By Carleton Varney Special to the Daily News For those who observe Christmas, December always offers a chance to paint the town red. It’s the traditional color of Santa’s suit, of course, and the red...

This Sky Umbrella, with its lining of clouds, is one of Carleton Varney’s favorite items in the gift store at New York City’s Metropolitan Museum of Art. Designed by Tibor Kalman and Emanuela Frattini Magnusson,...

By Carleton Varney Special to the Daily News When I was a child, my sister, Vivian, and I looked forward to writing out our Christmas lists, with the gifts we hoped Santa would bring us....

By Carleton Varney Special to the Daily News When you think of table lamps, standing lamps and even chandeliers, you no doubt also think of shades, shades and more shades. Lampshades with stripes, with dots,...

By Carleton Varney Special to the Daily News I’ve written before in this space about luscious lavender. It’s among my decorating favorites but has, until lately, lagged behind in popularity in the broader design marketplace....

By Carleton Varney Special to the Daily News In November, “T” is for turkey — be it Tom Turkey or Tina Turkey – but “T” also is for Thanksgiving, my favorite holiday. Everyone I know...

I love the contrast of light furniture against a dark wall color. The étagère is custom made, I found it in a department store in Washington D.C. It holds a few of my special treasures:...

It is so important for children to enjoy the magic of color, to make it a lifelong friendship. This children's bedroom in Michigan is ideal for a sleepover and the next day's adventures!

Fall is officially here and Halloween is approaching. It is trick-or-treat candy time. Many children can't wait to dip into the candy jar, and have surely eyed out there favorite wish list of candies. Meanwhile,...