SHOPPING

Leslie Harrington of The Color Association says, "We don’t want to be perfect anymore. In fact, there's a strong need not to be. We're realizing now that beauty actually lies in things aren’t perfect, things that have a unique character unto themselves."

That research, coupled with the fact that designer Stephen Sprouse wowed with his graffiti Knoll collection in 2004, has consumers clamouring for more street-wise furnishings. My personal fave? Douglas Homer's "Bronx Project" highboys.

Look for more products and discussion on this subject in the Feb. 8 print version of the DMN Home section.

Top left: Lovegrove & Repucci New York Delft Plate Set, $100 for 5-piece setting. Top right: Tag platter ($15.95) and appetizer plate ($4.95) from CB2.

On the left: four Arne Jacobson Series 7 chairs, $1200

On the right: West Elm's scoop-backed chair in chocolate, set of 2 $179.00

If your eye isn't particular about Danish modern, your pocketbook can help you decide which way to go.

An icon on Lovers Lane has decided to close up shop. Minnie Stone, manager of Room Service by Ann Fox, says "Ann has thought about it for a while and last year we said, 'oh! Let us have one more year.' And that turned out to be our best year ever. I guess it's good to go out on a high note."

Ann Fox apparently would like to start a Wisteria-type catalog business selling out of a warehouse here in Dallas but no date has been set for that as of yet.

If you are a fan of Mrs. Fox's store, better get yourself in gear for the amazing sale going on now. Everything in the store has been slashed, starting at 30-percent off and Minnie says it's "going fast."

The store will lock its doors for the last time around Mar. 15.

photo of Ann Fox's master bedroom taking by DMN photographer Natalie Caudill

Charles Duran (top right) and his wife Natalia threw a bash last night to "officially" debut their new furnishings showroom, Positive Space.

As we described in this month's F!D luxe, the Durans' possess the two essentials for any great design source: good editing and a point of view. You'll find both here, including a new Tidelli Agua lounge chair in citrus green that would look chic on Luxe designer Kerri Abram's mod patio. (Bonus points because it's made from 50% post-industrial recycled PVC).

The party was like a reunion of sorts, I ran into everyone from Plinth & Chintz' Laura McDonald Stewart and her handsome movie-making hubby Joey Stewart to Dallas designer Rob Dailey. Even stylish duo Gregg Asher and David Martin stopped by.

Another thing, seems everyone I chatted with last night was house shopping (or maybe it's just because we've started to search also). D Mag's Jennifer Chininis just made the plunge and encouraged me to check out her mid-century neighborhood. She would love for a group of us creative types to take the street one-by-one and form a mini enclave. We're game.

Speaking of new houses and cool furniture, check out this slide show of Positive Space's Charles and Natalia's sassed-up pad from a story by H&G intrepid design reporter Paige Phelps.

Positive Space, 1729 Irving Blvd., 214-749-1080

Photos: cwynn

Yes, that was Container Store co-founder Garrett Boone on Oprah last week.

You'll recall reading our piece by David Dillon about Boone (and wife Cecilia's) Max Levy-designed woodsy getaway last fall in F!D luxe.

Sigh.

Photo by Charles Davis Smith from the Boone's East Texas home.

Jonathan Adler has some fun new pottery this season. I'm especially sweet on the love jar for $55, but prices start as low as $25.

Remember, you can always find Jonathan Adler products at Barneys NorthPark.

The New York Times reports that Target is introducing lower-priced lines of housewares from Dwell Studio. Their Dwell Baby line will be available at the end of the month (look for furniture online only) and Dwell Home for us grown-ups will be introduced the month after that.

Look for more info at Target.com after Jan 28.

D Home's Peggy Levinson has this scandalous story regarding Italian sofas. (Yes, I know you're on the edge of your seat now.)

Apparently the Artflex sofa (left), sold at Smink, was designed in 1968 by Cini Boeri, while B&B's Tufty Time (right) was introduced last year by Patricia Urquiola.

"Apparently, when the 70-year old Boeri saw the sofas in the window, she stormed in and had to be physically restrained from attacking someone. Her response? “Well, one expects this from the Chinese, but from another Italian is truly despicable!”

What do you think? Are these designs too close for comfort?

The gurus at D Home linked over to our story on Natalia and Charles Duran's pad. The owners of chic new shop Positive Space are throwing a grand-opening party at the end of this month and jaws are wagging about the fab things they sell. Christine Wilson Lieb says you're going to have to fight her "for the rolls of lavender paper." (She means the David Roos paper featured in the pic of the Durans (right). And, yeah, it's awesome. Get out your boxing gloves, Lieb!) So thanks D Home, much appreciated.

And if you haven't browsed the slideshow of the Duran's amazing taste yet, what are you waiting for?

Photo by Brandon Thibodeaux/Special Contributor

Top left: Dash and Albert rug from Uptown Country Home 8x10 size, $449. Top right: Morocco Rug from CB2, 8x 10 size $449. (on sale!) Bottom: West Elm's Modern Link Rug, 8x10 $179 (on sale!)

New York's MoMA is going prefab. According to the NYT, the museum has rented out space to display a collection of prefab housing called “Home Delivery: Fabricating the Modern Dwelling,” an exhibition opening in July.

KieranTimberlake Associates of Philadelphia; Lawrence Sass of Cambridge, Mass.; Douglas Gauthier and Jeremy Edmiston of Manhattan; Oskar Leo Kaufmann and Albert Rüf of Austria; and Richard Horden of Horden Cherry Lee in London.

Each firm has a track record with prefabricated housing, but they all approach the form differently.

Shown above, KieranTimberlake Associates' Loblolly house in Maryland, which includes "the use of local materials completely produced and supplied within a 500 mile radius of the site. Other sustainable features include the integration of high-performance exterior walls, energy recovery systems, natural ventilation, extensive daylighting and the use of a green roof."

