collections for Baker Furniture are indicative of his decadent sense.  The Biomorphic Console takes an organic, sensual shape and creates an extraordinary swirling base.   His whimsical Ghost Snail lamp creates a sculptural shape with pen shell and resin combined to take illumination to new levels.  His intricate designs continue to inspire jewelry for his exclusive collection as Saks, as well as to the interiors that carry on his fine name.  The theatrical influence of Duquette’s over-the-top design and well as lifestyle has an everlasting effect on today’s interiors. 

One of the biggest themes for 2010 is more color.  Even the extreme use of color is encouraged.  Exuberant hues of yellow, turquoise, purple, coral, and grass green will punctuate homes that aren’t afraid of a statement.   This lively trend palette will combine several of the brights at a time while creating a cohesive feel – the overall look will be energetic and enlivening. 

Strong patterns are offset with crisp shades of white or slightly off white.  The use of light will be important to let the colors take center stage.  The use of coral tones will be prevalent, as this universally flattering color is back in favor.  Painting a room coral will create a healthier glow for the occupants, while enhancing their mood. 

Larger scale floral and nature inspired patterns will be juxtaposed with stripes or two toned geometrics.  Mixing in solid neutrals will tone down the trend for those who want just a touch of color.  This trend will find itself in both modern and traditional settings, and is perfect for those looking for a real lift. 

Native American Indian and African Tribes are playing a big part with their influence on patterns and color placement.  Expect to see combinations of orange, browns, turquoise, mustard tones, purples, and earthy red tones in rich geometric patterns.  Combined in layers of luxurious textures, pebbled leather, and distressed finishes, this trend will appeal to a broad spectrum. 

This trend should not be construed as theme decorating that includes lions and tigers and bears.  Rather it should embrace the combination of textures and patterns to create a warm, luxurious and inviting atmosphere.  Linen Ikats with varying sizes of stripes, strong geometric shapes and rustic chenilles are the hallmarks of this trend.  Walls will be painted in robust tones that compliment the overall mix.