Nested Interiors Blog

One HOT Bookcase!

2011-11-11T06:54:00.004-05:00

I am salivating over this new beauty from PolArt! This is by far the hottest bookcase I have ever seen.

Simply stunning...bottom line!!

2010-04-17T07:00:00.002-04:00

It's Market time again! Hip, Hip, Hooray! Leaving today and can't wait to blog about some fabulous finds and hot new trends! Stay tuned...

Pulley Light Debut

2010-04-13T14:45:00.014-04:00

I am LOVING this new pulley light designed by Architects & Heroes Interiors for Four Hands that will be introduced during Market this weekend! A&H are the leading designers of counter balanced pulley lights and I can't wait to see their entire collection!

Ask the Designer: Lofting it!

2010-04-07T23:21:00.003-04:00

Ok Tracy, this one's for you and thanks for asking such great questions!

Here's the questions I received:

1. How to decorate for an open loft space, where decisions need to be considered holistically

and keeping in mind...

2. Decorating rental spaces (i.e., not painting the white walls, but making them feel less generic (and less bare!)

1- Keep your furniture lines similar throughout the loft. Meaning, if you have modern furniture, then keep the same look in each section of the space. This will make the area look larger and your eye will flow throughout the room instead of halt from piece to piece which becomes too jarring and breaks the space up too much.

2- In keeping with similar furniture lines, you should maintain the same color palette throughout the loft. However, you can mix it up a bit so it doesn't look too much alike. For instance, if you have a grey sofa and you pop in some purple and yellow pillows, then you could use purple bed linens with varying purple and grey tones as bedroom accents.

3- Add long window treatments, either straight panels or curtains. Window treatments add so much depth, warmth, and height to a space. It is always good to keep the same window treatment fabric throughout the loft. This will make the flowing rooms look cleaner and feel larger.

4- Fake a window(s) by adding curtains or a shoji-type window flat panel system (Ikea makes some great panel curtain systems) on a plain wall. This adds depth and color to the room without adding a lot of artwork and clutter. It also takes up some the "dead" wall space that is often in lofts and shhhh! no one will look behind them :). Another great look is a large floor mirror. A mirror will add more light throughout the space (with light bouncing off the mirror) and will give the illusion that the room is larger.

5- Wrap a colorful fabric around canvas stretchers and make either a series of small 12"x12" boxes or just one large 48"x36" piece. Even a series of tall 60"x24"' panels would be fun. This is an inexpensive but creative way you can coordinate the colors in your fabric with your palette throughout your loft decor.

6- Add separate rugs (even if you have carpet) to each area (i.e., eating area, living room, study, bedroom). The rugs can either be the same pattern but in varying sizes and shapes, or different patterns from the same color-way (different rugs from one manufacturer all with the same color tones). This will break up the spaces enough but will also add color and depth to your space. I can't stress enough to make sure to keep some constant feature (colors or patterns) throughout all the rugs in order to maintain flow.

7- Use "removable" wall decals on your walls to add a graphic as well as depth without adding nail holes. I love Blik wall sticks and Etsy has some great finds too!! You can choose from many different colors but can get very creative. Add them to your walls, kitchen cabinets, hardwood floors, mirrors, windows and furniture.

8- To keep nail holes to a minimum, use 3M wall hooks and picture hangers. They are easy to install and removable without any wall damage.

Hope this helps! Good luck and please let me know if you need anything else!

Ask the Designer...

2010-04-06T15:46:00.000-04:00

I am starting an "Ask the Designer" Wednesday blog. If you have any questions about your house and/or decor and want free advice, please let me know. I will select the questions in the order I receive them and will blog about them on Wednesdays.

Please ask, I am here to help!!!

Tip Tuesday: Trim Colors

2010-04-06T14:11:00.010-04:00

Everyone thinks that choosing your paint colors will change your whole room, and to some degree, they are right. However, selecting the proper trim color is extremely important as well (and no, all whites and ivories aren't the same)! Picking a trim color is very difficult because some have grey, pink, yellow, green or blue undertones. There are many, so called "whites" out there that it becomes overwhelming.

The most important thing to remember is that you shouldn't just slap up the painters white on your trim. You want to choose a trim that will compliment your paint colors. So, I am going to try and ease your selections by giving you my three favorite Sherwin Williams trim colors.

My tendency is to avoid using the traditional painters bright white and to select a softer ivory tone instead. It will still stand out against your walls (except if your walls are white) but it just doesn't glare at you like some of the whites out there. You want the trim to be an accessory in your room and not the focal point.

