Architecture News

At this year's Milan Salone del Mobile, typically a showcase for avant-garde design, RH introduced a new venture, RH Estates. This division aims to celebrate the enduring brilliance of iconic designers, both contemporary and historical. The inaugural collection notably features the indelible works of Michael Taylor, the esteemed West Coast designer credited with pioneering the "California look."

RH Estates Launches Michael Taylor Collection in Milan

In April, amidst the vibrant atmosphere of Milan's annual Salone del Mobile fair, RH unveiled its new Milanese flagship and introduced RH Estates. This significant launch marked a new chapter for the company, focusing on preserving and reintroducing classic design aesthetics to a global audience. The cornerstone of this new division is the re-release of designs by the late Michael Taylor, a titan of 20th-century interior design. Taylor, renowned for his discerning eye and the effortless elegance he infused into his projects, emphasized thoughtful restraint over excessive ornamentation. His approach, reminiscent of fellow Northern California design luminary Frances Elkins, demonstrated how confidence in design could manifest in understated luxury. The initial collection from RH Estates meticulously reproduces many of Taylor’s signature pieces, including the generously proportioned Jennifer seating, a variety of Klismos chairs crafted from diverse woods, the Ibero trestle table—a modern interpretation of a Spanish antique—and the Diamond pedestal table, featuring a wood top on a cast stone base. These pieces perfectly embody Taylor's philosophy of harmonizing traditional and modern styles, resulting in interiors that exude a serene, refined sophistication. Gary Friedman, Chairman and CEO of RH, expressed his long-standing admiration for Taylor's work, particularly its mastery of light, scale, and comfort, and its ability to blend natural materials with a balance of rustic and polished elements. Friedman highlighted the company's objective to make this exceptional design and quality accessible on a larger scale. Beyond the Michael Taylor collection, RH Estates is fostering collaborations with other prominent names in the industry, such as Joseph Jeup, Formations, and Dennis & Leen—all recently acquired by RH. The program also includes collections from London-based designer Anouska Hempel and the artisanal reproduction studio Van Thiel & Co. Further expanding its offerings, RH Estates is launching RH Bespoke Furniture, allowing interior designers and clients to commission custom-sized and finished pieces, and RH Couture Upholstery by Dmitriy & Co, which specializes in meticulously crafted, tailor-made seating. This summer, RH Estates is set to open its first dedicated gallery in Greenwich, Connecticut, a testament to its expanding vision. Friedman articulated the core idea behind this venture: to establish a unique platform that unites the most influential voices and innovative concepts in design. He emphasized that all brands under the RH Estates umbrella share a commitment to unparalleled quality, manifested in highly detailed, historically informed pieces that demand a profound understanding to execute. This grand initiative signifies a bold step for RH, aiming to bridge the past and present of design by celebrating masters and offering bespoke solutions for discerning clients worldwide.

The establishment of RH Estates signifies a profound recognition of design heritage and its lasting impact on contemporary living. By resurrecting and recontextualizing the works of influential designers like Michael Taylor, RH is not merely selling furniture; it is curating a legacy. This approach encourages a deeper appreciation for the artistry and thought behind timeless design, offering consumers the opportunity to invest in pieces that transcend fleeting trends. It also underscores the idea that true luxury lies in thoughtful curation and impeccable craftsmanship, rather than mere novelty. For the design industry, RH Estates sets a precedent for how a major retailer can contribute to the preservation and evolution of design history, fostering a dialogue between past innovations and future possibilities.

Serving a fresh, vibrant salad can be an art, and the tools you use are just as important as the ingredients themselves. While a casual barbecue might forgive the use of disposable plastic, a well-curated dining experience demands something more refined. This article explores a selection of salad tongs and servers that blend functionality with aesthetic appeal, proving that even the most practical kitchen utensils can elevate a meal and become a talking point at any gathering.

Selecting the Perfect Salad Servers for Every Occasion

For those who appreciate sleek design, the Crate & Barrel Alden 2-Piece Serving Set offers a modern touch with its stainless steel construction and hand-forged, squared-off handles. This set is ideal for the minimalist host seeking contemporary elegance that complements a variety of table settings. Crafted from durable stainless steel, these servers are both sturdy and stylish, ensuring a graceful presentation.

Adding a playful yet sophisticated element to your dining, the CasaLatina Lara Whale Hand-Carved Hardwood Salad Servers are a standout choice. Meticulously shaped from a single block of acacia hardwood to resemble a whale's tail, these servers infuse warmth and texture into any meal. They are perfect for both large gatherings and intimate family dinners, making salad tossing a delightful ritual.

A practical yet chic option for those embarking on their journey to upgrade kitchen essentials, the Quince Olive Wood Salad Servers (Set of 2) are made from 100% Italian olive wood. These robust, heat-resistant, and dishwasher-safe servers are favored by intuitive cooks who value both durability and an organic aesthetic. They are not only functional but also serve as a testament to the host's refined taste.

For the art enthusiast, Completedworks Stainless Steel Salad Servers transcend mere utility, appearing more like sculptures than serving instruments. Their surreal and dreamy design encourages a focus on the beauty of the utensils themselves, allowing them to take center stage on the table and minimizing the need for elaborate floral arrangements. These unique pieces are crafted from high-quality stainless steel, ensuring both visual impact and long-lasting use.

Bringing a touch of coastal charm to any setting, the Gohar World Mother of Pearl Salad Servers are a whimsical choice for creating a summer dreamscape. Whether dining by the ocean or in a cozy apartment, these servers transform a simple salad bowl into an escapist experience, adding a lustrous, iridescent quality to your presentation. Their exquisite mother-of-pearl handles make every serving feel special.

For a vintage-inspired look, the Porta Bestia Serving Set, featuring a tortoiseshell resin finish, evokes a timeless sophistication. These dishwasher-safe servers add a stylish design choice to any tablescape, particularly when paired with complementary colors or patterns. They offer a refined alternative to traditional serving ware, blending classic aesthetics with modern convenience.

The Dusen Dusen Stainless Steel Serving Set offers a self-sufficient and artistic solution for serving. These utensils can stand upright on the dining table or buffet, providing visual intrigue and doubling as decorative art pieces. They are dishwasher-safe, making cleanup effortless while still maintaining an artistic flair.

Finally, the West Elm Bodin Wired Salad Servers (Set of 2) stand out with their Art Deco-inspired looped wire handles. Beyond their striking appearance, these servers are ergonomically designed for comfort and efficient salad tossing. They are a statement piece that combines bold design with practical application, suitable for hosts who appreciate unique and comfortable utensils.

The journey to perfecting your hosting skills often involves a keen eye for detail, extending even to the seemingly simple act of serving a salad. As this exploration of various salad servers demonstrates, selecting the right utensils can significantly enhance the dining experience, transforming a basic meal into an artful presentation. Each set, from the minimalist stainless steel to the whimsical hardwood and the sculptural mother-of-pearl, offers unique advantages that cater to different styles and preferences. The choice of server reflects not just a practical need, but a commitment to elegance and a desire to create memorable moments around the table. Investing in quality, beautifully designed salad tongs is a small change that can make a big impact, inspiring hosts and delighting guests with every toss and serve. Ultimately, the best servers are those that bring joy and a touch of sophistication to the culinary ritual, proving that good design is always a welcome guest.