Rachel Reider: New York Finds

Although I love my home base of Boston, I have to confess I get a case of wanderlust from time to time. Travel is a great way to get out from behind the desk, find new design inspiration and discover new resources. In the cutting-edge and ever-evolving world of interior design, it’s imperative that I stay one step ahead so I can offer my clients the most up-to-date and unique resources possible.

I recently made my way to the New York International Gift Fair to wander the design center and drop by some of my favorite design shops. There were so many great finds along the way, and I’m excited to share some of the highlights.

The gorgeous sculptural glass pieces created by SkLO Studio blew me away. I’d love to use this piece on a fireplace mantel or sofa table.

More and more I find myself incorporating wall sculpture in our design work for added depth. More interactive than two-dimensional artwork, it can be a great way to fill a large wall space. Sculptures work well in hallways and stairways as a way of adding visual interest to areas where you don’t traditionally find much decoration.

Vendor Gold Leaf Design Group had a stunning display, and I love the gold leaf detail added to some of its designs. The fish at bottom right would be a perfect fit in a waterfront hotel we’re currently working on.

While I personally have never been able to get behind the current antler craze, I found myself attracted to the acrylic sets shown by vendor Grace & Blake. I love the use of this unexpected and modern material in a more traditional form.

I’m currently working on a project in downtown Boston with homeowners who are keen to incorporate more green into the space.  These pieces from vendor Chive should be right up their alley.

I’m always on the lookout for new and unique furniture vendors, and those pictured below really jumped out at me for their use of unexpected forms and materials.

Mr. Brown is a spin-off of the high-end British furniture line Julian Chichester.  Their tagline is “traditional with a twist,†and this modern take on the classical wing chair says it all for me–the perfect mix of mid-century and whimsy all wrapped up in one unique form.

Grace & Blake (mentioned earlier in this post) also has a fabulous line of furniture, and I adore this bench. The mix of textures–smooth Lucite to rich velvet to rough rope–is amazing. I am an admitted lover of all things Lucite, so it’s no wonder I covet this whole line of furnishings.

Last but not least, I want to leave you with some great accessories. I’m a strong believer that you should never under estimate the power of accessories in transforming a space. As an admitted pillow junkie, I think these felt and linen appliqué pillows from V Rugs & Home are just gorgeous. I love the color palette pictured below and am already thinking of how I can create a whole room based on this fetching combination of lavender, burnt orange and eggplant.

And, finally, don’t forget about the perfect complement to pillows: a patterned throw blanket. The company in2green has created an environmentally friendly line of blankets, knit from a blend of recycled yarns, that come in a wide range of patterns and colors suitable for any decor.

The only downside to a great trip like this is that now I want to figure out where I can put all these unique finds to good use–a wonderful problem for an interior designer to have. My mind is spinning with possibilities, and I’m already looking forward to my next inspirational trip. High Point Market in April, here I come!  I hope to see some of you there.
–Rachel Reider

Rachel Reider is principal of Rachel Reider Interiors, a full-service interior design firm recognized for its highly personalized approach to residential and commercial design and its expertise in mixing styles, colors and textures to create timeless interiors.