New from New York-based artist and lighting designer Lindsey Adelman: Nick and the Candlestick. Consisting of an elegant series of brass candle holders of varying heights and a magnetized walnut tray, the piece is inspired by an unlikely combination of Sylvia Plath's poem of the same name and antique brass weights and measures. Go to Matter in New York for pricing and ordering information.
A Remodelista reader recently alerted us to the Hotel Julien in Antwerp, a chic boutique hotel in the center of the city. Owner Mouche Van Hool renovated two 16th century townhouses, preserving the traditional elements of the structure while mixing in modern elements—pale wood surfaces, Eames chairs and chaises, and dramatic lighting. For further information, go to Hotel Julien.
Above: Photos via Mr and Mrs Smith and Hotel Julien.
Peter Pfau, a principal of Pfau Long Architecture, was born and raised in San Francisco, studied fine arts at CCA and architecture at UC Berkeley and Columbia (along the way he worked as a carpenter, contractor, and wood artisan). Since founding his firm in 1991, Pfau has earned a reputation as a modernist who balances conceptual rigor with a love for creating comfortable, livable spaces. We recently asked Pfau about his architectural inspirations, favorite travel destinations, and his dream bicycle. Go to Pfau Long Architecture to see more of his work.
RM: Who are your design idols?
Pfau: Aeronautical inventor Paul MacCready (above) and industrial designer Raymond Loewy.
RM: Seminal professional moment?
Above: Building my own house recently (and paying the bills) has given me a whole new perspective on my clients and their concerns.
RM: What is the most important thing you've learned in your career?
Pfau: To be a good listener.
RM: Must-read architecture book?
Pfau: Why Architecture Matters, by Paul Goldberger; $17.16 at Amazon.
RM: How do you get inspired?
Pfau: By spending time with my clients, spending time on the site, and doing in-depth research to understand the nature of the problem that needs to be solved (see above renovation in Stinson Beach).
RM: What are your favorite interiors stores?
Pfau: Arkitektura In-Situ in San Francisco and Martin Showroom in St. Helena (shown above).
RM: Favorite artists?
Pfau: Donald Judd (concrete works in Marfa, Texas, shown above), Chris Burden, and James Turrell.
RM: Where have you traveled recently?
Pfau: Japan (the countryside of Takayama), Tanzania, Africa, and Bali, Indonesia (Amandari Ubud resort, above).
RM: Define your aesthetic.
Pfau: Honest, sensual, tectonic, timeless, calming.
RM: Dream bicycle?
Pfau: A bicycle from A.N.T. Bikes, which are made by hand in Holliston, Massachusetts.
We've been devout followers of designer Erica Tanov ever since she opened her first store in Berkeley (in the building where her grandfather once ran a laundry business); the Parson's School of Design grad has long since expanded, and, with three stores to her name, has just added another. Located in the newly overhauled Marin Country Mart (a sister project to the Brentwood Country Mart), Tanov's new store was designed by local architect Douglas Burnham of Envelope A+D. The interior, much like Tanov's clothing, is thoughtful and meticulous with an unexpected note of glamour: a glimmering "sequined wall."
The wall was inspired by brass sequins Tanov found at the Alameda Flea Market; to carry out her vision, Burnham located a washer company to custom fabricate the more than 4,000 oval tumbled brass discs for the project, which were painstakingly attached to the wall with brass nails. Other subtle, textural touches include Venetian plaster walls, custom metal pipe clothes rails, and an organically shaped walnut table by Oakland-based Lucas Ford.
N.B. Erica Tanov will be offering a selection of her wares at the Remodelista Holiday Market on Sunday, December 5, in Mill Valley. She's also hosting a holiday party on December 9th in the Marin store and will be showcasing the work of local photographer Katy Grannan.
Above: It took a week to install the wall of tumbled brass discs.
Above: The organically shaped walnut table is by Oakland-based Lucas Ford with a steel base by Chris French Metal.
Above: The benches by Lucas Ford in the dressing rooms are made from bay tree wood; all the wood throughout the interior is from Evan Shively of Arborica, a specialty salvager.
Above: Tanov installed hooks from Live Wire Farm in the dressing room.
Above: Tanov discovered the glamorous vintage light fixtures at the Alameda Flea Market.
