 | How should I dress my bed during the colder months?
When the weather turns cold, in spite of modern conveniences like central air, thoughts turn to getting cozy–especially in regards to bedding. Heavier down comforters, wool blankets and extra layers all come out to keep you warm at night. But, all that rich material needn’t mean you should sacrifice on style. The trick is to mix the fall and winter items with airy pieces that have a lighter texture and perhaps some tailored flair, like ruffles. This will not only create depth, but also allow you to continue to express personality without sacrificing practicality.
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 | What are some tips for incorporating flowers into my home décor?
Flowers are an essential part of any home environment, whether you’re entertaining or enjoying the space yourself. Of course, we would all like to have fresh cut flowers replaced daily (and, if you have the time, this is the ideal), but schedules often interfere. To that end, potted house plants can create a similar effect. Orchids can last for years, flowering several times over, if well cared for, and many simple green plants—rubber trees and palms, for example—require minimal maintenance. If your green thumb is truly non-existent, don’t give up hope: Decorating with black and white photos of flowering plants can create the desired effect with zero upkeep.
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 | How do I add interest to a neutral palette?
For those who prefer a softer color palette to the bright, bold options available, the key to perfect style is summed up in three words: texture, shape and tone. When creating your neutral bedroom look, mix fabrics, details and the weight of materials in just slight variations of color. A ruffled bed skirt in an ivory color against a white top sheet will create just as much interest as would a colorful piece without the tailored detail. And adding throw pillows in different shapes and sizes will immediately attract the eye. Subtlety is your friend in a crisp neutral palette; the slightest change in hue, shape or form becomes immediately dramatic when it’s presented correctly.
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 | What stylish finishing touch will complete the décor in any room?
Everyone’s home should feel like an expression of their own personality and nothing allows you to accomplish this more easily than stylish art on your walls. Ralph Lauren’s new Timeless Images collection features iconic prints that are numbered and set in an elegant frame. From a dapper photograph of Roger Moore sipping a martini to a contemplative Audrey Hepburn in Paris, these images instantly add atmosphere to a room. Displaying them in a series creates a dramatic effect, or, mixing these prints with images and artwork from your personal collection makes a stylish statement. To add a unique touch, choose frames crafted in interesting materials like sumptuous leather or striking Buffalo horn.
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 | What is the first thing I need to consider when lighting my home?
Lighting is a necessary and vital component of a beautiful home; use it to create a sense of drama in each room. Overuse of light or high-wattage bulbs can wash out the beauty of a room, while insufficient lighting can create a room that is uninviting. Find a sense of balance with your use of light—create an intimacy between the lighting and other elements in a given space. Using halogen or lower wattage bulbs brightens a room with soft tones. Also try putting higher wattage bulbs on a dimmer so that you can control the amount of light in any setting.
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 | What are some ideas for wedding gifts?
When people start their life together, finding the perfect gift to honor the occasion can be a difficult task. A stunning crystal decanter, a large hurricane and the perfect flatware set are all great choices – elegant and special, yet functional. While the couple’s registry is a good place to start, it is perfectly acceptable to purchase something outside of the list. Don’t be afraid to get personal with your gift - top off candelabras with scented candles that suit the couple’s personality, fill a classic frame with their wedding invitation or add a monogram to luxurious sheeting.
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 | How can I add glamour to my home without a complete overhaul?
Giving your home a makeover doesn’t require a major project. Simple adjustments, such as adding throw pillows or blankets to your current sofa, will change the landscape of a room immediately. The right lighting creates a special ambience: Place decorative sconces and hurricanes about and fill them with various types of candles. Simple tapers and votives add instant charm, especially when paired with fresh flowers — a necessity in any truly glamorous home. This season, integrate textiles that incorporate touches of silver or gold metallics and instantly update your décor.
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 | How can I create a warm, intimate setting in my bedroom?
The trick to creating an inviting bedroom is to make it look tastefully lived in. Make the bed look ready to be slept in at any time by turning down the covers. Choose colors that are soft and warm, with one or two deep shades thrown in for contrast. Mixing patterns like checks and florals can also create an eclectic coziness. Group small items, such as picture frames and vases, in an artful arrangement on the dresser or nightstand to finish.
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 | What are some ideas for housewarming gifts?
Classic home décor elements, like an elegant picture frame or set of luxurious linens, make great housewarming gifts. Look for timeless styles that can work in any room and are likely to stay with the recipient for years to come. One way to ensure that your gift will be treasured throughout the years is to have the item engraved or embroidered with a monogram. As part of Ralph Lauren’s new Custom Shop program, a selection of home items are available for this service. When designing the monogram, choose from a variety of fonts and styles, giving the item a personal touch that will surely be remembered.
