Sea Glass

Who hasn’t collected sea glass, showcasing an assemblage in a vase resting on a windowsill or a bowl on a coffee table? It takes somewhere from 40 to 100 years for the ocean to work its magic and turn ordinary glass to that soft, frosted translucence. For those of us who aren’t in the mood

Steamed Punk Style

Steampunk is the newest design trend you’ve never heard of. A combination of historical elements and anachronistic tech features, we see the influence everywhere—light fixture to side tables, stools and counter tops. A close cousin of industrial design, the look has elements of the exposed-brick Soho lofts circa 1980 and the rugged coastal homes of

“It’s a (Decorating) Thing” by Lyn Peterson

I was on a call with my millennial-influencer son when he referenced some trend or another. I asked for clarification, and my son simply said, “It’s a thing.” To which I added: pretty much everything is these days—a thing, that is. We’ve taken to identifying a staggering array of trends, events, memes, products and lifestyle

Manufacturer of the Month: Woodbridge

Never have finishes mattered more—and Woodbridge is a connoisseur of finishes. From soft Old Gold metals to hand planed Bordeaux fruitwood. In stock and quick ship casegoods. You can contact Karl (kfriberg@motif-designs.com) or Mark (markm@motif-designs.com) for more info and assistance. SHOP WOODBRIDGE SHOP MOTIF DESIGNS

Ready, Set—Go

In an age of instant gratification and next day delivery, who doesn’t want things NOW?? I know I do. Here’s our go-to list of items you can have 1,2,3. Sofas and chairs in stock in five different fabrics. SEE MORE Need help? Just ask Jeeves. Contact Karl (kfriberg@motif-designs.com) or Mark (markm@motif-designs.com) for more info and

“Wood You Believe” by Lyn Peterson

When I first bought a home, the floors were what the wood floors were—skinny, brown oak strips. That was it. And I never thought twice about changing it up. It wasn’t until I was invited to participate in the prestigious Kips Bay Designer Showhouse that I was circuitously exposed to other flooring options. (How, you

Cocktail Hour

Glamorous yet utilitarian bar carts, perfectly proportioned drinks tables and the ever iconic cocktail table. Cheers—its cocktail hour somewhere! SEE MORE Need help? Just ask Jeeves. Contact Karl (kfriberg@motif-designs.com) or Mark (markm@motif-designs.com) for more info and assistance.

Benched

Benches and stools are the must haves du jour. And they come in multiples! A pair flanking a coffee table. A singleton tucked under a console. His and hers at the foot of the master bed. Extra seating, extra surface, easy to relocate! SEE MORE Need help? Just ask Jeeves. Contact Karl (kfriberg@motif-designs.com) or Mark

The White Way

Clear lustrous white and milky white is turning up again on all manner of furniture: beds, side tables, chairs, bureaus. While the milky white finishes speak of Swedish country, it is the clear glossy whites that we are all craving. It just looks so fresh and clean and new and right. SEE MORE Need help?

“Winter Pick-Me-Ups” by Lyn Peterson

It’s winter. It’s interminable. It’s the kind of weather that makes me not want to leave the house, specifically the fireside. Nor do I want to be too far from the remote. All of that whining, due I am sure, to a shortage of Vitamin D; the lack of daylight hours is leaving me bereft.