Monday, August 31, 2009

Family Chairs - Design House Stockholm

The new Family Chairs Collection of traditional Swedish chairs drew me in with their clean lines and individuality. Designed by Lena Nordqvist for Design House Stockholm, it comes as no surprise this collection has already received an award for Excellence in Product Design. Every detail, right down to the horizontal spindles between the legs, offers each chair its own distinct style while the clean, minimalist aesthetic of the design provides a unifying collection. I'll take one of each please!

Thursday, August 27, 2009

Tritter Feefer Home Collection

I am thrilled to share my latest discovery in quality and unique home furnishings from the Tritter Feefer Home Collection. This diverse collection offers fine furniture custom-made in the U.S. with careful attention to detail and fine craftsmanship. The pieces are also available in a wide array of finishes. This small, family-based company is committed to protecting the environment throughout the manufacturing process.

Here's a few of my faves:
This Asian-influenced Shanghai Server Console measures 72"w x 16"d x 34"h, adding an eclectic flair to the collection.
The Michelangelo Demi Lune Console measures 41"w x 21"d x 31.5"h with fine details, exuding a romantic charm.
Measuring 40"w x 24"d x 30"h, this stunning Elizabeth Writing Desk exudes sophisticated elegance through its simple, natural lines.
The Hollywood Side Table combines a regal and rustic design, creating a unique accent piece measuring 25"w x 14"d x 25"h.

Tuesday, August 25, 2009

Cool stools

Stools iconic, modern or merely decorative are up to the task of garden gazing, breakfast eating, counter sitting or serenely occupying a corner. With a myriad of forms to choose from, it will be a mighty tough decision, how about one of these?The rustic beauty of hand-hewn keleng wood is what the Shard Stool by Ironies is all about.

Gerard's Etienne Barstool with hand-forged iron base and mahogany seat.

All it needs to be and nothing more, the Ansel Bar Seat through 17th and Riggs. Chrome finish and chocolate, black or white leather seat.
The Selangor Stool by Jiun Ho exemplifies the architectural influence on his furniture design.

Guinevere Antiques through 1stdibs, offers the c. 1900 Venetian Baroque Carved Limewood Stool.


The Glass Stool by Alison Berger for Holly Hunt, the 4" thick frosted glass practically glows.

The lightest touch of the Butterfly Stool, originally designed in 1954 by Sori Yanagi, now available through Hive Modern.

Why pull up a chair when you can perch on a stool?

Friday, August 21, 2009

The Russell Bed by Joe Ruggiero for Miles Talbott

This fully upholstered bed designed by Joe Ruggiero for Miles Talbott is yet another gem from his recent collection. The bed is both visually appealing as well as a welcome place to sleep off a hard days work. The headboard is available in leather or fabric, tufted or non tufted back and with or without nail heads. I like my bed designs to feature original, innovative design but also not go over the top in terms of flamboyance or extravagance. Above all other pieces, a bed should focus first on comfort and second on aesthetics. I believe this piece has the best of both worlds and offers designers a solid choice for a modern bedroom.

Thursday, August 20, 2009

Flying First Class

The new French-inspired Pierre Collection from Hutton Home takes flight on the wings of sophistication and luxury. The wing chair symbolizes classic elegance and exudes a timeless sense of style and the Pierre Collection reflects that refined aesthetic.
The Baron (above left) offers a regal silhouette and generous seating to combine comfort, class and distinction. The flowing curves and twists of the Mustache (above right) lend a fanciful charm to a graceful design.
The allure of the Femme Fatale (above) lies in the relaxing comfort of a fainting sofa's inspiration and the strength of the solid posture of the back.

This extraordinary collection offers the quality, comfort and luxury that designer John Hutton is known for. The Hutton Home collection is available through David Sutherland Showrooms in Dallas, Houston, New York, Chicago, Los Angeles and Dania.

