GOREDEAN Blog

Design ToTheTrade — Sun, 29 Aug 2010 03:38:12 +0000

WOMAN’S PERFECT BREAKFAST

She’s sitting at the table with her gourmet coffee.

Her son is on the cover of the Wheaties box.

Her daughter is on the cover of Business Week.

Her boyfriend is on the cover of Playgirl.

Her husband is on the back of the milk carton.

Filed under: Available thru GOREDEAN

Who knew buying a rug could be so much fun………….

Design ToTheTrade — Tue, 10 Aug 2010 13:28:57 +0000

THE RUG COMPANY, SOHO, NY

The new Soho location is well worth the visit. Wooster Street. gotta go!

SOME OF THE DESIGNERS

New York

The Rug Company
88 Wooster Street
New York
NY 10012
United States

Filed under: My Favorite Stores

Design ToTheTrade — Sun, 01 Aug 2010 21:24:45 +0000


	AUGUST SALE Store-wide and FLOOR SAMPLE Take a look in every category this month…. Special Floor Samples can be found in the stores or on line under SALES. Get Ready for September September is Tabletop One of our Biggest Yearly Sales comes around in just 30 days. China, Crystal, Linens and Flatware. Get ready for the holidays SEPTEMBER 11- we are serving Champagne and Desserts Bring in your existing linen and china and let’s do a REDO! Deb will be here. Spider too (pouring not decorating) Store News- We have had a busy summer full of fun and interesting people. And we said goodbye to Luis, our Manager of so many years. Luis got his green card and stuck it into his green Dolce Gabbana card holder and went to see his family in Bolivia. He will not miss us – as you can now get GoreDean in South America www.goredeanespanol.com in China www.goredeanchina.com In France www.goredeanfrancais.com in Japan www.goredeanjapan.com We are very excited that our new Georgetown Store is finally ready to go. We will open officially in September but you can drop by anytime … Altezze Antiques and Art “on the heights” *More to Come on this next month* *take a sneak peak now* Highlights of the Summer Cameo Caterers hosted a great Event at GoreDean in July. I think I am pretty spoiled about food and events being from New York and Washington DC….so I was really pleasantly surprised when the food was so immaculately prepared and delicious! But then again, everything about Baltimore has been a great adventure – especially in the food and wine category. It is a great place to live! Cameo was launching a new division for home catering- which I assume is going to be very busy over the next few months. GoreDean makes art and antiques available as well so you can really have a great party.. Barry Dixon visits Baltimore click here to see the party as told by Pigtown Design blog Click here to buy the book GoreDean on Your Money (MPT) (I have removed the link to this- just believe me it was funny.) COVETABLE BLOG visits us I could have visited with Kristin for days. She is way too complimentary in her piece but I want to share her unique Blog with you anyway. I have linked her to our Blog site along with Baltimore’s own PigTown design and New York’s Habitually chic-so you can find them anytime. Baltimore Sun visits too click here to see the story Just in Time for Rosh Hashanah New Honey Pot and Apple Plate by Michael Aram CLICK HERE to order the apple honey in SILVER CLICK HERE to order the apple honey in GOLD CLICK HERE to order the apple plate in SILVER (nickel plate)

	JUST IN

	Just for Our Subscribers
	FOCUS ON BOLIER At Highpoint Market, Bolier introduced several new additions to their line. Most notably and comfortably was two new swivel chair designs. Along with their already classic modern lines, Bolier is establishing itself as a Design leader in the furniture industry. Bolier is perfect for a Modern home with classic intentions or a spectacular apartment over looking a new cityscape. Almost exclusively used by designers, Bolier is available to retail customers and their Collections are such that it is easy to do a full room or just to add a special piece here and there. All BOLIER can be seen at www.GoreDean.com. Search: BOLIER
	Have a Great August Keep up with us on our blogs GORE DEAN DESIGNER HOW TO DESIGNED BY THE PROS TO THE TRADE LINEN MAGAZINE CHINA and CRYSTAL ELEGANT WEDDING CORPORATE GIFTS and ELEGANT HOME

