Tag: furnishings
Favorite Things: Credenzas
In the dining room, a credenza is ideal for added storage and provides a great surface to serve from.
A credenza is a large, closed cabinet often used as a sideboard or a buffet. In the dining room, a credenza is ideal for added storage and provides a great surface to serve from. We often use custom pieces to meet a client’s individual needs, an option that allows us to integrate the credenza’s interior into the design. A custom credenza gives you added flexibility for size, style, color, and material for a super unique look. Additionally, a credenza provides structure and a foundation for lamps and art. It grounds a space. I love using elements such as shagreen and ebony or two dimensional doors. When working with a craftsman, you can trick out a credenza for a memorable, one of a kind piece. Here are some of my favorite examples of gorgeous credenzas.
Morgan Console from Four Hands
Irwindale Buffet from Theodore Alexander
Tompkins Buffet from Wud Furniture Design
Rondelle Credenza by John Pomp
Fumed Oak Credenza from ISOM
Milano Mystic Buffet from Ercole Home.
Harper Side Board from Precedent Furniture
Painted Credenza from Jeff Martin Joinery
Ingemar Cabinet from KGBL
Raised Front Ebonized Floating Credenza from 1st Dibs
Vintage Finds: Chairs
Vintage chairs are an amazing way to add spunk and interest to your interior.
I love vintage chairs. They are an amazing way to add spunk and interest to your interior. When you source vintage furnishings, it makes the space special, like a piece of sculpture in the room. A sofa from a catalog, though customizable, doesn’t have the same presence as a Milo Baughman or Jean-Michel Frank chair. The history behind these designers gives their work that authentic feeling and brings so much more value to a space. Whether there are many of a particular chair out there or not, they have beauty, detail, and form.
Often, I make a vintage chair more appropriate for a client by reupholstering it to suit the space. I’ll consider color or a contrasting element. You can take something from the original design and build on it. The finished result is a truly unique piece.
I’ve been looking out for chairs for my office and saw that my friend Amy Vischio had a great pair of vintage chairs through her company Mixit Inc. Unfortunately, she’d just sold them. She promised to do what she could, however, and in only two days called me back to say she found this amazing pair of Milo Baughman chairs and had them delivered to me. My plan is to pull them apart and reupholster them, a project I am really looking forward to!
What are your thoughts on vintage chairs?
Restoration Hardware, Spring 2012
When I recently received Restoration Hardware’s hefty Spring 2012 catalog in the mail, the understated, monochromatic cover gave little hint of the incredible products displayed inside.
When I recently received Restoration Hardware‘s hefty Spring 2012 catalog in the mail, the understated, monochromatic cover gave little hint of the incredible products displayed inside. I was completely blown away by so many of the pieces — right now, nothing else can compete. They nailed it! Restoration Hardware’s current lines have so much to offer to many clients on many levels. I could easily see myself doing a whole house with these pieces!
I believe the Spring 2012 catalog signals the pinnacle of Restoration Hardware’s shift over the years from a focus on authentic period hardware to true furniture gallery offerings suited to a luxury lifestyle. When Gary Friedman became CEO in 2001, Restoration Hardware was still being affected by multiple store closings and restructuring of the company. They began to expand their offerings to include bathware, textiles, furniture, and lighting and gradually moved away from such items like toys, books, and gadgets. The core of the company now seems dedicated to fine, historical design as well as updated classics, all with superior quality. If this most recent catalog is any indication, Restoration Hardware has truly come into its own as a distinctive and responsive source for home decor.
Have you seen this Restoration Hardware catalog? If so, what do you think and do you have a favorite piece or line? I know I am really looking forward to incorporating a lot of these furnishings in my own projects!