Hans Thyge Raunkjaer was the designer behind the table lamp lights from Modu Luce. Named "Joe", these pieces are aimed toward designers who want a new look and a departure from the norm. The natural bend in the lamp posts give the impression that Joe is on the run from something whether it be "the law" or the boring doldrums of the typical living room. These products are designed to move with you based on this unique design. One benefit is if you are seeking to get light to over a book or computer the bend can prove useful by delivering the light directly overhead. Website information: here.

Looking for the perfect holiday gift for the java lover in your life, why not go for the gusto of a professional series espresso machine. The Saeco "Royal Professional Espresso Machine" features a fully automated automatic milk frothing system that will have you serving perfect foam for cappuccino and lattes in seconds. As an additional feature to the standard built-in steam wand, the auto frother makes dense foam, and you can adjust the quantity of coffee and water for each cup and the coffee temperature at the press of a button. The Saeco espresso machine also includes a cup warmer, removable internal brewing system for simple cleanup, built in coffee grinder, messages in multiple languages, cup counter, energy saving mode, timer, water hardness setting, and more. View all the Saeco espresso machines from everythingkitchens.com $1500

Diva is a beautiful modern lamp that features simplicity and elegance. The floor stand is a basic tripod with a small footprint. The lamp pole is very thin creating the simple overall visual appeal. The crown jewel for Diva is the lampshade. Pictured here in red, the shade also comes in white, beige, brown, and black. I like the lamp shade since its color can be matched to the room creating a nice tie in to the color scheme. Product website: here.

In today's market, high-end clothing and furnishings are becoming as popular in the US as they have always been in Europe. Americans have practically been conditioned to go for quantity over quality, and it ends up costing them more in the long run. If many US consumers were to go into a high-end furnishing store and see a simple chair they loved, but saw that it was $1,500.00 dollars, they may turn around and walk right out.
A European would inquire about the chairs quality, durability, warranty, and versatility, then weigh its attributes against a cheaper version that cost half as much. Most often the cheaper version will be similar in looks, but the original version will last 5 times longer than the lower quality copy. In theory, the European consumer just saved over double the higher-end chairs worth.

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An armoire can be the perfect piece of furniture to fill several needs from storage to hiding that unsightly television / hifi set. The tall aspect allows you to hang full length clothes literally acting as extra closet space. Here is a versatile bedroom armoire from the "Windows of Style" collection by designer Ilan Dei that also includes occasional tables, dining room table, entertainment centers, and office furniture. Key features include ample shelf space, three large concealed storage drawers, mirror, and 90 degree hinges to allow doors to be fully opened. Made in America by Creative Elegance and available in 12 finishes on rift cut oak. Accents available in oak, and a number of aluminum laminates and acrylic. 44''w x 24''d x 68''h Available from Jensen-Lewis