Above: The custom steel clothing rails are from Oakland-based Chris French Metal.
Above: Tanov carries a selection of embroidered pillows by Megan Park.
Handmade by Los Angeles-based artisans, the walnut Arroyo Candle Blocks from Branch Home can be configured to create a modern menorah (they can also be used individually as candle holders). N.B. Also see Holiday Gift: Modern Menorah Roundup.
Above: The Modern Menorah consists of four small, four medium, and one large Arroyo candlesticks; $258 at Branch Home.
Italian-born, London-based designer Allegra Hicks produces distinctive, painterly fabrics based on motifs from nature. In her new book, Allegra Hicks: An Eye for Design, she writes, "India has been fundamental to my work. In the months after I returned from my first visit, I kept seeing the patterns of India emerging from my memory onto the printed page; the primary motifs—from acanthus leaves to lotus buds—have stayed with me to this day." Her fabrics are available through her London shop (42 Elizabeth Street, London SW1) and through Lee Jofa in the US.
Above: Allegra Hicks: An Eye for Design; $26.40 at Amazon.
Above L: Dandelion. Above R: Wisteria.
Above L: Tulip. Above R: Zebrano.
Above L: Crescent. Above R: Herringbone.
Dzine, one of our favorite San Francisco shops, is offering a special one-week holiday sale for Remodelista readers: 40 percent off the full spectrum of glass pieces from Italian design house Driade. The sale includes Poppy glasses by Italian master Paola Navone (perfect for the holiday table), No Base vases by Netherlands-based Ed Annink, and the sculptural Diamante line from Italian design duo Laudani & Romanelli.
N.B. To see additional Driade sale items, go to Dzine.
Above: A collection of Ed Annink's No Base vases.
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Original Price: $159 |
Original Price: $182 |
Original Price: $210 |
Above: Designed by Italian master Paola Navone, the elegantly formed Poppy glass series is made of clear glass and is suitable for everyday use.
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Poppy I Water Glass
Original Price: $150 |
Poppy II Red Wine Glass
Original Price: $110 |
Poppy III White Wine Glass
Original Price: $132 |
Above: The elegant Diamante line by Italian design duo Laudani & Romanelli includes a simple water carafe with matching glass.
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Diamante Water Glass |
Diamante Wine Glass |
Diamante Carafe with Lid |
We're enjoying the recent proliferation of gold-toned brushed flatware, perfectly timed for the holiday table.
Above: Five-Piece Cutlery Set in brushed gold for $70 from Canvas.
Above: Due Ice Oro Five-Piece Set in stainless steel with brushed gold finish: $120.50 at Lekker Home.
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Above: Midas Golden Cutlery Set, six place settings of gold-plated flatware (includes fork, knife, spoon, and dessert spoon); $225 from Conran USA (currently on sale for $180).
Admired in a recent issue of Dwell Magazine (and in person, not long ago): The newly renovated kitchen of Dwell founder Lara Hedberg Deam and her husband, SF architect Christopher Deam. In his design for the kitchen, Deam limited the surfaces to either painted white or stained black and used a subtly luxurious mix of materials: marble, black-stained wood cabinets and walls, and a trio of hammered brass Beat Lights from Tom Dixon with gleaming gold interiors. To see the rest of the house, go to Dwell. Photos by Dustin Aksland.
Above: Deam sourced the 14-foot-long live-edge walnut slab for the kitchen table from Evan Shivley (415-663-9126), a modern-day sawyer who salvages wood from urban forests and operates Arborica in Marshall, California.
Above: The overscaled custom pivot door was designed by Deam and fabricated by Sand Studios in San Francisco and finished with metallic automotive paint, which is available in a wide array of colors and is exceptionally durable.
Above (L to R): Tom Dixon Beat Light Fat; $400. Tom Dixon Beat Light Tall; $400. Tom Dixon Beat Light Wide; $400; all at Y Lighting.
Above: Urban Hardwoods, with shops in Seattle, San Francisco, and Los Angeles, is a good source for live-edge tables.
Above: The Eames Molded Plastic Dowel Leg Side Chair is currently on sale at Design Within Reach for $339.15 (down from $399).