Comedian and filmmaker Mark Malkoff thinks he can. Here's early proof.

Could you do it? What if we tossed in unlimited Swedish meatballs?

(AP Photo/Mike Derer)

So, I'm back from vacation (word-up to the reader who wrote in to ask why I wasn't contributing to the blog anymore) and thought we would kick things off with a little facial recognition fun. Specifically, the chic face on the retro-chic wall covering called "Superstar".

You may have noticed the print last summer on the Courtney Cox FX TV series Dirt (screen capture, top). Yep, it's the same print we featured in spring last year from an Oak Lawn townhouse (above) decorated by Rick Rozas and Alice Cottrell in F!D luxe.

'Superstar" is a laminated paper wall covering. The identity of the alluring face remains a mystery. The image was first commissioned as an art piece by LA decorator Phyllis Morris in 1965. Her daughter discovered the work three years ago and it was reinterpreted as a repeating pattern wallpaper. "A lot of people think it looks like Edie Sedgwick," says Rozas.

Buy it now from 655 Home in LA.

On the left we have the Model 6 stool from designer Jeff Covey at Unica Home, $420 .

On the right, CB2's Alchemy stool with a similar aesthetic for $129.

Not that I need anymore stuff in my already cluttered pad, but it's hard to pass up some of these huge sales going on around town.

Case in point: Pier 1 is having a massive sale. Save up to 75 percent off on select items throughout the stores on furniture, tableware, lighting, accents, gifts and tons more.

Love this silver mosaic coaster set on sale for $6!

Click here to find a Pier 1 near you.

How much do you love this wall? The homeowner, Natalia Duran, cut out the trellis wallpaper herself from vinyl.

Wanna know more about Natalia's style? Check out a tour of the Duran home here at the DMN.

And read about hubby Charles' new store, Positive Space, at FD Luxe.

These whimsical animal pillows by Philadelphia-based illustrator Eleanor Grosch will add a graphic punch to your pad. So cute, your guests will surely say AWWWW! Find them at urbanoutfitters.com for $17.99!

An added plus? The retailer website is allowing shoppers to take an ADDITIONAL 25 percent off of everything that's on sale. You have till Monday.

Just got an email from the production company behind season 2 of Bravo's Top Design.

We are so appreciative of your enthusiasm and offer to help us spread the word. We couldn’t be more excited to enhance the show and find outstanding talent this season.

So here’s the info for the Dallas Open Call:

Dallas Market Center
2100 Stemmons Freeway
Dallas, TX
75207
February 4th : 2008
1:00pm - 5:00pm

Here’s the thing though . . . The open call is a bonus where we can meet & greet lots of designers and experience the Dallas design world for ourselves. Point being that all candidates will have to submit their application packages through the mail even if they come to the open call. In fact, it is to their advantage to send them in prior to our arrival. Therefore, we can review and choose our favorite people and be sure to devote extra attention to them.

Also know that this season we are looking for ALL TYPES. We want to throw a very wide net and find talent from all ages, all experiences levels, all ethnicities, all styles, etc. We are just concerned about about finding personality and creative skill.

So if you're still interesting in auditioning, remember to send in your video first. You can download the application by going here.

By now you might've heard the news via the NYT that Pantone has named iris blue the color for 2008. Some say this might be the beginning of the end for "green." (I have to admit, I'm sorta sick of the term "green" myself since it means just about anything and everything.)

From the article:

"Perhaps that is why Ann Mack, trend-spotter in chief for JWT, one of the world’s largest advertising agencies, has proclaimed blue to be the new green in her list of 10 trends that will shape consumer behavior in 2008.

“Blue is a state of mind,” Ms. Mack said. “Environmentalism 2.0 is all about the planet and water. Those are blue images. We’re not saying green is going away — it’s just going to be a subset of blue. And also there are negative connotations to green — all that greenwashing. I think the word has lost a lot of its meaning.”

photo is a spectrum of Benjamin Moore blues. I'm leaning toward the Gentleman's Gray (second from the top in the center column) for my living room, so 2008 will definitely be blue in my world.

Recently discovered 20x200 -- a website that sells prints from artists at ridiculously low prices. The site was started by Jen Bekman who opened her namesake gallery on New York's Lower East Side with the mission of supporting emerging artists and collectors.

The site introduces two new pieces a week: one photo and one work on paper. Each image is available in three sizes -- the smallest size reprinted in the largest batch – an edition of 200 – and sold at the lowest price – $20. Hence the name 20x200. Larger prints are also available with medium-sized editions of 20 for $200 and large-sized editions of 2 generally for $2000.

Every single print is delivered with a certificate of authenticity numbered by the artist.

My fave find: There's only 134 small $20 prints left of "Many Mountains" by artist Ky Anderson (above).

Click here to visit the site and see more!

An article in the London Times talks all about the all-important thank-you letter. Apparently Princess Diana was well-known for her "sweet, effusive" letters. Example: 'Your flowers scented my room for ages! You do spoil me.'"

Being the good Southern boys and girls we are, I'm sure you've sent yours out already, right? What's that? You haven't?? Well, tsk tsk. But you're not alone. From the article:

"According to a recent survey, a third of under 35s have never sent a personal letter to a loved one in their lives."

*GASP* Egads! Say it's not true!

I'm one of those dorks that not only loves to recieve thank-you notes but to write them, as well (I am a writer by trade after all.) Mostly it's because I adore stationEry and letterhead, so it's really a sickness I think. Anyhoo, the Times article suggests that if you don't quite have the penchant for letters, try drawing a picture, something pretty or funny, or snapping a Polaroid of the evening and sending it back to your host.

