Regrets

10 years ago, when we worked with an architect on updating the 1939 Modern I inherited, I had high hopes of realizing my dream of dissolving the barrier between indoors and out: part of the west side of the house on the bottom floor would open up by way of folding or sliding glass doors. Oh, no – I was assured nothing of the kind existed (folding panels), and glass "sliders", "with that big track to trip over? Oh, you don't want that!" So, what did I get stuck with? lousy, warping, terribly weatherstripped Weathershield double glass doors with yucky gold hinges! Every time I see a house that opens up I get such a pang of regret – why did I listen to my lazy contractor? Why didn't I do the research, prove him wrong and get what I really wanted?!

Here are the 2 treatments used in one space in the Wabi House, designed by Sebastian Marsical Studio. via Trendir – GF

So Pretty-New Products from Jardins En Fleur

We got an email from Jardins En Fleur about their new pieces today. OMG they are so pretty! You probably know from our previous post that this is one of our favorite new vendors. The prices are getting more reasonable. The chairs shown are about $350-400/each. The console table is about $1500.

If you like the softer, prettier style of home decor, this line is so for you. It's Asian decor done in a very modern and original way.

Here are pictures of the new pieces. They are shown here in white lacquer, which is a great neutralizing color. We love using it in rooms with lots of colors or patterns...

If you need pricing and availability, please visit our home decor store. Thanks!

Fresh Bedding from Mystic Valley Trading

We haven't purchased any bedding for our store for a while, mainly because they are a bit cumbersome to sell. But we just received our Mystic Valley Trading catalog today and they have some really pretty stuff! What's more, they put everything into one convenient package so we don't have to list each piece individually.

Here are some bedding from the Spring collection that we really like. They look fresh and fun.

The bedding sell for about $1500-$2000 per ensemble. To see more, visit the Mystic Valley web site. To get pricing and availabililty, please drop us a line.

Modern Fabrics from Duralee

Duralee just came out with a collection of modern fabrics that we thought are really pretty.

Here is a sample of it. To see each sample, check out the Duralee's Simply Modern Collection.
There are five additional books...




To get pricing and availability, please visit our fabric store.

Bargain Buys from Arteriors Home

We decided that every Friday should be the designated "bargain day", what do you think? On this day, we will post all manufacturer bargains that we feel are tremendous buys. Again, these are brand-new, top-of-the-the line overstock from the manufacturers (no need to worry whether people had sex on that couch you got from Craigslist!).

Here are some bargains from Arteriors Home--they make beautiful chandeliers and accessories....

This horse sculpture has always been one of our best sellers. It was $350 now it is $160. Very Hollywood-Regency-ish, don't you think?


This Pagoda chandelier originally sold for $1000, now $500

We love this one. It comes with a sconce as well. Originally $1250 now $600!

This chandelier is really dramatic in person, especially if you are into green. This used to be $1800, now it is $650 This one is smaller in scale and is perfect for a powder room. It used to be $1200, now it is $500
Isn't this one cute? It is now $850 (was $2400-okay, it was a little over-priced)

This one is adorable in person. It used to be $1500. Now it is $650
This sconce has a matching chandelier (see above). Used to be $400. Now it is $160.
This table was orginally $600, now $250 This looks great as a pair. Used to be $400 now $175/ea
All prices listed above do not including shipping cost. Stock is limited. If you would like to purchase these items or need to get dimensions/more info, please drop us a line...

Amazing Bargains on Modern Furniture-Nuevo Living

We are on a bargain hunting mode lately. Who isn't with this economy!

So we've been browsing through all the manufacturers bargains that have been sent our way. You see, manufacturers need to make room for new inventory, new styles, whatever, then they send us the lists of items that have been marked down like crazy.

Here are some bargains for the day from Nuevo, which specializes in modern furniture. We like the quality of their furniture quite a bit. We use their barstools for restaurant projects and they hold up really well.

We've listed the prices here but keep in mind that they do not include shipping cost.

This cool -looking chair is only $210.

This one is shown in black but the only color available is brown. The leather is top grain Italian leather. It is $210.
This floor lamp is $150 .
This sofa is $950. It is also available in a loveseat ($700).
This sectional is $1700!

If you are interested in any of these items, drop us a line. Again, these prices exclude shipping cost, which vary depending on the qty and the location of where you live. Also, stock is limited.

Z Gallerie Filed Chapter 11

Z Gallerie filed chapter 11 today, citing difficult economic environment.

More information can be found here:

Z Gallerie News

Working on New Canaan's Modern House Day

We're working like mad on preparations for the New Canaan Historical Society's Modern House Day, on May 2.

Yesterday and today I wrote short biographies of the architects (Breuer, Alan Goldberg, John Johansen, Taylor Gates, Toshiko Mori, Mark Markiewicz, and Victor Christ-Janer) and short descriptions of the five houses, and started work on longer descriptions for a separate pamphlet that will talk about how each of the houses was changed and adapted over the years to the changing needs of the various owners.

I think we've written, in one form or another, about each of the houses, although the only one I've been in is Alan Goldberg's (I nosed around outside the Breuer 2 house about 3 1/2 years ago, when it was unoccupied and before the current owners moved it, but I haven't been inside). Gina, on the other hand, has been in the Goldberg house and Johansen's Bridge House (and wrote about the Bridge House here).

Gina now will start to design the ticket (which really serves as the informational brochure for the event) and the pamphlet.

There's more information about the tour here and here.