According to Alicia Adams, “It does look like we live like the Little House on the Prairie lifestyle and it certainly is. It’s very romantic. The children help us with the animals. They help us with naming the babies when they are born. They help us with shearing. It is a family operation. My husband is very involved, he does the breeding side and I do the design, but we are both developing this brand Alicia Adams Alpaca. Alpaca can be compared to let’s say cashmere. Alpaca are born in 23 natural colors from ivory to black and all the shades of browns, beige and greys and that is one of the characteristics that Alpaca has. It is hypoallergenic and it does not pill, it is very lightweight and it is very durable. There are only 3 million alpacas on the ground worldwide. It is never going to be mass production and the fact that we breed them, raise them and sheer them on our own farm and then we use our own wool and have it processed. The carbon print is very low. We have everything finished off in Peru and we have our own production team there. We support a lot of families down there.

Above are Kravet Exclusive Skin Prints and Textures.

At Luxe Home Philadelphia Animal Skin fabrics are showing on lamps, cabinets, ottomans, pillows and more.

Owen Antique Dark Bronze Iron/Natural Wood Lamp- Arteriors Home

Owen Antique Dark Bronze Iron/Natural Wood Lamp by Arteriors Home available at Luxe Home Philadelphia.

Skin Animal Prints - Interior Design Fabric Trends 2012

Left Row :  Kravet Exclusive

Right Row:  Top 2:  Echo Home

Right Row:  3-5:  Candice Olson

Jungle Tigress Pillow

Jungle Tigress Pillow at Luxe Home Philadelphia

Liz tells us “ We are seeing a lot of animal prints that are re-interpreted.  Leopard and Zebra patterns are available in pastel and neutral colors make them feel very fresh.”

Candace Olson and Barclay Butera Animal Prints 2012

Top Left: Candice Olson Velvet Texture Skins

Top Right: Barclay Butera Velvet Safariya Skin Prints

Topper Bunching Stools - Ferguson Copeland

Topper Bunching Stool by Ferguson Copeland at Luxe Home Philadelphia

Sanibel Chest from Ferguson Copeland

Sanibel Chest from Ferguson Copeland at Luxe Home Philadelphia

Animal Prints - Fabric Design Trends 2012

Left Side: Candice Olson

Right Side:  Kravet Exclusive

Animal Prints - Fabric Design Trends 2012

Top 3 Right:  Thom Felicia

Bottom 3 Right:  Echo Home

Left Side:  Kravet Exclusive

Pillows are a perfect accessory to add a little skin to your home.  Take a look at skin prints on the New Pillow Collections from Ryan Studios at Luxe Home Philadelphia.

Panthera Honey Pillow - Ryan Studio

Panthera Honey Pillow by Ryan Studio at Luxe Home Philadelphia

Glam Skin Java Pillow - Ryan Studio

Glam Skin Java Pillow by Ryan Studio at Luxe Home Philadelphia

Animal Prints - Fabric Design Trends 2012

Echo Home

Royal Tiger Ash Pillow- Ryan Studio

Royal Tiger Ash Pillow by Ryan Studio at Luxe Home Philadelphia

Blonde Leopard Pillow

Blonde Leopard Pillow by Ryan Studio at Luxe Home Philadelphia

Contact Luxe Home Philadelphia and ask about our Interior Design Services.  We would be happy to supply you with swatches of the latest Animal Skin and Texture Fabrics.

Owen Antique Dark Bronze

Lighting cannot be underestimated to achieve the total design look.  A combination of overall room lighting, task lighting, and accent lighting create a mood and illuminate your space for easy living.  Table and floor lamps add great design elements to your space, but they also serve a functional purpose as task lighting.  The selections are limitless for size, shape, color and style.  Like furniture, you can see and feel the difference between high quality lamps and and knockoffs.  Table and floor lamps, like jewelry, add sparkle and the finishing touch to your overall look.

Industrial modern design lighting is a big design trend for 2012.  Metals, bolts and screens are arranged to create unique designs that are perfect for modern homes and the modern workplace.  Color is bigger and brighter and sprayed metal adds interest and a pop of unexpected color to your space.  Industrial design lighting creates an edgy, hip and exciting dimension to your space.