Remember boys and girls: it's the thought that counts.

stationEry clockwise from top left: Paper Monkey Press, 25 letterpress cards and envelopes for $25 plus tax [when applicable] and shipping; Snow and Graham letterpress berry thank you, $12 per card; and OiMoi coakley cay navy cards, 20 for $68

Ok shoppers here's today's smackdown: On your right we have Brocade Home's silhouette table in white, which at 60-inches long, fills the room with a a lovely contemporary and romantic look. $699 with $150 additional shipping

On the left, Ikea's Vika tabletop system in stainless steel with a similar look as Brocade Home's but for much, much less: $139.

BUT, shoppers, there is a catch: Ikea's table is only 47-inches long, almost [edit: one-foot] smaller than Brocade's.

Small price = smaller table. In this case you really do get what you pay for.

Just bought this star decor piece at West Elm at Mockingbird Station for my pad. It's steel "rays" surround a trippy round convex mirror.

Best of all, it's only $24.99!

Too lazy to drive? CLICK HERE to buy it online!

From the same NYT story I blogged about earlier about naming new decor lines comes this funny anecdote:

Bernhardt Furniture Company, which in the past has focused on traditional furniture but has lately expanded its repertory, also took several months coming up with the name for a new collection that merges old and new, although its approach was somewhat more adventurous. “We were looking for lifestyle-type names that just kind of sounded young and fresh and updated,” said Heather Eidenmiller, Bernhardt’s director of brand development...

Eventually, Bernhardt decided on “Arlington,” after various areas in and around Chicago, and what she called its good “phonetics and sound...”

“Arlington has that nice blend of traditional and contemporary to it,” said Ms. Eidenmiller.

Architectural Digest recently held an "open audition" for gorgeous new spaces and in the kitchen category Dallas resident Steve Morey's Dallas kitchen won 73.18-percent of the vote. But it's not over yet.

Starting today, Christmas Day, there will be one last vote for the public’s favorite of all the category winners (bedroom, living room, architecture, kitchen) starting Christmas day and going for a week. So VOTE NOW for our Dallasite! And spread the holiday love, people.

Rachel Zoe, stylist to Lindsay, Micha, Keira and other thin-spiring celebs, put her West Hollywood home on the market in November. Googling the image broker with Jedi instincts, I came across luxist.com, a great blog featuring, er, luxury items from clutches to Nelson desk clocks. And famous people's real estate listings.

Zoe, 36, and her husband bought the two-bedroom pad in 2001 for $914,000 and it's priced now at $2,995,000. Gulp. The "real estalker" is credited for first breaking this story.

At right, Zoe, with Zoe-bot Micha Barton and recovering Zoe-bot Nicole Richie. Richie no longer works with The Rachel.

Read "Being Rachel Zoe" in the New York Times Magazine

Catherine and Will Rose's Preston Hollow home is featured in the January issue of Town and Country magazine. The art-filled home, bought by the couple in 2001, was designed in the 80s by Edward Larrabee Barnes. Barne's work also includes IBM's five-sided headquarters on 57th street in New York and the Dallas Museum of Art.

The accompanying photographs let you see some of the great pieces of art from the couple's art collection. Catherine, granddaughter of the late Stanley Marcus, is a trustee at the DMA.

The January issue of Town and Country is on newsstands now.

Color "authority" Pantone has selected Blue Iris (#18-3943) as the directional color for fashion, design and home trends for 2008.

Leatrice Eiseman, executive director of the Pantone Color Institute says in a press release, "As a reflection of the times, Blue Iris brings together the dependable aspect of blue, underscored by a strong, soul-searching purple cast. Emotionally, it is anchoring and meditative with a touch of magic. Look for it artfully combined with deeper plums, red-browns, yellow-greens, grapes and grays."

New York Times' Cathy Horyn explores in her column today!

(Photos: Courtesy Pantone)

The venerable New York Times has chimed in on the death of certain ubiquitous trends and, well, ouch. I'm pretty sure most of us have in our homes items from their list. So kids, get ready for some winter house cleaning. Here's what they say to trash:

Out: lacquered baroquey mirrors /// cowhide rugs /// Chippendale chairs /// dark-painted walls

IN: Custom-made and one-of-kind furniture and accessories /// super-super-luxury finishes like gold and silver leaf, or cast glass or bronze/// (interesting note: kitchen distributors are really pushing the oiled bronze finish for appliances.)

Even one of our fave bloggers Grace Bonney of Design*Sponge Online is quoted saying, “you see antler lamps cast in pink porcelain, stag decals, deer pillows, deer rugs and even a resin deer head that costs $7,600... It’s a trend taken as far as it can go,” she said. “I say go back to the real thing — to real hunting chic — and hang a dead animal’s head on your wall.”

Funny, I don't think the men in Texas would call their style "hunting chic." Hmmm.

Ed. Note: I disagree with the dark painted walls on the "out" list because here in Dallas we're more done with the "seafoam" oceany palatte. And, actually, I just conferred with our style blog team and we all agree that anything goes, it's always best to not care too much about what's "in" and "out," go with what you like.

The next time you think your husband/dad/uncle/brother has gone overboard on the outdoor Christmas lights, think about Hollywood Heights resident Liz Simmons and then go back inside and eat a Christmas cookie. The woman has 100,000 Christmas lights up on her home, not to mention twirly things and "lighty-uppy" things and so many Santa Clauses she has lost count (this photo is from last year when she only had 50,000 lights up *yawn*).

Read all about Simmons' winter wonderland here.

photo: LOUIS DeLUCA/DMN

Ready Made Mag reader Chris Koss from Dallas (yey!) submitted this idea for a Christmas Alterna-tree made of CDs for the publication's monthly "MacGyver Challenge." And no wonder, he put those junk AOL mailers to good use--finally.

