Interior Design Minimalist

The last few years a business trip hasn't been complete without time away for something design related. Last week's behind-the-scenes visits in Atlanta are all thanks to Richard Taylor of Flat Earth Designs (you may remember him from the post It's not leather, It's concrete!) who was very generous with his time and gave me a tour of some great design sources, including his own warehouse. First up is furniture designer Dave Lennard, whose warehouse is located right next to Richard's. Dave handcrafts large scale zinc-topped tables that are beautiful in both finish and proportion. Many of his designs have that sought after Belgian aesthetic. I also happen to be swooning over those chairs too!
This table with the rivets has more of an industrial edge to it.
Particularly love the patina of the zinc on this table. In addition to furniture, Dave carries industrial antiques and unique accessories. Good news is that his work is available to both the public and the trade. More info here.
A number of artists share the space with Dave and I couldn't help but notice this secretary desk in-progress.
Next up was a visit to the shared warehouse of four talented and friendly women - Margaret Bostick of The Silk Purse, Inc., Lisa Burnett of Inner Pieces, and Glenis Rose and Marlene Buckalew of Birts & Grits. Their gorgeous finds from trips to France and Belgium are available to-the-trade and to the public via Scott Antique Markets (North Bldg., A-6, #162-165). They had just come back from a successful weekend at Scott's and their warehouse was still full of unique things - I can only imagine the before-Scott's version.
Beautiful urn. Why can't carry-on suitcases be larger?!

Gorgeous marble topped tables that would look smart with many different decors.

Thought this was quite creative - boxwood balls resting on iron scrolls.


I love these two metal containers to the left.

Just before leaving I noticed these three oil paintings and fell in love with the two on the ends. Margaret had mentioned she found these in Ghent, Belgium; part of an original set of 11 by an amateur painter. I love the quality of the light and have found the perfect place for them in my house.
A bit more - here's a look at Richard's work in the raw, pre-staining stage. His pieces are made with the more expensive and higher quality white concrete (as opposed to gray). Below is a finished Watts Pot - amazing difference; although the unfinished white pieces have their own appeal too.
I meant to take more pictures of his warehouse as I found the whole place fascinating & so much larger than I imagined it. There's different sections devoted to creating rubber molds, casting pieces, and experimenting with new designs. Plus, on one wall of large scale shelves there's a huge collection of design magazines - any blogger's dream!

The last few years a business trip hasn't been complete without time away for something design related. Last week's behind-the-scenes visits in Atlanta are all thanks to Richard Taylor of Flat Earth Designs (you may remember him from the post It's not leather, It's concrete!) who was very generous with his time and gave me a tour of some great design sources, including his own warehouse. First up is furniture designer Dave Lennard, whose warehouse is located right next to Richard's. Dave handcrafts large scale zinc-topped tables that are beautiful in both finish and proportion. Many of his designs have that sought after Belgian aesthetic. I also happen to be swooning over those chairs too!
This table with the rivets has more of an industrial edge to it.
Particularly love the patina of the zinc on this table. In addition to furniture, Dave carries industrial antiques and unique accessories. Good news is that his work is available to both the public and the trade. More info here.
A number of artists share the space with Dave and I couldn't help but notice this secretary desk in-progress.
Next up was a visit to the shared warehouse of four talented and friendly women - Margaret Bostick of The Silk Purse, Inc., Lisa Burnett of Inner Pieces, and Glenis Rose and Marlene Buckalew of Birts & Grits. Their gorgeous finds from trips to France and Belgium are available to-the-trade and to the public via Scott Antique Markets (North Bldg., A-6, #162-165). They had just come back from a successful weekend at Scott's and their warehouse was still full of unique things - I can only imagine the before-Scott's version.
Beautiful urn. Why can't carry-on suitcases be larger?!

Gorgeous marble topped tables that would look smart with many different decors.

Thought this was quite creative - boxwood balls resting on iron scrolls.


I love these two metal containers to the left.

