Wednesday, February 25, 2009

BRIT FASHION DESIGNER ALICE TEMPERLEY COLLABORATES WITH THE RUG COMPANY ADDING A RUG AND PILLOWS

Photos Courtesy of The Rug Company
The Rug Company just came out with these uber- floral bouquet pillows and a rug from Brit fashion designer Alice Temperley, who is known for her frothy dresses. As a British company, they often tap a fellow Brit to do collections with them. The Peony pillow, shown above, combines hand woven tapestry and embroidery. Her use of pattern and bold color make her runway to home transition a natural one. They are available through The Rug Company


Ophelia, her magenta and red rug of Tibetan wool is adorable and full of joie de vive.


Florentine is done in a hand woven wool tapestry. The rich colors and intricate blooms bring the garden to the sofa.

Tuesday, February 24, 2009

IS SPRING IN THE AIR?


The window display for Todd Romano's Showroom includes a cheery Dek Tillet floral print. Could the flowers of spring be that far off?


The citrus lime Spitzmiller lamps pop with the pink walls, a great color combination to greet the warmer weather when it arrives.

Thursday, February 19, 2009

BEE LINE HOME BY BUNNY WILLIAMS MAKES ITS DEBUT

Bee Line Home is a furniture and accessories collection created and developed by New York interior designer Bunny Williams. Consisting of an eclectic mix, the selection includes tables high and low, lamps, chairs, and accessories. Available in March, it will be sold in home shops around the country at retail. I will share the shops with you when they are available. The 2009 collection pieces are done in limited editions, and the upholstery can be done COM (with the client's own fabric). The new year brings a new collection, creating a unique offering with get-it-while-its- hot appeal. Bunny created the line out of a need for things she could not find on the market. Her travels and personal antiques collection drove the designs. As she says," The Hallmark of my design work is combining pieces of varying quality and provenance, creating interesting combinations and unexpected juxtapositions....my tastes are unabashedly eclectic." The Bee Line website is up and running, so take a peek!


I had the opportunity to stop by her office and take a look at the line. The BLH Catalog sits on a stack on the corner of Bunny's desk.


The Workhorse desk can handle it all. For creative people this is where it all happens. Bunny created a functional piece that she would love and use--- an extended shelf can hold inspirational books and magazines. A vase of flowers for a pop of fresh color, laptop, and stacks of stuff make Bunny's work space pleasing to the eye and a nice place to sit. Visual stimuli is all around!


Eclipse side chairs around the Rosewood Center Table with Regency touches.


A full shot of the Eclipse.


The eglomise cocktail table has a painted glass top that was fortuny inspired.


A Chicken Feather Pottery Lamp is a good accessory to bring color into a space . The lattice pattern came from Peruvian pottery Bunny had. Here, she made a fantastic shirred fabric shade with beaded trim (lamps do not include shades).


The clear glass Luna Lamp has two glass pieces forming a front and back, with a decorative star on the wire that comes down through the center. The pagoda shade makes this accent piece jewelry for the room.


Tole Forged Hurricanes add a rustic charm with their ball and scallop detail.


Twigs, a gilded faux bois mirror is a wonderful size. Whether in a large room or a diminutive one, this traditional, elegant piece will work.


The other mirror in the line is The Shadowbox. It has a deep set, gilded frame with star accents. Mirrors and candle light together are magical--the gilt surface with a warm, candlelight glow would be divine.


The singular sofa in the collection is The Nailhead Sofa. With a tight back and three loose cushions, it is set at a deeper pitch to easily accommodate throw pillows. The decorative cut- out apron with and nailheads are nice details. Also shown is The Ebony Anglo Coffee Table, with a black finish and faux bone painted inlay. It is a good height and has surface interest, with a detailed top. It would be hard to cover it with books because then you would miss out on the wonderful pattern. Save that cherished book selection for book cases or stack them underneath if you need to conserve space.


This desk is great for a den and for a woman's office because of it's Neo- Classical columns. The Palladian Partners Desk with its Mahogany-inlaid top can be stacked high with books and still have room for a computer, pictures and other essentials.


