"Geometry is art where simplicity becomes extraordinary." Not sure who said or wrote that quote, but it's on Susan's Fanfa's website, and it does seem to capture the essence of her furniture and lighting design. A very down-to-earth and approachable person, Susan set out to create a line of furniture that is comfortable as well as stylish -- and in 1998 Susan Fanfa Design was born. In her studio in Los Angeles, she typically pairs supple woods with gleaming metals to create elegant pieces that captivate the eye. Given her nature, nothing is too precious for Susan. In fact, she welcomes the client's input, and to that end any of her items are customizable (a fact that is like music to any interior designer's ears). Though her items are available "to the trade only," Susan is so open that I'm sure she'll be straight and advise you on how to purchase her designs. (If you are a designer, a list of trade showrooms that carry Susan Fanfa products, such as Randolph & Hein, is on her website.) Pictured above: Melody Nesting Tables, and Geometric Chandelier.
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Colefax and Fowler
"To be the best, you have to work with the best!" is one of Roger Banks-Pye's favorite sayings. Banks-Pye's book Interior Inspirations allows you to do just that -- "work" alongside one of London's preeminent interior decorators, a fixture at the venerable firm of Colefax and Fowler . Started in the 1930's, the company is known for its "18th-century country house" interiors, as well as its fabrics and wallpapers, sold in the US through Cowtan & Tout.
While the book portrays a wide variety of projects through hundreds of photographs, and gives many examples of Banks-Pye's unique and often irreverent design style, my favorite thing about it are the curtains and shades, which are simple yet beautiful. (I'm not a fan of overly decorated windows, no dripping jabots and fringes for me, thank you very much!) This book has "inspired" several window treatment designs over the years (it was first published in 1997), and I often bring it with me to client meetings.
In short, it's a must-have for any design library.
West Elm Round-up
Catalogs, catalogs, catalogs. In this "paperless" age of Internet and e-mail, why does it seem like we get SO much paper mail??? My current habit is to go straight from mailbox to recycling bin and throw 3/4 of it all away. But occasionally I will pause, and reflect, and review a catalog that catches my eye. Like most interior designers, I do buy from the big retailers and catalog companies. There are certainly appropriate applications where less-expensive options are not only acceptable, but welcome. Think kids' rooms, maid's rooms, guest rooms, family rooms, first homes, or houses where small children live. Sometimes we can't afford or don't want to invest in heirloom-type pieces. I am all for buying the best piece of furniture you can afford, but not if your two year old is going to draw all over it with magic marker! That said, the usual catalog suspects are a great resource for stylish, affordable fare, though not necessarily built to last.
When I receive the latest and greatest catalog, I will flip through it and make notes of what's appealing. Before I buy it I usually like to see the item in person (if possible) -- some items are better made than others. You want to make sure seating is comfortable, and furniture is not wobbly or has a cheap finish. Luckily most catalog companies are realizing this, and opening stores to meet their clients' demand.
Case in point is West Elm. I just got their gorgeous catalog, and pretty much wanted to buy everything... However, when I went to the store in Santa Monica, many of the items looked too cheap to actually recommend to clients. There were a few items that passed the test, and I thought I would include a few of my favorites here:
apothecary vases
They come in a variety of shapes and sizes, colorful cased glass inspired by vintage designs. Prices range from $19 to $79 each.
square base table lamp
This printed shade reminds me of Mibo's lovely prints -- I'm a big fan of the apple green color, very stylish and fresh. The base is very simple, quite innocuous, and would fit in to most clean/modern interiors. $79
parsons desk with drawers
A knock off of a classic... I love this desk in either the polished white or polished stem finishes. It is a very inexpensive desk, and probably one that you wouldn't want to use all the time (it's quite small at 48" x 24"), but it would look fantastic in a guest room, or as a hall table. $279
rolling storage
Very similar to an item that I've used many times from IKEA, this bookshelf on casters is a very useful piece of storage. One of my clients is putting two of these in her home office to keep books, papers, magazines and supplies neatly organized. Great for room dividers, for display, and for playrooms -- you could easily store lots of toys in baskets. Again love the polished white finish this comes in. Better looking than the wood stain, and has a very crisp modern finish. Multiple sizes available, priced from $299 to $499. 47" x 13" x 64.75" h or 47" x 13" x 34.5" h
nesting cubes
Another knock-off of a classic (and not the only one knocking these off either -- Jonathan Adler makes a slightly better one), these nesting tables look great in the saffron finish -- a bright, cheerful orange. Love them! $199 for 3. Largest is 20" x 20" square.
morocco embroidered sheet set
Haven't slept on them, but these sheets are great looking. Very simple and elegant, bright white 230-thread count, imported cotton percale with very sophisticated graphic embroidery. The green "stem" and brown "espresso" are my favorite colorways. $29 to $119
chain link pillow cover
You can never have too many pillows... These textured linen/cotton throw pillows would be great on a bed, a sofa, or a side chair. Great colors. Very now! $19, 12" x 21"
jute twill step rug
Highly recommend this rug...I used it in a media room and it looks great. Simple, yet graphic. And though it's jute, it actually feels quite soft. Hurry though, because sizes are selling out! See below, copied directly from the website:
*select sizes available
jute twill step rug
2' x 3' :
no longer available
2.5' x 7' :
no longer available
3' x 5' :
$39
5' x 8' :
no longer available
8' x 10' :
$179
Give Me Shelter
I was introduced to Shelter by one of my design clients, and it was love at first sight. The company has two locations, one on Beverly Boulevard snuggled in admist similarly chic shops, and another in Santa Monica, conveniently located near Third Street Promenade.
