First, those Cisco Brothers stole my heart with  their commitment to classic,  sustainably upholstered furniture and now with their Prana Mediation Chair. My only wish would be that I  discovered it sooner when it was introduced in April. But as the saying goes, better late than never.

{image via cisco brothers}

{image via pretty little green things}

I think it’s just genius with it’s low profile ( it’s only 28″h) and the fact that it’s named for the Sanskrit word meaning “breath” or “life force.”  What a lovely sentiment to add to a home.

Of course, I want to dress it up in one of my favorite textiles, Donghia’s Suzani. I’ve been in love with this pattern for a long time and I’ve been looking for the perfect application. I think I found that opportunity in this chair.

And in case you are wondering, I would totally meditate in this beautiful chair, taking a moment to reflect on how beautiful it is.

I have been going through an endless stack of magazines updating my inspiration files. Then guess what happened? I picked up the May issue 2010 of House Beautiful  ready to rip and conquer. Well, That was until I turned to page 135 and saw Dan Marty’s dining chairs. FABULOUS! Hadn’t I seen them before?

{image via house beautiful}

Notice the open back, revealing the hand-tying and structural components.   Don’t we learn that everything should be perfectly finished and covered up in  interior design?  Is  this wrong? Not to me.  Seeing the hand involved in the process of upholstery and revealing the structure makes these chairs are so interesting and evocative. In this case,  it’s like seeing a corset’s boning or the structural underpinning of a dress.

{mainbocher corset, artist: horst p. horst, 1939, silver gelatin print; image via artnet}

{ petticoats and  hoop skirts from the 1950’s; image via flickr}

And , dare I say, it’s like the nape of the geisha. It hints of the flesh, and in the chairs’ case, the bones, underneath.  The makeup and the upholstery serve the same purpose;  the fabric  and the nail-head trim on the back, highlights the silhouette of the chairs, as the makeup highlights the neck. Yes, it’s  risque, but it’s mysterious at the same time.

{image via trek earth}

{image splendorosa via the la times}

In 2004, The Metropolitan Museum of Art did an exhibit, called Dangerous Liaisons, which documented how fashion and furniture worked together  as a part of  flirting and courting rituals  and ultimately the art of seduction in 18th century France. Perhaps, these are a modern day, albeit less formal interpretation of that same flirtatious philosophy.   I’m not sure a client would go for unbacked chairs, but I’m loving these little flirty things.

What do you think of these chairs? Are they flirty and fun or a decor faux pas?

I’m absolutely love product designer  Nika Zupanc’s prototypes for the Modesty Sofa and  Modesty Bench. Something about the contrast between the clean lined silhouette , the maple form,  the aluminum legs against the  softness of the satin ribbon and upholstery has me doing e-flips.

It’s just  so tailored, feminine and chic as well as a little dark and edgy. That is a combo one hardly sees  in furniture design, yet  those concepts permeate all of Zupanc’s designs, from lighting to feather dusters.

Do you see why I have a design crush?

Happy Weekend! I like to extend a warm thank you for sharing your week with me!

Four summers ago, I was spending time in the UK studying  20th Century Decorative Arts. Lately, those memories of London have been on my mind  and funny enough, just as a new man has entered in my life.  His name is Andrew Martin and  yes, he’s British. Conveniently, he’s a furniture designer and a rather cheeky one too! That’s how he caught my eye!

Why is it when you put a Union Jack flag on something, it instantly makes it cool? Actually, all of these pieces are cool.

I love the nail-head trim on these  distressed pieces above too! These furniture pieces take the detailing to a different level.  And, I love the silhouette of  that black glossy console table,below. This would make any dining room a little sexier.

Do you see why Andrew Martin makes me so happy? And FYI, Andrew makes textiles too…swoon. My thought is, if you can’t have a fancy house in London Town, why not bring a little London to your home?

