Tag Archives: Shops

March: San Francisco

/ November 14, 2012
The refined graphics and the signature blue give a hint that something special is inside.

The refined graphics and the signature blue give a hint that something special is inside.Slideshow

Table linens and bags on an old drying rack.
Sorry this photo is so dark, but I want to show the scale of the pendant lights and the food art. You can tell the shop is long and narrow, very white and fresh.
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Sam is always searching for art that relates to food. This rather amusing piece is made of stuffed socks hanging on a pot rack.
A view out in to the courtyard and office behind the shop.
March offers custom islands crafted in metal and hand selected wood. They are practical for cooking and open storage.
Beautifully handcrafted there-legged stools. The seat appears razor thin.
I sent home an assortment of spices in perfect cobalt jars.
A tempting assortment of tableware.
A view of March from the front door. The space is white, crisp and a visual delight.

It is so exciting to discover a shop that is both original and inspiring. MARCH located on Sacramento Street in San Francisco is just such a place. MARCH is the brain-child of Sam Hamilton, a graduate of the Ralph Lauren enterprise. It has been my must-see shop in SF for several years.  In its’ first incarnation, MARCH sold European antiques and contemporary furniture; but not just any furniture. There was always something special about the pieces whether it was the finish, the scale or or the uniqueness of the design.

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Muriel Grateau: A Favorite Paris Shop

/ August 29, 2012
The very subtle store front of Muriel Grateau at 37, rue de Beaune.

The very subtle store front of Muriel Grateau at 37, rue de Beaune.Slideshow

There is always a minimalist approach to her window displays.
A dizzying palette of napkins, all linen and large.
Just open the storage drawers and see what incredible surprises lie in waiting.
This is certainly one of her boldest place settings in bright yellow with artistic spatter decoration. Can you imagine the food that would look tempting on this dinner plate. The dark gray napkin adds subtlety to the arrangement.
I am more of a gray person myself, so this is probably the place setting I would select.
Subtle and soft, this gray is incredibly neutral, with just a hint of deep rose in the napkin.
Crisp and clean for this white setting. Notice that all of the plates in her entire assortment are the same design. I like the matte white glassware and white napkins here. This means that the food is really the star.
Three warm shades of taupe, from the dishes at mid tone to the light napkin and darker sanded glass ware. This is neutral to the extreme but very friendly.
For your next art party, this is the setting you might select. These dishes will be a topic of conversation. I love the yellow napkins and the black accents.
More beautiful glazes on an assortment of bowls.
Of course, there is proper Venetian glassware to accompany the dishes and flatware. You want one of everything that has been so thoughtfully designed and edited.

Several months ago I wrote about my favorite shop in Paris, Muriel Grateau. I, clearly, am not the only one to find her and her shop an inspiration. Last Saturday the WSJ Off Duty section did an interview: 20 Odd Questions with Muriel Grateau.  I have attaching a link to the article and reposted my own:

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Carole’s Candlesticks

/ July 11, 2012
MacKenzie Childs' stick that is certainly whimsical.

MacKenzie Childs' stick that is certainly whimsical.Slideshow

An unusual circular crystal candlestick with an Art Deco feeling.
Carole recently found this pair of Modern candlesticks in a consignment shop where I never find anything. It's about having a good eye and being in the right place at the right time.
Carole's collection displayed as a group. You can see that all of the various styles look good together because none of the sticks are too serious.

My dear friend, Carole Glaser, the shopping bag collector, accumulator of hats, pictures, pins and other original vintage shop finds has a delightful collection of candlesticks that I could not resist photographing. Each stick has a story or two. And, her personal vision for their display is to place them all together at one end of her dining table. They make quite a statement.

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Shops: George Champion Modern

/ June 20, 2012
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The main living room with its traditional fireplace and a lovely assortment of mid-century classics.
The original chimney breast in the corner of the front room. The green tile is by the J. & G. Low tile factory of Chelsea, MA from about 1890. The luster on the tile is luminous after a good cleaning with soap and water.
This is called a 'Rotor' table. This particular one is a steel prototype hand made in Italy designed by Piero Lissoni.
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This whimsical bench was in the kitchen. George believes that it was made by John Risley, a CT artist, in the late 60's.
George tells me that teak accessories are once again very popular. These trays are in great condition. I especially love the Georg Jensen candle holder in the back.
A bolt of original Lucien Day fabric.
A feminine version of a French beret in gray and white with beautiful large white hand stitches and a jaunty red tassel.
Here is the incredible original Schiaparelli label with its distinctive script in bright red.
In the upper front hall, George has 2 beautiful marble top Saarinen tables and a pair of white 'Thinking Chairs' designed by Jasper Morrison for Cappellini, Italy.
This PK 32 chair by Osvaldo Borsani for Tecno, Milan was made in 1956. It has a mild rocking action, swivels with a self centering base.
George always has a bit of a 'tongue in cheek' attitude about objects. What kid, young or old, would not want to own this great Wheaties truck in perfect condition.
As part of a small exhibit of objects that are in museum collections and recognized for their good design are Krenit bowls and Eva Zeisel ceramics.
George is slightly irreverent in his approach to modernism. However, this Ducati is a classic and he says it is very rare.
The bathroom features all Waterworks product, simply done in classic 3 x 6 tile, a Cararra floor, a nickel washstand with a Henry fitting. Simplicity at its best.
The original dark gray painted cabinets with gigantic knows are complimented by a honed Cararra counter top and Waterworks Sugar White Grove Brickworks.
There is still work to be done. The condition of the upstairs bath gives you an idea of the amount of work that George needed to do to create his environment.

My friend, George Champion, owner of GEORGE CHAMPION MODERN, is an expert in mid century modern decorative arts and a meticulous shopkeeper in Woodbury, CT.  He bought the house next door to his existing shop and after a year of painstaking renovations, it is finally finished (though knowing George, it will never be done).  I had a preview of it last weekend before its official opening and am completely enamored with the house and its restoration. The original hardware has been polished to its beautiful brass patina, the original tile fireplaces have been thoroughly cleaned, the porch columns reproduced exactly like the originals, the floors waxed and shiny and the paint choices a reflection of George’s exemplary good taste.

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