sketches

2.26.63 Barrel Chairs

2.26.63 Barrel Chairs

Two barrel chairs with their birthdate on them!  Each one slightly different, yet still two of a kind.  I've always loved these hues of brown and blue together, and these pieces combine a natural brown fabric with something more velvety and mature; and a linear pattern with a curved back.  All on original casters!

Inspired by royal chairs I saw at the Louvre last summer.  And Wilhemina's our favorite Dutch queen.

Inspired by royal chairs I saw at the Louvre last summer.  And Wilhemina's our favorite Dutch queen.

Something about this chair seemed masculine to me:  broad shoulders, geometric lines.  So I put my haberdasher hat on, and dressed it in corduroy, tweeds and a dash of red--like the handkerchief in the pocket of a suit jacket.

Something about this chair seemed masculine to me:  broad shoulders, geometric lines.  So I put my haberdasher hat on, and dressed it in corduroy, tweeds and a dash of red--like the handkerchief in the pocket of a suit jacket.

This daybed screamed tabula rasa, and I immediately went for the fabrics that I save for something special.  I chose a vintage obi, and adopted a panel motif, alternating silken red volcanoes with hearty burlap and metallic geometrics--a la Kli

This daybed screamed tabula rasa, and I immediately went for the fabrics that I save for something special.  I chose a vintage obi, and adopted a panel motif, alternating silken red volcanoes with hearty burlap and metallic geometrics--a la Klimt.

Collected on Nelson Drive in Greenmeadow, a mid-century subdivision in Palo Alto, CA that was designed by A. Quincy Jones.  Staying true to period, I used a vintage burnt orange tweed fabric and a new print that's the modern answer to the

Collected on Nelson Drive in Greenmeadow, a mid-century subdivision in Palo Alto, CA that was designed by A. Quincy Jones.  Staying true to period, I used a vintage burnt orange tweed fabric and a new print that's the modern answer to the boomerang print.

These chairs are broad shouldered.  By highlighting the structure in a dark fabric, we play to their strength.  The green diamond pattern is large and dramatic enough, but still soft and sophisticated.

These chairs are broad shouldered.  By highlighting the structure in a dark fabric, we play to their strength.  The green diamond pattern is large and dramatic enough, but still soft and sophisticated.

This chair reminded me of a movie star:  full figured, with some structure on top and round curves on the bottom.  So I named the chair after Jayne Mansfield and dressed her in a very showy combination.  Brown anchors the turquoise an

This chair reminded me of a movie star:  full figured, with some structure on top and round curves on the bottom.  So I named the chair after Jayne Mansfield and dressed her in a very showy combination.  Brown anchors the turquoise and lime in the seat, and the lime skirt narrows the line of the base, just like a dress from the 40's.  The back is lighter, but still lively.

Maria's sofa has the same broad shouldered look as her chairs.  I played to this strength, tempering it with ribbons--the most feminine thing I could think of!

Maria's sofa has the same broad shouldered look as her chairs.  I played to this strength, tempering it with ribbons--the most feminine thing I could think of!

A true lounger.  An elliptical pattern on the outside, designed to enhance the curve of the chair.  A soft tweedy red cushion inside, that's one long lounging line...just lay back.

A true lounger.  An elliptical pattern on the outside, designed to enhance the curve of the chair.  A soft tweedy red cushion inside, that's one long lounging line...just lay back.

Natalie's chair was created for a strong young woman.  I dressed her in a vintage Chanel tweed, just like CoCo.  Purple piping and buttons complete the picture.

Natalie's chair was created for a strong young woman.  I dressed her in a vintage Chanel tweed, just like CoCo.  Purple piping and buttons complete the picture.

In the fifties, sophisticates wore "fringe" jewelry.  This Danish Modern sectional and matching chair do the same, and have reversible cushions--making them super unique.  Aquamarine on one side, sea green with geometric patterns on the ot

In the fifties, sophisticates wore "fringe" jewelry.  This Danish Modern sectional and matching chair do the same, and have reversible cushions--making them super unique.  Aquamarine on one side, sea green with geometric patterns on the other.  But my favorite are the gold diamonds etched on ivory boxing, offset by gold fringe.  Sophisticated and exciting.  How often does that happen to your standard Danish Modern sectional?

A third barrel chair, born one day before its brothers.  I've always loved these hues of brown and blue together, and these pieces combine a natural brown fabric with something more velvety and mature; and a linear pattern with a curved back. &

A third barrel chair, born one day before its brothers.  I've always loved these hues of brown and blue together, and these pieces combine a natural brown fabric with something more velvety and mature; and a linear pattern with a curved back.  Slightly different than the other two, but all three use the same fabrics. All on original casters!

The sketch for my first sofa, now sitting proudly in the office of the Articles Editor at the New Yorker.  A true antique, this sofa combines a nod to the past (traditional paisley patterns) with a nod to the mod:  turquoise tweed, gold ul

The sketch for my first sofa, now sitting proudly in the office of the Articles Editor at the New Yorker.  A true antique, this sofa combines a nod to the past (traditional paisley patterns) with a nod to the mod:  turquoise tweed, gold ultra suede, and hot pink trim and buttons.