Category: Furniture

Hellman-Chang: Made in Brooklyn

Hellman – Chang‘s designs have long been the furniture of choice for some of my clients. So imagine how delighted I was to finally come across the design duo last May during the ICFF show in NYC.  Yes, I knew that each of their pieces were made by hand by their highly skilled craftsmen, but what I did not know was that the designers themselves took an active role with the making of every pieces that are made.
Hellman-Chang – Lucid Cocktail and Side Tables 
Their Brooklyn-based studio is not a crowded factory with assembly-line workers, but an inspiring workspace where timeless fabrication techniques are fostered.  All of their boldly designed, traditionally-crafted pieces are meant to last for generations, and embody the spirit of hand-built artisanship.  I like the fact that Hellman-Chang’s designs happen organically, through an intuitive process.  The result is contemporary, but livable, grounded in the natural beauty of the wood.  “It’s still design-conscious, but feels a little warmer,” explains Eric.  “While it’s good to push the conceptual envelope, our pieces are something you can see in your home.”
Lucid Cocktail Table

Lucid Side Table


Lucid Dining Table

Lucid is a new line of side, cocktail and dining tables incorporating along with their signature solid wood designs.  “The Lucid line was about playing with the perception of lightness and mass,” said Daniel Hellman.  The tables feature two sheets of Starphire glass encompassed by a “closed-circuit” solid wood frame.  The ultra-clear glass offers undistorted views of a rug or floor below, while allowing objects to float on the top and shelf surfaces.  “The ultra-clear transparency of the two sheets of Starphire glass creates a sense of weightlessness, while the proportion of the frame simultaneously gives it immediate presences,” Daniel said.  By using glass, Hellman-Chang has taken a step away from their classically wood-based design.  Daniel and Eric have maintained the warm, Zen-like aesthetic they are known for, while bringing attention to line and form.

Daniel Hellman and Eric Chang

The design duo is celebrating their fifth year of defining Brooklyn sophistication in luxury for high-end residential and hospitality environments.  Hellman-Chang furniture is designed and manufactured in their Brooklyn studio.  Their products are showcased in A. Rubin showrooms in New York, Los Angeles, San Francisco and Chicago, and in David Sutherland showrooms in Dania Beach, Florida; Dallas; and Houston.  Hellman-Chang furniture has been used in interiors of high-end hotels such as The Setai, The Cosmopolitan of Las Vegas, the Waldorf Astoria, the Ritz-Carlton, the Four Seasons and the InterContinental, as well as featured in such productions as Sex and the City 2 and Gossip Girl.

Sitting Pretty!

Timeless Beauties

Back in October of last year, I published this piece on Stylish By Design, and from time to time, I found myself going back to it, not just for the obvious design genius of Marcel Breuer, Eileen Gray, Thonet, and Le Corbusier (to name a few), but also to remind myself as to what a great chair should feel like. It does not matter what the chair looks like, it’s the way it makes you feel that is important.

This Michael Thonet’s Settee is quite at ease with both traditional, and modern interiors. The outline of this settee is simply beautiful. Bentwood is as modern then, as it is now.
The ULTIMATE in great design and comfort.
Eileen Gray Transat Chair
For a small and unobtrusive chair, the B-167-3 Lounge Chair by Pierre Paulin is unusually comfortable, not to mention inviting. The shape is much more functional than a casual inspection would suggest.
In contrast to Paulin’s chair, I find the Archair 12 by Poul Kjaerholm to be rather uncomfortable, as the back rung cuts painfully across the spine. But it is an absolute beauty. The chair is greatly influenced by Thonet’s bentwood forms, but it has it’s own and unique fresh take as a tubular steel.
No question, this chaise lounge by Le Corbusier is simply one of the classics for
complete, egocentric comfort.
The Wassily chair by Marcel Breuer was greatly influenced, believe it or not, by the colonial chairs of long ago. This is a welcoming and beautiful chair, both aesthetically and physcially satisfying.
T Chair by William Katavolos, Ross Litell, Douglas Kelly
In such a structure, this functional chair shows the results of imposing preconceived decisions on the logic of forms in combination
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Christie’s Interiors Sale

Low-key elegance ruled at Christie’s Interiors Sale

In case you missed this month’s Christie’s Interiors Sale, I encourage you to keep their next one in mind, by visiting their website’s calendar. It was the kind of sale that was right for just about anyone’s budget, and this year, like the preceding ones before it, didn’t disappoint.

A pair of massive bone-inlaid oak vitrine cabinets Mid 20th Century 

During the three day sale, the gavel went down on several items for as low as $65! Now that’s what I call Recession Art. Darling, don’t we just love a bargain?

Although I personally didn’t buy a single item for myself during the July sale, I did familiarize myself with what was “on the menu” by rummaging through the pages of their catalogue, while I was traveling, a few weeks back. Two words stuck out on my mind, when I thought about writing this post – Easy Elegance. These pieces are perfect for the young art collector, or the individual with a secondary home in the country.  The bone-inlaid oak vitrine above is massive, yes, but it can be a good fit for a big or moderately sized room, providing that it remains the leading presence.
Charles Arnoldi (American, b. 1946)
Suitor
Enough spark to light a fire! This piece from Arnoldi is a great conversation piece, and adds just the right amount of color for a muted interior or a space that is in desperate need for some ambiance.
A sepik river mask from Papua New Guinea

Coming across the unexpected in any interior can be refreshing. I truly like the sense of whimsy, the geometric shapes and natural colors of this mask. I must admit that I envy the one who got away with it!

Claire Falkenstein (AMERICAN, 1908-1998)
Centrifugal III
I love art which carries a sense of movement. This shadow box from Falkenstein is a good beginning for those who are looking to start collecting some of her work. 

