Category: Furniture

15 Must Have Art Deco Pieces For Your Collection

TRAVAIL MODERNISTE. Paire de fauteuils à structure en métal tubulaire. Dossiers incurvés à côtés ajourés, assises écusson sur base trapézoïdale
In my view, there’s just too few art deco sales on the auction block this year. The big auction houses in NY will hold theirs presumably at the end of 2013. So I’m always on the hunt for some great pieces that will hold a sufficient amount of appeal, and add some real value to my clients’ collections. Over the pond, one of my favorite auction houses, Drouot, is holding a Sunday afternoon sale in Brussels. These 2 pieces that you’re seeing at the top, are among 15 of my TOP PICKS from their impressive collection.
Pierre CHAREAU (Attribué à) Lampadaire en chêne patiné acajou, à hauteurs variables. Fût à double jambage dont un à crémaillère permettant les différentes évolutions. A partie haute trois lames plates coudées enserrant des plaques (postérieures) en albâtre formant un éventail lumineux. Base quadrangulaire à doucine. Right: Miroir Infinitly Grand miroir en verre fumé sans teint, cadre en laiton à l’intérieur duquel se reflètent des diodes pour donner une impression de profondeur infinie
Art Deco Sale in Brussels on Sunday, March 3rd, 2013
Drouot Grand Sablon Forum in Brussels
Left: TRAVAIL DES ANNÉES 1960. Lampe en métal nickelé à abat-jour circulaire légèrement bombé, cache ampoule cornet traversé par un tube fixé sur la base. Right: ÉCOLE FRANÇAISE début XXe Portrait de Femme Huile sur toile Signé”Martin” et daté
Aimé HENRY DE FIGANIERES (1909-?). “Cache cache”, 1973 Huile sur toile 65 x 50 cm
Signé et daté en bas à droite
Claude CUNDA (Ne en 1915)
“Composition abstraite”, 1974 Huile sur toile 116 x 89 cm Signé en bas à droite et daté “1974”
Left: Travail des années 1940. Chaise de boudoir recouverte de tissu moiré passepoilé à dossier coquille animé de cordelettes dorées et orné en partie arrière basse d’une coquille laquée. JACQUES ADNET (1900-1984). Guéridon en placage de palissandre à deux plateaux soutenus et joints par deux montants pleins galbés.
JACQUES ADNET (1900-1984)
Important guéridon à base en bois verni noir. Fût cylindrique recouvert de plaques de miroirs juxtaposés. Plateau circulaire débordant à fond miroir orné au centre d’une 
ronde de lunules et cerclé d’une lame en médal chromé
Paul KISS (1885-1962)
Spectaculaire paravent à quatre vantaux en fer forgé. Structure à lames plates de section carrée à parties hautes galbées. Décor ajouré de gerbes de fleurs stylisées à enroulements ouverts et coudés. 
Du réceptacle à la base les lames parallèles ondulent
Travail Art Déco Deux tables gigognes en bois laqué de forme U inversé à décor de coquille d’oeuf sur la table supérieure, d’une bande asymétrique sur la table supérieure et d’une
fleur stylisée sur chaque montant plein.
Corradini Argenteria (Bologne)
Vase en cuivre martelé de style art déco figurant l’allégorie des beaux-arts. Cachet de la manufacture
Nikki de St Phalle (1930-2002) “Nana”, 1968 Plastique polychrome, édition Alvimar 
Signé et marques de l’éditeur.
Xavier PUIGMARTI (né en 1952)
“Milo II”, 1990 Technique mixte sur toile 162 x 130 cm Signé et daté au dos
Drouot Auction House, France

