New York Gift Fair | Recycling the Past

Posted on August 23, 2012 by quintessence   •   8 Comments

New York Gift Fair | Recycling the Past

While I of course love seeing what’s fresh at vendors I know, part of the fun of attending the New York Gift Fair is the hunt for new companies and merchandise. One of my recent favorites in the category of making the old new again was Europe2You. Started in 2003 by Stacy Borocz, the company imports European flea market finds as well as merchandise from former factories, military bases and warehouses. These found objects are then dated and authenticated with the assistance of local experts and museum curators.
In addition to the antiques above and below,

a terrific selection of hotel silver,
charming vintage linens
and unique glassware,

antiques are augmented by a collection of new accessories, “authentic accents” inspired by the originals,
made from sustainable vintage timber, finished with organic oils and natural beeswax, as seen above and below.…

Read More »

Posted in design, food and drink, furniture, interior design | Tagged , , , , , | 8 Comments  

Accessorizing with Color at the New York Gift Show

Posted on August 23, 2012 by quintessence   •   9 Comments

Accessorizing with Color at the New York Gift Show

While some are comfortable with major colorful statements in their home, many find it easier to live with a more neutral base, adding color through accessories and paint. This approach also allows for seasonal changes and adjustments as tastes change over time. The New York Gift Show was a treasure trove of colorful accessories, offering many options of dialing up the color quotient at home. As we all know the devil is in the details and Hillary Thomas‘ new Moxie collection, a collaboration with Alexandra von Furstenberg, of Asian inspired acrylic finials is the perfect way to add the finishing touch in colorful style!!…

Read More »

Posted in design, gifts, interior design | Tagged , , , , , , , | 9 Comments  

Welcoming Matchbook at Dempsey & Carroll

Posted on August 22, 2012 by quintessence   •   6 Comments

Welcoming Matchbook at Dempsey & Carroll

Last month the charming digital publication Matchbook Magazine ran a lovely feature on New York’s venerable stationer Dempsey & Carroll. Since 1878 Dempsey & Carroll has not only been providing its customers with luxury writing papers but serving as an “authority on proper etiquette regarding everything from opulent wedding invitations to simple thank-you notes.”
Recently, Matchbook founders Katie Armour and Jane Lilly Warren both relocated to New York City. And to celebrate their move to the Big Apple, Dempsey & Carroll held a little wine tasting shindig this week coinciding with their calling card event. It was a lovely evening at their charming shop and I managed to grab a few frames to capture the spirit of the event – you may recognize a few familiar faces!…

Read More »

Posted in design, entertainment, food and drink, Stationery | Tagged , , , , , | 6 Comments  

Old and New at the New York Gift Fair

Posted on August 22, 2012 by quintessence   •   9 Comments

Old and New at the New York Gift Fair

A recurring theme throughout the design world is the mix of old and new. From rejuvenating heritage brands to repurposing found objects or using inspiration from the past in new and refreshing ways, it is an exciting trend. And at the New York Gift Fair, it old and new also meant finding new products and inspiration at familiar lines as well as discovering new ones. One of my favorite new finds was the new-to-the-States Dutch brand, At Home with Marieke. Designer Marieke Stik’s bold modern interpretation of nostalgic checks, plaids and stripes is a refreshing take on tabletop.

In a charming booth, a distinctive “Euro-American Country” look reigned.…

Read More »

Posted in design, furniture, gifts, interior design | Tagged , , , , , | 9 Comments  

Local Favorite Juliska at the New York Gift Show

Posted on August 20, 2012 by quintessence   •   7 Comments

Local Favorite Juliska at the New York Gift Show

Located not far from me in Connecticut, Juliska is a local design favorite. Their store in Stamford is a constant source of style inspiration. Beautifully merchandised, it always features tempting treats as well as creative entertaining ideas.

In addition, they occasionally sponsor interesting events, and I recently attended a flower arranging class led by talented Design Manager Christine Keane, below right, instructing me on how to get my arrangement to even remotely resemble her beautiful example. You can read more about the evening at fellow attendee Ridgely Brode’s blog here.

