|
 
  |
| |
 | What elegant updates can I make to my living room this holiday season?
Once your living room has been readied for the fall season, a few elegant additions are all you need to decorate for the holidays. A fresh wreath, poinsettia plant or other winter flower arrangement in a beautiful vase will add an instant holiday spirit to the room. Pillows or throws in wintery, cabin-ready fabrics can also be incorporated during the holiday season—a buffalo check or cable cashmere throw looks handsome over the arm of a couch or in a basket beside a reading chair. On a coffee table or end table, place a silver nut bowl filled with chestnuts or hazelnuts next to a single photo frame or a candlestick set for a subtle but elegant holiday accent.
 Shop Now
|
 | What essential pieces do I need to create a formal table setting?
Begin with a centerpiece, such as a flower arrangement, which will set the tone for the table. Keep a variety of tablecloths and cloth napkins on hand so as to play with mood as well as candles, which can soften the lighting scheme. Be sure to have the dishware, flatware and glasses required for a five to six-course meal but don’t worry if they don’t come from the same set: mixing and matching complementary sets will make for a dynamic arrangement. Finally, beautiful and unique serving pieces will add another layer to your table setting—even if they are removed from the table during the meal.
 Shop Now
|
 | What changes can I make to my guest bedroom in preparation for the holiday season?
The most important aspect of any guest bedroom is a comfortable, luxurious bed, of course. Find bedding sets that subtly capture the spirit of the holidays in print and texture during this time of year. This season’s Indian Cove Lodge bedding collection from Ralph Lauren Home includes an eclectic assortment of buffalo checks, heritage plaids and luxurious cabling that captures a sense of rustic elegance that is both comforting and holiday-appropriate. A lighter, more modern but still seasonally appropriate choice is the Winter Cottage collection from Lauren Home. This black and white bedding collection features buffalo plaid, gingham and leaf-printed fabrics, which together form a luxurious winter set.
 Shop Now
|
 | What special tabletop pieces will come in handy while entertaining guests during the holidays?
Before the start of the holiday season take inventory of your tabletop and barware collections, keeping in mind the type of parties you plan to host over the next few months. Make a list of the pieces you are lacking and the pieces you would like to replace. This season, Ralph Lauren offers many special items that will prove functional and festive during holiday parties. A rustic leather serving tray is a versatile piece that makes a striking platform for small dishes and drinks. A set of red plaid dinner napkins are an uncomplicated update to a table setting and add a touch of holiday chic to the table. Additionally, porcelain dessert plates, cups and saucers printed with an exotic motif will set a glamorous tone for any holiday meal.
 Shop Now
|
 | How do I create an elegant atmosphere when entertaining?
Creating a comfortable, inviting mood is paramount in formal entertaining. Decorate your home with pieces that make your guests feel at home, while incorporating beauty and intricate detailing. Lend a modern twist to a classic silver punch bowl by using it as a vase for fresh-cut flowers. Bookends and paperweights in whimsical shapes—think lock boxes and hunting dogs—add that certain je ne sais quoi. Finish the look with classic candlesticks in gleaming black glass or dessert plates with signature crests for an artsy, creative touch.
EXPLORE GIFTS & ACCESSORIES
|
 | What essentials do I need for my desk?
Even though a desk is used for practical purposes, it should also be considered as a decorative element. With the right essentials, a beautiful, hand-crafted desk can become the focal point of a room. Start with a great lamp—one that complements the style of your desk and gives off the right amount of light for your needs. Next, look for useful items that are also decorative. Beautifully crafted accessories like a letter rack, paperweight, desk tray, letter opener and desk blotter. Finally, fresh flowers in an elegant vase or a picture of a loved one in a stylish frame make the perfect finishing touch to a well-dressed desk.
Shop Now
|
 | What are some ideas for holiday gifts from Ralph Lauren Home?
Home essentials and decorative accessories make wonderful holiday gifts and there are plenty of items to choose from. Heirloom quality sheeting, luxurious towel sets and ornate throw pillows all make a great gift for people with new homes or growing families. Handsome barware and unique tabletop sets are the perfect gift for a friend or sibling who loves to entertain while a timeless cashmere throw will suit just about anyone on your list. Try an elegant picture frame or beautiful candle for a colleague or friendly acquaintance and a coffee table book as one additional just-in-case gift to keep on hand.
 Shop Now
|
 | What essentials are needed for a college dorm room?
It’s important to create a warm and comfortable atmosphere in a dorm room, not only because the student will be away from home, but because the space is often shared and quite small. That said, the room should also reflect a young, collegiate spirit and not look like mom or dad’s bedroom. Our University bedding collection offers the best of both worlds. The cool prints and color combinations speak to a youthful sense of style while still offering the quality and warmth of home.
Shop Now
|
 | How can I dress my dog to reflect my own style?