Contemporary chairs, tables, sofas and rugs are ON SALE at Design Gallerie, 1230 Dragon St., 214-219-1919.

Check out the site now.

Oh Anna, we barely knew thee. (Although we did like to type in nonsensical questions into your program just to see how you'd respond.)

A memo from Anders Dahlvig, Ikea’s CEO and president, the CEO's wording suggests a discontinuance of Ikea e-commerce based on the belief that Ikea “can give customers the best offer and the lowest price by making the range available only through Ikea stores.”

Translation: Thank heavens Frisco has an Ikea because soon we won't be able to buy our impossibly named Swedish products (i.e. the mÖrrum bookshelves) online.

(Looks like Anna's a blinker in photos, huh?)

Took a quick tour of Nylo, the newest boutique hotel up north. Construction workers and employees are buzzing about working hard to get the hotel in perfect shape by tomorrow's official opening.

The chic new chain is helmed by Michael Mueller, veteran of Starwood Hotels (where he helped launch the W chain). Interiors are designed by Stephane Dupoux, whose past projects include award-winning nightspots in Europe, Miami and New York, most notably Buddha Bar and Cielo.

It's a design-minded hotel without the driven up prices -- rooms range from $110 for a single and go up to $170 for a suite per night.

Nylo, 8201 Preston Road, 972-624-6990, nylohotels.com for reservations.

(Photos: DN/Staff)

It's getting down to the wire, but you still can get a cool aluminum Christmas tree for your mod pad. Pop Logic, the new store on Lower Greenville from the former owners of Metro Retro, says they've got 9 or 10 shiny trees ready for new homes.

Pop Logic, 1929 Greenville Ave, 214-887-6888. Holiday hours are 1p.m.-8p.m. daily, now until Christmas.

photo is from Treetopia.com

I love this double-walled glass trend. A) I love the way you focus more on the shape and form of the object behind the first wall of glass and b) I'm a total klutz and these will help me not spill. (Just kidding.) (Not really.)

From left to right: Vintage Living's mercury glass hurricane candlesticks, $37.50 and $45; Z Gallerie's Shadow glassware, 4 for $35.80; Greener Grass Designs Molo Float glasses, set of 2 $69; and Bodum Pavina glass, $19.95.

I'd like to give a shout out to the cool local bloggers who linked to and/or commented about our Dallas Design Guide today.

Traphic Signs is written by two women, one in Dallas, the other in Charlotte interested in travel and style. (I, for one, think they have pretty good taste.)

Addicted to Decor written by an interior decorator always looking for design tips.

Ed at Swank Lighting who has one of the coolest collection of lamps in town.

And Whoorl, which doesn't appear to be a local blog, but hey, She knows about Lula B's so she's in.

Thanks again! Come back, keep reading and link often.

Here are some of the comments posted on Design*Sponge in response to the DDG and wouldn't you know it? As these things go, I left off some very cool stores! DANG IT!

So here are a couple of terrific suggestions to add to the list folks:

"This is a great guide. You forgot about my FAVE store in Dallas with the best finds for the best prices….Uptown Country Home. http://www.uptowncountryhome.com"

"Armoires & More on Lovers and Inwood is a great place for custom ordered furniture. Great selection of fabrics, etc. and Libby, the owner, is very helpful."

"LuLa B’s is great, also there is a new store Pop Logic across the street that also has great vintage finds."

Any more out there I've overlooked?? Send them on!

I am so, so proud of this project. The wonderful Grace Bonney of Design*Sponge allowed me to put together the ultimate Dallas Design Guide that she's now posted on her site.

Go to the Dallas Design Guide now and let me know what you think.

P.S. Designspongeonline.com seems to be slow to load today.

Our team worked tirelessly around the clock to find the chicest holiday gifts for under the tree -- and around the house.

One of our fave finds are these crystal fire logs, $90 each at Forty Five Ten.

Check out our favorite home decor finds and more at dallasnews.com/gifts.

Shari Lidji of Red Llama Studio makes beautiful, custom quilts (if you didn't catch her home tour, click here), which are really works of contemporary art.

Though it's a bit late in the season, Shari also will make custom stockings if you're looking for something other than Santa, elves, needlepoint angels and the like (not that there's anything wrong with that.) But stockings this mod don't come cheap, they run $375 a pop. But, trust me, if you have modern taste, you'll love them.

Photo: Rex Curry

Well lookie here, a wire story that highlights some of the best desgin blogs out there and I just happen to agree. (You savvy Style Blog readers probably already know and love these.)

Check out Apartment Therapy , Design*Sponge (duh) among a few others. Thank you AP.

White. Yep, white now officially outranks seven-year champ Silver, according to Dupont, which tracks color statistics. Black came in a close third.

From the report:

“It follows the global trends in home furnishings, fashion, consumer products and industrial design where we’re seeing a return to white as a clarifying agent before change, a color of purity and minimalism,” said Leatrice Eiseman, executive director of the Pantone Color Institute and author of Color: Messages and Meanings. “White also is considered a fashion statement. The car you drive is a fashion statement, and consumer preferences for white agree."

Readers, let's do our own survey. Click "comments" below and tell us what color your ride is ....

Photo: 2007 VW Jetta

It has been a while since we chatted with Scott Simons, the founder of design blog MiesandCarrots.com.

Above (left) is an updated photo of Simons' snazzy mod Austin enclave by KRDB architects where he built a custom marvel abode. If we ever leave Dallas ...

Photo (right): Simons snapped by Courtney Perry at Design Within Reach in Dallas, one of his fave shopping haunts.

If you're a fan of Design*Sponge like we here on the style blog are, you're going to LOVE this....

But I can't tell you yet.

Tune in tomorrow for a big announcement around 2:30 p.m.

photo is of Design*Sponge's Grace Bonney profiled in Vanity Fair.