Filed under: Available thru GOREDEAN

Design ToTheTrade — Sat, 31 Jul 2010 18:26:12 +0000

Click here to order the Apple Honey Pot in Silver

Click here to order the Apple Honey pot in Gold

Click here to order the Apple Plate

Filed under: Available thru GOREDEAN

Design ToTheTrade — Sat, 31 Jul 2010 13:59:49 +0000

Marina Bay Sands, Singapore

The highest, most precarious-looking pool of them all is the infinity pool on top of Singapore’s Marina Bay Sands resort and casino, which opened in June 2010. Said to have been inspired by Asia’s terraced rice paddies, the edgy SkyPark pool brims a heady 55 stories above the city. It stretches 500 feet (three times the length of an Olympic pool) across the span of the hotel’s three towers and seems to spill waterfall-like all the way down to the streets 200 feet below. The hotel’s incredible rooftop park is also home to restaurants, lounges, 250 types of trees, and 650 types of plants. Day passes are available if you want to check out the observation deck, but if you want to take a dip in the pool it’s strictly guests only

The Villa by Barton G., Miami

The 10-room Villa by Barton G., aka Casa Casuarina, aka the Versace Mansion, opened in March 2010 after a more than $1 million renovation. Gianni Versace’s opulent Ocean Drive palazzo is the place to stay when you want to dip your toes into decadence: The Thousand Mosaic Pool is inlaid with 24-carat gold. Staying at this Rococo roost, with its marble floors, lush gardens, towering frescoes, and splashy fountains, will really have your credit card going off the deep end, though. Rooms start at $2,100 a night.

W Hotel, Fort Lauderdale

If you want your vacation to go through the roof, literally, then book a ticket for Fort Lauderdale. The hot W Hotel, which opened in 2009, has an oceanfront pool deck with a glass-enclosed stairway that leads up and actually through the swimming pool. Make an entrance by rising up out of the water and sauntering onto the roof of the 23-story hotel. There are also skylights (or, more accurately, pool-lights) in the living room below, which offer glimpses of swimmers splashing about above.

La Mamounia, Marrakech, Morocco

The legendary La Mamounia — called the most beautiful place in the world by Winston Churchill — reopened in 2009 after an extensive renovation with a spectacular pool set in the hotel’s famed gardens. Designed as a tribute to Marrakech’s fabled Menara basin, the ozone-heated outdoor pool is surrounded by pristine white loungers, a scatter of cocoon-like cabanas, and majestic palms. The Mamounia’s luxurious oasis is set among 20 lush acres of Barbary figs, fruit trees, bougainvillea, Madagascar periwinkles, amaranths, and olive groves.

Blue Lagoon, Iceland

It is one the greatest nature pools made by a person. It uses the whole advantages of Iceland’s grand geothermal peculiarities. The following pool offers an incredible views and swimming right in the middle lava fields (and snow in the winter).

La Casa Que Canta, Mexico

The following freshwater infinity pool offers incredible view onto Mexico’s Zihuatanejo Bay and seems to be an integral part of it. There are special places for sitting and enjoying the views.

Le Meridien Hurghada: Makadi Bay, Egypt

The main feature of it is a 68,889-square-foot swimming pool, and it snakes around the hotel, providing numerous places for entertainment and private activities. This pool considered to be the largest pool in the Middle East.

The Beverly Hills Hotel, Beverly Hills, California

Baker House, East Hampton, NY

Private Residence of designer Thomas Pheasant, Washington,DC

and then there is the rest of us…. which I think looks more like this…………

still its nice to dream of a quiet day in luxury, with poolside service and the perfect BLT and ice tea…and wait a minute…my husband makes a great BLT….now i just need the poolside service…and the pool……..have a great weekend-Deb

Filed under: Available thru GOREDEAN

Design ToTheTrade — Sat, 31 Jul 2010 12:29:11 +0000

Gore Dean, my new shopping obsession

by Kristin on July 30, 2010

Hello!

