Maitland-Smith

The Year of the Dragon

The Chinese are celebrating the year of the dragon in 2012, and this is very special, as dragons are associated with power and wisdom.  The dragon is also said to deliver good fortune.  Occuring every twelve years, those born in the year are said to excel and be powerful as well.  To the Chinese the dragon is a revered symbol, and for this reason, dragon figures are used extensively by the Chinese. 

In America, dragon figures are popular and are used to embellish,  among other things, architecture, family crests, and clothing, including t-shirts.

Additionally, for home decor, dragon prints are seen in fabrics, wall art, and decorative accessories.  I love this gorgeous dragon print Scalamandre fabric of coral on cream.  A hand printed slub duck of 100% cotton, it has 14 screens.  A handful of throw pillows in this fabric would make a powerful addition where color is needed to brighten up a a neutral area. 

Maitland-Smith celebrates the year as well with a few dragon pieces and more on the way for the Spring market.    This blue and white porcelain vase has the powerful dragon winding his way around.  The vase interior is crackled with Greek key pattern and brass trim. 

Next is a decorative dragon hand carved in marble with his teeth bared and his power evident. 

Who knows, adding dragons to your home decor may, perhaps, bring good fortune, power and wisdom to you during 2012, the Year of the Dragon.

Elegant and distinctive pieces for your home today, with quality and style to last a lifetime....Do you have a Maitland-Smith treasure?  www.maitland-smith.com/

 

Ode To The Obelisk

We've all seen obelisks, as they come in all sizes and in a variety of materials.  The original obelisks are from ancient Egypt and are made of stone with a pyramid at the top and heiroglyphics on the sides.  The word, "obelisk," is a Greek word, meaning "needle," used to describe these Egyptian monuments that were usually erected in pairs flanking temple doors.    The various Pharoah's erected them to mark 30 years' reign.  An obelisk we are all familiar with is the Washington monument, finished in December 1884 to honor George Washington. 

Many of the ancient obelisks have been moved from Egypt to other parts of the world - to Place de la Concorde in Paris, and the Vatican, just to name a few.  It is interesting to note that one of a pair of obelisks nicknamed "Cleopatra's Needles," stands on the Victoria Embankment by the Thames in London,  and the second one is in New York's Central Park. 
The one in Central Park was a gift to America in 1881 and took four months to move from the Hudson River dock to its present location. I was not aware of the history of this one, and will certainly take a look next time I am in the city.

Obelisks are grand and commanding objects.  Bringing them down to our size, obelisks are versatile when used in home decor. 

One example is a pair of faux marble obelisks that Charlotte Moss  placed on this entry console.  (From Veranda, photo by Tria Giovan.)

Besides adding interest to interiors, obelisks are perfect for the outdoor garden, often used to support climbing plants or plants are simply grown and trimmed in an obelisk shape. 
This outdoor obelisk is from Plow and Hearth.

Besides stone, small obelisks can be found in wood, solid crystal, onyx, marble, brass, mirrored, or with inlay. 

Typical of Maitland-Smith, we must add a touch of whimsey as well as inlay of penshell to create this stone and brass decorative accessory with frogs bent on their task.

 
This one is rock crystal with a dark bronze finished base and is small- only 9" tall, but sure to stand out on a small shelf or on a desk.

Next time you are in your favorite home furnishings store, be sure to look for obelisks to add just the right touch to a small space.   You can find them in your local gardening store as well.

Elegant and distinctive pieces for your home today, with quality and style to last a lifetime....Do you have a Maitland-Smith treasure?  www.maitland-smith.com

 

 

 

 

Deck the Walls

I found this beautiful photo of a Maitland-Smith wall mirror in Traditional Home's  "Decorating:  Holiday Mantels."   

Photographer: Michael Partenio.Regional editor: Stacy Kunstel.  Architect: Jack Arnold. Interior designer: Cindy Rinfret

The shells in the mirror are beautifully complemented with the houndstooth sisal wallpaper, and the greenery and pinecones add just the right festive touch to set the holiday mood.  Additionally, the mirror reflects the light from the tree as well as light from the chandelier. 

