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Sanctuary Collection: Home’s Little Black Dress

“Sanctuary is luxurious, while still feeling clean and fresh and somehow enchanted,” said its designer, Tracey Gibson. Hooker Furniture

When the Sanctuary Collection was first created 10 years ago, it was with the mission to help women create a place of refuge and romance, serenity and style — yes, a sanctuary — within their homes. 

Now the groundbreaking collection is being expanded with nearly 90 new pieces that “allow you to put together your own look and give it your own personal style to tell your story,” said designer & creator Tracey Gibson.

The Sanctuary Collection has a signature style to it: ‘It has love, heart and passion that exudes a feminine ethereal feeling,’ said designer Tracey Gibson, pictured with the Anastasie Bed with a creamy white finish accented with champagne and silver tipping and a removable carving on the headboard.

Sanctuary accents, like this curvy chest with a 3-dimensional floral motif, are exotic and elegant and meant to give the collection a well-traveled feeling. Hooker Furniture

“Sanctuary is like a woman’s little black dress that she can dress up or down with accessories and make it her own,” Gibson said. “It’s the finishes and textures, details and materials you chose that allow you to tell your own story.”

Sanctuary pieces, like this console table with a silver finish and undertones of champagne, are glamorous, romantic and classic with a touch of bling. Hooker Furniture

The bedroom, dining room, living room and home office furniture pieces are grouped into three unique personas, each of which are designed to embody the influences of a well-traveled woman who curates a collection of home furnishings in travels across the globe.

The Anastasie bed offers a softer, romantic look, with historical reproduction bones, giving it a European cottage feel. Hooker Furniture

The pieces are opulent, yet approachable; vintage, yet modern; timeless yet fresh. “Sanctuary gives you a casual lifestyle that’s still glamorous through a magical bit of distressed finishes,” said Gibson.

Historical European reproduction-based pieces are intermingled throughout Sanctuary, with design details like tabletops with intricate quatrefoil veneer patterns, carved chairs with acanthus leaf and scrolled fretwork detailing. Hooker Furniture.

Gibson notes that Sanctuary most emulates Parisian interiors. “Parisian interiors have always stood the test of time by merging Old World elegance, vintage details and modern pieces,” she said. “Mixing classical with modern creates a timeless look when curated over years with the patina of a little wear and tear. The charm creates a look that doesn’t feel too perfect and exudes casualized glamour.”

The Diamant Canopy Bed is perhaps the most iconic of all the new Sanctuary pieces, with a diamond motif in a champagne finish against a reverse hand-painted glass headboard and footboard resembling marble.

Gibson’s “muse” in designing Sanctuarya collection that celebrates feminine drama, was the late Hollywood starlet Audrey Hepburn, the epitome of approachable refinement and class.

Fittingly, one of Hepburn’s most famous sayings was:

“Beauty is being the best possible version of yourself, inside and out.” 

Designer Tracey Gibson looked to Audrey Hepburn, the ultimate wearer of  ‘little black dresses,’ as her ‘muse’ for Sanctuary. Like the collection, Hepburn was a woman who epitomized luxury and refinement that was approachable, with a touch of mischief, joy and good humor.

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How to Give a Stylish Surprise Party for Mom

A party-friendly table like the Urban Elevation dining table is the perfect gathering place for family and friends. Hooker Furniture

The key to creating a stylish surprise for mom? A mix of tradition and the unexpected. Hooker Furniture.

Dad and kids, it’s time to turn the table on mom! Surprise her with a stylish party during the month we celebrate Mother’s Day. Make the party all about her and the things she loves most– family, fun and a home filled with beautiful style.

A stylish sign of the times allows you to personalize your note of appreciation for Mom.

For a fast-fix centerpiece filled with charm, go old school with a chalkboard greeting written by kids and paired with fragrant flowers in a beautiful vase.

