Tonic Home: 2008

Saturday, November 22, 2008

Agadir Poufs Roost Lucky Magazine

Cutting edge Roost has come out with these bright ethnic seats or "poufs" that are all the Moroccan rage. The colors and patterns of these pieces are earthy in feel and versatile in size.

Reminiscent of the fabrics from Morocco, the town of Agadir is a modern and busy city that is quite the tourist destination.

Lucky magazine included the Adajar Poufs from Roost in this month's Gift Guide. Fashion Editor Hope Greenberg calls the "bright ethnic items, a great winter pick-me-up".

Friday, November 21, 2008

Crystal Pencils House Beautiful 101 Stocking Stuffers

Since when did pencils get so expensive? We kept asking ourselves that question until the Swarovski Crystal Pencils arrived from Russell+Hazel.

House Beautiful agrees with us because they've listed these glamorous writing instruments in their "101 Stocking Stuffers" December issue.

Now, while you might think it's a little extravagant to pay $72 for 12 pencils, I have to say, they are REALLY cool and mesmerizing. We have all been using them to do our work, and we agree that they make working much more enjoyable. Plus when people see you using them, your style quotient immediately goes higher.

Of course, you'll want to make sure and keep up with these. But what a great gift for those who have it all. I think any "creative" type would love this as a gift.

Thursday, November 20, 2008

Pyrite Napkin Rings - Thad Cline

Ever wonder what would happen when fashionable jewelry designer Thad Cline decides to tackle the "home" department?

The answer is here - Pyrite Napkins Rings! They are all the rage!

Inspired by fashion, these stone napkin holders are beautifully wrapped in bronze wire. Isn't it cool? Looks like a ring that I would definitely wear.

These totally unique pieces are completely eye catching as each one varies just slightly. Add to modern or classic table setting and show everyone that you have style. A great benefit to these pieces - they can satisfy the home owner with gold or silver tabletop accents. Completely handmade and sold in sets of 4.

Wednesday, November 19, 2008

Boho Holiday Rosanna

We are delighted to introduce the Boho Holiday line from Rosanna. Just in time for the holidays, these tabletop designs will get you in the mood for festivities.

Rosanna has a great quote on her blog that has to be read. See above - really love this!

So the Boho Holiday line brings 6 different designs on sets of dessert plates and mugs.

Charming and original, you'll want to mix and match the images. Look how great the "pine cone" dessert plate looks with a standard white dinner plate. This is so easy to incorporate into your look.

The colorful designs are so fashionable and will bring pleasure and warmth to your Holiday meals. Spread cheer with friends and plan a dessert party. These intimate get togethers are simple gestures that nurture relationships and remind everyone of happy times.

Serve up hot chocolate, coffee or a special warm beverage in these tall mugs. Here is a favorite recipe (from the Junior League of Tampa cookbook) that you might want to try out.

Hot Mulled Cider

1 (64-ounce) bottle apple cider or apple juice

1 (12-ounce) can frozen orange juice concentrate, thawed

1/2 cup lemon juice

1 tsp. whole cloves

1 tsp. allspice

4 cinnamon sticks

4 orange slices

Additional cinnamon sticks

Directions: Combine the apple cider, orange juice concentrate and lemon juice in a large saucepan. Wrap the cloves, allspice and four cinnamon sticks in cheesecloth and tie with kitchen twine. Add to the cider mixture. Bring the mixture to a boil and boil for 5 minutes. Reduce the heat and add the orange slices. Simmer for 30 minutes, stirring occasionally. Serve warm garnished with a cinnamon stick. Yield: 8-10 servings.

Enjoy!

Wednesday, October 29, 2008

Oliver Ottoman in Elle Decor

Elle Decor magazine just posted their 10 Most Elegant Ottomans and the Oliver from Oly Studio proudly made the list.

Interior designers Malcolm James Kutner and Tamzin Greenhill size up their favorites of the most stylish "perches" out there.

Incorporating the Oliver Ottoman (or any Ottoman) for that matter is an easy decorating trick that makes for great conversation. The versatility of the "ottoman" can be it's strongest asset.

Whatever design and finish you choose, be sure that it's also functional. Those tired feet are bound to find their way to your most "elegant" piece.

Saturday, October 25, 2008

AFRICAN VIBE IS BIG

Horns, Zebra Cowhides...oh my!!

With the cold winter season upon us, the African trophy look is hot.

Steer horns mounted on cozy fireplace mantels and zebra hides everywhere; it's the look of the season. Whether it's real or faux, zebra hide can be found on everything...from ottomans to chairs, to stools and hats, raw hides provide instant chic! Check out this glamourous "real" zebra round ottoman./ 36x19H", $3,353.

If it's something bold underfoot you seek, splurge on an authentic zebra rug (bottom, Left) for $18

or go with the stencil version, right. ($585). Both work wonders to add pizzazz to your home decor. Just like the zebra's themselves, the furniture comes in all shapes and sizes.

The Sophie chair by Oly is the perfect glamed up version of trophy room elegance, in faux zebra for $2,600.

We love these "real" zebra stools wrapped in Buffalo leather, stained dark mahogany with 1/2" nailheads (below), 20x20 x22. $1550 each.

