BECKER MINTY

A real corker

noreply@blogger.com (BECKER MINTY) — Fri, 24 Feb 2012 03:10:00 +0000

This is something I happened to see at a client's house recently, and it really appealed to me: a small side table in the form of a champagne cork.
It lives in a contemporary environment of clean straight lines and shiny modern surfaces, serving to provide a contrasting shape, colour and texture as well as adding a touch of whimsy.
And let's face it, its function is essential - who doesn't need somewhere to put their drink?
It's also reasonably light and easy to move, so no matter where you're drinking it's there to support you: champagne cork table - pop it anywhere you like.
Cheers to that.

Sleeping with the Stars

noreply@blogger.com (BECKER MINTY) — Tue, 14 Feb 2012 03:20:00 +0000

I recently attended a lecture by uber-fab Interior Designer Martyn Lawrence-Bullard, he of Million Dollar Decorator fame.
He counts amongst his illustrious clients such luminaries as Cher, Elton John & Tamara Mellon, creating houses that are both comfortable and elegant.
Luxurious sanctuaries.
On a grand scale.
I love, love, love his work, and although the style of his projects can vary considerably, all share a common thread of opulence through texture, and feature sumptuous fabrics, employing one of my favourite concepts: a textile on a wall.
He especially loves it above a bed.
As do I.

Decoration above the bed draws the eye upward, adding height to a section of wall that can often feel low if there is only a bedhead, or nothing at all. It can balance the other high pieces in the room such as curtains or wardrobes. It's the perfect place to add colour and texture, or repeat those appearing elsewhere. And nothing does all of that quite like a textile.

But I must admit its appeal for me is also safety-driven: a large framed painting or photograph over my head inspires little more than nightmares of death by artwork.

And as for a mirror over the bed, I find this pointless.
Now don't misunderstand me, I do love a mirror.
It's one of the oldest (and best) decorating tricks in the book, creating an illusion of extra space and bringing more light into a room.
I love it in all the usual places, and especially love an entire mirrored wall.
But not, I repeat, NOT over the bed.
This is something I have often seen on real estate websites, in panoramic landscape form. This shape not only serves to stretch the room out where it's unnecessary, it creates a sense of low ceiling, which is something you don't want, no matter how cosy the space. And to die in your sleep covered in a thousand shards of your own fragmented refection would be truly tragic.

So for a truly stellar bedroom experience, with texture, colour, drama and warmth (and putting safety first), remember: rug up.

Duel

noreply@blogger.com (BECKER MINTY) — Wed, 01 Feb 2012 03:46:00 +0000

'Two' seems to have been a bit of a theme for my blog recently, but I assure you I'm not all about a pair. I love a cluster. I'm all about balance through asymmetry, and I have an ongoing friendly struggle with a client who loves everything in pairs, often with a single item in between. I call it the 'shrine' style of decorating, and I tend to find it a little stagnant.

I prefer objects to encourage the eye to run smoothly about the space, resting on the key pieces and the spaces in-between, then gently moving on.

However, I do absolutely LOVE this perfectly symmetrical World of Interiors cover. It is not quite current but I've only just received my copy, and it's the mail I look forward to the most.

This magazine always inspires and delights, and this particular cover features SO many of my favourite things - a wall sconce, a wall-mounted mask, a rococo commode, a bit of taxidermy (not quite sure where you find a unicorn these days) and then they doubled it all.
Taking it from whimsical to fabulous.
And when combined with a wide-board oak floor, a controversial wall colour over every architectural feature and finished with an unexpected pendant light it's truly fantastical.

Two for One

noreply@blogger.com (BECKER MINTY) — Fri, 27 Jan 2012 00:06:00 +0000

A mini sofa, an oversized armchair, call it what you will... we prefer the term Love Seat.

Very cosy.

The shape is very classic and super smart - like an upright 1940s take on a chesterfield.

I love a bit of studding, and it's got that most elegant of elements - a pair of bolster cushions.

I'm also loving the single scatter cushion in the same fabric - very cool. And let's just talk about that fabric for a minute: it's a casual canvas in a chic shade of grey, which gives a comfortable tone to an otherwise very formal design.