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 | How do I set up the perfect bar?
Creating the perfect bar is an act of hospitality. It’s also about romance and style. Contrast the sparkle of crystal decanters, highballs and double old-fashioned glasses with the shine of silver ice buckets and cocktail shakers. For an extra pour of elegance, look for fine crystal that is hand-cut and have silver bar sets custom-engraved. Beyond that, great style lies in the niceties of the little details like cocktail picks, ice tongs, zesters and jiggers. A bar cart adds a touch of vintage glamour, allowing the party to move at a moment’s notice. Or, set up a simple bar wherever you gather. Lay out a silver tray with just enough supplies for a small group: ice, glasses, a pitcher of water, a few lemons and a dish of nuts to snack on.
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 | How do I care for my lighting?
To maintain the beauty of Ralph Lauren Lighting, the following, simple guidelines are recommended. For general maintenance, all finishes should be wiped gently with a soft, damp cloth, followed by a soft, dry cloth. Avoid cleansers with ammonia, bleach or harsh chemicals. Silk and vellum shades should be brushed gently with a feather duster or soft cloth to remove surface dust.
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 | I’m hosting a gathering of family and friends in my home. How should I prepare?
The first rule of thumb when having a get-together is to make all of your guests feel welcome. And that means making your home feel warm and inviting. Low lighting, candles and hurricanes will always help set a mood. And, your dining sets and table (should there be a meal involved) should feel festive as well. Simple touches like an elegant floral centerpiece show the crowd that you’ve been preparing for them and are happy to have them in your home. Of course, after dinner is an intimate part of the evening as well, and if you want to keep a party going, bring out a beautiful gaming set that will go far as both a conversation piece and entertainment on its own.
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 | How do I incorporate a tapestry print in my bedding?
Tapestry prints add Old World romance, creating a bed that is both luxurious and refined. Whether tapestry appears on the sham, sheets or throw pillows, take color cues from the print and your bed will look unified. Also, don’t be afraid to include more than one pattern in your bedding--plaids, stripes and florals in complementary palettes will add dynamic style to your bed. Tapestry prints are especially great for adding interest to plain or small rooms, as they are inherently rich and warm in mood. To make this luxurious look work in the summer months, simply add fresh flowers and crisp white linens in order to make the room feel airy and open.
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 | How can I turn an elegant table into a desk for my home office?
A stylish table can prove useful for a variety of interior purposes, including functioning as a desk in a home office. In order to be successful, the table should come to a comfortable height and, in most cases, be rectangular in shape. In order to define the space, choose iconic desktop accessories like an elegant blotter, paperweight or desk tray. Anchor the “front” of the desk with decorative elements such as a vase with fresh flowers or a stylish lamp. Underneath the table, you can keep a simple wastebasket or even a freestanding shelving system in a sleek, understated design.
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 | What are some simple ways to add color or pattern to a room?
If you are looking for a simple way to add color or pattern to a room, focus on the smaller, more portable elements first. A bold throw behind an armchair or a bright glass vase on a coffee table can make a huge impact, allowing you the freedom to experiment with different combinations until you strike the perfect balance. This spring, Lauren’s new porcelain lamps are rendered in interesting, statement-making colors like celadon, navy blue and oxblood as well as beautiful Asian floral patterns. These striking table lamps represent an excellent opportunity to quickly and effortlessly add color or pattern to a room.
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 | How do I incorporate patterns in my bedding in a subtle, elegant way?
Patterns rendered in one solid color are a great way to add interest to your bedding while keeping an overall look that is refined. Lauren Suite, a new bedding concept from Lauren Home, is ideal for those who prefer this type of subtle, elegant look for the bedroom. In the Lauren Suite collections classic patterns like Glen plaid and paisley are executed in solid shades like navy, white and camel. The effect is ideal for many interior environments, from a serene guest bedroom to a modern studio apartment, and appropriate during any season.
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 | What’s the best way to display a collection of art or photographs?
Unify a collection of prints in different sizes and subjects by framing them in the same way. Hung together on a wall, they take the place of one large piece of art. Even a close corner comes alive when artfully decorated with a framed collection. Or, try a modern way to display your art collection: lean multiple frames of various sizes and finishes against the wall on a floating shelf for a chic collage effect.
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 | What are some key tips for decorating a child’s bedroom?
When decorating a child’s bedroom, opt for furniture that has longevity and for decorative accessories and bedding that address your child’s of-the-moment interests and practical needs. When selecting bedding sets, you’ll likely want something that suits not only your child’s personality, but your own aesthetic as well. Lauren’s University bedding program aims to strike that balance, offering fun colors, patterns and details with the craftsmanship and elegance of the traditional Ralph Lauren bedding collections. Personalization is another way to create a special and unique environment for your child. Lauren’s Oxford bedding collections, which come in pink and blue, are finished with a complimentary monogram on both the sheeting and shams. Finally, storage is an essential consideration. A vintage trunk or locker makes a stylish statement, while providing extra space for toys, books or clothes.