I really enjoyed David Flick's article on Little Forest Hills and this artsy White Rock neighborhood's fight to preserve its character. You may recall one pioneer from this enclave, Orange salon owner Todd Allen.

We profiled Allen's meticulously preserved and nourished mid-century abode (above) last year in F!D luxe. Even now, it makes me smile to see his pad.

Photos: Courtney Perry

Get cooking this holiday by upgrading to Foster’s new compact cooktop for Bulthaup, the mod German kitchen source. Even I could orchestrate a multi-course meal on this pared-down beauty, dripping in stainless steel and with one nifty design feature: all the burners are lined up in a single row.

Order the basic range with top handles for $3,900 or splurge for the version with front handles integrated into the cabinetry (shown) for $4,300.

Bulthaup Dallas, 1617 Hi Line Dr., 214-752-2000, www.bulthaup.com.

On the left, we have Eurway's "S" Chair, $119; on the right, DWR's Panton chair, $230.

Both are 33-inches high, both are plastic and both look good paired with unexpected choices, like a farm table seen here.

At half the price, you can afford to take design risks.

And another one bites the dust. Design*Sponge reports via Gawker that Martha Stewart's younger mag Blueprint is closing up shop. Looks like they're going to try and leverage the brand with Martha Stewart Weddings.

So far that's so-long to House and Garden (boo hoo!!) and Blueprint. Talk to us readers: what home/garden (AKA shelter) magazines do you like? I like Domino, Cottage Living, Elle Decor , D Home, and Metropolitan Home to start.

Weigh in on your faves NOW. I think there's an editor or two out there that is all-ears on this one.

P.S. you can find the pink tree featured in Blueprint's holiday issue here from a DMN story by moi.

Leave it to Smink to put a mod spin on an old fashioned holiday. I love these one-of-a-kind Christmas trees they now have available from Thel, the artist.

The chic centerpieces consist of hand-blown marbles and orbs made with crystals and semi-precious stones that are attached to hammered-brass shapes with copper wire. Prices range from $2,200 to $2,550 a tree.

Bonus: No pine needles to sweep up.

Smink Modern Living, Inwood Shopping Village, 214-350-0542, www.sminkinc.com

Furnishings follow fashion so it's really no wonder the doily is coming on strong these days, after all, this past summer was all about eyelet sundresses and lacy accents. But the catwalk can't take all the credit for arty trend. Kiki Smith wowed the art world in the mid-90s with her doily imprints on rice paper, so it's a feminine theme that's been floating around for design-philes for some time.

These days, though, the trend is trickling down to we the people. From earrings from Fred Flare to doily-patterned fabrics to your basic tongue-in-cheek metal doily coasters, your Grandma's favorite adornment is now pretty darn chic.

Here are some other ideas for the doily-inspired among you: the fabric doily tablecloth; the trompe l’oeil doily rug (really cute!!); and pictured above, Jo Scholar's doily-as-art.

As if you don't already have enough on your wish list, out comes Williams-Sonoma Home with a gorgeous new item. Their brass Greek-key chair is covered in leather and, they say, will acquire burnished highlights over time. *Sigh* How I wish Santa dealt in home furnishings.

Pick it up for $995 at the W-S Home at The Shops at Legacy 7300 North Dallas Parkway Building A, Suite 100 Plano, 972-673-0229

Oh my, how I love these "portable thank you notes" called Civilettes from Greer Chicago.

In our campaign against rudeness and incivility (think Sisyphus and the rock,) we created these portable thank you notes (sized to fit purse, pocket or wallet) to inject a little more thoughtfulness, appreciation and respect into this world; a little more "Thank You" and a little less "Blank You," if you will. Hand one to the stranger who used his van to push your idiotically gas-less car to the nearest station (true story,) drop one on the desk of the colleague who had your back during that contentious meeting, place one in the tip jar at your local coffee shop (preferably with a dollar bill wrapped around it.) With Civilettes we unashamedly hope to spark a "civil-ution," aided in part by the "Please reuse" printed on the back of each card.

Don't you just love? Package of 10 for $6.25. And, please dear, there's no need to thank me.

I was charged with the mission of finding festive holiday wreaths for all tastes and budgets and so I scoured the city for just the right picks. Are you looking to adorn your door? Look no further, bub. I got your wreaths right here.

Photo of Hedges flocked pine cone wreath by Evans Caglage

Looks like it's farewell to Dondi Sofa at Village on the Green in North Dallas. The showroom has been cleaned out and there is a note on the front door.

Weird, I had just stopped by a few weeks earlier and all seemed well. This was the first US store for the contemporary sofa source, which still has 36 stores and two factories in Italy.

Dallas Dondi fans take heart though, you can still shop online.

For those of you who shun dumpster diving, you've obviously never lived in New York City. Some of the coolest stuff is one man's trash. For instance, I once found a framed, ink portrait, drawn in all seriousness, of Richard Pryor. To this day, it's one of the funniest birthday gifts I've ever given and my friend still proudly displays it on her wall. Of course it was worth squat, but it was the thought that counted. Cut to an Associated Press story linked at the DMN site: one woman found a painting in a dumpster, took it home, found it was a stolen materpiece, earned $15K for returning it and now gets a portion of the auction where the painting garnered over $1million dollars.

I wonder if she'd trade for a wonderful pastel of Richard Pryor?

A big thanks to Design Sponge for showcasing the Austin talent behind Gezelling Print. Artist Jennifer James Wright creates hand-printed functional art and furniture, like her birch boxes and this year's very cool double-sided birch table. Check it out, she's practically in our own backyard.

American Leather is promoting their Rex bench ($2237) this holiday season and I wish I could take it home. They say it would look great in a bedroom, which I agree it would, but think about mixing up a more traditional room, placing this bench by the fire or parallel to your living room sofa.