With its easy elegance and relaxed luxury this too is a piece that can work in many environments, and has a range of applications.

Perch with a tea, lounge with a book, or our favourite, curl up on it with your plus one.

Round Two

noreply@blogger.com (BECKER MINTY) — Tue, 24 Jan 2012 03:53:00 +0000

So you’ve probably picked up on the fact that I am loving all things gold right now. Truth be known, I always have. But recently I’m seeing it in every fab place I look. And while I’ve always been more attracted to the old than the new, there’s nothing I like more than a clever new take on something tried and true.

Just look at these – so cool. A clever little nest of 2 circular tables. Put them with a single chair, curving around the end of a sofa, or in the centre of an-L shaped modular - round is visually less intrusive than square, and provides an oft-needed softening effect. And I’m loving the fact that there are 2 in the set – there's usually three in a nest and I never quite know what to do with the third; it just gets in the way and takes up space.

And they are truly, truly beautiful. Featuring a distressed gold leaf finish, the top of each is an inset round mirror that has been aged. They feel so contemporary yet so antique. Whether you’re going for Georgian, Deco or 70s Vegas these can slot right in; rustic or urban, industrial or refined, they’ll work with it all.

The Two Pots

noreply@blogger.com (BECKER MINTY) — Wed, 18 Jan 2012 23:49:00 +0000

Clearly I'm on a ceramics thing right now, because I just couldn't go past these. They may be small, but they've got it all - Italian-made, earthy tones, and my favourite right now, some gold detailing.
They're actually planter pots, dating from the 1960s and have apparently never been used. Seems a great shame for something so cute to be condemned to a cupboard all these years, particularly as they could go anywhere. I mean it, they could really go anywhere - there is not a single interior they wouldn't work in.
So if you want one, you'd better be quick, because there are only two and I'm having the other one.

Animal Crackers

noreply@blogger.com (BECKER MINTY) — Tue, 17 Jan 2012 01:08:00 +0000

While we’re doing the whole animal motif thing (which, as you know, is always very Becker Minty) take a look at these amazing ceramics.
Love, love, love them.
Created by designer and decorator Gilles Caffier, they really challenge your notions of texture. At first glance it’s difficult to determine exactly what they’re made of – alligator, crocodile, tortoise – amphibious surfaces abound, all very tactile, absolutely begging to be touched, and perfectly safe to do so.

My understanding and appreciation of them was greatly heightened by learning that Caffier began as a textile designer: it somehow gives them a whole new level of sensitivity.
For while sensitivity may not be high up on your must-have-in-a-vase list, a little bit of artistic integrity goes a long way.

And I for one can never have too many natural textures indoors - they provide a soothing balance to all the shine. And these are so subtle and sophisticated. You can cluster them, or let them stand alone. Pop them on a side table, a coffee table, a mantel or a credenza.

Fill them with flowers and trinkets, or leave them untended.
Clever, chic and easily housed.

A favourite dish

noreply@blogger.com (BECKER MINTY) — Fri, 13 Jan 2012 04:40:00 +0000

So I just a have little more to say about this fabulous ceramic bowl, which although pictured in my previous blog, was not given the attention it deserves.
It is truly sensational, designed and made by uber-glam American ceramics company Waylande Gregory Studios.
The company’s namesake was a much-celebrated ceramicist, at the vanguard of mid 20th century high-gloss glamour. Working from the 30s to the 70s, Waylande Gregory exhibited in the Whitney and the Smithsonian, found his way into the most sophisticated of private collections, and to an extent defined the direction of contemporary art-ceramics of the western world.
This unique giraffe pattern is one of his signature designs, re-issued by his great nephew, and I absolutely love it - it’s hand made, hand decorated and highlighted in 22 carat gold leaf.

It’s very me.

And very Becker Minty.
Its diameter of 46 cm makes it perfect for the centre of a round table – one of my favourite looks. But considering its impact and the fact that it’s shallow, I’d be very tempted to pop it on a wall, a decorating choice some consider to be up there with flying ducks, but one of which I’m especially fond.
And at least it stops me filling it with food.
But why would I want to? It already has everything I could possibly need – animal motif and a shiny surface.