These trim colors I am sharing with you also compliment many paint colors that you may choose for your walls.

1- Decor White

SW 7559

2- Roman Column

SW 7562

3-Dover White

SW 6385

I prefer using a semi-gloss or glossy finish for the trims so they clean well and make a little "pop" around your rooms.

Quote Of The Day...

2010-01-11T19:02:00.002-05:00

"I'm all about exuberance. We only have one short life to live, and we shouldn't waste it being tasteful."

-- Isaac Mizrahi, fashion designer

Happy Birthday To Me!

2009-12-17T09:21:00.006-05:00

Well, my birthday was actually yesterday but I think I am allowed to celebrate all week, right?

So, I wanted to share the awesome gift my husband gave me... The Modern Glamour, The Art of Unexpected Style by Kelly Wearstler.

If you don't know already, Kelly Wearstler is my absolute favorite designer right now. I truly admire her vision and talent. It is out there and bold and that is the way I like it! :)

I have been glued to this book with my mouth open and drooling. I am also giddy with delight that I have several items in this book in my own house as well as in some of my clients' homes and I never knew it!

Color Personality

2009-12-09T23:57:00.015-05:00

I've got color on my mind. So, here's a little color psychology with tips for where to use these colors in your house or work space. I've added some additional commentary and ideas to the references below, but I want to thank Michele Bernhardt for her 'Color Personality' article in House Beautiful which I used as the base analysis for the color references listed below.

What color defines you?

Pink= LOVE: Opens The Heart

Pink is gentle and soothing (hence why it is the universal color for a baby girl). It promotes tenderness and is a comfort in times of emotional transition. Use pink in a room when you are trying to increase receptivity and understanding.

Bright Red= ENERGY: Will Fortify You

Red is a stimulant. It promotes courage and fearlessness. Use this color when you want to increase self-confidence. However, too much red can make you feel overly excited or agitated. You would generally want to avoid the use of red in a child's bedroom, classroom, or fitness center.

Paired with yellow, red also helps to stimulate hunger. Which is why it is used in dining areas or fast food restaurants that have some sort of yellow or red in their signs and logos.

Dark/Deep Red (Blood Red/Maroon)= SENSUALITY: Inspires Passion

Deep red helps awaken the libido. Use this color to move you through inhibitions and emotional blocks that prevent you from expressing your self. This color will remind you to live life fully and to love your body.

Orange= CREATIVITY: Expands Your Thinking

Orange reduces self-consciousness and allows you to express yourself with confidence. Use orange in your home when you want to feel younger. It is the color of laughter and celebration and is a great choice for creative office spaces or play areas.

Yellow= CONCENTRATION: Increases Your Focus

Yellow is known for enhancing intelligence and mental agility. It can help stimulate conversation and clarify thoughts.

Light Green (Sage/Lime Green)=PROSPERITY: Increases Wealth

Green is the primary color in nature, it corresponds with life's riches. It is the color of fresh starts and growth. Lighter shades of green will encourage you to honor your unique talents and manifest them in the material world.

Dark Green (Hunter Green/Kelly Green)= HEALTH: Color Of Healing

Green also represents nourishment and helps steady the body, balancing your equilibrium and encouraging stability. Use a darker shade of green to rejuvenate yourself, to promote physical and emotional well-being. A great use of this color would be in a small reading nook or sitting area that you use for reflection and rejuvenation.

Aqua= REST: Inspires Trust

Aqua is the color to use when you need to relax. Wear or surround yourself with it if you have difficulty sleeping, dreaming, or meditating. This is why there has been an increase of the "aqua and brown" color palette in spas and master bedrooms.

Light Blue= CALM: Sense Of Peace

Light blue dissolves tension and promotes tranquility. It especially brings ease into the home and harmony into relationships. Wearing or surrounding yourself with light blue, helps calm aggressive tendencies and eliminates discord.

Dark/Deep Blue (Navy/Midnight Blue)= ORDER: Encourages Efficiency

Deep Blue will purify your thinking, so you can cut through the clutter and discover what is most important in your life. It helps you integrate the big picture with the little picture. Wear dark blue when you need to make a decision. Areas surrounding a desk or workspace that you often use for task-oriented work are a good choice for using this color.

Light Purple (Violet)= SPIRITUALITY

Light purple will help you connect to a higher plane. Purple encourages a fresh perspective on emotional issues. By reminding you that we are all connected, it will deepen your sense of humanity. Use light purple in your home to enhance compassion and to experience friends and family.

