LONDON, Mar 15, 2010 / — The Ralph Lauren Home Spring 2010 collections draw inspiration from the most luxurious villas and pristine beaches of the South of France.
La Plage captures a quintessential seaside cottage feel with brilliant white offset by endless shades of blue and a seamless blend of chic and rustic with authentic artistic touches.
A quiet yet artful mix of rustic wood, rattan and whitewashed furnishings forms a welcoming seating area in the drawing room. The elaborate carving of the Louis XV inspired sofa is a contrast to the distressed white-painted surface.
The sofa is casually arranged with an eclectic collection of throw pillows, including navy blue basketwoven raffia, a whimsical blue-and-white batik print and soft matelasse with crochet lace trim.
Across from the sofa is a natural woven cocktail ottoman. On either side of the room is a 1940s Provence-style lounge chair interpreted in warm honey wicker, one of which is flanked by a French Moderne two-tiered side table in cerused oak.
A magnificently scaled hurricane and a ceramic lamp with a rustic foliage pattern provide impressive points of focus, while blue-cased glassware features a stylized interpretation of gentle ocean waves.
Adjacent to the drawing room is a gracefully adorned and irresistibly charming terrace with areas for dining and entertaining.
An expansive communal table of unfinished wood comfortably sits eight. Stately Regence-revival dining chairs with a delicate cupid’s bow back, take on a painterly appearance with white gesso-ed surfaces and inset backs reminiscent of an artist’s canvas frame.
Continuing the collection’s palette, eclectic new dinnerware pieces grace this impressive table, mixing one-of-a-kind charm with time-honored sophistication.
Batik ceramics add a playful artistry, while hexagonal indigo plates are evocative of a timeless Provencal tradition.
Rich blue ceramic bowls with beaded edges are sponged for unique depth and goblets with casual stems are individually crafted for a custom, homespun appearance.
Lending a rustic sensibility to this beautifully appointed space, the table is set with woven wicker chargers, nautical-inspired rope napkin rings and Indian block-print napkins.
Across the room, a cozy sitting area boasts an array of natural woven materials punctuated by signature blue and white motifs and touches of metalwork.
Conceived as a casually elegant spot for guests to retire to after dinner, a sectional banquette is painted white and topped with pillows in white linen with bold blue stripes and woven raffia.
Encircling the space are two armchairs crafted from weathered wood wrapped with woven ropes in homage to the organic beauty of the outdoors.
A woven wicker and metalwork serving tray holds six glasses and a carafe. Pierced and glazed terra cotta vases in blue and white are transformed into hurricanes that allow light to filter through.
Each layer in the bedroom reveals an exquisite, time-honored artistry.
The bed frame is crafted from basketwoven seagrass and whitewashed wood with ornately carved legs. Overlooking the bed is a flowing canopy, and framing it is a vintage screen upholstered in a sheer embroidered paisley echoed on elegant bed sheets.
Batik-striped bedding, quilted patchwork shams and a patchwork quilt with Provence-inspired tiny florals add a cozy, homey feel to the room.
A fringed white crocheted blanket and matelasse shams with lace edging lend a soft, feminine charm. The bed’s batik print is echoed in beautiful indigo and white batik curtains.
Off to the side of the bed, an armchair upholstered in blue ticking-striped linen complements a peaceful ensemble evocative of seaside living.
Conjuring the relaxed, casual attitude of a holiday at the seashore, plush terry beach towels and outdoor pillows add vivid shades of red, yellow and green to the collection’s otherwise blue and white palette.
Bold graphics depict novelty beach scenes with tropical foliage, stucco cottages and sunbathers’ umbrellas dotted along a crystal-blue shoreline. Marine and awning stripes add an authentic, timeless charm.