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Wednesday, February 9, 2011

FEELING PETRIFIED


It's true, I don't like a crowded elevator or the sight of snakes, but I've never been truly petrified...until this weekend.  No it wasn't the taxi that narrowly missed me on Saturday that had me petrified, but the striking sleek and modern table that I came across this weekend at Distant Origins. The slim steel legs of the table held an exquisite piece of what looked like quartz, but I was told that it was in fact petrified wood. The wood is formed as the result of a tree having turned completely into stone. All the organic materials in the wood are replaced with minerals like quartz, while the piece retains the original structure of the wood. The result is a one-of-a-kind piece with rich tones and beautiful organic shapes. Most of the pieces I came across are coffee and side tables which incorporate the wood in its natural form or as a mosaic of small rectangles pieced together. The wood looks best paired with sleek metal legs that play off their gorgeous patina.  I'm smitten and a little petrified. How about you?



photos from Distant Origins, Mecox Gardens and  1st Dibs.
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9 comments:

  1. Kim@ChattafabulousFebruary 9, 2011 at 9:47 AM

    Well, I'm petrified, too (the good kind). These are gorgeous, Barbara, thanks for sharing!

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  2. jeanette from everton terraceFebruary 9, 2011 at 9:57 AM

    Fabulous, the last two are my favorite. We have an entire petrified forest here in Arizona, it's quite something to see.

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  3. The enchanted homeFebruary 9, 2011 at 11:26 AM

    Yes apparently feeling petrified is a bit contagious..I am too am feeling it:) I like the last two a lot.

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  4. quintessenceFebruary 9, 2011 at 12:13 PM

    Also have a fear of crowds and snakes! But loving this version of petrification - especially that funky first piece!

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  5. Splendid MarketFebruary 9, 2011 at 12:36 PM

    My breath shortened at the mention of crowded elevators!

    I love the petrified wood -- especially the little natural stool. Is that from a French company? I saw them in an extraordinary little alpine design shop in Chamonnix last year. Thanks for the reminder -- I need to dig up those photos and do a post on this shop before spring!

    What a good, witty post!

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  6. StitchforkFebruary 9, 2011 at 3:42 PM

    Love these tables! Unique!
    xo Cathy

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  7. UnknownFebruary 9, 2011 at 3:44 PM

    I'd love that little "tree stump" and peace sign for myself!!! Love the texture and groundedness (is that a word?) that these would give a room!

    xo Eizabeth

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  8. Dumbwit TellherFebruary 9, 2011 at 9:19 PM

    Yes I would certainly love to bring any of those home. These are definitely the good kind of petrified, not being scared by a close call with a taxi. Glad you were o.k. Have a great rest of this week.

    Cheers ~ Deb

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  9. jillian :: cornflake dreams.February 11, 2011 at 4:04 PM

    we have a relaimed wood coffee table that might be pertrified. LOVE it. xoxo jcd

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