Tuesday, July 30, 2013

A CROCKERY PURE AND SIMPLE: ARTIST MAX LAMB'S FINE BONE CHINA

I love what modern British artist Max Lamb has created for 1882 Ltd, Johnson Brother's Stoke on Trent-based bone china manufacturer. The name comes from the year the company was founded, and it celebrates the Johnson Brother's ceramics heritage. Pushing forward with innovation and a new modern sensibility, this distinctly British brand, part of Wedgwood, captured an entirely new audience with the addition of Lamb's pure white Crockery designs. Both naive and modern, the bowls, jug and mug have a stone age quality to them.  Not only do they bring about a smile, they are substantial, simple and not too precious looking, which is kind of cool for a material that is usually fairly dainty. They would look fantastic in a modern kitchen with open shelving, or paired with an old, well worn farm table. Made from molds carved by Lamb, the Crockery goes through a traditional crafting process to achieve the desired results. The collection is being carried at one of my favorite modern incubators, Garde in LA. 

 Photos courtesy of 1882 Ltd and Garde
The Crockery mold

Matte and smooth make a nice juxtaposition

 The Jug

 The Mug



 The Large Shallow Bowl

The Deep Bowl

Monday, July 29, 2013

PRESENT COMPANY: 14 HOSTESS GIFTS WITH SUMMER APPEAL

Summer travels often include staying with friends. Friends like gifts, and being appreciated for their generosity. Be prepared for the next warm weather get-together or being a house guest with gifts that are personal, colorful and useful. Arrive with more than flowers or a bottle of wine. Your effort will stand out and hopefully garner a command performance next year.

Photo courtesy of Terrain
Try your best to hit the shuttlecock to someone; a good rally always boosts spirits. Four can play at this game, from Terrain.

Photo courtesy of Pick On Us
Embrace a hobby you or your friends love and incorporate it into a party theme or bring along as a gift to give. These fun cocktail stirrers from Pick On Us add an element of fun.

Photo courtesy of Horchow
For a nautical accent that is subtly seaside, bring along Horchow's Rope Cheese servers. 

Photo courtesy of Morris Kitchen
To ensure drinks flow freely, consider toting along a mixer to make cocktail hour worth it. Morris Kitchen's simply syrup flavored with natural ingredients will make children and adults happy. Add it to sparking water to create a kid-friendly soda or a dash of vodka for a kicky cocktail concoction.

 Photo courtesy of Julia B.
Wow your host when you show up with a personalized gift in hand. Julia B.'s custom house and home chez or casa embroidered napkins provide a sense of place, depending upon which color combination you choose. You can have them in 2-3 weeks so order them soon to have this summer.

Photo courtesy of Ralph Lauren
Having elegant salt and pepper shakers on the table elevates even the messiest BBQ. Add a little bit of shimmer with Ralph Lauren's Wentworth Salt and Pepper Shakers. They have little handles making them look like mini beer steins.

Photo courtesy of Sferra
Casual checks, or gingham, as seen in Sferra's Piccadilly pattern linen napkins are summer-appropriate for inside or outdoor meals. They might just become your daily go-to for breakfast, lunch and dinner. Find them at Gracious Style, along with place mats to match.


Photo courtesy of Bloomingdale's
Oscar de la Renta's teak cheese board tray is an entertaining workhorse. Serve cheese, or use it to let steaks cool.

Photo courtesy of Minam
Pie and tart makers rejoice, here is a rolling pin that looks as great as it works. Minam's classic wooden rolling pin is available in 3 wood types, so choose the shade depending upon the rustic or modern kitchen it will live in.

Iomoi's customized canvas valet tray stores loose change and jewelry. Plus, it is easily portable to travel with. I love my tray with orange and pink stripes along with a low-key monogram.  It sits on my dresser to collect pieces I like to rotate out.


Photo courtesy of Serpent Sea
Add a bright pop of color with a woven recycled nautical robe doormat from Serpent Sea for enhanced curb appeal that anyone will find welcoming.

 Photo courtesy of Roberta Roller Rabbit
You can never have enough super absorbent, bright beach towels. With the addition of red and yellow fish, Roberta Roller Rabbit's Sardinia towels have their signature wide border.

 Photo courtesy of Serena and Lily
For the beach or favorite reading chair, Serena and Lily's light knit cotton throw with an orange border can easily ward off a chill.

Photo courtesy of Treillage
Summer is a time to surround yourself with greenery, so add some maidenhair ferns and myrtle to your orchid assortment. Treillage has a tole cachepot that adds a bit of rustic chic to a country home with a hand painted faux bamboo finish.



Friday, July 26, 2013

STYLISH WAYS TO KEEP BUGS AT BAY

After sitting outside amidst hungry mosquitoes numerous times last weekend, I decided there has to be a better way to protect against bugs while dining al fresco. Thus began my quest to find the attractive bug - off candle. Behold, my finds below. Just light a half an hour before sitting down at the table and you will create an anti-bug barrier. Don't let pesky flying things get in the way of your having a good time.

Photo courtesy of Sur La Table
How adorable, mini Citronella candles in terra cotta pots. Buy a bunch from Sur La Table

Photo courtesy of Terrain
With 80 hours of burn time, Terrain's Summer's Night Citronella Candle in a simple recycled glass pot can double as a wine coaster when finished.

Photo courtesy of Bloomingdales
What a pleasant surprise to learn that Juliska makes a triple wick Citronella candle in their classic Berry and Thread tabletop pattern. It looks good while working hard. Available at Bloomingdales.

Photo courtesy of Lafco
If citronella is not really your thing, Geranium and and Mint are nature's miracle combination to ward off stingers. Lafco's successful House and Home collection of substantial candles in hand blown glass vessels are attractive and subtle.

