New & Noteworthy

December shopping for the design savvy consumer

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My ear is always to the pavement for new design shopping opportunities, and as usual, New York never disappoints.  Here’s a brief summary of the four must-see places, products, and websites that have caught my eye as I plan to close out 2012!

On the heels of reading Architectural Digest‘s story about sensational event planner Bronson Van Wyck‘s Holiday ‘Pop-up’ shop hosted by Overby & Dunn in tony Greenwich Village, I decided to stop in.  There’s an array of gifts available – from Van Wyck’s own cocktail mixes and salad dressings to monogrammed tartan napkins to carefully chosen antique pieces.  He’ll also produce and deliver a decorated tree if you’re too busy shopping!  The shops vibe is decidedly Scottish, and perfectly curated for the hard to shop for friend.  The designer shared his holiday ideas in a video for the magazine if you’re interested in learning more.

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Also brand new this week is Rm2, a table top and accessory e-commerce site from Washington DC dynamo (and celebrated alumni from this years Kips Bay Showhouse) Raji Radhakrishnan of Raji RM design.  She shared her thoughts and inspirations for the site with me;

“As designers we know that though a project may be technically done, it’s all the fine details like accessorizing and art works that makes the spaces come alive.  Even more so when you style for a photo shoot.  So, I thought why not launch an online shop – Rm2 – for just accessories & table top pieces.”

You’ll find vintage art, sculpture, exotic boxes, period candlesticks, French ceramics & Korean pottery stylish barware, old world silver plate serving pieces, colorful glassware… the list goes on and on.  You can add your name to her mailing list to be the first to learn of her uniquely contemporary vision.

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My next destination this week was the just opened (yesterday to be precise) Design Gallery from veteran Colombian interior designer Sam Botero at 215 East 58th Street.  Design editor Carl Lana (who joined me on my visit) and I had the opportunity to chat with Sam at our visit.  We learned a bit about his vision;

“My complete collection of upholstered furniture and cabinetry centers on my fascination with spheres, cubes, and diamonds.  The repetition of those forms, or Chika as I call it, creates a musical rhythm in my mind that’s reminiscent of my youth.  We’re also showing a collection of vintage art glass, indoor-outdoor rugs, antiques, fabrics, and fine art from artists I find interesting.  The showroom is open Monday through Friday from 9 till 6., and we welcome any and all to come and see the collection.”

Sam also shared that all of the pieces are fully customizable: available in multiple finishes and sizes only limited by your imagination.  I also found it very interesting that the entire collection is produced in his native Columbia, supporting local craftsmen.

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And last up in my December round-up of shopping destinations is the Park Avenue Garage Sale being held this coming Thursday from 6 – 9 pm on 26th Street between 5th Avenue and Broadway.  This annual charity event supports New Yorkers For Children.  Over the past sixteen years, donations from individuals, corporations, and foundations have enabled the organization to support the child welfare community as a whole, as well as those programs that focus on the individual needs of young people in foster care.  They’ve developed programs that make a difference in the lives of young people including college scholarships, tutoring programs, job training, and networking opportunities.

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Well that’s it for my December shopping tour.  Watch for my January dispatch of the ‘New & Noteworthy’ in the world of interior design!