THAT 70's VIBE

If you've had your eyes open lately, you have been seeing touches of brass everywhere. From accent pieces to all-out shiny metal tables, the warm touch and look of brass is a 70's throwback that is seriously back.  Around the globe, designers in the 70's embraced the warm metal--  in America Karl Springer was using it, Italian Gabriella Crespi and France's Maria Pergay designed with it, and England's Willy Rizzo gave it a transformational quality. To learn about these and others, visit Jen Renzi's article on the subject that ran in The WSJ Magazine in August. It provides the back story on the great designers of the past and highlights why their pieces are making a comeback. If you are feeling a bit of brass would give your home some sparkle, there are some terrific pieces both old and new that you will surely take a shine to.

Photo by Simon Upton/Elle Decor

The image that set the blogosphere all atwitter of Aerin Lauder's New York dressing room, with hand painted Gracie wallpaper and  brass covered Gabriella Crespi-designed Z Desk. It was shot by Simon Upton and ran in Elle Decor years ago, but it made such a strong impression for its mix of pretty and strong pieces. The desk, Aerin found at Liz O'Brien, the incredible vintage furniture gallery, run by one of the best eye's the business.

Photo courtesy of The Wall Street Journal Magazine

Clean lines and sharp angles make the smooth brass veneered desk by Crespi an iconic marvel. It seems so ahead of its time, since it looks very now, yet was designed in 1974.

A Karl Springer Ram's head lucite and brass lamp with original shade from Marc Joseph on Etsy is beyond fabulous. Someone needs to start making this lamp pronto!

 Photo courtesy of 1st Dibs

Flair French 1970's lucite etagere with brass corners through 1st Dibs incorporates two materials I adore, lucite and brass.

 Photo courtesy of One Kings Lane

Joannes Lucas Velvet and Brass vintage armchairs in pale pink velvet on One Kings Lane 

Photo courtesy of Vintage Studio Design

A brass and glass Karl Springer Table from Vintage Studio Design is a score and the tubular legs have a strong presence.

Photo courtesy of DwellStudio

Slanted Votive Holders of brass from DwellStudio have a similar look.

 Photo courtesy of V and M

A brass and chrome console with tubular legs and smoky glass top from Trebor Nevits on V and M has brooding appeal.

 Photo courtesy of V and M

Willy Rizzo's Flaminia Side Table of chrome and brass from Quintessentia on V and M mixes metals for a high bling factor.

 Photo courtesy of V and M

A parchment wrapped set of nesting tables with brass corners from the Rizzo-era also from Quintessentia on V and M.

Photo courtesy of V and M

Slim curved chrome linear detailing on orange upholstered Milo Baughman armchairs from V and M.

Photo courtesy of Kelly Wearstler

As one who has long embraced the material and used in almost all of her work to some degree, Kelly Wearstler is indeed an early adapter.  Her Dip Dish with 22 karat gold glaze from Kelly Wearstler's Melrose Avenue flagship boutique looks antique a patina of age makes this new piece mellow.

Photo courtesy of Dwell Studio

Like A Brancusi sculpture or Italian dynamist piece, this brass and marble Tubular Burst sculpture from Dwell Studio captures movement.

Photo courtesy of Dwell Studio

Dwell Studio's Oval brass sculpture on a marble base inspired by iconic mid-century designs is a nice way to incoprorate a sculptural element without breaking the bank.

Photo courtesy of Flair

Octagonal brass and cognac ostrich mirror a Flair Home exclusive, has a hint of brass.

Photo courtesy of Arteriors

The Apollo Wall Hanging from Arteriors, like large wheels, add a textural warm focal point on a wall.