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.

1st DIBS - FIRST STOP FOR STYLE AT HOME

MICHAEL BRUNOMichael Bruno's 1stdibs.com is the guilty pleasure of every major interior designer, architect, and anyone with discriminating taste looking for home furnishing ideas. FRENCH BOMBAY CHEST - CHRISTOPHE POURNY STUDIO  The site has mushroomed in the last few years.  What was once a bare bones site likened to a high end ebay when it first launched in 2001, is now as polished and vibrant as any home furnishing glossy.   The beauty of the site is you can peruse  the collections of a gallery cross-town or cross-country the day the items are available - all without ever leaving the house - or even your bed for many late night surfers.   Ever expanding - the site recently started featuring estate jewelry and has added Orange County, California area stores to the mix.

SUSANNA SALKCHRISTOPHE POURNY Mr. Bruno has a first class team of correspondents that scout new resources and talent.   Style expert Susanna Salk writes many of the profiles on various talented store owners and Artisans.   One recent article featured antique restoration specialist and aLIFEofSTYLE subject - Christophe Pourny.   It is this type of coverage that has made 1st dibs so much more than just a site to buy furniture and decorative objects.   Registered users get weekly email announcements of recent additions to the site.  Happy clicking!

Christophe Pourny On Martha Stewart Show

To read more visit the websites of Christophe Pourny and Martha Stewart.

Click here to watch the segment - Christophe on Martha Stewart Show