Her Tambour Side Table with dark wood finish would make a nice nightstand- a shelf for books and magazines and at least one drawer are my nightstand prerequisites. It has to be useful.


The Hourglass Table with an octagonal base and stone top brings 1940's glam with the old gold patina finish. The lamp here is The Turquoise Glazed Ceramic Lamp, a vibrant blue with striated glazes.


The Painted Regale Armchair sits next to the sweet little Bottom's Up Drinks Table with galuchat top.


This pairing is tailored and can be used anywhere. The T42 Chair and Ottoman has tight, tufted upholstery, so you can put a tray on the ottoman and rest your feet simultaneously if you wish. The arm is curved and low, so there is a place for stray elbows.


I love seeing how Bunny dresses a sofa: the throw over the back, a cluster of throw pillows at the sides and one in the center.


You can never own enough throws. This Arabesque Throw is a work of art, combining hand embroidery on silk with ribbon detail. The pattern and color are vibrant and full of life, great as a wall hanging or decorative item.


A mango wood high- relief Garden panel captures a stylized scenic garden, often seen on decorative panels of the 1930's. The monochromatic white finish makes this piece fresh and new.


Rich saffron yellow, soft blue and olive green in Ottoman Empire motifs can be that final detail that brings a room together. Couture Indian embroidery brings a global exotic element to an interior.


English Crewelwork Pillows add a rich, handmade element to a space. Vibrant colors and textured threads set against a cream ground make a statement.

Monday, February 16, 2009

MRS. JOHN L. STRONG GOING 80 YEARS STRONG: PAPER TO PINE FOR

Nothing says luxury like hand-engraved paper from Mrs. John L. Strong. To celebrate the 80th Anniversary of the stationer to the stylish, they are offering 40% off a bespoke paper order. Owner Nanette Brown, one of the most chic women there is, has attracted a younger audience to the brand, and this will certainly help. There is nothing like the quality of the ecru paper stamped hand- made dyes, wrapped in a signature chocolate box with red crown detail.
But that is not all!
Hurry to Mrs.Strong online to scoop up items from The Vault that are up to 75% off.

These gift tags make giving gorgeous:

Photos courtesy of Mrs.Strong
Pineapple signals hospitality and welcome to all. Be a hostess with the mostess and jump on these at $6.25 for 5 tags.


These little blooms smell out of this world, so why don't you spray your gift tags with a little Jo Malone Orange Blossom for a scent -filled moment?

Friday, February 13, 2009

AUCTION ALERT: RAGO'S MODERN AUCTIONS “FROM STICKLEY TO STARCK,” A 20th CENTURY DESIGN SALE FOR THE YOUNG CITY-DWELLER ON FEBRUARY 14-15, 2009



Photo Courtesy of Rago
Sollo Rago Modern Auctions out of Lambertville, New Jersey is having a great auction coming up over the next two days. Young buyers can bid for original pieces from great designers such as Charles and Ray Eames, Florence Knoll, Herman Miller and Gustav Stickley. The chairs above are Modern King and Queen iron birdcage chairs. 71'' x 22 1/2'' x 22'' and 66'' x 22 1/2'' x 21''Estimate: $2,000 - $4,000
Jad Attal, the specialist in charge of REAL MODERN, understands what young, urban buyers are looking for because he is in the market, too. A young father of two, he lives just outside of the New York City.

He has this advice for those looking to buy from auction:

"Browse the online auction catalogue by maker or type of furniture or just piece by piece. It’s like looking at any store’s online catalogue. You’ll see photos and details: the maker, the dimensions, materials used. Instead of a flat price, though, you’ll also see a presale estimate. This is the price range where the auction house thinks the piece will sell, so you get a sense of its value. It might sell in that range or for more or for less, too. So don’t be afraid to ask questions about something you like but think you can’t quite afford."

Let the bidding begin! Check out the goods at the Rago Arts website and decide what your maximum bids will be!

