Inspired French luxury for the home. Take a peek inside private upper class homes that reveal why D. Porthault has been the favored French luxury brand for linens and other fabrics for nearly one hundred years. Tour traditional and old-world styles as well as contemporary upmarket decor for younger families. Cheery bedrooms--many with canopy beds and playful wallpaper--flaunt sheets, coverlets, pillows, and shams in gorgeous printed florals. Sweetly decorated nurseries favor blue, pink, and yellow prints. Terry towels show off Porthault's signature scalloped and bound edges. Tables set with cloths, placemats, and napkins feature hand-embroidered, custom designs inspired by nature.

Rounding out the Porthault story are some very practical, detailed instructions on washing, drying, pressing, and storing fine linens along with tips for removing stains from natural fabrics. Clothes may make the man, but gorgeous, high-quality sheets make the bed. Brian D. Coleman, MD, divides his time between Seattle and New York. His articles have appeared in magazines ranging from Old House Journal, where he is the Editor-at-large; to Period Living in the U.K. Brian is the author of twenty books on the decorative arts, including the recent titles Farrow & Ball and Fortuny. Erik Kvalsvik has been the principal photographer of more than a dozen books, including Fortuny Interiors and Barry Dixon Inspirations, and Traditional Interiors.

He lives in Washington, DC.