The Hard Edge

They may not look too inviting from a comfort stance, but these chairs, voguish in cafés, forever tend to catch my eye.  The hardness always seems to be softened when positioned in the garden-- it's a juxtaposition that tends to render an extraordinary setting, intimate and alluring.  Angelina, near the Fontana di Trevi in Rome, has fantastic flip down benches both in and outside of the bar, while the restaurant's Xavier Pauchard seats go more designerly around the white dressed tables.  Trattoria de Gli Amici in Trastevere also sets a serene surrounding with the wire style iron chairs-- hard edged, yet perfect to perch.   

Pillow Talk

I've talked before about the ever changing home of an interior designer... So, today let's have a little pillow talk.  First of all, I don't like to go overboard with these little round, square or cylindrical accents, but a few on the sofa or bed can be just the right touch.  And it is so easy to make a perfectly unique throw pillow with a few yards of gorgeous fabric, even two types for a reversible surprise.  Or, insert a zipper so you can swap patterns and colors in and out to your hearts desire.  If you like neutrals, it's an easy way to create a rotation of pillows throughout the home-- When the urge to change hits, just flip over the pillow or unzip.

In the Navy!

It was love at first sight.  And I continue to be enamored each time I see a 1006 Navy Chair.  Thing is, it can rest alone like a solitary soldier standing guard or it can just as easily fit into the design of an avangard hotel or showroom.  And paying homage again to my U.S. city, Atlanta— Emeco has teamed up with Coca-Cola to design an even more eco-friendly version of the Navy, creating the 111 Navy.  In one chair you are sitting on 111 recycled Coke bottles— a positively refreshing thought.  Previously troubled by fitting Emeco’s classic Navy into the budget, the 111 lists for $245.  And the colors definitely pop (pun intended)!  

 For more information visit www.emecowithcoke.com