nyc: abc home & carpet

ABC Home & Carpet was a must-see for me in New York. The selection and styling of the goods approaches an artform. Lots of natural wood, organic forms and pieces that scream Authentic.

I couldn't take my eyes off the silk-flower wall on the ground floor - I still haven't decided whether I love it or despise it. I do love the petrified stump tables below.

Nice ceramics by Jan Burtz. Makes me wonder if you can register for your wedding at ABC?

The natural goods area had a great display of the elements that go into their products - cotton, flax, linen, and a bunch of stuff I couldn't identify.



The children's area had this sweet soft branch with hanging pods. Something about it resonates with how I see a comfy baby's room.

Chandelier of cast metal twigs and glass drops. Natural and sophisticated all at the same time.

boston: west elm & design*sponge biz ladies meetup

Lauren and I had a great time last week attending the Biz Ladies Meetup organized by Grace at Design*Sponge. Her presentation on marketing was very informative, and you can read the notes right here. I'd never been to a West Elm store before, and I have to say I was pretty impressed with their selection of vases and side tables.





I could see a very beautiful centerpiece built on one of these limed wood platters... or in the salad bowl.

nyc: takashimaya

Takashimaya, the Kyoto-based department store, seems to have a small cult following. Their Manhattan 'gallery' of exquisite merchandise is dreamy to float through. Here are a few items I'm putting on my wish list... hydrangea and pussy willow inspired necklaces, and textured ceramic vessels.




I didn't get any shots of the 6th floor floral area, but the ones below, by Shanna Ravindra, from here, really capture the quiet beauty of the displays.

from the archives: metal containers

I love metal. No really... I love it in architecture, in jewelry, and especially mixed with soft things like flowers. Some of my favorite containers are galvanized or brushed silvery boxes, shown below at two different events.

For the above event I used hydrangea, tuberose, Casablanca lilies, white orchids, dusty miller and birch branches.

Same containers, used with a fall color scheme: orange pincushion protea, Friendship roses, chocolate cymbidiums, orange speckled mokara orchids, more hydrangea, kiwi vine and lots of moss.

Containers: 18Karat

What could be better than a company that is inspired by flowers? I first visited the Dallas showroom of 18Karat many years ago when buying at market with a very talented employer. Originally a bulk vase importer, 18Karat has evolved into a high-end purveyor of home wares which introduces 2 collections a year, each with more than 500 new pieces. You'll find everything from upholstered furniture to design books and home fragrances at their online shop here.

I continue to be blown away by the beauty and design direction of their vases and containers. Pieces in the collections are literally inspired by flower forms, this mustard vase from the Spring/Summer 2008 Gemma collection ('bud' in Latin) inspired by Dianthus/Carnation.



These shots of interiors styled with 18Karat products completely evoke the company's philosophy of marrying sustainable production methods with beautiful, authentic materials.




I'm partial to twigs, and modern interiors, so this really hits all my buttons. And I love the oversized prints of tulips leaning against the wall!


Photos shot at the home of Jean Claude Leblanc, Peter Cardew Architects. All images from 18Karat website.