Anyhoo, it’s a busy Friday. This morning, I’m off to take measurements at a client’s home (which as an  interior design geek, I rather enjoy). I hope you have a wonderful weekend.

xoxo,

Jessica

Whenever I go to look for pieces, I look for furnishings and accessories that have a bit of personality to add flair to a room. These picks from Pearl River are perfect for just that.

1. Cantik Chair;   2. Teak Z stool; 3. Teak Two Seater YuYu Bench, 4. Tibetan Magazine Bucket 5.Dome Shape Bamboo Bird Cage ; 6. Chinese 3 Drawer Console

How can you not love these pieces? I want them all…

The furniture line from Hellman Chang, has beautiful elegant lines. Chances are you have probably seen their designs on one of your favorite shows and movies. Sex and the City or Gossip Girl anyone? I have had there catalog on my nightstand on my nightstand since ICFF. And yes, from time to time, I do read furniture catalogs before bed.

{z martini table}

{waverly low side table}

{z round dining table}

These are just a few of  my favorites from their collection. The entire Hellman Chang is quite elegant but I  thought it would be  impolite to put the whole catalog  on Design Wonderland. Here’s the bonus; the collection is handmade in the US.  Brooklyn to be exact.

Yesterday, I saw this gorgeous bookcase from 1stdibs on Moodboard. It was instant decor lust at first sight…

The birdcage details at the top, make me want to see a one of my favorite Florence Broadhurst wallcoverings peeking from behind it. Le sigh…it’s so dreamy and gorgeous…

OMG! A packed schedule meant I literally did ICFF in about two hours but I feel like I needed two days. The last time I went a couple of years ago, I felt the same way. Next year I will work on creating more time in the schedule. Anyhoo, With spring in the air and summer on the horizon, there seemed to be something about outdoor living that designers were craving and showing this year. I don’t mind I hope to spend a several hours out of doors myself.  Here’s a few that caught my eye.

Front and center were new introductions from Richard Schultz. Loved that RS was doing something bright and cheerful for the great outdoors.

Love the bright orange set in the back. I wondered if anyone would have noticed me running away with it….hmmm.

Kenneth Cobonpue had this  interesting  architectural cabana-style piece that just made me want to curl up in it near the beach or poolside with sipping on lemonade or a mojito.

It’s a little more trad in a way but no less architectural or inviting. Plus I adore the coordinating  table with the built in ice bucket holder.

As far as ICFF 2010 goes. This is by no means all. For you my dear readers I have a little surprise on the blog tomorrow so I’ll be showing more ICFF highlights next week, including materials, patterns and textures… Stay tuned.

I stumbled upon the Fan Fan Chair by Takada Design, looking for something else. I love when I hit gold by accident!

Yesterday, I was trying to decided whether or not to attend BKLYN Designs this year. With it’s homey, local-bred design vibe, I loved every minute of it last year, so of course I’m thinking about going again. However,  this year, it’s more a matter of timing and whether I can do NYC two weekends in a row as I’ll be attending ICFF the following weekend.

Anyhoo…

As I perused the exhibitors, I came across The Katch Design Company and their Hi,Low desk, possibly the hottest table this girl has seen in a while.

Seduced by it’s high-gloss aubergine finish this parsons style table had me at hello. (What can I say? I’m partial to purple and lotsa gloss}. However, perhaps, deep purple doesn’t tickle your fancy. No worries, more colors abound  in both  matte and gloss finishes. Check them out…I like the idea of glossy lipstick red table too.

Now, let’s talk specifics as to why this table is super hot:

1. Do you Live in a small space? This table can do double duty as a dining table and desk.

2. One piece in a bold color and/ or a beautiful finish can bring an energetic boost to a room.

3. Breathe easy. It’ s made of formaldehyde-free mdf, water-based glue., and plastic laminate.

4. With the Hi, Low’s clean lines, one can dress it up  or dress it down. (After featuring yesterday’s light fixture, I want to play dress up.)

Ok, have I proven my love yet? I may be in BKLYN after all.