Shopper's Diary: 10 Corso Como in Milan

September 20, 2010, 1:30 pm

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Former Vogue Italia contributor (and sister of the magazine's current editor, Franca Sozzani) Carla Sozzani opened 10 Corso Como in MIlan almost two decades ago (there are now outposts in Tokyo and Seoul), and the concept store still looks as fresh as ever, offering what Sozzani calls "a blend of art, fashion, music, design, cuisine, and culture." Housed in a 13,000-square-foot palazzo in a quiet Milan neighborhood, 10 Corso Como was Inspired by Moroccan souks and the 1970s London boutique Biba. The compound features several distinct areas, as well as an outdoor cafe and an indoor restaurant; there are even three Hotel Rooms for travelers. N.B. The shop's distinctive logo (based on the number ten) was designed by American artist Kris Ruhs and "is found throughout the 10 Corso Como world."

Above: Sozzani stocks art, photography, and fashion books in the Corso Como bookshop.

Above: Recent exhibits in the gallery have included art, photography, design, and architecture shows; currently on view is the work of photographer Loretta Lux.

 

Above: A small selection of tableware is available for purchase online; the Nova Cappucino Cup (above L) is €35 and the Nina Espresso Cup is €30.

Above: In the kitchen shop, Sozzani stocks modern Italian cookware.

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Steal This Look: Kitchen with Blackboard Painted Backsplash

September 21, 2010, 3:15 am

≫ Next: Kitchen: Cucina Milano Kitchen Prep Table from John Boos

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We like the combination of rustic elements (salvaged kitchen cabinets, simple teak tables and benches) with the industrial steel lights and the unexpected profile of the upholstered Bergere chair. Not to mention the genius chalkboard-painted backsplash.

Above: Photo via Dutch stylist Anoukb, via Desire to Inspire.

Above: Designed by Peter Bowles, the Titan 1 Pendant from UK company BTC is $450 at Design Within Reach.

Above: Pacifica Teak Dining Table; 60 inches long, $899 at Crate & Barrel.

Above: Pacifica Teak Dining Bench; 52 inches long (sized to work with the 60-inch Pacifica table); $399 at Crate & Barrel.

Above: Lyon Chair; solid oak frame with sand Belgian linen fabric; $495 at Restoration Hardware

Above: The Mesh Wire Lantern can be used indoors or outdoors and is currently on sale at Crate & Barrel for $21.95 (down from $29.95).

Above: The red ceramic and steel Anchor Hocking Four-Piece Canister Set is $26.60 at Amazon.

Above: Benjamin Moore Chalkboard Paint; the one-quart size is $12.79 from the ePaint Store.

Kitchen: Cucina Milano Kitchen Prep Table from John Boos

September 21, 2010, 6:00 am

≫ Next: Tabletop: Salt and Pepper Cellars from Rae Dunn

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The new Cucina Milano Kitchen Prep Table from John Boos almost does away with the need for a custom island; it can be ordered in several sizes and is made of maple (the base can be ordered in several different shades, including barn red, shown) with a 16-gauge stainless steel top; prices start at $1,249.95 for the 48-by-24-by-36-inch model at CSN Stores. 

Tabletop: Salt and Pepper Cellars from Rae Dunn

September 21, 2010, 8:30 am

≫ Next: Furniture: Industrial Red Metal Stools

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San Francisco ceramicist Rae Dunn's Salt and Pepper Cellars (which are 2 inches tall and 2.5 inches in diameter) have an off-kilter appeal; we like the crayon-like lettering and the red stitch detail; $42 for the pair at Etsy.

Furniture: Industrial Red Metal Stools

September 21, 2010, 11:00 am

≫ Next: Accessories: Minimal Wooden Clock by Merrick Angle

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Lately we've been noticing shiny, lipstick-red stools; good for adding a dash of color to the kitchen—or any room in the house. Here's a roundup of some recent favorites. 

Above: The Modern Industry Stool is 30 inches tall and is available with red, black, or white legs; $149 at Sundance.

Above: Made from varnished steel, the classic Red Tolix Tabouret Stool is available in a bar height of 29.5 inches for $300 and a counter height of 25.5 inches for $235 at Conran USA.

Above: The short (17.5-inch high) Tolix Short Tabouret Stool makes a good side table or bathroom stool. Available in a red varnished or raw steel finish for $185 at Conran USA.

Above: High-gloss red powder-coated iron Engine Barstools come in two sizes: the 24-inch counter height stool is $89.95 and the 30-inch bar height stool is $99.9 at CB2.