Gilt Trip

noreply@blogger.com (BECKER MINTY) — Thu, 24 Nov 2011 06:16:00 +0000

Austerity measures be damned, bring on that gold!

Forget Melbourne and New York, let's occupy Fort Knox and El Dorado.

Dip it, brush it, roll it, or prize it rock solid.

Few natural substances possess the allure of gold. In good times and bad, for cultures old and new, this reservoir of sun from beneath the earth's surface makes the whole world a brighter place.

As a sun-worshipper from way back, I too have long been under the spell of this lustrous hue. And my two favourite designers of all time, Kelly Wearstler and Anouska Hempel, have also caught the rays.





And while Tamara Mellon has walked away from Jimmy Choo, she's still happily ensconced in the golden luxury of her London apartment.

But for those of us who want a little bit of Louis, without the expense of Versailles, below are my pick of ideal gilded accents.







From tabletop to ceiling rose, every surface deserves the touch of Midas.
Bring it on, roll it out and let it shine.

Washed ashore

noreply@blogger.com (BECKER MINTY) — Fri, 07 Oct 2011 03:09:00 +0000

The wintry weather has returned, but my heart remains in a tropical state; soothed by the calming colours and textures of all things marine, as once again the beauty of the natural world finds another habitat.

Inspired by the coral of the Mediterranean, this pair of Italian ceramic candlesticks is awash with style. Hand made by artisans who continue a centuries old tradition, these pieces set an estival tone that is both casual and elegant. All year long.

By the sea, or on the land. So cool. So hot right now.

And while we're down there, who doesn’t love a shell motif?

For centuries we’ve been popping them everywhere.

On silver.

On frames.

On furniture.

Jewellery. Porcelain.

Glassware.

But my favourite application is on these beautiful cushions.

Hand made and hand stitched, featuring a particularly aquatic colour combination of foam and eau de nil, they bring a slice of island life to any abode.

Scattered, strewn or cast adrift these soft shell furnishings bring new meaning to the term sea bed.

Palme d'Or

noreply@blogger.com (BECKER MINTY) — Thu, 22 Sep 2011 10:44:00 +0000

Having just returned to a balmy Sydney spring after an Oceanic sojourn, I have fallen in love with all things Pacific. And while I still stand by my commitment to faux bamboo, the irresistible pull of the exotic extends well beyond some simple plant life.

And I am certainly not the first urban dweller who’s visited the tropics and wished they’d brought some back with them.

For as long as we have been invading, plundering, colonising and grand touring we have felt moved to create pieces inspired by the natural beauty we see in foreign climes.

Jewellery. Furniture. Objets.

The array is endless, the adaptations transcending kitsch with wit, whimsy and often exquisite workmanship.

But nothing beats this fabulous pair of coconut palm lamps.

Perfectly proportioned.

Forged in brass.

With gold lined silk shades.

Elegant. Luxurious. And oh so tropical.

Paradise found.

In the black

noreply@blogger.com (BECKER MINTY) — Wed, 27 Jul 2011 06:28:00 +0000

Falling in love with the black glass hand vase of the previous blog has really highlighted that the black market is a great place to be.

The longtime favourite of fashionistas around the world, black is a colour I am loving for interiors, be it as accent or a dramatic dominant.
Not that it's new - just coming out of the dark.

Whether in furniture, curtains, cushions or lamps, there are no black marks against this shade.

An unlikely choice for a Colour Consultant, perhaps, given the vastness I have to choose from.

But one that never seems wrong.

Darkening the doors has never been so positive, this moody hue bringing with it a sense of luxury and sophistication that is hard to compare.

And top of my black list are these fabulous urn shaped vases.

Of classical form with garlands in relief, these hand made Italian ceramics speak of antiquity while having a completely contemporary matt black finish.

So now. So chic. Total black beauty.

