SANDRA DAVOLIO AT J. LOHMANN GALLERY

SANDRA DAVOLIO VASE - J. LOHMANN GALLERYCeramist Sandra Davolio has a unique story.   Born in Correggio,Italy - it is Copenhagen, Denmark that has been her home since 1974.    This cultural combination of Italian and Danish sensibilities gives a magical feel to her work.   Having a strong connection to the natural form, it can be a challenge to tell her ceramic creations from beautiful, prehistoric fossils that washed up on shore.

J. Lohmann Gallery in New York has a knack for discovering talented artists not shown locally and connecting them with serious collectors in the United States.   The gallery had an impressive collection on display at the Art Hamptons show in Bridgehampton.   for more information on these pieces or to see more - visit J. Lohmann Gallery by clicking above.  SANDRA DAVOLIO VASE - J. LOHMANN GALLERY

DARRELL DEAN - D.C. DESTINATION

DAN JOHNSON LOUNGE CHAIRS AT DARRELL DEANWashington D.C. is a treasured destination for people from all over the world who wish to visit the core of America's historic beginnings.  D.C. is also a must see city for those interested in authentic American architecture.  Spend just five minutes walking around this majestic capital city and you find yourself pulled back in time. 

Within the city, Georgetown is a destination of it's own on many levels.  Be it for the architecture of the period row-houses, the tranquil beauty of the Potomac river banks, the classically preppy vibe of the University students, or the desire for a fix of fashion or interior design treasures - it's all there.  

One recent rainyETHEL RABIN AT DARRELL DEAN and gray weekday afternoon, I set out on foot to Georgetown from my hotel on Embassy Row.  Embassy Row is a favorite spot for me that never disappoints.   Just off Dupont circle, the architecture is overwhelming.   The walk to Georgetown is a beautiful excursion and only takes about 20 minutes.  One store that stopped me in my tracks along the way was Darrell Dean Antiques.  The shop had an excellent example of a mid-century find in their window   Two lounge chairs of tubular iron with a muted green tweed fabric by Dan Johnson.   I'm a mid-century fanatic, so I had to see more.   Once inside I realized that Darrell Dean has an incredibly eclectic collection of seating, lamps, and objects d'art.    It is easy to see why the store has such a reputation and loyal following from all over the country.   The website has a huge selection of items via a simple search system.   The shop is also showcased on 1st dibs.   

Not expecting to fashion find, a collection of unique illustrations caught my eye.  Hand painted copies of fashion illustrations by designer, artist, and illustrator Ethel Rabin are gems!  Rabin drew the illustrations for Berley Studios circa the late 1930's.  Berley was a pioneer in the concept of fashion forecasting.   The studio provided illustrations of the latest Parisian Couture designs from designers such as Chanel, Pioret, Schiaparelli, Balenciaga, etc.ETHEL RABIN AT DARRELL DEAN  This was an extremely important service to American department stores who would base their seasonal buy on what was happening on the Paris runways.   Keep in mind, at the time there was no such thing as Ready-To-Wear.   Couture was the fashion of Paris.   American stores like Bonwit Teller or Lord & Taylor would enter into contracts with these famous houses to reproduce the designs state-side for a set period of time.   The department stores would stage in-house fashion shows in their designer salons on 5th Avenue for best customers.

Rabin was an accomplished designer and painter.   Her illustrations for Berley were sought after resources for department store buyers.   The assignment of reporting on the Couture collections of Paris was also as prestigious then as it is today.ETHEL RABIN ON CHANEL AT DARRELL DEAN

Darrell Dean has 300 of these handpainted copies.  They measure 9" x 12" and are in very good condition with a retail of $185 each. Contact the store now to request sketches by color or designs.   They make a great addition to just about any decor, or an amazing gift for any fashion fan.    Click - Darrell Dean now. 

OMNIMOUNT FLATENS COMPETITION

OMNIMOUNT LEDW60 TV MOUNTWhat do you do when you lead your industry in innovation and quality?  If you're Omnimount, you reinvent the product category that made you famous!  

With the release of the LEDW60 mount, Omnimount has done just that.   The new concept and technique of this TV mount is the flatest available.    This mount gives your flat screen picture frame proximity to the wall,  and it really is as easy to install as hanging a piece of art.   In fact, the company launched this picture perfect mount at a trendy NYC art gallery.  Social4Media are the PR wiz kids behind the best presentations and launches in the industry!   Whenever I'm invited to one of their events, I know it is going to be top notch. REVOLUTIONARY LEDW60 FROM OMNIMOUNT  Founders Kim & Jayme handle events across the country and are so much fun to work with! 

