With Easter coming up, we thought we’d share this story we read in the Herend Insider …

Rabbits have distinctive personalities and can be as playful as puppies, as independent and fascinating as cats, or as loyal and affectionate as dogs. Long-time rabbit owners claim that domestic rabbits are every bit as smart as cats and dogs.  In New Jersey, a woman with a rabbit named Patrick trained him to return to his cage every time she rang a toy bell and followed this with a treat. But within a short period of time Patrick began ringing the bell himself and waiting for a treat.  And if his owner didn’t respond quickly enough?  He rang the bell again until he got his goodie.  Well done, Patrick. Pavlov would be proud.

Herend’s rabbits are the most popular animals in the company’s large collection of patchwork creatures.   “Mother and Bunny,” a limited edition of bunnies introduced in 2013, is one of our favorites, so we wanted to share their transformation with you.

Here they are before they are fired:

Clay rabbits before firing

And this is what they look like after they are fired, painted, and detailed with 24 kt gold:

Talk about not having a hair out of place!  To see all of Herend’s rabbits, click here.  Which one is your favorite?

Embrace the Spring Season with a softer color palette. Whether you prefer light sorbet tones or bright sunshine touches, mixing these playful hues is as easy as a soft spring breeze!

 

For more great Spring Decor ideas, visit our Easter Shop!

Growing up in China, I spent much of my childhood in the Han dynasty.  Many of my childhood heroes came from this period, and I would travel 2,000 years back in time to go on adventures with them while sitting in class or doing homework.

As I grew older, I realized I wasn’t the only one.  The Han dynasty is probably the most important period in the history of China.  Its institutions were emulated by all the dynasties that followed it, and it defined what it means to be Chinese.  Even today, the word “Han” means a person in Chinese, most of the Chinese people are called the “Han people,” and the Chinese language the “Han language.”

Artistically, the Han dynasty has a more streamlined, almost modern, look compared to the floral styles of the later Ming and Qing dynasties.   This is the style which inspired Elad and L’Objet’s new Han Dynasty collection.  For example, the dinnerware’s border motif, available in gold or white, recalls the geometric pattern from those ancient times:

The tea canisters, black canister bowl, and black canister vase are based on the shapes of urns and other household objects:

Finally, these salt and pepper shakers vaguely remind me of both ancient Chinese drinking cups and geometric latticework patterns:

So even if I can’t go back in time to feast with my heroes, I can share a little of their artistic tradition.

Take a look at L’Objet’s other fanciful creations, richly inspired by art and history from around the world.  Which time or place is your favorite?

Easter is a time to celebrate and refresh. It is a special holiday for expressing gratitude and love to friends and family. Whether you are filling your family’s Easter baskets or thanking a generous hostess, these gifts are sure to spread joy.

To see more Easter gift ideas, click here. 

With spring in full bloom and summer drawing nearer, it’s the perfect time to refresh your interiors with a dose of sunny, California style. For an effortless West Coast vibe, trust Trina Turk, who brings her signature fashion sense to a new line of bedding. Casual but chic, Turk’s eponymous home collection reflects the fashion designer’s love of vintage apparel, modern patterns, and vivid color palettes.

Citrus hues and fashion-derived graphics bring an element of carefree glamour to Turk’s coverlets and shams.

 

Dubbed the empress of Palm Springs-chic, Turk is known for her mid-century modern aesthetic. Bold, geometric prints and vibrant hues are hallmarks of her brand. Turk attributes her retro-mod sensibility to her California upbringing. She cites the Golden State’s architecture, landscapes, and multicultural mix as sources of inspiration. Turk’s designs are optimistic, progressive, and accessible; qualities that perfectly capture her California lifestyle.

Large scale prints and dynamic colors speak to Turk’s love affair with mid-century modern architecture. Her designs are also informed by her appreciation for 1960’s – 1970’s vintage apparel and jewelry, and modernist and graphic art. Turk’s bedding can be styled to match any personality. Accessorize with mixed-print throw pillows for an adventurous look, or complement with neutrals for a more modest mood.

