DESIGN FOR MEN

Just another reason to be exciting about 2011 and what it shall bring – I am really digging the new collection for Spring 2011 from West Elm.     The following items are already on my wish list.  Topping the list is the great Windsor Chaise pictured above.

Parsons Mirrored Console Table

JOHN PAUL PHILLIPE ART RUGS…just amazing – love the line version as well as the neutral color version.

John Paul Phillipe Sketch Rug

John Paul Phillipe Art Rug

Ellipse Metal Canopy Bed

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Industrial Pendants

Upholstered Dhurrie Slab

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Industrial Metal Cabinets  and Foxed Nightstand

Images from West Elm

Victor Klassen, started by the artist/scupltor himself, features innovative wood-working technique from exterior doors and other wood doors, to coffee tables, home accessories and other unique modern furniture pieces. These contemporary styles always exude a life of their own. They get their inspiration from the blend of natural forms and the illusion of movement, which is why their artistic furniture designs curve and flow with an exquisite rhythm.  Speaking of simulating movement through dynamic form…the stunning buffet above features is a personal favorite featuring ubiquitous sweeping curves and integrated pulls.  The following are just a taste of the wonderful pieces on the site:

Curve Table

Skeletal Sofa simply wow!

Nook Coffee Table (also available as console and breakfast tables)

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Doors: Wave and Chaotic


All of their pieces incorporate the best quality materials including premium grade Red Cedar and American Ash which are mainstays in their collection. No wonder they pride themselves on modern furniture pieces that are perfect for longevity and stability.

Enjoy your journey through their site by clicking here, and be immersed in the artistic work of Victor Klassen.

IMAGES by Victor Klassen

The U Street Corridor area is quickly becoming one of my favorite sources for furnishings.  The Hunted House is located on U Street near some of my favorites including, Room & Board, RCKDNY. Located on the second floor of a row house on 14th street, the shop feels more like a home than vintage furniture shop.  A hand-selected mix of eclectic and mid-century furnishings are displayed in vignettes, showroom style.

Pair of Ceramic Lamps – already envisioning these with a great modern drum shade

Danish Modern 2-Seater with Teak Frame

Danish Modern Desk

Glass Top Cocktail Table hmmm…I saw the matching end table in Rehoboth

Walnut Side Table

Check out the Hunted House site by clicking here.

Well Built, a new DC furniture shop focused on sustainable, modern furniture.  Loving their dedication to helping people realize that great design can be responsible to the environment.  Check out some from of my favorites.

Hepburn Bed

WD3 Desk

Double Octopus Pendant Also available in White

Deer Collection Side Chair

Sonic Classic Wood Clock

Many of the furnishings at Well Built are available in a variety of finishes.  Check out their website by clicking here.

IMAGES from Well Built

While in Rehoboth on a mini vacation, I discovered a gem of an antiques shop. I was in the store shopping for about an hour. I knew I had something was up when the owner ended up putting me to work. I helped him move some chairs. Ultimately, it was time well spent as I found some great things. The above was my favorite – this African serving tray. While I didn’t buy one this time, I just love it! Check out the following other great finds:

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FOR THE BAR…

Incorporate vintage pitchers, shakers, decanters to add sophistication for the bar. Had to buy this great wood/chrome ice bucket with matching tongs.

Mid-Century Chrome Side Table

Hat Box and Shoe Form

Hat boxes take me back…my grandfather had the best hats and the boxes were always really amazing. I couldn’t resist the shoe form which makes a great paper weight.

Creepy Old Portrait

Not sure why but I was drawn to this piece.

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Vases, bowls, oh my!

I always love to check out vintage accessories – if you choose carefully – you can enhance the decor of your place. I had to have the small black glass vase and the large grey ceramic vase. Both are the sort you might find at West Elm or Crate and Barrel, at a fraction of the price.

Mid-Century Magazine Rack

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WITH A LITTLE BIT OF WORK

This marble slab lamp only needed a new shade. And the oval back chair, reupholstered would make a great desk chair. The set of four splat back chairs were so charming and would be stunning with an upholstery update as well.