The overall vibe is cool, and contemporary, but thankfully not too precious. There are some faithful reproductions, as well as loose interpretations of 50's classics, but most of the pieces have a very updated and current look. The place is chock full of furnishings -- including tables, casegoods, seating, upholstery, storage, etc. The main attraction is Shelter's own line of furniture (with many custom capabilities, such as size and finish -- they offer 12 different veneers, a variety of fabrics, as well as COM), while the supporting cast includes a range of accessories including pillows by Hable Construction, tabletop by Jonathan Adler, bedding and design books.
While many of the customers are designers, the staff is fully trained to assist homeowners, and will gracously and patiently walk anyone through all the myriad of options. It's a great way to spend an afternoon!
| 1433 5th St Santa Monica, CA 90401 (310) 451-3536 |
7920 Beverly Blvd
Los Angeles, CA 90048-4502
(323) 937-3222
Walnut Wallpaper
Wallpaper is back and in a big, big way. No longer are we limited to shiny vinyls or kitcshy country prints. Artisinal papers are being created by young and old vendors alike. And while most are locked away behind “to the trade” signs in design showrooms across the country, there is one place that regular folk can buy the coveted goods: Walnut Wallpaper and Trim.
The inspiration of one woman – Norinne de Gal, a charming and unassuming former salesperson at Diamond Foam and Fabric – Walnut is located upstairs in a cozy showroom on a design-driven section of Beverly Boulevard in Hollywood. I went there to interview Norinne for Elements of Living, and spent a very enjoyable afternoon flipping through catalogs and perusing the hanging wings. Her stock includes all of the modern masters (Twenty2, Flavor Paper, Arte, David Hicks from Cole & Son, 2Jane, Mibo, Louise Body, Florence Broadhurst), as well as some limited vintage finds. And as Norinne is quick to point out, she’ll go to the ends of the earth to find something cool, and lucky for us, that means that one day it might paper our walls…
Drinks, anyone?
While doing research on new products in the hip Thomas Lavin showroom in the Pacific Design Center (PDC), I came across a company that I had not heard of before: Newell Design. Based in Devner, Newell is a small studio turning out high-quality furnishings with a French Moderne/Asian aesthetic. The table I saw in the showroom is the one featured above: the Coda Drinks table in venetian red lacquer with white mother of pearl inlay. Very chic, very now, with just a hint of classic about it. I could use this table in almost any interior.
BDDW Handmade American Furniture
Founded by painter and sculptor Tyler Hayes, BDDW is a small company that makes its furniture by hand in their Williamsburg Brooklyn studio. The workshop is run by Joshua Vogel, who is trained as an architect, and insists on the finest materials and methods, such as solid domestic hardwoods, traditional joinery and hand-rubbed finishes in natural oils and lacquers. The company creates innovative pieces in many categories, including seating, storage, lighting, beds, mirrors, and tables. Hayes is probably best known for his slab dining tables, made of found wood and manufactured bases. All items can be seen online or at the company's gorgeous showroom in Soho (they graciously hosted our launch party for Elements of Living there -- and I can attest that it is one cool space!). Pictured above: Chocolate Harroll rug, Tripod lamp, and Lake Credenza.
Coquillages by Thomas Boog
In the heart of Paris's 7th arrondissment, or online (if you're not fortunate enough to be in the city of light), you can see the simple, yet sumptuous style that is Thomas Boog. A former shoe designer turned interior decorator, Boog has a penchant for the ornamental, and a particular love for coquillages, i.e. shells and corals. Unlike the famous shell queen Marian McEvoy -- the former editor-in-chief of both Elle Decor and House Beautiful, and author of Glue Gun Decor -- who nearly covered her entire New York apartment with seashells, Boog limits his shell appliqué to single decorative pieces, such as mirrors, consoles, candlesticks, and pedestals. In addition to home decor, Boog creates elegant jewelry, from the simple single shell on a leather strand, to a complex fan of elaborate corals. This past September I had the good fortune of meeting Mr. Boog at the semi-annual Maison & Objet trade fair. Not only was he charming and debonaire, he was generous too, insisting that I wear home one of his bijoux confections as a souvenir. Speaking of gifts, Boog's pieces make excellent presents for those who love the sea, or those who simply have everything else already. To buy his wares in the states, contact Bergdorf Goodman...
