Celebrity Style

The Ultimate Guide to Stylish and Protective Coasters

For those who cherish their furniture and dread the sight of water rings, finding the ideal coaster is paramount. This guide is dedicated to individuals who understand that a coaster is not merely a functional item, but an essential element of home decor that protects precious surfaces while enhancing the overall aesthetic of a space. Forget generic, mundane options; the focus here is on discovering exquisite coasters crafted from premium materials like fine leather, sleek stainless steel, and natural woven fibers, each designed to serve as both a practical barrier and a sophisticated accent piece. These selections are curated for discerning hosts who value both elegant entertaining and the preservation of their cherished belongings.

The curated collection presented here spans a diverse array of coaster types, each chosen for its ability to prevent unsightly water damage while adding a touch of refined style. From highly absorbent materials perfect for preventing condensation, to durable stainless steel and artfully designed ceramic options, this guide caters to various preferences and practical needs. It acknowledges that while some materials, such as marble, require delicate care and are certainly not dishwasher-safe, their inherent beauty and protective qualities make them invaluable additions to any well-appointed home. The ultimate goal is to provide a comprehensive resource for selecting coasters that seamlessly blend functionality with unparalleled design, ensuring every surface remains pristine.

Elevating Your Tabletop with Premium Coasters

Selecting the right coasters is crucial for both preserving your furniture and enhancing your home's aesthetic. This section highlights options like luxurious leather and contemporary stainless steel, demonstrating how these pieces can effortlessly integrate into diverse decor styles. Beyond mere functionality, these coasters act as subtle yet impactful design elements, providing peace of mind against spills and moisture while elevating your entertaining experience. They are designed for those who appreciate meticulous detail and the lasting beauty of well-maintained surfaces.

For a touch of refined elegance, consider sophisticated leather coasters, particularly those meticulously crafted and presented in a sleek stainless steel holder. Such sets not only offer superior protection but also become a distinguished part of your bar cart or living area. Alternatively, minimalist stainless steel spirals provide a contemporary edge, ensuring your vintage furniture remains pristine with understated polish. These thoughtfully designed coasters blend practicality with aesthetic appeal, making them perfect for protecting cherished surfaces while complementing modern interiors. The emphasis is on quality materials and thoughtful design that prioritize both durability and visual harmony, ensuring your home remains both beautiful and protected.

Diverse Coaster Styles for Every Interior

This section delves into a variety of coaster materials and designs, including natural woven options, artistic ceramic pieces, and elegant stone coasters. Each type offers distinct benefits, from absorbency to unique visual appeal, allowing you to choose pieces that perfectly align with your personal style and functional requirements. Discover how these diverse selections can transform your entertaining spaces, making a statement while providing essential protection for your surfaces.

For those who prefer a natural, organic feel, handwoven raffia or iraca palm coasters bring a touch of coastal charm and exceptional absorbency, making them ideal for both casual and refined settings. If artistic flair is what you seek, hand-painted ceramic coasters, such as those adorned with playful motifs, offer a whimsical yet protective solution with their raised edges to contain moisture. Furthermore, the timeless appeal of stone coasters, like marble or other stoneware, provides a luxurious and robust barrier against condensation, effortlessly elevating any tabletop. These diverse options ensure that regardless of your decor preference, from rustic to maximalist, there's a coaster designed to meet your specific needs for both style and surface preservation, transforming everyday items into cherished decorative accents.

Chris Benz's Long Island Farmhouse: A Designer's Entertaining Oasis

Fashion and interior design luminary Chris Benz has established a vibrant entertaining retreat on Long Island's South Shore. Drawing inspiration from fellow multi-homeowners, Benz recently acquired a charming farmhouse-style property in Brookhaven, intended specifically for hosting social events. This expansion follows his successful renovation of another Bellport residence with partner Peter Toumbekis and his continued influence in the design world through Cult Projects and Brooklinen. The new acquisition, a neglected structure from around 1900, presented a unique canvas for Benz's creative vision, which he skillfully transformed into an inviting haven for friends and guests. His meticulous approach to blending the home's historic charm with contemporary aesthetics has resulted in a distinctive space that balances functionality with a whimsical elegance.

The transformation of the Brookhaven farmhouse involved a comprehensive redesign, both indoors and out. Benz embraced the property's quirky layout, converting overlooked areas into captivating social zones, such as a bar/library adorned with vintage-inspired wallpaper and a bright great room overlooking the pool. The heart of the home, a custom stainless-steel kitchen island, exemplifies his dedication to creating exceptional spaces for interaction and culinary enjoyment. Outside, the landscape was thoughtfully reimagined with new pathways, vibrant plantings, and a pool shed transformed into a Japanese-inspired teahouse, further solidifying the property's role as an idyllic gathering spot. Benz's ability to infuse personality and purpose into every detail has made this second home a testament to his passion for design and hospitality.