Above: Designed by Italian architect Antonio Citterio, the Hansgrohe Axor Citterio Kitchen Faucet in chrome is $347.21 through Amazon.
Above: Deam used Miele appliances throughout the project, including the Miele Built-In Coffee System; $3,049 at AJ Madison.
When I first came across the Filigrantrae Danish Wooden Christmas Tree, I balked at the price tag. Then I thought about the fact that in two or three holiday seasons I would spend the same amount on fresh Christmas trees, and it suddenly became an attractive alternative. Filigrantrae means “filigree tree” in Danish and is a contemporary pared-down tree made of solid untreated and unfinished birch. Measuring 5 feet tall, the tree arrives in a slim cotton bag and can be assembled in minutes (and just as easily dismantled for easy storage).
Above: The Filigrantrae Danish Wooden Christmas Tree is $275 at Design Public.
Berlin-based ceramicist Bernhard Kuehn produces over-the-top porcelain pieces with a pleasingly primitive feel; the imperfect shapes of his silver-washed Alice Moon line prevent the pieces from appearing too precious. A single piece would make a simple, glamorous holiday gift.
Above: Alice Moon Teacup; $85 at Horne.
Above: Alice Moon Bowl; $85 at Horne.
Above: Alice Moon Coffee Cup; $90 at Horne.
This Wire Wreath from Haus Interior in New York ($18) is a modern take on the country classic barbed wire wreath (we'd entwine some strands of greenery within).
Above: Natural Preserved Texas Tallow Berries; $12 for 20 stems at Save On Crafts.
Above: Preserved Natural Boxwood Bundle; $19 at Save On Crafts.
Inspired by the culture and cuisine of Northern Europe, East Village restaurant Vandaag takes its visual and culinary cues from Denmark and Holland (NY Times restaurant critic Sam Sifton singled out the "casually luxe" interior for special praise). The cocktail menu is based on Aquavit and Genever (an ancient Dutch-style gin steeped in juniper) and features eccentricities like Aquavit infused with mustard and sultanas or smoked black cardamom. The interior, designed by Eric Mailaender of Resistance Design, features a pared-down palette, a sculptural zinc bar, and custom lighting fixtures. Go to Vandaag for more information.
Above: A huge picture window painted an unexpected bright yellow stands out on the gray streetscape.
Above: Thonet chairs and tufted banquettes comprise the seating.
Above: A wall tiled in white and yellow subway tile adds a graphic note to the otherwise unadorned interior.
Above: The brick backsplash is painted white.
Above: Beer taps stand out against a glossy pale blue backsplash.
Above: A long zinc bar is fronted with medical-office stools.
Every kitchen needs a set of basic white dinnerware that can be dressed up or dressed down (especially over the holidays). We present our top white dinnerware selections. NB: See 10 Easy Pieces: Entertaining for a Crowd for additional sources when stacks of plates are in order.
Above: A Scandinavian classic designed in 1952 by Kaj Franck, Teema Dinnerware by iittala is available in six colors, including white; $26 for dinner plate (sold as individual pieces) at Unica Home.
Above: Made from bone china and designed by Queensbury Hunt, Conran's Coupe China is well priced, dishwasher and microwave safe, and is sold by the individual piece. The 11-inch Coupe China Dinner Plate is $16.
Above: Made of pure white porcelain, Crate & Barrel's Maison Dinnerware is currently on sale; a four-piece place setting is $24.95 (down from $32.95). Pieces are also sold individually.
Above: Simple Loft White Dinnerware by Rosenthal is currently on sale at Unica Home; a 16-piece set (four full place settings) is $144 (down from $180).
Above: Classic white porcelain dinnerware by Apilco, a French company known for its restaurant-quality (highly chip resistant) porcelain, is a favorite among the food cogniscenti. Apilco Tradition Porcelain Dinnerware is available individually, in a 5-piece place setting for $76, or in a value 20-piece set for $258 at Williams-Sonoma.
Above: Iittala's Arabia Porcelain Dinnerware, designed by Heikki Orvola, is a modernist classic; $95 for a five-piece place setting at Amazon.
Above: The affordable Essential Dinnerware at Crate & Barrel is made of durable porcelain that's dishwasher, microwave, and warm-oven safe. A four-piece setting (dinner plate, salad plate, bowl, and cup) is currently on sale for $9.95 (down from $12.95).