I did NOT drop off of a cliff while out of town on a wonderful adventure. My wonderful adventure consisted of two back to back lacrosse tournaments and the pleasure of watching both my sons play fine lacrosse in blazing heat and humidity. I stayed at only the finest Motel 6 style accommodations and shared a bathroom with each boy. Oh the joys of sharing bathing and grooming space with an adolescent! We dined at only the best pizza and burger restaurants, with one notable exception being a wonderful evening with old friends in Maryland. However, I did manage to have a great time at each tournament, as I was surrounded by some seriously fun parents at one of them, and was in the shopping capital of the world at the other – Baltimore. I know that the Baltimore-shopping-capital-of-the-world thing has been kept under wraps for a long time, but I am blowing the lid off of that, baby! Actually, well, no, it isn’t the shopping capital of the world, or probably not even the state, except that a visit to Gore Dean in Baltimore makes you feel like it’s so.

This wonderful shop is located in a former mill. It sits along a stream and is part of a complex of reclaimed industrial buildings. It is an incredibly charming setting, although one that Deborah Gore Dean would find fateful. Deborah opened her original store in Georgetown and it was a shopping mecca for DC’s interior designers and their clients. She branched out to Baltimore. Life was good. Then she made a decision that a lot of us can relate to, she moved her family to Baltimore so that her daughter could attend a school that would further her athletic talents. Again, life was good. The the bucolic and extremely innocent looking stream that burbles behind her Baltimore store became a torrent, then a flood and then disaster. The entire store was eventually a loss, although Deborah and her husband didn’t realize it at the time. Painstakingly, they rebuilt the inventory and have consolidated all of their treasures into this one amazing store. While this shop does not have a tony Georgetown address, the character and charm of the building is irresistable. Take a walk with me.

I have a hard time describing Deborah’s store, because she has curated a wonderful selection of so many things. Beautiful china, crystal and flatware? Check. Gorgeous linens for the table and bed? Check. Garden accessories and pots? Check. Candles and home fragrance? Check. Antiques and art? Double check. It sounds like it should be a veritable hodgepodge, but it is not. Deborah is a wonderful stylist and all her merchandise flows from one vignette to the next. She was apologizing to me for the disorder of the shop as she had hosted a book signing with Barry Dixon the night before. To my eye, all looked lovely, but nevertheless as we chatted Deborah strolled and fluffed. To say that she is a charming person and incredibly knowledgeable is an understatement.

Deborah is a shopkeeper after my own heart. She does not have an inventory that is trend obsessed. She buys what she loves and she hopes that you will, too. So she has a delightful mix of high and low, European and Asian, rustic and refined objects on display. It is possible to buy ready made curtains here of the highest quality while at the same time considering the purchase of an antique crystal chandelier. I love that.

Here some vintage garden statues perch atop Asian inspired tables with a wonderfully crusty cabinet in the foreground. Yes, that is screen mesh on the doors.

Old Chinese doors frame a vignette of Staffordshire and pottery.

Wonderful vintage table is for potting, I seem to remember. It is festooned with an array of old wooden tools and that incredible root.

This table housed molds for candlemaking. Just so full of character and charm.

I am stealing this idea. This pretty Swedish style chair is covered not in linen, as we are seeing everywhere these days, but in a scrumptiously colored and buttery leather. It is utterly lovely.

This quirky chair caught my eye. How could it not? Wonderful for a study or library, obviously, but it could also look fantastic in an entry hall with an umbrella stand (filled with walking sticks, naturally!).

This Moroccan lantern has been turned into a light fixture and I love how she has paired its bulbous shape with the topiaries. Look at the wonderful walls in the background. The whole store is just so evocative and it is a wonderful backdrop for Deborah’s selections.

The selection of pillows at this store is just fantastic. They are perched everywhere and then still line shelves.

