Gothic Touch: Inspired by the Churchyard

Inspired by the church view of the East Village two bedroom I showed you Monday, I've decided to divulge some secret obsessions: Darryl Carter and Gothic / Gothic Revival Decor. As I've been searching, I find it's no wonder that Mr. Carter is a fav- juxtaposing traditional forms and styles with a clean, modern palate, making every element in the room seem scupltural and important. What I've shown of Mr. Carter's has gothic elements that highlight what he does best.  I'm not one for excess ornamentation, but I do love the quality of craftsmanship (let's face it, laquered fiberboard is a bit soulless) and the patina of a historic piece.

1. Jayne Thompson Antiques French Oak Frame

2. A Darryl Carter Space from Architectural Digest

3. Via World of Interiors

4. Chandeliers at Christie's

5.7. Darryl Carter's Retail Space in D.C

6. Stained Glass Panel via Liveauctioneers

8. Painted Gothic Chair Set

On the Campaign Trail

Inspired by Peter Burka's Anthropologie Campaign Bed, I've pulled a few more "treasures" to take a look at. What I loved about Peter's bed was that while it seemed grand and dramatic, it also seemed aesthetically "light and airy" with plenty of negative space to give your eye a rest in a smaller apartment. As you can see below, you have some choices with campaign beds...make them simple and clean or dramatic and draped. Either way, they are wonderful!

1., 5. Elle Decor

2. Anthropologie

3. World of Interiors

4. Sold at Lewis & Maese Auctions

6. From a New Zealand auction house, French, 19th century

7. Via Billionare Boy's Club

Thrifty Me: Gramercy

The area around 23rd and 3rd Avenue is a treasure trove of vintage and thrift stores! The three I've highlighted are my absolute favorites, but there is also Goodwill, Salvation Army, Cause for Paws (all on 23rd between 2nd and 3rd). It's a great place to shop for bargains and they all benefit very worthy causes.

Vintage Thrift  

Where? 286 Third Avenue between 22nd & 23rd

What? Great Furniture, Art and Table Top, Window Auctions...they get a lot of wonderful mid century to deco pieces! The current window auction has some wonderful medical -themed accessories from the thrities and forties!

New York City Opera Thrift

Where? 222 East 23rd

What? Furniture (Doyle's donates here) and Great Designer Clothes for Women

Housing Works 

Where? 157 East 23rd

What? Furniture, Clothes, Art, Window Auctions

Artshot: William Morris

Walking through the Upper West Side on Saturday, the ornamentation of this turn of the century townhome brought William Morris to mind- lilting leaves and vines counterbalanced with ripe fruits and flowers...

Thrifty Me: Chelsea & The West Village

I love a bargain (and I buy and sell antiques a bit on the side), so with that said, New York is a surprising treasure trove of both! As I'm out and about in Chelsea and the West Village, I stop at the following thrifts- you have to go often and sometimes it's a hit and sometimes it isn't, but I find that it's more the former than the latter. Go see for yourself, as in real estate, there is no greater thrill than finding that treasure!

 Angel Street Thrift

Where? 118 West 17th Street, Chelsea

What? Furniture, Clothes, Art

 Housing Works

Where? 143 West 17th Street, Chelsea

What? Furniture, Clothes, Art

 St. Luke's Thrift

Where? 487 Hudson Street, West Village

What? Furniture, Clothes, Art

 Housing Works

Where? 245 West 10th, West Village

What? Furniture, Clothes, Art

Less is More: Greenwich Village

 I keep back issues of decor mags around as inspiration and the Elle Decor that features architect David Mann's 270sf Greenwich Village studio with a 300sf terrace is a favorite. A lesson in restraint and taste, Mann's studio proves less is more. Curate your home (no impulse buys at Bed Bath and Beyond)- it's the best lesson we can learn from living in Manhattan!

1.,2.,4.,5. via Elle Decor
3. via Decorative Traces

Grace in Ornamentation: The East Village

Running to show an apartment on 1st between 13th and 14th, I did a double-take as I rushed by The Church of the Immaculate Conception on 14th. The terra cotta, bronzes and stonework on the exterior are so expressive it's astounding...everything seems fluid and almost hyper-real. When you have a chance, walk by and really take a look at the detail- you'll get lost. For a moment, you'll observe grace on a noisy, busy corner. By the way, I was on time for my appointment!