Make your home all the more bright and celebratory by dressing your pup in looks that complement the classic Ralph Lauren style. Done in bright and playful colors, polos, rugby shirts and sweatshirts all keep your special canine friends looking sharp and ready for fun—the perfect accent to any joyful home. Your pooches will look even smarter and more sophisticated when sporting a luxurious alligator-skin collar and touting a leather leash, both rendered with iconic equestrian detailing.
 Shop Now
|
 | How do I incorporate a tapestry print in my bedding?
Tapestry prints add Old World romance, creating a bed that is both luxurious and refined. Whether tapestry appears on the sham, sheets or throw pillows, take color cues from the print and your bed will look unified. Also, don’t be afraid to include more than one pattern in your bedding--plaids, stripes and florals in complementary palettes will add dynamic style to your bed. Tapestry prints are especially great for adding interest to plain or small rooms, as they are inherently rich and warm in mood. To make this luxurious look work in the summer months, simply add fresh flowers and crisp white linens in order to make the room feel airy and open.
Shop Now
|
 | What is the first thing I need to consider when lighting my home?
Lighting is a necessary and vital component of a beautiful home; use it to create a sense of drama in each room. Overuse of light or high-wattage bulbs can wash out the beauty of a room, while insufficient lighting can create a room that is uninviting. Find a sense of balance with your use of light—create an intimacy between the lighting and other elements in a given space. Using halogen or lower wattage bulbs brightens a room with soft tones. Also try putting higher wattage bulbs on a dimmer so that you can control the amount of light in any setting.
EXPLORE NOW
|
 | What should I consider when choosing a wall covering?
The most important thing to consider is the condition of your walls. The better your walls are, the more options you have and the less you will have to spend to cover them. If your walls are damaged from leaks and dripping, have them redone before you cover them. Remember that wallpaper does not work well in tight spaces because it can get dirty easily. If your walls are older, the best option is wall upholstery. Wall upholstery is also great if you want to create a padded, cocoon effect, which is wonderful in a bedroom.
EXPLORE WALLCOVERING
|
 | How can I mix and match different fabrics?
Mixing and matching is a creative and fun way to express your personal style at home. For instance, you might start with a great Glen Plaid fabric and then complement it with a shirting stripe. If you want to add a pop of color, experiment with an ostrich pillow in red—it will lend color and texture for wonderful personal style. Don’t be timid when it comes to mixing and matching fabrics, patterns and colors. There is beauty and harmony in blending and balancing a wealth of varying elements.
EXPLORE NOW
|
 | What are some unique pieces I can add to my bar collection?
The perfect bar creates an aura of warmth and comfort. While every well-appointed bar should contain the essentials—highball and lowball glasses, a martini shaker and a decanter—the accessories can add that little something extra. Keep your bar from looking too staid by incorporating classic pieces in new, interesting silhouettes. Whimsical shapes and conversational patterns run the gamut from dice and dumbbells to skull-and-crossbones and haberdashery Glen Plaids. Let your bar express your personality and you’ll be entertaining in style.
Shop Now
EXPLORE TABLETOP & BARWARE
|
 | How can I use lighting to create a mood?
The right lighting can add drama and elegance to any room. Whether turned up or dimmed low, general ambient lighting sets the mood. Ambient lighting works well with task lighting (like a pharmacy lamp pulled up next to a reading chair or a bed.) The contrast between general light and task light lends mystery and drama to an interior. The most romantic light is accent lighting. The gleam of candles through glass hurricanes, or the glow of votives in crystal glasses scattered throughout a room, across a dining table or along a mantle are perfect ways to create accent lighting. Use general ambient, task and accent lighting together to set a mood that’s right for you.
Shop Now
|
 | What’s the best way to display a collection of art or photographs?
Unify a collection of prints in different sizes and subjects by framing them in the same way. Hung together on a wall, they take the place of one large piece of art. Even a close corner comes alive when artfully decorated with a framed collection. Or, try a modern way to display your art collection: lean multiple frames of various sizes and finishes against the wall on a floating shelf for a chic collage effect.
EXPLORE GIFTS & ACCESSORIES
|
 | How can I add glamour to my home without a complete overhaul?
Giving your home a makeover doesn’t require a major project. Simple adjustments, such as adding throw pillows or blankets to your current sofa, will change the landscape of a room immediately. The right lighting creates a special ambience: Place decorative sconces and hurricanes about and fill them with various types of candles. Simple tapers and votives add instant charm, especially when paired with fresh flowers — a necessity in any truly glamorous home. This season, integrate textiles that incorporate touches of silver or gold metallics and instantly update your décor.
Explore Mayfair Now
|
 | What are some tips for incorporating flowers into my home décor?
Flowers are an essential part of any home environment, whether you’re entertaining or enjoying the space yourself. Of course, we would all like to have fresh cut flowers replaced daily (and, if you have the time, this is the ideal), but schedules often interfere. To that end, potted house plants can create a similar effect. Orchids can last for years, flowering several times over, if well cared for, and many simple green plants—rubber trees and palms, for example—require minimal maintenance. If your green thumb is truly non-existent, don’t give up hope: Decorating with black and white photos of flowering plants or purchasing silk reproductions can create the desired effect with zero upkeep.
