H.D. Buttercup Hosts Domino Magazine Event

Coming up Friday, October 17th - Sunday, October 19th is the 3rd annual Domino Bazaar.  It's open to the public and will offer access to H.D. Buttercup's 20,000 square feet of home furnishings from 80+ sources - at a discount!  Plus, design consultations and complimentary classes will be offered.  If you haven't checked out H.D. Buttercup, now is a great time, as they team up with Domino magazine for this event.

Help the Museum of Ceramics

Russel Wright, Eva Zeisel, and Fiesta are names that collectors of American modern and mid-century ceramics know well.  How many of those that cherish these items know where they came from? On the Ohio River is a small town called East Liverpool that was once the largest producer of ceramics in the world.  It also happens to be my hometown and it needs your help.  

Once a booming city at the dawn of the 20th century, the industry that brought it to life has nearly died off.  Economic problems have plagued the area for decades and of the 300 potteries that once operated in East Liverpool, only two survive: Hall China and Homer Laughlin (now located across the river in Chester, WV).  Until the mid-20th century, however, East Liverpool was known as the 'Pottery Capital of the Nation' and is renowned for the production of everything from Lotus Ware, manufactured by Knowles, Taylor, & Knowles in the 1890s and considered to be the finest porcelain ever produced in the U.S., to Fiesta, which has graced the tables of homes and restaurants alike since 1936.  Exclusive dinnerware collections were created and manufactured in East Liverpool for Trader Vic's in Los Angeles and the Waldorf-Astoria in NYC.  And yes, Eva Zeisel and Russel Wright both had wares produced in East Liverpool.

The Museum of Ceramics is trying to keep the history of East Liverpool alive, but is currently struggling with funding.  Please, help!  You can read more about the museum and make donations through their website.  

The Museum of Ceramics, built in 1909 as the East Liverpool post office

Interior view of the Museum of Ceramics

Russel Wright pitcher, American Modern collection

Fiesta vase, manufactured by Homer Laughlin

Hall China pitcher

Spend Some Time "Outside"

I usually have my laptop right next to me as I flip through my magazines and I immediately look up anything that catches my eye.  I hit the jackpot today as I was reading the new Elle Decor and discovered 'Outside Downtown', a chic West Hollywood shop curated by David Serrano and Robert Willson.  Gorgeous color combinations and perfectly edited vignettes elevate this shop to one of the best I've seen (from the photos anyway) in all of L.A.  It looks like I'll be making a trip to WeHo today to see it in person.  More photos to come...

Musical Eames Chairs Anyone?

In celebration of today's release of the Eames stamps issued by USPS,  I thought I would post a few photos from the Eames Foundation annual member's appreciation day held this past weekend.  We had a tasty lunch and tours of the home given by the Eames' family was a real treat.  However, the highlight of the day was 'adults only' musical Eames chairs!  Thirty plus people battled it out, but only one took home the grand prize:  photograph #82 from the exhibit at the Eames office of 100 photos for Charle's 100th birthday.    

Eames stamps issued by USPS

The Eames House

Case Study #8

1949

A close up of the Mondrian-esque windows.  

The use of gold in place of yellow was a dynamic choice.

     

The Eames' daughter, Lucia

Musical chairs - Down to the last 3 contestants!

Named in honor of his grandparents, Eames, presents the champion with his prize.

Also, check out Vintage Eames, sponsored by the Eames office.  It offers a wealth of information for anyone out there with vintage pieces.

Great Dane!

Design Sponge has done it again!  Blogger, Grace Bonney, has provided a glimpse into the lives of so many fabulous spaces and today, she has posted a 'sneak peak' of Ferm Living founder, Trine Anderson's home. Her Danish digs are filled with beautiful patterns, stunning furniture and great solutions.  Take a trip over to Design Sponge and enjoy!

Dwell on Design Review

Over 200 exhibitors showcased everything from pre-fab homes to tech toys and handcrafted furniture at this year's Dwell on Design.  Sponsored by Dwell magazine, we wouldn't expect less than smart and stylish products.

My new favorite site to browse (and buy!) is Huset, which features modern Scandinavian living at it's best.  These tree coat racks, bird wall hooks, and fancy IPod dock are just few of the treats the owner had on display. 

This desk from Fusion actually folds up!  Get the same look as a vintage tanker desk in a portable package that is easy to move with you from apartment to apartment and certainly more practical for a small space than the clunky 60's versions that weighs a ton.

The LAX series from MASH Studios is a perfect combo of  materials.  The solid walnut contrasts well with the powder-coated sliding doors.  Shown here are the 3x wall cabinets, but the style is also available in a coffee table, side table, bed, wall-mounted desk, and TV bench.    

