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?

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!

 

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.

 

 

 

 

 

Every now and then, a collection comes along that is so exquisite, it’s impossible not to fall in love at first sight. A spring daydream comes alive in Christofle’s newest additions to their fine flatware collection, Jardin d’Eden. A collaboration with Marcel Wanders, one of the world’s most distinguished designers, delicately engraved floral swirls span the entirety of each piece, turning this collection into sumptuous poetry made real.

Dubbed one of Business Week’s “25 Leaders of Change in Europe,” and “the Lady Gaga of Design” by The New York Times, designer Marcel Wanders is renowned for replacing the coldness of industrial design with beauty, romance and fantasy. The Jardin d’Eden (or Garden of Eden) collection is the perfect expression of this vision.

Precision craftsmanship reigns supreme in these finely engraved lines, inspired by the interlaced leaves, flowers and curls of lush garden greenery.

 

The Jardin d’Eden collection is available in both sterling silver and silverplated settings.

Fine accessories and gifts are also included in this stunning collection.  Notice the apple in the center of the charger (see below):

Let us know if you’re as inspired as we are by Christofle’s incredible creations by sharing your comments below.

To see the entire Jardin d’Eden collection, please click here.

To view our entire selection of Christofle items, please click here.

Chevron is a classic pattern that’s making a huge resurgence. With its dynamic, graphic zigzags, chevron is the perfect design element to give fresh contrast to both traditional or modern home decor.

A chevron rug gives new life to this otherwise understated living room:

 

We’re obsessed with chevron in the nursery:

 

A bright chevron rug gives monochromatic rooms the perfect pop of color:

 

Get the looks above with Dash & Albert’s Chevron Rugs, available in a variety of sizes and colors, and perfect for indoor or outdoor use:

 

Don’t forget the bath! We’re obsessed with this new Kassatex Chevron Shower Curtain:

Revitalize your bathroom with this Kassatex Linen Chevron Bath Rug:

 

These Quilted Chevron Pillows by Lacefield Designs will give an eye-catching hint of movement to any sitting area:

 

 

Wake up your home decor with a dash of chevron! Please view all of our chevron selections here.

Ever kick yourself for not, er, picking up a souvenir from that restaurant on your last trip?  Now you can do it legally with Vietri’s Metro Dinnerware:

This taupe plate brings back memories of The Big Apple, but there’s also London, Paris, Milan, Rome, Tokyo, Singapore, Hong Kong, San Lorenzo, Cortona, Seattle, and Oslo (yes Oslo!), all thanks to the worldly travels of Susan Gravely, the founder of Vietri.

 

Perfect for the traveler in your life, these are sweet reminders of all those places you’ve visited (or are dying to see).  And since they’re made by Vietri, each piece is handmade in Tuscany of Italian stoneware and is microwave, oven, freezer and dishwasher safe.

Click here to view the full Metro Dinnerware collection by Vietri.

What has made Herend’s figurines some of the most beloved and precious collectibles in the world for over fifty years?

It must partly be how cute they look, like these owls:

Or this magical bunny:

Or even this kitten caught in the moment of mischief:

And who will kiss this lucky frog?

Look closely, and you’ll see some of the special touches that make Herend figurines unique:  the pearl-like porcelain, the fishnet pattern (originally created in 1858 to imitate the feathers on a rooster), and the delicate 24 kt gold detailing.

And of course, because every piece is hand painted by an artist who has trained for at least three years before they are qualified, the subtle variations make them charming and completely unique.  Here is one of them at work on a special edition Fireworks Dragon:

 

Did you know that each Herend figurine can take an artist up to 16 hours to paint by hand.  How long would it take you?

See all Herend figurines at Gracious Style.

We adore this series of giclee prints from Natural Curiosities. Chosen to inspire, amuse, and enlighten you, there is one for everyone you know.

 

Available unframed or framed.  To view our entire collection of Notable Quotables, click here.

As we head into the fall, we love warming up our home with splashes of persimmon and chocolate. These earthy tones are the perfect way to spice up any room for the season.

 

 

To see more throw pillows, click here.