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 | How can I use lighting to create a mood?
The right lighting can add drama and elegance to any room. Whether turned up or dimmed low, general ambient lighting sets the mood. Ambient lighting works well with task lighting (like a pharmacy lamp pulled up next to a reading chair or a bed.) The contrast between general light and task light lends mystery and drama to an interior. The most romantic light is accent lighting. The gleam of candles through glass hurricanes, or the glow of votives in crystal glasses scattered throughout a room, across a dining table or along a mantle are perfect ways to create accent lighting. Use general ambient, task and accent lighting together to set a mood that’s right for you.
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 | What essential pieces do I need to create a formal table setting?
Begin with a centerpiece, such as a flower arrangement, which will set the tone for the table. Keep a variety of tablecloths and cloth napkins on hand so as to play with mood as well as candles, which can soften the lighting scheme. Be sure to have the dishware, flatware and glasses required for a five to six-course meal but don’t worry if they don’t come from the same set: mixing and matching complementary sets will make for a dynamic arrangement. Finally, beautiful and unique serving pieces will add another layer to your table setting—even if they are removed from the table during the meal.
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 | What is the difference in paint finishes?
Paints can be oil-based or water-based latex. Oil-based paint is durable and long lasting, and takes two or three days to dry. Water-based latex is easier to clean up. Finishes vary according to how much light they reflect. In oil-based paints, eggshell paint provides a mid-sheen, and a gloss paint offers a shiny, durable coat. In the water-based paints, flat paint has no sheen at all while semi-gloss paint offers a mid-sheen. Use a flat paint on ceilings and an eggshell finish on walls, which is easier to clean. For trim, go up a step in shine to semi-gloss.
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 | How do I care for my upholstered furniture?
To ensure the long life and beauty of this piece, avoid excessive sunlight, dampness, and hot or cold conditions. To maintain the original softness and resiliency of the cushions, hand fluff and reverse cushions regularly. Vacuum to remove surface dust.
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 | What seasonal changes can I make to my interiors?
Summer means fresh breezes blowing through open windows, while winter is a time to relax, reading books in a warm library. In the living room, slipcovers are a good way to make the change: use cool cotton and linen in the summer, and warmer corduroy or velvet in the winter. Or, simply drape cozy blankets over your sofa. Roll up your area rugs for a clean, airy look in the summer, and unroll them again for the colder months. In the bedroom, replace summer’s cool cotton sheets with warm flannel sheets, then pile the bed with additional blankets.
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 | What should I consider when choosing a wall covering?
The most important thing to consider is the condition of your walls. The better your walls are, the more options you have and the less you will have to spend to cover them. If your walls are damaged from leaks and dripping, have them redone before you cover them. Remember that wallpaper does not work well in tight spaces because it can get dirty easily. If your walls are older, the best option is wall upholstery. Wall upholstery is also great if you want to create a padded, cocoon effect, which is wonderful in a bedroom.
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 | What pieces of furniture work best for storage?
When things are properly stored or hidden, order in interiors is created. Choose well-designed pieces that are functional. For instance, armoires that are fitted to serve as either entertainment centers or wardrobes. Use one to hide your television and stereo equipment, or if you are short on closet space, it can hold your clothes. Some coffee tables also feature trunks built on the sides, which are great for storing magazines, newspapers and books. While a “casually cluttered” look can be charming, everything should be stored in its proper place.
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 | What are the key pieces in a bedding set?
Once you purchase quality basics, your bed is made for a lifetime, so don’t be afraid to invest in items that will withstand the test of time. Work with layers to build a rich look, from the richest, crispest flat and fitted sheets to the warmest, most inviting blankets. Infuse your personality into the classics by adding throw pillows and shams that suit your whims with each passing season; it’s an easy way to put a fresh face on your favorite retreat.
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 | What are some interesting ways to display my photos?
Picture frames not only serve as holders for our favorite snapshots, but they literally provide an aesthetic framing to our favorite memories. Don’t let your photos get lost in their surroundings, though, and choose a frame that is simply timeless and elegant. Wood makes for a beautiful and timeless framing choice, providing a subtle, neutral background against which your pictures will stand center stage. Fill your home with them for a relaxed, gallery feel, or know that any classic frame always makes the perfect hostess or housewarming gift that any recipient would be thrilled to receive.
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 | What essentials do I need for my desk?