To see more of  Turk’s fashion bedding, click here.

And as our gift to you,  enjoy FREE SHIPPING on every Trina Turk item until April 15th.

What makes Yves Delorme‘s Etoile Bath Towels so luxurious? Here at Gracious Style, we just had to find out for ourselves! From the vividly saturated hues to the thick but lightweight texture, these towels are an experience worth sharing.

When our Etoile Bath Towels arrived, we had the following reactions:

“What beautiful colors!” – Eve

“The different weave on the border really stands out.” – Si

“The color is sophisticated and the dobby border gives it a tailored look.  And if you look closely, you’ll see that the pattern on the border looks like small butterflies.” – Carolina

Next, we took them home for a test drive in their natural element: the bathroom.

This is where the feeling of the towels came into play. How would these be different?

“Right away, the softness of the material was evident, due to the combination of modal and cotton fibers. I have never used a towel with this fabric before, but now, this is the only kind of towel I use” – Eve

“It felt elegant …I really care about how linens feel, so I was thrilled to see that the Etoile was soft and not too heavy”. – Carolina

“The texture is soft and plush, like a teddy bear”. – Si

We had discovered the visual charm and irresistible feel, but it was the quality that determined our true satisfaction.

Due to the combination of materials, the unique modal-cotton blend makes Etoile lightweight, but still extremely absorbent.

“The fabric is softer and more absorbent without adding extra weight.  Best of both worlds” – Carolina

We came to the unanimous agreement that this towel made an everyday activity extraordinary. The only test which remained: would this towel maintain all of these essential qualities after washing? We washed, we dried, we repeated. The answer was Yes!

“I have now washed it three times with LeBlanc Linen Wash, and it is just as absorbent as it was when I first used it.  The color has also stayed the same” – Carolina

“The towel came out as fluffy and soft as it was when I first opened it, and had a crisp, fresh scent from the detergent”. – Eve

A true testimony to Yves Delorme Etoile Bath Towels, this collection not only has our stamp of approval, but our enthusiastic recommendation.

For more incredible items from Yves Delorme, click here!

 

Matelassé (pronounced matt-le-say) is a French word meaning padded, lined or quilted. It is used to describe fabric that appears to be quilted, but actually has no padding within the fabric. Specialty jacquard looms are used to give a matelassé fabric a unique appearance of intricate designs, raised patterns, indentations, and the padded look often associated with quilts.

We love the luxurious warmth and the plush look of matelassé. Here are some of our favorites:

For more Matelassé, visit our Bedspreads and Quilts Shop.

 

 

Throughout history, monogramming has become the perfect way to make your mark. In ancient Greece, monograms were used on coins to identify the city from which they originated.

However, it was not until the Victorian Era that monogramming became a prominent decorative art, with members of the aristocracy identifying their clothes, tableware, and cutlery with their own initials. It became a luxury that many aspired to, but few could afford.

Luckily, today it is possible to leave your mark on almost anything.  In the U.S., Pickard China specializes in American-made customized dinnerware, making pieces for prominent hotels, restaurants, companies, and government entities, including the United Nations, Air Force One, and several terms in the White House.  Below is the customized design created to celebrate the inauguration of President-elect Barack Obama.

Obama Inauguration China (courtesy Pickard China)

One of the many political figures who loved monograms was President John F. Kennedy. He had monogrammed tableware, monogrammed shirts (he liked his initials on the left breast), and he even had custom umbrellas monogrammed for his groomsmen for his wedding in September of 1953.  His brothers Robert (RFK) and Edward (EMK) were also well known by their initials.

Courtesy of Life Magazine, 1960

Monogramming for President Lyndon Baines Johnson was easy: everyone in his family had the same initials! From his wife, Lady Bird Johnson, to his daughters, Lynda Bird Johnson and Luci Baines Johnson, and even the dog, Little Beagle Johnson, all members of the family could be identified by LBJ (just like LeBron James!).