Visit  OMNIMOUNT to see more details about the LEDW60 and also learn about all the products they make to complement your home or office electronics.   To see how easy it is to mount your TV with an LEDW60 mount, watch the video below.

J&R Music world is one of the most well known electronic stores in the U.S.   With a famous Park Row location in lower Manhattan, this legendary retailer has a huge online and catalog sales division that can pack and ship to you no matter what state you live in.   Click J&R MUSICWORLD to shop the site.

Watch the installation video here to see how simple the installation is:

ART FOR THE FOLKS - QUILTS

AMERICAN QUILT SHOW - PARK AVENUE ARMORY

The tradition of quilting is one that was with Americans since the days of the Colonies.   The art of quilting dates back to the middle-ages in Europe and the process of creating unique and beautiful bed covers and wall hangings is almost primal for Women from every culture around the world.   The designs and details are specific by region and nation, and over the centuries have become treasured collectibles.

This spring, The Armory on Park Avenue will be transformed with a collection of over 650 red and white quilts.   All on loan from one private New York City Collection, it will be the largest exhibition of quilts every shown in NYC.   Made possible by the American Folk Art Museum, this unique event will be  free and open to the public.   Mark the dates on your calendar  March 25- 30th (6 days only!) and find your way to the Park Avenue Armory.  For those talented readers looking for more information on how to - click QUILT PATTERNS.

LALANNE CANDLES AT MAISON GIRARD

LALANNE CANDLE AT MAISON GIRARD - $4,800.00The artist Claude Lalanne has been a creative force in the art world for over 50 years.   Her work with late husband Xavier has become an iconic addition to the decor of major residential, commercial, & retail properties the world over.   A favorite of Peter Marino, the interior designer responsible for the most prestigious retail stores in the world such as Chanel & Christian Dior - Lalanne sculptures combine a magical mix of nature and the elements.  Sheep, owls, & crocodiles are regularly brought to still-life in the form of bronze chairs, desks, or life size ornaments.  

Husband and wife artistic teams are fascinating.   Like Jeanne-Claude & Christo and Charles & Ray Eames, the Lalanne's work is eccentric - romantic - and everlasting.CLAUDE LALANNE "CHAIR" SCULPTURE

In 2011 Claude has brought her visions of nature and inspiration from the garden to a smaller and more fragrant scale in the form of an exclusive Crystal & Bronze Candle with French House - Quintessence.    Much more than a candle, these are sculptures that just happen to have a wick.   Numbered and limited,  the Lalanne candles are available at Maison Girard in New York for $4,800.00.  Maison Girard specializes in fine French Art Deco Furniture, Lighting, & Objects d'art.   The gallery is a key resource for the finest interior designers in the industry.   XAVIER & CLAUDE LALANNE SHEEPWith the results from recent auctions of modern art in New York and Paris, these candles could prove to be one of the best investments around!  

In addition to building an art portfolio, aLALANNE CANDLE - LEAF DETAIL Lalanne candle will brighten any room in more ways than one.   I can't think of a better gift for any collector or of a more luxurious Mother's Day gift your wife or mother could love more.  

Start planning now and contact Maison Girard - before these special candles are gone.

CHRISTOPHE POURNY FURNITURE TONIC

CHRISTOPHE POURNYFrench Artisan and Antique Restoration Specialist Christophe Pourny has just launched the first furniture care product from his famed Dumbo, Brooklyn studio.  Pourny has had a loyal following for years from the finest interior designers and their well-heeled clients throughout the U.S.   Known for his excellence in French Polish and fine CHRISTOPHE POURNY FURNITURE TONICrestoration skills, Pourny has used this tonic formula on studio projects for over a decade.    Martha Stewart fans also know Christophe from his appearances on the show, sharing furniture care tips and techniques with Martha.

The furniture tonic is made from all natural and organic ingredients such as Linseed and Walnut Oils.   Essential oils from Rosemary and Lavender gives the formula a scent of Provence, and pure beeswax shavings are added to every bottle.RUE JACOB "SPIN TABLE" - CHRISTOPHE POURNY STUDIO

Interior Design personality and Author Susanna Salk recently said:  "Only Christophe could make furniture polish chic".    Who can argue with that?

