When Your Room-Mate is Your Best Friend.

                                                                

Generally, when we think of pet-themed decor, we tend to think of cutesy/overly kitchty items that do little but clutter your home with objects destined to end up on a yard sale table somewhere and  seriously downgrade your overall level of maturity.  I love my cat, but it is unlikely that you will find a velvet painted portrait of her playing poker hanging on my wall, or her bloated ceramic likeness sticking her head in a fishbowl, on my kitchen countertop. The thought of that just makes me shiver. This does not mean I don't have a sense of humor and do not believe in incorporating it in interior design. In fact, I believe there is a definite place for humor and whimsy, but a fine line has been known to exist between trendy quirkiness and downright tackiness. 

This blog entry is dedicated to fashionably oriented pet owners everywhere who are interested in incorporating animal themes into their spaces and utilizing practical design solutions to living with their pets while maintaining aesthetic integrity.  Whether in a home environment or a veterinary office, there are a myriad of design possibilities for those of us who love animals. I have come across some fun ideas for home decor filled with humor, charm and whimsy.  Please note: all price points are represented here as this is a democratically inspired design blog.

I found these very unique animal-themed french style chairs on the Cote France website. Above left: #9202 Bergere A Orielles, $11,595, above right: # 9203 Fauteille Medallion, $4,611.  To the trade only.

www.cotefrance.com

Stain-resistant line of fabrics designed by famed weimaramer photographer William Wegman for Crypton.

www.kravet.com

  

                                                             Pet Mats Cat, $35

                                                            www.momastore.org

  

Michael Aram Dog Bone Frame, $59
       www.gracioushome.com

                                            

                                                                                                          

Sock Monkey Blanket, $40 

Cat and Terrior Pillows, sale: $69.99                                                           

Unique eco-friendly and socially concious gifts from www.uncommongoods.com

Ok, ok, I admit it -- I like cute and kitchty sometimes! These adorable vintage porcelian doggie figurines from occupied Japan  were just too darling to pass up. Item #300574878703 buy it now price: $14.99 on www.ebay.com

White Rabbits Duvet Cover, $69 - $79 at www.urbanoutfitters.com

How about a glamorous photoshoot with your best friend or an artistic portrait capturing the essence of your furry kid(s)? Animal (and human) portraits by arist and photographer Wanda Behrens.

www.redleashstudio.com

Pick up this book by renowned pet and design expert Julia Szabo for practical and pretty design solutions to living with your fuzzies.

www.amazon.com



Legendary silent film actress Mabel Normand
photographed with her cat.



Poster for "A Dog's Life".



             

Ottoman Empire

Yes, there is a relationship between footstools, hassocks, tuffets, pouffes and the Ottoman Empire.  The word 'ottoman' also defines an upholstered piece of furniture that can be used as a footrest or as an additional form of backless seating that originally found it's place in Napoleonic France after France invaded Egypt from 1798 - 1801.  Egypt was still under Ottoman rule at the time and the footstool was invented to rest the tortured feet of the weary Egyptians.  Returning to France with his tail between his legs from a thwarted attempt to "rescue" the Egyptians from the oppressive rule of Ottomans and to ultimately colonize them, Napoleon did succeed in bringing back with him and establishing a fabulous new furniture trend which took off in Europe and United States in the 19th Century.  The discovery of such objects of rest and bodily comfort by the Europeans after subsequent trips to the palaces and mosques of Turkey, proved very alluring indeed.

The ottoman historically has it's roots in the Arabic, Balkan and North African countries. The earliest forms of the footstools were low to the ground with no legs and completely upholstered in either fabric or leather.  Traditionally they were used for storage; another concept slightly foreign to the Europeans and Americans. In Turkey, they were designed tall and lean like their head wear.  In Morocco pouffes are generally sold flat to be eventually stuffed (or puffed out) with fabric or newspaper.

