House Beautiful articles from February 2009

House Beautiful archives from February 2009

Candle sleeves.(THE BEST!)(Brief article)
February 1, 2009... [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED] A flicker of genius: KaarsKoker's candle sleeves come in dozens of colors and patterns to add some punch to your chandelier or sconces. Slip the paper tube over the socket and create a whole new look for your...

1. Faux flowers.(THE BEST!)(Brief article)
February 1, 2009... [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED] They fool everybody. Everybody. Maybe because they're blown out. Maybe it's the "water." Silk peony &Agapanthus in glass vase, 9"H x 11" W, $185. Mitchell Gold + Bob Williams, 800-789-5401; mgbwhome.com.

2. Side table.(THE BEST!)(Brief article)
February 1, 2009... [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED] With its antique finish and distressed patina, Lars Bolander's single-drawer side table looks like a piece with a past. Crafted with a low shelf and two secret side drawers, it's definitely a table with a promising...

3. Cloisonne jar.(THE BEST!)(Brief article)
February 1, 2009... [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED] An enameled tea vessel that combines the vibrant pattern of a suzani with the ancient art of cloisonne. The size (13 1/2 inches tall) makes it perfect for holding tea for two--or 20. Suzani Green Cloisonne Covered...

4. Party planner.(THE BEST!)(Brief article)
February 1, 2009... [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED] Bound in white leather, the Convivium Journal might also be called "Remembrance of Parties Past." Filled with seating charts, places to record menus, and room to narrow down a guest list, so you'll not only enjoy...

5. Candy.(THE BEST!)(Brief article)
February 1, 2009... [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED] Dorothy Draper once wrote that "No accessory is too unimportant to consider," so why not coordinate these hard candies with your decor? The sophisticated colors and flavors, like lavender, lemon, and anise, make...

6. Bench.(THE BEST!)(Brief article)
February 1, 2009... [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED] As Yves Saint Laurent's celebrated possessions go to auction at Christies, these seem so appropriate: ewe benches. With their substantial size (30" from back to floor) and woolly coats, these sheep make perfect, and...

7. Doorknobs.(THE BEST!)(Brief article)
February 1, 2009... [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED] Get a handle on outdated door hardware by replacing it with something special from Baldwin Hardware's new Couture Collection. Forged brass, available in 21 finishes, including polished chrome (shown). From $372 for a...

8. Lamp.(THE BEST!)(Brief article)
February 1, 2009... [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED] This elegantly turned column in a sleek bronze finish is the perfect platform for any of Seascape Lamps' hundreds of shade options. We love the woven granache (shown), but the other 250 choices aren't too shabby,...

9. Folding board.(THE BEST!)(Brief article)
February 1, 2009... [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED] Who knew this was the secret to perfectly folded T's, dress shirts, and blouses? Simply fold your clothes around this thin wooden board. $15. Caldrea: 877-576-8808; caldrea.com.

10. Pillow cover.(THE BEST!)(Brief article)
February 1, 2009... [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED] The luxe combination of navy silk taffeta and colorful embroidered paisley elevates this cushion cover to couture status--but with a ready-to-wear price. Paisley Cushion pillow cover, $235. Gayle Warwick Fine Linen...

11. Architectural model.(THE BEST!)(Brief article)
February 1, 2009... [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED] Just the thing for a library: This fantasy in cherry wood offers a clear view of its intricate construction from every angle. Demi-Dome Model, $250. AM-USA: 866-700-9200.

Color front doors: it's the easiest of makeovers. Why not pick pumpkin or plum or cinnabar and make an unforgettable first impression?
February 1, 2009... "Go with something strong and bold that makes a statement. I like this gorgeous raisin with undertones of purple and gray and brown. It's an unusual color for a front door. A little mysterious. It would whet the palate for the entry foyer. Why...

Instant room: Nina Campbell.
February 1, 2009... Nina Campbell gets the jump on spring with her woodsy new collection of oak leaves and sandy linen, shimmery velvet and leafy green [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED] Curtains "I love DELPHINE's coarse linen texture and the simplicity of the...

Wallpaper: bedroom florals.(Brief article)
February 1, 2009... Leave the bright reds and punchy geometrics for the rest of the house... these papers are restful and dreamy. Sleep tight! [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED] Global Chic in Mint Graphic and a little groovy. With such joie de vivre, you'll...

Sentiments: it's Valentine's Day. We're feeling sentimental. So are some of our favorite designers, who are using words to spread the message.(EVERYWHERE WE LOOK ...)
February 1, 2009... A Little Backstory Pillows with catchy sayings have long been a favorite way to express yourself at home. In the salon of her adored Villa Trianon, Elsie de Wolfe displayed numerous wordy pillows, including one that declared "Today is the...

I'm looking for Lucite.
February 1, 2009... Every designer will tell you: just one piece of clear acrylic furniture will shake up any room in any style. It's the one-piece makeover... [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED] 1. George II Chair, 32" H x 22" W x 19" D, $625. Plexi-Craft:...

What I learned ...(TWILIGHT FIELD: PART 12)
February 1, 2009... In this column's final installment, style director Newell Turner looks back on the big lessons of building and decorating his new house this past year [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED] 1 PLAN, PLAN, PLAN Work out as many details before...

