Friday Favorites 11/16/2012

Lisa E. Harrison, Associate Editor
I spied this stunning cocktail table on DecoratorTagSale.com, a site founded by Greenwich designer Sandra Oster. Oster’s aim was to create a virtual marketplace, where designers could open online boutiques, showcasing their private collections of curated goods. The end result is that consumers (and other designers) score custom, high-end merchandise at a reasonable rate.

This rare Niedermaier table (below) is sculpted in a bronze, hand-cut filigree. Internationally acclaimed Chicago artist Richard Hunt, celebrated for having more public sculptures in American cities than any other artist, collaborated with Niedermaier to create a collection of die-cut bronze tables, desks and screens. The custom risers on this table are signed by Hunt, which makes this piece a collector’s item (the furniture is no longer in production) as well as a conversation-starter (Hunt was the first African-American artist to have a major solo exhibition at the Museum of Modern Art in New York).

The table was originally a showstopper in designer Brett Beldock’s client’s Manhattan apartment. However, a renovation to expand a personal yoga studio made space a premium. Downward Dog’s gain is apparently ours, too, as now it’s available in Brett Designs DecoratorTagSale.com boutique.

Maria LaPiana, Contributing Writer
Before the man cave there was the garage–that bastion of tools, toys and testosterone, the ultimate hoarder’s Paradise. At our house it’s filled to the rafters with guy stuff. To be fair, I can’t blame all the clutter in our garage on my husband or sons (the garden tools are mine) but let’s just say I will not take the blame for anything a) automotive; b) ski- or surf-related; or c) with “power†in its name. So I admit it was rather nervy of me to propose that we organize said stuff once and for all. But I got the requisite nod, so I set out to find some products that would not only clear the clutter, but would also look good. I found them all in an unlikely place: California Closets. I knew the ubiquitous organizing outfitter was known for its fine furniture-like components that turn tiny cubbies into smart, practical storage spaces and large closets into drop-dead gorgeous dressing rooms. What I didn’t know was how much I’d love the company’s custom solutions for the garage. My favorites all focus on utilizing wall space–from sturdy, good-looking cabinets and workbenches, to an incredible array of aluminum tracks, hooks, hangers, brackets and bins. I can’t wait to take inventory, get out the tape measure and draw up plans for our soon-to-be tricked-out garage. With any luck, we can get the cars inside again.