Thursday, February 12, 2009

STYLEBEAT SHOWS YOU HOW TO ESCAPE THE WINTER BLAHS

BY READING:


Photos courtesy of Rizzoli
Escape hum drum everyday life and dive into Rizzoli's latest fantasy getaway tome, Ultimate Tropical. Showing a variety of resorts and getaway homes in the tropics, author Luca Invernizzi Tettoni combed Asia and Thailand where he lives to come up with over 500 images of lush gardens, giant resorts made from wood from the locale, and ocean side retreats.


BY HANGING


Plates on your wall from New Arcadia. These bloom- filled plates will brighten any room. Fauvist fabulosity!


BY VISITING

Photo from Indigare
Harbour Island and staying at The Pink Sands.


BY GIVING GIFTS
Photo courtesy of Lifeguard Press
Wrapped in the new Lilly Pulitzer wrapping paper from Lifeguard Press.

BY WEARING

A stunning, rather large Mustique shell ring by Mesi Jilly.

Photo Courtesy of Virginia Witbeck Design LLC
A delightful voile lattice print caftan with matching headband from Virginia Witbeck Design LLC. Contact her at vmwdesign@aol.com.

BY PURCHASING BEACHY GOODIES


Photos courtesy of Shoshanna
Channel old Palm Beach with beach bag and towel from Shoshanna.

BY CARRYING
Photo Courtesy of Felix Rey
The Marissa Clutch from Felix Rey is a great bag to have for the summer. Thankfully, Ikat is being done more in fashion, not just by Oscar de la Renta. Buy now, carry later.


BY DRINKING
Photo Courtesy of lifeguard Press
And placing your glass on Lilly coasters from Lifeguard Press.

Wednesday, February 11, 2009

COZY CHIC NEW YORK RESTAURANT LA GOULUE IS CLOSING


Madison and 64th Street is near the three B's, Bergdorfs, Bendels, Barneys and the D and D Building-- the ideal meet up spot. La Goulue was always the perfect place to meet friends for a fun french dinner of haricots verts and tuna tartare. In the summer, you could sit outside for the best people watching. Sadly, the economic climate is forcing them to close after 36 years of business. It's the end of an era. You could always rely on spotting an interior designer or design- world friend at this upper east side see -and- be -seen boite. Fans will have to now head further uptown to the owner's other nice French bistro, Orsay for a truly French dining moment.

Tuesday, February 10, 2009

HABLE CONSTRUCTION IS CLOSING THE PERRY STREET SHOP: NOT TO WORRY, YOU CAN STILL SHOP ONLINE


The great gals of Hable Construction have decided to take down their retail shingle at their little shop on 117 Perry St. in the West Village. But don't despair, you can find all of their adorable prints,pillows and creations online at their fab website. If you are in the mood for a deal and a bit of shopping here is the scoop:

-assorted heavyweight canvas Hable totes: 50% off original prices (NOW $45 and up)

-assorted storage items: 50% off original prices

-snowglobes: NOW $3 - 15; WAS $21 - 61

-handmade assorted shell pincushions: NOW $18; WAS $38

-assorted antique display items/furniture: prices and descriptions vary

-soy-based Alora Candles: NOW $20; WAS $38

THE RUG COMPANY GOES GRAPHIC

All photos courtesy of the Rug Co.
British fashionista central The Rug Company has recently launched new rugs from are bold and bright. They are all designed by Rug Co. founder Suzanne Sharp, who has gained a loyal following with her interior and fashion designer-created rugs. This is the Ponti in red.


The Rug Company shoots their ads in the most stunning locations.


Key Shadow in kelly green.



A pretty room set by The Rug Company.


Another stunning room showing Sellarsbrook in yellow.


Sellarsbrook in blue.

JOE NYE, BARCLAY BUTERA AND AMY LAU SHARE THEIR FAVORITE THINGS FROM THE LAS VEGAS HOME SHOW: CLICK BELOW TO WATCH THE WEBCAST



Design personality Susanna Salk moderated a discussion with trend-setters Barclay Butera, Amy Lau and Joe Nye. From the Las Vegas Market show floor, they had a fast-paced and interactive chat about what they had seen at the market. Click here to watch the informative and fun conversation via webcast. Color, chinoiserie, featuring my favorite Jardins en Fleur, woven synthetic furniture and the use of re-purposed wood are discussed.