Wednesday, August 19, 2009

Drucker Furniture from Walters Wicker

Walters Wicker is already one of the best sources for outdoor furnishings for both the residential and contract markets, but in order to stay on top in this market you need to stay aggressive and innovative. To that end Walters Wicker has become the exclusive United States distributor of Drucker Furniture, a French company founded in 1885. Shown above are two of Drucker's newest pieces, the Luxembourg Arm Chair and Marly Side Chair. The weaving of the chairs is done in Rislan, a synthetic thermo plastic poly-amide that assures protection from humidity and aging. The chairs are available in a wide variety of styles and colors, allowing for an infinite amount of combination's to suit any design pallet. Although designed for the outdoors, the chairs can also be placed in kitchens or sun rooms.

Tuesday, August 18, 2009

Take a Walk on the Wild Side

Ready to take a walk on the wild side? Then strut your stuff with Catwalk, the new collection from Perennials Fabrics, which made its debut at Maison et Objet, the international home furnishings show in Paris, France. This daring new collection of jacquard-woven outdoor velvets takes a ferociously fun approach to a leopard-inspired design and a luxurious feel. Catwalk is available in four unique colorways: Alley Cat incorporates a nocturnal black and rich chocolate; Sophisticat combines a tri-color fawn with black and tobacco brown; Cool Cat features the chic pairing of soft white and ivory; Crazy Cat possesses the untamed boldness of orange, pink and lime. As with all outdoor textiles from Perennials Fabrics, Catwalk is designed with high performance technologies suitable for demanding applications indoors and out.

Monday, August 17, 2009

Faux or No?

Faux Bois (from the French for false wood) refers to the artistic imitation of wood or wood grains in various media. It was very popular during the late 19th century through the 1940's, generally in the form of garden art. No longer is it relegated to the outdoors, but comes in a variety of forms and fashions for your indoor paradise.

The "Beaujon" Loveseat through Mecox Gardens, just what a pair of lovebirds might need to feather their nest.

A garden stool in the truest sense of the word from Treillage, Ltd.

From the more contemporary side of the forest, the Branch Side Table from West Elm.

Assemblage, Ltd. through 1stdibs offers a stunning carved and painted headboard that is oh-so-dreamy.

The fabulously twisted Root Wood Console handmade in France by Thomas Boog for James Duncan and Pieces, Inc.

Nobilis puts the wood on your walls with Papier Bois in 15 fabulous colorways from quiet, earthy neutrals to otherwordly pinks, blues and yellows.

And just for fun, cb2 lets you go a little stir crazy with these fun, faux twigs.

Technically, several of the pieces are not true faux bois, but are carved, painted or root wood. Can you tell which is which?

Friday, August 14, 2009

The Westfield Collection from Joe Ruggiero for Miles Talbott

I must admit that I am a poor choice to judge wicker furniture. I grew up surrounded by great wicker designs and I have come to associate it with good times and happiness. I love the stuff and I usually am quite taken with any kind of wicker design, thus making me a poor choice to give an honest opinion. There is something about the natural feel and style of wicker furniture that makes me feel very comfortable and safe.
Having said all of that, I am most dazzled by the recent designs from Joe Ruggiero for Miles Talbott. The furniture is exquisite in its creativity and class, emanating a sense of refined style while retaining the quaint modesty of wicker. Wicker designs are difficult to do on such a large scale, but Ruggiero has created an engaging and attractive collection worth checking out. The pieces are symmetrical and comfortable and would fit nicely on a large patio or deck.

Tuesday, August 11, 2009

The Perfect Pair

I officially have a new favorite couple. Brad and Angelina are so yesterday – I'm all about Arthur and Pauline, two stunning new chairs from the Joe Ruggiero Collection by Miles Talbott. Separately, each chair exudes luxury and style.
Arthur (above), a cap arm lounge chair inspired by men's club chairs of London, is available in leather or fabric with or without nail-head trim.
Pauline offers the timeless sophistication of a barrel wing chair and is available in leather or fabric, with or without nail-head trim.
Paired together or featured separately these chairs will undoubtedly become the center of attention, attracting legions of fans, in any room they are in. The Gable Cocktail Ottoman (shown above) proves to be a perfect companion to the new "it" couple with its generous size and functionality. It is also available in fabric or leather, with or without nail-head trim.

