Modenus Interior Design Blog

The Best Of | The Modern Sybarite | the Master Ceramics of Jean Girel

The Modern Sybarite — Wed, 30 May 2012 16:57:50 +0000

Tucked in the Burgundian hillside of central-eastern France, amongst the bucolic vineyards is the studio of a non-assuming Chevalier des Arts et des Lettres and a Maître d’ Art who for 35 years has produced some of the most beautiful, ingenious and original ceramics.

I’ve known of Jean Girel for a while, but he is better known in France and Asia where he was bestowed with the honor of being a “living treasure” by the government of Taiwan. But with his timeless and supreme ceramics that masterfully fit into any, and I mean ANY period style decoration, he should be better known to the design and art collecting community in this country.

Influenced by the majesty and beauty of his local environment, the 4 elements (earth, wind, fire, water), the sheens of oil slicks and the magnificent ceramics of the Chinese Song Dynasty (960-1279), Jean produces ceramics with simple forms but very complex production methods and glazing techniques. Half eccentric scientist and half passionate artist, Girel has developed over the decades his own recipes, tools, and methodology for producing not only the vessels, but his elaborate glazing techniques that replicate in shape, color, texture and sheen the natural phenomena he observes.

Imagine a painter grinding his own paints, weaving his own canvases and making his own brushes today? Crazy, right? Not for Girel who makes his own porcelain paste (gets the rocks, smashes, liquefies, and kneads them into paste), his own kilns (he also makes them for other potters) and his own glazes which have been fine-tuned through the years with minute attention to detail. His notebooks are precise lab reports noting the techniques, materials and firing temperatures used for specific wares with failures and successes dutifully noted.

All this fanatical, dedicated passion results in vessels that are beyond belief. His Bestiaire series emulates certain animal pelts and reptile skins that make complete sense when you see the tiny animal referenced along the edge or on the vessel top. These are literally “ferosh”! His Oiseaux series emulates the iridescent sheen of the rainbow and shimmering light on bird’s feathers. The Métallescences series references the fierce murky patina and liquidity of moving lava dripping over rocks. Lastly, the Paysages series is the newest of his works and its Jean’s citation of the fantastical landscapes by 15^th century Netherlandish artist Joachim Patineer translated to the views of the surrounding mountains from his studio.

You can’t tell I ADORE his vessels, right? Now there is no excuse not to know about the wonderful work of this artist and to appreciate these pieces, for they are now likely to be on the road to becoming ceramic icons of the 21^st century.

image credits: MaisonGerard, New York who represents the artist in the US. A show on the artist’s ceramics in collaboration with Galerie Arcanes, Paris will be held at Maison Gerard from 25 April – 24 May 2012.

Warning!!! Warning!!! – Evil Robot Invasion! And they’ve got Wallpaper!

Modenus — Tue, 29 May 2012 22:48:58 +0000

You’ve got to love these guys. Evil Robot Designs are a couple of British artists who tell us, with fairly straight faces, that they are called ‘EVIL ED and Dan Robotic’. Yup, ok. They have been getting a lot of attention for their distinctly quirky designs, many inspired by toys of the 1980′s with a little comic book excitement thrown in for good measure. Their Shazame table is influenced by – well, I don’t need to tell you these things, but it is their wall paper I wanted to share with you. ‘It Came From Beneath The Sea’ is a wonderful cacophony of octopus legs.

Go on, take a closer look. I’m not sure I would want it above my bed, or in a formal dinning room but there has to be a place for it somewhere. Suggestions from the Modenus family of sci-fi fans and designers welcome!

‘It Came from Outer Space’ follows a similar theme. This maybe one for the Robbie the Robot fans amongst us. But of course Robbie was friendly, not evil at all. Someone out there would rather I told you something useful about the wallpaper. It is printed on traditional wallpaper in the UK, is available by the roll and can be custom coloured to your requirements. Oh, and there is, of course, a design featuring robots.

And this is ‘The Three Laws Of Robotics’. There is a lot of great wallpaper out there and no shortage which could, arguably, be filed under ‘quirky’ but there is something special about these guys. If you are wondering where you have seen them before you may be remembering a flurry of press coverage about their lamps, crafted from old toys. British celebrity designer Laurence Llewelyn-Bowen championed them and they were also featured in the UK Elle Decoration. Our attention was drawn by a blog by the very splendid British Blogger and BlogTour Alumnae Stacey Sheppard - Thanks Stacey!

