Friday Favorites 3/21/2014

Maria LaPiana, Contributing Writer 
Oliver Blumgart is new to manufacturing, but not art. The watercolorist says he’s been drawing one version or another of the North Star for years. Recently, the talented Blumgart (who already had a line of pillows and handbags) started developing a collection of striking, hand-printed fabrics and wallcoverings based on his intricate geometric designs. Working out of a small design house in Beverly, Massschusetts, Blumgart has been keeping his operation local, using area screen printers and textile manufacturers to produce his limited-edition designs. To see his work, go to oliverblumgart.com. Or better yet, stop in at I Pazzi Restaurant in Danvers, Mass., this Sunday, March 23. Meet the artist and see his work, framed and up close, while enjoying a wine tasting as part of Boston Design Week. Blumgart will be at the Wine Spectator award-winning restaurant (at 50 Maple Street) from 2:00 to 6:00 p.m.

Photo courtesy of Oliver Blumgart

Stacy Kunstel, Homes Editor
Yesterday I visited the Architectural Digest Home Show in New York. Packed with big name appliance manufacturers, specialty vendors, and a collection of artisans who hand-make their wares, it’s a great way to see what’s going on in the homes industry. It is open to the public through Sunday.

One of the most memorable pieces I came across was this live-edge bureau in the booth of Connecticut-based DBO Home. Known for his custom live-edge tables and benches, Daniel Oates created the bureau with doors that fold down to reveal a beautiful wood interior. The handmade ceramic pieces are by his wife Dana Brandwein Oates, who sometimes presses grasses or other natural materials into the clay to make the designs.

Photo by Stacy Kunstel

Lynda Simonton, Online and Market Editor
When I saw this cute porcelain bunny on display the last time I stopped in at Lekker Home in Boston, I knew it would be my next Friday Favorite. The cheery floral design just shouts out spring and the large size (13.8″ W x 8.7″ D x 8.5″ H) makes this accessory a statement piece.

Use the bunny as the centerpiece for a spring dinner party, as an Easter decoration, or as a cookie jar on the kitchen counter. Regardless of where you place it, this critter will bring a smile to your face.