At The Newsstand: May 2013

5 interiors, 5 products, 15 resources

At The Newstand…………………………

The merry month of May is here and the life is good in the world of interior design.  Fresh ideas are cropping up as abundantly as the weeds in my new garden (having moved to the country recently).

As promised, every month I peruse my stack of shelter magazines to  find what’s exciting, inspiring and news worthy for our readers.  This month I was looking for unusual items to focus on. I hope you find them helpful.  As always, with each showcased furnishing or accessory I provide three resources to help you in your search for similar things.

Let’s get to it.

Elle Decor May 2013

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In this issue of Elle Decor, I have stopped to admire S. Russell Grovesown masculine and urbane apartment.  The one piece that garnered my attention over many other handsome furnishings and appointments is the vintage Paul McCobb étagère.  It’s metal and veneer materials add such sophistication and polish to his room.  The need for display and storage is one of the requirements that is at the top of my list when deciding on particular pieces of furniture.  The height, scale and airiness are also a key attributes for using an étagère.

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Elle Decor May 2013 SRG Bookshelves.

Here are my resources for similar pieces some of which can be custom order for size and finish (which is always a good thing for the designer looking to make their own mark with a unique piece of furniture.)  If you are looking for a classic, clean rendition I suggest the Billy Baldwin étagères in metal or wood.  My favorite of the three shown is of course the Cole Porter design.  Talk about classic and chic!  Next up is a great stylish version available through Dennis Miller Associates.  I like the way you can add a hint of Chinoisierie with this one.  If looking for a vintage or more over-the-top there is always 1st dibs for a vast selection at all price ranges.

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Decor Spring Summer 2013.

Next up I found in the pages of Décor magazine a project by Suzanne Kasler in which she deftly mixes her feminine sensibility and a modern vibe to traditional rooms.  Suzanne has used a classic style gueridon in bronze and marble as an occasional table in a vivacious vignette.

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Decor Cigarette Table.

As much as I am a big fan of anything classical, I am also eager to supplement more interpretive and lyrical solutions.  They become small sculptural objets unto themselves.  If you are looking for that earlier reference that was popularized by Alberto and Diego Giacometti when they designed such neoclassic icons in the 1930-40’s, then look to Carole Gratale, Inc. for her stalwart and high quality renditions of the epoch in decoration and design.  Each and every order is totally customizable to your needs.  In addition, Carole is a great gal who is a pioneer in this industry as an entrepreneural woman. She is so definitely a keeper.  If you are seeking something a touch more avant garde and off beat check out  Evan Lewis’s website.  You are sure to find at least one option to fit the bill. For sleek and sophisticated there is always Cedric Hartman for their metal and stone tables and don’t forget the lighting as well (an extra giveaway).  You will have to register to access the site but that’s certainly worth the effort.

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Elle Decoration UK May 2013

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As it happens, Elle Decoration UK and I have concurred.  The modern rocker is a must have in today’s contemporary interiors.  The appeal of one is universal for nursing mothers, for being able to ease away stress and pain, or for being able to ‘zone’ out from time to time.  Something all of us design professionals can appreciate.  The cover story which features my next noteworthy furnishing is about a renovation executed by Zuber Architecture of a 1960’s bungalow in the Highgate neighborhood in London.  Would you ever image this home there?

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Elle Decoration UK May 2013 Rocker.

I think that when the time comes for me to own a rocker I would choose this great version designed by Antonio Citterio for B&B Italia.  It’s both contemporary and brutalist at the same time. This is a winner.  If you have a client who thinks of herself as Judy Jetson, then you must sell her the Voido by Ron Arad.  This is really spacy and racy.  Bonluxat is a great resource for a variety of seating but in particular has a very extensive selection of modern rockers.  Take a good look. you are bound to find one you will like.

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NYC&G has featured the very personable home of designer Rodman Primack.  I really admire when a designer can express his or her insouciant side and not be so concerned what others may think about it.  The decorative references jump out at you from every corner.  It’s truly a modern-day folie chock full of curiosities.  Which leads me to my find here.  This may not be for everyone, but there are some of us who do have a bent for the bizarre and somewhat eerie.  Taxidermy is an acquired taste.

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NYCG Taxidermy.

Evolution is a great shop of curiosities in the Soho neighborhood of New York City.  It’s been around forever, or so it seems.   Another tantalizing treat for the collector of natural history specimens is Creel and Gow.  What great fun it is to view their offerings.   The last resource is more geared to the hunter (I know…a bad thing) but if it’s what a client is looking for then here is a source for it.

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House and Garden UK May 2013.

Last on this month’s list is House & Garden UK with a shopping feature that showcases a rattan sofa.  With the warm summer months fast approaching, we are looking forward to serenely engaging days languishing on porches.  Here is where rattan and wicker comes to mind.

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HG UK Rattan Settee

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There is a great website called Rattan Island, with rattan products all made in Myanmar, Burma. This is the real deal.  Next is a site for Selamat Designs which features a number of furniture pieces. You will have to take some time and wade through but there are a few interesting rattan numbers to consider.  Don’t be fooled.  If I’ve included it there has to be something worthwhile here.  iModerni is a site with a large selection of rattan seating, beds, stools, and tables.  All of which are very appropriate for that summer rental with the drecky furniture that it comes with.

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Well there you have if for May, 2013.  May you find all that you are looking for!

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Written by Carl Lana