Dark/Deep Purple (Amethyst/Plum)= BALANCE

Deep purple is often associated with luxury, wealth and sophistication. However, it also helps balance the body and mind as well as suppresses hunger. This color brings peace and combats fears. Use purple in rooms to increase creativity and imagination and to provide a touch of glamour and elegance.

Fit For A King

2009-11-25T14:02:00.007-05:00

I would love to have these Crystallized Henry VIII chairs in my dining room for our Thanksgiving feast! These spectacular "Tudors" chairs were designed by Martin Albert Interiors for Metropolitan Home's Showtime House. Each chair is hand painted on linen and then Swarovski crystals are precisely applied as they drip down Henry VIII's portrait and then added to his wives' jewelry and head pieces.

Eat like a king tomorrow! Happy Thanksgiving!!

Tip Tuesday: Easy Holiday Decor Change

2009-11-24T08:55:00.025-05:00

Want an inexpensive instant decor change before the holidays? You can have a completely different look by just changing and adding a few minor items in your room. Just pick a color(s) and go for it! For example, all you need to do to successfully change your look in your living room is change the following...

1- Accent Pillows

2- Lamp or Lamp Shades

3- Throw/Blanket

4- Accessories

5- Accent Rug

I guarantee it will give you a completely different look and everyone will think you redecorated your whole room!

Here's an example of this strategy using the color green.

Add a fun tray on a side table or your ottoman:

If you can't find the perfect color for a lamp, you can always add a different shade or decorative trim to the shade.

Also, you can change the look of your lamps by putting them on top of a charger (round or square) or a square placemat. It adds instant color and focus to your lamps. Chargers and placemats aren't just for your table settings!!!

Or add a fun table runner across your media console, coffee table, or sofa table:

Your pillows don't have to be a solid color they just need a little bit of your chosen color in them like these:

Put a bunch of these in a glass bowl or apothecary glass container. There are also lots of fun colored decorative balls out there that would look great in glass containers or jars.

Just add a few small decorative items around the room keeping with the same color tones.

If you need extra seating for the holidays, these are great to use as side chairs from Target and they also stack for storage. Put some small rectangular back pillows in them for a dresser look.

Put a fabric or leather basket/box in your room and fill with books, magazines or wood logs:

Candles are an easy way to throw in a new color:

Festive starters! Trees are coming out in lots of colors and materials this year!

Magazine of the Month

2009-11-23T22:24:00.005-05:00

My magazine choice of the month would have to be Metropolitan Home.

You must grab this December issue because it will sadly be the last issue they publish. Nonetheless, they are definitely leaving with a bang! It is a wonderfully beautiful issue with some delicious eye candy that will make you say, oohhh!

So sad to see you go, Met Home. Hopefully some day you will return! Bon Voyage, you will be much missed!

White Coco Twigs

2009-11-23T22:03:00.006-05:00

I am in love with anything white! Found these beautiful whitewashed coco twigs that would look fantastic as a holiday centerpiece, across a mantle, or grouped in a vase in the corner of a room.

Etsy Find Fridays: Gobble, Gobble!

2009-11-20T15:27:00.013-05:00

Here are some "unusual" Etsy Thanksgiving finds that truly make me laugh out loud!!! These are quite hilarious to me, and for anyone wondering, you won't be finding these gems in my house for the holidays!

Bless these artists' hearts!!!

Enjoy!

Tom Turkey 3D Pillow: Oh my!

Everlasting Turkey Gel Candle Centerpiece:

Panda Bear Turkey Centerpiece:

Autumn Harvest Placemats and Napkins:

Tom Turkey:

Rollie Turkey: Never knew turkeys smiled!

Turkey Pillow Covers:

Peanut Gobblers: Too funny!

Oven Roasted Turkey: HILARIOUS!!

Real Simple Gift Guide Favorites

2009-11-18T07:07:00.006-05:00

Of course you probably know my love for magazines and the December Real Simple gift guide (50 Gifts For Under $50) is truly my favorite issue of the year. I get so giddy when I receive it in the mail and can't wait to see what they have selected. So, here are my faves that I just adore this year...

How awesome would these Berkley Illustration Prints be in a children's room or a series of them down your hallway!

Ponoko Silhouetted Wood Coasters

Fun!!! Framed Alphabet Prints

Of course I am crazy about these white Ceramic Nuts! I have previously purchased them for accessories in one of my homes!

How beautiful are these Penguin Hardcover Classic Books ! Books that you can finally display proudly!

