Peek into The San Francisco Fall Antiques Show 2012

Model Tall Ships at the SF Fall Antiques Show

The Sea Worthy theme at this year’s San Francisco Fall Antiques Show is romantic, nostalgic and adventurous. As you enter the exhibition hall at Fort Mason Center nautical art, ceramics and jewelry welcome you. The first booth to the left showcases Ron Pippin’s, All Night Long He Sailed Upon It. Rustic scaffolding with wooden planks holds hundreds of Pippin’s detailed model ships, while simple (yet haunting) incandescent bulbs light the magical scene.

With nearly 60 dealers from Europe and the United States, the show features exquisite antique, vintage and modern pieces ranging in price from $100 to $1 million. Here are some of the items that caught my eye:

Giuliano Bekor Art and Bronze Aloe Lamp

This was one of my favorite vignettes with Emulsion 9 by Giuliano Bekor, 1780’s Louis XVI mahogany chest of drawers and vintage bronze “Aloe” lamp by LA Maison Charles at the Habité booth – I love the vibrant color and bold mix of now & then.

Bronze Elephant and Monkey

I just loved this sweet elephant and monkey in bronze (didn’t catch the year or artist – sorry!) was displayed is the Kentshire booth 3.

chandelier by matali crasset

Mallett has an incredible must-see lantern by Matali Crasset hanging in the center of their booth. Crasset transformed the traditional hanging lantern archetype into a piece of art. Paktong, an ancient golden-hued, silver metal, encases 24 mouth-blown glass panes. The lantern is lit by an internal hanging pendant with a mirrored shape, made with hand-blown, milk-white glass.

Industrial lighting hung on a vertical angles lined the booth of Thomas Livington Antiques – a great look!

japanese kimono patchwork

This stunning patchwork Japanese kimono hanging in Galen Lowe Art and Antiques is a head-turner.

Tang Dynasy Camel

One of my favorite pieces however, was this large camel statue from the Tang Dynasty dated 618 – 907 A.D. Curious to know how much this beauty was listed for? $32,000.

vintage swim suits

I also loved the nautical- and travel-themed works, such as these framed vintage swim suits (American Garage / booth 8) were also found throughout the exhibition.

san francisco fall antiques show 2012

The show, benefitting the Enterprise for High School Students is open now through Sunday. For tickets and more information please visit, www.sffas.org

Bon voyage!

Cristin

*all images by Cristin Priest for Simplified Bee

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Read full story By on October 26, 2012 in antiques, furniture, home accessories, lighting, mid-century modern, original artwork, vintage

It’s Here! :: West Elm Palo Alto

It’s no big secret that I’m a huge West Elm fan. I’ve selected their affordable designs which feature a mix of clean lines, natural textures and global accents for numerous client projects. So I was thrilled to hear that West Elm was opening a new retail store at the corner of University and Emerson in Palo Alto. Each West Elm store has it’s own regional look & feel and the Palo Alto store is no different. It’s earthy accents and trees take center stage. Twinkling holiday trees line the front window, while stacked logs as if ready for a winter’s fire are placed behind the register. In addition, the new store features collections of decorative accessories and art made by local Etsy artists (love).

The Palo Alto store’s door swung open to the public on October 8th and showcased the brand’s early Holiday assortment including vibrant textiles inspired by hues of nature and new furniture and tabletop for holiday entertaining. I had the opportunity to tour the beautiful store the day before the grand opening and wanted to share some pictures I took of the festive and inspirational displays…

West Elm Palo Alto Holiday DisplayWest Elm Palo Alto StoreWest Elm Holiday VignetteSilver and Gold Holiday Tabletop by West ElmChristmas Trees West ElmWest Elm Confetti Tree Ornaments

I love that West Elm collaborates with outside designers and artists. It brings a freshness to the brand that keeps folks coming back season after season. For Holiday, these colorful geometric glass ornaments by ConfettiSystem has caught my eye.