Christophe Pourny Furniture Tonic is available on-line at www.ChristophePourny.com  or at the following retail locations.   Follow the links for more information.

PRIVET HOUSE - Connecticut         EPOCA - San Francisco     William Wayne & Co. - NYC  

Update on Wednesday, January 26, 2011 at 3:19PM by JASON JOBSON

Christophe demonstrates his French Polish Technique with Martha Stewart on her show.  

MICHAEL HENNESSY HOME

PAINTING - ERIC ERNST / DESK & CHAIR - MICHAEL HENNESSYIs it me or does it seem like every new home store you walk into these days looks like it has been dreamt up by a teenage viewer of The Hills who thinks living in NYC or LA must be all about GIANT furniture?  I swear some of these over-designed items are big enough to make you feel like a Lilliputian!  The reality is that most people in NYC do not live in a 5,000 square foot loft - just so you know.   Happily, this article is not about such a store!

I was pleasantly surprised when I saw that Michael Hennessy was opening a design store in Chelsea, as I knew his work and reputation in the Hamptons for years.  First off, Michael Hennessy is an interesting guy.   An artist with a paint brush and an artisan with a wood saw.   While the talent and inspiration go hand and hand for both mediums, it's not often we see someone pursue their passions in all directions. SASHA WARDELL - BONE CHINA *EXCLUSIVE TO MH HOME

One look around the store and it is clear that Mr. Hennessy has an affinity for artisans.  His choices really celebrate the creatives out there who have such great talent, and needed a venue that could nurture their work.   Combining his own creations with that of like minded Artists and furniture craftsmen has created a very unique environment.  You find things here that are not in a dozen other stores around town.   Shouldn't that be the point of designing a room for your home?DAYBED - ERIC FREEMAN / MIXED MEDIA ART - MILA WILSON / BELLA LAMP - ANDREA SUMMERTON

The store is eclectic and colorful and sure to inspire you.   You won't find another store with a collection like this.   Like a fine curator, Michael Hennessy is able to keep his collection as sharp and relevant as any gallery in Chelsea.   Visit Michael Hennessy Home.  In fact, make it a regular resource for your searches.   You will not be disappointed with what you find.   The staff is as friendly and helpful as can be, which makes it all the more enjoyable to stop by often.

Michael Hennessy Home is located at 207 West 18th Street: (646) 370-6575  -To read and see more: click - MH HOME.

INTERNATIONAL FINE ART & ANTIQUES SHOW - 2010

PARK AVENUE ARMORY @ 67TH STREETThe International Fine Art & Antique Dealers show at the Park Avenue Armory is an annual event that draws the most prominent interior designers, editors, and private collectors year after year.   Just one look at the collection of treasures on display and you know why.   The dealers showcased are the best in the business.   Galleries from all over the world participate, with a large concentration from the U.S., France, & the U.K. - and the vignettes are breathtaking.   Whatever your taste, you will see something that inspires or causes you to admire the talented eye of these exhibitors -BERND GOECKLER ANTIQUES what could be more enjoyable?  Collections on display are as diverse by period as they are by material, from antiquities to contemporary art.  Three stand out collections in my opinion are Bernd Goeckler Antiques, Maison Gerard, and Jason Jacques Gallery.  Plan a day to browse the collections and meet the exhibitors.  It is a great idea to start your next interior design project here at the show, dreaming of that next space you are creating! ROUND COFFEE TABLE BY LELEU @ MAISON GERARD  Afterwards, shop along Madison avenue nearby, and be sure not to miss the larger than life Yoshitomo Nara sculptures now being displayed on Park Avenue.  The sculptures coincide with an incredible exhibit of the artist's work at the Asia Sociey.

 The Park Avenue Armory (Park Ave. & 67th St.)  is a not-for-profit institution whose mission is to revitalize one of American's historic treasures as a dynamic alternative arts space unlike any other in New York.PARK AVENUE ARMORY  Group tours led by the building historian are available on weekdays.  For more information visit: armoryonpark.org  

The International Fine Art & Antiques Show runs through October 28th. 

OMNI + TWO JAKES =GREAT DESIGN

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+

CHRISTOPHE POURNY VISITS MARTHA STEWART SHOW

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.

IN STYLE - DUANE STREET ANTIQUES

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.