Silver and Gold Decorations

Yes, I borrowed the title from the Burl Ives' song, but it seems appropriate for a post on metal and metallic colored trim. It's been catching my eye lately. The trim by Aiveen Daly reminds me of jewelry, while Samuel and Sons' studded trim is reminiscent of the leather bracelets that have been so popular lately. Like bold jewelry, metal trim makes a statement so you need to use it wisely. Oh, and try to avoid anything that is too terribly shiny.





The three trims above plus that in the top photo are all by Aiveen Daly. The collection, available in a range of finishes, will debut soon. Visit their website for more details.




Samuel and Sons Diamond Nailhead on Leather. I could see it used on a tailored chair or sofa and perhaps even on a console or side table.



I think that this metallic border by Samuel and Sons is so elegant.



This tieback by Remy Lemoine Passementerie is not a metal but rather mirrored glass. Still, it reminds me of a sterling silver piece by Elsa Peretti.




I like the military look of this Royal Air Force Sword Knot Lace from Hand & Lock.




I'm sure it would be a big-time no-no to use Hand & Lock's General's Gold Twist Shoulder Cords in your home, but you have to admit they're pretty handsome.

Declercq Passementiers

Houlès. Samuel & Sons. Now I have new name to add to my list of favorite passementiers- Declercq. The Parisian firm, in business since 1852, makes stunning tassels and trim. To be quite frank, I prefer simple trims on my furniture and pillows, and my curtains tend to be panels that don't require elaborate tiebacks. But I still love elaborate passementerie; it's truly a work of art. In design, it's kind of like the cherry on top.

The great thing about these little jewels is that you don't have to use them for their original purpose. Who hasn't used a little tassel on a drawer key? Declercq shows one tassel below that can be used as a napkin ring- very clever. Or, you can simply tack one of their trims or tassels onto your inspiration board. I know I could get inspired by looking at one of these daily! What about you?


Rêve de soie used as a napkin ring.


Voyage au Tibet


Justine (a bit boudoir looking, no?)


Nautilus - a collaboration with Thomas Boog.


Manhattan -Though I don't live in New York, I'm tempted to get one of these for my home. But where to put it??


There is nothing old and fusty about this trim (part of the Il Palio collection)


Opium . Ravishing... enough said.

Thoughts on Tassels

After going through some old clippings recently, I realized that there are a few things that always seem to catch my eye. And one thing that stops my magazine page- turning cold is the sight of a tassel. Truly, I haven't figured out why because I only have one tassel in my home. (Believe it or not, I do try to keep the embellishments to a minimum!) Still, they're fun and a bit frivolous. Here's a brief roundup of these little flights of fancy.


Smith & Brighty Rainha Tassel


Tassel beach blanket by Madeline Weinrib


Agraria perfumed tassels, available at Charlotte Moss


Vintage Tassel Table from Mecox Gardens


Tassel sconces from Brunelli Designs


Gilt Bronze and Opaline Jardiniere from Heather and Company


"Garland and Tassel" wallpaper border by Adelphi Paper Hangings

Image at top, courtesy of Conde Nast Archives

Hooray for Houlès

How gorgeous are these Houlès trimmings? Part of the Spring 2008 "Les Marquises" collection, the passementerie is reminiscent of 18th century embellishment. Although the line comes in twelve different colorways, I'm completely taken with this gorgeous, pearly shade of gray. Just look at the gimp, the fringe, the tassels... why you could create a mini-Versailles right in your own home.

Now, if your taste is a bit more simple and earthy, then don't you fret. Houlès has also introduced the "Natura" collection which was inspired by Mother Nature, truly the world's preeminent designer. Think earth tones, linens, and waxed cotton.





Finally, modernism and passementerie are not incompatible. If you don't believe me, look at the "Lounge" line. With simple, elegant designs in muted colors and metallics, you modernists can have your cake and eat it too!