Anything bearing the name Smithsonian better be bold and capable of holding its own against the critics. Bernhardt certainly has the history behind its reputation to back up this traditional yet casual collection with all the quality you should expect from one of America's best traditional furniture makers. The Smithsonian collection gets its inspiration from 18th and 19th century design with a touch of the West Indies and features pin knotty cherry veneers, acanthus leaf carving, solid brass hardware and Nero Blanc marble. I really like the simplistic lines of the armoire and night stands and their stark contrast to the intricate carvings of the posts of the canopy bed. Bernhardt also offers the Plantation poster bed in an equally attractive low post style.
Light is simple, great looking lamps that allow light to playfully enhance its surroundings are a little more specialized. Artemide of Italy has it all figured out when it comes to really cool lamps from ceiling to floor, and table to wall. The most recent releases added to the Artemide collection features the liquid effect of the "Mercury" hanging lamp that disperses a delicately diffused light off its silver droplets. Ross Lovegrove, Ora-ito, and Karim Rashid are three of the well known designers that contributed their talents to the stunning new lamps for 2008 from Artemide.
Foscarini shows their diversity in hanging lights here with two dramatically different concepts. The smooth glossy shapes of the New Buds by Rodolfo Dordoni add a well rounded touch of class in glass with a splash of subtle color thrown in. This 1993 release form Dordoni is as much a hit today as it was 15 years ago. In sharp contrast the Allegro series of hanging lights from designer Atelier Oi depends on sharp angles and points to make its dramatic statement. The Allegro family includes hanging and ceiling mounted lights in several metal finishes and three distinctly different styles released in 2007 by Foscarini of Italy.
Fixing up the baby's nursery in anticipation of the newest family member is one of the true pleasures in home remodeling. If you are having a tough time finding good looking and quality baby furniture and baby cribs then you must see the many styles from Baby's Dream. Since 1990 Baby's Dream has been focused on high quality long lasting baby furniture that is safe. With so many corners being cut these days there is no room to compromise on your children's well being and your valuable piece of mind. One of their notable designs is the convertible baby crib which they were first to manufacture. Baby's Dream has something for every nursery vision in all shades of wood with the young boy or girl in mind.
There are two kinds of desks in this world. The kind that is full of work stuff that sees its share of hard days on the job, and the stylish kind that looks great and is the perfect place to pay bills or work on a laptop. The Ceccotti Collezioni understands the concept of combining a super design while making it quality built through and through. Designer Roberto Lazzeroni gave his "Bean" and "Big Bean" writing desk quality touches like contrasting frame and work top that lifts up to expose a handy segmented storage area, cord holes with stylish grommets for wiring, and ample drawer space. I really like stylish legs and the organic shape of the top that is perfect size to keep everything well within reach. Available in American Cherry and stained Walnut or Mahogany frame with American Walnut or Wenge work surface. L181 X W87 XH75 or L210 X W87 XH75 CM
