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

The 24th annual Modernism show - brought to by Sanford Smith will take place on November 13th - 16th at the Park Avenue Armory.   The Modernism show is a highlight of the best collections from dealers in NY , LA, Miami, and key Galleries from all over Europe. Three Wise Monkeys - Mid Century - J. Lohmann Gallery

One collection to look out for is J. Lohmann Gallery.   Mr. Lohmann has an eclectic collection of mid-century items ranging from Sterling Silver objects to rare furniture finds.   Make sure to look for J. Lohmann Gallery in booth B7.

J. Lohmann Gallery exhibiting at Modernism/Art20, Park Avenue Armory November 13 - November 16    Stefan Wewerka - 1970- J. Lohmann Gallery
Show Hours: Friday, November 13, noon-8 pm
Saturday, November 14, noon-7 pm/ Sunday, November 15, noon-7 pm/Monday, November 16, noon-5 pmFrank Schillo Sculpture - J. Lohmann Gallery
Opening Night Preview Party -Thursday,November 12, 6 pm-9 pm to benefit Brooklyn Museum.

New York Antique Restoration Specialist Christophe Pourny is featured this week in the coveted "Saturday Shopping" section on www.1stdibs.com. As most of my readers know, 1st dibs is the premiere shopping site for antique and period furniture, estate jewelry, and now vintage fashion.   The brainchild of founder Michael Bruno, 1st dibs has a loyal following that stretches from Dallas to Dubai!   What better way to browse the collections of the worlds most discriminating eyes.  Especially when you can do it in your bathrobe, having your first cup of coffee.Modele Rue Jacob Mirror - Christophe Pourny

Saturday Shopping is a weekly feature on 1st dibs that showcases the favorite picks of new listings from an industry expert, this week- Christophe Pourny.

 It is a busy time for Christophe Pourny Studio.   Just last month, Pourny saw the first model in his new furniture collection hung in ID Collection in Dallas & Houston.   "Modele Rue Jacob" is a beautiful example of high gloss black lacquer, featuring 18k gold leaf.   A wonderfully proportioned mirror that is regal and modern at the same time.   Architectural Digest - November 2009

If that weren't enough, Pourny's work is also featured in the November issue of Architectural Digest.   The issue has Michael Jackson on the cover, as the magazine gives you a look inside Jackson's strange world and his large furniture collection.    While Pourny's work is featured in the story on NY designer Marjorie Shushan, coincidentally, Pourny had done some work for Michael Jackson in the late 90's when Jackson had an apartment in Trump Tower.  The issue is on newsstands now, and you can go "Saturday Shopping" any day with Christophe at www.1stdibs.com.

FRENCH LINES PRESS - EPOCA, SAN FRANCISCO The Basque (from Bilboa to Biarritz) and Toulouse (think foie gras & cassoulet) regions are only about 100 miles  from each other in the South West of France.   While relatively close by modern standards, the two areas probably seemed like different worlds just a few hundred years ago.  

I was recently in San Francisco and found a great example of  French woodworking rarely seen in the United States.   I was in the design district to attend a book signing by Susanna Salk.   Susanna is a well known design diva who regularly appears on the Today Show and is a major contributor for www.1stdibs.com.    Susanna's latest book - Weekend Retreats is a wonderful look inside some of the chicest second homes in Connecticut's Litchfield county.

The party was hosted by one of the largest stores in the design district - Epoca.   Known for it's unique collection and impeccable taste, Epoca is a must for anyone who is passionate about home decor.  

One piece that stopped me in my tracks was a French Linen Press in Walnut.   This beautiful example of French woodworking is rarely seen in the United States.   I was immediately reminded of a piece I know from NYC.   While the two look very similar, a closer look reveals there is a major difference.FRENCH LINEN PRESS - CHRISTOPHE POURNY, NYC

The piece at Epoca is from the Basque region, shown by the concentric circles prominently displayed.  The oxblood stain and the twisted carving shows a strong Spanish influence.

The second piece is physically larger, but the real difference  is found in the carving.    Pointe de diamant or Diamond Points is a very typical design found in the Toulouse region.   This piece is part of the private collection of Christophe Pourny.    Both are from the 17th century and fine examples of artisanal detail and would be the focal point of any room they would decorate. 

To see more items in the EPOCA collection, shop the store on their website -  EPOCA , or visit -1stDibs.  

To buy Susanna's book, click Amazon.

The April Showers have continued into June in the Northeastern United States this year.   While you may be heading to your weekend house - I'll bet you will be spending more time inside than ever before.   One way to spend a few hours curled up on the sofa is with Susanna Salk's second book - WEEKEND RETREATS.   Published by Rizzoli, Weekend Retreats is also the perfect gift to give to the host or hostess you are visiting this summer.  

Susanna Salk is a design expert known for giving an insiders view of the quintessential Northeastern -style that is unique to the region.    The wonderful weekend homes of Connecticut are second to none in the chic and practical manner that is a labor of love for those who don't think of buzzing when they hear the word WASP.  SUSANNA SALK - AUTHOR, STYLE EXPERT From Maine to Connecticut there is a laid back, but oh so proper approach to life that is a favored aesthetic for interior design fans - especially for weekend homes.  The style has a much broader appeal, think of all those lake front homes in Michigan, the beach houses on the outer banks of North Carolina - etc.  The design has universal appeal, but in the Northeast we own the look.   Truth be told - anyone who would breathe easier in Ralph Lauren khakis can relate and should own this book.

You know Susanna Salk from her regular appearances on the Today show and her weekly editorial contributions to 1stdibs.com.   Salk was also instrumental in shaping  the look of some of the most prestigious interior design publications in the 90's.    Susanna has the eye of an editor with the vision of an interior designer - a combination that sets her projects apart in her field.

With so many home furnishing books being published, it is refreshing to find one with a soul and a sense of continuity.   You can count on Susanna Salk to give you the complete package - not a random assortment of pictures showcasing rooms full of stuff!

WEEKEND RETREATS is in book stores now.  Click on the title in this article to buy the book now through Amazon!   Enjoy your weekends - and cross your fingers for some sun!

Puma has taken sport design one step further than most lifestyle brands.    While they have turned to fashion designers like Alexander McQueen to create new collections of shoes and active wear like many companies have, Puma has also turned to the architecture firm of LOT-EK to create a new concept of retailing.  ADA TOLLA & GIUSEPPE LIGNANO

Giuseppe Lignano and Ada Tolla are the duo behind LOT-EK, the industrial architecture firm that has changed the way we think of the retail environment.  

Their use of shipping containers and industrial objects as  building blocks has forever changed the way we look at these vessels.   While the company is known for residential, commercial, and retail design - it is the mobile-retail units that have really struck a chord in the design world.

Part of the LOT-EK mission statement reads:

LOT-EK is blurring the boundaries between Art, Architecture, Entertainment, & Information.

PUMA City will be in Boston from April 25 to May 15 for the stop over of the Volvo Ocean Race
 
LOT-EK will present the project to the Boston Society of Architects on May 4 at 6pm at PUMA City

Visit the LOT-EK website to find out more - click - PUMA CITY.