Design Guide: Bare Necessities

Lara Loewenstein
05/01/2009

Some beds are soft, inviting, and made for sleeping. Others are made for seduction. The Talamo bed  was featured in the latest James Bond flick, Quantum of Solace. It procures images of the fast-paced, masculine world of an international spy: one that always accompanies sleep, or rather the lack thereof, with an aptly named seductress. However, it is so ingeniously designed that one could also imagine falling asleep on it night after night. The next few pages contain beds, linens, windows, outdoor kitchens, grills, and tile trends that provide the means for tailoring a home to your desires, fantasies, and personality. Whether you lead a 007 lifestyle, want a little more, well, sleep, or simply want the freedom to cook meals outside, the possibilities are endless.

Topped with a leather upholstered headboard, the Talamo bed from Maxalto by B&B Italia was designed by Antonio Citterio with perfect proportions in mind. $10,013 for a queen, $11,353 for a king. 800.872.1697, www.bebitalia.com

Sleeping Beauties

1. Fabricated from Swedish pine and steel, the Dux 8888 from Duxiana uses thousands of springs to tailor to one or two specific body shapes. $9,510 for a queen, $12,570 for a king. 877.389.2332, www.duxiana.com

2. Edward and Leonard McRoskey arrived in San Francisco in 1899 with their patented mattress-making machine. Today their mattresses are still made with sustainable wood and layers of filling, not foam. $1,890 to $4,900. 877.499.9600, www.mcroskey.com

3. The Hästens Vividus is hand-constructed out of a perfect combination of horsehair, flax, cotton, and wool on a frame of Nordic pine. In addition to its trademark blue-and-white check, it is available in other colors. Prices vary. +46.221.274.00, www.hastens.com

4. The Rock n’ Revolver collection by Mogul is fit for exactly that: moguls. Its centerpiece is the Rock Star bed, which is outfitted with tufted leather and gunmetal studs. $18,990. 323.658.5130, www.mogullife.com

Between the Sheets

1. Charlotte Thomas’ Bespoke collection uses Merino wool spun with 22-karat-gold backed with Indian hand-loomed silk jacquard. Price upon request. +44.161.236.1025, www.charlottethomas.co.uk

2. Léron, which just finished outfitting the Blair House with linens, has launched a new line: Roma. Shown in shades of dark honey on white Egyptian cotton. Prices vary. 800.954.6369, www.leron.com

3. The four designs in the Gayle Warwick Florentine collection are all inspired by the patterns of Italian Renaissance art and architecture. Starts at $583. +44.20.7493.5567, www.gaylewarwick.com

4. Rivages d’Asie linens from D. Porthault are cotton percale sheets with an applied hand-printed border reminiscent of chinoiserie pottery. Prices vary. 212.688.1660, www.dporthault.com

Grill and Chill

1. The Viking outdoor series offers more than 100 products, including the T-Series grill with porcelain-coated grates. Prices vary. 888.845.4641, www.vikingrange.com

2. A refrigerated drawer, a wine cellar, and a half-keg beer dispenser are all options provided by Marvel to outfit an outdoor kitchen. Prices vary. 800.223.3900, www.marvelindustries.com

3. Lynx engineers grills to cook precisely even in the turbulent outdoors with cast-brass burners and a heat stabilizer. Prices vary. 888.879.2322, www.lynxgrills.com

4. Fire Magic grills by RH Peterson have been constructed in Los Angeles since 1937. Available as a built-in or portable, with an optional remote-controlled hood. $4,837. www.rhpeterson.com

5. The Fuego Modular is a fully customizable outdoor kitchen with the ability to readily change the grill from charcoal to infrared or gas. $15,000. 888.883.8346, www.fuegoliving.com

Open and Shut Cases

1. The Loewen windows in this home were constructed from Coastal Douglas Fir and use a glazing system meant to keep heat in. Prices upon request. 800.563.9367, www.loewen.com

2. Inspired by the synthesis of industry and nature, Neoporte’s bamboo Visteon gate has stainless steel and glass embedded with bamboo. $14,995 as shown. 877.711.2100, www.neoporte.com

3. Marvin makes its casement and picture windows to order with a type of glass that conserves energy while keeping rooms comfortable. Prices vary. 888.537.8266, www.marvin.com

4. Eagle, an Andersen company, creates custom entryways in a myriad of modern and traditional styles, including Gothic. Prices vary. www.eaglewindow.com

5. From energy efficient windows to a large selection of doors, Pella’s products can provide an attractive accent to your home. Prices vary. 888.847.3552, www.pella.com

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