I have an affinity for tiny tables. I could go on a lengthy diatribe about how much I love them. They are charming and diminutive, functional and fun. So it was with great excitement that I came upon Johnson 3 and their custom telephone tables at the Architectural Digest Home Show. I love a good discovery, and this was her first trade show. As I got to chatting with owner Eileen Johnson, it was such fun to hear her say, "I know exactly who you are and have been reading your blog for years!" That was music to my ears, and our mutual admiration conversation began. To think that she worked for Karl Springer as an artisan in his workshop and is making these wonderful telephone tables in exactly the same way he did all those years ago is just amazing. She realized the resurgence in Springer admirers and since 2009 has been creating custom tables in her Upstate New York studio. The same attention to detail, surface material and craft goes into each handmade wood frame. Her specialty is exotic skins, which are becoming more of a challenge to source, but she can create leather, fabric and parchment wrapped pieces as well. The petite tables she creates are custom, made to order pieces, so if there is a color skin or fabric you prefer, it can me used to create a special version that is all your own.
The KB Occasional Table in natural snakeskin has cut corners with an inlaid solid border on the top
The same style in black with a Greek Key motif of inlaid natural skin on black snake
A wonderful overlapping pattern on a blush pink snakeskin ground
Red snakeskin with simple black border is a stunner
The KS Petite Telephone Table on casters is the style Springer was best known for. It is a little piece of art, so the surface area on all of her designs are lacquered to protect the surfaces.
In baby pink it is hard to not covet. I wanted to tuck this table under my arm and jump in a taxi, but I resisted the urge.
Nothing says chic quite like fire engine red snakeskin
Johnson also does this JMF Waterfall table with a bottom shelf and curved sides. It is a solid little table, great for using in areas where space is at a minimum. Covered in a fabric, it can be customized in skin, COM fabric or other material.
What a great find! These tables are fabulous, love every single one! I will further explore looking into this company. Thanks Marisa!
ReplyDeleteThese are adorable! My favorite is the black and Greek key motif.
ReplyDeleteMany years ago, I had the chance to speak with her and she kindly sent me her handmade portfolio. She had just started on her own I recall...we spoke of my collection of Karl Springer telephone tables, and I loved her enthusiasm and knowledge. I will now look for that portfolio and ponder a shocking pink python table perhaps...she worked for KS which is as good as his hands, somewhat like Sarah Burton for McQueen!
ReplyDeleteThese little tables are true works of art. KS designs brought to a higher level.
ReplyDeleteThanks for highlighting them.