Just fantastic, aren’t they? So, why am I showing you all this truly covetable (pun intended) merchandise when you don’t live in Baltimore, won’t have the pleasure of going soon, or frankly can’t imagine setting foot there? Well, because Deborah has painstakingly added every single item in the store to her website, here. So if you see it and love it, hop on over to the website and check it out. Plus there are so many things on the website that are not on the floor of the store. You could spend hours on this site, my friends, I promise you. Deborah also writes a blog, which veers from incredibly informative pieces on antiques to quick descriptions of one of her evenings. She is also working on a website strictly for the trade. Deborah, I wish I had your energy.

I had the most wonderful time in the store, chatting with Deborah, getting some scoop on Barry Dixon, (Did you know that he is designing a new line for Fortuny? Think all their traditional designs, but with some twists like trapunto stitching), looking at things for clients, taking all the above photos, and in general losing complete track of time. I spent TWO HOURS there! Which really takes me out of the running for mother of the year as my 10 year old son was with me the whole time, patiently waiting to go to the Inner Harbor. However, he never once complained, as this was his pose for the entire time.

He wanted one of these basket chairs for his room. I half wanted to buy it for him as a thank you to him and to Deborah!! And here is the generous, warm and lovely Deborah Gore Dean.

She looks crisp and amazing, after being up until late the night before. Somehow I think that this is the way she always looks. However she is the friendliest person on the planet, so if you hop to the website, again here, and have any questions, don’t hesitate to call her or e-mail her. She is a gem.

I will be back soon with another shopping opportunity.

Kristin

Filed under: Available thru GOREDEAN

Design ToTheTrade — Wed, 28 Jul 2010 14:02:08 +0000

Filed under: Available thru GOREDEAN

French History through its Furniture

Design ToTheTrade — Wed, 28 Jul 2010 13:33:22 +0000

Medieval Years / 10^th-15^th Centuries Also known as the Romanesque and Gothic periods, this era was marked by political instability. Feudal lords reigned over the populous but they did little to affect the high crime rates. Life was pretty grim for most people. Homes were cold and damp and animals shared the living quarters with the family.

The furniture of the time reflected the needs of the people. To combat the cold, families hung heavy tapestries on their walls. Much of the furniture was large and simple, like benches, chests and stools. They were made of heavy French oak to discouraged thieves. Deep hand carving was also common, a reflection of the architecture seen in the cathedrals and churches.

Renaissance / 1515-1560

The Renaissance began when a treasure trove of Greek and Roman antiquities were unearthed, sparking an interest in the classicism of the past. In response, French craftsman created furniture with deeply carved ornate designs that reflected the Roman sensibility. The buffets and cabinets of the time actually resemble small buildings with their architectural columns, balustrades, windows and panels, reminiscent of the Roman and Greek temples and coliseums.

Louis XIII / 1560-1643

When Henry IV was assassinated in 1610, his successor, Louis XIII, was too young to rule. Marie de Medici and later, the Cardinals Richelieu and Mazarin ruled in his place as regents. During this period, the middle class became much wealthier. As a result the growing demand for furniture lured many Italian craftsman to France.

The emerging middle class also meant a new class of people who wanted beautiful furniture but who did not live in Paris. The French country furniture era began. These rustic pieces reflected the styles popular in the city but were made for a more relaxed country life. The trestle table, with its thick plateau tabletop and graceful trestle legs, is an example of this inviting style.

But perhaps the best known innovation from this period is the Os de Mouton chair. As the French name suggests, the shape of the chair legs is literally based on the legs of a lamb. The chair also marks the introduction of upholstered backs and seats with the popular flame stitch pattern and nail head trim.

Louis XIV / 1643-1715

Without question Louis XIV, also known as the sun king, is the most celebrated king of France. The chateau he built, the palace of Versailles, is a testament to his legacy as a lover of the arts. During his reign the government had departments for architecture, painting, the gardens and of course, cabinet making.

The Louis XIV style is the epitome of luxury and opulence. The furniture of this era is characterized by intricate marquetry, heavy carving and gold leaf decorations of scalloped shells, lions and of course, the sun and its rays.