For some reason, the ottoman is one of my favorite forms of furniture. It is precious in that it is small, close to the earth and intimate with a more direct physical interaction.  It must have something to do with my Greco-Anglo heritage, but in my mind it is a piece that carries a lot of history, resonating the eventual melding of cultures which was soon to take place with the oncoming mass immigrations in the late 19th century and beyond.

The diversity in form and function of the ottoman makes it a most enchanting addition to any space as far as interior design goes.  For smaller spaces, it proves invaluable in it's capacity for additional seating and storage. Another reason I love this form of upholstered seating is that it gives us the chance to use a fun or boldly designed fabric which can serve as a statement, putting a dash of spice or an accent within the overall design of your space.

I have found a smattering of charming and elegant options for your viewing that are available for purchase and fall within all budget ranges. Whether you are looking to outfit your mansion, apartment or dorm room, I feel sure that there is an ottoman or two out there for you.

Aranda Ottoman/Blue $598

http://www.anthropologie.com/ 

Lewis Ottoman $229



Nassau Ottoman 20" $349



  Reflects starting price - pricing varies according to grade of fabric used. They are available in COM & COL as well.  If you are in the New York City area, drop by the store and ask for Omar or Tony -- they can help you find the right fabric. Tell them I sent you!

                       http://www.ethanallen.com/



Giraffe print faux leather storage ottoman $70.78



    http://www.qvc.com/



Henredon Item #6044-08: Coffee table with 4 ottomans - it's a very popular seller and an amazing design. Prices vary due to grade of fabric. COM and COL available.  To the trade, contact an interior designer or architect for more information. They can contact Lea at the New York showroom for further details on this item.

 

http://www.henredon.com/ 

Madame X Ottoman. Bright Chair Company.  To the trade only.

www.brightchair.com

Moulin Burlap Cube $269

                                                                                     http://www.ballarddesigns.com/

Essex Dhurrie Ottoman-Geo. Sale price: $509



http://www.westelm.com/




Hogla Woven Stool from Bangladesh $38
from Ten Thousand Villages: a fair trade retailer

 

http://www.tenthousandvillages.com/

 

Baja Stripe Pouf by Urban Outfitter.
Available online only $109

                            http://www.urbanoutfitters.com/

                                               

 

Liana Spagetti Ottoman by award-winning green design company Pie Studio.



 http://www.pie-studio.com/

Jean Harlow Left Her Champagne Cocktail Here.

 

                                                                                                                                                            

Have you ever fallen in love at first sight...with a piece of furniture? I think I did when a couple of weeks ago I stopped by the Edward Ferrill showroom in NYC to do a little shopping research and came across this lovely little gem in the form of an Art Deco cigarette table. I haven't been able to stop thinking about it since. It whispered to me as I passed by it and I was soon overtaken by it's seductive allure. After all, who could resist such sharp looks with just the right amount of flash, it's lean and well proportioned form and sophisticated charm? And, best of all, I can pretty much guarantee it's a companion not likely to leave your side anytime soon.

I could actually get weak in the knees if it weren't an inanimate object.

   

Beveled mirror tabletop with acrylic legs. It is 14" in diameter and 22" in height.

Designers and Architects may contact Dana at the Edward Ferrill showroom in New York for further information.  http://www.ef-lm.com/
If you are seeking consultation from a designer, please feel free to contact me. The cigarette table is available at showrooms and design centers throughout the country including Boston, Dania and DC. http://www.mclaughlincollection.com/

Who Doesn't Love a Sale?

A couple of great high-end furniture showrooms in the New York Design Center are selling some fantastic showroom samples at great prices and I wanted to share the news with you.

Henredon (my former work alma mater), carries the very popular Barbara Barry Realized by Henredon line and several of her fantastic upholstery pieces are currently for sale off of it's beautiful showroom floor.  Additionally, other items including Henredon's own brand of upholstery, case good items, accent furniture and decor are also available for sale at great deals. 

