T&C Design Dispatch: The Final Getty Sale at Christie's

Gladys Tay, a vintage dealer and social media personality from Singapore, showcases her eclectic and maximalist design style in her 1984 Shoreview split-level home. Her unique approach to interior design, which blends modern and traditional furnishings with a keen eye for sculptural and artistic pieces, has garnered a significant following on Instagram. Tay's design philosophy is characterized by a playful attitude towards objects, where items are not confined to their intended use but are reinterpreted as art or multi-functional pieces. This is exemplified by her perspective on a hand chair, which she views as both a functional item and a piece of art to be creatively integrated into her space. Tay's home, spanning 1,800 square feet, is a dynamic canvas where pieces are regularly rotated from storage to display, ensuring a fresh and captivating aesthetic. Despite the spontaneous appearance of her arrangements, each item's placement is thoughtfully considered to maximize its visual impact without overwhelming the overall design. She maintains a neutral color scheme throughout her home to create a sense of cohesion and continuity between different spaces, often moving items between rooms to achieve a desired look. Timelessness is a core value in Tay's design ethos. Her art collection, which spans various eras and styles from portraits to abstract works, is a testament to this principle. She believes that good design, regardless of its age, can stand the test of time. As a vintage dealer, finding such pieces is central to her work. She frequents Minneapolis stores like Covet Consign, Bauer Brothers Salvage, and Hunt & Gather, seeking out items that are at least 20 years old and possess strong aesthetic appeal, purpose, and functionality. Tay is particularly drawn to multi-use items, such as a console table that can serve as a desk, entryway table, or bathroom vanity, always considering how an item can contribute to a room's energy and character. Her passion for unique finds and eclectic design is deeply rooted in her childhood experiences. Her father, who traveled extensively for work, would bring back limited-edition items from places like Manila, Japan, Hong Kong, and China, fostering her appreciation for one-of-a-kind objects. This early exposure to diverse cultural artifacts shaped her current design sensibility. Tay's Instagram profile, @thegladystay, initially started for personal lifestyle sharing in 2016, evolved into a platform where she shares her home's evolving design and her distinct style. Her hand chairs, in particular, often generate significant engagement and discussion among her followers. Her advice to aspiring designers is to maintain an open mind when shopping, avoid preconceived expectations, and trust one's intuition, emphasizing that true design comes from within. She also operates a vintage market called Foo Shoppe on chairish.com/shop/fooshoppe. #GladysTay #EclecticDesign #MaximalistDesign #VintageDealer #HomeDecor #InteriorDesign #Shoreview #ArtCollection #TimelessDesign

Threshold, Target's exclusive home brand, has released its new spring collection, featuring a variety of affordable and on-trend home decor items, furniture, bedding, and storage solutions. A recent trip to Target highlighted several standout pieces from this collection that are ideal for refreshing home interiors for spring. Among the top picks is the Trailing Pothos Plant, a faux plant housed in a neutral ceramic pot, offering versatile greenery for any space. The Spun Glass Vase, approximately 8 inches tall and 5 inches wide, is designed for displaying flowers. It features watertight construction and ribbed detailing, available in black and pink to complement various decor styles. For those seeking vintage aesthetics, the Side Table with Twisted Legs, a collaboration between Threshold and Studio McGee, provides an affordable option. Standing at nearly 22 inches tall, it features braided legs and a rich walnut finish. The collection also includes Blue and White Ceramic Vases, offered in large, medium, and small sizes, each with a unique nature-inspired pattern, capitalizing on the classic blue-and-white color scheme. A Rustic Ceramic Horse Bust serves as a distinctive statement piece with its rustic finish, suitable for display on mantels or shelves. To enhance ambient lighting, the Rattan-Wrapped Hurricane Pillar Holder comes in short and tall sizes, designed to accommodate various pillar candles and add texture to any setting. Complementing this, a Set of 3 Wood Taper Candle Holders provides warmth and visual interest, perfect for table centerpieces or mantel decor. Functionality meets design in the Woven Portable Cordless Table Lamp. This lamp features a rich rattan texture and three light settings, offering a cozy ambiance. Its portable and rechargeable design makes it versatile for areas without electrical outlets. Finally, the Reactive Glaze Vase showcases a handcrafted reactive glaze finish, ensuring each piece is unique. Its soft green hue provides an elevated pop of color, suitable for displaying fresh flowers or serving as a standalone decorative element. These items collectively offer accessible options for updating home aesthetics with spring-inspired designs. #HomeDecor #SpringCollection #TargetThreshold #InteriorDesign #AffordableDecor #HomeRefresh #DecorativeVases #FauxGreenery #TableLamps

