The Accessorator: July 2009 Archives

Green & Growing in Columbus, ohio....Seurat's Ile de la Grand jatte!!!!!

July 31, 2009 1:00 AM

One of my first "magazine rip-outs," almost twenty years ago, was an article about this park! I was fascinated by the idea and the visual stayed with me. Through the years, I asked anyone I met from Columbus if they knew the park. It definitely fell into the "little know facts" about Columbus category and made quite an impression!!! Several years ago,I went to Columbus for a wedding and of course, insisted that the park be our first stop!!! It exceeded my expectations....I was totally enthralled by it. I have been back several times since and always recommend visiting the park to anyone I know who is going to Columbus. Imagine accessorizing an entire park!!!

The concept of an interpretation of Seurat's painting "A Sunday Afternoon on the Ile de la Grand Jatte" into a topiary garden came from local sculptor James T. Mason. The park, created on the land where previously there had been a school for the deaf, was begun in 1988 and dedicated in 1992. It is the only garden of it's kind that combines horniculture and sculpture. The topiary garden, on seven acres, is formed by yews, the tallest being 12'. There are 54 figures, 8 boats, 3 dogs, a monkey and a cat. A painting come to life!!!

It is quite simply...."a landscape of a painting of a landscape."

Topiary Garden website

Spectacular lighting....A combination of great design, color, and technique!!!

July 30, 2009 1:00 AM

Born in Padua, Italy & trained as a biochemist, Paola Petrobelli changed careers in 1999 and became a glass designer. Her collaboration, with the same Murano glass maker since the beginning, results in the creation of simple, rigorous, and sensous designs. Her cylindrical suspensions, titled C-62, incorporate the formal qualities of architecture with the rich flow of glass. Her pieces are always functional, rather than decorative. These fixtures are a collaboration with Perimeter Editions, Paris and are an edition of 50. The light fixtures are available individually, although Paola prefers hanging three together, as do I!!! They come in three colors, tangerine, citrus, & grey. Having seen them last fall in Paris, I can honestly tell you they are incredible!!!

Available at Perimeter Editions, Paris

A place for everything......& everything in it's place!!!

July 29, 2009 1:00 AM

As a "table top queen," this accessorator has a major storage problem!!! Napkin rings are often times left homeless. They either end up in plastic zip lock bags or in old gift boxes, squinshed into corners of the dish closet. Some are never found again, and others are unused because I can't remember where they live!! When I visited my friends Amen & Bob's fantastic new house last month, I saw the most incredible storage chest and a unique idea....a fabulous antique Chinese cabinet had become home to all of the napkin rings!! I had seen a number of these chest, which I think were used by Chinese doctors for herbs & potions, over the years and always wondered what to do with the small draws....this was a genius idea!!! Imagine a separate place for each style and then hanging a sample on the outside of the drawer....these guys are major "accessorator's"!!!

Then Amen gave me the best idea......knowing that everyone didn't have an antique chest in their basement....he said a similar "new" chest was in the Crate & Barrel catalogue and suggested it would do the job just as well!!!! Amazing idea, don't you think!!!!

New work from Karen Ryan......An English artist who celebrates "deconstruction"& "reconstruction!!!

July 28, 2009 1:00 AM

'Whittle Chair' June 2009.

Whittle is about less.
All it requires is a penknife and an unwanted chair.
One afternoon I took the unwanted chair out of my kitchen and began whittling it whilst watching an old black and white Bette Davis movie.
The whittle chairs naivety is intentional as the process is left to be intuitive and unplanned.
The original chair is made naked revealing a different physical and emotional state, one of fragility and imperfections.

This is first in a series of whittle pieces

above text by Karen Ryan

Karen says it better than I do! Remember her reclaimed plates, vases, and chairs that were originally found by 'the accessorator" and featured at j.roaman in East Hampton...some pieces still available!!!

Karen Ryan's website

Available in the U.S.A. at j.roaman

Return to Africa..... with Batik Pillows!!!