Accessories: Minimal Wooden Clock by Merrick Angle

September 21, 2010, 1:30 pm

≫ Next: 10 Easy Pieces: Tripod Floor Lamps

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Merrick Angle is an English designer/illustrator based in rural France; more specifically, a "crumbly, vine-covered studio near Limoges," as he says. We like his new Minimal Wood Clock, which was "inspired by the fine woodland that surrounds up here at Double Merrick HQ. Crafted by hand from reclaimed Limousin Douglas timber (noted for its orangey red hue), each clock is cut to size, sanded, and then screenprinted with a simple 'Arrow 12' design. Then the clock is dried, waxed, and fitted with a quartz mechanism." Each clock is approximately 44 centimeters in diameter (17.3 inches) and requires a single AA battery; €60 directly from Double Merrick (worldwide shipping available; approximately $20 to the US).

10 Easy Pieces: Tripod Floor Lamps

September 22, 2010, 3:15 am

≫ Next: DIY: Rope as Window Shade Tie

≪ Previous: Accessories: Minimal Wooden Clock by Merrick Angle

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Tripod floor lamps have a more delicate profile than the single stem variety (because of the stability afforded by the tripod base, they don't require a heavy grounding base). We've rounded up some of our favorites, in a range of finishes and prices. For more ideas, see Design Sleuth: Photographer's Tripod Lamp.

Above: A modern classic, the Spanish-made Santa & Cole Tripode Floor Lamp is available with a red, black, or natural fabric shade (the cord extends through one of the legs for a finished look); $960 at Ylighting.

Above: The Tripod Floor Lamp from Design Within Reach features three thin legs and a hidden cord for a delicate profile; $350 at DWR.

Above: Designed by the Manhattan-based Rich, Brilliant & Willing collective, the Excel Floor Lamp features a gold foil diffuser in the shade (which creates a warm glow) and is designed for use with two compact fluorescent bulbs (75 watt). The fabric-coated cord comes complete with an on/off foot pedal. Available in white or black for an investment-priced $1,995 at Horne.

Above: The Felt Shade Floor Lamp by Tom Dixon is made from double-layered heat-pressed gray felt with a white interior, metal legs, and a clear cord with a foot switch; $480 at Ylighting.

Above: The Leading Light features a walnut table top (perfect for resting a glass) and is designed by Terence Conran; £795 through Benchmark in the UK.

Above: We've used metal photographer's lamps for years as impromptu reading lights; the Colorview 2 Artists' Mud Lamp is $71.95 at Jerry's Art Supplies.

Above: A unique ultra-lightweight fabric shade tops the Rosy Angelis Floor Lamp designed by Philippe Starck for FLOS.  The legs are made of aluminum and the light has a built-in dimmer switch; $700 at Y Lighting.

Above: The pinnacle of rustic modern style: the BDDW Tripod Floor Lamp. Available with a black or white 28-inch diameter shade; $3400 through BDDW.

Above: Jonathan Adler's Ventana Tripod Floor Lamp is $412.50 at YLighting.

Above: Clean-lined simplicity and a reasonable price collide in the Chrome Finish Tripod Lamp at Cost Plus World Market; $179.99.

DIY: Rope as Window Shade Tie

September 22, 2010, 6:00 am

≫ Next: Storage: Colorful Hooks at Anthropologie

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We like this idea, spotted at Nordingarden: a length of rope casually looped around a window shade, tied with a bow.

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Storage: Colorful Hooks at Anthropologie

September 22, 2010, 8:30 am

≫ Next: Architect Visit: Selvaggia Armani in Trento, Italy

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A new crop of oversize coathooks in brilliant powder-coated shades, now available at Anthropologie.

Above L: The Navy Parentheses Hook is 6.75 inches high and is $18. Above R: The Red Parentheses Hook is 6.75 inches high and is $18.

Above L: The Five Alarm Hook in powder-coated cast iron (4 inches high) is $14. Above R: The Ironwork Hook in black (5 inches high) is $12.

Architect Visit: Selvaggia Armani in Trento, Italy

September 22, 2010, 11:15 am

≫ Next: Tabletop: Black and White Oiva Tableware from Marimekko

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Discovered via Marie Claire Maison; the Trento, Italy, duplex of architect, textile designer, and painter Selvaggia Armani and her husband, architect Massimo Deutsch, featuring a rigorous black and white palette with whimsical flourishes.