Throw Pillows by Alison Fox for West Elm

Texas-based designer, Alyson Fox’s geometric pillows (above) and Italian designer, Allegra Hick’s hand-block quilt and bedding collection (below) were also standouts.

Allegra Hicks Bedding for West ElmWhite and Silver Paper Flowers

And how beautiful (& easy) are these paper flowers by British designer Sarah Campbell?

If you are in the Palo Alto area, you’ll have to drop by and see the beautiful new store for yourself!

– Cristin

*photo credit: Cristin Priest // Simplified Bee

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Read full story By on October 24, 2012 in bedrooms, beds, etsy, furniture, Holiday, holiday decor, home accessories, tables, Thanksgiving, throw pillows, Uncategorized

Designer Spotlight: Massucco Warner Miller

For the past several years, I’ve enjoyed following the work of  interior design firm, Massucco Warner Miller.  Founding designers, Julie Kleiner (Massucco) and Melissa Warner each previously worked at design firms in San Francisco and New York, but felt that their impact would be greater as a team. Their style is fresh, approachable and classic with a modern twist.  Their portfolio showcases projects layered in beautiful patterns and textures and each feels as if it evolved over time (which I personally love!).  The design duo brilliantly blends a relaxed California vibe with a little New York glam.  A recent residential project in Napa Valley exemplifies what this creative team can do…

Napa Valley Home Entry by Massucco Warner MillerNapa Valley Living RoomNapa Valley Designer Living RoomNapa Valley Dining Room Arrowroot WallcoveringArrowroot Wallcovering and ornate gilded mirrorDesigner Family RoomNapa Valley Home Breakfast TablePink and White Designer BedroomDesigner bedroom in blue

 Don’t you love?

– Cristin

Photo credit: Massucco Warner Miller

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Read full story By on October 22, 2012 in Bedroom, foyers, interior design, Interiors, Living Room

Friday Find: Natural Skincare by Snowberry Beauty

Snowberry All Natural Skincare Products

Typically I don’t review beauty products, but when all natural, non-toxic skincare products from Snowberry Beauty crossed my desk I couldn’t refuse giving them a try. I’m passionate about avoiding products that include harmful ingredients such as petrochemicals, parabens, artificial coloring and nanoparticles and typically purchase my skincare products from Whole Foods (frankly, because I trust them to purchase quality products). Over the past few weeks however, I’ve been testing Snowberry’s Bright Defence Day Cream, Face Serum, Night Cream and Active Outdoor SPF 30 (Broad Spectrum) and I love them all. My skin (typically on the dry side) feels softer, smoother and more hydrated.

Snowberry Natural Defence Face Serum

I’ve really liked the results from using the defence  face serum. It’s anti-free radical formula gently reduces melanin synthesis without peeling or bleaching to brighten skin. Also, living in sunny California it is essential I wear a broad spectrum sunscreen every day. I love that Snowberry’s SPF 30 is light and won’t leave behind white residue like other brands do.

Rob Ryan Illustration SnowberryIn addition to the quality products, Snowberry’s packaging is adorable – clean, crisp and playful all at the same time.  Snowberry’s brand imagery is the product of Rob Ryan, a renowned British visual artist who specializes in papercutting , screen-printing, drawing and painting. He is most famous for his detailed paper cut outs. His work has been featured in VogueElle and countless design publications throughout the world. His designs for Snowberry are exclusive to the brand and are indicative of the brand ethos of believing in goodness and making the world a better place. Love it!

Since New Zealand-based Snowberry Beauty made its US debut earlier this year at Henri Bendel and BeautyBar.com, it has built a cult following with conscious consumers who demand highly effective anti-aging skincare without the sacrifice of using harsh, unnatural ingredients. I hope you’ll give it a try too!

 

Happy Friday,

Cristin

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Read full story By on October 19, 2012 in Friday Finds, product review