MID CENTURY MODERN

Modernism is hot, and here are two ways to learn and acquire.
Read Vintage Furniture Collecting and Living with Modern Design Classics by Fay Sweet coming out in May, and attend The Sollo Rago Modern Annex Auction.

Check out the terrific vintage pieces being offered in the Sollo Rago 20th Century Two-day Modern sale in Lambertville New Jersey from April 12-13th. April 12th is the Dorsey Reading sale --a must visit for collectors, as it will offer a pristine collection of Paul Evans furniture, with some Phillip Lloyd Powell. Dorsey worked along side Evans from 1959 on, and has amassed a very unique collection. Some of the hot pieces include this divine cabinet shown below.

To find out more, Sollo Rago is located at 204 North Union Street, Lambertville NJ. For more information phone 609-397-9374 or visit www.ragoarts.com

Photo Courtesy of Sollo Rago
Lot 100 Paul Evans Two-door vertical Sculpture Front cabinet, vibrantly patinated with edges trimmed in 23K gold-leaf, the red-washed interior with three gold-leaf drawers and numerous compartments, 1972. (From the collection of Dorsey Reading.) Signed Paul Evans '72 D. 82" x 36" x 20" $80,000 - $120,000

Photo Courtesy of Conde Nast Archive Corbis

With the current craze for mid-century modern furniture, it helps to learn a thing or two about what you like and want to buy.
Fay Sweet, an authority on modern design, digs into early and mid-century modernism, highlighting iconic furniture pieces and their designers. Period interiors enhance the pages, seeing furniture in this context is inspiring. Design greats, 20 of whom are profiled, are recognized for their contribution to the way the world looks at form and function through furnishings. Beginning in the 1950's, the book takes us to new millennium collectables like the now classic Ron Arad and Marcel Wanders pieces. A helpful collecting guide offers purchasing insights, and how to buy at auction. If you did not major in art history, this is a good book to add to your library. It comes out in May from Antique Collectors Club.

Photo Courtesy of Getty
Italian design giant Gio Ponti takes a break from designing the Super Leggera chair (possibly) to smile for the camera.

Get your Charles and Ray Eames,Arne Jacobsen and Verner Panton fix.

NEW ACCESSORIES FROM VICTORIA HAGAN FOR TARGET

Good things come to those who wait. For those awaiting more great designs from the highly successful Victoria Hagan collection for Target, the goods are here! Below is a selection of a few outstanding pieces:


Photo Courtesy of Target
The Bethel cut corner mirror from Victoria Hagan for Target has great style. The black is a versatile color that can be used in any setting. The Regency influence comes across in the unique form.

Photo Courtesy of Target
One can never own enough bowls. I love this artisan piece. It reminds me of early American pottery and the blue design makes it fresh.

Photo Courtesy of Target
The Jackson Book Table would look great piled high with the latest design books. The clean outline and easy size would work well in an entryway as a console or, get two and put them together behind a long sofa.

JUST ANNOUNCED: INTERIOR DESIGNERS PARTICIPATING IN THE 36th ANNUAL KIPS BAY DECORATOR SHOWHOUSE

The most esteemed show House in the country, Kips Bay, has just introduced the designer lineup for this year. However, in a new twist, the event will take place in an apartment building, instead of the usual townhouse setting. The site, a 1950's block-long white brick monstrosity, Manhattan House, will certainly be something to see. It is in the process of going co-op and with the largest garden of any building in the city, the property will look great in the spring. The views from the penthouse are not to be missed.

The best part is that the money raised from this goes to Kips Bay Boys and Girls Club, the non profit that provides after school youth programs in the Bronx.

Come see this talented group take apartment living to a whole new level on April 24th at 200 East 66th Street.

Drum roll please:

Andrew Edward Kepler Design & Interiors
Bilotta Kitchens of New York with Chef Daniel Boulud
Bograd Kids, Inc.
Burton Katon Halliday New York
Cetra/Ruddy Incorporated
Charlotte Moss Interior Design
Ellen Ward Scarborough Ltd. with Pariscope Design
Geoffrey Bradfield Inc.
Jeff Lincoln Interiors
Kondylis Design
Larry Laslo Designs
Richard L. Ridge & Roderick R. Denault Interior Design
S. Russell Groves Interior Design
Sara Bengur Interiors
Sara Story Design
Stephen Miller Siegel Architects
TRUCK Product Architecture for Nurseryworks
White Webb
William McIntosh Design

Congratulations!