Bayswater Tabletop Lamp

Marley Iron Lamp

Leland Perforated Metal Brass Floor Lamp

Natural Elements remain a strong focus for 2012 with glamorous natural elements taking center stage.   Shells, quartz, natural woods, natural reeds, and linens create a calm yet elegant mood to your home.  Mix it up with modern, transitional and traditional furnishings.  You don’t have to be at the beach to add natural elements.  Adding naturally influenced modern lighting designs is a great way to create a harmonious atmosphere.

Bali Shell Pot Lamp

Jenson Vintage Brass Marble Lamp

Color, color and more color.  Color trends for 2012 include orange, yellow, pink, purple, green, lilac, turquoise and browns.  Lighting is a great way to bring new color styles into your home!  Let’s face it, every season we buy new outfits, how about a new look for your living room?  You spend so much time in your home, freshen it up with a new color!  Color adds fun and freshness to your home!

Turquoise Smoke Glass Lamp

Turquoise Smoke Glass Lamp - Top of Shade

Mottega Luca Lamp

Brass is warm, traditional, and it is coming out in 2012!  Brass shades beautify brass lamps and brass embellishments accent brass lamps.  Brass lamps are forever and their re-emergence with a modern twist is one of the best new modern lighting trends for 2012.  Brass adds a touch of elegance to your home.

Corsage Vintage Brass Lamp

Silver is elegant and there are beautiful silver lighting designs arriving for 2012.  Fresh, glamorous, sleek and modern, silver lighting will truly brighten up your space.  Adding a quality silver lamp to your room design will instantly bring up the rest of the room design. Your furniture and walls will pop.

Stephen Antique Mirror

Orville Smoke Gray

Abstract Designed Lighting adds art on your table!  New shipments of 2012 lighting are arriving with great textural designs.  Absolutely stunning!

Olesia State Wash Porcelain Lamp

Jaden Charcoal Drip Ceramic Lamp

Kia Smoke Porcelain Lamp

As you can see, 2012 is the year for great modern lighting design trends!

Modern and Contemporary Rugs – Facts and Terms | Luxe Home Philadelphia

When you are buying a rug, you hear a long list of vocabulary that is not part of your everyday language.   We would like to share a few facts and terms to help you become  an educated consumer.

Rug Construction

Hand-knotted – The term “Oriental Rug” typically refers to a traditional design, hand-knotted area rug.  Hand knotted rugs are produced on a loom with base threads running vertically (warp) and horizontally (weft).  At each point where the threads cross each other, colored yarn is knotted by hand to form a design.  The ends of the warp threads make the fringe on a fine hand-knotted rug and the pattern of the rug is seen clearly on the back of the rug as there is no glue or backing applied.  Higher quality rugs will usually have more knots per square inch and more intricate designs than lower quality styles. The density of the knots, fiber content, and complexity of the pattern are factors in both the
quality and price for a hand-knotted rug.  A fine hand-knotted rug will be passed down from generation to generation as a family heirloom, while a less complex hand-knotted rug may be purchased at a lower price point for day-to-day use.

Tufted or Hand-tufted – Hand-tufted rugs are similar in appearance to hand-knotted rugs, but are made with a tufting tool which pushes the yarn through the canvas, and a fabric backing is glued or sewn onto the rug. Hand-tufted rugs and other styles may have fringe sewn or glued on to give the appearance of a hand-knotted rug.  This method cuts down on the production time and creates an attractive price alternative to a hand-knotted rug.

Hand-loomed – Hand-loomed rugs are produced on a wooden loom in a process which is less time-consuming than hand-knotting and more durable than hand-tufting.