Love, Love, Love these Crumpled Porcelain Shakers by Xie Dong! Hope I am getting these from Santa this year :)!

Tip Tuesday: Pronounce the word "CHAISE LONGUE"

2009-11-16T08:44:00.036-05:00

This is probably one of my recent pet peeves (and for all of my friends and family who have recently used this word, please take no offense to this post). Yes, I know it sounds silly but the word "chaise" is so commonly and regularly mispronounced that I thought I could spread the word a little, or spread the correct pronunciation of the word that is. :)

(If some of you don't know what I am talking about when I say "chaise", the following definition will help give you some insight. (Chaise Longue/Lounge): is a long chair, with or without arms, for reclining, having a seat lengthened to form a complete leg rest and sometimes an adjustable back.)

This wonderful piece of furniture has made a huge comeback into the design world as well as many of my homes recently so I thought it's proper origin and pronunciation deserved some blog time. I know I am not a linguistics specialist nor do I try to be one, however, when possible, I try to pronounce design words as best I can when their origin is known. Funny enough I still giggle a bit when I hear designers and trade professional mispronounce it!

From my studies in design school and history I know the word 'chaise longue' originates from the French, meaning, long chair. For fun I did some more research on this topic and read that the mispronunciation of this as a 'chase lounge' or 'lounge chair' began in America as early as the early-1800s. Referring to the 'chaise longue' as a 'lounge' or a 'chase' is more a false/folk etymology or eggcorn and is the result of 'americanizing' the word more than anything else.

The general thought is that since early writers didn't know how to spell or pronounce the French word, the term "chase lounge" makes some sense given that you do in fact, lounge on this long chair. Thus, instead of keeping to the true origin and correct pronunciation, the American interpretation of the chair's 'usefulness' hung around.

So, if you want to impress your design friends, or correct a sales person at a retailer, or just sound super smart at your next dinner party, listen to this clip of chaise and start practicing!

chaise longue

[sheyz lawng, cheyz; Fr. shez lawng]

–noun, plural chaise longues, French. chaises longues [shezlawng]

a chair, with or without arms, for reclining, having a seat lengthened to form a complete leg rest and sometimes an adjustable back.

Also, chaise lounge [sheyz lounj, cheyz]

Origin: 1790–1800; <>chaise lounge by folk etym.

chaise (shāz) n.

Any of various light open carriages, often with a collapsible hood, especially a two-wheeled carriage drawn by one horse.
A post chaise.
A chaise longue.

[French, chair, variant of Old French chaiere; see chair.]

The American Heritage® Dictionary of the English Language, Fourth Edition Copyright © 2009 by Houghton Mifflin Company. Published by Houghton Mifflin Company. All rights reserved.
Cite This Source

Examples of chaise longues:

Etsy Find Fridays: Hand Made Napkins

2009-11-12T21:57:00.018-05:00

Tis' the season for selecting some great napkins that speak for themselves when your guests sit around your table during the holidays. Let them be your conversation pieces!

Navy Poppy Napkins:

Animal Napkins:

Acid Green Urban Letterpress Napkins:

Linen Napkins:

Gray Peacock Napkins:

Cherry Sneezy Sheets: (they are listed as "handkerchiefs" but are so cute that they can be used as napkins)

Eco-Friendly Linen Napkins:

Tina the Llama Napkins:

Halcyon Napkins:

Grenade Napkins:

Rose and Radish is back!

2009-11-11T14:54:00.002-05:00

One of my favorite boutiques, Rose and Radish, is back online now after moving to a new location. Based out of San Francisco, their motto is that 'living with objects you love makes you happy.'

This makes me happy too, and I'm excited they're back!

You can always count on their store to have some elegant and edgy objects that no one else offers. Plus, they're extremely friendly to designers, artists, and manufacturers that produce unique, well crafted goods.

Yeah! Be sure to check out their 'Motley' collection, it's one of my favs.

Tip Tuesday: Buying Giclee Prints

2009-11-10T15:48:00.005-05:00

A common issue I run across with my clients is helping them find original art that is both affordable and large (over 36"-72"). Options for original art in this size range are costly and difficult to find because the time and artistic skill required to create pieces this large result in fewer artists working at this size. Oil paintings and photography in this range often run well over $1000 in addition to $300 or more to frame the piece. Multiply this price by the 3-5 pieces we all want in ours homes, and the cost for purchasing original art can add up quickly.