The Johnson Family

A few other memorable monograms:  FDR (Franklin Delano Roosevelt), TSE (T.S. Elliott), SJP (Sarah Jessica Parker), LV (Louis Vuitton), CC (Coco Chanel) and QEII (Queen Elizabeth II).

Whether you are looking for the perfect gift (they make great wedding presents) or just want to add a unique touch to your home, monogramming is a perfect way to leave your mark.

Vagabond House Monogrammed Dinnerware From $19

 For more customized items, visit our Bespoke Shop.

We’re proud to announce that one of our favorite Gracious Style designers, Suzanne Kasler, was included by Architectural Digest in this year’s 2014 AD 100 List, a prestigious annual list of the most elite talents in architecture and design.

 

Her sharp eye for mixing European sensibilities, vintage modern elements and architectural details has long earned Suzanne Kasler a place among America’s top designers. Her first book, Inspired Interiors, published in 2009 by Rizzoli, became a classic reference for her iconic sense of casual elegance, sublimely warm palettes, and welcoming sophistication.

 

Suzanne Kasler’s lighting collection for Visual Comfort is the perfect complement to her design philosophy that “a room should be collected, not decorated.” Inspired by her own collections of European antiques and vintage finds, each piece in her stunning array of thoughtfully-designed lighting solutions is a functional work of art. Every detail is crafted from authentic, natural materials in a variety of fine finishes.

 

Her love of history shows. Iconic architectural motifs such as the quatrefoil figure prominently in Suzanne Kasler’s latest offerings.

 

Not to be forgotten is Suzanne Kasler’s love of vintage modern and art deco style. She expertly blends these elements into timeless pieces that evoke a subtle yet chic eclecticism.

 

Not limited to lighting design, Suzanne Kasler also has a line of rugs designed exclusively for Safavieh. Her classic sensibility, pretty palettes, and understated eclecticism shine in these beautifully chic pieces, each handcrafted by master artisans in Nepal.

 

What’s your favorite Suzanne Kasler piece? Let us know in the comments!

View our complete selection of Suzanne Kasler Lighting here.  View all of Suzanne Kasler’s rugs designed exclusively for Safavieh here.

And as our gift to you,  enjoy FREE SHIPPING on every Suzanne Kasler item until March 31st.

 

 

 

 

 

Spring has sprung, and Easter is just around the corner! With flowers in bloom and birds taking wing, there is no better time to celebrate family, friends and all who are dear. Whether giving a token of affection, or simply celebrating the joy of life that spring instills, it is hard to resist the fervor of this festive season.

In the true spirit of Easter, Herend embraces the thrill of new life with their precious bunny rabbit figurines.

 

Inspired by the enchanting gardens of Europe, Juliska‘s Jardin du Monde Dinnerware is a celebration of Mother Nature’s beauty.

 

With fresh blooms in purple, orange and gold, Gien‘s Bagatelle Dinnerware floods the eye with exquisite florals.

 

Whether giving it as a gift, or adding it to your own decor, Nanette Lapore‘s Porcelain Embroidered Pillow adds sweet nostalgia to any room.

 

The delicate pink cherry blossoms of Anali‘s Blossom Bath Accessories add a springtime punch of color to your bath.

 

Inspired by the Garden of Eden’s eternal beauty, Christofle‘s Jardin D’Eden Picture Frame highlights your most memorable moments.

 

With vibrant chartreuse handles, Vietri‘s Aladding Brilliant Chartreuse Flatware adds just a hint of shine to your table.

In soft garden hues, Le Jacquard Francais‘ Venezia Flannel Table Linens bring subtle green tones to your table.

 

Great for holding candy or little treasures, Royal Copenhagen‘s Bonbonniere Easter Eggs have just the perfect hint of pastel in their delicately depicted floral scenes.

 

For more great spring ideas, visit our Easter Shop.