July 27, 2009 1:00 AM

As everyone knows, Dransfield & Ross are my very favorite pillows designers!! These four African batik patterns are the ultimate pillows for this season. Brightly colored and bound with straw tassels, they cover the whole gamut of "chic" for summer 2009!

A must, must, must have for all of the "pillow queens" among us!!!

Dransfield & Ross website

Out of Africa......and into Milan!!!!!

July 24, 2009 8:08 AM

My "inner accessorator" continues to have a long running obsession with Africa! Several years ago I found these spectacular pieces of furniture in Milan at, my favorite store in the world, ROSSANA ORLANDI. Rosanna told me that she found all four pieces at a market in France and that their origin was unknown. After a bit of research, I think that the webbed pieces were made by Cheick Diallo, a wonderful Mali furniture designer & architect. Cheick's work was included in the extraordinary international exhibition AFRICA REMIX. I was lucky enough to see the exhibition at the Pompidou Museum in Paris and was awed by the incredible work. It greatly fed my addiction to all things African!

On my last visit, the pieces were still living in the courtyard waiting for a new home. Any

takers????

Available at Rossana Orlandi

Please join us Saturday.....NYSCF needs our support!!!!

July 23, 2009 11:13 AM

Anglophiles Delight!!!!

July 22, 2009 9:53 PM

JIMMIE MARTIN is moving it's showroom in London and lucky for us that means sale!!! Take a look at this wacky furniture, combining a dry English sense of humor with antique shapes. I have several pieces and they are conversation starters!!!

Jimmie Martin website

House Beautiful must see!!!!!

July 22, 2009 9:25 AM

Right now, hurry over to Rockefeller Center to see House Beautiful's kitchen of the year. Divine & delicious cookbook author, Ina Garten and interior designer Robert Stilin collaborated to create this fabulous & functional white kitchen. If you can't get there this weekend to see it...click on the House Beautiful link below and see the fabulous images of the kitchen, as well as a conversation between HB's Editor in Chief, Stephen Drucker and Ina.

House Beautiful website

Color is everywhere.....if we look around us!!!!

July 21, 2009 8:49 PM

This kind of "design poetry" just happens!! Walking around my cousin Eileen's garden I snapped these pictures. She of course, never consciously thought about creating these accent colors in her garden......it is just how she lives in the world. Doesn't everyone have a pair of orange saw horses and a blue hose?????

Makes you want to go back to dancing school!!!!

July 20, 2009 8:52 PM

The legendary Sharone Einhorn & Honey Wolters invented "shabby chic," more years ago than I choose to remember, in a wonderful farmhouse in Sagaponack. With their store, Ruby Beets, they created a new venacular in decorating. It was fresh, inventive & young. The sense was that anything worked and everything seemed accessible. With everything painted ecru or ivory and the upholstered antique pieces covered in the same palette,you couldn't go wrong! Each room was an enchanting vignette that you wanted to move into immediately! Their style became the "must have" in interior design for a decade! But, as creative thinkers know, you need to make a change.....and after a number of years they took a breather!!!

Several years ago they hung a magical "ruby beet" over the door of a funky store in Sag Harbor and a new Ruby Beets was born!!! Combing the unique decorative antiques they are known for, with contemporary furniture, accessories, art and photography they have created a modern, contemporary version of their sensability. It is fabulous!

On my last visit, hanging from the ceiling was this fabulous lucite ballroom chair!!! It is incredible and makes the ghost chair look like an aged ghost!! A must have......Go see for yourself!!!

Ruby Beets Website

Midnight musings from the accessorator #1.......An apple app a day!!!

July 19, 2009 12:00 PM

My friend Stephen assures me that no one reads blogs on Sunday, so I thought I would write about something that has nothing to do with design, furniture, fashion, color & pattern, or anything that is expected from me! Rather, something that has been pressing on my mind all weekend, that I really need to muse about...the Apple iphone!!!