There are ways you can get around this cost or give the illusion of art occupying more wall space. Some options include:
1. Buying smaller pieces as sets and grouping them together to form one larger collection
2. Purchasing textiles and either wrapping them around a canvas stretcher or hanging them as a piece of art
3. Creating a 48" or larger piece by framing a smaller piece (in the 24-36" range) with oversize mats and frames

However, none of these can accurately reproduce the scale, texture, and dramatic statement that a single 60" oil painting on canvas brings to a space. Reproductions are an option, but most mass-produced reproductions are of such poor quality and lose much of their depth and texture when reproduced on paper. There is also little control or restrictions placed on the number of reproductions created, so there is little benefit in owning a reproduced piece in terms of originality.

However, there is another option that is gaining momentum...giclee printing.

Giclee prints (pronounced zhee-clay) are reproductions using high resolution digital scans of original paintings printed directly on canvas using archival quality inks. Recent technological improvements in the printmaking process allows 8-12 color ink-jet printers to create reproductions that surpass traditional silver-halide and gelatin printing processes. If you are skeptical about the quality, don't worry, several museums, including the Met and MoMA have giclee prints in their collection and some artists are selling giclee prints of their work for $10K-20K.

The main advantage to giclee prints are that they can be reproduced at almost any size to fit your budget for under half the cost of an original oil painting. And, since they are printed on canvas and at such high quality that the texture and depth of the original oil is still evident.

Other nice aspects of giclee prints is that many galleries offer gallery wrapping, small edition runs, and artist embellishments (this involves the artist painting oil on top of the giclee print giving further texture and originality to the print). Since the artist embellishes each print uniquely each giclee print is technically an original piece of art. This process is similar to the artist starting each painting with the same base coat or image and then adding new elements that customize each specific print. Besides the cost, this aspect of originality is one of the biggest selling points for giclee prints.

So, if you are trying to save a little bit of money but would like a piece of art that has texture, originality, and size, giclee prints are a great alternative.

Hot Item Purchased... Steal of a Deal!!

2009-11-09T14:18:00.006-05:00

Found this awesome retro Flip Clock by Innovative Technology from Urban Outfitters on our adventures in Charlottesville, VA this weekend for only $9.99! It is going to be a nice little addition to a new bachelor pad I am designing in Richmond, VA.

See, you don't have to spend a lot of moola on some funky accessories that are both fun and functional!

Brings me back in time...

Etsy Find Friday: ACORNS!

2009-11-06T06:48:00.000-05:00

With the fall season in full effect, I thought it would be fun to peruse Etsy for some seasonal trinkets and art work. In my case, fall means making wonderful comfort food recipes, trips to the mountains, and the sound of little acorns bouncing on our roof every few minutes. Depending on your perspective, our yard is either a playground or a danger zone of fat little squirrels running around piles of yellow leaves hoarding their winter stash of acorns.

With that being said, November is one of my favorite times of year and I am excited to bring some Etsy finds that mirror other people's enjoyment of this season too!

Enjoy...

Day 5: Market Favorite Designer/Collection

2009-11-05T07:52:00.000-05:00

Gus Design Group. Simple forms and honest materials make for good modern furniture.

In contrast to many of my 'bam and glam' affinities, I do have a healthy respect and admiration for designers who understand the basic needs we have for designs that use carefully considered materials to create simple and elegant forms. Gus Design Group fits that mold perfectly as evident in their strong line of modernist furniture and material choices. Mirroring the tenets and principles of high modernism their furniture is accessible and gentle and they seem to have avoided the pitfall of only copying modern forms rather than interpreting them.

As a team, they were generous, responsive, and invested in pushing their design philosophy to a broader audience. What I appreciate about them is that they are designers first, retailers second, and this is evident in the care they put into their work.

From their 2010 line:

Day 4: Market Favorite Designers/Collections

2009-11-04T13:10:00.000-05:00

Made Goods. Mirrors that make you go, 'Yum!'

We stumbled across a small studio called Made Goods who's motto is to create mirrors that are design focal points. These mirrors range from the super clean to the super organic. Glamorous and bold, all are unique and inspired from strong antique forms or natural elements. Best suited as pieces of art or hung in a space which allows it to breathe, these pieces have a timeless presence which is really stunning. Getting to view these pieces in person was a nice treat. I can't wait to add one of these to someone's house soon!

Here are some of my favorites...

