JORIS LAARMAN
We are going to talk real cutting edge design today so get ready. If you are an extreme traditionalist this all might seem a bit too way out there, but new technologies…think 3D Printing, advanced materials, etc….have opened up the door for Continue Reading…
ROSE HOTEL / VENICE, CALIFORNIA
I visit Venice, California several times a year, as my son and his family live out there. It has become quite a hot spot over the last years, with Continue Reading…
Me and Misha Kahn, at NYC MAKERS: THE MAD BIENNIAL 2104
Looking for an art exhibit unlike anything else in the city? Want to see who are the movers and shakers in the the creative fields today? Love to be up on the those talented artisans that function on the “A” level but are rather unknown since they fly under the recognition radar? Well, I suggest you Continue Reading…
PARQUE BIBLIOTECA ESPAÑA, COLOMBIA
The library of yore…and I mean way back when…used to be a stately building that imposed a somber mood on the people who chose to enter it’s doors. Libraries were strictly Continue Reading…
“Hoop-La” by AIice Aycock
I happen to live near one of best spots on Park Avenue in New York City. It is the site where the Fund for Park Avenue annually installs outstanding sculptures that fill up certain sections of the grassy median separating the Continue Reading…
LIAIGRE FLAGSHIP STORE IN NEW YORK CITY
I know a lot of people in the interior design industry. After all, I have been a designer for almost 25 years and have had the good fortune to meet and greet with just about everyone here in New York City. So, when I met my friend, Rob Geer, on the subway one day about a month ago and he told me he was now working at the Christian Liaigre store on the upper east side, I immediately made a date to visit him there.
CHRISTIAN LIAIGRE
Well, needless to say, I wasn’t disappointed at all. Rob gave me and my associate, Daniel Vanhall, the royal tour of the space and we got to discuss many of the fabulous details integrated into Liaigre’s furnishings.
MERCER HOTEL, NYC
You might have forgotten, but over 17 years ago Liaigre designed the Mercer Hotel here in New York. That is where he first employed that now classical minimalist furniture look where everything is fashioned out of dark wenge wood, a look that has been mimicked ad infinitum by lesser companies. Yes, he is the man that started that whole movement. But there is no doubt that he is still the master at creating fabulous contemporary pieces in this genre, and then some.
LOOKING IN THE WINDOW OF THE LIAIGRE STORE
Liaigre’s background is French and he spent many years in his youth living on a horse farm in the Vendee area of France, near the Atlantic Ocean. This country aesthetic is apparent in many of his designs, and you will see a fabulous photograph at the store of the rear view of a horse…yes, I said a rear view…that captures your attention the minute you walk past it…as well as a bronze saddle stand that is for sale. Other fabulous art at the store is a series of oversized photographs…not of horses… by a very talented photographer who’s name escapes me…so sorry, but call Rob at the store and he will hook you up!
LIAIGRE STORE IN NYC
I have previously purchased Liaigre’s furnishings for clients and have always admired how strong his design statements are despite being rather simple overall. He gets a lot of mileage out of using superior materials and impeccable execution. He frequently finished his woods with wire brushing which takes the look of the wood out of the ordinary and right onto the wonderful level. All of this adds up to a “sensual minimalism” which pervades Liaigre’s designs.
LIAIGRE STORE NYC
I also noticed that many of his pieces utilize bronze…très chic and unfortunately très expensive! However, every once in awhile one needs to splurge in order to raise the ante of the design in the room and one of Liaigre’s pieces is the right place to do it. Think: Future Collectibles!
LIAIGRE STORE NYC
The word is that Liaigre is very particular about the customization of his furnishings and will only permit this to happen when the integrity of the design is kept intact. I sort of appreciate that attitude. The furniture is made both in the United States and in France, depending on where the proper craftsmen for the individual pieces exist. Everything in the showroom looks pristine and wonderful and you feel like buying everything!
LIAIGRE STORE NYC
I came across this quote from Liaigre in a Wall Street Journal article from a few years back, which I found very interesting considering the pure style of furniture he is most noted for:
“My favorite period of design is the 18th century,…the 18th century was the time when there was the most creation in jewelry, furniture, metal hardware—everything was modern. Versailles was the force—the motor. I find it amazing that they could do so much baroque and yet keep it coherent…I feel it’s coming back into fashion.”
Keep your eyes out for Liaigre’s take on all of this in the future! In the mean time, check out Liagre in New York City and get your dezign juices flowing. Oh, and don’t forget to ask for Rob!
Ciao, ciao ’til next time!
SCARAB CABINET by Patrick Naggar at Ralph Pucci
Bring on the sunglasses….summer is upon us and everything is finally looking sunny and bright. I thought this would be a perfect time to talk about two of my favorite flavors Continue Reading…
KARKULA IN WILLIAMSBURG, BROOKLYN
Recently at the AD Home Design Show in March (see post) I ran into John Erik of Karkula, a very hip store in Williamsburg, Brooklyn. Several years ago I had written about his wonderful furnishings when his store was located in Tribeca and I had just started writing DEZIGNLICIOUS, and Continue Reading…
TOBY HOUSE BEACH BALL LIGHTING
The International Contemporary Furniture Fair was in New York City last week and I made a beeline over to the Jacob Javits Center to see what was Continue Reading…
MUSEUM DE FUNDATIE IN ZWOLLE IN THE NETHERLANDS
Architecture these days is always bringing surprises and the unexpected to the table. Buildings are being designed that defy gravity and the laws of physics. It really seems like anything goes and Continue Reading…