Warren Bobrow’s Cocktail Hour: Some Dark Hollow Cocktail

Warren Bobrow — Fri, 25 May 2012 16:20:00 +0000

I was perusing the fresh produce isle at the supermarket the other day. It was as if it was summer already. The tomatoes were dark red, a hue only seen in the movies or on television. The onions, plump and sweet- their aroma tantalizing me to layer them thickly between slices of tomato and fresh mozzarella cheese. I saw bags of basil with their roots attached, perhaps to plant them when I got home?

There is a plethora of summer produce that has found its way into my consciousness. It’s infectious.

I brought some basil home with me. Rolled the leaves into tight cigars and sliced these cigars on the bias releasing their oils.

Then I added them to a mixing glass along with some ice. Over on the table there is a bottle of Sorel. What is Sorel? It is a marvelous new spirit that speaks of the opulence of fruit, herbs, spices and cola. I thought it would be marvelous with fresh basil and another favorite liqueur of mine named Root. Root is a USDA Certified Organic Root Tea. What is a Root Tea? Root tea was Root Beer before prohibition took the fun out of cocktails.

I combined two shots of Sorel with one shot of Root.

Then I added a bit of Bulldog Gin to the mix.. about a shot.

I then added a teaspoon full of Royal Rose simple syrup of Rose- to add a tangible element of the bizarre to this already twisted concoction.

The last ingredient is freshly squeezed lime juice. There is a haunting sensibility to lime juice. It adds depth to a cocktail along with balance to sweeter elements. So in goes the lime, the Sorel, the Root and a bit of Bulldog Gin.. Can you see what I’m up to? Did I forget anything?

Yes, as a matter of fact I did. The last ingredient is the bitter. Hella Bitter to be exact. The Bitter of Citrus. That extra element is the difference between a drink and a cocktail.

This, my friends, is a cocktail.

I made some giant ice cubes using my Mavea pitcher for this cocktail. Up here in the country our water is full of minerals that can taint the flavor of the cocktails and especially your ice. I don’t like stuff floating around in my ice.

The Mavea makes my ice taste like ice, not like dirty rocks.

Enjoy and Happy Memorial Day!

Some Dark Hollow Cocktail

Ingredients:

Fresh Basil, rolled into a cigar, then sliced thinly

Root- USDA Certified Organic Root Tea

Sorel Artisanal Liqueur

Bulldog Gin

Hella Bitter

Royal Rose “Rose” Syrup

A large Williams-Sonoma Ice Cube – silicone rubber ice cube tray delivered

Preparation:

To an ice cube tray add freshly filtered water- I recommend the Mavea Pitcher

Freeze and be patient.

Roll fresh basil into a cigar shape

Slice across on a bias

Add to a cocktail shaker

Add 1/3 fresh (regular) ice

Add two shots Sorel

Add one shot Root

Add one shot Bulldog Gin

Add 2 Tablespoons Royal Rose “Rose” Simple Syrup

Add 1/4 cup fresh lime juice

Shake well

Strain into short rocks glasses with one GIANT ice cube in each one

Finish with a couple shakes of the Hella Bitter

Sources:

http://www.artintheage.com/

http://www.mavea.com/mavea/pitchers.html?&L=0

http://jackfrombrooklyn.com/recipe/520/

http://www.bulldoggin.com/

http://hella-bitter.com/

http://royalroseny.com/

http://www.williams-sonoma.com/products/king-cube-silicone-ice-cube-tray/

Modenus picks from New York Design Week – Lighting

Modenus — Thu, 24 May 2012 15:12:46 +0000

We loved Julie Moringello’s brand new collection for her brand new firm Modernmaine as much for the its simple but stylish design as for the vast material options. All designs are available in Tyvek, Papyrus, wire mesh, Japanese paper, translucent vellum, wood veneer or your own paper choice. Now that opens up a wide variety of design options.

On left: Avram Rusu’s Confetti light fixture is fun in multi-colored glass with stainless disks or very stylish and elegant in polished brass and semi precious stones (see website). For more color and a sustainable take on the popular basket pendants, we loved David Trubridge’s collection of anodized aluminum lights which work indoors and out.

One of our favorite pieces at ICFF 2012 was likely the KELLY chandelier by Gabriel Scott (left). The piece is available in black steel (shown) and in brass and ships in a flat box. To the right, a glimpse of a new design from a Modenus favorite, Waterpressure Lighting. As with all designs by Waterpressure this one is also inspired by the flow of water or, in this case, icicles as they hang from a rain gutter.