Patrick Parrish, a renowned dealer in high-end design, reflects on his decades-long career, which began with buying furniture from the back of trucks at the sprawling Chelsea flea markets. He discusses how the flea market landscape has changed significantly since the pre-internet era, noting the decline of New York's once-vibrant scene, which previously attracted celebrities like Andy Warhol. In contrast, he highlights that Los Angeles still maintains a strong flea market culture, largely due to venues like the Rose Bowl, which benefit from favorable weather and ease of access for car owners, unlike the aggressive, weather-dependent environment of New York. Parrish, now with a young son and ongoing home renovations, no longer engages in early morning buying trips. Instead, he shares his accumulated wisdom in his book, "The Hunt: Navigating the Worlds of Art and Design," published by Powerhouse Books. This book offers advice for both novices and seasoned collectors, including a strategic tip to always ask to use a dealer's bathroom to discreetly scout for hidden inventory. He explains that his current method of sourcing pieces is less about physical excursions and more about discerning opportunities, such as selling specific pottery pieces to fund bathroom tile for his own renovation, illustrating the fluid nature of his business. The discussion also touches upon various design trends and predictions. Parrish expresses a nuanced view on the Memphis Group, a postmodern Italian design movement, acknowledging its cyclical revivals while humorously recalling its original production and subsequent re-emergences. He candidly admits his inability to consistently predict the "next big thing" in design, citing past instances where he overlooked valuable pieces, such as Paul Evans's brutalist metal furniture, which now commands high prices. He speculates that the next trend might transition from Memphis to streamline American and European design from the 1910s, particularly Italian futurist styles, which are characterized by colorful yet severe aesthetics and the use of real materials over laminates. Fashion at flea markets is another topic addressed by Parrish, who advises on wearing layers due to unpredictable weather and dressing appropriately to avoid affecting negotiation outcomes. He explains that dealers, including himself, can often gauge a buyer's financial capacity based on their attire, influencing price discussions. For instance, high-end clothing or accessories worn by a buyer can make dealers less inclined to lower prices. Parrish also shares personal anecdotes, including missing out on a valuable Frederick Weinberg plaster wall light in the 1990s and his experience acquiring exclusive Tom Sachs Mars Yard Nikes. He notes the unique ethos behind the Nikes, where the artist encourages wear and tear over pristine preservation or resale. A significant point of discussion is the underrepresentation of women designers in the art and design world. Parrish expresses his frustration with the imbalance, actively seeking recommendations for talented women designers to feature in his gallery. He acknowledges the difficulty in finding them, often resorting to platforms like Instagram to discover emerging talent. Finally, he offers practical advice on dumpster diving and sidewalk finds in New York City, cautioning against upholstered items due to bedbug concerns but encouraging the retrieval of solid, non-gross furniture if no one is around, drawing from his own experience of finding a stool recently. #DesignDealer #FleaMarket #DesignTrends #CollectingArt #VintageFurniture #NewYorkDesign #MemphisGroup #InteriorDesign #PatrickParrish

This design dispatch highlights several key happenings and product releases in the world of interior design and art, focusing on the transition into a new season. It begins by exploring RH's Fall 2023 Collection, which aims to redefine true luxury in a market often saturated with superficial claims. Gary Friedman, CEO and chairman of RH, emphasizes that true luxury stems from exceptional craftsmanship and the quality of materials, citing their use of premium European and American White Oak, Walnut, Indonesian Teak, and the detailed construction of their American-made sofas with eight-way hand-tied springs or Italian-made pieces with engineered foam and exquisite tailoring designed for longevity. The collection features global designers like Australian duo Harrison and Nicholas Condos, who