No.  Chlorine bleach will cause fading and discoloration. In addition, it will break down and permanently weaken cotton and linen fibers.  If necessary, we recommend using an oxygen-based bleach or better yet, a solution specially formulated to clean fine linens, such as Le Blanc’s Linen Wash.

Fabric softener is designed to coat fibers in oils, waxes and fragrances that might make the fabric feel soft, but the build-up of chemicals can damage the fabric over time. In addition, fabric softeners clog the pores of Egyptian cotton sheets, preventing them from breathing and decreasing the luster and gloss of the appearance. High quality Egyptian cotton linens do not need to be treated with fabric softener and, actually, with repeated washings and dryings, become softer naturally.

To view our Fabric Care selection, please click here.

This dining room from the Winter 2013 issue of California Home + Design looks like a work of art.  It features vintage Gio Ponti chairs, wall art made from 1970’s fabric design, and even a Tony Duquette Sunburst chandelier that was literally assembled one spear at a time:

But am I the only one who thinks “Better not touch anything here”?  A good room should not just be a museum, but a place where people feel comfortable.  The right rug could do exactly that for this dining room: Enhance the decor of the room, while letting you kick off your shoes and savor the wine, dessert, and company.

For example, Dash & Albert’s Icelandia Grey Hand Knotted Wool Rug is made from a soft tufted wool and has subtle gradations of grey to channel the modern and sophisticated look of the room:

This Safavieh rug by David Easton has a geometric pattern and colors that play with the pattern and tones of the art on the wall:

Finally, a Safavieh Oushak rug, like this one, could balance the room’s modernism with warmth and history:

 Submit a suggestion for an Instant Makeover by commenting below or tweeting us @GraciousStyle.

Want to make this Valentine’s Day one to remember? Whether it’s a romantic dinner for two, or a luncheon with your closest friends, hosting for Valentine’s Day is the perfect way to celebrate!

Bold linens scream celebration. We love Yves Delorme‘s festive Face a Face Collection.

Warm your foyer or table with Simon Pearce‘s Highgate Heart Tealights.

Spark some romance with toasting flutes like Waterford‘s Love and Romance Red Flute Pair.

Accent your mantle with whimsical figurines. We love how romantic Herend‘s Kissing Swans are.

Make a statement with Vietri‘s glamorous Laurel Glass Red Serveware.

Details are everything! We love that extra punch of color with Alain Saint Joanis‘ Anglais Claret Flatware.

For more great Valentine’s Day ideas, click here.

Did you see the article in The Wall Street Journal about torchon kitchen towels?

Made with crisp linen and finished with traditional red stripes, these towels are inspired by those used in 19th-Century French households.  Today, they make for a perfect compliment to any busy kitchen and they’re great as oversized placemats. Soft, absorbent, and lint-free, these towels are as useful as they are charming.

A warm thanks to Dale Hrabi from the WSJ for featuring our Histoire de Torchon kitchen towels.  Available in an assorted set of six and bundled with a linen ribbon, we know you’ll reach for them every single day.

For more kitchen towels, click here.

Get all the best deals on your favorite Yves Delorme collections before it’s too late! You can still save up to 40% off many of our Yves Delorme bedding, down and bath linens. This sale is for only going on for just one more week, so take advantage of these great deals now.

For all of our Yves Delorme collections, click here.

Looking for the right way to say, “I love you”, but not sure where to start? We’ve got you covered. From decor to dining, we have great gift ideas to make this year a memorable one.

For more Valentine’s Day Gift Ideas, click here.

Coral is the perfect year-round pop of color. Add it to warm, earthy tones for year-end, or blues and whites for a nautical spring and summer look.

To see more throw pillows, click here.

Flower Magazine always knows exactly how to make your table perfect for any occasion. Naturally, we were thrilled when they asked us about Christofle‘s Marly Gold Vodka Glasses for their holiday floral spread.

Along with the featured Le Jacquard Francais‘ A La Francais Table Linens, these are some of our favorite florals to make your table as bright and beautiful as a bouquet of fresh flowers:

Thanks, again, Flower Magazine! For other great tabletop items, click here.

We are thrilled to announce an amazing sale of selected Yves Delorme items. You can save up to 40% off many of our Yves Delorme bedding, down and bath linens. But don’t wait! This sale is for only going on for two weeks, so take advantage of these great deals now.

For all of our Yves Delorme collections, click here.

Start the New Year off right with some great savings! We have added some incredible new deals, and have taken more discounts off already reduced items. Quantities are limited and many items will go back up to regular pricing after the sale, so take advantage of these great prices now!

For more great sale items, click here!