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I Could Sleep Here

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I adore the room below.  The traditional lines and layers of texture make this room inviting and home-y.  I love the gold, gray, pink, and white.  I enjoy palettes like this one; I can imagine that you would be able to change, bring in new items, and rearrange the components of this room without disturbing the balance of the overall design.  If you’re like me, you are constantly rearranging your bedroom, changing this arrangement and that.  I’ve had a girlfriend accuse me of discontentment; it may be that, or that and an ounce of contentment with more items that my room can hold at once! [Wish the picture quality was better!  Flash is a blessing and a curse!]

Suzanne Kasler Collection – Hickory Chair

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Hotel Luxury – Update

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So, the “Hotel Luxury” makeover is nearing completion.  The paint on the walls is perfection.  The Asian plates are standouts and my sister found the perfect slightly modern tv table to house the electronics.  Now, I would remiss to reveal the room just yet.  We are still waiting on a few items, including the bedside tables (hopefully arriving today) and the final touches to the windows.  I’m anxious to show you the finished product, but want to give you the full impression, so just a few days longer to wait.

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Terra Cotta

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It may purely be a function of the “Hotel Luxury” makeover (in which terra cotta was our 10% color), but, I’ve come to enjoy and look for items in terra cotta more and more.  Now, it is not necessarily my favorite shade of lipstick, but, in home goods and even clothing, it has a calming affect—warm, earthy, and peaceful.  Do you agree?  I think we can at least agree that the items below are so fabulous.  See you tomorrow.

   Brompton satchel – J. Crew

Anatolian Rug – ABC Carpet & Home

Vintage Lewittes Chair – RhapsodyAttic’s Etsy Shop 

Faceted Czech Glass Round Beads - BeadFriend’s Etsy Shop

Moss Tree - AnikaEaster’s Etsy Shop

Flame Tree III – AnikaEaster’s Etsy Shop

P.S. – Anika Easter has agreed to tell us about her work and life as an artist!  Be on the lookout for the lowdown on this amazing artist; coming soon.

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Lucite

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“…the uneducated use of acrylic is a disaster.”

-Charles Hollis Jones

I've long wanted to tell you about lucite and the style of  furniture that is almost certainly coupled with the material.  Information is an interesting thing; it is everywhere, which is precisely the problem and the beauty.  But, I have finally accumulated some information for you.  I've read, and heard it echoed many times over, from various sources, that Charles Hollis Jones of Los Angeles is credited with the popularity of lucite and metal furniture.

Acrylic plastic, or “methyl methacrylate polymer,” was invented in 1931 by Dupont—“lucite” was the brand name. [I imagine Lucite, the brand, is lamenting the loss of brand identity (not unlike Xerox)!]  It was soon found to be a material with enough form, strength, and structure for furniture and accessories.  And, it is transparent or translucent, which made it a modern marvel in the 30’s.  Jones was certainly not the first to employ the material in interior design, however, his techniques, aesthetic, and work certainly make him a pioneer in the use of the material.

Jones has been designing furniture and accessories out of acrylic plastic and metal for over half a century.  He began designing furniture at a tender age; he was employed to redesign some pieces for a local department store at age 16 and the rest is history.  His passion is evidenced by his tireless, technical approach to the material.  Jones focuses on the joints, size, and color of his pieces; he emphasizes the illusions acrylic creates, as well as the forms it can support.  He has designed furniture for Frank Sinatra, Dean Martin, Lucille Ball, and many others.  He continues his work and his passion for the material today.  You could have a Charles Hollis Jones yourself! 1st Dibs can assist you in this venture.  Or, for the more conscientious spender, you can find pieces arguably inspired by Jones’ creativity in every price range, including a “peek-a-boo” furniture set of tables at CB2 (below).

 

For a more than adequate interview and biography of Charles Hollis Jones, check out this article in modernmmagazine.com

 

(In order from top down) Charles Hollis Jones Crescent Lounge Armchair – LA Moderne on 1stDibs
Lucite and Brass Cocktail Table by Charles Hollis Jones – Todd Merrill Antiques on 1stDibs
Charles Hollis Jones Dining Chairs – Talisman on 1stDibs
Lucite Magazine Holder by Charles Hollis Jones – Cain Modern on 1stDibs
Director’s Chair (for Dean Martin) – Todd Merrill Antiques on 1st Dibs

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Black and White

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I am so pleased with this photograph (kuddos only to my camera!).  While we were in Seattle, Caleb and I took the ferry ride to Bainbridge Island.  This is a must.  As you cruise the Puget Sound, you see the full scope of Seattle's sky-line, Mount Ranier, and the flurry of sailboats and other ships busying the water.  Tomorrow, we will discuss lucite--our design lesson for the week--and maybe a color boost.  In the meantime, enjoy the mid-week hump and go get the latest edition of House Beautiful--so many fun ideas!