contribute natural pieces in European White Oak, including sideboards, bed canopies, and day beds. British designer Oliver Oulton incorporates Belgian Flax Linens into elongated sofas, while American designer Julie Lawrence introduces organically shaped sideboards and tables made from American White Oak. The aesthetic of the collection promotes serenity through light woods and organic lines, devoid of harsh angles and vibrant colors, encapsulating the idea that luxury is defined by thought, creativity, and rarity rather than just price. Next, the dispatch turns to the art world, detailing an opportunity for enthusiasts to acquire a piece from the renowned artist Cecily Brown. For over 25 years, Brown has been celebrated for her abstract expressionist style, with her paintings, often featuring motifs of women, skulls, skeletons, and still-lives, fetching high prices at auctions. Currently, The Metropolitan Museum of Art in New York City is hosting "Cecily Brown: Death and The Maid" until December 3, 2023. This exhibition showcases fifty works from her career. For those wishing to own a piece of Brown's art, a new etching inspired by Jan Brueghel the Elder's 17th-century allegorical series, "The Five Senses," will be available at The Met Store. Edition one of twenty-five will join The Met's collection, with others priced at $8,000, with proceeds supporting the museum's initiatives. The article also introduces a new book from Bulgari, "Beyond Time," celebrating over a century of Bulgari horology. This collaboration with Assouline provides a comprehensive retrospective across 300 pages, featuring contributions from notable friends, ambassadors, and experts of the Maison. A dedicated chapter explores the brand's iconic serpent watch design, which watch collector John Goldberger notes was revolutionary for its combination of wraparound Tubas bracelet with a watch dial. Finally, as the fall season approaches, the dispatch offers a suggestion for entertaining: Sophie Lou Jacobsen's new stemware collection. Inspired by Art Nouveau motifs and the Ecole de Nancy, the collection features glasses morphed into floral designs. While playful, the set maintains an air of sophistication, making it suitable for formal gatherings. The collection is set to launch in October, and readers are encouraged to consider complementary table accessories in preparation for upcoming events. #DesignDispatch #HomeDecor #LuxuryDesign #RHCollection #ArtExhibition #CecilyBrown #MetropolitanMuseumOfArt #BulgariHorology #SophieLouJacobsen #TablewareDesign

A recent auction by Wright in Chicago showcased influential and rare 20th-century furniture designs, highlighting pieces that have significantly shaped the world of modern interiors. The sale featured approximately 320 items, ranging from benches and bureaus to desks and daybeds, attracting considerable attention from collectors and design enthusiasts. The total proceeds from the auction exceeded $1.4 million, underscoring the enduring value and appeal of these iconic designs. Among the standout pieces was the renowned Marshmallow Sofa, designed by Irving Harper in 1956. This piece, a symbol of post-war optimism, features rows of discs seemingly exploding off its metal frame, influenced by the atomic age and serving as a precursor to the pop art movement of the 1960s. One of only 186 original sofas produced by Herman Miller between 1956 and 1961, this particular sofa, wrapped in vintage Alexander Girard upholstery, fetched $10,000 at the auction. Production of the Marshmallow Sofa was discontinued in 1961 but resumed in the 1980s, solidifying its status as an absolute classic and icon of American midcentury design, as noted by Wright CEO Richard Wright. Another item of significant interest was a 1956 office chair designed by the architect Frank Lloyd Wright. This chair, characterized by its industrial and space-age aesthetic, was originally created for the Price Tower in Bartlesville, Oklahoma. Frank Lloyd Wright conceived both the building and its interior furnishings to achieve a harmonious design. Richard Wright, emphasizing the chair's significance, described it as one of Wright’s best designs from his later period, originating from his only realized skyscraper. The chair, with its sloping leather-clad arms, broad base, and variegated green-striped upholstery reflecting the architect’s affinity for nature, sold for $11,250 despite Wright's own admissions about the often-uncomfortable nature of his furniture designs. The auction also featured a pair of 1955 teak, cane, and upholstered benches by Swiss architect Pierre Jeanneret. These benches, originating from the M.L.A. Flats building in Chandigarh, India, which Jeanneret helped design in the 1950s, embody his minimalistic aesthetic with simple forms and V-shaped legs designed for durability. They sold for $31,200, more than double their initial auction estimate, reflecting the high demand for Jeanneret's work. Concluding the notable sales was a 1974 Conoid headboard and platform bed designed by George Nakashima. Crafted from Persian walnut, this Zen-looking bed showcased an overhang with a natural edge and sliding doors for concealed storage. Nakashima’s design philosophy emphasized the inherent qualities of wood, often highlighting imperfections like knots and cracks, which he stabilized with butterfly joints. This piece sold for $27,500, significantly exceeding its estimate, demonstrating the continued appreciation for Nakashima's unique approach to woodworking and furniture design. #WrightAuction #20thCenturyFurniture #MidcenturyDesign #IrvingHarper #MarshmallowSofa #FrankLloydWright #PierreJeanneret #GeorgeNakashima #DesignAuction

