JUST IN CASE: A BOOKCASE NOT TO BE MISSED AND MY REPORT OF TRENDS TO KNOW NOW

photos courtesy of Mitchell Gold and Bob Williams

Sometimes a piece is so good, I fall for it instantly. This is the case with the Jules brass etagere from Mitchell Gold and Bob Williams. With its intercepting lines, mid-century modern feel and vintage-inspired high shine brass finish, the bookshelf is both a modernist art and functional piece, yet the classic scale makes it very fresh and now. It has a lightness that comes from its open back and glass shelves, so it could be used to separate spaces, but also surround doorways, or line the walls for a an instant library.

Full of books or arranged with decorative objects, the bookcase can look completely different depending on how you choose to style it.

ON ANOTHER NOTE...TREND FORECASTING:

Speaking of brass, it has been everywhere as of late, which makes me happy because I think it is incredibly chic. If you want to see more brass, and other designs currently trending,  I have created a Market Report, highlighting the best designs at High Point and trade shows I have recently attended. If you did not get the chance to hit the shows and are in need of great sources and directional pieces, reach out to me to learn more about acquiring the report.  If there are specific styles or pieces you are looking for, I can create a report specially tailored to your needs. Leave me a comment below, and be in touch. I have many exciting finds to share.

STYLEBEST: THE SPUTNIK CHANDELIER

A light fixture or decorative accessory can hit a tipping point in popularity when you start to see it everywhere. If that piece was vintage, it can be hard to get your hands on one. That is where reproductions come in.  The upside is, the redesign can mean the scale has been changed, or the piece just works better in its newest incarnation. This sought-after piece, the Sputnik Chandelier, is a silhouette first came on the scene in the 1950's and 60's, and it has risen in popularity recently.  Known for its spiky, sun ray arms, it adds an interesting shape with its linear yet airy form.  This repro version from Arteriors, the Zanadoo, has become wildly popular with the vintage brass finish. It has the right amount of arms, and a great scale. It was such a hit they recently added to the Zanadoo family, creating a larger chandler and a flush sconce, and they can now be used outside. I think the sconces would add just the right amount of glamour to a powder room.

The large version

The baby 

The sconce has 5 lights

ALL TOGETHER NOW: 3 WAYS TO AVOID DESK CLUTTER

Photo courtesy of Kaufmann Mercantile

I love brass accessories. They add a bit of gleam, especially when used sparingly. I recently came across these stunning brass desk trays with cut corners on Kaufmann Mercantile, the online purveyor of all things cool, slightly rustic and well-designed since 2009. 

The trays, which range in size, are perfect for holding objects that would otherwise create a messy and cluttered surface. Made in the oldest Japanese metal foundry, in operation since 1897, each surface finish and patina is unique, since it is sanded down after being removed from its mold. 

Originally designed Oji Masanori, a designer of pared-down household objects, the trays hold their own today, looking just as fresh as they did all those years ago.

FANCY THAT: THE JEWEL-LIKE BOXES OF ADDISON WEEKS

As my mom is fond of saying,  to quote Benjamin Franklin, "A place for everything, everything in its place." If only it was that easy in a New York City apartment, if only.  I have a thing for decorative boxes, one of the easiest ways to put this phrase into action. They have the ability to elevate a setting, and add a design moment when set atop a stack of books on the coffee table or on the shelf of an etagere. They also create storage for small objects, a reason to desire them even more. The antidote to clutter, they provide a place to tuck away necklaces and stray earrings, as well as business cards that need corralling.  Taking snazzy luxe materials and transforming them,  Addison Weeks, started by close friends, Southerners Lee Addison Lesle and Katherine Weeks Mulford,   creates decorative brass boxes encrusted with semi-precious stones. Brass is hot/hot/hot again. The gals also design terrific jewelry that my friend Holly Phillips of The English Room told me about. It is hard to choose just one of these boxes, since the slightly bohemian pieces look even more amazing together, sparking aplenty. My choice? The rectangular version with gobs of single stones covering the surface. It is a more is more statement, but on a coffee table, it will stand out from the sea of books.

Photo courtesy of Addison Weeks

A large brass box with dazzling Aqua Chalcedony pieces is lined in blue velvet.

The Bendall Box, covered in Ocean-blue labradorite.

A medium rectangular box with a rectangular Lapis on the lid

For stark contrast, a darker stone.

For earrings or desk necessities, a small square box with a blue turquoise on the top.

with a faceted Chalcedony...

or Moonstone...

A round box with teardrop shaped Turquoise.

Rose Quartz, Labradorite and Green Turquoise.

5 STYLISH ROUND MIRRORS FROM HIGH POINT THAT GO FROM OPULENT TO ELEGANT

Mirrors are one of the most effective design tools that can be used to great effect in a variety of ways. Whether you need to to open up a space, welcome visitors in an entry, or  add a beautiful element above a mantel or console, reflective surfaces can work wonders.  I noticed these round mirrors at High Point Market, and their versatility and beauty caught my attention. Big on brass, the warm metal adds a vintage feel, while nickel is a crisp choice that can work in casual settings to Deco ones. Here are the top 5 round mirrors that deserve a second look.

Emporium Home

With small rock crystal studs emanating from the brass frame in a radiant pattern, Emporium Home's glamorous round mirror brings the jewels into focus.

Regina Andrew's small round version with gold petals has a French 1940's vibe.

Celerie Kemble for Maitland Smith

Diminutive and darling, Celerie Kemble's scalloped white mirror for Maitland Smith with stud surround would look great displayed in multiples, or in an area that needs some reflection.

Photo courtesy of Mirror Image

Making its debut at market, Michael S. Smith created a line of mirrors for Mirror Image. His oversized Celeste star has deco-overtones and a dramatic presence.

Photo courtesy of Arteriors

The Ollie Mirror from Arteriors is crisp and straightforward, with a smooth, unadorned nickel frame. I like it for its simplicity.

A BRASS MENAGERIE

Add a bit of animal magnetism around the house and you will find the addition also provides a lighthearted element. If you are a seasoned collector of animal themed objects, or just in need of a fun gift, here are the latest species to burst onto the scene. A dash of humor can play into your animal farm, and depending how and where you place them, they are sure to amuse and delight.

Proud as a peacock, this bedazzled bird is poised. From Celerie Kemble's new accessory collection for Maitland-Smith, this brass bird is a statement maker.

Photo courtesy of Arteriors

If you have an ant problem, then you probably wont find this amusing. But if you find the crawlers to be cute, then these brass sculptural ants from Arteriors might find a home on your end table.

Photo courtesy of C. Wonder

I first laid eyes on these decorative brass Cranes at the opening of the C. Wonder store.  They were being used as decorative props, and I am so glad they are now available for purchase.

Photo courtesy of Jonathan Adler

With sparkly abalone shell inlay on his back, Jonathan Adler's turtle box not only looks good, he can store stuff inside his shell, where there is a hidden compartment.

Photo courtesy of C. Wonder

Turtles never fail to amuse, they are just endlessly inspiring with their varied shells and funny slow crawl. 

C. Wonder's version has a burnished metal shell and shiny brass appendages.

Photo courtesy of AERIN

So it's not brass, but it still gleams with the lustre of metallics. AERIN's Turtle Dove object can go from tabletop to bookcase adding a bit of sparkle.

Photo courtesy of Jonathan Adler

Iridescent wings are captured through inlaid bits of shell on Jonathan Adler's Fly box. Pull back the wings to reveal a secret storage compartment-- just the thing for an irreverent tablescape.