In a previous issue of F!D luxe, we introduced you to NYC-based artist Carter Kustera and his "America's Most Wanting" series of silhouettes for Barneys NorthPark.

Kustera cut out and also painted custom "faces" for the Dallas store with witty messages such as "Hates all three of her nose jobs" and "Loves cowboys."

Since then, Kustera has been involved in The Ruse, a documentary film best described as Punked meets Crumb. The film fuses the art and life of the artist through capturing a weeklong performance piece. Today, Kustera gets a nod in the NY Post.

Like Kustera's designs? You can find his work adapted for everything from stylish shower curtains to cool tote bags, email carter@carterkustera.com to order.

Photos: Carter Kustera (right), Kustera's work at Barneys NorthPark (right) shot by Courtney Perry

So, I'm a bit late getting this up (two words: gift guide), but I now proclaim this Julio Quiñones day on the blog.

Why? The Dallas interiors guru, whose work has been featured in F!D luxe, has been named by Metropolitan Home as one of the world’s best up-and-coming designers (among just 28 chosen from across the globe) in their Nov. issue.

We've long been a fan of Quiñones' work, from his minimalist-glam interiors for Salum restaurant to the charmed Tudor cottage given a storybook ending that you saw in Luxe. Who else could mix pricey French antiques, his own custom-crafted lighting and a "curbside find" sofa (given an extreme makeover, thank you) with equal elegance and finesse?

Check back here for more Quiñones moments today.

Photo by Evans Caglage/DMN STAFF

More evidence of how dazed we are from Dec. gift guide ... A reader points out that in this interior shot in November's Metropolitan Home piece on designer Julio Quiñones, F!D luxe makes for chic chair-side reading.

Hey, we would have eventually noticed ... I think.

Photo: Danny Piassick

Did I promise you Quiñones day, or what? Here are some shots from his project in Lakewood that we featured. The designer says the scheme for this house began with the vintage print of Marilyn (top photo, in the dining room), which he found at Lula B's Antiques, 2004 Greenville Ave., 214-824-2185.

Photos by Terri Glanger

Graphic artist Carlos Cardoza sent in pics of his midcentury pad. A) My favorite color is pink, so I love that he kept his kitchen the original 50s hue. B) Note the Kip's Big Boy statue by his pool behind the gorgeous Eames La Chaise.

We made it out last night to the debut of BoConcept at the growing Village on the Green (look for BLT Steak to debut here at the end of the month), north of Galleria Dallas.

The "urban design" furnishings and accessories showroom has long been a staple for space-starved New Yorkers (and elsewhere, thanks to locations around the country). Now, Dallasites can get a piece of the action.

Shop for everything from sofas, wall units and beds to mod lighting and accessories. Want to get a preview of what you'll find in stock? Check out the company's online design catalog.

In a word: sleek.

BoConcept Dallas, Village on the Green, 5301 Alpha Road, 972-503-1500

BoConcept Dallas owners Anand Patel (left) and Mike Krouskos (right) emphasize that this showroom is about fashion-driven furnishings --- meaning you can customize and tweak most of the pieces with your choice of leathers, fabrics, veneers and finishes.

We like that.

The guys also tell me that they hope to expand the Dallas franchise with additional locations. One area on the radar screen? Frisco, of course.

Ok I know that this is like comparing apples to oranges. I mean Murano is Murano, after all. Alls I'm saying is that if you are skint $6,500 to buy this exquisite trumpet flower chandelier, you might want to consider this nice option from Viva Terra. Their Lotus chandelier is pretty and much more afforadable: large, $649; small, $329.

But please note there are two trumpet chandeliers available. So for those of you who can afford it, my birthday is fast approaching...

As sometimes happens in the print world, this was a fantastic room that unfortunately ended up on the cutting room floor so I thought I'd slip it in as a "reader submission." It is, after all, a real room that was cooked up for a family in Lakewood.

Leslie Pritchard from Again and Again and interior decorator Janie France put together this room with little more than the sweat off their brows. The 1960s table was repainted from ugly brown to satin white; the chairs were finds from a thrift shop recovered in glam red and black F. Schumacher & Co. fabric; the walls are painted in Mink from Benjamin Moore; and the chandelier, rug and painting came from Again and Again.

ELIZABETH M. CLAFFEY/Staff Photo

Some of you might be clock watching at the moment, counting down to the much-anticipated 5 o'clock quittin' time... but not me. This weekend I have to start packing up all my belongings in order to move out from my first house in to my first condo (yippee!) And I need your help to inspire me as I begin hunting for decor direction at the new place.

I'd love to see you send in your favorite room in your house, doesn't matter where; inside or out, powder room to living room, heck, I'd love to see an amazing garden shed! High-dollar or knock-offs, doesn't matter. I just want to see fresh, chic styles-- I know we've got a bevy of beauties here in Big "D" (wow. That was a lot of alliteration.) So go home, snap a digital pic, upload it, and send it to me at pphelps@dallasnews.com. I'll keep posting as long as you keep sending.

Photo: James McInroe designed home from F!D Luxe by Terri Glanger

Walter Lee Culp in the Dallas Design Center skipped the pretty models this time (shame on you owner Kelly Hardage), but still threw a chic party to welcome two exclusive new lines.

British fabrics and wallcoverings source Romo is first up. I chatted with Romo's CEO Frederic Henry (left) and he says of the collection: "We define transitional design." That means a lot of traditional patterns that are reinterpreted in a larger scale for more modern appeal.

Romo's president (and Mr. Frederic's wife) Nicola Henry was also scheduled to attend last night, but was under the weather and couldn't make it.

Also new last night ... Iatesta & Co. handcrafted furnishings, accessories and lighting (think: reproduction 18th and 19th century antiques with a modern design flourish).