Hand-crafted furniture from Maine from Thos. Moser was stunning and if you have a stark interior, a piece like this could warm things right up.

This retro-chic cabinet from Wilkerson furniture is a nod to the early days of the television.  It's slim cabinet (custom sizing available) will hold a flat panel TV.  This 20th century piece is even 21st century friendly, made from sustainable wood with a non-toxic oil applied by hand.

Environment furniture is another eco-conscious company that has injected some style into green living.

This pre-fab house featured interior design by Vanessa De Vargas of Turquoise.  Most of the furniture, as well as the house, are available from Hom.

Last, but not least, some of the best stuff of the day was in the gift shop.   I discovered wares from A+R like these fun fruit platters, oil lanterns, and carafes.  And if you need an external hard drive to back up all of your hard work, check out these glossy gems!  

Art Walk Review

The Avenues of Art & Design, with all of its luxurious showrooms on Beverly, Melrose and Robertson, opened its doors for the 11th annual Art and Design Walk.  It is easy to drop a month's salary on a lamp or purchase a sofa that cost as much as a new car in one of these places. However, it's still fun to browse, even if their pricey wares are out of reach for your own home.

My first stop was Kartell, where a DJ was drawing crowds to check out all of their fun products, including these limited edition Dolce & Gabbana leopard print chairs.

B&B Italia was filled with drool-worthy products including this over-scale cane indoor/outdoor chair and papasan.  The Body Raft, designed by David Trubridge for Cappellini, would also be a great poolside lounger.

Grape seemed to be a color that popped up in many of the showrooms, especially for lighting. The first two photos of fixtures from DDC had a nice opacity to the glass.  The effect it had on a regular incandescent bulb cast an eerily beautiful light into the space.  The chandeliers from Cappellini and light bulb silhouette lamp from B&B Italia continue the theme.

DDC also had these chairs which were far from ordinary, but still very elegant.  Epoxy painted aluminum chairs look so lightweight, they almost seem to float.  Available in white or black.

 
Among the expensive kitchens and baths in Bontempi, I spotted this simple way of showcasing artwork or photos.  Binder clips were used with black mat board.  A white pen was used to add captions.

How about this eye-catching LCD TV from Bang and Olufsen?  I generally wouldn't want to call attention to electronics in a space, but I wouldn't mind this candy-apple red beauty stealing the show.

Finally, Modern Living had some fabulous pieces from Jaime Hayon's Showtime collection (inspired by MGM musicals).  The contemporary take on a classic hooded wing chair was my favorite item of the day.  I also wanted to take home the decidedly quirky ceramics, also by Jaime Hayon.  Sadly, I left empty handed.  There's always next year.

Art Walk Culver City 2008

Also this weekend is the Culver City Art Walk.  A great design community has developed there in recent years and it's home to wonderful galleries, shops full of beautiful furniture and home accessories, not to mention H.D. Buttercup.  Check out Culver City's website for more details. 

Art & Design Walk 2008

It just gets better every year! This Saturday is the much anticipated 11th Annual Art and Design Walk.  From 4pm-8pm, hundreds of showrooms along Melrose, Robertson and Beverly will open their doors and offer cocktails, appetizers and a glimpse of the luxe life.  Check out the official website for more details. 

Going On Now!

Celebrate 20th century design at the Los Angeles Modernism Show and Sale  this weekend at the Santa Monica Civic Center.  

Felt Never Grows Old

Felt is the oldest form of fabric known to humankind (it predates weaving and knitting) yet we still have not exhausted options on how to incorporate this versatile material into our lives. Clever designers like Pia Wallen and Josh Jakus have introduced new products with a modern twist on this traditional material.

Trivets from Design for Use

Trivets, coasters, and nesting baskets by Pia Wallen

Joshua Stone vase and bowl from Lekker Home (Bonus! This eco-friendly designer uses reclaimed wood for the core of his products)

Just one of many clever Josh Jakus products, this is my favorite.  

It's the centerpiece on the dining table in my home.

These ingenious place mats by Josh Jakus have built-in napkin rings!

6-pack coasters by Josh Jakus

Wine pocket and zip-up pouch also by Josh Jakus

These would make great gifts.

Rugs by Melina Raissnia

Momento Rug from 2 Form

Roses Rug by Nani Marquina

Available in Los Angeles from Plush Pod

Last, but certainly not least.  Check out Paola Lenti's spectacular felt rug collection.  She pioneered a woven version of the material that is extra durable and inspired the use of felt in totally new ways.