Trends from the NYIGF: Natural Fibers, Geometric Patterns and Raw Wood

Rope Study: in Natural and White from Natural Curiosity
The Year of Pretty
The NYIGF ended earlier today in a most positive note. And that isn’t necessarily because the fair was set aside as being particularly exciting, but rather it was because the materials on display were aesthetically pleasing and comfortably safe to unwind with. Natural fibers such as abaca, wool, hemp, jute, and sisal were seen as strong trends throughout the show. At one point, I saw so much jute, I thought I was transported to a street fair at The Philippines.
On Monday afternoon, I ran into interior designer, and former contributing editor at Elle Decor, Elaine Griffin, while I was at Pier 94. Elaine shared with me some of the trends that she noticed from this closely watched gift fair. “Most of the trends that we saw today were launched last year, and so this year, they’re playing catch up. These are not necessarily new.” So I had to ask, what’s new?

“We’re seeing raw wood, and geometric patterns everywhere. Mind you, this trend was already launched last year, but it is now expending into fabrics, rugs, and furniture. Colors such as yellow, green are just exploding! I think that green is still a very popular, and important color. Overall, what we’re seeing is a lot of pretty at this fair. This is the year of pretty because in a time of economic uncertainty, people want pretty. The vendors want something that is going to sell, and pretty is safe.”


From the 2013 summer collection – A chic and colorful clutch from Mary y Sol.
All of their products are handmade in Madagascar
Home and fashion designs Flora Bella
Graphic patterns such as these were seen everywhere at the show, from hand towels, boxes, furniture, to even water bottles

The Condotti collection from Dransfield & Ross can deliver a dreamy, fairytale-like atmosphere to any bedrooms. This princess duvet was too splendid for words. The blue ribbons threaded with the linen fabric made it just that more special
A few of my favorite things from Hancock baskets
Vintage warmth: Peggy Fisher’s bag from Hancok Baskets
A natural choice: Perfect little summer clutch from the folks at Mar y Sol
Bringing the outdoors in. A strong theme at the NYIGF
This simple graphic brought a nostalgic feeling to a plain, otherwise unmemorable  bag. The splash of red did add to its appeal – to be sure


Rope me in: These natural and aesthetically pleasing accessories are great for some home decoration – on a budget
Pleasure meeting Fabrice Philippe, of Teo Jasmin.  Fabrice is a famous French designer to the stars. His various fun and trendy bags are household names among celebrities like Paris Hilton, and Brad Pitt. Also, think of gift bags at The Oscars, and the Bafta awards. The popular bags depict various English bulldogs in stylish attire, which are quickly making wave in the US market




Unique, natural furniture and lighting accessories from the Design Group


Graphic designs, from furniture to table trays were seen just about everywhere at the fair
Rani Arabella
Images courtesy High End Weekly

First Look: Italian furniture maker, Promemoria, reveals their most fashionable line of furniture to date

AZIZA/ AZIZA LARGE 
Special edition
poltrona/ armchair 74x76xh76 cm – 291/8×2915/16xh2915/16
inches/ 91x82xh80 cm – 3513/16×325/16xh311/2 inches
Base in ancient beech, fabric “KUBUS” extra collection and new velvet
(melanzana 4 – DSR0300817)

Fresh out of Maison & Objet in Paris, this is Promemoria’s 2013 Furniture Collection. Geometric patterns of the days of yore ruled the scene, and stayed ahead of the trends, as Italian furniture company, Promemoria, revealed their most fashionable line of furniture to date.

Promemoria, Paris
FUTURE VOYAGER ATTO II
Cabinet 161x47xh85 cm – 616/16×188/16xh337/16 inches 
Base in ancient oak, covering in smooth moro leather and cashmere (extra collection)
GINEVRA 
Armchair 90x98xh81 cm – 357/16×389/16xh317/8 inches 
Ebony, covering in new crema 1 (DTPANNA), cushion in new cioccolato 6 (S1T10162032)

BATTISTA
Special edition 
Small table 62,5x47xh57 cm – 245/8×181/2xh227/16 inches 
Base in mate black, inlaid top in maple, oak and mahogany
BILOU BILOU LARGE
Special edition 
Chair 50×59,5xh92,5 cm – 1911/16×237/16xh367/16 inches 
Completely upholstered in Bilou Bilou velvet