Tip Tuesday: Decorative Bathroom Mirrors

2009-11-03T05:13:00.013-05:00

Unless you've designed or have plans to replace the hardware, tile, flooring, and fixtures in your bathroom, homeowners are left with a simple few elements to personalize this space. Replacing your standard contractor lighting is one relatively cheap and effective approach. Bath textiles such as towels, shower curtains, and window treatments are also cost-effective ways to add some boldness to a bathroom...but these don't have to be your only options.

One option I often ask clients to consider is replacing their standard frameless mirror with a decorative mirror. Bathrooms might be utilitarian in their purpose, but it doesn't mean they can't have some elements of artistry and weight as well.

It is true that textiles are simple and offer a huge range of choices and styles, but what if you have a shower stall with a glass door or you don't want to bring that much attention to a tub area? Why not pull the focus away from these elements and over to the more intimate space of your vanity?

Here's a few tips or ideas for adding a decorative mirror to your bathroom, but be sure to check back tomorrow when I highlight a design studio that specializes in beautiful, artistic decorative mirrors.

Tips:

1. Shape matters
Rectangular mirrors will fill the space fully and give a clean, tight, classic appearance to your vanity. In terms of use, they are also the most economical in the square inches they provide. Circular mirrors hang on the wall like a piece of art and require a more surrounding space to breathe. They offer less square inches but make a bold, contemporary statement to the room. Oval shapes give a soft effect, feel light, and regal. They're a great choice if you want more square inches than a circular mirror but want to soften the hard lines of the rest of the room. Choose a shape that makes the most sense for the look you want to achieve and the space available.

2. Go DIY
One super easy solution for this space is to go to a local framing store and choose from one of their custom wood frames. With the range of stains and finishes (including a nice shiny lacquer, yeah!) you have a wide variety of options to fit your existing bathroom motif.
Call a glass dealer in your area to have the mirror made for the frame and you have a great, custom mirror for less than a few hundred dollars.

Another DIY option is to hit the flea market or yard sales to find an older frame you can reuse. Just remove the old artwork, add a mirror and any additional hardware needed for support.

3. Buy the right size
If you want the mirror to have some punch, it needs space on the wall to breathe. Allow ample, and preferably equal room around the mirror edges if the mirror is near side walls. If the mirror hugs the vanity and vanity light too tight but leaves too much space around the mirror sides, it will feel cramped and forced. Remember, you're trying to bring the focal point to the mirror itself, so give it some room to pop.

4. Simple design ideas

If you have a small bathroom, choose a shower curtain to match or coordinate with the color of your wall paint. This will de-emphasize the space around the tub which will allow you to really make a statement with a unique mirror (especially if the mirror frame is a punchy color).
Think about taking the mirror all the way up to the ceiling. Coupled with a unique vanity light, this can be a very dramatic approach that adds some depth and height to the room. It will require some custom cutting and drilling to accommodate your vanity light, but with some assistance, this is a super chic look.
For long, double sink vanity mirrors, consider mounting two uniquely shaped mirrors above each sink with a sconce or other vertical wall element in between. This will help break up the long stretch of the vanity top and bring vertical focus/alignment to the vanity light, mirror, sink, and hardware.

Day 3: Market Favorite Designers/Collections

2009-10-28T15:27:00.013-04:00

So, on our last day of Market we were eagerly looking forward to visiting BoBo Intriguing Objects (BoBo= Bourgeois Bohemian). When we entered this eclectic attic of curiosities, peculiars, casegoods, and bohemian furniture we were definitely intrigued. It felt like we were traveling through a century of design objects accumulated and inspire from century old European residences and factories. We saw everything from a 125 year old vintage picture box of beetle species to hand carved wooden factory gears to their new line of handmade furniture and casegoods. I've been to a lot of antique dealers and collectors, but the craft and quality of their reproductions were some of the best I've seen.

During our visit, we also got to meet the owners Marc Sage and Rudi Nijssen. We really enjoyed getting to spend a few minutes chatting with them because we got to hear about their design processes, inspirations, and a bit of their history. Designers are a funny breed so you never know what to expect when you meet them, but these guys have an honesty and hospitable nature that is truly genuine.

However, the amusing part was that after we left them my husband realized that he recognized the two of them from somewhere but couldn't remember where. For some reason one of the recent covers of Restoration Hardware popped in our heads but we weren't sure. I wanted to go back and confirm this, but Jason totally chickened out. Sure enough, we should have gone back and chatted with them more because we got home and confirmed that they were one of the artisans highlighted in the latest Restoration Hardware campaign. Go figure!

So without any more stories, welcome to the land of BoBo Intriguing Objects...