Baker Collection by Bill Sofield

Already renowned for his seminal design of the SoHo Grand Hotel in 1996, his coolly classic retail interiors for Gucci, Tom Ford, Yves Saint Laurent, and David Barton and his homes for Ralph Lauren, Studio Sofield's Bill Sofield continues to garner attention for is impeccable furniture collections for Baker, the latest of which debuted theFall International Home Furnishings Market in High Point, North Carolina.

Following his previous collections for the furniture manufacturer in 2001 and 2005, his current launch continues to pick up steam with its irresistible combination of Hollywood glamour and classic French furniture design, amongst others. "In all my collections I cannot say there is a single influence," says Sofield. I certainly love the hybridization of forms. I travel so much and draw inspiration from all the diverse cultural beauty the world holds."

American walnut is the common thread running throughout the pieces of the collection, paired with wood veneers like pau ferra, African rosewood, Mozambique; ebony, ivory, and basalt lacquers; and rice and raku finishes. Decorative touches run the gamut from restored and crystal clear glass to marble tops and brass appointments. Sofield also created hardware exclusively for the designs, each piece crafted in bronze to ergonomically fit the hand.

"This is truly my most ambitious collection to date," says Sofield. "The finishes complete the forms in the same way fine jewelry finishes the ensemble. They are resplendent and alive with saturated color, resonate with complexity and opulence—capturing the chameleon quality of the forms to either blend into the surroundings or become a startling representation commanding center stage."

Clear Furniture

Clear furniture? These amazing styles and shapes in transparent furniture are elegant and modern. This new trend has been very popular and gives the illusion of more space much like large mirrors do in a room. Check out some of our favorites below.

For more examples of transparent accessories and furniture click here

Making your bed.

The master suite is a key focus for the Habersham design team this year. They're currently fine-tuning the master bath and dressing room custom cabinetry options and adding new furniture designs to the line too.

In the bed category, they're working on a number of new designs that we plan to showcase during the upcoming Spring High Point Market. Among them, the Elizabeth Bed, shown here, Inspired by architectural elements and design motifs found throughout Windsor Castle, this piece can add a regal touch to today’s bedroom.

Spring Market will also welcome a new bed design for our licensed Claude Monet Collection. Inspired by the Giverny home of the Old Master, this piece brings warm hand-finishes together with soft design lines to reflect the casual elegance of the French countryside.

And while they're always working on new bed designs, remember that the Habersham line invites you to reflect your own personal style in your master suite. You can choose from a rich palette of hand-styled finish options and a wide range of bed, chest, armoire and other accent pieces to create the looks you seek.

The Best of Valentine's Day Centerpieces

Heart Centerpiece
On February 14, only one flower will do. It's not that a big bouquet isn't sublime, but a single genus best conveys a message of love: the rose, preferably in lush tones of red and pink. Although long stems crowd every florist's cooler, any romantic knows that beautiful blossoms are the heart of the matter -- especially when their stems are cut short and they're gathered into tiny vases or glasses arranged in the unmistakable shape of affection.

Rose, Carnation, and Orchid Arrangement

Express your sentiments with a bright and beautiful arrangement featuring carnations, lady slipper orchids, and roses.

Conversation Piece

A valentine of any age will enjoy the fun messages that this arrangement delivers. Pastel candy hearts proclaiming "Class act" and "Be true" and tulips in complementary colors, such as creamy 'Cheers,' pale-pink 'New Design,' and 'Apricot Beauty,' convey your feelings with more than words.

Flower-Heart Centerpiece

Give petite flowers a larger presence by arranging them in the form of a heart. With this centerpiece there are enough blooms for every guest to take a cluster or two home. To ensure that the design stands out, use short, small vessels, such as eggcups. We combined a vibrant collection of ranunculuses with all-white details. Candles placed inside the heart will showcase the flowers into the evening.

Slender Rose Arrangement

A mixed bouquet can be artfully rearranged among a dozen slender vases, freeing each bloom to flaunt its beauty. Much is made of long stems, but trimming them to staggered heights lets individual roses stand out.

4 Fun (and Unusual) Snacks for Football Watchers

These appetizers that take less than 10 minutes to prepare and bring out the fun of Super Bowl Sunday.

 

 

 

 

 

• Ancho-Cheddar Popcorn"Start with a freshly popped bag of plain microwave popcorn," says Linnea Johansson, author of Perfect Parties: Tips and Advice From a New York Party Planner ($20, amazon.com). "Open the bag and, shaking between additions, add 3 tablespoons melted butter, 2 teaspoons ancho or some other mild chili powder, and ½ cup finely grated Cheddar. Add salt and pepper to taste. Serve with extra napkins."
  
• Ginger Snaps With GorgonzolaA zesty, surprisingly tasty twist on cheese and crackers. The cookies are also great spread with Brie.
  
• Dry Sausage With Whole-Grain MustardSlice a link into rounds and serve it with a small bowl of the mustard for dipping.
  
• Sourdough Pretzels With Peanut ButterSet out a dish of nibs, twists, or rods with a bowl of creamy peanut butter (and a knife) for spreading or dipping.

 

Be Mine!

Pillow Talk
Leave it to Lulu deKwiatkowski to create a romantic nest upon which to rest your head in the form of fancy-pants pillows scripted with the word love.

Crazy Love

It’s the perfect time to up and put a ring on it. This playful dazzler ($125) will tell her how much she means to you without making the statement.

Sweet Spot
Make sure it goes down smooth with an ultra-velvety sip of Godiva Liqueur. Chocolate, White Chocolate, Mocha, and Caramel varieties are guaranteed to leave you (both) satisfied.

Treat Street
Sure, liquor is quicker. But candy is always dandy. Especially if it comes from old-schooler Hammond’s Candies, whose treats ($6-$23) are as pretty as they are delicious.