1960s Desk

ODDITIES

I absolutely had to have the Speedaway sled. Despite growing up in New Orleans where there are no hills and it rarely snows. And I like the irony. The vintage (working) projector was also tempting but the sled blew it out of the water.

MORE BARGAINS AND MORE ADVICE

When you are prepared to buy several things, you have leverage…so, try to get the price down! Also be on the lookout for backrooms where items are discounted. The vintage frames above were $2 a pop. It just so happened that they were running a sale on vintage books, $5 all you can fit in a shopping bag. I filled 3 bags…thanks mom for teaching me how to pack…I got a lot of bang for my $15.

Design for Men reader, Olivier Abry has been interested in vintage furnishings, especially lamps for a long time.   Abry, who lives in Lyon, France, started creating industrial light fixtures by assembling and restoring vintage objects just three months ago.  He now considers himself a “light creator-assembler”, a title I love.  After clicking on his site, I realized that the title fits as his talent and attention to detail blew me away. I was also a bit jealous but that’s beside the point. The fixtures are both sleek and functional. His adjustable arm fixtures remind me of the fixtures by Workstead published earlier this summer.  And pricing is reasonable despite the exchange rates that may apply. The following are a few favorites.

Vendu Wall Light

Double Potence Adjustable Arm Lamp

Liseuse Reading Light

Cage Potence Wall Light

Not bad for three months. Check out his site, Wo and Wé Collection, by clicking here.

Merci beaucoup Olivier pour la présentation! Votre travail est incroyable et bonne chance avec la collection! My sincere apologies as my french is very rusty.

IMAGES from Wo and Wé Collection

My plan was to use the CB2 Wire 9 Cube Wall Shelf (l) to create a bar in my place.  And then, I happened upon the very similar Vintage Metal Wall-Mount Cubby system (r) at Pottery Barn.  I immediately had to compare and contrast to determine which to buy.

THE FUNCTIONALITY

Both units have  9 cubbies and are comparable in  width and height.  So, scale isn’t an issue.  However, the Pottery Barn unit is narrower, sized more for DVDs, CDs, and such so it is 6″ deep as opposed to the 8″ for the CB2.  Hmm…how many glasses and bottles can I fit on a 6″ shelf  I thought.

THE CONSTRUCTION

The Pottery Barn unit appears far more substantial than the CB2 version because of the solid sides and shelves.  Both units inclde blackened iron wire.

THE PRICE

Comparable, PB – $100, CB2 – $90

THE DECISION

Pottery Barn,  despite being narrower, the unit is far more substantial in appearance and construction.  And there will be plenty of space for my glasses and such.  Not to worry, if you prefer the CB2 version, the customer reviews are favorable.

THE ALTERNATIVE:

I also love the staggered installation of the above Pottery Barn Wooden Modular Crates as I was also considering something a little less structured.

IMAGE CREDITS: CB2 and Pottery Barn

It’s all about my obsessions lately – I have been really inspired (again) by the many uses for burlap, commonly used for coffee sacks.  Perhaps the combination of rugged texture with the bold typography seduces me.

Burlap Bench and Stool (above) via Lavender Hill Studio

Burlap Chairs via Apartment Therapy

Versailles Domed Burlap Backed Chair by Restoration Hardware

Burlap Headboard via Belle Maison

DIY Headboard via Imperfect

Pillows via Tatertots and Jello (l) and Belle Maison (r)

Upcycle Ottoman by Gus Modern. Click here to view previous article

Burlap Tumbler by Starbucks

I am already receiving tons of compliments on mine!  Would make a great gift.

I stumbled upon these tables from Brandner Design and was immediately blown away.  The company creates furniture incorporating structural elements including trusses, beams, and reclaimed materials.  I especially love their tables which elegantly blend the industrial with contemporary style.  Brandner also accepts custom orders.  So, I would love to adapt the above “Great Northern” Console table for a desk in my office.  I am thinking walnut slab top with same base.   The following are some of my other favorites.

“Great Northern” Console table

Truss Desk with Oak top

Renaissance Console Table with Concrete top

Mini Truss Coffee Table with Red Oak with Steel Inlays

I-Beam Table Desk with polished Concrete top

Turnbuckle Rail Car Dining or Conference Table Base (adjustable height) – Just awesome!

Images from Brandner Design