Victorian hand-me-down

noreply@blogger.com (BECKER MINTY) — Wed, 27 Jul 2011 02:46:00 +0000

Life at Becker Minty has been action packed, the inspiration coming so thick and fast that my blogging has not been able to keep up with the pace. But finally this vase has burst through the crowd to lend me a hand, and shake things up again.

Hailing from England, and dating from the the latter part of the 19th century this black glass vase was part of a general wave. More often seen in jewellery, particularly jet, the carved hand was a popular motif. The hardest part of the human body to portray, the hand gives artists and artisans an opportunity to demonstrate their skill. And when executed well it is a beautiful symbol of friendship and offering. Exactly what the hand is holding symbolises the offering. And in the case of this Victorian black glass vase, it is a cornucopia: horn of plenty, symbolising fruitful abundance. The perfect vessel for a fulsome floral bouquet, this vase pre-dates the Statue of Liberty (whose hand bears an uncanny resemblance!), and whether holding a torch or a flower, each is an elegant statement, both victorious and triumphant.

I think that deserves a hand.

School of Fish

noreply@blogger.com (BECKER MINTY) — Tue, 07 Jun 2011 08:30:00 +0000

Well, technically they’re not fish – they’re dolphins. And we all know dolphins are meant to be amongst the smartest of animals. Along with pigs and humans.
And although they can’t read, write or speak in the human sense, this particular pair can certainly hold up their end of a learned study.

Perhaps you may not be able to immediately identify them as dolphins, but let me assure you, they are. For while they are contemporary, ceramic and hand made in Italy, they are inspired by extravagant dolphin designs of early 19th century Europe and English Regency.

This period’s aesthetic derived in many cases from the mythology of ancient Mediterranean and Asian cultures, and as the dolphin frolicked prolifically in these, its form continually surfaced in the imagery they inspired.

Seen as guardians and guides, symbols of love, innocence and beauty, and possessed of a healing power, perhaps no creature is better qualified to perform the function that these particular dolphins do.

And we haven’t even talked about the colour: a guache-like turquoise glaze reminiscent of the azure waters of the dolphin’s natural habitat. So cool, so soothing, and so hot right now.

Every piece at Becker Minty has a story, and these fabulous Italian ceramic dolphin bookends can support all the stories you like.

New York, New York - Feel the Luxe

noreply@blogger.com (BECKER MINTY) — Thu, 19 May 2011 05:03:00 +0000

As the saying goes, New York is so good, they named it twice. And as far as I'm concerned it's even better the second time around, certainly worth a re-visit.

So that's what we've done at Becker Minty, re-living everything from Prohibition to Studio 54 via a vintage collection recently hand-picked in New York by Jason Minty.

From tabletops to torsos, no surface has been left unadorned, and the lavishness of 20th century New York is all around us.

Whether you fancy a cocktail, a disco top or a whimsical pair of bookends, every one can take a little bite of the Big Apple.

But beware, this collection is very more-ish: one bite is just not enough...

But that's okay, because, as I've always said, less is just that - less, and more really is more.

You can even create your own Manhattan skyline with the truly sensational cityscape lamps and pendant light. Think bright lights, big city and pile on the silver, the gold and the glass.

On your dressing table, your coffee table and your bar.

Then add colour. Lots of colour. In glassware, ceramics and bakelite.

And if you need a small break from the big smoke, make like a true New Yorker and pop down to Florida for a minute and get yourself some bird life - prints, bottle openers and salt and pepper shakers, perfect for the collector of all things avian.

And for those who prefer something closer to the real thing, wrap yourself in our marabou and ostrich boas, collars and capelets. They may be new, but they've got vintage glam written all over them.

New York at Becker Minty: I wanna be a part of it.

Frutta di Mare

noreply@blogger.com (BECKER MINTY) — Tue, 10 May 2011 23:35:00 +0000

Now this is actually my favourite thing OF ALL TIME, combining three of my other favourite things, all conveniently packaged in the one beautiful homeware: shagreen, silver and half an avocado.

Traditionally known as shark skin, shagreen’s popularity surged in the late 19^th / early 20^th century (another of my favourite eras) often used as covering for small boxes, and instrument cases.

