Featured Stores 2009

	1. Cultivate something custom To make your space personal, bring in a few one-of-a-kind pieces—just one or two unusual accents make all the difference. HB Home’s designers can point you toward distinctive items that will set your home apart. Shown here: a Hickory Chair console table customized for HB Home, a 47-piece white sculpture vase, a coffee table designed by Pat Healing and a custom ribbon pillow.
	2. Live artistically “Paintings add such dimension. You see something new in them every day and they set a mood. There are a lot of emotions attached to having a wonderful original painting in your home,” says Sandra Morgan. Seen in her store: On Cumberland Island by local artist Penny Putnam.
	3. Toast to beautiful glasses Crystal isn’t just for the holidays. Celebrate everyday occasions with pieces like these Juliska goblets, available at Lillian August. They catch the light and make a console table sparkle.
	4. Reflect on mirrors made to order Mirrors add light and the illusion of extra space. But the wrong size mirror puts a room out of balance. Remains has just unveiled a line of custom mirrors. You can specify the size and finish in an array of frame options like this silver-plated Marlowe mirror.
	5. Soak up some style The right tub will reinvent your bathroom. This oversized waterworks classic oval with Danby marble mosaic surround is so inviting, it gives a new meaning to the words bath time.
	6. Obsess over the right details Hardware is one of the things that you touch and use most frequently in a home. With quality doorknobs hinges and pulls—like these from nanz—the pieces feel solid and wear beautifully. The best hardware has the effect of setting off everything else, like jewelry.
	7. Refresh your boudoir the easy way Tired of wrestling with your duvet cover every time you change the sheets? This fall Mitchell Gold + Bob Williams is launching a new smart bedding line. The patterns pop and the duvet covers have zippers on two sides, so comforter struggles are a thing of the past.
	8. Strike up a conversation piece This chic Chiquita stool from Kenneth Cobonpue’s new line, available at mis en scene, is composed of natural rattan poles that sink into a cushion below when you sit on them. The unusual design grabs your attention, and, contrary to its appearance, the seat is surprisingly comfortable.
	9. Surround yourself with chic surfaces Though this handsome fireplace surround has the look of rich wood, it’s actually a porcelain tile called Woodtec Vintage from porcelanosa. The company carries an outstanding selection of tiles that mimic other surfaces including stone, metal, wood and fabric.
	10. Put more family into your family room or your kitchen, bedroom, living room or hallway. A group of well-framed photos, hung in a creative arrangement, will lend real personality to your space. British company Venture Portraits helps you create fun, relaxed photos that bring out the kid in everyone.

For 40 more ways to Live Better pick up a copy of athome in Fairfield County Fall 2009 »