Shop Home Accessories Now
|
 | What are some ideas for wedding gifts?
When people start their life together, finding the perfect gift to honor the occasion can be a difficult task. A stunning crystal decanter, a large hurricane and the perfect flatware set are all great choices – elegant and special, yet functional. While the couple’s registry is a good place to start, it is perfectly acceptable to purchase something outside of the list. Don’t be afraid to get personal with your gift - top off candelabras with scented candles that suit the couple’s personality, fill a classic frame with their wedding invitation or add a monogram to luxurious sheeting.
Shop Now
|
 | What are the key pieces in a bedding set?
Once you purchase quality basics, your bed is made for a lifetime, so don’t be afraid to invest in items that will withstand the test of time. Work with layers to build a rich look, from the richest, crispest flat and fitted sheets to the warmest, most inviting blankets. Infuse your personality into the classics by adding throw pillows and shams that suit your whims with each passing season; it’s an easy way to put a fresh face on your favorite retreat.
Shop Now
|
 | How do I care for my lighting?
To maintain the beauty of Ralph Lauren Lighting, the following, simple guidelines are recommended. For general maintenance, all finishes should be wiped gently with a soft, damp cloth, followed by a soft, dry cloth. Avoid cleansers with ammonia, bleach or harsh chemicals. Silk and vellum shades should be brushed gently with a feather duster or soft cloth to remove surface dust.
Shop Now
|
 | How can I create a modern environment that’s still warm and inviting?
Even in an extremely modern interior the mood can be warm and romantic. The trick is to use texture and contrast. Hard materials should play against soft ones and shine against matte. Make the space personal with books, art and family photographs. Modern can also be functional and comfortable. Decorate with deep upholstery, luxurious fabrics, and well placed lighting. Lastly, modern doesn’t mean that there isn’t room for the traditional. Traditional patterns and materials can mix easily with sleek finishes and modern accents. It is the more traditional elements that keep a space warm and familiar.
|
 | What seasonal changes can I make to my interiors?
Summer means fresh breezes blowing through open windows, while winter is a time to relax, reading books in a warm library. In the living room, slipcovers are a good way to make the change: use cool cotton and linen in the summer, and warmer corduroy or velvet in the winter. Or, simply drape cozy blankets over your sofa. Roll up your area rugs for a clean, airy look in the summer, and unroll them again for the colder months. In the bedroom, replace summer’s cool cotton sheets with warm flannel sheets, then pile the bed with additional blankets.
EXPLORE RALPH LAUREN HOME
|
 | Is tweed too heavy a texture for my bed?
As long as you choose the right accompanying pieces, tweed works perfectly with this season’s textures and patterns. Reserve tweeds for the final coup d’etat, selecting throw pillows and shams to complement the rest of your bedding collection. Try sheets printed with a heady floral, imbuing your bed with a vintage feel, and layer with throw blankets in a plush cable-knit. Look for pretty finishing touches, such as lace detailing or floral embroidery, that act as romantic counterpoints to the heavier fabrics.
EXPLORE RALPH LAUREN BEDDING
|
 | What pieces of furniture work best for storage?
When things are properly stored or hidden, order in interiors is created. Choose well-designed pieces that are functional. For instance, armoires that are fitted to serve as either entertainment centers or wardrobes. Use one to hide your television and stereo equipment, or if you are short on closet space, it can hold your clothes. Some coffee tables also feature trunks built on the sides, which are great for storing magazines, newspapers and books. While a “casually cluttered” look can be charming, everything should be stored in its proper place.
EXPLORE FURNITURE
|
 | What is the difference in paint finishes?
Paints can be oil-based or water-based latex. Oil-based paint is durable and long lasting, and takes two or three days to dry. Water-based latex is easier to clean up. Finishes vary according to how much light they reflect. In oil-based paints, eggshell paint provides a mid-sheen, and a gloss paint offers a shiny, durable coat. In the water-based paints, flat paint has no sheen at all while semi-gloss paint offers a mid-sheen. Use a flat paint on ceilings and an eggshell finish on walls, which is easier to clean. For trim, go up a step in shine to semi-gloss.
EXPLORE RALPH LAUREN PAINT
|
 | How can I create a warm, intimate setting in my bedroom?
The trick to creating an inviting bedroom is to make it look tastefully lived in. Make the bed look ready to be slept in at any time by turning down the covers. Choose colors that are soft and warm, with one or two deep shades thrown in for contrast. Mixing patterns like checks and florals can also create an eclectic coziness. Group small items, such as picture frames and vases, in an artful arrangement on the dresser or nightstand to finish.
|
 | How do I care for my upholstered furniture?
To ensure the long life and beauty of this piece, avoid excessive sunlight, dampness, and hot or cold conditions. To maintain the original softness and resiliency of the cushions, hand fluff and reverse cushions regularly. Vacuum to remove surface dust.
EXPLORE FURNITURE
|
|
 |
|
