PAULA RUBENSTEIN

Paula Rubenstein is one of the premier inspiration destinations in NYC. On so many occasions in my conversations with magazine and prop stylists visiting from New York her antique shop is mentioned as their favorite source for finding unique objects, industrial furniture and lighting, stellar vintage textiles, old photographs and the unexpected curiosity. Formerly located on Prince Street she has recently moved to 21 Bond Street not far away from John Derian's  fabulous shop. It is certainly worth a visit for all visual creatives.

I took the following photos during my last New York visit a few weeks ago.

NYC FLOWER DISTRICT

The focus of my visit to New York  last week was the FLOWER DISTRICT on West 28th between 6th and 7th Avenues . I needed a strong dose of visual inspiration for myself and the shop.  Even though this area has been shrinking  over the years it continues to be an oasis in a city dominated by vast expanses of  cement and stone. The visual contrast between the rather harsh surfaces and angles of the high-rise architecture with the extraordinary natural beauty of the flowers is quite powerful. After taking hundreds of photos of  flowers and greenery I decided to use them along with architectural images (that I did not take but selected from Pinterest) to demonstrate the rather obvious differences between the man-made and the natural world.

A B C DESIGN INSPIRATION

My first stop in New York is almost always ABC Carpet and Home . Not only do they have a vast and well edited selection of merchandise but also have a very talented display team. I never fail to be inspired.
Of  particular appeal to me is their mix of old and new elements.  For some reason I always seem to gravitate to their 'Industrial' style furniture and lighting. I love the old painted and chipped metal pieces. Most are utilitarian in origin but manage to take on a sophisticated aura in the right environment.