Chances are you have a piece of Mikasa dinnerware or glassware in your home.  Whether you received it as a wedding gift or it was handed down by Mom, the company has become an American classic.  Mikasa started as a dinnerware importer in 1948 and eventually became a wholesaler to department stores such as Bloomingdale’s and Macy’s.  In the 1970’s they expanded their product line to include flatware, glassware and linens.  And in 1978 they opened their first outlet in Secaucus, NJ.  I vividly remember traveling to the outlet store with my mom.  As a kid I gazed at row upon row of plates and glassware while moving so very cautiously through the store. 

These days you can still find Mikasa in Bloomingdale’s and Macy’s, as well as a wealth of other retailers.  But, you can also go directly to the source without traveling to Secaucus, New Jersey (and if your clumsy, without the fear of the “You break it, you buy it” policy).  Their online store is simple to search and they can display every pattern they carry, unlike a retailer with limited shelf space.  From crisp blue & white patterns, to earthy handmade looks, they carry a unique blend of the traditional standards along with fresh, contemporary patterns.  They also feature a stunning selection of gifts for weddings, anniversaries and holidays; such as crystal candle holders and picture frames.  You know what they say, “Mikasa es su Casa”!

Visit Mikasa on My Design Secrets!

Searching for some sumptuous new sheets for your bed?  Hunting for the perfect housewarming gift for a friend who likes to entertain?  The Giving Tree Luxury Linens is the place to go when you want to indulge.   

The owner, Carol Teplick, stocks the store with only the best for your bedroom, bathroom and tabletop.  They carry brands such as Peacock Alley and Yves Delorme and help you find what you need with good old Southern Hospitality.  They have a shop in Mobile, Alabama; but if you are shopping online you get the same type of attention you would get in person.  You can request free fabric swatches to make sure you select the perfect item and if you need more details don’t hesitate to call them.  They go above and beyond with stellar customer service.  

I have purchased from the Giving Tree for many of my clients and they love the beauty and quality of what they have to offer.  Also, if you sign up for Carol’s Newsletter, you are in a drawing for a $250 gift certificate each month.  Then you can really indulge!  Happy Shopping!

Shop for Bedding and Table Linens in My Secret Database.

Boutique hotels provide wonderful interior design inspiration.  Unlike large, chain hotels, the interior designers are often encouraged to focus on ambiance above all else and make the guests feel they are enveloped in luxury.  Occasionally I will show you some great hotel interiors that deserve your attention and give you some insight as to why the design works and how they pull it together.

The photo above is from the Setai in South Beach, Miami.  Their motto is “Be embraced by Serenity”; and you can certainly see they live up to this promise.  This bedroom creates a wonderful mood and achieves a delicate balance.  Let’s start at the bottom and make our way up.  The flooring is a combination of teak and slate.  The combination of flooring gives you a nice balance of warmth and coolness as well defining the spaces.  The simple linens on the bed are graceful and crisp.  This is a look that it is easy to create in your own bedroom.  The wall color is creamy and warm.  Nothing too bold to take away from the beautiful wood.  Lighting, now this is critical.  They have used 3 different types of lighting in this room.  An overall light from the ceiling that highlights the bed and could be used for reading.  The sconces add drama and ambiance along with the floor lamps which are a good idea for a small spaces where nightstands are a squeeze.  All lights are controlled from switches beside the bed.  There are a lot of straight lines in this room but the central focus is on the soft, light colored bed that softens the space and balances the feel.   Overall a great design.

Make sure to explore the Exotic Style in My Secret Database!

Soft, beautiful bed linens are a luxury that is certainly worth the money. Good quality sheets last a very long time and dollar for dollar get much more use than most of your favorite clothing items. I always encourage my clients to treat themselves to the best sheets they can afford. You deserve it. Luckily, there are many companies out there making beautiful looking and great quality bedding. The sheets above are from Anna Sova and are 460 thread count and come in 3 basic colors and 3 colors with “wow” factor.

http://www.annasova.com/catalog/displaycatalog.asp?cat=60

Many people judge (and brag about) a sheet based solely on its thread count but there are other points to consider. I am going to break it down so you only have three things to look for:

Thread Count - This is how many threads per square inch. The more the better but it really tops out at 500. The companies that are claiming higher thread counts are using other processes with smaller threads so they can claim the higher thread count in their marketing. I recommend 200 or higher.

Materials - Cotton is King! Don’t bother with sheets that have polyester in them. Blended fabrics do not breathe or absorb moisture so they are not as comfortable. They will never be as soft and they will pill. Egyptian cotton is the best you can get.

Finish - The fabric is processed or finished in various ways that will affect its “hand” or the way it feels. The processes can be complicated but you just need to feel it to know what you like.

I am also ecstatic to see that many of our mainstream companies are offering organic bed linens. Cotton is unfortunately one of our most pesticide laden crops so while organic sheets cost more, they are worth it, especially if someone in your family has allergies or chemical sensitivities.

And always, always wash your sheets before you use them for the first time!

West Elm:

http://www.westelm.com/online/store/ProductDisplay?partNumber=WE-PRODb326&storeId=17001&langId=-1&catalogId=17002&viewSetCode=E&parentId=WE-SH1BEDSHE&retainNav=true&cmsrc=WE-SH1BEDSHE