Be Inspired!

Today was the third day of the International Contemporary Furniture Fair or the ICFF in New York City. Tomorrow, May 17, for one day only, it opens to the public. To the untrained eye, furniture fairs, especially contemporary trade fairs like the ICFF might seen like the strange offspring of an IKEA showroom and the USS Enterprise. But, in fact, the ICFF is actually the place top designers go to unveil some of the latest trends.

The Javits Center opens its doors to over five hundred vendors, store buyers and other industry insiders. 500,000 feet are dedicated to those on the cutting edge of furniture and houseware design. From sculptures to sculpture-like-armchairs, the featured pieces walk a fine line between functionality and art. Their creators are themselves artists and builders.

Maximization of space seems to be at the heart of this years’ fair. A two in one toilet bidet by Phillipe Starck caught our eye. As did a futuristic looking desk organizer/pen holder by Dominik Raskin which was awarded the Shapeways ICFF Contest Winner.

Yuki Matsuoka’s cardboard robots (pictured above) for Japenese designer D-Torso are not only space savers (their nearly disposable!) but probably the coolest thing at this years' event as they performed for swarms of thrilled fair-goers.

We here at Linoto, love a chance to take a look at the future of design. When possible, we make it a point to find those designers on the cutting edge of the Next Big Thing. The ICFF is just one of many places we like to go for inspiration. We also love a good car show, a great artisan market or even a walk in the woods – all of which inspire us and get our blood flowing.

So if you can make it to the ICFF’s public day, we highly recommend it. If not, we also suggest a stroll through the park.

Art and Inspiration in the Upper East Side: Buck House

I recently met with New York artist and taste-maker Deborah Buck at her upper east side gallery.

Buck House, located in Manhattan at 1318 Madison Ave (Between 93rd & 94th Streets) is an inviting and unique collection of art and antiques from every age.  Deborah surrounds her own paintings with other equally special objects such as glass work, sculptures, and jewelry.  The result: beautiful and harmonious scenes that reflect and inform both her artwork and the items she selects.  These scenes have been collected into a self published book called Tableau, which she graciously gave to me. A second book is currently in the works with new scenes and women as the inspiration. This time, she is redressing the front window of her gallery to symbolize the personality of imaginary female characters. Each display will run from 7-10 days and she plans to have 30 windows finished and photographed within the next year. The window displayed above represents an artist's model and muse in her apartment  in turn-of-the-century Paris. She is surrounded by gifts from artists and admirers as well as images of herself that painters have given her. A. Muse is her name; a tongue and cheek reference to her identity.

"Hands" original artwork by Deborah Buck

 

"The Indian" by surrealist painter Alvaro Guillot (1931-2010)

Art Deco pedestal

turquoise and exceptional examples of costume jewelry

Integrity in design, Deborah simple motto, is what sets Buck House apart from an antiques showroom or an art Gallery.  The upper east side has plenty of those.  She is not merely collecting and reselling, she is working, creating, and applying her own very tasteful stamp of reference on the gorgeous antiques and vintage items she collects on her travels all across the globe.  From vessels and jewelry to sublime lamps and furniture, each item in the gallery is special.  Though the items originate from different  places and eras, there is a unifying aesthetic that is rich, dynamic, and inspiring.

sublime glass work
 

a fantastic bronze lamp, ceramic vases and pitcher

Buck House will soon be offering its own line of wallpapers featuring design elements in Deborah's paintings. She gave me a sneak preview of an amazing silver matte-on-shine wallpaper with the same Foo dog from the Buck House logo worked into a geometric key pattern. Very chic. No official release has been set for the wallpapers, but keep watching her blog to find out more.

I was first introduced to Deborah when she purchased several sets of linen sheets from Linoto.  The aqua color she chose is an identical match to the signature "Buck House Blue" that is uses consistently in the gallery interior.

Gilt glazed ceramic vase

Whether you live in New York and enjoy exploring new neighborhoods or you are planning a visit, I highly recommend visiting the Buck House where you're guaranteed to be inspired by the fabulous art and design.

Fall Furniture

I recently discovered a wonderful blog post on Remodelista. The antique store, Bloom, in Sag Harbor, New York has the perfect aesthetic for autumnal decorating. The rustic look and muted colors speak back to a simple time with a homey, comfortable feel. The best part is the how easily the natural wood, bamboo and wicker pieces can be livened up with bolder colors without being overpowering.

And it would be so lovely to finish off this country-style table with an elegant linen table cloth and napkin set.

You can visit Bloom at 43 Madison Street in Sag Harbor, NY or call (631-725-5940).