Power-loomed (machine-made) – Power loomed (or machine made) rugs offer
production time is minimal and design changes are easily implemented. However, power-loomed rugs beautiful rugs at an affordable price. These rugs are loomed either of synthetic fibers such as nylon and polypropylene, or of varying grades and qualities of wool. The development of technological advances has revolutionized the
entire area rug industry, making modern designs and colors available to everyone. Computer-driven, the have a shorter lifespan, and will need to be replaced more frequently

Hooked or Hand-hooked– Hooked rugs are made by pulling loops of yarn or fabric through a stiff woven base such as burlap, linen, or rug warp which has been stretched over a frame. The design is printed on the base fabric, and the loops of yarn are pushed through the fabric (similar to the process for hand-tufting). The three most common types of hooked rugs are: standard hook – ½ inch loops; petit-pointe hook – ¼ inch loops; and micro-hook – 1/8 inch loops.  Each construction has unique advantages.

Braided or Flat-weave – Braided and flat-woven rugs generally do not have a base material, and the pile itself (material or fiber used to make the rug) is braided or woven on a loom to create the structure of the rug.  Braided rugs may be made of braided yarn or fabric.  Flat-weave rugs (including dhurries and kilims) may be made of wool or other natural fiber such as sisal, jute, hemp, or cotton.

Hand-woven – Not all hand-woven rugs are flat and some hand-woven rugs are produced with longer strands of yarn or pile woven together to produce a textured surface.

Hand-Stitched or Hand-sewn– In the hand-sewn or hand-stitched rug, sections of fabric or animal hide are hand-stitched together similar to the process of making a quilt.  A backing may be applied for stability if needed.

FIBER CONTENT:
Acrylic – Acrylic yarn is one of many synthetic or man-made yarns available for rug weaving. Acrylic yarn is easy to work with and moderately priced compared with other yarns.  Acrylic yarn is durable and has good elasticity.  In addition, acrylics will not be eaten by moths or suffer from mildew damage.  However, acrylic is not as strong as other synthetics such as nylon and polyester.  Yarn manufacturers often blend
acrylic fiber with natural fibers or other synthetic fibers.

Bamboo silk – Bamboo yarn (or bamboo silk) is made from the natural bamboo plant, and is similar to silk in shine and softness.  Yarns made from pure bamboo tend to have a soft, silky texture, a subtle shine, and a good amount of drape.  For the environmentally conscious consumer, bamboo silk is an alternative to viscose

Cable yarn – Cable yarn is made up of two or more, smaller plied yarns twisted together with a cable twist resulting in a strong, regular yarn. Cable twist is a twist construction with each successive twist in the direction opposite of the preceding.

Chenille – Chenille is not actually a fiber, but a yarn produced by placing short lengths of yarn (pile) between two core yarns and then twisting them together. The yarn is commonly manufactured from cotton, but can also be made using acrylic, rayon and olefin. The edges of these piles then stand at right angles from the yarn’s core, giving chenille both its softness and its characteristic look. Chenille will look different in one direction compared to another, as the fibers catch the light differently, and can appear iridescent without actually using iridescent fibers.

Cotton – Cotton is a soft, fluffy staple fiber that grows in a boll around the seeds of cotton plants. The fiber most often is spun into yarn or thread and used to make a soft, breathable textile, which is the most widely used natural-fiber cloth in clothing today. Many rugs use cotton thread for the base (hand-knotted) or cotton backing (tufted).

Cowhide– Cowhide is the natural, unbleached skin and hair of a cow. It retains the original coloring of the animal. Cowhides are a natural product/by-product of the food industry from cattle.  Cowhide rugs may retain the shape of the original animal, or pieces of cowhide may be sewn or stitched together in patterns.

Jute – Jute is a long, soft, shiny vegetable fiber that can be spun into coarse, strong threads.  Jute is one of the most affordable natural fibers and is second only to cotton in amount produced and variety of uses of vegetable fibers.  Jute has many advantages as a home textile, either replacing cotton or blending with it.  It is a strong, durable, color and light-fast fiber.  Its UV protection, sound and heat insulation, low thermal conduction and anti-static properties make it a wise choice in home decor.

Polyester– Polyester is a synthetic fiber used in fabric, upholstery, carpet, and rugs. Polyester fibers wear well and feel very soft and luxurious, especially when used for rugs with thick piles. Area rugs made from polyester are moisture, stain, and abrasion resistant. Polyester fibers retain color, will not fade, and are easy to clean.

