DESIGN FOR MEN

I am really enjoying the new direction of West Elm in their Fall 2010 catalog.  The design team has integrated some of the vintage elements while preserving the West Elm look.  The result feels more like what a home should be, a mix! I always love to see a product catalog that is inspiring from a design standpoint.  And it helps people envision a space that doesn’t feel like it came straight from a catalog.  I stopped cold when I saw the above image.  I love the gallery of frames and the wallpaper.  After doing some digging, I located the wallpaper which is “elizabeth on shimmer” from the eco-friendly madisonandgow.  Here are more new West Elm items that I love.

Woven veneer pendant

Jigsaw Spin Bookcase (L) Wood & Resin Boxes (R)

Tripod Table

NICE JOB WEST ELM!!

Images from West Elm

Factory 20 is a design collective located in Sterling, VA focuses on providing an eclectic mix of art, furniture, lighting, and beyond.   I love the attention to detail in their styling and the consistency and sophistication of their photography.  The following are some of my favorites items in their current inventory.  Above, the 1950s Scolari Vintage Brass Chandelier is stunning! No wonder it is sold!

Custom Early Century Shop Desk

USA, 1920s, Custom Early Century Shopkeepers Writing Desk and Storage. Custom made for a bookseller’s shop in Boston. This piece was created to display rare books and for bookkeeping. Solid old growth oak. Open-backed for wall placement. One of a kind.

Victorian Eastlake Pier Mirror Cabinet

USA, c.1880s. Impressive High Victorian Pier Mirror Foyer Cabinet, Solid Walnut Construction. Designed in the fashionable Eastlake style.

Paul Laszlo Brown Saltman Desk

USA, c.1940. Paul Laszlo (attr.) for Brown-Saltman. Bleached Mahogany Students Desk. Very Good Condition. Early Modernist Form.

Artist Atelier Modular Steel Drawer Unit

USA, c.1940. Artist Modular Storage Wall Units. Atelier Organization, Infinite Drawers. Two Units Pictured, Two Units Available.

Vintage Spun Aluminum Beehive Lamps

USA, 1940s, Vintage Beehive Spun Aluminum Tripod Floor Lamps. Fully Adjustable. All Aluminum Construction. Newly rewired with vintage braided cloth wire.

Images and Product Descriptions by Factory 20

I had to pop in to the Hell’s Kitchen flea market while I was in New York this weekend. While I must say that the selection of furnishings and accessories was not as great as the Brooklyn Flea Market, I still found some great pieces.  Here are some of my favorite finds.  Above, this vintage desk with hutch was stunning and in great condition

1960s Steel Trunks with wood slats – there were 3 sizes at great prices – very tempting.

Industrial Fans in assorted sizes

1960s Leather Suitcase

Assorted Drawings and Vintage Reproduction Photographs – I purchased these 3 for $8

I am a sucker for the vintage and the industrial, so I was in heaven when I found Get Back Inc.  Located in Oakville, CT, this store started in 2000 by cabinet and furniture makers.  At Get Back, industrial finds are transformed into functional furniture.  Additionally, salvaged pieces are restored and vintage furnishings are also sold.  I was practically drooling when I saw pictures of their showroom.  So, next time I am in the area I must stop in…the only problem is that I may never want to leave.

The following are some pieces that caught my eye.  I love the attention to detail and how new pieces blend perfectly with the old.

Industrial Garment Hanging Rack and Shelving Cart

Bent Plywood Rosewood Stack Chair

Industrial Stools

Industrial Cast Iron Two Tier Bar Carts

Vintage Laundry Bins
IMAGE CREDITS: Images from Get Back, Inc.

Modlife, located in Chicago, IL, specializes in mid century modern furniture, lighting, and accessories. Proprietor, Robert Zizzo, travels the country for unique finds. The collection includes items by renowned designers of the 20th Century including Eames, Ed Wormley, Paul McCobb, Milo Baughman, Hans Olsen, Paul Evans, Eero Saarinen and Tommi Parzinger. Here is just a sampling of items that caught my eye.  Above, Eames Aluminum Group chairs – Love the color combo here

Vintage Overman Sofa reupholstered in white leather

Danish Modern Walnut Credenza

Cubed Chrome platform chair in chocolate stamped leather & velvet

Orbit Chandelier

Danish Modern Sette Bench
Images from Modlife

While perusing old magazines, I stumbled upon this spread in Elle Decor. Architect, Adam Rolston designed this weekend home for himself and his partner.Building this home from scratch, he had to work on a budget which meant incorporating many ready-made components in the design. What I love about this home is the eclectic assembly of vintage elements. I am pining for my very own set of Toledo stools like the ones in the kitchen. The bedroom is relaxing in gray and the thoughtful display of found objects mixed with artwork and accessories makes the space cozy. All I can say is that I can certainly picture myself weekending here.

Images from Elle Decor

I found this great mid-century modern walnut credenza from Loft3F on Craigslist. And purchased it sight unseen for $250 based on a comprehensive photo album on the company website. The credenza arrived yesterday and I love it.  Precisely the vintage look I wanted and at a great price. Click here to see some of the credenzas I was considering. This one is similar to the Lehigh Leopold one I loved.  We don’t know much about the history of the piece just yet but Loft3 purchased it from an architect in Lynchburg.   I am loving that it has found its way to another designer.  I thought the piece would be the perfect companion for my walnut desk.  Matches beautifully but I have an entirely new idea for the living area (which does not include said desk).