SCARLETT 
Special edition 
Bedside table with castors 46x46xh50 cm – 181/8×181/8xh1911/16 inches/ 46x46xh68 cm –
181/8×181/8xh263/4 inches
Structure in bronze, removable tray in patchwork leather (smooth moro/ smooth avorio leather, glitter leather extra collection – smooth rosso/ smooth avorio leather, glitter leather extra collection)

High End Weekly’s Year on Art, Design, and Fashion

Audrey Hepburn

Audrey Hepburn tops our Number 10 List this year as the most popular post. No surprise there. She was the face of grace and elegance, and everything stylish. And eventhough she exited the world’s stage in 1993, she remains an inspiration and role model for millions of women all over the world.

Other memorable stories were my Q&A with furniture designer John Lyle, my series on the awesome works of Fernand Léger, The Kips Bay Decoration Showhouse, and more.


No. 2
Higher Grounds: Twiggy with Richard Avedon

What strikes me the most about Twiggy is that she has remained strong and confident throughout her career, and her popularity hasn’t waned as seasons passed. This is quite a feat considering that most models and actors usually do not experience this outcome.

No. 3
A pretty pair of pink wing chairs from Leah Antiques, as well as painting of Joan Collins from the early 1960’s take center stage in this exceedingly lively room. 
No wonder Joan Collins chose John Lyle to design her New York City apartment, as she got ready to sell it through Core Real Estate. He is so intuitive, plus it doesn’t hurt to have a marvelous eye for great design.
No. 4
Fernand Léger
Fernand Léger’s work in the 1920s made his international reputation. They combined that certain quality of surrealism and the strong characteristic of the plain forms which he came to be known for.
No. 5
Eileen Gray Transat Chair
As an architect, Eileen Gray designed and furnished herself a new home, Tempe à Pailla, outside Menton, France. That building is an icon of Modernist architecture, and the design was an awesome example of form meets function.
No. 6
Composition, 1940 – 1942, oil on canvas – Fernand Léger
Image via 1artclub
With all the glory that later came as being a blue chip artist, Fernand Léger’s career spaned from early investigations of painting as a means of capturing modern sensations in abstract and near abstract dynamic compositions to heroic images of common life.

No. 7
Furniture trends tend to follow not just changing tastes, but changing needs as the ways in which we live our lives alter over time.
No. 8
Custom made red Zig Zag table stands as a tribute to the late designer Albert Hadley
Raji Radhakrishman’s Le Bureau Privé
The Curator’s Office
No. 9
Metal Boy Cabinet
Most Americans would agree that the kitchen is one of the most important room in a house, and should be treated as such. And de Giulio is happy to prove that point by providing them with some of the most inspiring kitchens to “live with”.

No. 10
Christian Deydier, Corice Arman, Xavier Samson
A global group of esteemed guests both from the US and France, gathered at the French Consulate in March 2012 to celebrate the official announcement of the Biennale des Antiquaires which took place on September 14 through the 23rd.

Greenberg’s Art Deco: The Splendor Of The Sublime

Art Deco

MASTERFUL CRAFTSMANSHIP

The Steven Greenberg collection of Art Deco art, furniture, and accessories represents the magnificence of a time relived through the eyes of this special collector. Capturing the Art Deco zeitgeist through selective acquisition, with an acute eye towards exquisite beauty, Greenberg amassed works by Dupas, Dunand, and Ruhlmann.

Written by Gail Green
As Kathryn Hausman, president of the Art Deco Society of New York, who was both a close personal and professional friend of Steven Greenberg notes, “When it came to his collection, Steven had both an eye for attention to detail and an appreciation for the masterful craftsmanship and beauty that epitomized the Art Deco period. He lived and worked amongst these works of beauty as though each piece spoke to him of a time and artist still alive. Stevenʼs ability to create such a collection illustrates his profound knowledge and love of the period.” With the majority of his exemplary collection centered on the works of these three titans of the times, Greenberg sets the Christieʼs stage with a feast for the splendor of the sublime.

