Office Space: DWR's Celine Desk = Perfection

I've found my deskmate.  It's been ages since I had a desk, and I can no longer ignore the fact that I sorely need one. The Nazanin Kamali-designed Celine desk and I were meant to be together because:

a) She is named Celine (!) -- how could I not?
b) The simple, streamlined design won't take up too much precious space.
c) The tapered splay legs and white drawer add just the right dash of character.

I road-tested her over the weekend and we got along famously -- perfectly proportioned for moi. I'll let you know how she wears once the big move rolls around and I can give her a proper home. In the meantime, I shall hunt for the perfect chair.

Celine Desk by Nazanin Kamali, exclusive to Design Within Reach:

Images via DWR

Fall Obsession: Seeing Yellow

I am back from the most lovely vacation ever to San Francisco + Big Sur. It was so wonderful to visit my former home after so long, see my brother, and reconnect with old friends in SF, and I'm pretty sure I I left my heart in Big Sur. Pictures to come!

I returned from my NoCal excursion to be greeted by fall in NYC. This weekend abruptly marks the end of the in-betweeny weather and the arrival of true jacket-wearing, leaf-crunching, crisp-smelling fall. Central Park is going to be gorgeous in a couple of weeks, and though I'm being good and saving up for some big ticket purchases, it's all I can do to resist the fall merch arriving in stores. I'm also coming out of my orange phase and really embracing yellow in all forms. From marigold minis to goldenrod sofas and lemon-hued desk lamps, here are some recent discoveries in the key of yellow:

Vintage clip light by earthseawarrior on Etsy. The bright blue cord sets it off perfectly. UPDATE: Sold out :(

earthseawarrior

Love the 60's-futuristic design of the FAVN sofa by Jaime Hayon for Fritz Hansen and it's gorgeously articulated in these hues. If the Jetsons went upscale, this would be their fancy sofa.

The Contemporist

Acne's Rama Lux wool-crepe mini skirt is selling like hotcakes on Net-a-Porter.

On a yellow-related note, while researching a fall foliage destination story for a client, I learned something new: the colors of fall in North America and East Asia are quite different from fall colors in Europe. Europe's leaves only turn yellow, unlike ours, which erupt in a panoply of warm hues, from yellow to burnt orange to fiery crimson. Apparently it has something to do with chlorophyll.


Europe, you're still pretty.

Live Science

Design Obsession: Smithshop + Stor

Before I plug his blog and business, I should disclose that Quentin Smith is a friend of mine. I know him to be a man of exceedingly fine taste, so when I found out he'd launched a line of bespoke furniture and design objects, I expected it to be reflective of his keen eye and curatorial skill. However, with Smithshop, he somehow managed to exceed even such lofty expectations -- the shop is full of the kinds of treasures I crave with every bone in my body.

The L.A.-based Smithshop's collection of handcrafted furniture and interior finds will be available for purchase at an upcoming pop-up installation at Khastoo Gallery from March 1-22, along with a tightly edited selection of high-end objets trouvés from his other venture, Stor. If you can't get to L.A., don't fret -- he's got a webshop for your viewing pleasure.

Some covetables from his blog:


Benoit Missolin's Miss Fortuna beaded bunny ears, $354.

Smithshop Non-Folding Chair, $1,695, made to order.

These 1960's Carlo Moretti cordial glasses would have been right at home in Julianne Moore's house in A Single Man. Set of six, $125.

1980's Judith Leiber Clutch, $199.

Smithshop's Tray Table was inspired by a t.v. tray. $1,475, made to order.

This massive 1940's Oak Swivel Armchair, would be the perfect seat for plotting and scheming. I would totally ask people to come into my office just so I could swivel around to face them in this. $2,475.

Please keep it coming, Q!

Photos: www.quentinsmithblog.com

Kitchen Obsession: Virginia Sin's Porcelain Ice Cream Cones

Of the many treasures to be found in Daily Candy's Secret Santa gift guide, these porcelain ice cream cones are tops. Handmade by local artist Virginia Sin using eco-friendly processes, they're available in select stores and online at Passionately Curious for $18 each. To place orders, email info@passionatelycurious.net.

Her "paper plates" are also amazing, and earned her the "Most Sustainable" award in DWR's Modern+Design+Function competition. $35 for the 5.5 inch, $65 for the 8 inch, and $85 for the 12 inch.

Photo credit: www.passionatelycurious.net