Not just at holiday time, but throughout the year, a mirror is the perfect choice to "deck the walls."  Particularly in dark, overcast winter months, mirrors reflect any bright outdoor sunlight that may peak through the clouds, as well as reflecting interior lamp light, thus creating a sense of warmth as well as the illusion of more space.   

These framed La Barge mirrors add interest to the wall while reflecting the outdoor sunlight, and warm up this minimalist room. 

Here the outdoor light is beautifully reflected in both the mirror and the mirrored console. 

We all use mirrors in practical ways, and mirrors come in all styles and sizes.  Used in every room of the house, a mirror is a great winter-time decorating accessory. 

La Barge...a reflection of all that you are.

www.labargeinc.com

Maitland-Smith at Greystone - Alissa Sutton

The last, (but certainly not least), designer I will showcase who selected Maitland-Smith furnishings for the Maison de Luxe at Greystone is Alissa Sutton.  Alissa is a well-known designer based in California who does residential and commercial design.  You may remember that she was a semi-finalist in the HGTV Design Star design competition in 2009. 

 
 (Photo of Alissa from Cantoni blog)

The bedroom she created at Greystone is striking using a black and gold color scheme.  For symmetry, she placed midnight black painted Maitland-Smith chests on both sides of the bed with antique Venetian mirrors and hanging chandeliers.   

The whimsical wall on the left holds a collection of brass hands shown in various positions with a hat hanging on one. These fun pieces can be used singly anywhere in the home -- One at the back door would be perfect for holding the dog's leash at the ready for a long walk.   

The oversized tufted headboard provides the perfect spot to lean back with coffee and read the Sunday morning paper without feeling guilty, and slowly begin the day.  Perhaps her headboard inspiration comes from the headboard in her room at home which is her personal favorite.    

Concerning her own headboard, she says,  "It's just like the one they had on Green Acres, and I loved that show as a kid."

Here is a closeup of the chest.  The top is gilded and the pulls are coral-shaped brass.  Using a chest of drawers as a night table is functional as well as beautiful as the drawers provide additional storage space for the room.   

The luxe interiors + design Maison de Luxe at Greystone Estate, will be open for another week, so don't miss the opportunity to see this room as well as rooms designed by Bravo's Million Dollar Decorators, Barclay Butera, Lori Dennis,  and many more incredible designers.

Elegant and distinctive pieces for your home today, with quality and style to last a lifetime....Do you have a Maitland-Smith treasure?  www.maitland-smith.com

More Maitland-Smith at Greystone

Maison de Luxe , the show home of Luxe interiors + design, is the place to be in Beverly Hills these days as the Greystone Estate is open through December 22 for tours of rooms created by some of America's finest interior designers. 

Lori Dennis is one of these designers whom you may know from  HGTV's The Real Designing Women. 

Lori is a "green" designer, LEED certified, and the meditation room at Maison de Luxe reflects her design aesthetic and point of view.

Her meditation room is inspired by nature with jewels, sounds, crystals and butterflies. She created a space within a space with the 22 carat gold gilded exterior of the meditation chamber, whose interior is covered with tufted, non-toxic velvet.  The feeling is almost like a return to the womb - a place to relax and recharge. 

 Here you can see the gilded exterior and the velvet-covered interior of the meditation chamber.  The butterfly wall sconce is by Maitland-Smith and is made of inlaid yellow and white mother of pearl, penshell and brass. 

That's Lori with our President, Dan Bradley, and Mary Garvin, the Director of Design for Maitland-Smith. 

Covering one wall of the meditation room are eight Maitland-Smith mirrors.  These have an aubergine finish with inlaid penshell and lipshell.  Who would have thought to invert four of them, but it makes quite a statement on this wall.  In the reflection you can see a Maitland-Smith chair in a light, Renaissance finish, at the secretary. On the wall is a brass wall sconce with leaf pattern and faux shagreen shade. 

 To get more great decorating ideas, visit the Maison de Luxe before the 22nd.  This is a great opportunity to see the work of well-known designers up close, but also to see the scale and architecture of the historic Greystone Estate. 

Elegant and distinctive pieces for your home today, with quality and style to last a lifetime....Do you have a Maitland-Smith treasure?  www.maitland-smith.com

Maitland at Maison de Luxe at Greystone

Maitland-Smith is happy to participate in the Maison de Luxe at Greystone in conjunction with Luxe interiors + design.  This stately mansion will be open through Dec. 22 where 26 of America's top designers added their unique vision and touch.  These photos were taken at the opening gala and are from the family room, done by Barclay Butera.  

