Hot Stuff

September 3, 2009

Text by Cheryl and Jeffrey Katz

White bedding is serene, certainly, but imagine the wow factor your bedroom will get from this vivid quilt from Denyse Schmidt. The Four Crosses Quilt in apple and cactus has a sleek, graphic feel. Schmidt says her machine-stitched quilts are factory built to honor the historical industrial area where they're produced, but each is made one a time. QUEEN SIZE, $2,000, OTHER SIZES AVAILABLE. DENYSE SCHMIDT, BRIDGEPORT, CONN., (203) 335-2719, DSQUILTS.COM

Though simple in shape, Blu Dot's Animal sofa is both sophisticated and well proportioned. The understated stitching gives a light scale to the seat, and a hint of brushed stainless steel allows it to float off the floor. We think it's a natural in guacamole, pictured here, but it also comes in chalk and dark roast. AS SHOWN, $1,799. VESSEL, BOSTON, (617) 292-0982, VESSEL.COM

The Erfund chandelier from Barovier and Tosso, the oldest family-owned hand-blown glass company in the world, will banish forever the idea that crystal lights belong in crusty ballrooms. This could easily become, quite literally, the jewel in a room's crown. Available in six colors and four sizes including this eight-arm version. AS SHOWN, $9,474. THE MORSON COLLECTION, BOSTON, (617) 482-2335, THEMORSONCOLLECTION.COM

Oro, literally. The gold house is an exceptional palazzo in Venice that serves as inspiration for artist James Ball's new painting, Cadoro. In Ball's painting, the flower forms are derived from pieces of cut paper that the artist uses as a reverse stencil, painting around and over, then removing to leave the beautiful forms intact. OIL ON LINEN, 16"; X 16". ALBERT MEROLA GALLERY, PROVINCETOWN, MASS., (508) 487-4424.

Even after the summer sun disappears and gives way to moodier fall skies, this cheery yellow toss cushion will keep the mood upbeat. The printed cotton duck pillow has an invisible zipper and a feather and down insert. 14"; X 18";. $70. POD, BROOKLINE, MASS., (617) 739-3802

A yellow base gives Jose Pascual's Gorge console table a modern twist. Reminiscent of an Asian painting table, the console would look equally good gracing an entry hall or tucked behind a living room sofa. The console has a powder-coated steel base and a top of white glass. SHOWN, 60" HIGH X 19" WIDE X 29.5";DEEP. $2,500. LEKKER HOME, BOSTON, (617) 542-6464, LEKKERHOME.COM

Dakota Jackson's latest piece, the Arabesque table, explores the relationship between two organic shapes interacting with one another like a pair of dancers. The cocktail table set is shown here in azure polychrome with a high luster finish. It's also available in charcoal, chalk and ruby and in walnut and cherry woods. 17" HIGH x 55" WIDE X 40" DEEP. WEBSTER & COMPANY, BOSTON DESIGN CENTER, BOSTON, (617) 261-9660, WEBSTERCOMPANY.COM

Pierro Lissoni's ultra-sleek, minimalist Lizz chair for Kartell is made in one single piece of gas-blowing technology. With its square contours, wide seat, roomy back and bright color, it's as stable and scratch-resistant as it is colorful. $285. KARTELL, BOSTON, (617) 782-4442, KARTELL.IT

When we say it’s hot this summer, we’re not just talking about the weather. We’re describing the high-voltage impact that strong color can add to a room. Whether you’re looking to make a big statement or just want to add a little sizzle to your space, a hit of color goes a long way. With cool fall days right around the corner, you might also be looking for something to keep the home fire burning.

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