Poly-Acrylic – Poly-acrylic fiber is created when polyester fibers and acrylic fibers are woven together into yarn.

Polypropylene – Polypropylene, a synthetic fiber, absorbs dye well and is durable.  Polypropylene is used to make plastic bags, molded to make chairs and bottles, and woven into fiber to make carpet and rugs.  A polypropylene rug is easy to maintain and provides bold coloration.

Sea grass (Sisal)– Sea grasses are vegetation that grow underwater in shallow beds.  The fibers are tightly woven together to form sea grass rugs. Some sea grass rugs may also have a foam backing to add cushioning and keep them from slipping or scratching the floor.

Silk – Silk is a natural protein fiber and while silks are produced by several other insects, only the silk of moth caterpillars has been used for rugs. The shimmering appearance of silk is due to the triangular prism-like structure of the fiber, which allows silk to refract incoming light at different angles, thus producing different colors.  While silk has been used in the manufacture of hand-knotted rugs for
centuries, the cost is prohibitive in mass-production.  Silk is used on a limited basis in fine rugs, but more often the appearance of silk is obtained by use of viscose or other synthetic fibers.

Vegetable dye – Natural dyes are dyes or colorants derived from plants, invertebrates, or minerals. The majority of natural dyes are vegetable dyes from plant sources such as roots, berries, bark, leaves, and wood — and other organic sources such as fungi and lichens.  Vegetable dye produces the richest color, but may run if not professionally cleaned.

Viscose – Viscose, sometimes called Artificial or Art Silk because of its resemblance to silk, is created from a combination of natural and man-made components.  Viscose has a silky appearance and feel, and has made it possible for many people to enjoy a wider array of quality rugs in their homes, without having to pay the high price for natural silk.

Wool – Wool is a natural textile fiber obtained from various animals, but in rug production the term “wool” is usually refers to the fibrous protein derived from sheep. The quality of wool is determined by various factors, but fiber diameter is the single most important wool characteristic determining quality and price.  The finer the wool the softer it is, while coarser grades are more durable. Wool is separated into grades
based on the measurement of the wool’s diameter in microns and also its style, and the price point of a rug may be affected by mixing various grades of wool.

New Zealand wools are known as the industry benchmark of excellence, representing the top level of fineness, character, color, and style. Only a few dozen of the millions of bales auctioned every year can be classified and marked as New Zealand wool, and there are various grades of New Zealand wool as well.  Loloi offers several collections produced with only the highest quality New Zealand wool.  The absorbent qualities of wool produce rich, strong color, but wool rugs tend to have the largest variance in color from one dye lot to another.  A wool rug will absorb spilled liquid and may require more frequent cleaning.  New wool rugs will shed (create fiber dust), but regular vacuuming will reduce the amount of shed and the shedding does not affect the condition of the rug.

RUG INDUSTRY TERMINOLOGY:

Abrash – The natural and variable change in color that occurs in an Oriental rug over time when different dyes are used. Vegetable dyed rugs have natural abrash and in antique Persian rugs the abrash is more frequent. Abrash is considered part of the intrinsic value and beauty of antique Persian rugs, and new rugs are intentionally made with the appearance of abrash in order to recreate the look of the fine antique pieces.

Dye Lot – Yarn colors are produced by a dying process and as with any textile, one dye lot (yarn dyed at the same time) may vary slightly in color from another dye lot.  If you are ordering more than one rug from the same collection and plan to use them in close proximity to each other, please mark the order accordingly so that we choose rugs from the same dye lot when possible.  This will allow us to avoid unnecessary returns due to dye lot variance.

IKAT – IKAT is a dyeing technique used to pattern textiles that employs a resist dyeing process similar to tie-dye on either the warp or weft fibers. Bindings, which resist dye penetration, are applied to the threads in the desired patterns and the threads are dyed. Alteration of the bindings and the dyeing of more than one color produce elaborate, multicolored patterns. When all of the dyeing is finished the bindings are removed and the threads are ready to be woven into cloth.  The defining characteristic of IKAT is the dyeing of patterns, by means of bindings, into the threads before cloth construction, the weaving of the fabric, takes place.