A COLLECTOR’S PASSION FOR BEAUTY

Paul Bonetʼs hand-tooled leather binding with George Barbierʼs lively illustrations
Talking sublime, Paul Bonetʼs hand-tooled leather binding with George Barbierʼs lively illustrations is artistic virtuosity. Influenced by Pierre Legrain, Bonetʼs work exhibits a three dimensionality that is highly innovative. This black Morocco gild leather binding, whose cover is encrusted with a “sunk-in lacquer panel in black, red, gold, silver, and eggshell, and whose lower cover is gilt and decorated with red morocco inlay and golden iridescent silk end leaves” exhibits the whimsy and fanciful decoration of the illustrations within. Encapsulating the beauty and materials of the Art deco period, Bonet was both highly imaginative and daring.

Unlike any Eileen Gray I have ever seen, this rare six panel 1923 dark brown colored lacquer screen is a wonderful example of the designerʼs art moderne style. Incised and painted wood panels display linear and arced shapes reminiscent of the De Stijl movement, Grayʼs work shows a sympathetic alliance to the international artists of her time, both in innovation and technique. The work is about as much as the spaces she defined within the lines as it is about the process and genius that these lines distinguished.

Jean Dupasʻ pair of wall panels, dated 1934/5, define Greenbergʼs taste for the period as well as epitomize the Art Deco period itself. The allegorical themes which it portrays in full splendor are as bold and magnificent as the work itself. Sea monsters, sirens, waves – a drama played out verre eglomise display a boldness of line and spirit that raise this work to magnificent artistic heights. Originally designed for the Grand Salon of the Normandie, the gold, silver and palladium leafing palette must have made a grand gesture matched only by the ship itself.

Steven Greenbergʼs masterpiece collection of French Art Deco artistry highlights the unfaltering eye of a collectorʼs passion for beauty and genius. Best Wishes! Gail.

Six panel 1923 dark brown colored lacquer screen


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Conceptual Designs by Joe Cesare Colombo

“I don’t think of myself as an artist nor as a technician, but as an epistemologiest… A designer is the creator of the environment of the future” – Joe Colombo

The Milanese organic designer Joe Colombo who passed away the same year I was born, firmly believed in creating an integral habitat where the aesthetics of a home developed out of the way it was meant to be used as environment for living.

Thoroughly Modern: Multi chair by Joe Colombo

He originally started his career as a painter and sculptor, and you can see evidence of this on the lurid colors, as well as the technological and functional innovation he used in his furniture design.

The famous KD27, circa 1970, in my favorite color, Orange!
These designs are in great demand at auctions houses throughout the world. In the 1960s Joe Colombo created the 4801 chair – an authentic symbol of the design world at that time. That famous chair, which has since been licensed to Kartell was produced entirely of wood. Nowadays, technology enables the manufacture to produce them in PMMA, a process which emphasises their rounded, smooth shapes.

 
From Left: Continental, 1965, and Combi Center, 1963, by Joe Colombo
The 4801 Chair
The 4801 chairs by Joe Colombo now produced by Kartell
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Top 7



EDITOR’S TOP PICKS
For its first foray into lighting, Kiln Design Studio worked with Bespoke Global to introduce the Derrick Chandelier – inspired by the Studio’s famed vitreous enamel table mobile. The stunning colors of the vitreous enamel are luminous, while the organic form of the Lily Pads are striking against the minimalist hardware.
Available at Bespoke Global