Above: Jasper Morrison's PlateBowlCup line of dinnerware for Alessi is made of sturdy bone china; prices range from $5 for a saucer to $60 for a serving platter. Available by the piece or as a PlateBowlCup 20-Piece Set that includes four place settings (dinner plate, soup plate, dessert plate, teacup, and saucers) for $240 at Unica Home.
Above: Designed by Ole Jensen for Normann Copenhagen, Familia China is made of bone china and is microwave, dishwasher, and oven safe. Prices start at $15 for a small plate at Design Public.
Above: German-made Arzberg Profi White Collection porcelain dinnerware is available by the piece (the dinner plate is $23.50) at Lekker Home.
Above: Heath Ceramics Chez Panisse Dinnerware was designed for Alice Waters' iconic restaurant in 2007; the full line is available at Velocity Art & Design; prices range from $23 for a salad plate to $42 for a dinner plate.
Above: Favored by New York architect Annabelle Selldorf, Anna Dinnerware from Crate & Barrel is high-quality, dishwasher-safe bone china. The line was discontinued in 2009, but an inventory of plates, bowls, and cups is still available through the Crate & Barrel Outlet. The Anna Dinnerware Dinner Plate is $19.95 (down from $38.95).
Spotted in Skona Hem: A collection of framed washi paper prints by sculptor Isamu Noguchi. The Gray Bowtie Print is available for $50 (unframed) from the Noguchi Museum in New York or framed at Greenhouse Eco-Living in Brooklyn.
Above: Skona Hem
Ever since Bar Agricole opened in San Francisco, we've found ourselves thinking about cocktail shakers. Here are two current favorites, one high, one low (in price, at least).
Above: Designed in 1957, the Avio Cocktail Shaker from Alessi is a modern classic; $117 at Canoe.
Above: Schott Zwiesel Schumann Stainless Steel Cocktail Shaker; $39.95 at Sur La Table.
Buenos Aires-born, Zurich-based Alfredo Häberli unites traditional and modern forms in his designs; his Joe series for Driade features the familiar carafe form applied to water jugs, wine decanters, even drinking glasses. Dzine, one of our favorite San Francisco shops, is offering a special one-week holiday sale (including the Joe series) for Remodelista readers: 40 percent off the full spectrum of glass pieces from Italian design house Driade.
N.B. To see additional Driade sale items, go to Dzine.
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Joe Water Jug |
Joe Wine Decanter |
Noticed recently: candles of different colors, a new take on tabletop illumination.
Above: A single beeswax candle, mixed with white tapers.
Above: Tinsmiths in the UK mixed different colored candles in this rustic candelabra display.
Above: Pillar candles on display at Cire Trudon.
Made by a 140-year-old family company in Medina, Ohio, Root unscented beeswax-mix candles are available from Amazon in boxes of 12. Clockwise from above L: Wine 9-Inch Dipped Tapers; $31.81. Black 9-Inch Dipped Tapers for $26.42. Olive 12-Inch Dipped Tapers; $36.99. Sage 9-Inch Dipped Tapers; $28.09.
Above: Colored Beeswax Taper Candles; prices start at $5.95 for a 6-inch taper at Beehive Candles.
Above: A wall of colored candles at Cire Trudon in New York; photo from Shot by Jake.
There's something wintry and Scandinavian about curtained beds (traditionally, curtains were used to keep out drafts).
Above: The lofts of New York architect Elizabeth Roberts, via SF Girl by Bay. Photo by Melanie Acevedo.
Above: Curtains on either side of a bed add a sense of enclosure when a room is too large.
Above: Privacy curtains in a Scandinavian apartment, via Skona Hem.
Above: A corner bedroom, via My Scandinavian Retreat.
New from Tivoli, just in time for holiday giving: the Model One Frost White Radio in a range of colors. The new frost white collection features a high-gloss, hand-lacquered white cabinet and matte silver dials; like all Model One Radios, the line features an audio input jack to accommodate an iPod, iPhone, or any other auxiliary audio source.
Above: The Model One Frost White Radio in white is $179.99 at Tivoli.
Above: The Tivoli Frost White Model One in colors is $179.99 at Amazon.
