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I have written about handmade ceramic tile before and will probably do so again. I recently visited one of my favorite handmade tile factories in Southern California and remembered again why the material is so special. First, it is all organic. Next, there are countless opportunities for customization, from the color to the shape of the trim. It seems that we are in a stone moment, but I don’t want to forget about the beauty of ceramic tile.
Classic white dishes are faultlessly appropriate and always elegant. The white surface allows the food to be the star. Hostesses like the versatility of white dishes because they can be dressed up or down.
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Last week I went to The Hickory Stick Bookshop, my very favorite book store, in Washington Depot, CT. They have a delightful and personal inventory that always includes the latest books on design. Waiting for me on the shelf was a new book by Shax Riegler; 813 colorful, wonderful dinner plates. Despite the fact that most of my own dinnerware is white or cream, I love decorated plates. They bring design, color and drama to the dining table says Shax, whose day job is Features editorEat House Beautiful.
I love this casual kitchen by Steven Sclaroff in the April issue of House Beautiful. It is a “right” size (one of my trends for 2012), informal, working kitchen. And, it is practical in every sense; dishes, glasses and pots are within easy reach.
Occasionally, I see photos of baths that are quite unusual. In the case of today’s image, the “set” suggests an archeological site with column fragments re-purposed as tables and realistic wall paintings rubbed into plaster (frescoes). The deep stone tub and rustic floor suggest a classic setting using architectural materials and elements to give the room structure, texture and define its design style.