Derrick Chandelier by Kiln Design Studio

C’est si bon!
“Die and Gone to Heaven” macarons from Ladurée NYC
Need we say more?
Bangle Dining Table from Hudson Furniture
High Polished Bronze Finish Base shown with Solid Walnut Slab Top (Natural Finish)
Also Available in Stainless Steel (Polished and Blackened), Statuary Bronze (Light and Dark).
Custom Sizes Available
The Queen’s Favorite
It’s not hard to see why Queen Elizabeth II favors Launer’s iconic handbags. As a whole, the british brand pays great attention to detail to all their handmade bags which bear the same meticulous craftsmanship as the handbags
the Queen has carried for over 50 years.
Vineyards Vacation
The Vintage Inn located in Yountville, California
This sprawling inn is the sort of haven that reminds one of an elegant French country manor which has been deconstructed and dropped into the heart of California wine country.
Nailing It!
The relaunch of Cartier, Juste Un Clou Collection (Unisex rings and bracelets)
There are two sizes of the bracelet and a ring, available in yellow and white gold, unadorned or with paved diamonds. This collection was first introduced in the 1970s, and was designed by Aldo Cipullo, a roman jewelry designer.
The Phantom Series II
Upgrade your life today with the this ultimate horse power from Rolls-Royce
Phantom Series II marks the first significant improvements to Phantom since 2003 and features
several technological upgrades intended to improve the timeless appeal, performance and efficiency of the car.

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Furniture Design Trends for 2012

Furniture design moves at a different pace to fashion design. People want their furniture to last, and particularly in a time of economic austerity, few people want to see their furniture as just a throwaway, fashion influenced trend. That said, things always grow and change, and furniture trends tend to follow not just changing tastes, but changing needs as the ways in which we live our lives alter over time.
 Tangerine Tango – The 2012 Color of the Year

So, while you might not find sudden changes to furniture fashion, with Italian sofas on-trend this year and French chairs the next, trends do develop. Here are some of the furniture design trends we predict for 2012.
Recycled Furniture 
In keeping with current concerns about the environment and the need to conserve precious resources, the recycled furniture movement is growing. All kinds of surprising things can be made into something new. The most obvious is furniture made from reclaimed wood, with the rough-hewn qualities it has creating interest. More adventurous souls could seek out furniture made from crushed cans and reformed into chairs and tables, or perhaps furniture made from old surf and skate boards, such as pieces by Zanini de Zanine Caldas. If you have the design and building skills, you could even make your own. Another route is to look for materials reclaimed from old buildings and house clearances and use them as the centerpiece for something new.
Eco-Friendly Furniture 
In keeping with the above, designers and manufacturers are increasingly keen to show that their furniture has good eco-credentials. For example, the use of sustainable woods and fabrics which have not been treated with harsh chemicals both increase a piece’s cool factor. Untreated furniture is often the most eco-friendly, and many people are looking for furniture that does not use harmful chemicals in its manufacture. Some of this kind of furniture can be at the top-end in terms of price, as manufacturers compete for scare sustainable resources. Others, such as cushion covers made from un-dyed hemp, can be very cheap and accessible. 

New Retro Furniture 
There is a definite trend for low-slung, retro-style furniture that makes use of glass and metal to create a very 1960s to 70s look. Sofas and chairs increasingly have low seating heights, and so coffee tables are lowered to match. Many designers are making heavy use of glass too, so those low tables may well have glass tops, and those low beds have glass headboards. This kind of furniture has a lovely, relaxed feel: it harks back to the comforting confidence of another age, while also injecting a bit of modern edginess into a room. 
Brightly Colored Furniture 
Furniture in bright colors catches the eye and can act as a focal point in a room. In particular (and mirroring catwalk trends) acid yellows, and bright purples can be seen everywhere. This is a great trend if you don’t have a big budget to work with, as you can change some fabrics or add a big, statement picture to achieve it. And of course, if you are able to spend more, it allows you to really go all out to achieve a new, bold look. 
Neutrally Colored Furniture 
This might sound as if it contradicts the above, but actually, it works in harmony with it. After all, you can only have so much color in one room. It also works as part of the eco-friendly trend, with un-dyed fabrics worked in. As well as un-dyed fabrics, colors like gray, taupe, cream and stone work well and can be combined with many brighter colors for a great all-round look. Neutral colors can help keep things clean and light, and allow you to display art or photographs without worrying about color clashes.

