A retail bookstore in the age of Amazon and ebooks?  That’s exactly what Assouline does, and here’s how they’ve done it in their ten “libraries” around the world:

1) Red makes everything look richer.

2.  Display books with interesting objects from around the world (like this Bambou bookrest from L’Objet):

3) Treat your books like art and display them accordingly.

4) Bring in a bit of history and tradition.

5) Some days you celebrate the fast life …

6) … while on other days you just unwind.

7) Well-loved books go with well-worn floors.

8) An alphabet and numbers rug – what a genius idea for a library!

9) Picture lights are essential for illuminating important pieces.

10) The writing on the wall says it all.

Don’t have time to run out to a store?  Come visit our online selection of Assouline books here.

(All images courtesy Assouline).

Created in collaboration with Zuber & Cie, Haviland’s Le Bresil Dinnerware is as much a work of art as Zuber’s famous Les Vues du Bresil scenic mural wallpaper collection.  Originally introduced in 1829 and printed in 247 colors from 1693 blocks, Bresil is one of Zuber’s most complex productions.

Each Zuber panel contains large expanses of color and incredibly ornate details, many of which are recreated in the dinnerware.

With tropical trees and exotic birds, the elaborate imagery of the dessert plate captures the imaginative spirit of Zuber’s colorful scenes.

By balancing the delicacy of the bird in the foreground with the intricacy of the trees behind, Haviland’s artisans used dimension to perfect Zuber’s meticulous style in this stunning tray.

If you love this as much as we do, next time you’re in Switzerland, be sure to stop by the Musee du Papier Peint, which has a mural of the wallpaper in their Salon Bresilien:

For more pieces from this exquisite collection, click here.

For over thirty years, Peacock Alley has produced exquisite bed and bath linens, combining classic elegance with incredible comfort.  This season, we’re loving their new throws (so many amazing colors!) so we worked with Janie at Peacock to choose our favorites and we took them home for a spin.

Here’s what we thought …

All Seasons Solid Cotton Blanket: Combining the soft, coziness of a winter blanket with the mild texture and weight of a summer throw, the All Seasons Blanket really is perfect year-round. In 100% Egyptian cotton, all four neutral hues are completely free of dyes and bleaches.

“This 100% cotton blanket is so plush, you could confuse it with mohair, chenille, or wool. I can’t resist cuddling with it!” – Nicole

“Plush, cozy, and surprisingly lightweight, the beauty of this blanket is in the details. With a nice suede label and herringbone tape binding, it is perfect for chasing chills away” – Carolina

“The softest cotton I’ve ever felt, the All Seasons blanket is absolutely luxurious. It is light enough for a brisk summer night, but cozy enough for fireside winter evening” – Eve

“The All Seasons Blanket is creamy, soft and velvety, like a teddy bear. Not too heavy, cozy, and plush” – Si

Captiva Cotton Throw:  Made in Portugal from soft cotton, Captiva is the perfect throw for breezy spring evenings or cozy mornings with a cup of joe.  Available in nine colors … five neutrals and four brights.

“This feels like a knit sweater for those cooler summer nights, and the coral color reminds me of the beach” – Si

“The dressy ribbed stripe and happy color give it a tailored finish and refined look” – Carolina

“Comfortable and chic, the Captiva is that beloved blanket you always want to curl up in, but it’s pretty enough to display draped over the couch” – Nicole

“Like a soft, warm hug, this throw is perfect for an afternoon nap, or just curling up with a good book” – Eve

Majorca Cable Knit Cotton Blanket:  In a welcoming, plush cable knit, the Majorca Blanket is as soft and comforting as your favorite sweater. With several new colors to chose from, the Aqua stands out as fun and a perfect reminder of the water.

“The sweater-like quality is so inviting, and the aqua color is clean and refreshing” – Eve

“The first thing that caught my eye was the rich, beautiful color. The intricate weave is similar to a cable knit, but has a more unique shape, like a wave” – Nicole

“I like the medium weight, and the aqua color reminds me of the tranquility of water” – Si

“It is a really substantial weight, fluffy and a bit heavy. I love the border finish; it’s so beautiful you could wear it as a shawl” – Carolina

Ready to try for yourself? Check out all of our Peacock Alley Bedding and Bath here!

Inspired by a vintage cup designed in the Raynaud archives, Mariela Schwarz Montiel’s Tresor collection is a modern line with a fluid and feminine spirit. Plates are flat and rimless, while shaped pieces like tea pots and tureens are sleek and generously sized.  Mariela, a French-based footwear and accessories designer, chose colors that reminded her of her travels to India.

With three different patterns, each in four colors (Tresor Beige, Tresor Brown, Tresor Orange and Tresor Turquoise,), the possibilities for mixing and matching are endless.

Chic, n’est-ce pas?

Keeping with their signature style of classic elegance, Peacock Alley has added many new collections for Spring/Summer 2014.

Combining cotton and linen for the perfect summertime weight, the Mary Ella Bedding Collection is the perfect balance of sweet femininity and practicality.

Embracing modern simplicity, the new Billy Collection has a subtle jacquard ticking stripe in five inviting hues.

Adding new spice to an already flawless design, the Majorca Cable Knit Cotton Blanket gets a new punch of color in Blue, Aqua, Green and Coral.

Now available in the all new Grand Euro pillow size, collections such as the Mandalay Bedding offer the ultimate indulgence for your bedroom: the height of a Euro Sham with the width of a King Sham, 26 x 36 inches.

