Have a Very Chair-y Christmas

2010 has been the year of the chair. With the recession putting a damper on all our wallets, instead of revamping big, most of us are choosing to update our existing rooms with a splash of small scale pizzazz.

There’s nothing more versatile than chair that sits well, shows off our personal style and adds some drama to a room.

Which one to get?

Enter the classic wing chair.

Antique lovers have always swooned for a chair that makes you feel tucked into your own special corner. In hot restaurants like The Bazaar in Los Angeles you’ll find yourself dining in a French oversized wing chair worthy of Marie Antoinette. American Leather’s McCartney (shown above) is the modern, youthful version of this beloved profile.

In Elle Décor's "Top 10 Wingback Chairs" they say of the McCartney, “Given its clean, modern look and apartment-size scale—44" tall—this is a “young

generation’s wing chair,” says Nanjoo Joung.

That’s not the only chair that has gotten its fair share of press this year. The Cole (shown right), a new introduction in 2009, made news this year with its retro “Mad Men” styling and its welcoming seat and back. It’s also very comfortable. Even Apartment Therapy gave its thumbs up!

The other trend this year has favored low-profile modern beauties that keep a contemporary room sleeks and beautiful. American Leather introduced the Turow, a t-back with a generous seat, is like jewelry in a room. It’s a smart looking cookie from all sides. For something a little more contemporary take a look at the Hugo, a worthy accent in the most modern homes. It even landed on the cover of Metropolitan Home last year.

Of course, no chair round up would be complete without mentioning two perennial favorites, the Bella (with or without) nail head trim, and Rick Lee’s Feliz (shown left) chair. These small-scale chairs look great in so many different fabric or leather combinations.

There’s still time to give a chair to one of your favorite people. Most furniture stores are happy to offer a gift certificate for all or some of the purchase price. Visit American Leather’s dealer locator to find a retailer near you.

Sofa So Good

Sinkable. Cushy. Sit-a-licious.

When American Leather launched their latest sofa collections last October, those were exactly the words that came into my head. Given the fact they don't appear in any dictionary, you can tell I was reaching for new, bigger, better ways to say, "Oh my gosh. This sofa is so comfortable I never want to leave."

It's about time for a unadulterated cush-fest.

The last couple of years we've been dazzled with button-tufted, shelter back, Regency glam by the likes of Jonathan Adler, Kelly Wearstler and American Leather's own dynamic duo, Goodman Charleton.

I do love the glam.

But there are times, I'd like to just to pull out the Snuggie and watch a marathon day of the Housewives of Beverly Hills in down pillow comfort.

That's when I want the new Moore, shown here in fabric with a flat welt, delivered immediately.


It's like two structured, down-filled pillows framed by two more boxy pouf arms. There's a great tension between the casual devil-may care comfort and the subtle nod to structure, like a beautifully crafted linen suit that elevates plain and rumpled into aristocratic insouciance.

As American Leather does in this picture, pair it with bling accessories to bring out some attitude. Go even further and try a waxed lustrous leather like Haven for all around sheen. Heavenly!

If the Moore is a little too deconstructed for your modern-loving style, you can get the same comfort with a more polished look. See the Tuscany.


The Tuscany is so European chic you practically need a passport to buy it. Low profile. Wide arms.

It's still Snuggie-worthy but but instead of watching TV like me, you'll probably be perusing the latest wedding news about Prince Wills and Kate Middleton on your iPad. Who says all the drama is on reality television?

Either way, I'll race you to the corner.

Geometrics Rule!

Triangles. Heptagons. Polygons, rectangles and the lot. They’re not just for engineers, architects and math professors anymore.

Geometic shapes are lending their clout to the best in fashion and design these days. Clean-lined and edgy, they’re a sharp, urbane look – updated to hook your heart.

Take a peek at Elle Décor’s recent “Trend Alert: Geometrics” by Anita Sarsidi for some striking examples. Jump here to see the whole slideshow. Here’s my favorite:

Don’t you love how this halter dress from Pucci’s 2009 collection beckons the eye with clear, colorful shapes? Who knew geometrics could be so flirtatious?

Bold and sure, that’s how geometrics grab your attention and take command of your heart. I don’t know about you, but I could sure go for a measure of boldness and sureness in my life – say an alluring accent piece to take command of my living room.

That’s one reason I yearn for American Leather’s Metro collection. Its wood outlined arms, bold frame and straight back define geometric power.


Don’t you agree? The Metro is a tour de force of geometric lines – a collection that’s destined to be the love of your living room. Its inviting rectangular lines are the perfect place to recline when you need to think outside of the box.

Can you see it in your home? I’m already drooling over its strong, dynamic lines.

And perhaps best of all – it’s designed for lounging, conversation and all kinds of linear and non-linear activities. You’ll find yourself seeking it out time and again.

Who knew geometrics could be so seductive – and so comforting -- at the very same time?

- Marya Smith

Comfort Sleeper Sectional wins a Good Design Award

What's better than the best? Good. The Chicago Athenaeum's Good Design Awards, an international competition, has spoken. The organization that has recognized products like the iPod, iTouch, Riedel's Swan, the Bionic Hand, Mercedes GLK, and the Traveling Fireplace....

Good company, no? American Leather's new innovative Comfort Sleeper sectional is about to join the ranks of these illustrious products in June 2010. The Chicago Athenaeum has bestowed this very prestigious award on the Dickinson Comfort Sleeper. My those judges have good taste.