Todd Hewitt, the founder of Last Ditch Design, is a self-taught furniture designer known for creating unique and original pieces. His journey in furniture design began during college while studying graphic design, when a night job building lodgepole furniture sparked his passion. He found immense satisfaction in transforming two-dimensional ideas into physical products. His career path led him from Wyoming to Seattle, where he honed his skills at Henrybuilt, developing a strong eye for detail and an impeccable standard for quality, focusing on every aspect of design. Later, in Los Angeles, he worked for Environment Furniture and then Lawson-Fenning, which deepened his appreciation for handcrafted, sustainable furniture. Hewitt's creative process is driven by unexpected inspirations. He often identifies elements of forms he likes and then conceptualizes how to integrate them into his pieces. He is particularly drawn to asymmetry, viewing disruption to balance as a fertile ground for exploration in furniture design. He describes Last Ditch Design's style as a culmination of 27 years of practical observation and experimentation. His early work included lodgepole furniture, transitioning to the Craftsman style of the Pacific Northwest. His time at Henrybuilt instilled an appreciation for clean, minimal design and rich materials, while his experience with Lawson-Fenning fostered a fondness for midcentury and Scandinavian modern design. Currently, his work balances minimalistic lines and functionality with a desire for imbalance and sculptural forms. His primary sources of inspiration often come from outside the traditional furniture world. He looks to the geometric patterns found in architecture and the organic nature of ceramics and jewelry, incorporating clean lines and organic shapes as foundational elements in his work. While vintage Danish and Scandinavian pieces remain influential, he also finds inspiration in contemporary ceramists, admiring their ability to shape and sculpt flowing forms and considering how these could be manipulated into functional furniture. Heather Rosenman's graphic work is a particular favorite. Hewitt has observed significant shifts in the design industry, especially with the pandemic leading to a surge in home goods sales. However, he notes a current trend of declining sales and a proliferation of "fast furniture"—cheaper products not built for longevity. In contrast, Last Ditch Design focuses on sustainable, heirloom-quality pieces intended to last for generations, with Hewitt aspiring for his work to become part of future vintage furniture collections. Looking ahead, Hewitt is excited about the work he is creating, feeling proud of the collection that represents his inspirations and hopes others appreciate the thought and craft behind each piece. The name "Last Ditch" reflects his later entry into this entrepreneurial endeavor, but he feels well-prepared by his extensive career experience for the opportunities that lie ahead. #ToddHewitt #LastDitchDesign #FurnitureDesign #SustainableFurniture #HeirloomDesign #MidcenturyModern #ScandinavianDesign #Craftsmanship #InteriorDesign

The latest Threshold designed with Studio McGee collection at Target offers a range of foundational pieces intended to seamlessly transition homes through various seasons. This new line is characterized by an elevated aesthetic, with meticulous attention to detail evident in every item. The collection features a diverse array of home decor, furniture, and textiles, designed to cater to a variety of interior design preferences while maintaining a cohesive and sophisticated style. Key elements of the collection emphasize organic decor, curved lines, and earthy textures. These design choices contribute to a sense of natural elegance and warmth within the home. Notable decor pieces include the Small Carved Cream Vase, a Small Brass Tray, and a Natural Brush with Loop, which exemplify the focus on subtle yet impactful details. These items are crafted to integrate effortlessly into existing decor schemes, providing understated sophistication. Furniture offerings within the collection are designed to be both functional and aesthetically pleasing. Examples include the East