a LIFE of STYLE

OMNI+ PRISM BY KARIM RASHID - $499.95I spent Saturday night in Williamsburg, Brooklyn at the launch party for Omni + furniture at the coolest mid-century minded furniture store - two jakes.   The Omni+ line is a welcome addition to the modernist minded shopper who appreciates clean lines and minimal clutter.  OMNI+ VAIL FIFTY BY KARIM RASHID - $599.95 Typically there is a great reality check when mid century decorating meets 21st century entertainment systems with cords and cables that could support life on Mars!  That's where Omni+ enters the equation.   Having been in the business of helping homes and offices clean up their act with mounts of all kinds for over 30 years as Omnimount, the company is no stranger to trying to achieve a more organized space.  

Williamsburg is always fun and there are a million things to do.   two jakes is a great destination for all things mid-century, industrial  and like minded accessories.   The store has a great selection of Eames furniture & Bisley cabinets - two of my favorite collections! Kimberly Fabiano, Betsey Banker, Jason Jobson, Anthony Santelli, & Christophe Pourny

Omni+ pieces were on display around the store that is oh so Williamsburg in it's laid back approach.   Omni+ enlisted design world superstar Karim Rashid to design some of the new collection and Rashid was on hand as well with his beautiful wife.  SUPER CHIC BETSEY BANKER Also in the crowd - Anthony Santelli of Martha Stewart Living and furniture restoration guru - Christophe Pourny. There was a big fashion infusion this night for a typically casual Williamsburg.    A few girls could have walked right off a Paris runway! 

Two jakes is enough of a reason to hop over to Williamsburg any afternoon.  WILLIAMSBURGER MINT SHAKEIf you get hungry, head to Williamsburger nearby.   They have the best burgers in the neighborhood, and mint milshakes - which is reason enough in my book to go to Brooklyn!    To check out the pieces from the new collection, click Omni+

Furniture restorer to the stars, Christophe Pourny, returns to the Martha Stewart Show today to share the age old technique of Linen Wrapped Furniture.   

CHRISTOPHE POURNY & MARTHA STEWARTA centuries old process that originated in the Far-East, the technique was used to prevent moisture from seeping into spices and dry goods loaded on ships setting sail across the world.    The French port of Marseilles was one major destination for boatloads of exotic cargo.  It is here that French merchants saw the linen wrapping technique - and saw it for so much more than just barrels and crates.    The middle of the 19th century saw the birth of the "leisure" traveler.   For the first time in history, rich, non-royals were planning excursions and setting up summer homes in more comfortable climates.     As this was long before the days of Fed-Ex and Wheelie suitcases - the logistics where nothing short of a nightmare. VINTAGE LOUIS VUITTON TRUNK  Custom built cases wrapped in water-proofed fabric changed everything.    Suddenly, there was a practical way to move ones belongings from one house to another.   The inspiration for the Louis Vuitton trunk was here!   Ironically, what was once the most "practical" invention evolved into a symbol of ultimate luxury.

Christophe Pourny has been restoring and creating furniture for his well heeled clientele for 15 years.    Born and raised in the South of France, Pourny calls New York home.     His classic approach, with a modern execution is what makes him a unique resource to clients.   LINEN WRAPPED TABLE - AT DUANE French Polish is a specialty of the studio, as is custom finishes, and custom furniture designs.

The two side table bases are Bagues, a French company known for their brilliant bronze work. The guys at Duane Antiques in Tribeca were kind enough to loan these two wonderful examples of bases in need of a new top.   The side tables would be a chic addition to any room.   charming on their own, or also placed together to create a coffee table.   The solid bronze Bagues bases with custom linen-wrapped tops, made for the Martha Stewart show by Christophe Pourny will be available at Duane.  The beautiful mid-century console table featured on the show was also from Duane.   Please contact the store for more information on these tables, or to inquire about their extensive inventory of furniture.

DUANE STREET ANTIQUES - TRIBECADuane Street Antiques sits in the middle of one of the most charming squares in lower Manhattan.   What was once a warehouse for dairy products, is now home to a collection of stores and galleries.  

DUANE STREET ANTIQUES - TRIBECA

The duo have been in business about 10 years and recently launched their own furniture collection.  Duane Modern offers over 25 original designs with great style and good looks.  Inspired by great one of a kind pieces that have passed through the shop over the years. 

