THE HAMPTON CLASSICS(3)

Comfort is a theme that resonates throughout the collection-from the diminutive but very comfy "Hubert" slipper chair ("I didn't want my friends to come over for a party and think that they were getting the worst seat in the house") to the sleek "Roberts" sofa (four prototypes were produced before it met Alexa's "lounging test").

She refers to the furniture by name with a sense of fond familiarity that's usually reserved for describing a favorite aunt or admired cousin (many are in fact named for friends and family members). Each piece does seem to have its own character-the "Nadine" side table is cheeky and fun while the "Gallagher" cabinet is regal and judicious.

It's no surprise, then, that when asked which piece she's planning on adding to her own home, she chooses the "Mark" desk, saying a bit wistfully, "I never would have named it for my father if I didn't love it."