ELLE DECOR January-February 2013

Color Guard      • Five top designers look at the world through rose-colored glasses. Check out pretty pink interiors by Kelly Wearstler, Charlotte Moss, Suzanne Kasler, and others.      • India has long been an inspiration for tastemakers. Visit some of the country's most dazzling interiors, such as fashion designer Liza Bruce's Jaipur home, shown.      • Transform any wall into a work of art. Ten designers recommend the decorative painters they turn to again and again. PILLOW TALK With their vibrant colors and punchy patterns, these pillows add panache to any sofa, chair, or bed Vanderhurd's Atlas. Trident Stripe by Dransfield & Ross. Madeline Weinrib's Black Casbah. Agate Gold by Jayson Home. Jal Euro by John Robshaw Textiles.…

WORLD OF WONDERS Anyone who doubts that style is a global phenomenon needs only to look at the career of Axel Vervoordt. This Antwerp-based designer and dealer, who I am happy to say shares his unparalleled expertise with Ingrid Abramovitch for this month's Unconventional Wisdom column, has probably had more impact on the way people aspire to live today than any other single person. The rage for heavy Belgian linen? Deconstructed furniture pieces with exposed upholstery? Rough-hewn industrial items alongside delicate porcelains? Tribal artifacts mixed with contemporary artworks? Inevitably the source of these trends—and many more—can be traced back to Vervoordt. Not only do design inspiration and ideas travel around the world, they do so more quickly than ever. In fact, it's becoming increasingly difficult to keep up. But ELLE…

FORNASETTI STYLE A century after Piero Fornasetti's birth, the Italian artist-designer's whimsical furniture and accessories remain as intriguing as ever. His son, Barnaba, now helms the firm and keeps the family legacy alive, both at work and at his exuberantly decorated Milan villa (page 94). He also carries on one of his father's long-standing traditions: creating a limited-edition calendar plate to ring in the New Year. For the 2013 plate, Barnaba adapted a self-portrait drawn by Piero in 1943. It's available at Fornasetti's Milan shop, where an exhibition of self-portraits is on view through February 9 (fornasetti.com). KLAVS ROSENFALCK When designer Klavs Rosenfalck first laid eyes on a client's Paris apartment, featured on page 82, he knew he needed to give the 19th-century space "some spice." The original decor was…

MAIL The New York loft ["Made to Measure"] and Alex Papachristidis's apartment ["Every Last Detail"] in your November issue are so different in so many ways, but they both express their respective owners' personal versions of a luxurious setting for living. Tranquility and luxe downtown, or exuberant plush on the Upper East Side—both are beautifully depicted in these features. I appreciate my home-delivered opportunity to visit the world. Colleen Falke, Bakersfield, CA Being a pack rat, I found the 2007 issue of ELLE DECOR that featured the former home of Alex Papachristidis. This provided me the pleasure of seeing which items he relocated to his current apartment. This designer has mastered a gusto style that dazzles the viewer. His new book of eye candy is number one on my list…

The latest lace creations are a far cry from your grandmother's kerchiefs and doilies. Furniture and fashion are embracing the favorite trousseau embellishment. Marcel Wanders paved the way with playful pieces such as the graphic 2006 Crochet chair (marcelwanders.com). On the spring 2013 runways, Oscar de la Renta, Carven, and Temperley London showed visions of sheer, cut-out beauty. The youthful fashion line Zara has just launched its home collection (zarahome.com) in the U.S., giving lace a racy edge. And Cacharel's Dentelle china collection features a swirling pattern in silver or gold (michaelcfina.com). A STEP INTO THE PAST The lush, old-world fabrics of Venetian firm Rubelli are stepping out, thanks to two fashionable shoemakers. The silky confections of Les Chaussons de la Belle recall the costume balls of Casanova's day (leschaussonsdelabelle.com).…

DISPATCHES FROM THE WORLD OF DESIGN BLOOMING GENIUS Potterseed, a new line of garden-inspired ceramics, is a collaboration between two South African potteries: One specializes in delicate ceramic flowers; the other makes dishes painted in vivid, abstract patterns. The exuberant results are available at John Derian; prices range from $22 for a ramekin to $32 for a dessert bowl. 212-677-3917 1 / PERFECT THROW With its whimsical print and soft, washed feel, Utility Canvas's Raindrop quilted throw is a cozy defense against winter chill—and, come spring, it's practical enough to bring to a picnic. The 52" x 66" cotton blanket is $145; a variety of patterns and solid colors is also available. 646-559-4992; utilitycanvas.com 2 / ARTISTIC LICENSE Azuero Earth Project, a nonprofit organization…