Bluff Woven Drawer Console in brown, a Thousand Oaks Wood Scalloped Demilune Console Table in black, and the Westchester Fringe Cube. Lighting options like the Ceramic Speckled Table Lamp, Ceramic Table Lamp with Knob in tan, and a Burl Table Lamp in brown provide various styles to illuminate and enhance living spaces. Wall decor such as the Tonal Oil Painting Framed Wall Canvas, Wood Arch Decorative Wall Mirror in natural, and a Vintage Floral Framed Wall Canvas offer artistic and reflective elements to enrich room aesthetics. Textiles are a significant component of this collection, with a strong emphasis on texture and comfort. The range includes various throw pillows and blankets, showcasing thoughtful design in their fabric and patterns. Highlights include the Basket Weave Knit Throw Pillow and Blanket, a Floral Printed Square Throw Pillow in green/brown, and an Oversized Cotton Woven Striped Square Throw Pillow. Other textile options include the Woven Plaid Throw Pillow in white, a Color Block Boucle Throw Blanket in cream/mahogany, and a Textured Boucle Throw Pillow with Exposed Zipper. These pieces are designed to add layers of comfort and visual interest, making spaces feel more inviting and complete. Beyond larger items, the collection also incorporates smaller decorative accessories and practical pieces. These include a Flatweave Rug in neutral and a Hand Knotted Rug in ivory, offering foundational elements for room design. Various vases and bowls, such as the Modern Green Ceramic Vase, Footed Bowl, and Cream Speckled Bowl, provide opportunities for styling and display. Functional items like a Marble Door Stop, Small Ceramic Nutmeg & Amber Candle in gray, and a Rattan Round Basket contribute to both the aesthetic and utility of the collection. The overall scale of many pieces is noteworthy, with several items being described as 'massive,' suggesting a focus on creating impactful design statements within a space. This collection aims to provide versatile and beautiful pieces that allow individuals to create a home that is both stylish and comfortable throughout the year. #HomeDecor #InteriorDesign #TargetCollection #StudioMcGee #Furniture #Textiles #HomeAccessories #DesignInspiration #SeasonalDecor

A recent event at Story in Chelsea brought together design enthusiasts and industry leaders to discuss the evolving landscape of design. The conversation featured Story's founder, Rachel Shechtman, renowned interior decorator and product designer Nate Berkus, and Target's director of home product design, Greg Van Bellinger. Story, known for its dynamic retail concept that refreshes its decor, layout, and product offerings every few months, provided a fitting backdrop for the discussion. This season's theme, "Home for the Holidays," was sponsored by Target and showcased designs from collaborators like Berkus and Toms, all within a rustic-chic aesthetic. The discussion delved into various aspects of design, ranging from personal inspirations to the future of the industry in the digital age. Nate Berkus shared an anecdote about a tortoiseshell, a memento from his mother's vacation, which later inspired a faux version he developed for Target. This highlighted the personal and often unexpected origins of design ideas. The panel also explored the profound impact of digital technology on the design process and consumer engagement. Berkus pointed out that in an era of constant social media sharing, liking, and uploading, designers now have unprecedented visibility into the "full life cycle of a product." This allows them to track a product from its initial design stages through its use by a customer, even if that customer is thousands of miles away and sharing their experience on platforms like Instagram. Conversely, consumers, by following their favorite designers on social media, become more intimately involved with and informed about the design process itself, fostering a deeper connection and understanding. Greg Van Bellinger added that the increasing integration of innovative web and tech design across nearly every industry has elevated the importance of design. He posited that "design is finally getting a seat at the table," indicating a growing recognition of its strategic value and influence. Furthermore, Van Bellinger observed a shift in consumer expectations: people are increasingly interested in the "story behind their products." This includes understanding the inspiration, the techniques employed, the genesis of the product, and its underlying purpose. This demand for transparency and narrative is compelling the industry towards more conscious, purposeful, and globally-minded design practices. The collaborative efforts and perspectives shared by Berkus, Shechtman, and Van Bellinger suggest they are well-aligned with these emerging trends in the design world. #NateBerkus #Target #Story #DesignTalk #HomeDecor #ProductDesign #RetailInnovation #DigitalDesign #HomeForTheHolidays