Indoor/Outdoor–

indoor/outdoor rugs are not intended to be immersed in water, nor to remain saturated for an extended period of time (similar to a water-resistant watch).  An indoor/outdoor rug should be dried promptly.  The best process for drying these rugs is to lift off the ground to dry thoroughly.  They may be cleaned by rinsing with a garden hose or other clear water, and chemicals should not be used.  When used indoors, these rugs should have a pad to protect both the rug and the floor, but regular rubber rug pads should not be used outdoors.

Kilim (kelim) – Flat tapestry-woven carpets or rugs produced from the Balkans to Pakistan, kilims can be purely decorative or can function as prayer rugs.  Kilims may have geometric patterns or tribal patterns which depict a story.

Peshawar– A style of rug made in Pakistan, Peshawar rugs are sometimes also referred to as Chobi rugs. The Peshawar style is highly characterized by a thinly sheered pile, large print designs, and most predominantly their antique ivory and sometimes golden tones. The general overtone has a “washed-out” or sometimes even faded appearance which is the beauty of this style.

Shedding – There are basically two reasons why area rugs tend to ‘shed’. The more important of the two is the quality of fibers used. This issue is related to both natural fibers, like wool, and synthetic such as viscose.  The second aspect that contributes to shedding has to do with how the pile was constructed; i.e. hand-knotted, hand-tufted, etc. Keep in mind that almost every new rug will shed. However, the better the rug, the sooner the shedding problem will stop or, at least, become very minimal. Shedding may be minimized by regular vacuuming.

Sprouting – Natural fiber rugs may experience “sprouting” which is seen as small fibers sticking up from the rug. In certain rugs, sprouting is a normal characteristic and may be expected throughout the life of the rug. Sprouting does not and will not affect the durability or overall life of the rug. Sprouting is common, and requires nothing more than clipping down the fibers that have popped up. Over time, the need for clipping back these fibers will diminish. The process is similar to the initial shedding of a wool or synthetic fiber rug.

Traditional/Transitional/Contemporary – Home-furnishings are categorized by style, and defined as Traditional, Transitional, or Contemporary.  For rugs, these categories may be recognized by the following characteristics:

Traditional Rugs – intricate patterns and generally has a field or ground color, and a border of a complementary color to the field.  The traditional design is commonly known as an “Oriental Rug”.

Transitional Rugs – Perhaps the fastest growing category in the home decor industry, transitional design and patterns cover the middle ground between traditional and contemporary.  Transitional elements often borrow and reinterpret traditional motifs in different scaling and coloration.  Paisley designs, exploded or large scale florals, and subtle geometric patterns often fall under the rubric of transitional rugs.

Contemporary Rugs – Breaking away from the traditional completely, contemporary rugs fall under two general categories.  First, some contemporary rugs sport a minimalist look in muted colors and clean lines.  On the other end of the spectrum, some contemporary rugs can be identified by daring colors and abstract designs.

Tangerine Tango 2012 Color of the Year

Color Trends for 2012 – Tangerine Tango – Pantone Color of the Year

“Sophisticated but at the same time dramatic and seductive, Tangerine Tango, PANTONE® 17-1463, is an orange with a lot of depth to it,” said Leatrice Eiseman, executive director of the Pantone Color Institute®. “Reminiscent of the radiant shadings of a sunset, Tangerine Tango marries the vivaciousness and adrenaline rush of red with the friendliness and warmth of yellow, to form a high-visibility, magnetic hue that emanates heat and energy.”

Color Trends for 2012 - Tangerine Tango - Pantone Color of the Year

Over the past several years, orange has grown in popularity and acceptance among designers and consumers alike. Energize interior spaces with Tangerine Tango patterned home accessories. Pillows, bedspreads and tabletop accessories in this high-impact hue add spice to any room. Or incorporate Tangerine Tango appliances and personal electronics for an unexpected pop of color. Looking for an inexpensive way to perk up your home? Paint a wall in Tangerine Tango for a dynamic burst of energy in the kitchen, entryway or hallway.

