SEPARATED AT BIRTH - BASQUE VS. TOULOUSE

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.

SUSANNA SALK'S CHIC WEEKEND RETREATS

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!