THE ODEON - NYCPlan an afternoon and go to lunch nearby The Odeon.   A staple for any true New Yorker, it remains one of my favorite restaurants year after year.  DUANE STREET MAP  Build up an appetite shopping at Duane Street - then head over to Odeon.   There are a million other reasons to go to Tribeca - you only need these two to have a great day.

Okay, now that you ate your weight in turkey and pumpkin pie on Thanksgiving, and you saw all the relatives you forgot you had - you just might be looking for a perfect weekend getaway to rest, relax, and unwind.  THESE 3 WERE PARDONED- SEEN STROLLING IN SHARON I have a great suggestion!  If you live in the tri-state of NYC - there is a little gem just a stones throw away in Connecticut.   The Warren Hamlet is a wonderful collection of shops and the most charming Inn that is as unique and chic as it is easy and comfortable.   Just two hours from NYC by car, Litchfield county is a world away with rolling hills and historic homes that instantly put you in a relaxed frame of mind. PRIVET HOUSE AT DUSK  

This weekend, the Warren Hamlet is celebrating the season with an all afternoon open house on Saturday - December 5th.   Stroll between Privet House, Volume 1 Antiques, The Warren General Store, and The Rooster Tail Inn.  Enjoy a different selection of artisanal wines and champagnes at each location.

PRIVET HOUSE - an inviting shop founded by design guru Richard Lambertson, Privet House has  a relaxed atmosphere in the Northwestern hills of Connecticut.  The store features an unusual collection of products for the home, garden, pet, and possibly the soul.   Lambertson has just unveiled a second location in Greenwich! 

VOL. 1 ANTIQUES -  a unique collection of antiques that are at home in weekend retreats or city settings.  The collection can vary greatly depending on the latest globe-trotting trip that owner Suzanne Cassano has uncovered or discovered.  

After you spend the day driving around, eating, greeting, and wine tasting - you may just want to stay the night and make a full weekend out of your Saturday drive.ULTIMATE FEATHER DUSTERS AT PRIVET HOUSE

The Rooster Tail Inn- Proprietors Maureen and Clifford Jones have created the most beautiful Inn by combining a colonial residence circa 1772 with two original barns into a modern and comfortable luxury Inn.   Having spent 30 years building homes in Connecticut,  Mo & Cliff ( as they are known to everyone after 5 minutes of meeting them) have a keen eye and superior taste level when it comes to proportion and comfort.  A night or two at The Rooster Tail Inn can wipe away any level of stress or fatigue you THE ROOSTER TAIL INNmight be under.   Don't miss having lunch or dinner at the restaurant - the menu is a treat! 

For a real nature treat, drive a little further to Sharon, Connecticut to the audubon society and see a wonderful collection of bird, plants, and even a Maple Syrup House!  The mission TAVERN ROOM - ROOSTER TAIL INNhas been connecting people with nature for over 40 years.   For more information visit - Sharon Audubon

BARN OWLS AT SHARON AUDUBON CENTERI'm heading up to Connecticut this weekend to get the jump on my Holiday Shopping.   Hope to see you in Litchfield County.  Give a hoot.. don't pollute!  For directions, click mapquest.

There are many options when you are searching for the perfect lighting fixture for your home.   Few however, have the unique  details of the ABYU  collection.  And Bob's Your Uncle, founded by Steven Wine takes pleasure in painstakingly crafting  these lighting fixtures from feathers, fabric, glass, and materials of all kinds.   These pieces don't just light up a room - they transform a space.  The  aesthetic is so unique, it is hard to compare it to any other  interior design collection.   Inspird by fire and snow, the lights are a bit  modern, a bit  romantic, and a bit out of this world.     ABYU has a loyal following of residential clients, and of course commercial properties.  They are featured in the super chic  Mondrian-L.A.  as well as Nordstrom stores nationwide.     The latest collection  OPUS LUMEN is dreamy.   ABYU had a great party to celebrate the collection.   What a fun group! Pictures from the party are on the company website.   Needless to say, we were a well lit crowd that night!

In a sea of sameness, ABYU stands out.    This year more than ever,  I applaud  collections that stick to  what they believe and are true to their vision.

To find out more about ABYU  - click - And Bobs  Your Uncle