Decor Arts Now

By Lynn Byrne.  After this week’s revelations about my house, there can be no doubt that I am obsessed with wallpaper.

So there should be no surprise that my favorite booth at this year’s Winter Antiques Show is the one held by Carolle Thibaut-Pomerantz.  It is filled with gorgeous wallpaper–most of which looked like papers that are illustrated in her book  Wallpaper.  How fun to see them in person.

That is why I go to shows like the Winter Antiques Show.  I like to see the best of the best.  Goodness knows I can’t afford to buy anything!

For example, the heart of the country girl in me quickened when I saw this pie safe.  I have always wanted one and this was perfect, except for one detail.  It costs $38,000!

Still, having seen it, I will better recognize the best that I can afford.  I will be scouting oversized  letters and numbers at the flea markets too–that 2 cents sign is super cute.

Sometimes I feel like I have stumbled on what must have inspired the works of other designers.  Don’t these c.1950 stoneware vases by Royal Copenhagen just scream Jonathan Adler?

Plus, there’s always the possibility that you will get the ultimate in design-obsessed thrills.  At this show, dealer Liz O’Brien has a slipper chair by Billy Baldwin in the exact upholstery shown on the cover of his collectible book Billy Baldwin Decorates.  Yep, seeing that is how people like me get their jollies.

And, once I let myself go and forget about price tags, there are endless charming objects and vignettes. Here are just a few.

Lighthouse made from seashells--it was sold.

This urn might work at Downton Abbey.

Cool chandi. c.1948

More country charm.

The show runs though Sunday, January 29 and it is located at the Park Avenue Armory at 67 street, in NYC.

By Lynn Byrne.  So PAD New York was really cool.

On Monday of this very busy week, I  caught the Pavilion of Art & Design New York fair on its last day.  The fair consisted of a selection of 49 international galleries showing works of Modern Art, Design, Decorative Arts, Photography, Jewelry and Tribal Art from the 1890′s to today.  Held at the Park Avenue Armory, it was a fascinating walk through.

Here are some of the things that caught my eye.

Beth Katleman’s porcelain and wire wall sculpture described as a 3-dimensional rendering of a traditional Toile de Jouy wallpaper was a stand out.

Loved this pairing of Tiffany lamps with mid-century masters such as the Paul Evans coffee table and the Nakashima bench. 

Beetle-mania.  Schwarm, a collection of 63 porcelain beetles by RaR. 

Great collection of mirrors, and funky wire critter. 

This pair of lamps have a yummy color and they remind me of  a sea creature. The wall covering really enhances the vignette. 

Wonderful art nouveau mirror. 

And from down on the farm.  Baa! Plus a life size Peter rabbit.

Have a nice weekend everybody!

Photos by Lynn Byrne for Decor Arts Now.