Above: The living room walls are painted a pale yellow shade and the concrete floors a high-gloss white; the collage painting is by Armani.

Above: Massimo Deutsch was inspired by billiard room lighting in his design for the stainless steel suspension lighting fixtures in the kitchen.

Above: Armani decorated the bath with hand lettering.

Tabletop: Black and White Oiva Tableware from Marimekko

September 22, 2010, 1:30 pm

≫ Next: Hotels, Lodging & Restaurants: Maison Matilda in Treviso

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Marimekko's In Good Company tableware line—which features an array of patterns and colors— is meant to be mixed and matched; the object is to "inspire you to break the conventions of table setting and to mix influences from different cultures." We especially like the black and white Oiva pieces from the In Good Company line by Finnish designer Sami Ruotsalainen.

Above: In Good Company Dots Tea Cup; $20 at The Century House.

Above: The Oiva Siirtolapuutarha Teapot; $72.57 at Scandinavian Design Center.

Above: The Oiva Siirtolapuutarha Coffee Cup without handle; $14.29 at Scandinavian Design Center.

Hotels, Lodging & Restaurants: Maison Matilda in Treviso

September 23, 2010, 3:15 am

≫ Next: Shopper's Diary: ASAP in Milan

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A six-bedroom boutique hotel in the heart of Treviso, in the Veneto region of Italy, Maison Matilda combines sober 19th century elegance with contemporary design. Owner Elena Cinel worked with designer Luca Rossire on the interiors, which feature original terrazzo floors, antique furniture, and new pieces from B&B Italia. Go to Maison Matilda for more information.

Above: The common spaces feature original terrazzo flooring.

Above: Rossire created the overscaled Napolean III chandelier from vintage components.

Above two photos: All rooms feature carefully composed vignettes featuring a sophisticated mix of colors and accessories.

Above: The internal courtyard features teak decking and a small fountain.

Above: A pair of Leaf Chaises (available through Suite New York) offers lounging opportunities

Shopper's Diary: ASAP in Milan

September 23, 2010, 6:00 am

≫ Next: Accessories: Bjorkefall Candlestick at Ikea

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Slow design comes to Milan: Alberto Zanone owned a clothing manufacturing business before opening ASAP (an acronym for "as sustainable as possible") with his wife, Carla Lasorte, in the fashionable Garibaldi district in Milan. Zanone knew first hand the frustration of dealing with remnants; his next business would be a solution. The airy, two-story shop is stocked with clothing and a small range of accessories for the home made from remnant yarns and knit fabrics from Italy's high-end fashion manufacturers. ASAP is located at 104 Corso Garibaldi (39-02-659-8157).

Above: ASAP's limited edition, one-of-a-kind cashmere blankets are made in Italy from luxurious Italian yarns.

Accessories: Bjorkefall Candlestick at Ikea

September 23, 2010, 8:30 am

≫ Next: Design Sleuth: Chalkboard Headboard by Anita Calero

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Add a sophisticated graphic note to your interiors with the black powder-coated Bjorkefall Candlestick. Standing 5.5 inches tall, it is available in black or white; $5.99 at Ikea.

Design Sleuth: Chalkboard Headboard by Anita Calero

September 23, 2010, 11:00 am

≫ Next: Fabrics & Linens: Idarica Gazzoni in Milan

≪ Previous: Accessories: Bjorkefall Candlestick at Ikea

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Colombian-born photographer Anita Calero's discerning eye is well documented in her catalog of work. Part curator, part flea market sleuth, Calero pulls off a bohemian mod look with effortless ease; her West Chelsea loft is full of inspirational ideas, such as this daybed with vintage chalkboard as headboard. For more images of Calero's abode, go to Loft Life.

Vintage chalkboards crop up on eBay and Craigslist, of course, but procuring one requires some trolling. See below for a couple of sources offering instant gratification.

Above: Marseilles Chalkboard with oak frame and measures 48 inches wide by 95 inches long and is $699 from Restoration Hardware (smaller sizes also available).

Above: School supply stores are a good place to source oversize (and well-priced) chalkboards. For a 40-inch wide twin bed, consider the 4-foot-wide, 6-foot-high Oak-Framed School Chalkboard for $206 at My White Boards (BillyBoards is another source for school chalkboards). N.B.: Sites such as Factory 20 often sell vintage chalkboards.

