The new Williams-Sonoma home catalogue arrived in the mail the other day, and I am really excited about their approach to modern classic design.

It starts with, “The luxe cool of 1970s glamour steps into the new century, grounded by hand knotted wool and warmed by sunny yellow.” The collection incorporates well designed upholstery pieces available in three sizes and 80 custom fabrics, leather and stainless steel Bauhaus type modern chairs, clear acrylic and polished nickel tables and lighting which infuse the look with modern sparkle. The rugs are all wool in grays, browns, blue, sandstone and ivory with subtle patterning or plush sheared textures. The pillow collection has bright sunny yellows and grays in plush textures, feathery fur, woven leather and quilted suede as well as embroideries and appliquéd velvet. Put all together it is a classically modern approach to design.

In the kitchen they are featuring a very stylish modular kitchen island with a polished carrara marble top and a polished nickel base which has two drawers in it. It would also make a very handsome bar with a piece of Plexiglas placed over the middle shelf that is made of nickel bars. Also for the modern kitchen or small dining area is a round table with a nickel plated base and a tempered glass top. This is paired with leather chairs with plated nickel bases, very Art Deco and chic.

The bedroom has a marvelous hand crafted mahogany canopy bed that is very clean and classic. The headboard is upholstered in linen or flannel. It is shown with an Oushak rug in a soft blue/green reminiscent of the ocean.

The next new collection is entitled New Colonial and combines European tradition with American craftsmanship; it is a look that is worldly and warm. The upholstered pieces are classic English with tight backs, plush seat cushions, a classic rolled arm and are shown in deep indigo velvet with dark stained turned legs. This is paired with handcrafted rattan chairs, a blue and white Ikat rug and a contemporary cocktail table in faux shagreen finish (untanned leather covered with small round granulations to resemble sharkskin) over poplar wood with a gold-leafed iron base. This, along with brass trimmed lighting, brings a warm, golden glow of understated luxury. The Regency side chair has a winged back rest with gently tapered legs reminiscent of the 19^th century originals and is covered in distressed Italian leather with nail head trim. Then you add the luster of blue and white ginger jars, lots of flowers and plants and you have a comfortable worldly, eclectic look.

They also make two wonderful rustic dining tables that still have an elegance and sophistication to them.  First the Belgian table in rustic ash with a square legged supportive base, and second, the Navarro table crafted of solid ash supported by X–shaped metal legs. Clean lines and natural materials give you a rustic modern look that feels polished yet warm and welcoming.

The porcelain lighting collection is beautifully designed with gorgeous colors with either clear acrylic or brass metal bases. They are all classic lamp shapes with a clean crisp feel to them. These lamps are a great investment that will never go out of style and will add a note of wonderful color to any room.

Now I am going to let the pictures tell their own story. Thank you to Williams-Sonoma Home for bringing together such great collection of modern classics designed with great style and made with true quality.

Gillian Drummond has her design studio, Drummond House, in Tryon, N.C. Visit www.drummondhouseco.com to view her portfolio and design philosophy. Contact Gillian at  info@drummondhouseco.com or 828-859-9895.