John Dickinson African Table

Renowned designer John Dickinson (1920-1982) created many original furniture designs with much detail and flair. Animal legged chairs and African inspired tables were among his most iconic works from the 1960's.

Dickinson's home in San Francisco (below) shows many of his eclectic pieces around the restored Victorian firehouse.
photo courtesy O at Home magazine
However the piece above, "The African Table", was his most famous design. The three-legged painted plaster table can be found on http://www.1stdibs.com/ for a mere $34,000. So if you want the real deal, it's out there.
For those of us who don't have $30K to spend on a side table, check out the Lola Side Table from Arteriors Home. Purchase for $440 (includes free shipping!) at http://www.tonichome.com/. At that price, why not get 2 of them!
If white is not your color, how about the Lola Side Table in Black?
Or fire engine red? Can't you just picture this table in a Kelly Wearstler room? Style and personality, now this is a piece that will give your decor the punch it needs.

Apartment Therapy new book

A real treat for those of us who enjoy Apartment Therapy blog is their new book out, Apartment Therapy Presents: Real Homes, Real People, Hundreds of Real Design Solutions.

The latest book takes three years worth of House Tours from the Apartment Therapy blog and puts them in one volume. "Nothing you do for your home is ever wasted" - Apartment Therapy mantra. We couldn't agree more!

Alison Childress, WW and Co., Market Umbrellas

With summer approaching, what better excuse do we all need to decorate the outdoors. One of the easiest and most fun ways to add personality to any outdoor area, is to add a patio umbrella. While there are many out there to choose from, why not go for something fun and full of personality. Tonic Home recently discovered these delightful shade accessories from WW and Co. out of Charleston, South Carolina.

These market umbrellas combine high design, unique fabric and quality construction.

Alison Childress (shown above - courtesy Cottage Living magazine) began the outdoor umbrella business after studying textiles at North Carolina State University. She then worked as a designer at a large fabric company in Greensboro, North Carolina. This background was the natural starting point for beginning her business with husband, David.


The Gerber (above) was inspired from a book of flowers and is now their best seller.
The Flamenco (easily my favorite!) starts the party that your guests will love!

With black and white design taking the stage lately, how about this Lattice umbrella! Easy to decorate with and makes a striking statement. All designs have various color options, so you can find the right one that taps into your own creative energies. Umbrellas are created from Sunbrella fabric and are mold and mildew resistant. http://www.warpweftandco.com/

GE Monogram Design Center New York

The "kitchen design process" has just gotten a little easier, thanks to GE Monogram. Opening their new Design Center, in the Architects & Designers Building in Midtown Manhattan, now offers high end customers a place to view the sophisticated and luxurious kitchen appliances including refrigerators, ranges and dishwashers.

The 4,000 square foot showroom features 3 kitchens, a wine-themed lounge and Manhattan details that are worth the trip alone.

GE Monogram Design Center

150 E. 58th Street, 10th Floor

Tory Burch for the Weekend

Talk about an "object of desire" - this Verushka towel from Tory Burch is on the top of my wish list for Mother's Day.

I think I'd like to settle in by the pool with my splashy retro towel and sip on a cocktail or two from my New Arcadia Studio Floral Glasses.


Both are full of color and will keep me in style! Now I just need some really good drink recipes. Send them over fast!