Archive for March, 2007
From Sarah:
On a recent trip to LA, I was wandering down LA’s Abbot Kinney Boulevard when I noticed a tiny cottage storefront with a collection of sublime ceramic pots in the window.
Inside, in addition to the pots by artisan Shio Kusaka, I discovered an exquisitely edited collection of Japanese craft goods mixed with the modern. Owned by Takuhiro (Taku) Shinomoto, Tortoise’s interior is sleekly modern with the emphasis on natural, earthy elements. Also on offer are hand-blown glasses, washi lighting, Sori Yanagi designs, ceramics, and wood and paper goods.
I also admired Taku’s feather-light coiled beech stool covered in wool for $385 (below left), and this cherry veneer Mokusei lamp (below right), which comes in a flat pack for $225.
Taku, who used to work for Japan’s Idee, an innovative furniture company, also makes custom furniture, such as this teak table and bench (below) on display in the small outdoor space behind the store. Browse the offerings online at www.tortoiselife.com.
March 29th, 2007
Related posts:
- Shopper’s Diary: Farrow & Ball in NY
- Shopper’s Diary: Auction Houses
- Furniture: Dining Bench
- Japan Week: Truck Furniture
- Furniture: Matthew Hilton for De La Espada
Is it possible these v. nice blown-glass Sugahara glassworks vases are only $17 each? Yes, at www.canoeonline.com:
More glass vases at pleasingly low prices. A trio of Flat Drip Vases from stylish French floral designer Christiane Tortu; from $58 each at radishandrose.com:
From Henry Dean; small drop vases in pastel colors; $12 each at www.banchetflowers.com:
March 28th, 2007
Related posts:
- Belgium Week: Henry Dean
- Kitchenista: Perfect Pot
- Slow Design: Recycled Glass Subway Tile
- Shopper’s Diary: Glassybaby
- Holiday Gift: Water Carafe
From Julie:
I’ve long been an admirer of the Bloomsbury aesthetic; a few years back, I begged my mother-in-law, Sally, to make me a mirror frame from Bloomsbury Needlepoint by Melinda Coss (look for it on amazon.com). She said it was the most difficult needlepoint project she’d ever undertaken. (Note to Sally: I’m now fixated on a cushion cover.)
My Bloomsbury mania had gone into remission until a few days ago, when I came across the fabrics of Cressida Bell, the granddaughter of Vanessa Bell. Produced by Borderline Fabrics in the UK (borderlinefabrics.com), these insanely idiosyncratic fabrics are printed by hand on heavyweight natural Irish linen. In the US, they are available only through Classic Revivals in Boston, MA (One Design Center Place, Suite 534; 617-574-9030). The very knowledgeable owner, John Buscemi, a historian as well as a fabric expert, will regale you with fascinating tidbits: Sally Baring, aka Lady Ashburton, the owner of Borderline Fabrics, is descended from a line of illustrious and distinguished Brits.
Woodland:
Josephine:
Borderline Fabrics also offers designs by Enid Marx (who was a Karl Marx relation and also the designer of seating upholstery used in the London Underground in the forties and fifties).
Star: Zig Zag:
Two more great ones, from E. Q. Nicholson (Elsie Queen Nicholson), who also designed fabrics for HM Yacht Britannia.
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Seaweed: Black Goose:
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March 25th, 2007
Related posts:
- Antiques & Vintage: Wright Now
- Fabrics and Linens: Hable Construction at Pottery Barn
- Fabrics & Linens: Helsinki Remade
- Fabrics & Linens: Raoul Textiles
- House Call: Angie Lewin
Here’s a story of design DNA from Julie and Francesca:
A few years ago, Julie became fixated on a new UK furnishings line, Ochre, while paging through favorite magazine World of Interiors (or was it British Elle Decor?). Moves to London for a year; visits the Ochre booth at the 100% Design interiors show. Fast forward a year; Francesca mentions she has come across great new store, Ochre, in SoHo. Begins to haunt the shop like a stalker. The two of us visit over Christmas; almost hyperventilate at the beauty. If you’re in NY, stop by at 462 Broome Street (212/414-4332). In London, their showroom is open by appointment (27/31 Clerkenwell Close; 44 0870 787 9242). Or scroll through the website: www.ochre.net. Just have the smelling salts at the ready.
The Broom Street shop in NYC:
1. Hand-blown Cherub Medio lamp with laminated silk shade.
2. Low round Moon table; mercury glass top with steel frame.
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3. Horn and wood salad servers.
4. Horn and bronze cabinet handles.
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Divine Recline corner chair and stool, upholstered in desert hare velvet:
Plaster and carved wood French mirror from 1880; reflected in mirror, Coco pendant light made from strips of bleached coconut fiber, and Coco mirror with mercury glass:
March 23rd, 2007
Related posts:
- Shopper’s Diary: Ochre Store
- House Call: London Loft
- House Call: Brooklyn Heights Remodel
- Palette: Silver
- Our Houses
From Julie:
These photos make me want to paint my front door Farrow & Ball Pea Green (No. 33), which the charmingly Old World UK company describes as a “clear green, as found on the original plain green paper of the Caricature Room at Calke Abbey.”
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Farrow & Ball has this to say about its paints: “Our environmental sensitivity extends throughout the manufacturing process. From the sourcing of our materials to energy use, wastage, packaging and distribution, we adopt an environmentally friendly approach. Unlike most other manufacturers, we do not use ammonia or formaldehyde in any of our interior paint formulations.” Go to www.farrow-ball.com to browse paint colors and find a dealer.
Another example of the inexplicable appeal of Granny Smith–green and natural wood:
Try Auro paints for a similar acid lime shade: No. 330-0060. Auro is a German company that recently began distributing in the US (go to www.aurousa.com for information). “Our paints are breathable and are based on natural ingredients and plant and mineral pigments. Our wood finishes are micro-porous so they don’t flake, peel or blister and are easily maintainable. Our use of natural and plant based ingredients means that allergy sufferers and people who are chemically sensitive are more able to tolerate our products.” Sounds good to us.
March 21st, 2007
Related posts:
- Shopper’s Diary: Farrow & Ball in NY
- Palette & Paints: Devine Paint
- Bathroom: Aston Matthews Tivoli Tub
- Palette & Paints: Brass Tones
- Palette & Paints: Philip’s Perfect Colors
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