SPUTNIK STYLE

The 1st Dibs floor in the New York Design Center is one of my favorite design shopping haunts. The vendors showcase a curated and eclectic mix of antiques from the 19 C. to the 1980's, many with an emphasis on mid-century pieces.  Even if your aren't in the market, there is great "eye candy" and design inspiration to be had. 

I found myself drawn to the Sputnik chandeliers. One of the most quintessential mid-century light fixtures, the Sputnik light features a space-age star burst pattern with sleek, contemporary arms.  Named for the 1950's Soviet satellite,the fixtures atomic-age design made it popular in the 50's and 60's and today's resurgence for Mid-century design has the darling Sputnik dangling from chic foyers and dining rooms everywhere.  

If you can't make it to 1st Dibs, Jonathan Adler's Sputnik inspired chandelier is a classic take on this favorite.

WINTER ANTIQUES SHOW

 I had the pleasure of attending the opening day of the Winter Antiques Show last Friday. The show, which benefits the East Side Settlement House, is widely recognized as one of the finest antique shows in America. Held at the impressive New York Armory on Park Avenue, the tony event showcases an eclectic mix of vetted works from 73 exhibitors ranging from antiquity from the 7th century BC through the 1970's.  It's always a beautiful event with groups of curators, collectors, dealers and designers mingling among beautiful vignettes featuring an amazing array of antiques. Even if you aren't in the market, the blue-chip display of American, English, European and Asian antiquities are pure eye candy for any antique aficionado and certainly worth the trip. 

 My favorite piece was at Maison Gerard--a dazzling Firework commode by Jules Leleu with mother of perarl inlay and gilt-bronze ornaments.

 Maison Gerard's booth paid homage to Leleu with some fantastic Art Deco pieces including the stylish chaise in the first photo.

 Hirschl & Adler Galleries featured an inpressive vingette which showcases their fine collection of American and European paintings, furniture and decorative arts (1810- 1910).

 A Tiffany Studios Favrile glass and wrought-iron fire screen with gilt details, circa 1905, was a showstopper at the booth of Geoffrey Diner Gallery.

 An impressive chinoiserie screen at Kentshire Galleries 

Simply stunning-the detail in this Anglo-Indian carved table from Kentshire Galleries

 A gorgeous pair of George III gilt-wood mirrors, circa 1775, at Hyde Park Antiques.

 Dazzling antique Spanish crystal chandelier from the booth of Philip Colleck

The Winter Antiques Show runs through Feb.3  and benefits the East Side Settlement House.

BUCK- THE TREND

   

Jeffrey Bilhuber's Prussian blue entrance hall features a pair of inviting chairs-their curled arms echo ram's horns. A carved wooden stag gracefully rests by the window. House Beautiful.

     Nature inspired decorative accessories add a distinct charm and softness to a room. Perhaps that's why the ubiquitous sea coral is such a popular accessory-placed on coffee tables and bookshelves, its organic form carries an exceptional and unique beauty.
     But if you're tired of sea-inspired decor, a closer look at the Aspen Chic essential, deer antlers, may be just what you've been searching for.  I must admit, I'm not one for the trophy hall or ski lodge look, unless, of course, it is a ski lodge. But recently I have noticed the use of naturally shed deer antlers in ways that are distinctive and quite beautiful. Whether it's a carved piece, faux or natural shed antlers, their unique delicacy brings an organic grace to your room. Here are some of my favorites-

 

Antique carved Chinese wooden deer with real antlers, Shanxi Region, circa 1930's, from Mecox Gardens.

 

Antique French mussel basket filled with deer antlers make an alluring tableau from Red Ticking. 

 

A deer antler chandelier takes center stage in Meg Braff's vibrant family room from House Beautiful.

 

This three tiered antler chandelier is elegant and dramatic from Mecox Gardens.

 

Deer antler tie-backs by Diane James home, subtle and stylish.

 

 Mirror, mirror on the wall....this one is sure to make a statement in your castle! From Mecox Gardens.

  

 

 

Yours and mine... These Arthur Court faux antler (aluminum) chairs can be found at 1st Dibs.

  

Watch your handles! Antler bike by Jenny Nordberg photo from design boom. 

 

STYLISH CONTRAST-CERUSE FINISH

Jak Bed by Jasper by Michael Smith at Decorati

Add a little pizazz and glamour to your wood floors or furniture with a beautiful ceruse finish. Similar to whitewashing, a ceruse finish is achieved by applying a white pigment to the wood, which highlights the grain. The effect can be subtle or dramatic, depending on the color and type of wood. I love the contrast achieved by cerused dark oak, like the stylish Charles Dudouyt desk from 1st Dibs--so fresh and modern! A roundup of my favorites include:

Charles Dudouyt cerused oak desk 1st Dibs  

1940-50's Pair of Oak Lamps from Shine Design Group 

 

Dark Cerused Screen from Newman Studio  

Modern and beautiful ceruse chandelier from Oly Studio

WARM AND FUZZY

 Barnwood plank x-stools upholstered in Bhutanese mountain goat fur from Coup D Etat Antiques 

 

These Himalyan fur stools were featured in today's Home section of The New York Times with a well-written article about creating warmth in your interiors during the winter. I must admit, my first impression of these dark, fuzzy seats was a little Uncle Fester, but I warmed up to the idea of the need for a little fur therapy during the chilly weather, after all, a wool blanket can only go so far.  I like the idea of fur, especially faux fur, upholstering an accent piece-thawing the cold in a modern room without creating a ski chalet cliche.  In fact, the two white faux fur pieces are so light and ethereal-like chic cumulus clouds-they would work beautifully as extra seating in a modern livingroom or bedroom and be oh so cozy to sit on! 

 Circa 1970's white faux fur and lucite stool from Galere 

Italian 1950's faux fur stool with brass legs Little Paris Antiques

All three pieces can be found on the 1st Dibs website.