When I did the reveal post about my new dark walls I was a bit surprised that no one commented on the fact that the new cream lampshades (above left) weren’t quite the right size. The shades weren’t new, they were ones I’d pulled out of storage while I had custom shades made. The new shade on the right is one inch taller and one inch narrower; the difference is subtle in the photo, but much more apparent in three dimensions. Yes, the old shade would have looked alright with a slightly smaller harp but I didn’t have one on hand, and anyway, I think a 7-inch harp is just too small for a 16? lamp.
Tuesday, April 13, 2010
LA-based interior designer Kelly Wearstler set off an avalanche of criticism when she unveiled her new direction in an October 2008 Domino cover story. The blogosphere was apopletic over her sudden style shift toward chunky 1970s and '80s furnishings and I admit I added my voice to the chorus. But as I've seen more and more of this new Wearstler work published, I've warmed to the vibe, if only because it stands in such refreshing contrast to the overdose of mid-century modern evident practically everywhere else.
Tuesday, December 8, 2009
Aristocrat Lamps and Lighting remains one of my favorite Toronto bargain outlets but the banker's hours have always been a problem. Right now, however, the store is open seven days a week to accommodate a serious sale. The best deals are still found in the dead-stock room, below, where solid brass lamps are among the very best values, but the price reductions continue up front with newer stock and shades.
Friday, November 20, 2009
INabstracto's Kate Eisen and sometime partner Duncan Farnan hit the motherlode recently when they stumbled upon an old warehouse with an impressive stock of vintage Lotte Lamps, circa 1964. The lamps ($195 each) have their original shades and original tags but Eisen and Farnan have rewired them to today's safety standards. Colors include coral, dark blue, robin's egg, golden yellow, celadon, brown and white.
Friday, October 16, 2009
Canadian decorative arts junkie Troy Seidman has taken the plunge and launched Caviar 20, an online clearing house for his own 20th century finds. Seidman is still building his inventory but the pieces he's displaying share a high taste level and reasonable prices in Canadian dollars. The porcelain, bamboo lamp is $160, the breathtaking oak gueridon is $325 and the Knoll Handkerchief chair, which would wake up any corner, is $325.
Tuesday, July 27, 2010
2 Comments