ISLAND LIVING: PALM FRONDS SWAYING IN THE BREEZE

In order to capture the sea breezes, cool colors and azure ocean in island inspired interiors, it is all about the simplicity. By using soft soothing or bold sunny colors, easy living is at your fingertips. Think batik sarongs, tall glass vases filled with nautilus shells, grasscloth and simple furnishings.
Photo Courtesy of Island Living by India Hicks




The new Brunschwig and Fils collection was great, especially this tropical floral pattern. Climbing blooms in a fresh color palette is always energizing in a room scheme.


Keep it cool with this printed fan from Areo Home. This is also great for a tropical wedding to keep the cool breezes flowing. What a chic detail-- the guests will surely want to take theirs home.


Put some John Robshaw batik bedding in your guest room. The intricate Indian-inspired patterns, embroidery and saturated colors look great when mixed and matched. See all the new introductions at John Robshaw


This new bed from Oly Studio is just the thing to offset the brightness of the sheets. The wingback headboard is a popular shape, and I like the clean lines this one has.

Photo Courtesy of Century Furniture
Water hyacinth looks good in desk accessories, storage boxes and yes, even chairs. This piece from Century Furniture can be used around the dining table and on a covered loggia.


Every time Quadrille launches a new collection, I just want everything in it. This easygoing print is intricately detailed yet simple with just 3 colors. Such a great combination to build a room around. A cushion for the chair above, perhaps?

Photo Courtesy of Century Furniture
Wingback chairs are a mainstay around a fireplace. This fresh take on the classic is reinterpreted in a casual, lighter material.
Find out where you can get yours at Century Furniture



Sky blue and coral are still hot colors this season. Dransfield and Ross work the palette with these woven stray mats. D and R uses ribbons, embroidery and unique prints in their line, which really sets them apart from the rest. Very Kate Spade beach bag for the table. In a word, adorable.

ANIMAL PRINTS AT HOME: GETTING IT RIGHT

Go for broke with animal prints. Upholster the walls, settee and pillows in it. Or else use less and go for the accent pieces. Working with spots and zig zags can be a challenge. As long as you use the same fabric throughout, do not fear. The pops of zebra shown here are ways to get the look without feeling like you are at the zoo.

Black and white has again come around in a big way, just look at what is coming from Maison et Objets. Clean crisp and comfortable, the combination comes and goes every few seasons, each time it gets more creative.


Quadrille has 2 great new animal prints on cotton. They are striking and casual--perfect for a sunroom or study. Because the print is simple, it can have a lot of impact used on everything.

Photo Courtesy of Thistle and Bee
A Cheetah never loses it's spots and this beautiful frame from Thistle and Bee has spots galore.


Quadrille Fabric's other great new print has a pretty border that can be used creatively, as the leading edge on a window treatment, a skirt for a sofa....

Photo Courtesy of Thistle and Bee
This zebra is clean and classic. The silver edging makes the pattern stand out. Check for a retailer near you at Thistle and Bee

Photo Courtesy of DwellStudio for Target
Brand new from Target, DwellStudio brings it's whimsical bedding for big and little people to Target. Their creative prints are current and use interesting color combinations. Founder Christiane Lemieux began Dwell in 1999, bringing modern textile design and pattern to bedding in a fresh new way. She has a great design background and would always amaze me with her bold new introductions at the Gift Shows. The design sleuths at Target sought her out, and voila, it is a great match. Get this adorable, soft and cozy rug now, from Target

Photo Courtesy of Toss Designs
When serving guests dessert, isn't is nice to do it in a fun way? Serve black and white cookies on these sweet little plates from Toss Designs

Photo Courtesy of The New York Times
Scalamandre, the wonderful fabric house I worked for way back when, made a great decision to relaunch its famous Zebra wallpaper. Gino's Italian Restaurant, here in New York, is known for the running zebra's on its walls (lest we forget the spaghetti that is going cold because of staring at them). The paper was then used in the Royal Tannenbaums, and its place was again secured as a new old classic.

Photo Courtesy of Postobello Home for Drexel Heritage
A touch of stripes may be all you need. The Kenya mirror of zebra printed cowhide from Postobello Home for Drexel Heritage is just that.


The pattern is great, but then again, the animal is also adorable. This regal zebra in a round frame just might look better on the wall then your relatives. Hunt him down at Natural Curiousities