Friday Favorites 2/22/2013

Kaitlin Madden, Managing and Online Editor Soft Surroundings, the St. Louis-based retailer that opened two stores in the Boston area late last year, recently debuted its new line of home furnishings, Retreat, at both locations. The collection–which includes case goods, area rugs, lighting, upholstery and accessories–has a feminine, shabby-chic vibe that feels both elegant and comfortable. I’ve got my eye on the glamorous Valentina chandelier and Petit Salon chair, below.

Stacy Kunstel, Homes Editor Lush photography, bold juxtaposition and engaging interiors—I’m not talking about the new issue of New England Home, but the relaunched web site of the Boston store Hudson. Complete with a lookbook to underscore the theme of the season, the site takes you on an interiors tour of the store while underscoring own Jill Goldberg’s styling prowess.

Maria LaPiana, Contributing Writer I know a lot of home-based writers who are not similarly blessed, but I’m lucky to have a dedicated space in which to work. It’s in a lieu of a proper guestroom, of course, but it sure beats my previous home office: an old oak teacher’s desk jammed between packing boxes and a closet that wouldn’t open. So I’m not complaining. Well, to be fair, I am … a little. While perfectly functional, my office leaves a lot to be desired (there’s just so much you can do with IKEA). So on a particularly uninspiring workday recently I started nosing around for pieces that might perk things up in there, and within minutes hit on more ideas than would possibly fit into the tiny room. This is not to say they’d all necessarily work together, but here are a few that spoke to me! My needs may be simple when it comes to a work surface … but how much would I love this sexy Strand Mirrored desk, from Restoration Hardware? With mirrored surfaces, waterfall edges and metal trim, it’s not your conventional hard-working desk, but it sure has glamour written all over it.

With nine discrete, not-too-deep shelves for books and magazines, a punch of color, plus a few small drawers for looks more than pens and pencils, I want this Zoe Cabinet (in aquamarine) from Urban Home. I love that it sits off the ground, providing ample space underneath for storage boxes.

Finally, to shed a little light on any subject, I’d choose this task lamp, the Plate from Ligne Roset, in a heartbeat! Simplicity personified, this LED luminaire is made epoxy satin black lacquered aluminum. Just stunning.