Thursday, my quasi assistant, Jill came over to update all of my technology. When she got to my I Phone....my "mind jog" began!!! There are 65,000 applications with 226 for electronic whoopee cushions alone!!! On Monday, I had read an article in WWD (my former fashion bible) about how Net-A-Porter had created an iphone application and that I could now shop on line! Well, of course we added that to my phone.....followed by iphone shopping at Christies Auction House and Amazon...then Fandango for movies....CNN Money....the NY Times..and now I pick can match paint colors from Benjamin Moore!!!!. The I went to dinner with friends, where I was told about the ultimate app.....Google, where I am able to ask questions in my own voice and have the correct answer in seconds! My mind was boggled and I was in a total panic!

In the past eight months I have been endlessly thinking & talking about the "new world" that we have entered. I don't think anything will ever be the same as it was prior to this past October and the financial crisis that we are in. I think most frequently about my worlds.......that of retail & manufacturing, and of course my beloved magazine industry. The fashion business will never look the same, and in my view Gilt Group appears to have become the new retail genius. I now think shopping by phone is a monumental step. And after last week, my fear for magazines has become even greater!!! I am too old to read a magazine on an iphone!!! I am a magazine addict and have been reading, ripping & clipping for decades...I have files that go from bookshelves to Bangkok!!! How can that happen on the phone??? How can we going to save our magazines from iphone extinction, as well as from the computer nerds who want us to read online????? WHAT ARE WE GOING TO DO?????? HELP!!!!!!!!~

Ani Antreasyan creates a not so secret garden!!!

July 17, 2009 10:25 PM

The work of Ani Antresyan defies description.....garden designer, antique dealer, outdoor stylist, and installation artist...... are all part of who she is and what she does.....yet no one title seems perfect. Each project that she takes on results in it's own vision.... whether a more traditional garden, a patio design, or the design for a pool house. Each situation is unique and there seem to be no design job that she isn't willing to tackle. Her love of objects resulted in the origional name of her business.... ANI ANCIENT STONE, which started out importing stone antiquies from her native Turkey. She origionally sold pieces to interior designers and eventually found they wanted her to do the garden designs for their clients.

In the above pictures, she created an 80' installation that covered a low wall. She used both green & flowering plants, as well as trees......everything was planted in ancient vessels. This "container" garden, created for a client on Long Island, took two years to complete. Every vessel told a story and was a treasure. Ani searched a number of countries to find these objects and then they had to call out to her, and sing together! In the bottom picture the white stone vessel is an ancient stone cistern that was found in Turkey. It seems to set the pace for the installation. The continuity is also defined by it's color story...vivid purples, white, green, with a touch of pink.....accented by the colors of the vessels.

What could accessorize this house more than this fabulous garden???

Ani Ancient Stone Website

Aliens again?????

July 17, 2009 2:27 PM

I am beginning to think I am developing an obsession for creatures from another universe!!! But, fortunately these "aliens" are a pair of 1940's root lamps from Hawaii. They are 23" & 24" tall and have rattan shades....... and as with all things that are made by nature, they are not a perfect match! But we hate perfection anyway....

I tend to love the unusual but, these bazaar lamps are even a step up for me! Still, I adore them....as well as the divine rattan furniture, that dealers Rico Baca & Wade Terwilliger have brought from their store in West Palm Beach all the way to East Hampton. OBJECTS IN THE LOFT, is a 6000 sq. ft. gallery of 20th century modern design and based on what I saw this past weekend is a must visit!

Available at Objects in the Loft

Fabulous new blog from my friend clint smith...mark your calendars!!!

July 16, 2009 9:58 PM

Dear Chintz Charming,

I am redecorating my kitchen. I love the country look, but can't decide weather I should accent with roosters or ducks. What do you think? Sincerely, A Little Bit Country

Dear Little Bit,

Oh, Honey...farm animals should NEVER be allowed in the kitchen unless they're being sautéed and covered in a burgundy sauce. Please go against your instincts and skip the fowl. Some of my suggestions for incorporating tasteful country accents include....visiting http://www.chintzcharming.com on August 15 to find out!

--------------------

An alien from outer space???? No, it is an amazing chair from Kelter-Malce!!!