The Hickory Chair/Pearson showroom in the New York Design Building is having a moving sale as they are relocating to another space within the same building. And I just heard that they are taking an additional 50% off of already reduced floor sample items.

These are to-the-trade only showrooms, so you need to go through an architect or designer in order to purchase any of their products. These floor sample sales offer a great opportunity to own something that might normally be above your current budget and such fine quality crafted pieces will upgrade your space significantly and will last for many years to come.  I call them cherished possessions.

 If you are interested in purchasing any of these fantastic deals or are looking for help with shopping for or designing your home, I can help you do that for a reasonable hourly rate. Please feel free to contact me about for any information regarding these items.

Here is a sampling (pun intended) of items that are on sale:

Starlet Settee by Barbara Barry Realized by Henredon

Starlet Chaise by Barbara Barry Realized by Henredon

Graceful Bed by Barbara Barry Realized by Henredon

  Shield back dining chairs by Henredon: 2 armchairs and 6 side chairs

Taracea coffee table by Henredon

Sofa by Hickory Chair

Upholstered armchair by Hickory Chair

Sofa by Hickory Chair/Pearson

Chest by Hickory Chair

Side table by Hickory Chair

Additional Sample sales:

Brunschwig & Fill is having a sample sale in their NY showroom located in the Decoration & Design Building at significant savings.  Here are a few examples:  Again, you will want to contact your Interior Designer or architect for additional information.  If you don't have an interior designer, please feel to send me any inquiries and I would be happy to help.

 Westchester Sectional

Westchester Ottoman

 Piedmont Sofa - 72"

Mrs Wing Chair

Check out the sample sale at Ted Boerner Inc. Showrooms are located across the country: LA, San Francisco, Chicago, Seattle, Denver,  here at the New York Design Center as well as in Canada. 

Holly Hunt is having a huge sample sale: 30% off.

www.henredon.com

www.barbarabarryco.com

www.hickorychairpearson.com

http://www.kfi.net/mkting/brunschwig/selloff/NY/brunschwig_ny_selloff2.html
http://www.tedboerner.com/
https://www.hollyhunt.com/ShowFloorSamples.aspx?sub=Furniture

Life's a Beach

My life is like a stroll upon the beach, as near the ocean's edge as I can go. - Henry David Thoreau, The Fisher's Boy

Summer has finally found it's way to us and though most of us continue to work just as hard as we do the rest of the year, it is a season never ceasing as a perpetual reminder to finally wind down and relax.  A lot of us like to do that at the seashore, and beach houses, summer cottages and hotels by the sea exist as such extensions of that state of mind. It is my philosophy that with the right design, the delineation between outside and inside should gently dissipate into a continuum of movement between both the natural elements in nature and their organically inspired counterparts in design and decor.

I have pulled together some inspirations in the form of textiles, accents and home decor gathered from visits to interior design showrooms and some research on the internet:



SEA GLASS:

Crushed glass mirror from Edward Ferrill/Lewis Mittman. Duralee Pavilion Indoor/outdoor upholstery fabric and sheer drapery fabric. To the trade only. Sea glass collected from the beaches of Maine and Argentina.

  



homebytheseashore.com

Palacek glass pebblestone lamp made with recycled glass.

 

   

 

  



     

SAND: 



Upholstery fabric from Duralee. Window fabric from Zimmer + Rohde.



Teak outdoor wing chair from Restoration Hardware.



Votive holder from potterybarn.com



Coral inspired side table from Summer Hill Ltd.  To the trade only.

    

 

SEA:





Upholstery fabric from Innovation Textile.







Silk stripe from the Christopher Norman Collection. Drapery sheers from Duralee Fabrics.  To the trade only.



Sea grass colored vase from target.com

SUN:

Sun mirror from target.com






Upholstery fabrics and sheers from Duralee and Zimmer + Rohde.





"Medusa" chandelier from La Murrina Murano.








Outdoor umbrellas from potterybarn.com