Lindsey Adelman not only displayed some of her finest work but also brought along an entire workshop to show just how some of her light fixtures are made. We loved the candelabra on the left. And a new Modenus favorite, Apparatus, featured “Highwire”, a chandelier inspired by french aerialist Philip Petit as well as the sconce below.

The Best Of | The Modern Sybarite | Renovating Russian Style

The Modern Sybarite — Wed, 23 May 2012 13:03:32 +0000

Most people hate renovating (although I secretly love the whole process of watching the old become fresh, fabulous and new), and when it’s an old house, the process can be just unbearable.

So I’m fascinated with the story that came out of St. Petersburg, Russia in mid-April, where workers renovating an 18th century building that had originally been two townhouses, then cobbled into one grand townhouse, then a Soviet cafeteria, then drab Communist apartments, and is presently slated to become a convention center (phew, that’s repurposing!!), opened a hidden storage area between floors and discovered a veritable Aladdin’s cave treasure! The find included jewelry, military orders, coins, documents and silverware (including not one, but THREE dinner services of over 1000 pieces each!) that had been hidden away by the noble Naryshkin family. Not yet fully catalogued, it is expected to be worth several millions of dollars.

Interestingly, much of the treasure was wrapped in newspapers dating from March, June and September 1917. You can just imagine the story unfolding: March of 1917 saw Russia still embroiled in the throws of World War I and the streets of St. Petersburg were filled with tens of thousands of striking workers who brought about the end of the Romanov monarchy on March 2nd. That’s when the Naryshkins put away the first of the cache.

Then in June 1917, the war was coming to its disastrous end for Russia as troops flooded into St. Petersburg and joined the strikes which were now clamoring for a government takeover by the Soviets (yup, it was looking pretty bleak for the aristos as the Royal family would be executed July 16 1917).

Finally by September 1917 when the last things were squirreled away, Leon Trotsky had taken control of St. Petersburg and Russia had been declared a Republic. The Naryshkins left Russia in late 1917 probably hoping to return to their home and possessions. They never did.

According to Russian law, the finders should keep half the treasure with the owners of the property keeping the other half. I think this is an important lesson for all home renovators: make sure you’re there with your workers when they start opening floors and walls, or better yet, get on that demolition team yourself! Start digging!

image credits: Associated Press

Corrected Coffee

Warren Bobrow — Sat, 19 May 2012 12:24:37 +0000

It’s been a rather difficult week this week. First of all I have withdrawl. Last week I was in my element. I was correcting the coffee for the thirsty folks at the VIP/ The Daily Basics Mixology tent.

What is corrected coffee? Corrected coffee is coffee with a kick. And I was the man to provide it.

There wasn’t anyone during the entire event at Brimfield who wasn’t offered a corrected coffee. There is something to be said for this kind of mind eraser/mind opener. After all, at 7 or 8 in the morning, when the coffee is hot, there is ample time to correct the cup in your hand, to augment it, make it better, make it stronger, make it dangerous. Make each mug with PASSION!

I know how to do this. After all, I’m the Cocktail Whisperer!

Corrected Coffee

Each recipe will completely twist your mind, your friend’s and perhaps their friend’s as well. But for this exercise, each recipe serves two persons. Danger Level 5 out of 5! (so be careful)

2 mugs of freshly brewed coffee (try to make it yourself. Starbucks doesn’t count)

4 shots of Snap (USDA Certified Organic Ginger Snap Liqueur)

2 shots of Tenneyson Absinthe

1 shot of Fernet Branca

Bitter End Mexican Mole’ Bitters

Freshly whipped cream

Preparation:

Whip your cream, whip it good, I say whip it… (apologies to DEVO)

Add two shots of the Snap into each mug

Add the coffee to each mug

Add four drops of the Bitter End Mexican Mole’ Bitters to each mug

Top with fresh whipped cream. If you have those imitation cans, shame on you!

Sip and try not to drink too quickly, there’s plenty of time to sleep later in the day…

ICFF preview snippets: Patterns and more patterns

Modenus — Thu, 17 May 2012 13:45:00 +0000

An array of textures and patterns is promised by ICFF and having had a look at who will be there we think we can agree. More as we report live from the show on Saturday and Sunday and we hope to see you at our TweetUp on Monday at 2pm, Booth 1336.