Tear Drop Petite Decanter Apricot - Joe Cariati

Avery Dots Ruby Pillow - Ryan Studio

Summer Breeze Crimson Pillow - Ryan Studio

Small Space Design with Joey Jagod at Luxe Home Philadelphia

Joey Jagod, former director of store design for Mitchell Gold + Bob Williams, and well-known design personality was the guest speaker at a Design Philadelphia event hosted by Luxe Home Philadelphia on Saturday, October 15^th.   The event drew a great crowd, as it was featured in Philadelphia Weekly as a Top Pick.   The event was a tremendous success.

Design Philadelphia - Luxe Home Philadelphia

The discussion was focused on four key points:

1) The importance of scale in a room

2) Color and pattern

3) Multi-functionality of furniture in a small space

4) The “Love Factor” that gives a room its personality

Jagod focused his speech on maximizing design impact into spaces, regardless of room size while taking the audience on a walking tour of the three-story showroom.

Small Space Design - Joey Jagod at Luxe Home Philadelphia

He made recommendations on getting the most out of space, while bringing casual intimacy to rooms.   The designer advised the use of the multitude of ‘shelter magazines’ on the market for obtaining ideas and inspiration.   It is a common misunderstanding that color visually closes in a space, and Jagod advised to “never be afraid of using bold color.”   “Make a small room a jewel box” Jagod said.

Small Space Design - Joey Jagod at Luxe Home Philadelphia

Jagod suggested that furniture and accessories be grouped – “use matching photo frames to create a cluster” of photographs on walls rather than spreading out mismatched accessories.   “A lot of space between items makes a room feel empty” the designer warned.   He mentioned that two mirrors, with space between, can add more ‘visual space’ than one centered on a wall.  Pair two identical lamps, the designer suggested, placed on a table or console behind a sofa rather than a lamp on each end table which lacks the same appeal.    Also, add dimmers to lighting, which can be purchased inexpensively at a home improvement or hardware store, to help enhance the mood of the space.

Small Space Design - Joey Jagod at Luxe Home Philadelphia

The designer advocated spending more on upholstery and rugs for quality and comfort.  “Area rugs define a space,” said Jagod, and upholstery pieces determine “the comfort factor.” Joey emphasized the importance of choosing upholstered seating first, stressing “the comfort factor.”   He recommended making a decision on how many people need to sit in the room and then choosing pieces that allow universal appeal – meaning that people of all sizes and shapes need to be considered.   He noted that, currently, people are moving furniture away from walls – floating seating groups in the center of rooms “creates the illusion of space” while bringing intimacy.   The designer advised the selection of neutral upholstered pieces as a starting point and then adding bold color, texture, and pattern with pillows, which give a “design message,” and accessories to add excitement.   “More is more on top of a neutral base” – Joey Jagod says.

Small Space Design - Joey Jagod at Luxe Home Philadelphia

Luxe Home Philadelphia displays over 75 neutral sofas in the showroom, with endless possibilities through custom order.   Also available in stock are nearly 100 different pillows in a variety of colors, with exciting patterns and luxurious textures, and limitless combinations through custom order.   Luxe’s clients have the option to browse for hours through fabric selections in order to place an order for C.O.M. – an industry term that means “Customer’s Own Material.”

Small Space Design – Joey Jagod at Luxe Home Philadelphia

Jagod urged to “add your own signature” and personality to your space, “do not be afraid to use pattern.”   Joey pointed to a round dining table surrounded by Sylvia upholstered dining chairs, by Mitchell Gold + Bob Williams, the fabric features a bold black large-scaled paisley on a neutral white ground.   Jagod recommended using a neutral grouping such as this and then dressing the table with tablecloths or runners in vivid hues to “make it your own.”   He praised the use of round dining tables as “they are more fun and intimate” during dinner parties.

