Of French Flambeaux
Shed a little light on your château with a stately pair of early 19th-century lanterns uniquely designed for corner mounting. Painted a muted verde gris color with gold details, these fabulous finds from Toulouse, France, are set atop crossed poles festooned with regal tole drapery. Soniat House Antiques, 1139 Chartres St., 212-0200, or go to www.soniatantiques.com.
Out of Africa
The distinct colors and carvings of this pair of antique Moroccan armchairs are typical of the tribal decorations found in this North African country nearly a century ago. Accentuating their exotic appeal and natural splendor are delicate insets made of ivory and bone and seats made from woven hemp. Ann Koerner Antiques, 4021 Magazine St., 899-2664, or go to www.annkoerner.com.
Vanity Fair
Capturing the character of a true antique French farm table, this Provence lavatory
is created from the union of solid turned wood legs and accent thru-tenons. A 14-step hand-rubbed finish produces a classic aged appearance, but it’s sealed for practical use in as bathroom vanity or kitchen island sink. Forms + Fixtures, 336/389.0101, or go to www.formsandfixtures.com.
Jack of All Trays
As a serving tray, desk tray or objet d’art, this versatile Victorian piece infuses an air of aristocracy into décor. Handcrafted of papier-mâché and parchment in England, circa 1870, its trompe l’oeil depictions of letters, stamps, seals and cards celebrates artful ephemera. Home, Hook and Ladder, 4100 Magazine St., 895-4480, or go to www.homehookladder.com.
Identity Crisis
This hardworking utensil is in a league of its own. More than a spoon, not quite a knife, but not really a fork, this ingenious piece is aptly named the “Spork.” Designed to scoop, slice and pierce, the Spork combats lunch box clutter while offering several services in one. It’s also available in eleven cheery colors that are sure to help kick the back-to-school blues. Wal-Mart Stores, 800/966-6546, or go to www.walmart.com.
Fountain of Youth
In a city known for wrought-iron fountains amidst French Quarter courtyards, this contemporary wall fountain is as fresh alternative to traditional landscaping applications. “Blockhead” is the creation of master stone carver and sculptor Wayne Ferree, known throughout the country for his creations made of Indiana limestone, marble, travertine, sandstone and Featherstone. Marsh Garden Décor, 4920 Tchoupitoulas St., 891-1000, or go to www.marshgardendecor.com.
Crossing Boundaries: A Global Vision of Design (The Monacelli Press, $50)
Vicente Wolf’s modern and elegant interiors have long been admired, but now his photographs are catching eyes. “Crossing Boundaries” is the fascinating compilation of Wolf’s personal photographs of his own designs, which are inspired by the colors, patterns, forms and facades discovered during travels to intriguing locales such as Ethiopia, Syria, Madagascar and Borneo. Octavia Books, 513 Octavia St., 899-7323, or go to www.octaviabooks.booksense.com.
What Goes Around Comes Around
The Uten.Silo is one of the best-known plastic designs of the late 1960s, and is recognized today as an icon in design. The Vitra Design Museum has reissued a true-to-the-original version recreated by Dorothee Becker, wife of original Uten.Silo creator, Ingo Maurer. Placed on a wall, the Utlen.Silo—which is available in a variety of colors—organizes an office, kitchen or child’s room with pockets in varying shapes, sizes and positions. Velocity Art and Design, 866/781-9494, or go to www.velocityartanddesign.
