Rustic Chic

February 21, 2009

“Rustic chic” may sound like an oxymoron, but Eric Manigian Studio pulls it off with their Continuous Bench, complete with 3 seats and an end table. The solid walnut  is absolutely stunning as are the cowhide cushions; other materials are available. To get more information on the bench and to see more styles visit www.ericmanigian.com.

Recycled, Reused…Reborn?

February 19, 2009

In a savvy and stylish effort to respect the earth, Tim George has taken medical carts which were manufactured in the 1950s and then never used, and turned them into fantastic bar carts. They’re sleek and stylish…and a limited edition piece. Dubbed the “B52 Stainless Steel Bar Cart” you can get more infomation about at www.fusionfurnituregallery.com.

Bonnard Interiors

February 19, 2009

Currently on display at the MET is an extensive collection of Pierre Bonnard’s later works focusing on those canvases which depict his warm and inviting interiors. The rooms drenched in Mediterranean light are a tribute to Bonnard’s creativity and vision. The exhibition will run through April 19, 2009. For more information visit www.met.org.

Domus Stimulus

February 17, 2009

A look at this month’s design magazines and you’ll quickly notice that there are a lot of articles featuring antique and vintage decor. It is the sign of the times and Brooklyn Flea is up to speed. Every weekend through March 28-29, ground floor space in Dumbo is dedicated to vendors selling vintage and antique decor, clothing, jewelry and just about anything you can image. You’ll also find some unique pieces like the refurbished vintage chairs by Ama Home (see image below). For more information about the market go to www.dumbonyc.com.

February 16, 2009

Getting ready to shake the winter blues? Look no further than Neoteric Home for outdoor furniture inspiration. Not only do they offer a diverse and unique selection of furniture, their handmade products are environmentally friendly as well. Pay special attention to their very beautiful and sculptural Locsin International Collection. For more information visit www.neoterichome.com.

Mme de Noailles at NYSID

February 8, 2009

This month Elle Decor’s executive editor Mitchell Owens kicks off his series  “Behind the Scenes” at the New York School of Interior Design, with an examination of French minimalist decorator Jean-Michel Frank’s work for Marie-Laure de Noailles. The Vicomtesse was an important patron of the arts during the 20th century, associating with such progressive artists as Salvador Dali, Man Ray, Jean Cocteau, Luis Bunel and of course Jean-Michel Frank who designed her Salon in 1920. Her home in Paris at 11 Place des Etats-Unis was redecorated by Philippe Stark (see image below) and today houses the prestigious Musee Baccarat. For more information about Owens’s lecture series visit www.nysid.edu.

Bamboo CPU

February 7, 2009

Dell has come out with a stylish and eco-friendly CPU. The “Studio Hybrid” is 95% recyclable and uses 70% less energy than the typical CPU. The Studio Hybrid comes in other finishes, but the Bamboo finish is a true novelty. Visit www.dell.com.

Recession Concession

February 7, 2009

Want a new chair but cannot dig into your pockets too deeply these days? How about decorating with a chair painting? Artist Kimbery Applegate creates beautiful representations of chairs on canvas, like the one below entitled “Missoni Loves Matisee” which features an Anthropologie chair covered in a Missoni fabric. As in this painting, Applegate draws figurative and historical parallels between furniture, art and language. To see more pieces, visit her blog “Joie de Vivre” at www.kimberlyapplegate.blogspot.com. A site visit is a must for seating aficionados. From Chippendale to Wassily, Applegate knows her chairs!

Steampunk

February 6, 2009

Trying to design your space  a la Steampunk? Look no further than www.thesteampunkhome.blogspot.com.  There you will find a variety of home decor items from computer accessories to furniture. For those not yet initiated, Steampunk is the fusion of Victorian-era industrial aesthetics with late 20th century technology and design. The style started in the 80’s and as technology progresses- and the gap between the computer age and industrial revolution gets wider, Steampunk products and designs just get better and better.

Baroque Moderne

February 3, 2009

The beautiful “Vogue” piece designed by Alessandro Dubini, gives new meaning to the term “lounge chair” If you are looking for a modern baroque piece that is multi-functional and unusual, this is it. The structure is made of steel (quite literally), the chair backs are in solid wood and the cushion is covered in leather. Visit www.zanotta.com for more information.