A party-friendly table like the Urban Elevation dining table is the perfect gathering place for family and friends. Hooker Furniture

With sturdy metal legs and a slightly distressed top, the Urban Elevation Dining Table is a modern rustic look that’s both kid-friendly and party-friendly. And it comes with two 22-inch leaves, do it’ll seat up to 10 guests. 

Get kids involved with top-secret DIY projects they can make in their rooms in the days leading up to the party.

With craft supplies and some creativity, kids can channel their inner decorator and give the party a true from-the-heart look. Handmade cards and bunting crafted with twine, clothespins and party keepsakes add a festive touch and are something mom is sure to adore. So are “I love Mom” signs glued to popsicle sticks which can be given to each guests to hide behind when Mom comes into the room. 

Nesting tables are practically perfect for parties of any size. Hooker Furniture.

The organic shares of the Melange Nesting Tables are a nod to Mother Nature while providing a flexible amount of space for presents, cards and party snacks. 

A sweet treat for grown-ups and kids alike.

Cupcakes evoke memories of childhood fun and are one of the trendiest desserts on the planet. No need to cook when all it takes is a quick trip to the bakery to find yummy cupcakes like these. Let kinds pretty up their presentation be placing them in a festive basket or tray that’s accompanied by a hand-written note. Fast, Easy. Tasty. 

Want to also pair your party with a gift that’s designed with a surprise in mind?

It’s what’s behind this mirror that Mom will find most intriguing. Hooker Furniture.

More than a pretty face, the Adonia Floor Mirror is also a stylish take on home security. 

The Adonia Floor Mirror has a hidden surprise. Hooker Furniture.

The mirror opens to reveal a black felt-lined interior with several open storage compartments for jewelry, rows of necklace hooks, removable jewelry bags and ring slots which provide secret storage for mom’s most treasured things. 

An unexpected way for Mom to kick back and relax. Hooker Furniture.

Who says recliners are just for the guys? The Savion Grandier is every stylish (yet tired) mom’s dream-come-true because it’s a chic recliner in disguise. 

With the touch of a discreetly placed button, this butter-soft leather chair transforms into a power recliner with a power headreast that’ll help Mom chill out like nobody’s business.

What mom wouldn’t love a sweet gesture like this?

Cap off the party with a bouquet of simple flowers, presented with youthful style and enthusiasm. That should seal the deal and keep Mom smiling for days to come. 

 

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Soft Modern Hip-Haute Style

Give your gathering some hip-haute style with decor like this. Photos: Hooker Furniture.

This Easter and beyond, embrace the tradition of the day in a new way with an elegant, yet soft modern approach to brunch, lunch or dinner. Decor that mixes simple, clean lines with a variety of materials and textures, along with inviting, warm finishes is how to create hip-haute, soft modern style. That’s especially true when the day culminates with a cleverly conceived dessert no one expects!

With two 20-inch leaves that extend its width to 84 inches, this Scandinavian-inspired table can seat a crowd. Hooker Furniture.

Beefy X-shaped cross beams form the sturdy pedestal base of the Studio 7H Geo Trestle Dining Tablewhile also adding architectural interest.

The modern way to create a forest-fresh feel: this solid Acacia wood live edge table with glass legs. Hooker Furniture.

Aptly named, the Organic Dining Table features a solid acacia wood top with a live edge, so each table is unique in shape. Tempered glass legs create the illusion from afar that both table and dining bench  are floating in air.

With its 44-inch diameter, this table is sized right for small spaces or intimate gatherings. Hooker Furniture.

With its unique mix of re-sawn maple, waxed aluminum sheet and rustic bolts, the Urban Elevation 44-inch Dining Table adds a rustic, industrial touch that looks lovely in everything from chic penthouses to casual country cottages. 

A buffet like the Reverie is the secret weapon of every savvy host/hostess. Hooker Furniture.

A blend of old world and modern design elements, the Reverie Buffet is defined by crisp, clean lines and a trendy platinum gray, lightly distressed finish. It also provides extra serving space and extra storage for dining essentials. Shelves are adjustable, drawers have drop-in felt liners, and there’s even a silverware tray in the middle drawer.

