‘Modern Minimal’

Dominic Lepere's namesake Flatiron showroom

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When Dominic Lepere opened his namesake Lepere 6 years ago, he was a pioneer in the Flatiron neighborhood with a modern furniture showroom.  Now it’s hard to imagine another part of New York City that’s more visited by the well-heeled in design and architecture.

Lepere thinks of his collection as being “rooted in tradition and based in the future”, which is succinct, as almost everything in his beautifully curated collection is pared back to a triad of considerations – beauty, proportion and utility.  In keeping with the furnishings, the showroom’s got a sparse vibe that’s softened by carefully arranged vignettes, excellent lighting and cool background music.

Dominic spend time with me talking about each of the 20 lines he represents.   Want to know the best part of my visit?  Lepere and his staff understand that not everyone has the same scope of knowledge about modernist design, and are exuberant about sharing thei knowledge.  I find it really refreshing to shop without snarky commentary and condescending looks.  You will too.

Here are some of what I consider to be standout pieces, but by all means visit the showroom as the craftsmanship and attention to detail can get lost on a monitor.

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‘Kina’ by David Trubridge

Trubridge’s light fixtures are made of unfinished pine attached by aluminum rivets seemingly in a nod to Buckminster Fuller.  They come in a variety of shapes, and can be stained/painted and varnished.  They’re also available in aluminum.

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‘Dieke Sofa’ by Piet Boon

Comprised of a metal frame wrapped in foam, feathers and linen, this study of intersecting and overlapping rectangles is available in a variety of configurations.  I sat in it for an hour and found it extremely comfortable.

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‘Brush’ by Warli

This collection of hand-knotted, tufted and braided rugs by Paolo Zani has some great sculptural designs.  ‘Brush’ is created with New Zealand wool and viscose which creates contrast both in pile height and sheen which I find interesting.

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‘Delphin Cocktail Table’ by Dona

One of the best looking tables I’ve ever seen.  It’s available in several different woods and a handful of metal finishes.

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‘Kent Lounge Chair’ by Piet Boon

This chair is a recent addition to the Piet Boon collection, and comes in several different colors of leather and lacquer.  The rectilinear form of the frame in juxtaposition to its glove leather ‘wrapping’ make it visually hypnotic.  It’s also unbelievably comfortable to sit in.

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‘Spring’ by Wildspirit

Witty and sculpturally functional, this stool is made of lightweight bowed bamboo and has a subtle give to the seat for comfort (not to mention the conversations it’s likely to spark.)

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As I mentioned, there is a lot more to see at the showroom (or on the website.)  Be sure to forward through each of the product lines for a primer of information about the designers/design houses of each collection.

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20 West 22nd Street  Suite 1105  New York  10010    212-488-7000

http://lepereinc.com/