I had a chat with the owner who will be on the look out for more fabulous pieces for me and my clients. And folks – he can deliver to other locations including Boston and the DC area.  He came with a beautiful walnut side table (below) that he designed and built. I was tempted but must keep my priorities in mind as I still have not found just the right sofa.  More to come on the new digs.

Images from Loft3F



ABC Carpet & Home is one of my favorite stores, just period.  Their fabulous stores offer beautiful vintage furniture and antiques as well as accessories.  ABC also provides several sustainable pieces from manufacturers and cooperatives around the world.   Not to mention their phenomenal collection of carpets from broadloom to area rugs of all shapes and sizes.  As I traveled from Boston to DC, I simply had to stop by their outlet in the Bronx, NY to check for deals.  I was in the market for a new sofa but didn’t see one that I liked.   I kept my wallet in pocket although there were quite a few tempting items.  I still need to spend time determining what the space needs.  On a side note, I strongly encourage you to not try to furnish or paint a place until you’ve lived in it for a bit and let the ideas flow.  Develop a design strategy or plan and then attack with a quality piece or two at a time.  This saves money and ensures that you don’t wind up with “filler” furnishings that you don’t love.  Back to ABC Home, I thought I would share a couple of items that I may go back for.  The above glass dining and side tables are incredible but were too pricey.  I may go back and grab the side table for my living room.  The cute vintage cart would be great as a side table in my bedroom – perhaps even two.  Alas at $695, I had to walk away.


Love the steel pharmacy style cabinet (l), also available in white.  The walnut veneered bookcase (r) would be a great accent piece for a larger space than mine.  The steel base makes the bookcase appear to float.

Sexy Steel Stools I absolutely feel in love with these solid steel beauties and wanted to walk out the door with them until I saw the price tag, $550 a piece  – yikes! And the sales woman scoffed at my $250 offer as they had just arrived.  I will check back later and see if the price goes down.

This antique Rosewood cabinet (l) provides considerable storage and works well both in modern as well as traditional spaces. This vintage Eames style lounge chair (r) with polished chrome legs sits low and definitely makes an impact.

Walnut Media Console  on stainless legs – low and sleek, great for the modern living room

Gates Chair Modern take on the wing chair. Available at West Elm for $699.

Milo Baughman for James Inc Lounge Chair simply WOW…difficult to get a Baughman piece for an affordable price but someone on Ebay is selling this stunning lounge chair and ottoman combo for $650. Image from Ebay.

Modern Leisure Chair A great knock off of the RL Cube Chair at a fraction of the price.  Available at Macy’s for $799 on sale ( originally $999)

Knoll Pollack Chair (r) working well as a desk chair and lounge chair.  I love mine!   Available for vintage for $200 to $1000 on Ebay and at a retailer near you.  Image from Garage

Petrie Chair (l) a throwback to the 1960s, this chair hits the mark.  The sofa from the collection is also great.  Available at Crate and Barrel in a variety of fabrics for $899 and don’t forget the matching ottoman

Norton Leather Chair The mid-century modern inspired piece is casual and streamlined for small spaces.  Available in leather at Room & Board for $799

Eames Molded Plastic Rocker (l) Original pictured above available for $1000 at Reside, reproductions available at Design within Reach

Gus GT Rocker (r) Sleek, modern rocking chair with light steel base, Available at Mod Livin’ for $1050 (a hair over budget but worth it)

Interior designer Thomas O’Brien recently launched his new collection.  O’Brien is known for his integration of modern and vintage elements.  His designs are available at Aero and Hickory Chair, to name a few retailers.  I was particularly drawn to several of his case pieces and shelving units.

Studio Bookcase I am a sucker for anything that can be tailored to a variety of settings.  These bookcases can be stacked horizontally or used independently.  I particular love the effect of combining an espresso stain mixed with a lighter wood stain as shown in the images above.  The bookcases pair nicely with the studio sofa as seen in the shot below.  Studio bookcase is available at Hickory Chair.

Morgan Server This elegant server is quite versatile – working well as a sideboard, bar, or additional storage in a study.  The design is simple, celebrating the beautiful kingwood or prima vera finish options.

Hallings Secretary Simply wow!  This secretary is a great solution for the modern home – offering storage and economizing on space.  I love the combination of  ivory on the exterior and Kingwood veneer on the interior.  Available at Hickory Chair.

Lorenzo Cabinet This luxurious Chinese inspired cabinet features open glass shelving and a removable microsuede tray at the bottom.  Available at Hickory Chair

Glass Cabinets I am captivated by the versatility of these cabinets.  They can be arranged for use as a buffet in a dining room, china cabinets, bookcases in a living room or study.  Available at Aero.

Folding 5 Shelf Bookcase As many of you may know, Thomas O’Brien has a line of stylish furnishings available at Target.  Considering that many of the above options are more investment pieces…I thought I would add an O’Brien design that is affordable and a long time favorite of mine.  Price $180

IMAGE CREDITS: Photos 1-2, 4-7 from Hickory Chair, Photo 3, 9-10 by Heather Clawson of Habitually Chic, Photo 8 from Aero, Photo 10 from Target