Here’s how to keep your celebration moving. Hooker Furniture.

Despite its name, the Ciao Bella is more than a bar cart. This aged bronze metal cart with wood shelves is like a butler on wheels. It’s perfect for getting food to the table fast, and then clearing the table with ease after mealtime.

Why bunny hop when you can bunny haute?

A trendy muted blue palette transforms this bunny and eggs from kitsch to contemporary cool, especially in these glass-sleek and subtle, matte finishes. 

A simple bloom adds flower power to any table.

Solid white dinnerware, with a tone-on-tone basket weave rim, creates an elegant foundation for the table. A fresh tulip, tied to a simple striped napkin with a pastel ribbon, adds a pretty touch from nature.

Every girl needs an Easter hat.

Here’s a quick DIY project that’ll make every little girl you know feel like the star of the Easter parade. Tuck oversized silk (or paper) flowers into the ribboned brim of simple straw hats. This is a contemporary look that’s as pretty as a petal. 

Make this the sweetest treat of the day. James Ransom, copyright 2017.

After the meal and obligatory egg hunt are done, treat kids and grown-ups to an unexpected (but very cool) dessert that’s trendy, tasty and very easy to make.

Molly Yeh’s Chocolate Tacos

from

Ice Cream & Friends: 60 Recipes & Rif

The Editors of FOOD52

Makes 6 to 8

With these Chocolate Tacos, it’s your taco party so you can do what you want: Soft, chewy shells (that you shape by hanging over books, but not this one!) are spooned full with whatever ice cream flavor you desire and topped with Picasso-like splatters of chocolate and crushed nuts—or sprinkles or brittle or gummy bears. You get the idea.

The shells are a love child of eggy crêpes and soft flour tortillas—and the secret star of this taco. You can make the shells a day in advance and have guests fill their own, or you can make the tacos entirely in advance and keep them in the freezer.

Taco Shells

2⁄3 cup (85g) all-purpose flour

1⁄2 cup (100g) sugar

1⁄8 teaspoon kosher salt

2 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted, plus more for the skillet

1⁄4 cup (60ml) milk

1⁄4 teaspoon almond extract

1⁄2 teaspoon vanilla extract

2 egg whites

Fillings and Toppings

10 ounces (285g) dark chocolate chips

3 tablespoons coconut oil

4 to 6 cups (950ml to 1.4L) ice cream, softened (store-bought Choco Tacos have fudge-swirled vanilla ice cream)

1⁄2 cup (60g) crushed nuts, plus any other desired toppings

  1. To make the taco shells, cover 6 to 8 hardcover books that are 1 inch (2.5cm) thick with parchment paper. Stand them up vertically, spine up. These are your shell molds.
  1. In a bowl, whisk together the flour, sugar, and salt. In a separate bowl, whisk together the butter, milk, 1 tablespoon water, almond extract, and vanilla, followed by the egg whites. Whisk the wet ingredients into the dry ingredients.
  1. Warm a nonstick skillet over medium heat. Butter the skillet and then spoon in 2 1⁄2 tablespoons of batter. Spread the batter gently with the back of a spoon or offset spatula so you have an even circle. Cook until slightly brown on the bottom, 3 to 5 minutes. Flip and cook until slightly brown on the second side, 1 to 2 minutes more. With a spatula, gently fold the shell over the spine of the book and let cool. Repeat with the remaining batter, adding butter to the pan as needed.
  1. Melt the chocolate chips and coconut oil in the microwave in 30-second increments, stirring between each. Let cool slightly.
  1. Fill the taco shells with ice cream, drizzle with as much chocolate as you wish, top with the nuts, and enjoy! You can freeze uncovered for a few minutes to let the chocolate harden; the tacos will also keep, wrapped in plastic wrap, in the freezer for up to 2 months.

Reprinted with permission from Food52 Ice Cream & Friends: 60 Recipes & Riffs  by the Editors of Food52, copyright © 2017. Published by Ten Speed Press, an imprint of Penguin Random House LLC.

 

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