Photo courtesy of Anthropologie
And if you are really vigilant, you can head off swarms by arming yourself before venturing out of doors with Hazelwood's Bug-Be-Gone Lotion. An exclusive blend of citronella, nepetalactone (concentrated catnip), lavender, and black pepper essential oils do their thing. Find it at Anthropologie.

Wednesday, July 24, 2013

JULES REID'S TIE BACK TASSELS YOU CAN WEAR

Known for her brightly-hued tunics and dresses with a mod vintage 60's feel, Jules Reid also creates a small collection of jewelery. If you like the idea of wearable interior design accents, her Buddha Tassel Necklaces add a lot of punch to a caftan or a-line dress for a look that is a bit boho, a bit bright. Made of hand crafted silk passementerie,  a long tassel and a circular piece wrapped in strie silk are similar to those you often see holding back heavy drapes in grand salons. Why not wear them out on the town to declare your affection for everything interiors?

Grey is a good neutral when wearing juicy colors

Orange would look great paired with turquoise

Hot pink can go with pale hues or white

Citrus looks especially nice with blue

A dusty blue I could see working with red

Go-with-everything grey

Monday, July 22, 2013

SQUEAKY CLEAN: MURCHISON-HUME CLEANING PRODUCTS WITH OLD SCHOOL APPEAL

Anything that makes cleaning more appealing, and I'm hooked. Murchison-Hume, a line of cleaning products with old-school packaging, was started by Los Angeles-based Max and Peter Kater. Made of wonderfully scented Australian Grapefruit and Fig, the sustainable, eco-conscious line is non-toxic, and can be used in the kitchen, living room and bath. Encased in dark brown glass bottles with cream labels and classic font writing, the collection adds a bit of chic to a daily chores, and you may even whistle while you work.

Photos courtesy of Murchison-Hume
Original Fig Superlative Liquid Hand Soap wards off germs and the coconut-base combats dryness

Australian White Grapefruit Superlative Liquid Hand Soap, yum

Heirloom Dishwashing Liquid cuts grease while adding fig or grapefruit aromas to the air for a little scent therapy
Australian White Grapefruit Counter Safe Surface Spray cleans surfaces without harsh ammonia

Leaving windows streak free, the Australian White Grapefruit Premium Glass Polish also helps keep dust at bay

Meant for use on upholstery AND the frame, Everyday Furniture Spritzer can be used daily to keep dander and dust low.

Effortless Floor Splash, to use when sweeping is not enough

The six pack, for those that want the best of everything

Thursday, July 18, 2013

VACATIONLAND

I will be spending a couple of days on an Island idyll avec famille. There are a few charming shops on the island, so I will fill you in on my shopping finds upon my return.
#escapetheheatwave



Tuesday, July 16, 2013

TAKING ROOT: FRANCES PALMER'S TERRA COTTA POTS

Best-known for her quirky yet charming handmade all white porcelain vases in unusual shapes, the Connecticut-based artist Frances Palmer has made a foray into terra cotta. Just in time for summer container gardens, I give you her elegant unglazed ceramic designs.  In the tell-tale rich orange hue she has reinvented classic vessels with the addition of deep ridges and pedestal bases. Palmer's newest designs will add a nice amount of the unexpected to your botanical bounty this season.

Succulents in their greens and reds provide a contrast against the terra cotta of No. Two Tom Pots.

No. Five Tom Pot, when a slim cylinder is needed.

Phoebe Terra Cotta Urn sits gracefully filled with bright blooms.

No. Five Terra Cotta Two Handle Urn seems to be just the spot to plant assorted herbs.


No. Six Terra Cotta Urn would look wonderful with ivy with draping tendrils.

Low Footed Bowl, Ferns, is a good option for fruit or as a centerpiece.

Monday, July 15, 2013

DOYLE @ HOME AUCTION: 12 PIECES THAT CAUGHT MY EYE

On Thursday July 18th, Doyle, located at 175 East 87th Street will hold its @Home auction. Auctions are a great place to score antiques and newer pieces in the process of changing hands. Doyle is known for having approachable prices, great for those adhering to a budget, or starting to collect.  They have also recently held exciting designer-driven sales that have attracted those looking for stylishly curated perspectives. Visiting a preview helps inform your eye, and the more you see, the more you know. This go round, the selection is big on art, antiques, rugs and metal Victorian outdoor furniture. I spied some eclectic Chinoiserie pieces as well as useful entryway consoles. Go for a browse, you might be able to land a piece perfect for that empty wall that has been nagging away at you.

Photos courtesy of Doyle
Lot 80 Niek van der Plas Dutch, b. 1954 A Day at the Beach

Lot 102 Lorna Simpson III (WISH #1, WISH #2, WISH #3) Complete set of three ceramic, rubber and bronze wishbones within molded felt printed with waterless lithography, 1994, edition of 5,000, Peter Norton Family Christmas Edition, in original wood box.

Lot 173 Group of Nine English Imari Porcelain and Ironstone Table Articles Late 19th century

Lot 240 Pair of Tole Chinoiserie Figures, mid 20th Century

Lot 383 Pair of Mint Green Tole Pagoda Form Lanterns, newly produced

Lot 296 Chinese Stained Wood Bird Cage


Lot 344 Georgian Style Chinoiserie Decorated Red Painted Bookcase Cabinet

Lot 439 Neoclassical Style Brass Inlaid Mahogany Fold-Over Games Table

Lot 133 Pair of Tessallated Wood Consoles

Lot 437 Provincial Style Marble Top Painted Side Table
Lot 107 Neoclassical Style Animal Hide and Gilt-Wood Rope-Form Ottoman

Lot 275 Pair of Tufted Upholstered Slipper Chairs