These authentic zebra boxes make great gifts....
small $137, medium $245, Large $329.

And if african trophy decor is too wild for your interior, step out in style with this authentic zebra hat (sm, med,& lg $165) and/or belt (sizes 36-42; $135). Safari anyone?

Contact sales@tonichome.com for more details and availability on these products.

Monday, October 20, 2008

Sea Bags for a Cure

Where do all the old sails go? To Sea Bags for a Second Chance! Owners Hannah Kubiak and Beth Shissler (shown below) have taken their belief in recycling and created a company called Sea Bags. Essentially they look for recycled sails that have travelled the world and re purpose them into chic carrying bags.

Taking that idea one step further, the duo designed Limited Edition Pink Ribbon Cure Bags with 50% of the purchase price going directly to the Maine Cancer Foundation. Take a look below at how adorable recycling can be.

These sturdy canvas tote bags feature rope handles and the recognizable pink ribbon.

The bags come in 2 sizes - medium and large - and can be purchased right here at Tonic Home. October is breast cancer awareness month, so do your part and RECYCLE FOR A CURE.

Tuesday, October 14, 2008

Annechovie rendering for Tonic Home

So all of you know how much we adore Anne Harwell over at Annechovie, as we have blogged about her before, see past blogs here. Well we have been so taken with her talent, that we commissioned Anne to do a rendering of the Tonic Home storefront.

Here it is and we love it!

Just so we have a frame of reference, above is the photo that we sent her. Looks really great, right! She brightened up the colors and gave it a whimsical feel. Using the image she created, Anne printed up note cards for us to use for correspondence and stickers for our website packaging.

Whether you have a business or just want a rendering of your home, you need to talk to Anne (anneharwell@hotmail.com). She's fast and really easy to work with. Thank you Anne!

Tuesday, September 30, 2008

Coffee Table Favorites

House Beautiful magazine recently compiled a group of favorite coffee tables that included the Klysmos from Worlds Away. We were delighted to see this beautiful table included in their lineup.

This little photo got us looking at all of the coffee tables at Tonic Home and we couldn't resist coming up with our favorites. Here are 4 options that we think you might like too.

We seem partial to the rectangular and circular shapes, as they provide the most coverage and are easy to work into most rooms.

The Klysmos (shown above) is gold leafed and actually quite over sized. Measurements are 44" wide. We love that, because there are settings where you really need a big table to fill a room. This ones does the trick. The curve of those legs is very luxurious.

We also picked the Malcolm Iron Coffee Table from Arteriors Home. This round and simple design is just an easy pick. Solid and smooth, the finish is such, that it can work in several environments. For instance, it would be perfect in a family room where you often have kids and adults needing an extra seat. The Malcolm can take the action of a busy room and still look great.

The Chelsea from Worlds Away has been around for a while and continues to be a favorite among Tonic Home shoppers. The versatility is evident. Extra seating, lush fabric, comfy foot stool - it might be our top pick for the most useful coffee table.

Finally the Treillage Coffee Table from Worlds Away has so much star quality, it's glamour has impact. Designed for chic living, the gold leaf finish makes a statement on it's own. So what do you think? Which would be your favorite?

Thursday, September 25, 2008

Washington Post Design Solutions

For those who enjoy a good "before and after" in home decor, you'll want to check out http://www.washingtonpost.com/ and their House Calls section. These makeovers show design solutions to homeowners that have a design challenge.

We are partial to the one above since it shows 2 design solutions that are from Tonic Home. Notice the Jacqui Desk at #1 and the Costello Stool at #7.

The designers concept is to make the desk the focal point of the room. The Jacqui Desk in white certainly does that with it's unique design. What's great too is that you still get 2 drawers for storage.

The Costello Stool adds to the comfortable reading area. These stools are lightweight and just the right size for your coffee or cocktail.

All of these great ideas are from the firm of Patrick J. Baglino Jr. Interior Design in Washington. They worked with homeowner Wendy Grills, who had no idea how to functionally decorate the odd sized room and layout. Patrick Baglino Jr. and Megan Blake of the firm worked with their client to make the most of the space.

The designers website is great eye candy for those looking to see more of their work. We are delighted that they spotted true design style and included our "edited" collection at Tonic Home.

Monday, September 22, 2008

Relaunch of Ynotshop

Tonic Home is delighted to announce that one of our favorite websites has relaunched with a new look and great products.

Always full of style and completely in the "know" about the next big thing, the girls at Ynot Shop have the latest out there to keep us looking fabulous. We couldn't help but take a minute and show you our top 5 picks.

1. The Bead Lady Designs - Shasta Earrings- love that these are gold and silver. Perfect when we want to wear both.

2. Toss Designs Tennis Bag - being preppy and stylish on the courts is a must!

3. Alex and Ani expandable bracelet with good luck charm and tree of life charm. Who couldn't use a little luck these days, right?

4. Ben Amun Toggle Necklace - very chic!

5. Lastly, our absolute favorite - Orla Kiely Leaf print wallet. If you don't have one of these wallets, you are really missing out. Anything from Orla Kiely is fabulous really, but these zipper wallets keep all of those credit cards, receipts, and essentials from falling out. So there you have it - our top 5. Enjoy shopping at www.ynotshop.com.