 As you may remember,  Barclay was a judge in the Maitland-Smith 30th anniversary design competition a couple of years ago. 

Barclay gave the room a sort of  "ranch" feel with antlers over the mantelpiece.  The room contains contrast and texture with use of velvets, embroideries, leathers, silks, animal print, and stripes.  Layering gives cohesiveness. The accessories and twin game tables have a decidedly masculine feel.   
Flanking this gorgeous tufted sofa are Maitland-smith end tables of burnished gold finished iron and black waxstone.

The morning light pouring in from the door and windows makes this room inviting.  I love the contrast in the dark leather and the lighter fabrics.  That round tri-pod table is by Maitland-Smith as well. 

In front of the window are a pair of Maitland-Smith game tables, ready for a rousing holiday game. These have a barley twist pedestal and inlaid leather on the top surrounding the reversible game board. I am drawn to the window seat - what a great spot to curl up and read. 
This photo isn't the best, but here is our president, Dan Bradley, chatting with Barclay. 

 If you live in Southern California, you must visit the Greystone.  This historic home, built in 1928 for the Doheny family, has 46,000 square feet and sits on 18.5 manicured acres.  Next will be the meditation room done by Lori Dennis.

Elegant and distinctive pieces for your home today, with quality and style to last a lifetime...Do you have a Maitland-Smith treasure?    www.maitland-smith.com

The Right Desk for Holiday Writing

One of the many things enjoyable about the holidays is receiving holiday cards.   Christmas cards were first sent in the 1800's so this tradition has continued for over 200 years.  Today cards can be religious, traditional, comical, or contemporary, but the sentiment is the same - a personal greeting sent at holiday time when we pause to remember friends and relatives we don't often see.  
 

In the last few years, less cards are mailed as e-cards have become more popular,  but I still enjoy receiving a real piece of mail that I can hold in my hand.   I eagerly check the mailbox during the holiday season, because it is exciting to get a newsy card from a friend instead of the usual junk mail or bills.  But... I have learned that if I want to receive cards, I have to send cards.  So, after the cards are purchased with some special holiday stamps, I pull out the address book and get ready to tell my friends all about my family's activities during the last year.

The kitchen table works, of course, but how much better it is to have a gorgeous desk and comfortable chair available to settle in. Depending on how many cards are sent out, it can take awhile. 

A lady's writing desk is just the thing.  This one is mahogany Georgian style with black leather and brass accents. 

Love this oval desk with rubbed walnut finish and black leather inlay with gold tooling and brass accents. 

Or this one with walnut veneer with antique brown leather and satina finished accents. 

If your style is more contemporary, this black crackle finished black leather inlaid desk may be more to your liking. 

The perfect chair is this comfy looking leather and fabric combination with black vendome finished legs. 

 It doesn't really matter where you sit to address your cards -- the important thing is that you are remembering special people with a personal message.  Don't forget that after the holidays, there are generally notes of thanks to be sent out for parties and gifts as well. A beautiful desk is a great investment that complements the decor and is functional at the same time.

Elegant and distinctive pieces for your home today, with quality and style to last a lifetime...Do you have a Maitland-Smith treasure?  http://www.maitland-smith.com/

 

Happy Thanksgiving

Thanksgiving is one of my favorite holidays.  Not only is it a time to be with family, eat too much of a scrumptious meal, watch a parade and a football game --  it occurs in the fall with so much color and texture to enjoy, particularly here in North Carolina. 

Don't you love bright orange?  Orange seems to be the color of Thanksgiving. Pumpkins and autumn leaves put on a gorgeous display at this time of year.  There is something so enjoyable in being outside on a crisp fall day and walking in fallen leaves. 

So many of us love tradition and the Thanksgiving meal usually contains dishes that have been served at this meal for years.  Grandma may be long gone, but we still eat her cranberry salad.  These memories help to make the holiday extra special. 

Most of us know that the first Thanksgiving involved the pilgrims and the indians, so this puts it around 1620. It was celebrated on different days by different states over the years until eventually in 1941, Franklin D. Roosevelt signed a bill making Thanksgiving a national holiday celebrated the fourth Thursday in November.  Aren't we glad he did. 