July 16, 2009 1:02 PM

Folk art dealers for four decades, Jolie Kelter & Michael Malce created a design movement referred to as "outsider style." Their Bleecker Street store was a mecca for unique works from self-taught furniture makers and artists, as well as spectacular & unusual antiques. It was a storehouse for discarded materials that had a second life as spectacular "objects!" Jolie & Michael subscribe to the the theory "more patina than provenance!"

Visitors to the shop included collectors, dealers, interior designers, stylists, and museum curators....and me!! As both looker and buyer, spending countless hours among their incredible "stuff", I felt like I was privileged to have had a private viewing of the world's most fascinating museum. And being able to take something home and "own" it....that was over the top! It could be a blue & white spongeware vessel, a vintage western blanket or a robot made from nuts & bolts......everything was amazing!!

Spending time with them this weekend at the EH Antique show was an incredible history lesson about a world that is greatly changing. Hearing them talk lovingly of objects that had moved on to other homes and those that still live with them was inspiring. And again, I fell madly in love with another inanimate object...... this alien-like chair!! Made from a single root, she called to me for three days. She is the most divine creature, an alien from another planet. How could all of our heart's not be captured by her!!!

Today Jolie, Michael, and my chair can be found at 2466 Main Street, Bridgehampton (tel. 631 537-3838. Kelter Malce, join antique/folk art dealers Barbara Trujillo and Brian Ramaekers in the most magical shop in the Hampton's!!! A feast for the eye, the most magical objects that can be found anywhere, these four dealers have a design sensabiity that is beyond unique.....DO NOT MISS IT!!!!

How do you get 6 tables for the price of one!!!!

July 15, 2009 5:25 PM

Danish furniture designer Peter Hvidt designed this unique stable for France & Sons in the 1950's. Cut into six segments, this mid- century 51 1/2" diameter circular teakwood coffee table can be reconfigured into a variety of shapes. With three brass legs, each segment becomes six individual tables. This table from J.Lohmann Gallery, is in excellent condition and was one of the best pieces in the EH Antique show this past weekend.

Available at J. Lohmann Gallery

doesn't this really make you want to run away ????? Anywhere sounds good to me!!!!

July 14, 2009 5:01 PM

What could be more divine than traveling with this incredibly chic mismatched set of vintage "winter white" luggage from Moss Studios!!! Or better yet stacking it in the corner of your huge closet when it's not globetrotting with you. It could also be spectacular in the corner of your bedroom or split up as stacked end tables.....I see a delicious fur throw on the bed too!!!! It is sooooooo glamorous, especially when flying private on a gigantic G-V......and remember to send me a postcard!!!!

Available at Moss Studios

A room can never have too many of my most favorite accessories........pillows!!!

July 13, 2009 11:00 PM

As anyone who knows me knows.....I live for pillows!!!! Pillows have always been my absolutely favorite accessory. My bed overflows with them and my living room is a temple to them! There can never be too many of them!

A number of decades ago I begged to be the pillow buyer at Bloomingdales but, that was never to be! A million years have now passed and I have finally created my own collection of pillows!!! I spent two years putting together a brightly colored and highly patterned selection of vintage Indian textiles & quilts and have made pillows from these unique pieces of cloth.

This past weekend I showed my pillows at the East Hampton Antique Show, where they seem to be very well received! But, what made it even more exciting for me was to have the opportunity to show them to Barbara D'Arcy, a legend in the interior design world. Ms. D'Arcy was the high priestess of the home department of Bloomingdales in the 60's, 70's, and 80's. She invented the "model room" and made the store the "temple" of interior design that it was. And guess what......she loved my pillows!!!! I could have had no better affirmation than her delight in my colors and patterns.......after all, it is she who was my idol!!!!! So thank you Ms. D'Arcy....I can't tell you how long i have waited for your praise!!!

Available at j.roaman

Thank goodness it's over.....details to follow!!!!!

July 12, 2009 6:48 PM

Exhausted tonight but sooooo much to show & tell.......will start "accessorations" tomorrow!

yikes.....my first antique show.....what if no one comes????? Pleeeeze come!!!!!