Jagod remarked that in the field, he is seeing less and less formal dining and living rooms.   He commented that people, in previous decades, had a tendency to set a room once and leave it “frozen.”   He voiced his observation that currently, things are less static – flexibility and mobility are currently more important in interior design.   The designer advocated for multi-functional furnishings.   “An ottoman with the addition of a tray placed on top can become a cocktail table- creating double functionality.”   A dining table can act as a home office when not in use.   He recommended that office items be stored in totes and bins that can easily be tucked away for entertaining.   Furniture featuring castors is making a comeback, according to Jagod.   He remarked that a television, or other electronic equipment, is the only item that really needs to be placed against a wall.     Mid-century influence has come back into fashion, featuring metals like bronze and chrome.

Small Space Design - Joey Jagod at Luxe Home Philadelphia

“The love factor” is the essential element to decorating your small space.  Add what you love, something personal, something that moves you.  When you surround yourself with “the love factor” your space becomes your home.

Couture International at Luxe Home Philadelphia

 Luxe Home Philadelphia is proud to offer Couture International, a line of beautiful contemporary furniture.   Founded in 2007 by Normand Couture, an award winning designer, the company is headquartered in Quebec, Canada.   Normand Couture, at the young age of 21, opened his first store- Domicil in Montreal which offered furniture imported from around the world.   Couture traveled the world as a buyer and was strongly influenced by international trends.    This was an invaluable experience for a product designer.   He then went on to work as a consultant for a few years before founding a new manufacturing company, where he developed the award-winning Caméléon seating concept.   Couture International is passionate about creating well-designed furniture that is livable and that is offered at a fair value to open-minded buyers of all ages.   The belief system of the company is summed up nicely on their website:  “Couture International clearly defines a new philosophy of creative wellbeing at home, a place to share in style with your loved ones.”

Hug Collection by Couture International

Couture International uses eight way hand tied suspension whenever possible and sinuous bases for quality and your comfort.   Quick shipping is available as the furniture is stocked in North Carolina, Quebec and Ontario Canada.    Couture International provides a LIMITED LIFETIME WARRANTY on the frame and suspension of its furniture.    The company warrants the furniture to be free of defects in workmanship and materials, other than frame and suspension, for two years from the date of purchase.

Rendez-Vous Collection Couture International

The FUNktioncollection, by Couture International, offers versatility and adaptability.   This à la carte collection has been designed with fully upholstered ‘holes’ which allow the furniture to change to suit your needs, making these pieces superbly functional.   Backs and arms are interchangeable allowing them to transition from sofa, to chaise lounge, or to a bed.   Tables may be added to provide even more flexibility.

Funktion Collection Couture International Funktion Collection Couture International

Funktion Collection Couture International

The Ensemble and Panama, by Couture International, are not just beds, but can transform into living spaces.  The backs and shelves can be moved to any position around the perimeter, thanks to the bed’s ingenious steel channeled design.   The Wonder is a cleverly designed sofa that can transform easily into a chaise lounge, a tête-à-tête, or even a bed.   Add a DJ Table for your laptop and the Wonder becomes a cozy work-station.

Panama Platform Bed Couture International at Luxe Home

Wonder Sofa by Couture International at Luxe Home

The Candy chair is all about fun and function.   Pieces from this line can be configured in a multitude of possibilities and are a seating sculpture. The back rotates in any angle to allow the user to select the most comfortable position.

Candy Collection by Couture International at Luxe Home Philadelphia

The Fashion collection, by Couture International, features unique shapes and close attention to detail.   Couture International prides itself in bringing “originality and uniqueness forward” while emphasizing “comfort, elegance, and quality.”   The expressive detail applied to these unique pieces may be seen from any angle.

Lounge Collection by Couture International

The aptly-named Hug chair’s sculpted arms extend out to welcome you.   The graceful curves and elegant style can be seen from any perspective while looking at or sitting in this beautiful chair.   Add the Hug ottoman to provide additional comfort while you sit back and enjoy the embrace.