A Designer's Vision: Crafting Social Sanctuaries

Chris Benz, a prominent figure in both fashion and interior design, has expanded his personal real estate portfolio with a distinctive purpose: to create the ultimate entertaining hub. His recent acquisition, a vintage farmhouse in Brookhaven, Long Island, serves as a dedicated venue for hosting dinner and cocktail parties, a playful nod to his observation of actress Jennifer Tilly's similar dual-home lifestyle. Benz, whose diverse career includes stints as creative director for Bill Blass and senior vice-president of design for Brooklinen, alongside running his renovation concierge service, Cult Projects, saw past the property's initial neglected state. He envisioned a space where friends could gather, relax, and socialize, transforming its once-disjointed rooms into cohesive, inviting environments that reflect his unique aesthetic.

Upon discovering the circa 1900 farmhouse, Benz was met with a maze of rooms, some devoid of natural light, and a sunken living room reminiscent of "Camelot." Despite these initial challenges, the home retained its original character, and the presence of a swimming pool presented a clear opportunity. Benz embraced this as a chance for unrestrained creative expression, aiming to craft a series of "liminal spaces" – areas designed for easy lounging and social interaction. He meticulously integrated modern elements while preserving the house's inherent charm. This included a striking bar/library decorated with Schumacher's Pyne Hollyhock wallpaper, a vibrant great room with contemporary furnishings for summer enjoyment, and a cozy sunken living room with a salvaged glazed brown tile mantel, perfect for winter gatherings. His design philosophy centered on creating continuity with the home's original spirit, ensuring that each space felt both fresh and deeply rooted in its history.

Outdoor Elegance and Culinary Delights

Beyond the farmhouse's interior, Chris Benz extended his design expertise to the outdoor areas, creating an equally enchanting environment for entertaining. Collaborating with Nelson Briggs of BPM Landscapes, Benz reimagined the grounds to complement the home's refreshed aesthetic. An unappealing asphalt driveway was replaced with elegant pea gravel and crushed oyster shells, framed by stately magnolias, creating a more welcoming and aesthetically pleasing approach. The rear garden underwent a significant transformation, with a deck removed and replaced by sophisticated stone steps, enhancing both functionality and visual appeal. A particularly innovative touch was the conversion of a pool shed into a Japanese-inspired teahouse, complete with traditional lanterns and a ceramic tile roof, offering a serene and unique gathering spot.

The culinary heart of Benz's entertaining farmhouse is undoubtedly its kitchen, a space he regards as the project's defining feature. Dominated by a custom stainless-steel island capable of seating up to ten guests, it quickly became the central gathering point for all who visited. Its exceptional design even left a lasting impression on Cooper Wehde, an executive producer of "The Bear," who stayed at the house and praised the kitchen as "truly exceptional" and a place everyone naturally gravitated towards. This space perfectly embodies Benz's commitment to creating functional yet stylish areas that foster connection and enjoyment. The success of the home as an entertaining haven is evident in guests' preference to stay there over Benz's primary residence, a clear indication of the inviting and convivial atmosphere he has so skillfully cultivated.

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AD's Essential Guide to Enhancing Your Outdoor Living Areas with the Finest Furnishings

Transforming your garden or patio into a meticulously designed and inviting outdoor sanctuary is now more accessible than ever. The modern market offers an extensive array of superior outdoor furnishings and decor, enabling homeowners to extend their living space into the fresh air seamlessly. This guide delves into key pieces, from comfortable seating arrangements and versatile dining solutions to essential accessories like sun umbrellas and accent tables, all crafted to convert any outdoor area into a picturesque retreat. With a growing emphasis on utilizing exterior spaces as functional extensions of the home, the options for high-performance fabrics and stylish designs have expanded dramatically beyond traditional limited selections.

The editors at Architectural Digest have meticulously evaluated and selected the premier outdoor furniture available, highlighting their top choices and favored retailers. Our criteria prioritize exceptional design, convenient shipping options, and a diverse product range. Underlying these selections is an unwavering commitment to quality, with some items personally tested by our team. For practical advice on implementing these pieces, we consulted AD100 designer Mandy Cheng, who provided innovative techniques for creating a vibrant backyard escape. Additionally, Aista Sobouti, a landscape design expert from the esteemed AD100 firm Marmol Radziner, shared her insights on maintaining a timeless aesthetic for outdoor environments. Together, their expertise ensures that our recommendations will help your patio or garden truly flourish.

Creating an exceptional outdoor area involves thoughtful planning and selecting the right elements that reflect both style and functionality. From durable materials that gracefully age with time to expert tips on maximizing smaller spaces and choosing the perfect color palettes, every detail contributes to a cohesive and inviting atmosphere. It's about crafting a space that not only looks beautiful but also encourages active use and enjoyment throughout the seasons. The investment in quality outdoor furniture, coupled with strategic design choices, ensures a lasting and aesthetically pleasing extension of your home. By considering expert advice and embracing innovative solutions, you can cultivate an outdoor oasis that enhances your lifestyle and brings joy for years to come.

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