July 8, 2009 7:33 PM

2009 EAST HAMPTON ANTIQUE SHOW

MULFORD FARM

10 JAMES LANE

EAST HAMPTON, NY

OPENING FRIDAY JULY 10......6 to 8:30 PM

BENEFITING...... THE EAST HAMPTON HISTORICAL SOCIETY

SHOW HOURS:

SAT. JULY 11 9AM to 6PM

SUN. JULY 12 10AM to 4PM

I have been to a zillion antique shows in East Hampton and have always wanted to have a booth..........and here I am sharing one with garden wizard Ani Antreasyan this weekend!!!! She has incredible metal pieces and amazing garden vessels & accessories!!!! I have stunning vintage wicker with fabulous vintage quilt pillows & accessories!!!! Together we think we have a pretty fabulous booth!!!! ALL WE NEED IS YOU.......!!!!

"he loves me, he loves me not, he loves me".......the most extraordinary wedding dress ever.....tulle & shells!!!!

July 7, 2009 4:16 PM

Maine artist Brian White, has created the most remarkable wedding dress...... appropriate for the chicest of chic seaside weddings in the Hamptons!!!

This divine creation stands in the window of my friend Brian Ramaekers antique shop in Bridgehampton. It has created quite a sensation among folk art collectors, as well as the occasional bride. Using seashells as haute couture is stunning.......Christian Lacrois folk art!!! The dress is available for sale.....and of course, has matching veil and shoes!!!!

Bye, Bye 4th of July...........the ultimate accessories for this holiday!!!!

July 5, 2009 5:08 PM

July 4th.......A beach picnic, a mountain hike, or a barbecue in the backyard!!!

July 4, 2009 10:34 AM

Everything it takes to have a picnic for four from French Bull........multi patterned plastic plates & glasses, colorful silverware, a corkscrew, salt & pepper shakers and a blanket. Encased in a nylon backpack with a pouch for a wine bottle and two zippered compartments for either hot or cold treats.......all you have to supply are the ants!!!!

Available at French Bull

Let there be light.........or "lights"!!!!!!!!!!

July 3, 2009 11:52 AM

A memorable trip to the Mideast, led to a must see visit to Sheikh Majed al-Sabab's divine new Villa Moda women's store in Dubai...........actually, we snuck in while it was still under construction!!! The Sheikh is one of the world's most famous retail geniuses, he turns the world upside down looking for terrific merchandise. In his travels, he has found over 75 spectacular vintage chandeliers! Hanging over a winding staircase, they create an incredible visual!!!!!!

Imagine all these chandeliers hanging in a double height entrance hall!!!! STUNNING!!!!~

Open the door......here i come!!!!

July 2, 2009 3:44 PM

Nothing is more incredible than color without design.....imagine walking out of the backdoor of a house that is being rebuilt in the Ninth Ward in New Orleans and seeing this amazing melange of color!! You couldn't create this palette with days of thought and here it is "just because!" It is amazing what results from devastation!

The Accessorator and a row of soda bottles...WHY?????

July 1, 2009 3:26 PM

Pulling together a room, a table or a wardrobe requires the addition of a myriad of things that create perfection!!! Perfection is the "look" .... it says everything! It maybe a color, a book, or a napkin but it says "finished." It says....... I am unique, I have panache, I am chic! This really has nothing to do with the cost of something....rather it's visual sensuality!!!!

In my world everything can be an accessory..... a table, a chair, a sofa...... as well as a painting or a dab of paint. Sometimes I might see a pattern or a color that I want to share. Sometimes, it can be an actual object or sometimes just a row of colored soda bottles in New Orleans!!!!! (Fabulous colors, right???) Whatever it is......... I think it is something valuable to think about!!!!

I think of myself as the last hand that touches a room or a table. These abstract additions complete the feeling. I spend my time musing about these final thoughts and items endlessly!!! Just before the grand finale or the unveiling there is one last look around ...... your eye catches everything and says PERFECTION!!!

If you like what you see ...... there's plenty more to see....just keepyour eyes open!!!!!

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