Just before leaving I noticed these three oil paintings and fell in love with the two on the ends. Margaret had mentioned she found these in Ghent, Belgium; part of an original set of 11 by an amateur painter. I love the quality of the light and have found the perfect place for them in my house.
A bit more - here's a look at Richard's work in the raw, pre-staining stage. His pieces are made with the more expensive and higher quality white concrete (as opposed to gray). Below is a finished Watts Pot - amazing difference; although the unfinished white pieces have their own appeal too.
I meant to take more pictures of his warehouse as I found the whole place fascinating & so much larger than I imagined it. There's different sections devoted to creating rubber molds, casting pieces, and experimenting with new designs. Plus, on one wall of large scale shelves there's a huge collection of design magazines - any blogger's dream!

In the snowy winter months in New England I often find myself daydreaming about visiting beautiful, warm locations. I was fortunate to be introduced to this lovely stone villa in the south of France called La Bastide.
The villa has been restored and is filled with antiques. The owners are collectors and as such the home is filled with interesting and unique items. A neutral palette allows you to focus on the gorgeous stone walls and period details. Notice the fireplace and the fabulous arched wood fragments flanking the it on either side The upholstery is tightly slipcovered in natural linen. I love the coffee table and the wonderful white washed side table that has a lazy susan top.
But, the pièce de résistance of the room is surely the fireplace. The original mantel is one we only hope to copy here in the States. I love the lines of it, detailed but not too fussy. I also like the interesting assortment of items which line the top of the mantel. Clearly this is a home of collectors.
From a different angle you can see the introduction of color. The orange/coral throw and pillows bring the earthy outdoor tones we see from the window views indoors. In the height of summer we could change the throw and pillows to shades of lavender and give the entire room a different feel. This is why I am such a fan of neutrals.
As we head into the the kitchen you can peek through the doorway and see the fireplace. I included this shot to help you visualize the lay out. The zinc topped table is a dream - wine rack only an arms length away. I can just taste the local cheeses, olives and fresh baked bread.
Standing in the doorway you have a full view of the kitchen. The antique plate rack and and marble topped table are to die for! The zinc topped table and vintage Tolix chairs are fabulous. Black steel windows and doors lead you out to the patio and terraces. Enameled street signs grace the walls.
Standing back in the living room we can spy a bedroom through the passageway to the left of the fireplace.
The room is classically appointed with painted amoire, steel table, slipcovered arm chair, and the owners collection of vintage hats.
A gauzy canopy hangs over the bed creating a very romantic atmosphere... as if just being in a stone villa in the south of France isn't romantic enough. Notice the bunches of lavender and the lavender silk pillows, see how different this room feels versus the coral pillows?
Gorgeous unlined linen and lemon cypress in a terracotta pot on the windowsill. Notice the window hardware. In my next life all my window hardware would look like that.
Exiting the bedroom is a lovely vignette of local artwork and antiques.
The outdoor areas are also a sight to behold with a wonderful stone walls, cypress trees, lavender and a pool.
Finally a small stone terrace with wonderful rosemary hedges.
Thanks for traveling with me - it was a welcome escape from the snow.
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Read about another wonderful French Villa at Boxwood Terrace click here. (all photos property of beachstudios.com)

I love the oeil-de-boeuf (pronounced "er-duh-BURF") windows you see on the charming buildings all over Paris.

Oeil de boeuf translates to eye of the bull, but its a common french term for small circular or oval zinc window. (paris parfait)

I have had a love for these zinc treasures since I saw them years ago sitting askew on their sides at flea markets in Paris. I wanted to hang one outside in my garden as a lovely focal point. But, at that time I lived in a small apartment with no garden, so the Oeil de Boeuf was not meant to be.
(iris monument)

Still I always have loved the wonderful patina and shape. I thought as the years went on that they would look fabulous indoors too - and I imagined them with mirrors in the center. They were large, but I loved the architectural interest and the chalky finish.
(avignon antiques)
Here is a wonderful example of a classic shaped oeil de boeuf - this one has been made into a mirror. Look at the beautiful curves and patina on this piece. Gorgeous!
(interior mitigation)
Recently we have started to see a design trend and these oeil de boeuf mirrors are popping up everywhere. As they are getting more popular we are seeing many reproduced in wood or plaster and painted to mimic aged zinc. You can find the classic shaped oeil de boeuf re created in wood and made into a mirror at both Wisteria and Restoration Hardware. As reproductions go this one above is lovely

(eron johnson antiques)