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Fabrics & Linens: Idarica Gazzoni in Milan

September 23, 2010, 1:12 pm

≫ Next: Hotels, Lodging & Restaurants: Castello di Vicarello in Italy

≪ Previous: Design Sleuth: Chalkboard Headboard by Anita Calero

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Milan-based textile designer and decorative painter Idarica Gazzoni was inspired by Italian frescoes as a child; later she studied decorative painting in Brussels and traveled to the Far East. Her Arjumand collection of fabrics and wallpaper was named after the Mughal princess whose husband built the Taj Mahal. Printed in Italy on heavy-weight hemp, cotton, tussah silk, linen voile, and wool felt, the collection is available in the US through Harbinger in Los Angeles; in Milan, her work is on view at the Arjumand Showroom.

Above: Tris Bloom.

Above: Poppy Dance.

Above: Herringbone.

Above: Gauhara Begum.

Above: Tulip Sway.

Hotels, Lodging & Restaurants: Castello di Vicarello in Italy

September 24, 2010, 3:05 am

≫ Next: Walls, Windows & Floors: American Clay Earth Plaster

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Located on a hilltop overlooking the Maremma valley in Italy, Castello di Vicarello is a twelfth-century castle painstakingly restored by owners Carlo and Aurora Baccheschi. The property is run as a private mini-resort, complete with two pools, a spa, olive groves, and a small winery; every detail attentively managed by the Baccheschi. The six rooms in the main house and two separate cottages are furnished with an eclectic mix of mid-century furniture, family heirlooms, and Indonesian objects the couple picked up on their travels. Go to Castello di Vicarello for more information.

Walls, Windows & Floors: American Clay Earth Plaster

September 24, 2010, 6:00 am

≫ Next: Lighting: Il Fanale in Treviso, Italy

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Looking to create the look of textural plaster walls but saddled with wallboard-clad interiors? American Clay Earth Plaster can be used on most wall surfaces (with the exception of wood paneling and other materials prone to expansion and contraction) to create the look of plaster walls. According to the New Mexico-based company, its products are nontoxic—components include crushed shells, sand, reclaimed marble, natural clay—and can even be used in damp locations (bathrooms, for instance). The product comes dry, in a pre-pigment form; you decide how much pigment to add according to the shade desired. N.B. Learn more about the product at the DIY Network. If you have experience with this product, we'd love to hear about it.

Above L: Marittimo "is made from a variety of clays, crushed seashells, and natural mineral pigments; it's easy to apply, feels polished, and is wonderful to the touch." A 50-pound bag is $100.42 and will cover between 160 and 180 feet. Above R: Porcelina is an Old World-style plaster that creates a satiny finish; a 50-pound bag that covers between 260 and 400 square feet per coat is $116.63.

Above L: Enjarre is a new product from American Clay and is designed to "offer affordability for large commercial projects;" an 80-pound bag covers 150 to 180 square feet. Above R: Loma is made from reclaimed marble, sand, and multiple clays and creates a smooth matte finish; a 50-pound bag is $69.55 and covers between 180 and 220 square feet.

Above: The American Clay Color Sample Set includes five 8-by-10-inch samples of each of the company's finishes as well as color palettes for all the products.

Lighting: Il Fanale in Treviso, Italy

September 24, 2010, 8:30 am

≫ Next: Shopper's Diary: Madera in Venice

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Founded by Louise Martin and Fausto Dalla Torre, who spent 15 years working alongside lighting craftsmen, Il Fanale produces a line of vintage-style lighting (both for indoors and outdoors) featuring antiqued brass and aged copper components, Murano glass shades, and twisted cotton cords. The full line is available in the US at Country Gear Ltd. in Bridgehampton, NY.

Above: La Cantina Single Pendant features an antiqued brass shade and canopy and a white twisted fabric cord.

Above: Calmaggiore Outdoor Wall Sconce with antique brass frame and copper shade.

Above: Tabia Double Pendant with antique brass frame and white glass shades.

Above: The Il Poggio Ceiling Mount Lamp features an antique brass pivot shade.

Shopper's Diary: Madera in Venice

September 24, 2010, 11:00 am

≫ Next: Fabrics & Linens: Olatz in New York

≪ Previous: Lighting: Il Fanale in Treviso, Italy

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Italian architect Francesca Meratti initially opened her Venice shop, Madera, as a showcase  for her own handmade wooden wares (Madera means wood in Spanish). Since then she has expanded the range to include a selection of local handcrafted and traditional design including ceramics, glassware, and lighting; all displayed with minimalist precision. Madera, 2762 Dorsoduro,Venice.