WINTER BEAUTY

This time of year is among my favorites.  The bare winter landscape allows us to appreciate the forms of trees and plants when all of the leaves have vanished. There seems to be a cold bluish cast to the  light.. Following are photos from the shop that I think of as reflecting the feeling of winter.

HOLIDAY ARRIVALS

It's time to prepare for the Winter Season and we have been receiving lots of new merchandise for the approaching Holidays. 

As always we try to make the shop reflect the season by incorporating many natural elements along with our carefully curated gift choices and unique items for home entertaining.

Following are some photos to give you an idea of the current mood of the shop.

 

HAMPTONS - PART ONE

A few weeks ago I was fortunate enough to be invited to the Hamptons once again. This time I was the guest of Frank Randolph who is one of Washington DC's most talented interior designers.

He welcomed me into his beautiful summer rental house in Southampton right on South Main Street. We spent days at the ocean and antiquing in  charming villages. Nights were spent having delicious and beautiful dinners shared by Franks many friends outside on the deck.
Sometimes I think the natural beauty of the Hamptons is underappreciated.It is so easy to get caught up in all the glamour and fabulous restaurants that you forget there you are in the middle of one of the most beautiful places on the east coast. The trees, flowers, ocean and unique quality of the light take your breath away.
The following photos are a visual diary of my brief and wonder filled visit starting with still lifes of Franks house and finishing with the outdoor beauty of the Hamptons.

HAMPTONS - PART TWO

I also managed to attend the East Hampton Antiques Show at historic Mulford Farm which is as interesting and beautiful as the antiques on display. Among the best dealers are David Bell and Tom Preston of David Bell Antiques(located in the Georgetown area of Washington DC) who deal in mid century modern. David who has been in the antiques business for quite some time always manages to find some of the most unique pieces on the market. In my excitement taking photos I forgot to keep notes of the other antiques dealers who objects I have included in the following photos. Many apologies to those who are not mentioned by name.

GERRIT RIETVELD

Gerrit Rietveld (1884-1964) was best known as an architect and designer belonging to the influential De Stijl movement known for its simple forms and rectangular shapes.

It is his marvelous chairs that I have always admired. Although he began designing and fabricating them them as early as 1917 they continue to strike me as cutting edge and very contemporary. Some of my favorites follow.

THE CREATIVES

JAMES PLUMB

James Plumb is actually a British husband and wife creative team James Russell and Hannah Plumb. Their design concept has been described as 'honest' and their approach involves crossing narrative and set design. They are interested in the timelessness of old things and yet manage to create something new. I love the stripped down antique chair frames and the addition of concrete seat 'cushions.' It is the mix of old and new and the tension that creates which makes such a powerful visual impact.
You should visit their well designed web site at James Plumb

NEW ARRIVALS and more on the way

Spring is finally here and new merchandise is starting to arrive at the shop. Everyday new items are showing up so if you have a chance please stop by to visit us. Following are photographs of just a few of the new things.

MUSEI CAPITOLINI

The creation of the Capitoline Museums goes back to 1471 when Pope Sixtus donated his collection of statues to the city of Rome. This group of art and archaeological museums is located on the Capitoline Hill. Among the amazing collections Bernini's Medusa was my ultimate favorite.