With just the right touch of pastel, the new Charleston Collection has subtle Southern charm in a delicate floral pattern.

On soft, sateen cotton, Emma exhibits a hand-drawn geometric print in colors that will mix and match perfectly with the more subdued styles.

For more beautiful bed and bath linens by Peacock Alley, click here.

The entire design world continues to crush out on gold.  Inspired by jagged edge stone formations (and influenced by Rock and Roll Glam, Cubism, and Art Deco), Michael Aram’s “Rock” Collection feels of-the-moment even as it references past artistic movements.  As Michael says, “the gold finish feels decadent while the faceted rock forms are simple and clean. The result is a bold collection that I feel reflects a casual, yet elegant lifestyle that is very edgy and modern.”

There’s something for everyone on your list:

To see the entire Michael Aram Rock collection, click here.

Mariposa began 1984, when founder Livia Cowan found herself driving through Mexico with her sister in this camper.

There, they delighted in visiting different artists and learning about their craft.  In particular, they loved how local artisans recycled materials to create beautiful new products.

At the end of the trip, Livia returned to her home in Massachusetts with her camper full of recycled glassware and set up shop in her parents’ garage.

In the thirty years since then, Mariposa (Spanish for “butterfly”) has become a world of stunning pieces for gifting and entertaining.  And, just as they were in the early days, the majority of their products are still handcrafted from 100% recycled aluminum and glass soft drink bottles.

It’s a collection that’s right for today and tomorrow.

Here are a few of our favorites: String of Pearls (designed by sculptor Michael Updike, who incidentally is author John Updike’s son) …

… their engraved trays (perfect for weddings and anniversaries) …

… Bellini drinkware (for when you need something nice, but not too precious) …

… anything nautical …

… and their adorable Bunny Porringer set!

To view our full Mariposa collection, click here.

“I decorate rooms from the bottom up…I always begin with the floors.”

Iconic interior designer Bunny Williams, known for her classic yet charismatic style, has teamed up with sister companies Dash & Albert and Pine Cone Hill to create a collection of indoor/outdoor rugs that is as fashionable as it is functional.  They are designed to stand the test of time, and the occasional spill of red wine!

Williams’s collection is polished and thoughtful, but with a bohemian quality that reflects the designer’s laid-back personality. She says, “What I design are backdrops for living. I want to create rooms to be used, not just showplaces to be admired.” Williams conceived 36 elegant, performance-based designs that would fit in with customers’ busy lifestyles. Marrying comfort and style, the rugs feature sophisticated patterns in soothing color palettes, all on durable, washable materials. The natural jute rugs are made from eco-friendly vegetable dyes while the indoor/outdoor rugs are constructed of a recycled-materials weave.

Williams continues, “My personal style is all about making my houses comfortable and inviting for my family and friends, and of course, my dogs.” Each piece in the collection is named after Williams’ favorite pets, past or present.

For her collaboration with Pine Cone Hill, Williams designed throws and pillows that work beautifully with the rugs, making it easy to get a coordinated look with minimal effort.

For more information on Williams’ collection with Pine Cone Hill, please click here. Click here for additional information on Bunny Williams for Dash & Albert.

Spring cleaning season is here, which means it’s time to freshen up your linens. If your towels are tired, your tub mats worn, and your bathroom is generally looking drab, give your home the update it deserves with Kassatex’s new collections of luxurious bath essentials. Say goodbye to fuzz and hello to fluff with linens and accessories designed to help you clean up in style.

Experience unparalleled texture and comfort with Kassatex’s new bath towel collections, many of which are inspired by destinations in Europe. The Marseilles Collection features a wave effect sculpted in piece dyed jacquard, while the Mallorca Collection is enhanced with an on-trend ombre print and unique eyelash fringe for a more contemporary look.

Named after Portugal’s captivating capital, Lisboa Bath Towels take forms inspired by classic baroque style. Featuring a decorative jacquard bottom border in a delicate palette, this collection is the perfect compliment for any bath.

Designers of well-appointed bathrooms rely on chic bath accessories to artfully store toiletries and eliminate clutter.  A porcelain dispenser from Kassatex’s new Shagreen Collection is a lot more glamorous perched on the counter than a plain, plastic soap bottle purchased from the drugstore.

To view more from Kassatex, including new introductions to the Bambini children’s line, please click here.

Color can be controversial when it comes to decorating your home. Some people instinctively gravitate towards it, while others shy away, preferring more muted, monochromatic environments. Not Nanette Lepore. The contemporary fashion designer, known for her peppy, pattern-splashed clothing, is making a major statement with her new home collection, Nanette Lepore Villa. Inspired by her global travels, and the vibrant color palette of her ready-to-wear line, Lepore injects the same liveliness and flare into Villa, using bold hues and striking prints fearlessly.

Exotic patterns and rich color combinations abound in Villa’s debut collection. Villa is intricate, yes, but never overwhelming. Jewel tones like cobalt blue, teal, fuchsia, and emerald add sophistication to graphic patterns like peacock feathers, animal prints, and Ikat.

In 2005, the whimsical fashionista commissioned Jonathan Adler to outfit her New York home.  As he recalls, “Nanette insisted we choose furniture that was light and movable because they are a family that dances.” The dance-party hostess collaborated with Adler to transform her townhouse into a space that felt colorful, collected, and eclectic. When it came time to design her own home collection, Lepore applied her same mix-and-match, cheerfully chaotic approach.  She says, “I set out to create something that was daring, energetic, and exciting to come home to.”

Which is your favorite piece from Villa? See the entire collection, and shop the look here.