It is good to have a day set aside for family time and reflection on all that we have to be thankful for.  

As we gather around our dining tables this Thanksgiving, let us be sure to to count our blessings. 

Each of us at Maitland-Smith/La Barge wish you and yours a very happy and safe Thanksgiving holiday. 

Elegant and distinctive pieces for your home today, with quality and style to last a lifetime.... Do you have a Maitland-Smith treasure?  www.maitland-smith.com

Clocking In

As we are heading toward the holidays, our busy schedules demand that we keep up with the time.  Even though we may have a designer watch strapped on our wrists, we still glance at the face of clocks we pass to ensure that we are on schedule and will not be late.

Clocks come in all shapes and sizes - from grand floor clocks to small desk clocks and everything in between.  From classic to whimsical, there is a clock for every style and taste to add the perfect touch to home decor.  Many have chimes to ring out the quarter hours.  Westminster seems to be most common, and when I hear it, I am reminded of the clock my dad faithfully wound every night as I was growing up.   

Maitland-Smith's forte is in small desk clocks loaded with detail.  Here are a few examples. 

Four turtles with penshell inlaid shells hold up the black waxstone base of this unique small desk clock.    The clock face and workings are surrounded by Aged Regency finished wood and this provides the perfect resting spot for a handsome antique brass finished lizard. 

 

Emperadora stone is the base for this clock with egg and dart detailing in brass around the clock face.  Snoozing atop the clock is a verdigris finished cast brass lion. 

If you are a Florida Gator fan, you must have this verdigris finished cast brass croc who displays time in his mouth.  He is sure to be noticed on a desk or shelf.

An adorable cast brass elephant sits perfectly balanced on a penshell inlaid ball, supported by dark snakeskin stone and a black waxstone base.  The clock is small - only 9 inches high. 

We will always have appointments to meet, and keeping up with time has never been more fun.

Elegant and distinctive pieces for your home today, with quality and style to last a lifetime...Do you have a Maitland-Smith treasure?  www.maitland-smith.com

The Celebration Continues At Maitland-Smith

Monday night during the furniture market we celebrated the launch of our new collection by Henrietta Spencer-Churchill.  This is the first designer collection for Maitland-Smith, so there was plenty to celebrate. 

  Lady Henrietta with our president, Dan Bradley at the party. 

Dan gave a champagne toast to welcome Henrietta into the Maitland-Smith family, and then she shared a few words.   

Celebrating with us were our friends from Traditional Home, Beth Brenner and Blaire Rzempoluch.

It was great to see our friends from Luxe interiors + design, Jennifer Matthews and Lori Sheldon. 

As an aside, Maitland-Smith is excited to be participating in the Maison de Luxe in Beverly Hills sponsored by Luxe design + interiors. the historic Greystone Mansion is the setting, and it will be open December 2-22, with rooms designed by over 20 of America's finest designers. 

Back to the party -- Our wonderful dealers and designers joined us in celebrating including Richard Condanti with Bella Casa, Portland, Oregon. 

Lady Henrietta is a renowned interior designer and has written several books on classic English interiors.  Her pieces in the collection are her own designs - from sketches all the way to the completed piece.   She visited our factory in the Philippines where she  selected her custom finishes and custom hardware.   It was "hands on" all the way from her vision to the placing of the pieces and presentation in the showroom.  Her inspiration comes from the 18th century classics, but with her modern twist. 

 Adding a collection by Henrietta Spencer-Churchill to the Maitland-Smith line is the perfect marriage of designer and manufacturer.  Our roots go back 30 years to London, where we were founded by an antiques dealer. From the beginning our artisans have held to high standards of craftsmanship, and this craftsmanship continues today.   They do exquisite work with marquetry and parquetry, lost wax cast brass and hand-rubbed finishing. 

This festive party mood has carried us through to the last day of market and now as it has ended, we reflect.  Today our showroom is quiet, and before long we will start to anticipate the beautiful furnishings to come in April.

Elegant and distinctive pieces for your home today, with quality and style to last a lifetime.....Do you have a Maitland-Smith treasure?  www.maitland-smith.com