D2S Editor Favorites

Favorite Green Olympics Building

The Beijing Olympics Aquatics Center is nicknamed the Water Cube for good reason. It appears to be composed of bubbles of water without any walls, but its ingenious in its eco-friendly design, from capturing passive solar energy in each bubble cell to channeling rainwater into all aspects of the building -- even the pools.

 

Favorite Window Treatments

We think the Tracy Porter Bona Fide Charm Curtains are a French epic motif kick. Put them up as room dividers or window treatments, and cinch them up for extra flair. Fancy schmancy look; low price.

Favorite Hotel Chair

This is a bizarre category to find a favorite for, but we couldn't resist! The Lancaster Arts Hotel is a boutique operation housed in an 1881 tobacco warehouse, and this chair is inspired by that background. Fun Fact: Lancaster, PA is the oldest inland city in the United States. And this hotel is close to 70 galleries, theaters, and art studios that make this a great place to visit.

Favorite Headboard

Vivre has so many cool home items in their well curated collection of designer merchandise. The Casamidy Hacienda Headboard is a Mexican tinsmith's confection. The Tin Man may have wanted a heart, but now we want a tin headboard like this one. Fits a king size bed.

Favorite Storage Solutions

We're nutso about Pfeifer Studio and their Thai solid hardwood Hand Carved Storage Tables. Chic and practical at the same time.

Favorite Idea House

You've got to check out the Hamptons Cottages and Gardens 2008 Idea House in Sagaponack, NY. It's loaded with great ideas from a host of architects, designers, and landscapers. Green and eco-friendly is in this year!

Favorite Dreamland Furniture

We can definitely see ourselves daydreaming or catnapping in this beautiful Saporiti Chaise Longue designed by Giovanni Offredi in the 1970s, from Modern One in Los Angeles.

Favorite Castle Furniture

The Biltmore is America's premiere castle, and their Sevenoaks Furniture Collection is available for purchase. Get that traditional British stiff-upper-lip Vanderbilt look for your home.

D2S Editor Favorites . . . with a French Twist

Favorite Book & Dinnerware Combo

It's easy to love Jana Kolpen's beautifully produced book The Secrets of Pistoulet and the excitement it ignited in the tabletop world, inspiring lines of dinnerware and accessories. Buy the book and add the romance of the south of France to your table.

Favorite Chair

Who wouldn't love this En Point Chair, a repro of the chair created by French interior designer Madeleine Castaing, part of her legendary shop in Paris' 7th arrondissement on Rue Jacob. Ballerina legs and blue ribbons at the knees make this quirky, quirky fun. From the folks at Wisteria.

 

Favorite Wallcoverings & Textiles

We're crazy-wild about Pierre Frey's venerable Braquenie branded wallcoverings, fabrics, and window treatments. Shown above are some of our favorites (from top to bottom): Le Grand Genois, Monuments d'Egypte, and Valmy.

Favorite Summer Drink

You will be thinking about Provence when you sip a fabulous Lavender Lemonade, made with Modern Spirits Pear Lavender vodka. Here's the recipe:

2 oz Pear Lavender vodka

2 oz lemonade

1/2 oz cranberry juice

Serve over ice and garnish with a lavender sprig. Ohh-la-la.

Favorite Lighting

These animal lamps from the Design by Moooi boutique in Paris (and a host of other European cities) are gorgeous. The fiberglass  Horse Lamp is startlingly life size; the Rabbit Lamp is smaller . . . by a hare.

 Favorite Children's Furniture

What little pampered poodle wouldn't want to be seen sleeping in this French Fairytale Round Crib from Chez Paulette's French Market?