The recent Christopher Spitzmiller Seconds Sale got me thinking about how I first learned about these beautiful lamps. I remember the first week at my first design job, everyone was always searching the resource library for this plastic bag filled with richly colored ceramic chips. It was always out on one designer's desk or another, since a C.S. lamp looks fantastic in so many different rooms. On my first project we ordered one in a buttery yellow and when we unwrapped it at the office - I was in love. The finish was glossy and thickly lacquered and shape was elegant but not too perfect - you can always see that these lamps are handmade. {Also I think the whole office, including me, may have had a tiny crush on Christopher himself}

Of all the colors: the deep Claret red, the crackled Celedon and the lively Coral, it was the Prussian Blue that I loved the most. It is peacock blue mixed with teal and it is sophisticated as well as vibrant. Well, one day I hope to have a C.S. lamp of my very own but for then {and now!} I knew that the thousand dollar plus price was well out of reach. So, I cheated and bought this Robert Abbey version - not nearly as lovely in person but still clear and bright in color, with a beautiful double gourd shape. 

The real deal: Prussian Blue with a gilt base - so pretty! 

The Robert Abbey version, which I still love! You can find it here for $228.

And here are a few of my other favorite handmade lamps by C.S.

{First image by designer Amanda Nisbet in House Beautiful, others via Christopher Spitzmiller}

What do you think . . . drool worthy? Do you have a favorite color?

Have a great day! 

Stunning Spitzmillers!

Attention: The fantastic lamp company Christopher Spitzmiller is have a seconds sale! They are still pretty pricy but I have always coveted them. The colors are just so rich and amazing! If you can't make it in person they will ship too! 

Ooooh, those coral ones are just stunning! 

Design Dedication: Antlers

Lately I have been spotting a ton of antlers, both traditional and stylized, in the design world! Previously reserved for hunting cabins or men's lodges, antlers can also be used in more eclectic and sophisticated interiors. I love the organic element and texture they lend a space and especially like their contrast against a more modern interior. Plus, there are so many beautiful resin and faux options out there so you certainly don't have to use the real thing! Here are few of my favorites. . . {Above is a resin deer antler by Restoration Hardware!}

A vibrant living room by stylist Lili Diallo, previously of Domino (Oh, I miss Domino!). The carved oak deer head works great with the collected feel of the room.

A stately study in the Chateau de Groussay, owned by Carlos de Beistegui - while perhaps the number is a bit overwhelming the antlers certainly make a statement!

The Ghost Antler Rack in snow white resin by artist Erich Grinder - you can even hang your coat on these guys! Available through Velocity Art and Design online.

Decorator Leslie Klotz designed this cheery kitchen featuring a carved wood cow's head.{Photo by Laura Resen via House Beautiful}.

I love the arrangement of these antlers and deer head in Haus Interior home store by Nina Freudenberger! {Photo via Lonny magazine}.

I am just crazy for these vintage brass antler table lamps on lucite bases! They are American from the 1970s and are available at High Style Deco Antiques on 1stdibs.com!

Lastly, a charming and colorful living room in Nantucket by designer Tom Scheerer - the stylized bull's head looks perfect flanked by windows!

Color Inspiration at the V&A!

During a recent visit to London, I spent an afternoon at the Victoria & Albert Museum of Decorative Arts. The collection of furniture, metalwork, ceramics, silver, glass and textiles are all beautiful but the jewelry galleries really are my favorite - showcasing amazing pieces from the Roman era to the 1980's. I was struck in particular by the stunning turquoise pieces I saw! Turquoise is so upbeat and youthful but also can be quite sophisticated. Here are a few special pieces of jewelry I loved and a few accessories for your home if you (like me!) are taken with turquoise. . .  
Above is an English turquoise, gold and pave diamond necklace with a bow design from 1850-1860.

A German carved cameo of carnelian depicting a Bacchante female figure, and set in gold and turquoise, made from 1630-1670.

A pair of gorgeous earrings made of turquoise, amethyst, and pearls, made in England from 1835-1840. What a great color combo! 

A bright Zig Zag throw blanket made of baby alpaca from Jonathan Adler.

The Luxembourg Garden side chair by Fermob USA. This chic chair comes in 27 colors and retails at $216. 

I adore these vintage 1960's table lamps - they are made of ceramic and brass and are available at Little Paris Antiques.

A great enamel photo frame in turquoise also by Jonathan Adler.

And to end, boldly turquoise room by designers Kim Coleman and Michele Green! 

Vintage Lamps & Oliver M. Furth

L.A. based designer Oliver M. Furth suggests using vintage lamps as a way to inject character and history in a room full of otherwise new things – I could not agree more! I am a bit crazy for lamps and this is just one reason why! 

He picked this striking pair below…

 
 

But I was even able to find this beautiful petal pink and gold Murano lamp on Ebay!

  

I like the layered and collected look Oliver assembled below - its a great example of mixing vintage and modern … perhaps a bit cluttered for some but engaging none the less!

You can see more of Oliver’s vintage furniture and lighting picks currently on One King's Lane (a great online sample sale for high end accessories and furniture pieces) … you have to become a member but its free and I think very worth it!