Photo courtesy of Roche Bobois
Modular Furniture
Modular furniture isn’t new, but it is growing in popularity. And it doesn’t just have to mean modular sofas: anything which can be combined with something else to give it a double use comes under this trend. Modular furniture allows you to re-jig a room instantly, so you could go from having scattered chairs which separate a room into areas for different activities, into having a single cozy centerpiece for family and friends to gather on and around.
Contributed by Izzy Woods

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Bellissimo Promemoria


“Remember the past to improve our future“
When I walked into the luxurious showroom of furniture maker, Promemoria, I can see at a glance that their collection is greatly influenced by Art Deco, Far Eastern cultures and Italian craftsmanship. Italy is well-known for having some of the most sumptuous leather, and this family-owned company has been creating top-tier furnishings in the finest tradition since 1988.
Roka Chair

Their collection covers cabinets, tables, writing desks, screens, mirrors, chairs, armchairs, beds, lighting, and a definitive collection of perfectly proportioned miniature versions of their essential pieces. Promemoria also carries a convivial outdoor furniture line which evoked a feeling of pure wonderment. The Roka chair (image number 1) also comes as a full-back version.  It is handsewn and takes 24 hours as well as several working days to complete. While I was given a tour by their decorous manager, Elizabeth Schofield, it became apparent to me that the company’s standards are extremely high, and their roots is embedded in the tradition of cabinet making. Every piece from their collection is hand crafted, and are often made to individual specifications. The furniture they carry are classic whilst at the same time contemporary, and they lend themselves to different types of living spaces.

I’ve learned that the creative force behind this dynamic Italian company is Romeo Sozzi, cabinet maker and designer, and his three sons.  Stefano is responsible for the carpentry, Davide, the architect and head of the project department and Paolo, who is in charge of the production department. Promemoria’s headquarters and workshops are  located in between the mountains of Lecco and the two branches of Lake Como. They are organised into different divisions: the atelier of carpentry, fabrics and the workshops working with leather and skins. In all these areas, expert craftsmen combine ancient skills and techniques with the most modern technologies.
Today, Promemoria’s creations are exported all over the world. Over the years, the company’s reputation has become synonymous with style, and a point of reference for both luxury and the design of unique pieces created in special finishes for more demanding and sophisticated clients. 
Promemoria
New York
The Fine Arts Building
232 East 59th Street, 5th Floor
New York, New York 10022
646-588-4489
Milan
Via Bagutta 13
Via Montenapoleone 8, 20121
35 Rue de Bellechasse, 75007
London
99 Pimlico Road, SW1W 8PH
Moscow
Smolenskaya Street 7, 119121

Photos courtesy of Promemoria

Moroso, NYC


The Traveling Show

Italian furniture maker Moroso is planning an exciting traveling road show with a pop-up showroom and exhibition all across North American. First stop? New York City (until November 26th).

The show will then move to Chicago, and seven other cities are scheduled to have these pop up stores in 2012. This evening, I will be heading to their press preview in Soho. Moroso have commissioned Rockwell Group, an award-winning design firm to showcase this mobile showroom. Patrizia Moroso, the art director of her namesake firm, has long been friends with David Rockwell.
Asking his firm, which is so well-versed in the art of theatrical transformation, to collaborate on this project was a foregone conclusion. As I’ve mentioned earlier, after New York, the show will make multiple stops. Some of the cities are Philadelphia, Chicago in early December. The schedule for 2012 includes Miami, Dallas, Los Angeles, Atlanta, Seattle, and Vancouver.

Moroso USA
526 West 26th Street
New York
212-529-1705

Moroso, New York