Regence / 1715-1723

This period takes its name from another era of regency rule when Louis XV was too young to take the throne and Phillipe D’Orleans governed in his stead. During this short time, French craftsman loosened their strict adherence to the classical forms the tyrannical Louis XIV adored and look elsewhere for inspiration.

Regence style was inspired by mythological themes and by the Orient. Flowers, shells and dragons were predominant decorations. Shapes became more bowed and round like the distinctive “bombe” chest. Chairs were also narrower with deeper seats. Caning was also introduced and marble accents were used throughout. Pretty and romantic, this style of French furniture became enormously popular in Europe very quickly. Even today, the style endures. Regence furniture is a favorite of antique lovers and collectors.

Louis XV / 1723-1774

Louis XV may have been a reluctant king, but his reign marked a time of peace and prosperity. At the time, the Siecle des Lumieres (the Enlightenment) was in full swing with the king Louis XV as its greatest supporter. Women became much more powerful during this period with the dawn of their successful intellectual salons. As a result, their influence was felt in the court. Feminine forms became much more popular, like the roll-top desk which was found in Louis XV’s room at Versailles. Pieces with hidden compartments and secret drawers also became popular. And nature motifs were an important part of the decorations and carvings.

With Louis XV furniture, the asymmetry and heavy ornamentation of the Regence period was made even more lavish through the use of extravagant wood veneers and marquetry. All kinds of lacquers and hand painting were also important, especially Oriental lacquers and anything done by the innovators in the field, the Martin brothers.

Louis XVI / 1774-1792

In 1748, the discovery of the ancient city of Pompeii caused a resurgence of the popularity of Greco-Roman antiquities. At the same time, nature motifs were carried over from the Louis XV period. The resulting style is known as neo-classicism.

In the Louis XVI style, intricate marquetry and floral designs were banded by geometrical trims and circumscribed by oval or round medallions. Sculptures of animals such as the eagle, the dolphin or a ram’s head were also common. But the feminine proportions were still going strong, as evidence by the new dainty writing desks with ornately carved legs. This was also the first time when chairs were created for strictly ornamental reasons. The seats were trapezoidal and the backs were designed with lyre, vases and flowers.

Directoire / 1793-1804

In 1789, the Revolution ripped France apart. Louis XVI and Marie Antoinette were imprisoned and killed. Napoleon eventually seized power but not before several governing groups fought for power. This era’s name, Directoire, refers to one of those elected groups.

Directoire style reflected the transition away from the flamboyant monarchy. Themes of antiquity and nature were still evident but much more subdued. Marquetry was abandoned in favor of more austere decorations. Geometric patterns were prevalent but less extravagant than before, often integrating a Grecian urn into the designs. The caryatid form was also used. And for the first time, Egyptian motifs emerged. Furniture sometimes included carvings of sphinxes in the bronze hardware detailing.

Empire / 1804-1814

In 1804 Napoleon I crowned himself Emperor of France, ending years of political instability and dawning the Empire period. During this time, the economy was booming and a new aristocracy was forming, with Napoleon’s court as its cornerstone.

Napoleon’s new haute bourgeois court was known for competing with other European courts, trying to out-do each other’s extravagance. This sense of competition is seen in the furniture of the time. Silhouettes became grander and more substantial with a more defined structure. Gone were the delicate carvings and round romantic shapes. Bold and formal, Empire style was defined by architectural elements like columns, pilasters and bronze work. The pieces were commonly made from heavy woods such as mahogany and ebony with dark finishes. Marble tops were popular as were Egyptian motifs. Continuing the tradition of Directoire style, artisans used sphinxes, griffins, urns and eagles to decorate their work. They also used Napoleonic symbols, the bee and a large “N.”

Restoration and Charles X / 1814 – 1830

Napoleon’s love of empire and conquest eventually led to his downfall. In 1814, the French, depressed over their military losses decided to restore the monarchy. The wealthy noble class, many of whom had left after the French Revolution, returned and reinstated King Charles X. They also tried to recapture the beauty and comforts of their former lives.