Even though a desk is used for practical purposes, it should also be considered as a decorative element. With the right essentials, a beautiful, hand-crafted desk can become the focal point of a room. Start with a great lamp—one that complements the style of your desk and gives off the right amount of light for your needs. Next, look for useful items that are also decorative. Beautifully crafted accessories like a letter rack, paperweight, desk tray, letter opener and desk blotter. Finally, fresh flowers in an elegant vase or a picture of a loved one in a stylish frame make the perfect finishing touch to a well-dressed desk.
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 | How can I create a modern environment that’s still warm and inviting?
Even in an extremely modern interior the mood can be warm and romantic. The trick is to use texture and contrast. Hard materials should play against soft ones and shine against matte. Make the space personal with books, art and family photographs. Modern can also be functional and comfortable. Decorate with deep upholstery, luxurious fabrics, and well placed lighting. Lastly, modern doesn’t mean that there isn’t room for the traditional. Traditional patterns and materials can mix easily with sleek finishes and modern accents. It is the more traditional elements that keep a space warm and familiar.
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 | What are some ways to update my barware collection for spring?
While the winter season calls for rich, Old World inspired barware, the spring season presents an opportunity to introduce lighter, more cheerful elements into your decor. Fresh flowers, lighter liquors and spirits, and cheerful glasses and serving pieces will instantly update the look for the spring season. New from Ralph Lauren Home this spring are vibrant blue highball and double old-fashioned glasses, which instantly ready a collection for warm-weather entertaining.
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 | What items should I keep in my beach cottage for guests to use?
As the host or hostess you’ll want to make sure your guests are as comfortable as possible during their stay. Leaving a few luxurious items for them to use at the beach or while exploring the area is both thoughtful and stylish. Large, cotton beach towels in classic patterns and colors are essential, while additional beach accessories, like a canvas tote, folding chairs or a beach umbrella, will also be appreciated. In a closet or dresser, leave a few extra items your guests may have forgotten. Leather sandals, a cotton caftan, a one-piece swimsuit or a pair of classic sunglasses are all items that will subtly enhance the appearance of the space while, in some cases, saving your guests from purchasing forgotten items. Finally, a handwritten note and a map of or book on the locale will give your guests the confidence they need to explore and experience the area in style.
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 | How can I add style to my seasonal outdoor space?
Outdoor spaces require more rugged, durable items that can withstand a range of temperatures and weather conditions; however, creating a rich, atmospheric setting can be achieved with a few beautiful yet practical pieces. Lighting is an important element to consider. A combination of practical overhead lighting and decorative, atmospheric lighting will create a romantic mood for evening. Terra-cotta hurricanes allow for candles to be used without blowing out and can be arranged on the floor in groups for a dramatic effect. As for furniture, choose pieces that are designed for outdoor use but keep luxuriously cozy items on hand like cashmere throws and linen throw pillows, to be used outdoors and stored indoors. Finally, oversized plants will fill out vacant corners while adding a beautiful, natural ambience to the space.
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 | What essentials are needed for a college dorm room?
It’s important to create a warm and comfortable atmosphere in a dorm room, not only because the student will be away from home, but because the space is often shared and quite small. That said, the room should also reflect a young, collegiate spirit and not look like mom or dad’s bedroom. Our University bedding collection offers the best of both worlds. The cool prints and color combinations speak to a youthful sense of style while still offering the quality and warmth of home.
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 | How can I dress my dog to reflect my own style?
Make your home all the more bright and celebratory by dressing your pup in looks that complement the classic Ralph Lauren style. Done in bright and playful colors, polos, rugby shirts and sweatshirts all keep your special canine friends looking sharp and ready for fun—the perfect accent to any joyful home. Your pooches will look even smarter and more sophisticated when sporting a luxurious alligator-skin collar and touting a leather leash, both rendered with iconic equestrian detailing.
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 | What are some quick and easy ways to update my table each season?
Whether enjoying a quiet dinner with family or entertaining guests, color is the easiest way to refresh and animate the dining room. Make a bold statement by dressing the table in vibrant solids, from five-piece place settings in coordinating brights to tablecloths with a punch. Try integrating colored dessert plates or a single serving platter among traditional white china for a sprinkle of color. For a polished finish, complete the table with fresh-cut wild flowers in a simple vase.
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 | How can I balance masculine and feminine elements in my bedding?
Many of Ralph Lauren’s bedding collections blend masculine and feminine elements thereby creating a dynamic, rich appearance. One way to balance these elements skillfully is to start by selecting a duvet cover or comforter, thus establishing a dominant theme, and then decide on the remaining components based on that theme. The Lauren Home Belle Harbor bedding collection, for instance, balances a feminine floral duvet cover with throw pillows, sheeting and shams rendered in masculine patterns like gingham, seersucker and awning stripe.
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