Hug Collection by Couture International

The outstretched arms and generous seat of the Wings chair are wide and welcoming.  The chair rotates and therefore allows you to place it anywhere in your room!  The handsome stitching on the fine leather adds refined detail.    The Wings Ottoman, in-stock at Luxe Home in both black and orange, is a multi-functional piece that will work well in almost any contemporary space.   The ottoman could also be used as a low table or as additional seating.   It’s unique shape and stitched detailing add character, while the metal legs add the convenience of mobility.

Wings Ottoman at Luxe Home Philadelphia

The Détente Chaise is an armless modern chaise in buttery soft leather.  The smaller scale of this chaise, at 62” long by 33” wide, is perfect for city living.   The crackle saddle leather will add warmth to your space.

Detente Chaise - Couture International

HGTV Design Star Philly Casting at Lowes October 16, 2011

Get you Design Star applications ready and head on down to the Loews Philadelphia on October 16.  You might be the next Design Star!  No seconds thoughts, be there!

HGTV Design Star Philly Casting at Lowes October 16, 2011

"Blonde" from the Hyden Collection - Natural Curiosities

Luxe Home Philadelphia is proud to offer a beautifully varied collection of prints by Natural Curiosities.   Natural Curiosities is a team of 15 artists and creative thinkers led by Christopher Wilcox, a passionate collector of art and antiques.   Natural Curiosities has collected over 60,000 images including: textiles, textures, grasses, plants, presses, and pigments to use in the hand-made works.   According to Natural Curiosities’ website, this allows the artists to “create without boundaries, reacting constantly to the shifts and changes of the seasons.”  The resulting images radiate with natural energy bringing warmth to the rooms they are placed in.   Prints from Natural Curiosities are large in scale; they make an impact on the space they are placed in.

Coronelli Man W/ Snake - Natural Curiosities

The Hanriout Giraud by Natural Curiosities is a 48” x 20” framed crocodile print.   The loose, sketchy drawing has character to equal its large scale.   The earthy colors of this print could work well in nearly any space in your home or office.

Hanriout Giraud - Natural Curiosities

Similarly, Nile Voyage Turtle 1 and Nile Voyage Turtle 2, sold separately, feature illustrated turtles taken from “La Voyage Aux Sources du Nile” by James Bruce in 1768.   Bruce was a Scottish explorer who travelled the Nile sketching and studying the surrounding life-forms.   These illustrations, framed at 42.25” x 42.25”, provide color and character.

Nile Voyage Turtle 1 - Natural Curiosities

The octopus has been a reoccurring subject for Natural Curiosities, as it represents the mysteries of the deep seas.  Octavio Octopus, a black and white reproduction print, was taken from a collection of illustrations done in 1686 by a French naturalist, Bernard Direxit.   Direxit put the collection together to teach about marine life.   The print is framed at 42” x 42” and is also available in Octavio Octopus Saudi Blue.

Octavio Octopus – Natural Curiosities

Lord Bodner, also featuring an octopus as its subject, is the newest example with Natural Curiosities fascination with the octopus.   This reproduction print exemplifies fine attention to detail.   The image was taken from Lord Bodner’s copperplate engraving which was published in London, 1826.   The image was part of a series that studied deep sea creatures.  Natural Curiosities octopus brings grace and mysterious charm to the collection.  This reproduction print is available as Lord Bodner’s Octopus Brown or Lord Bodner’s Octopus Blue, each measuring 59 ½” x 47 ½”, to suit either a warm or a cool color story.

Natural Curiosities’ timely Hyden Collection features equestrian photographs, which have become very popular this season.   Gallopis a beautiful photographic print in a generous, 88” x 40”, scale.   This print, which features a magnificent chestnut-haired horse, will add a dramatically dynamic statement to your room.

"Gallop" from the Hyden Collection - Natural Curiosities

Spotted is a black and white photographic print, in a generous 42” x 54” size, featuring a playfully spotted horse.   Blonde is a wonderful close-up photographic print of the eyes and blonde mane of a horse.   The extra large scale, 60” x 48”, of this print will make this piece a dramatic feature in your home or workplace.

http://shop.luxehomepa.com/Spotted_from_Natural_Curiosites_p/oin16473.htm