The talent behind the company is designer David Iatesta (left, and its pronounced like "eye-a-testa") and his biz and life partner Matthew Quinn (right), who is CEO.

When it came to bringing the East Coast-based line's small-scaled furnishings to Dallas and Houston, was there a temptation to super-size? "No," says Quinn, who felt that despite mcmansion stereotypes, there was still a market for their more gently-scaled pieces here.

With one exception: lighting. The duo brought in some of their biggest, glitziest crystal chandeliers for Texas. "We wanted maximum bling and maximum glamour," jokes Iatesta.

To the trade, Walter Lee Culp, 214-651-0510

I caught up with Steve Shuck (right) , the man behind Austin's Mercury Design Studio, at a party last night to launch his shop's first Dallas outpost inside LFT Victory Park.

His quirky, modernist-glam furnishings, accessories and gifts looked terrific, but Shuck admitted disappointment that the display fixtures he ordered were "still on the water."

How do you describe Mercury's unique esthetic? "Schizophrenic," he jokes, dropping such clues as "very mod '60s and '70s chrome pieces" softened up with textured fabrics, and "slick Hollywood Regency finds" made over with lots of lacquer and bold geometric prints. "It's all in the mix," says Shuck.

Shuck plans to add bedding, linens and tabletop items come spring.

Mercury, LFT at Victory Park, 214-635-2150, mercurydesignstudio.com

photo: cwynn

... assuming it's in the form of this Rani Arabella Italian cashmere pillow ($285) from Mercury at LFT Victory Park.

See it here nesting atop this vintage faux bamboo black lacquered chair, covered in a cream boucle (or what Mercury owner Steve Shuck refers to as "Chanel chenille"). Pick up a pair for $1,485.

photo: cwynn

Yesterday a few of us here were discussing the demise of House and Garden magazine and one co-worker mentioned that it was a shame but Elle Decor was her favorite subscription. I disagreed. H&G ,to me, was about history, tradition, lineage and a tailored, fresh style that was the royal stamp of interior design. When I told my friend Anne that H&G was folding her immediate reaction was, "Are you going to be ok?" She was kidding of course but, still, I am sad. I am just so glad I've saved so many of my back issues, they are going to be gems to flip through years from now.

Anyway, to read editor Dominique Browning's farewell letter, head on over to the link. Maybe we'll be lucky, maybe Ms. Browning will come back to Texas. Then I can wow her with my ridiculously tall stack of her old magazines, right?!? That's sure to be a hit at any party.

Sure a cold front just moved in but this is Texas, by next week it could be 89-degrees. Which is why I'm loving this orbit patio set on sale for $239 online at the Crate & Barrel Outlet. Not bad, eh?

Breaking news from the home and garden front and it's breaking my heart. The venerable House and Garden is folding. Condé Nast bought the magazine in 1915, which today is helmed by Dominique Browning.

I could sit for hours and pick the brain of Hamish Bowles (above) for every obsessive fact, witty observation and naughty piece of gossip he possesses. The Vogue Living editor and Vogue European editor at large discussed projects Friday from his new tome, Vogue Living: Houses, Gardens, People at Fashion at the Park.

He gave a presentation that included British royalty, mid-century design duo Charles and Ray Eames, '70s designer David Hicks and celeb homes from the likes of Madonna and even photographer Bruce Weber (Bowles says Weber's homes always seemed to be designed more for the photog's beloved dogs than him).

What qualifies a subject's interior to be the focus of a Vogue design feature? "Originality, panache and having the courage of your convictions," says Bowles. We couldn't agree more.

Photo: Evans Caglage

The savvy bloggers at DMN's tech blog have posted this item about Wal-Mart's crrrrrazzzzzy prices , which start tomorrow.

If you're going to go gothic, today is the perfect day to take the plunge. Brocade home has some dramatic and affordable (starting at $249) headboards to glam up your boudoir, baby.

Lakewood resident Liz Simmons does not believe in limits. For example, last year she decorated her home with 50,000 Christmas lights and this year she's promised to double that number because, heck, why not? But between planning her outrageous Christmas and Halloween decor (be sure to drive by her Newell Street home with the kids!), she creates wild and wonderful works of art for your home.

Her mirrors, tables, and other colorful assundry she produces run $300 and up and we promise no one else in the neighborhood (not to mention the city) will have one exactly the same. The pieces are all original, just like Liz.

Contact Liz at Liz@lizzyland.com or 214-327-0313 for more information.

You think you have what it takes to take on the neighbors with your decorating this holiday season? My bud over at Ebby Halliday just sent me this pic of a house they've listed on Swiss Ave. that used the design services of Dr. Delphinium to turn their porch into a thing of beauty. See? The florist is absolutely not just for funerals, weddings and trying to get back in good with your special lady.

We love this new interiors fabric from I.D. Collection at the Dallas Design Center. The smoky-chic color and high sheen finish would add drama to any room.

“Fantasia” by Ulf Moritz for Sahco/Bergamo Fabrics (Sahco-Ulf Moritz), $275 per yard, from I.D. Collection. To the trade. Aluminum garden chair, $210, from At my Table.

Photo: Sam Granado

Wisteria is having a terrific sale on this small two-seater table ($115) which would look great tucked in the corner of a bedroom as a writing desk.

Thanks to Poppytalk Handmade I just stumbled across.A Little Hut out of Kingwood, (not Kingswood!) TX. The bold black and white leaves print would be a wonderful addition to any room of your house and it's only $35! Go to the Poppytalk link for designs that don't have that icky sold out sign.

Fall's smokey gray palette lightens up with a dose of shine.

(From top:) Marquis gray lacquer sunburst with antiqued mirror, $3,670, Allan Knight; Mercury lamp with ribbon shade, $550, Napa Home; Oiva Toikka blown glass bird, $190, Nasher Sculpture Center boutique at NorthPark Center; mirror side table, $249, West Elm.