Send us a picture of ...
February 1, 2009... Who are design bloggers, really? Eight who never mince words online take us into their living rooms. Imaging having the flair to paint Albert Hadley's face on your wall... [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED] "This room contains a hodgepodge of my...

The mantel.(FLIP! FOR DECORATING)(Brief article)
February 1, 2009... Starting right now, why not give your mantel a complete makeover? Here are six easy possibilities. It's all in the wrist... [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED] 1. Fill a bowl with long-lasting fruit to give your mantel a "twist" of color, and to...

Tablescape Aspen glam: nobody sets a luxurious table like Amen Wardy, one of Aspen's legendary retailers. "Pull out all the stops!" is his advice. And does he ever ...(Brief article)
February 1, 2009... [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED] "The best tables are all about the accessories, like little flower urns and individual salt and pepper shakers." "I love layering. Use a tablecloth and a place mat--or two--and a beautiful charger. The more the...

Fleur de sel caramels: if you can't look at another chocolate dessert, here's the treat you've been waiting for ...(ASK THE BAREFOOT CONTESSA: Q&a)(Recipe)
February 1, 2009... "My grandmother used to make the most wonderful caramels, but we've lost the recipe. My husband loves caramels, and I wanted to surprise him with homemade ones for Valentine's Day. Do you have a recipe?" You're in luck! I love caramels,...

Peace Meals: gather around the table with the women of the Houston Junior League. They'll tell you how to make room for "the small sweet moments" that feed our bodies and our spirits.(COOKBOOK)(Dena Prasher)(Interview)
February 1, 2009... [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED] "We share food to connect.... It is not surprising that peace so often steals over us when we are gathered together around a table breaking bread." FROM THE FOREWORD TO PEACE MEALS [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED] ...

101 makeovers.(Editorial)
February 1, 2009... [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED] [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED] [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED] [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED] People like us are always looking for the next thing to do to our homes. We just can't help ourselves. I once met a reader who told...

3 makeovers from spec house to show house: turning empty rooms into inviting rooms.(MAKEOVERS: Hampton Designer Showhouse)(Interview)
February 1, 2009... (1) FAMILY ROOM BY Robert Stilin [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED] Ample and comfortable seating in earth-tone linens with cashmere pillows and throws creates a serene setting, while sheer curtains keep it light and easy. Fabrics from Clarence...

101 designers: 101 makeovers: so you want to do something right now? Here are ideas for every room ...(MAKEOVERS)
February 1, 2009... 01 DAVID KLEINBERG Paint your living room doors Chinese red with a high-gloss finish, and slipcover the sofa in red and white mattress ticking. The result will be young and vibrant. 02 CELERIE KEMBLE Buy a tree in a basket or...

From formal to relaxed: creating magic with fabrics in a beach house.(MAKEOVERS: Chatham, Massachusetts)(Interview)
February 1, 2009... [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED] FRED ALBERT: The colors in this Cape Cod house are so aquatic, I feel like I could dive right in. ANNIE SELKE: The owners, Kevin and Kathleen Bette, gave me a very blank slate. They just said they wanted sea,...

From soulless to ethereal: tearing down walls in a 1970s condo.(MAKEOVERS: Palm Beach, Florida)(Vicente Wolf )(Interview)
February 1, 2009... [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED] To bring "lightness and ease" to this 1970s Palm Beach condo, designer Vicente Wolf took down interior walls and created a flexible loftlike living area. A Magasin Sennelier French oak easel on casters serves as a...

From small to spacious: making the most of a 900-square-foot bungalow.(MAKEOVERS: Santa Monica, California)(Interview)
February 1, 2009... [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED] [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED] [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED] [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED] ALEXANDRIA MOTT: Forgive me if this sounds hackneyed, but it's never been more true: Your little house is a jewel box. CHAD...

Makeovers on TV: so many shows, so little time: how to tell them apart.(MAKEOVERS)
February 1, 2009... 1 ABC Extreme Makeover, Home Edition [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED] HOST Ty Pennington WHAT'S THE CHALLENGE? The neighbors of a deserving family raze, rebuild, and refurnish their falling-apart house WHO WATCHES IT? ...

From classic to wild: holding nothing back in a lake cottage.(MAKEOVERS: Egg Harbor, Wisconsin)(Interview)
February 1, 2009... [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED] [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED] [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED] The entry of this 1929 Wisconsin cottage is signature Dorothy Draper with its black-and-white-striped walls and oversize architectural mirror. Carrying the torch...

Ridgefield, Connecticut: opposites attract in a kitchen that's contemporary and traditional, clean-lined and glamorous. White marble and dark wood? Made for each other!(KITCHEN OF THE MONTH)(Interview)
February 1, 2009... [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED] MICHALENE BUSICO: You've designed kitchens for clients, so you must have had a very definite idea about what to do with the design of your own kitchen. EILEEN SEGALMAN: It was more like an epiphany. I wanted it...

The best! For the kitchen.(Brief article)
February 1, 2009... A sink that holds everything... a garlic press that multitasks... countertops crafted from the most beautiful woods in the world [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED] 1. Countertops Pick diamonds, checks, or stripes in oak, mahogany, or...

The last words.
February 1, 2009... What's the one piece of home technology that's made a real difference in living? Ten designers tell us what they've fallen madly in love with "The Opus ceiling-mounted showerhead in polished nickel by Waterworks is divine. It's called the...