A gilt-brass and textured brown leather circular coffee table,
by William (Billy) Haines, Mid circa 1950
There was a fair amount of furniture from legendary Hollywood designer, William Haines, at the Interiors Sale, this year. So if you were able to snag a couple of his works, more power to you. I found this coffee table to be extremely sexy. With its gilt-brass geometric shaped legs, it fits right at home in the country or the city. And what’s more, it’s small enough to move around , when the occasion calls for it.

A set of six bronze, copper and gilt metal circular ashtrays, 
by William (Billy) Haines and Michael Morrison, circa 1050
Rustic chic! Instead of using these as ashtrays, I would have them around as serving trays when entertaining guests, or simply use them in the bathroom as soap dishes.

A red lacquered two tiered side table,
by William (Billy) Haines, circa 1950
There’s a primitive look to this table which is right for just about any type of interiors. A little red is just the right amount of color to accentuate any space. Plus it’s small enough to use as a bench when you’re in a pinch.

A pair of French oak and rush low chairs, Mid 20th Century

This pair brings to mind a “Provencal” setting. Giving the simplicity of its clean lines, the silhouette is quite alluring and believe it or not, they’re very comfortable (I sat on those myself during the viewing).

A set of three French oak stools,
late 19th/Early 20th Century

These circular top antique French stools could be quite useful in a library, don’t you think? Whenever I buy a table or a chair, I always look at its legs since that usually determine the common thread I’m seeking for the project. With their modern sensibilities and Eastern adaptations, these stools are a crowd pleaser.

A French oak curved bench, attributed to Guillerme et Chambron, Mid 20th Century
I can easily picture this bench with one of Ralph Lauren’s “summer house” colors which he currently carries. Either the bright orange, or the sultry yellow fabric will do. Yes, even William Morris would of been proud of this piece.

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Top 7

High Fashion

Marchesa gowns are timeless and seriously elegant
www.marchesa.com

Breeze and Freeze
Smeg 50’s style refrigerators with ice compartment
Art for Life
We love the crisp and intelligent photography of Dale Ann Clancy
Table Manners
White gold Trocadero table by Armani/Casa  
Available in brushed brown oak, brushed light oak, brown mahogany and sukupira wooden finishing
In The Deco Style
Classic Deco Rugs from Barbara Barran of Classic Rug Collection
Sitting Pretty
Expressing the force and beauty of simplicity, this light-scale chair lounge draws inspiration from 
the classic works of Mies van der ohe and Le Corbusier
The Right Bite
Richard Mille 
Lady RM 016


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Patrick Gaguech

The Art Deco Style of Patrick Gaguech

Mr. Gauguech founded his company in 1977. His goal back then as it is now is to bring together artistic trades relating to furniture and the world of interior design around a single organization – his. That world consists of manufacturing furniture, metal works, bronze, flooring, and lighting.

 With over 500  models, Patrick Gaguech’s collection is now the largest in the world.  Reissues, antique reproduction, cabinet making, metal work, marquetry, artistic lighting.  His company undertakes so much meticulous work where the central theme is and always will be a Love of Detail.
Patek Philippe
Since 2006, Patrick started collaborating with Pakek Philippe in Paris.  Since then, he went on designing his London, New York, Madrid, Milan, and Frankfort’s VIP lounges.
His creations are recognised for their originality and quality.  Patrick has successfully surrounded himself with men and women passionate about their work, and that singular fact had kept him fulfilling orders in fields as diverse as yachting, luxury watchmaking and interior design projects.
Patrick Gaguech’s Art Deco Designed Lounge at the 2011 New York Times’ TimeCrafters.

Patrick Gaguech
61 Avenue Philippe Auguste
75011 Paris – France

Hermès Furniture Collection

Updates on the Milan International Furniture Show
How on earth did I forget to mention this on my last post?!  French luxury brand, Hermès, has unveil their first ever furniture line at the show this week. Who are the designers behind this grand coup?

Enzo Mari, an influential figure in Italian design, has designed a line of living room furniture, the dining room furniture line comes from Anthonio Citterio, and Denis Montel, who has been working with Hermès since 1978, teamed up with with Eric Benque to co-designed a chair that Hermes called its signature object.  The collection will be available in select Hermès stores, starting September 2011. In addition, Hermès partnered with Debar to present an absolutely stunning range of fabrics, wallpaper and carpets.
Note:  A short video of the fair can be found here

Top Design Trends from Milan

I Saloni is 50 years young this year, but you wouldn’t know it by looking at the design trends that keep trickling down each year at this iconic luxury design trade show. Planning to attend? You’re in for a treat since you’ll be able to touch, marvel, and experience the world’s best furniture design.
I Saloni is where you’ll find a variety of furniture and accessories – from classical to modern. With an increasing audience each year, no wonder this is the quaintessial place where you’ll find firsthand, the trendsetters of tomorrow.

Top Places to Shop for High-End Designs

Since its launch in 2009 ShopAD has revolutionized the way designers shop online. Although nothing beats seeing and feeling the products in real-life, wouldn’t you say?

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Noteworthy Mention:

Dangerous Liaisons at 301 Westbourne Grove, Notting Hill, London. Middle Eastern furniture, ivory bone inlaid side tables … Simply beautiful.
FR 66 – über trendy, aka the House Of True Style. FR 66, 25 Rue Renard, 75004, Paris
Cathy Lerebours houses a collection of NY’s finest antiques, all due to her tireless travels and acquisitions. Lerebours Antiques, 220 East 60th Street, New York, NY. Lerebours Antiaques.