Truth be known, it’s actually made from the skin of a ray, technically part of the shark family. And after what they did to Steve Irwin, perfectly OK to be skinned.

This particular example takes the organic sculptural form of a cleanly devoured avocado, the naturally speckled surface perfect for this, the interior in a beaten silver, alluding to both the freshly scraped inside and the surface of the water in which the shark once preyed.

No longer any danger, and with no more calories, this is my kind of seafood.

Shoot

noreply@blogger.com (BECKER MINTY) — Tue, 10 May 2011 04:29:00 +0000

It’s been called elegant, it’s been called kitsch, but I for one have never been able to resist the tropical pull of a bit of bamboo.

I wish I’d been the one to think of popping it on a handbag.

Because I’m sure I’d been loving it well before the Guccis… well not entirely…

I think I’m right in saying (and if I’m not, I’m still stickin’ to my story) that the bamboo handle first appeared on bags in the 1940s.

As Europeans gradually departed the occupied East, they did so with eastern motifs in hand. And let’s face it, who wouldn’t want a trigger for the memory of sipping on a Singapore sling, resplendent in rattan, in the colonnaded colonial glory of Raffles?

Mind you they’d been appropriating oriental imagery for almost two centuries by then. As far as I know the bamboo look first appeared in Europe in the second half of the 1700s, the English being particularly fond.

It experienced a growth spurt in the extravagant Regency period, my favourite era, and now its casually aristocratic touch has become a timeless staple in the annals of style.

Put it anywhere you want, but whatever you do, don’t grow your own.

Totally Ace

noreply@blogger.com (BECKER MINTY) — Mon, 09 May 2011 03:13:00 +0000

This has got to be my totally favourite thing right now.

And I don’t even play cards.

But these I had to have.

Perfect when the cognac and cigars come out.

Around a circular table, dimly lit by a low hanging glass pendant.

And when the chips aren’t flying, pop the cards on your art deco credenza, decoratively stored in their customized velvet lined apricot wood box.

And you know how we feel about a small decorative box.

Did somebody say card sharp?

Available at Becker Minty stores and online

Sculptural planes

noreply@blogger.com (BECKER MINTY) — Thu, 05 May 2011 04:45:00 +0000

These propellors have gotta be up there with my all time faves.

Before they came into my life I’d never looked at an aeroplane as a thing of beauty – I’ve always been primarily concerned with safety and comfort, not necessarily in that order. And only twice in my life have I boarded a propellored plane – once 25 years ago in China for a truly terrifying flight, where air conditioning consisted of hand-held paper fans; the other I jumped out of (with parachute, of course) and if you’d seen this plane you’d understand why I was glad to have done so.

But I’d never abandon these flights of fancy.

The highly polished, almost mirrored finish highlights the individual contours of each propellor. And in so doing conveys an altogether different sense of movement from their original purpose. The technical and potentially dangerous has been tamed, and although now static, seems quite serene.

It’s like industrial taxidermy.

Perfect for the modern trophy hunter, each piece comes with a pedigree: the model number of the vintage plane, and the quantity built are documented. The age, original quantity and current condition determine the value of each propellor.

Available at Becker Minty and online

And considering their artistic merit, and that they constitute a one-off expense that will last you forever, they are miles ahead of any other spare part.

And with the turning circle of a dinner plate they fit in any environment.

Perfect landing.

Blame it on Rio

noreply@blogger.com (BECKER MINTY) — Thu, 28 Apr 2011 02:23:00 +0000

I love love love this chair – the leather version, that is. The furry one is, let’s face it, a little scary. But the leather one is the furniture world’s response to ice magic – adding a solid layer of comfort and luxury to one of life’s basics.

Designed by dynamic design duo Fernando & Humberto Campana for zhuzzhi contemporary Italian furniture brand Edra, it’s called simply Grinza, Italian for wrinkle. Which, like so many things, does sound so much better in a romance language. And clearly it looks much better too. But that’s what these Brazilian brothers do, take something ugly, tacky or kitsch and make it beautiful, sophisticated and whimsical.

Properties, materials and intended applications be damned!
Push the boundaries.
And take a seat.