Top: Amy Helfand Booth #2223

Below: Anita Bell Rugs Booth # 2529

Top: Penny Seume Booth 2529

Below: Flat Vernacular Booth 2260

Top: Penny Seume Booth # 2529

Below: Grow House Grow Booth # 2546

How’s your design business? Just a little, informal industry survey

Modenus — Thu, 17 May 2012 12:23:09 +0000

We always hear the big corporations and banks talk about their quarterly successes, right Apple? Or failures, hanging in there JP Morgan? But what about small business and what about small business in our industry? Interior Designers, Architects, Kitchen & Bath Showrooms, Manufacturers – how are all of you guys doing? What would you like to see differently?

We heard more positive buzz from businesses late in 2011 then we had for years and now we’re wondering if it’s sustainable. So here are our questions to you, but feel free to add your own to this discussion:

1. How’s biz this year?

2. What changes have you made over the past one or two years?

3. How has business in the past year influenced your life?

4. What’s your prediction through the end of 2012 and beyond?

Feel free to leave a comment or enter the survey below or, if you need to vent and don’t want to do it in public, let us know at designbiz@modenus.com the latter will, of course, remain confidential.

Note: There is a poll embedded within this post, please visit the site to participate in this post's poll.

Before and After – A Kosher Kitchen in South Florida

Modenus — Wed, 16 May 2012 20:12:41 +0000

This ‘Before and After’ is courtesy of Harold Morantz of Morantz Cabinets in South Florida. Tzvi, as he is known to his friends and customers, and his customers all seem to become friends. Some of the challenges he faced are obvious from the ‘before’ picture: Outdated materials, appliances and layout for starters. The clients also wanted to start keeping kosher so the kitchen had to be totally redone to make space for preparation of meat and dairy in distinct and separate areas as kosher laws require. The room is an open plan and is 30 feet long with pantry and fridge at one end built into a wall niche and the dairy food prep at the opposite end with its own sink and dishwasher and under-counter fridge that are both covered in matching panels. The design called for two islands, with one next to the dairy section that houses the oven,two burner cooktop and microwave. The counter top for this island is 63″wide and there is storage on both sides as well as a counter extension for up to four stools for light breakfast or lunch meals. The other matching island is for meat preparation with an under-counter oven and microwave and more seating for quick snacks or a chat with the cook. Opposite this island is a large angular meat prep and cooking area with a pass thru to the dining table and pool area beyond it. This section has a large sink,dishwasher,trash pull-out,spice drawers and 6 burner cook-top with barbecue under a decorative exhaust hood.

Another challenge on this project was to have a foolproof design where different members of the family can be preparing or eating meat and dairy at the same time, while maintaining the complete separation of the foods as kosher laws demand. From both island seating areas it is possible to see the flat screen T.V. in the adjoining family area and there is an extended counter on the end of the dairy island with computer hookup for a laptop for the woman of the house to check her emails and have a coffee while being able to watch the news at the same time.
All cabinetry is designed and built in Tzvi’s Fort Lauderdale area shop with the island cabinets made from espresso stained solid maple and the perimeter cabinets feature solid MDF shaker style doors with an antique white lacquer finish. This solid MDF construction as opposed to a five piece door has not developed any cracks on joint lines and cannot swell from water as all edges were sealed with a water/glue sizing before priming and painting. All doors and drawers are full extension soft close using Blum hardware exclusively. The cabinets interiors are all pre-finished maple plywood.

Modenus features Tzvi’s work as testimony to the craftsmanship and customer service that is available when people seek out a true expert and specialist. And if you happen to be looking for that craftsman in South Florida, Tzvi of Morantz Cabinets could well be your man.

ICFF preview snippets: Nico Yektai’s sculptural designs

Modenus — Wed, 16 May 2012 13:51:24 +0000

Nico Yektai’s newest bench design, made from oxidized Sapele wood and concrete, assumes, as he calls it, a gestural stance. We see a fencer in a deep lunge – can you see it? As with all of Nico’s work we love the carefully balanced composition and the contrast between polished wood and concrete.

Moving away from smaller objects and furniture, Nico will also feature a larger piece entitled “Doors to my past” – a tribute to his travels in Europe as a child and interesting doors he saw along the way. This piece was first shown at the Guild Hall Museum in East Hampton.

You can find Nico at booth #2436