Having spent the weekend walking the New York Gift Show, I made a point of visiting Juliska’s spacious booth in the Javitz center.…

Read More »

Posted in design, entertainment, gifts, holiday, interior design | Tagged , , , , , , | 7 Comments  

The New York Gift Show – A Sneak Peek

Posted on August 19, 2012 by quintessence   •   13 Comments

The New York Gift Show – A Sneak Peek

I spent the entire weekend at the New York Gift Fair. Saturday I perused Pier 94 which is large but somehow manageable. Sunday, however, I tackled the Javitz Center which is a behemoth of a show. I walked literally from 9:30 to 5:30, taking in what I could – trying to visit known vendors and discover some new ones. Needless to say, I was happy to take my shoes off when I arrived home. My big purchases were two new camera batteries (next time I will be prepared). Some serious editing is in order but in the meantime, I prepared a little temptation to whet your appetite while I toil away.…

Read More »

Posted in design, furniture, garden, gifts, interior design | Tagged , , , , , , | 13 Comments  

Revisiting Sister Parish

Posted on August 17, 2012 by quintessence   •   5 Comments

Revisiting Sister Parish

I can’t believe it’s been ten years since the publication of the original volume “Sister Parish” by Apple Parish Bartlett and Susan Bartlett Crater (a daughter and granddaughter of the legendary designer). Compiled from Sister’s unpublished memoirs and augmented by many interviews with friends, family, staff and fellow design icons, it is a wonderful insider look at an era and a life. Now long out of print, I am delighted to report that it is coming to trade paper next month from Vendome.

There are so many fun and entertaining tidbits in this volume, including Sister’s stories of her work with Jackie Kennedy decorating the White House and many other famous and distinguished clients as well as contributions from ex-employees, such as Mark Hampton, Bunny Williams and Mario Buatta, illustrating Sister’s lasting influence on an entire generation of top designers.…

Read More »

Posted in books, design, interior design | Tagged , , , , | 5 Comments  

Trends at Las Vegas World Market Part 2

Posted on August 16, 2012 by quintessence   •   3 Comments

Trends at Las Vegas World Market Part 2

As we know, interiors tend to follow fashion. Those of you who saw my coverage of fashion week last spring will remember that black and gold were strong contenders in many shows. Well, that trend translated to Vegas in many forms. Editor at Large, the wonderful online source for daily design news, covered World Market with some fun videos and you can see what I had to say here.
As I mentioned in the video, Arteriors had great examples of black with gold tones as well as some handsome neutrals. The Hollis Vintage brass and marble side table above is an incredibly versatile piece that transcends trends.…

Read More »

Posted in design, furniture, interior design, travel | Tagged , , , , , | 3 Comments  

Las Vegas World Market with Traditional Home

Posted on August 15, 2012 by quintessence   •   8 Comments

Las Vegas World Market with Traditional Home

Several weeks ago I had the pleasure of traveling to Las Vegas with a small group of bloggers sponsored by Traditional Home to visit the World Market Center summer show. What a revelation!!

I had actually never been to Vegas and although we spent most of our time scouring the show, it was impossible not to take in a bit of Vegas flavor, although sometimes it felt like a surreal version of home. Staying at the lovely new Aria hotel, we were treated to fully automated rooms which made me feel like a technology neophyte. Everything could be controlled with the touch of a button and when I had mastered the sheers and curtains, I was treated to the amazing early morning view below.…

Read More »

Posted in design, furniture, interior design, travel | Tagged , , , , , | 8 Comments  

2012 Hampton Designer Showhouse Finale – Fun Room

Posted on August 14, 2012 by quintessence   •   6 Comments

2012 Hampton Designer Showhouse Finale – Fun Room

Designer Libby Langdon, below, was assigned the largest and perhaps most challenging space at the showhouse. The only unfinished room in the house when she first saw it in June, she transformed the almost windowless 1,150 square foot basement into an inviting multipurpose retreat. Originally named the “Rec Room,” Libby approached the design with an upbeat positive attitude, redesignating the sprawling space as the “Fun Room,” a version of an “English clubroom with a modern, sexy twist.”

You may recognize Libby from her TV makeover appearances on NBC’s Open House, The Rachel Ray Show & HGTV’s Small Space, Big Style. With extensive feedback from clients and show audiences, Libby was inspired to design a collection of furniture, which she used effectively in her showhouse space.…

Read More »

Posted in art, design, furniture, interior design | Tagged , , , , | 6 Comments