In terms of furniture and decoration, this meant the creation of a softer version of the Empire style. Craftsman continued to use the strong geometry of the period but they added a touch of whimsy and fantasy. Musical instruments were carved into the legs of small tables and desks. Woods were lighter in both color and density. And the art of marquetry returned with decorative flowers, garlands and rosettes, and detailing that highlighted the architecture and geometry of the pieces.

Louis Phillipe / 1830-1848

In 1830, the French people lost their patience with Charles X and over three days of horrible fighting, known as Trois Glorieuses, they overthrew his government. Louis-Phillipe, the Duke of Orleans became the new leader of France. He managed the royalists to his political right, and the radicals on the left but he sympathized with the bourgeois class, who favored him as well.

Up to this point, furniture was sold piece by piece. As craftsman began embracing the burgeoning industrial revolution, production increased and they began making furniture sets for the bedroom and dining rooms. The style combined the best of past designs from the Gothic, Renaissance, Louis XIII and Louis XV periods. Lines were simpler and more somber. Mahogany and rosewoods were most common and marble tops were also used. Overall the furniture was very functional, which made it popular with the bourgeois class.

Country French

“Country French” furniture doesn’t refer to a period in French history but to a way of life. Drawing from many periods in French furniture design, particularly Louis XV, Louis XVI, Regence, Directoire and Louis Phillipe, country French furniture exemplifies relaxed sophisticated living. These designs are found in the country homes of France in Normandy, Provence and Bordeaux. You’ll find large farm tables with ladderback chairs, carved oak hutches, sideboards, and armoires all in various finishes.

Most of all, country French is a feeling. There are no right or wrong rules, as long as the mood exudes comfort and warmth. Country French is so well loved, its never goes out of style. Its furnishings endure today and will continue to charm for years to come.

Coffre of Walnut, Circa 1546

Typical Romanesque Interior

Cabinet, Buffet

Fauteuil Os de Mouton with Flame Stitch

Chateau de Pierre Tailade


Chaise de Parade	His personal Night Table, Trianon at Versailles, France


Commode Frères Martins, Chateau de Barbentanne	Régence Bérgère, Chateau de Barbentanne


Secretaire of Madame de Pompadour	Salon de Compagnie, Chateau de Champs, 1719


Marie Antoinette	Example of a Vide Poche Table	Table Chiffonniere, Marquetry


Directoire Side Chair	Bed


Bed	Salon de Musique, Empress Josephine


Commode, Birdseye Maple	Mirror, Psyche à Musique, Felix Remond, 1824


Louis Philippe Armoire	Dining Room


Armoire Provencale, Circa 1750	Louis XV Buffet with Hutch	Farinaio, flour box to store dough while rising

Filed under: Uncategorized

FAVORITE THINGS

Design ToTheTrade — Sat, 24 Jul 2010 19:28:33 +0000

I THOUGHT THAT IT WAS IMPOSSIBLE TO WANT SOMETHING MORE THAN THE KELSO LOVESEAT- BUT I FOUND IT TODAY….THE QUEEN ANNE MIRROR, ALSO BY JULIAN CHICHESTER. AMD ONCE AGAIN, I WANT TWO….FLANKING THE DOOR OVER THE PERFECT ART DECO PLAIN ROSEWOOD CABINETS..INSIDE THE ROOM WITH MY PAIR OF KELSO LOVESEATS, STONE FIREPLACE, LEATHER BOUND BOOK AND ANICHINI THROW……………….

“ALL I WANT IS A ROOM SOMEWHERE…FAR AWAY FROM THE COLD NIGHT’S AIR” -MY FAIR LADY

Filed under: Available thru GOREDEAN

YUMMY Kelso Loveseat

Design ToTheTrade — Fri, 23 Jul 2010 17:36:55 +0000

I hate everything I own now that I have seen this loveseat by Julian Chichester. And I don’t want just one- I want two. And a leather bound first edition- an Anichini throw and a fireplace and it’s August which shows how much I really like this loveseat.

It comes in 8 colors of Linen and 12 velvets or COM so that could let your wild print roar!

Filed under: Available thru GOREDEAN