A Nod to Mod

Clean, spare, modern, timeless. Whether these pieces are reissues, reinterpretations or completely original, they look to the past for design inspiration while embracing current trends and desires. These are truly the "comfort food" for the homes of the boomer generation, but have found a whole new audience with the X's and Y's.

In perfect balance, the console by Jens Risom for Ralph Pucci International.

The chaise by Thos. Moser is an ode to Alvar Aalto's tubular frame relaxer of an earlier era.

The "Papa Bear" or "Teddy Bear" chair as designed by Hans Wegner is just right, and available through House of Copenhagen in a range of finishes and fabrics.

Jonathan Adler's Philippe Loveseat is "Jetsons" cool.
For the media room or the board room or maybe the man cave, the Dexter Chair by Mitchell Gold + Bob Williams.
The keen eye of Michael Berman Ltd. produced the Griffith Console with shagreen leather doors.

The epitome of the modern design aesthetic, Christian Liaigre at Holly Hunt, offers the Ile de Re Armchair.

Rob and Laura Petrie never had it so good.

Monday, August 10, 2009

Nutmeg Chapter IV of Deep Tones from J. Robert Scott

From the uncompromising creativity of Sally Sirkin Lewis comes Chapter IV in the Deep Tones Collection. J. Robert Scott has long been known as a purveyor of fine fabrics, and they have continued that legacy of excellence with their latest collection of textiles. Lewis has the ability to take a simple design and mold it into an inventive textile presentation. Each chapter in the collection offers a unique take on fine textile production, and Chapter IV is no disappointment. Pictured clockwise, from the top right, are Sheet Twist, Cascade, Silk Mohair, Silk Tapis and Boucle Ribbon Tweed. Stay tuned for more breathtaking fabrics from J. Robert Scott.

Friday, August 7, 2009

Pindler Green

Pindler & Pindler, Inc., a name synonymous with artistic textile design and luxury fabric production, has introduced a new line of sustainable fabrics, Pindler Green. This new collection consists of high quality fabrics comprised of natural fibers, including certified organic cotton, linen, jute, flax, bamboo, hemp, wool and silk. Pindler uses certified dyers that specialize in low-impact and non-toxic dyes in the production process. The fabrics are offered in an assortment of prints, geometric designs and stripes. Pindler Green combines sustainability, luxury and quality, creating a textile collection suitable for a variety of applications.

Wednesday, August 5, 2009

Haven Collection from Brentano



Brentano releases the 2009 Haven collection to much fanfare and delight. The collection offers a surprisingly eclectic group of fabric that offers designers a refreshing alternative to the same old materials. Two of the patterns won awards in the 13th Annual IIDA/HD Product Design Competition honoring innovative, functional and aesthetically beautiful design products in the industry. Rendezvous (top), is "a drapery constructed by laser-cutting a layer of stylish sails to create beautiful depth and luster." It is available in three colorways. De-vine (bottom), is "Double-embroidered with a large-scale repeat, this faux leather is ideal for accent pieces in upscale interiors." Both fabrics are sure to attract attention for their original use of texture and style.

Tuesday, August 4, 2009

Give me shelter

A sofa should be warm, welcoming and comfortable, with looks to match, as it is generally the foundation around which a room plan is built. Shelter sofas, or tuxedo sofas, are my personal favorite, and their clean, architectural form can be used in a myriad of ways.
The Wabi designed by Francesco Rota for Paola Lenti for the outdoor living room.
DessinFournir's Baines Loveseat, clubby and masculine.
The perfect entry perch, Edward Ferrell's Shelter Sofa.

The Milano Sofa, Ebanista's take on the classic Knole sofa, with hinged arms that can be lowered or held upright with cords tied at the corner finials. The detail was originally used to accommodate the large dresses of noble women.
Great looking with a button tufted back and stacked pillows is the Oly Studio Dakota Sofa.
Crate and Barrel's Nines Sofa is available in both a full version and "apartment" size. It also features eco-friendly construction.

The Archetype Collection through Baker, features the Wood Banded Sofa, with a tight back and bolster pillows, an updated version of a 30's Moderne look.
My personal favorite, inducing extreme sofa envy, is the Pavilion Sofa by Michael Berman Limited.

Care to take a seat?