Flair with modern design

I picked up the February edition of AD Espana, and was taken with the many fabulous homes with great modern design.

In this Berlin home of the gallerist Karena Schuesslerthe warm design in this kitchen includes the iconic Hans Wegner chairs and the ceiling light by Poul Henningsen. 

In the Manhattan apartment of the artist John Currin and Rachel Feinstein, the library includes these wonderful chairs by Gio Ponti, who is one of my absolute favorite designers. I, of course, love anything Italian!

Another artist, Pablo Reinosa, has a wonderful apartment in Paris with great art, and who can miss the Eames chairs! Always a good choice for modern design.

Wright auctions in Chicago has a Modern Design auction coming March 29th. This is an opportunity to pick up some of these iconic designs. If we start with Charles and Ray Eames, the auction includes several examples to recreate the look in the Pablo Reinosa apartment. Lot 140 is the DAR chair in a wonderful pinky salmon color. This was designed in 1951, and has an auction estimate of $1,000 - $1,500.

I think it would go wonderfully with this sea green rocking chair by Eames. This is Lot 141, and has an auction estimate of $3,000 - $5,000. This was designed in 1950 and is the RAR chair. Rockers are always fun to include in your decor, and it's always interesting to see which guest gravitates to a rocker.

In the top photo the chairs are by Hans Wegner. , The chairs on the left are in the style of  Hans Wegner, and because they are 'in the style' these sold for only $549 at a Bonhams auction in Los Angeles. An authentic Hans Wegner pair sold at a Wright auction for $17,500. You choose!

If you look closely at the top photo you will see that the coffee table looks remarkably like this one being offered in the next Wright auction. This is Lot 210, and was designed by Carl Aubock, circa 1960. This has an auction estimate of $2,000 - $3,000.

In the middle photo the white chairs with the cow hide seats are by Gio Ponti. His furniture commands a high price, and is quite sought after. I searched a few auction houses and only found this one that looks similar. This is noted as Lounge chair number 12. It sold at a Wright auction for $7,500 off an auction estimate of $4,000 - $5,000. I think the green leather is rather smart.






I love the inspiration I can get from international design magazines. I pick them up when I can, and often get a different perspective on style, even when the homes are in the US!

Table top architecture ' at auction'!

Architectural details are key to a layered look, but they need not be on the walls! Just about the chicest architectural elements sit on a table.

Splendid Sass blog - Designer Suzanne Kasler

Architectural models are a chic form of decoration. In this entry room designed by Suzanne Kasler the model of a staircase sitting on a table forms  a wonderful tableau inviting you in to the living room. 

The next Stair Galleries auction taking place March 10th and 11th in Hudson, NY has the perfect replica of the model in the Suzanne Kasler room. This is Lot 550, and is made of metal. It's very smart looking. It's 15 inches tall and has an auction estimate of $500 - $700. 

I was also taken with this Victorian collectors cabinet. It has wonderful detail including ivory knobs, and a tiled roof. It would serve wonderfully as an architectural model on a table top, and a great place for small treasures. This is Lot 514 in the Stair auction and has an auction estimate of $1,000 - $2,000. 

I know these are exactly table top, but I couldn't resist including these columns. Looking at the Suzanne Kasler room she uses columns to create an elegant room separation and grand entrance. This pair are 8 feet, 8 inches tall and are included in the Stair auction. These are Lot 275 and have an auction estimate of $1,500 - $2,500. Just imagine what they would do for a plain space to make it architecturally interesting! Even in a rental, you could put these up for a glamorous effect, and take them with you when you move.

To give you a sense of realized prices, here are two examples from Christie's. This mahogany spiral staircase model is 20th century. It sold for $1,187 off an auction estimate of $500 - $800.

This is an interesting variation. This is described as late 19th or early 20th century English. If you collect little objects this would make nice display as well. This sold for $660 off an auction estimate of $500 - $800. I think the spiral staircase models are more sought after. I often like something a bit different, so this squared version appeals to me, and I could have gotten it for less. 




Look for decorative objects that have interest and might be a bit out of the ordinary. Architectural models are very chic, and auctions provide good hunting grounds!

Have fun with artist's models!

You have your furniture in place, the rug on the floor, and some great lighting. Now for the details. Every room needs decorative layers, and some of them should be fun. You want something to give you a little smile, or maybe something that will attract the eye of your guests.

Living Etc (UK)

In this classic living room, the addition of two artists models standing on the tray add some fun. Just imagine how you might shape their stance depending on your mood. One day they are standing straight and somber, and the next they are seeming to dance across the room.

Stair Galleriesin Hudson, NY has an auction coming up March 10th and 11th. It includes some fun objects. This early 20th century wood articulated artist model on a stand could be your own artistic expression! This is Lot 16 and has an auction estimate of $300 - $400.

Perhaps more interesting is this American folk art carved and painted African American man. It's more primitive in design, but very intriguing. It needs a stand, but I think would make a nice design pair with the previous artist's model. This is Lot 8 in the Stair Galleries auction, and has an auction estimate of $200 - $400.

To put potential pricing n perspective, these next two artist models sold at Copake Auctions in Copake, NY. This French wooden artist's moderl had an auction estimate of $50 - $75, and sold for $165.

This provocatively posed artist's model was 32 inches tall, and would make a statement. This has an auction estimate at Copake of $150 - $250, and sold for a whopping $800! Clearly it was desirable.












I think artist's models are fun, and have lots of posing potential. They are sculpture, art and decoration rolled in to one!