Photo by Sam Granado, styling by Jocelyn Meintser

Talk about a graphic statement, October is the perfect month to compliment your mantle with these chic curiosities. Douglas Little taxidermy mice-head figurines, $950.

Grange Hall, 4445 Travis St., 214-443-0600

Urban Outfitters has just released their Lulu chair, $380, in six new fabrics, most of which are only available online.

Click to it, shoppers!

Design Within Reach has an offer you can't refuse. Their tech house numbers were $45 each, now they are $8.99. And isn't fall the best time to sussie up your pad? Definitely put this on your honey-do list asap.

House & Garden is celebrating its 60th anny this month with a rockin' slideshow celebrating design through each of the decades since its launch.

It's retro-fabulous, check it out.

Visual aid: Dallas designer James McInroe is a fan of mixing decades. I love the geometric wallpaper he used in this powder room. It's a reissued print by superstar '70s designer David Hicks. Photo by Terri Glanger.

Yee-haw! In honor of this past weekend's Cattle Baron's Ball, I spied this dinnerware from Carlisle Home Products called "Sky Ranch." To order call toll free: 1-800-339-4278.

You know, now that I think about it, this might look awfully cute set at the kiddie table on Thanksgiving. Just a thought...

Spruce up your home with Sandill Industries' 100 percent recycled glass tiles. They're handmade and impervious to water and ideal for indoor or outdoor settings. Choose from glossy and matte options.

Martha Stewart featured them on her show last year!

They start at $26 per square feet and can be ordered through Green Living, 1904 Abrams, 214-821-8444.

Click here for more environmentally friendly finds!

So I found myself roaming the vast Swedish design fortress of Ikea this morning. They've got tons of new cute stuff, all of it utterly unpronounceable. (Seriously, would it kill them to rename the Ektorp Bromma "black footstool" or, may I suggest, "Chester"?)

Which brings me to this little design beauty "Bastis Krona", aka Fido's Favorite Bed. Pretty cool, eh? And only $69.99. I kinda wish it were human-sized.

Loving these linens the W-S peeps sent my way: Chambers Heritage Bedding Collection, 100% Egyptian cotton, all made in Italy, meant to mix & match, 300-thread count. From $58 (boudoir sham) to $378 (duvet cover).

Williams-Sonoma Home debuts its very first Texas store today at The Shops at Legacy in Plano. It has a grand location inside phase two of the growing shopping center at the corner of Legacy and the tollway.

I got a sneak peek yesterday (photos above) and it is an adorable store. More to come.

Williams-Sonoma Home, The Shops at Legacy, 7300 North Dallas Parkway, Plano, 972-673-0229

We just got word that NoKa Chocolate's chic shop at Victory Park has won the AIA (American Institute of Architecture - Dallas chapter) award for small-built space.

This isn't your typical glass-cased confectioner showroom. NoKa broke out the big guns and hired LA architecture and design guru Joey Shimoda (who honed his craft in the offices of Frank Gehry and counts the Rolex Building in Beverly Hills to his cred) to design these digs.

Sweet extra: CLICK HERE to watch video of NoKa making their chocolates.

Take hold of some of Martha's "favorite things" with the new Martha Stewart Collection at Macy's.

The assortment of linen, tableware, cooking accesories, bath items and holiday trimmings was inspired by Ms. Stewart's own personal collection of tag-sale, flea-market and artisan-studio finds. Everything from the melamine bowls and pompom-trimmed throw to the holiday cake stencils exudes Ms. Stewart's trademark classic-meets-modern aesthetic.

So just how extenisve is the collection? According to Macy's, it's the largest brand launch in the chain's history. That's big.

(Set of 6 melamine bowls, $9.99, from the new Martha Stewart Collection at Macy's)

Quia Querisma

Landscape-lovin' Shopster Steven Thompson files this rant:

"Pardon my bitterness in this blog entry, but I feel violated and need to vent. Home Depot's Landscape Supply centers are going out of business. Upon hearing this news, I decided to buy the Blue Italian Cypress that I wanted for my garden at one of the closing stores instead of my local Home Depot.

To my disbelief, the exact plant: same grower, same supplier, same pot, same every-tiny-little-detail, was nearly double the price of my local Home Depot. Yes, nearly double. Landscape Supply wanted $29.95, while its parent company was charging just $16.88 everywhere else.

My outrage is not that customers are being treated like suckers, 'played' in a giant shell game, but rather that many of Home Depot's Landscape Supply employees are losing jobs because their own company is underselling them.

Goodbye Home Depot Landscape Supply, thanks for nothing."

Today Brittany Edwards, who has moved on up to the Big Apple, posted this link to her blog Pimp My Pad about Crate and Barrel's new "squares" lamp for $49.95. A great deal, especially when you compare it to the awfully similar Jonathan Adler Beatrice lamp, which retails on his site for a whopping $695.

Of course, you won't be getting the real deal but you will have enough money with the C&B lamp to go out and buy a real meal afterward.

So I was chatting with Jennifer Marcell of Dishes from the Past the other day about trends in today's china. Used to be, a bride would register for a entire set of matching dinnerware, not so today. Modern women are mixing and matching and throwing caution to the wind.

In fact, had an interview with crystal designer William Yeoward from his home in London this morning and he says that, really, all a host or hostess really needs for his/her table is "nerve" to boldly mix their vintage with retro with contemporary with antique.

Both Jennifer and Mr. Yeoward do say that no matter what, you need a set of neutral china in your collection. In my mother's day, women went for the gold-rimmed dinnerware in this department, but today's brides are opting for the platinum look. While at Market this past weekend, I noticed gold china was everywhere...is gold making a comeback, ladies?