Part I of a three part blog about one of my favorite interior design resources

 

Architectural Digest Home Show 2011, Ralph Lauren's Porch Table Setting

As my blog and Facebook friends know, I attended the Architectural Digest Home Show in NYC this year. While many of the exhibits were outstanding, I especially enjoyed the tabletop display installed by....drum roll please....

Ralph Lauren Home.



I almost missed this section of the show that features tablesettings by renowned designers. Some were fantasy designs, highly creative, but not necessarily something you would do in your own home. But what stopped me dead in my tracks was Ralph's porch table setting. He did it again! He knows how to inspire me every time. His design has a way of pulling you into the space, so much so that you can imagine yourself sitting on the porch, ready for friends to arrive any minute. Imagine, it's summer, 75 degrees and you're ready for the evening to begin.... 

Ralph Lauren's porch setting is a  realistic outdoor porch setting that anyone with a porch could replicate. Here's why:

• His nod to the great American pastime of summer on the veranda with flowers on the table, humble white wooden chairs, and pure white lacy cotton tablecloth
• The grand gesture of a long wooden table to seat more than twenty guests
• The use of creating interest  or 'tension' by contrasting a lacy tablecloth with a rough-hewn table

I know. I know. There are so many other designers like Ralph Lauren that get press, notoriety and are also great at what they do. However, I love his work because he started as a lowly tie salesperson who rose to the top through hard work and belief in himself. But most of all his work is timeless and  easy on the eyes. Basically he captures and reflects that moment in time we are all longing and searching for in our own lives.

Check back for M. A. Smith's Part II of my three part blog on my favorite design resources! Don’t forget to follow me on my  'Best Design Coach' Facebook page!