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The Big Reveal

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It is complete.  I'm so excited to show you my new framed piece.  I told you all about the Dan Butler (Handmade in Brooklyn) screen print and now, it is framed and ready to hang.  I wanted a piece that was demonstrative and architectural, yet understated.  It took me over a year to make it happen, but, I'm happy.   Now, I just need to find a home to hang it.

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a fellow weekend designer...
Lynn Goldfinger

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Lynn Goldfinger is the creative brainpower behind Paris Hotel Boutique, an online store full of beautiful vintage items.  I discovered (as many before me have done) her wonderful site while I was jumping around on the web a few weeks ago, and I'm hooked.  She has impeccable taste, prompt service (she is a tireless worker), and more-than-fair prices.  She has indulged my curiosity into how she came to develop her store and her design aesthetic.  So, without further adieu, in her own words...

Tell me a little bit about yourself. I read that you were a personal assistant to a blues musician. Professionally, how did you get to where you are now?  After college I worked as a banker for ten years, worked for a non-profit, was the assistant to legendary blues musician John Lee Hooker. One of the people I met along the way told me that my childhood Barbie dolls were worth hundreds of dollars. I did a doll show and made $3,000 in one weekend and that was it. I was hooked. It started slowly. For instance, I would find a Raggedy Andy doll at a garage sale for $1 and sell it for $40 on eBay. At that time (the 90’s) Rachel Ashwell (Shabby Chic) was huge, so I started selling the “Shabby Chic” look and that type of 'worn elegance' and as trends evolved so did my business.

Tell me about your store. When did you take the plunge to open the store? Was it gradual? were you nervous? What made you choose the online forum v. a physical location? Where do you find your inventory? Do you travel often for inventory? I started selling on eBay in 1997. In fact that’s how I got the name of my store... my screen name on eBay was ParisHotel. The website was sort of a fluke. I received my first big press in 2003 when my home was featured in a ten-page spread in Home Companion magazine (now out of print). That what was what actually made me launch my website...sell similar items that were featured in my home. I had to scramble to find a web designer, slap together a logo and launch my website by the time the issue came out—something I don’t think I would have done if not for that deadline. From then on my business went crazy. I never imagined that the press would keep knocking at my door, who knew? I was a little nervous as it was 2002 and most people weren’t doing online shops. I’ve never had a storefront and tethered back and forth with the idea. I’ve rented spaces in antique collectives in the past, but never wanted the overhead and responsibility of running a brick and mortar shop. Based on what my friends who have had storefronts went through, the insane rents in San Francisco, the current retail economy, and the responsibility of being tied to a store, it’s never made it worthwhile. The website is open 24 hours a day, 365 days a year and anyone in the world can “walk in” at any time. Finding inventory is always challenging. Trends are constantly changing and you have to keep up with them. I scour everything from flea markets and estate sales to shops and auctions to find my inventory. I actually don’t travel as much as you would think. I’ve found that I find more in my own backyard!

What is the best part of your job? The thrill of the hunt, learning history via researching objects, meeting networks of interesting and fabulous people.

How would you describe your aesthetic? Is your house the ultimate reflection of Paris Hotel Boutique? That’s a hard one. I’d say eclectic. My style has evolved so much over the last 15 years. My house has been transformed so many times it’s ridiculous! There are so many looks that I covet from traditional French to Mid Century, that it’s’ hard to pinpoint one kind of look in particular. I just try and mix it all up and see what happens! I do think my house reflects much of what is available on Paris Hotel Boutique, as I resell items that I would own myself.

How has your taste in interior design changed over the years? What influences the change? Traveling? Shopping? People? Lifestyle? Yes, it’s changed a lot as I mentioned earlier about evolving. It’s natural in the antiques/vintage business to constantly be exposed to new trends, looks, and objects that you’ve never seen before. So, changing your decorating style kind of goes with the territory.

Do you have an ultimate dream job? What do you hope to accomplish professionally?  Do you have big plans for Paris Hotel Boutique?

Hmm... You’ve got me there. I guess the ultimate dream job would be to have a bit more freedom to travel more. Perhaps scout for pieces for shops and designers. Something giving me freedom from the administrative part of the job (emails, photos, blogging, etc) and the 7-day workweek schedule that comes with being self-employed. Big plans for Paris Hotel Boutique? Always thinking... :)

Check out her store and her blog.  Its the best.  Thanks Lynn for being so gracious with your time!