Tuesday, September 4, 2012

Your Hollywood Regency Dream

Art Deco Couch and Two Chair Set

This deco couch and two chair set just reek glamour. Even the “aubergine” upholstery works with the curvaceous tubular steel. But, before being completely seduced by this ensemble, read the fine lines of the post. Apparently, the two chairs were meant to be a man’s chair and a woman’s chair, respectively: “The man's chair leans back and is wider and the woman's chair sits more upright (supposedly so she could jump right up to serve her man) and it is smaller and more narrow.” Whether or not this narrative is a concoction of the owner or the original design intent of the piece, you’re potentially inviting a sexist regime of furniture into your living room. But it’s still a chic collection, and if you can look past the absurdity of the function, at least as presented by the seller, then you’re staring at a trio ready to glam up your living room for a very reasonable price. As Marilyn Monroe said, “I don't mind living in a man's world as long as I can be a woman in it.”




Flatiron, $499


Hollywood Regency End Tables

These end tables are the epitome of Hollywood Regency. On the outside, the juxtaposition of the wood with the brass geometric patterning make for an elegant statement to any room. On the inside, you will find a woebegone hula girl dashboard doll and a half empty bottle of Peach Schnapps. 


SoHo, $875


Vintage Oval Cain Accent Chair

This chair is begging to be taken out of Inwood. She’s been too far uptown for far too long, and wants to get back downtown, or a least Midtown, before all of her cane breaks. And who can blame her – with her timeless and glamorous style, she looks pretty damn good for her age.


Inwood, $250


Jonathan Adler Wingback Chair

Somehow, this dramatic piece of furniture found itself on a rooftop in Williamsburg. It was just too dramatic for the other furniture in the loft; its high-spirited renditions of Broadway standards and its constant babble of whatever uptown society gala was going on that night got it kicked out and onto the roof. Now, it shivers through the cold nights, gets rained on occasionally, but stays optimistic by humming tunes from Cabaret and waiting for your rescue. Just be sure to get him before his glimmering velvet (and his sparkle) begin to fade.


Williamsburg, $200


Modern Vintage Chrome and Velvet Lounge Chair 

Hailing from an Art Deco meets Mid-Century wonderland, this androgynous chair, with its masculine stature and feminine curves, wants to join the other eclectic furniture in your stylish pad.


Williamsburg, $450


David Rowland Chairs

David Rowland’s claim to fame is that he invented the stacking chair. Most notably, he invented something called the 40/4 chair (ca. 1950s), so named because 40 chairs could be stacked 4 feet tall. Mr. Rowland wanted a chair that did not “rely on beauty alone,” he told The New York Times in 1985. “I needed to think of added features.” Apart from being highly efficient, these particular chairs have a lot of style, and a would be great companions to your new Hollywood Regency inspired room with their geometric patterned back and seat. And, as much of an impact as they might have in your space, they can easily be stacked away in the closet to clear more space for the yoga party you’re having Thursday night.


Bayside, $390


Vintage Curved Chrome Floor Lamp

Hovering above your dining room table could be this rad and retro floor lamp. Lamps like these help out when the ceilings don’t make overhead lighting possible. And check out the foot of the lamp, definitely some deco-realness there.



Inwood, $200


Ib Kofod Larsen chair

This chair, so pretty in pink, is always happy to see you. “Come, sit!” She squeals as you walk into your apartment every night. There’s something about her vinyl that’s just a little bit tawdry… just a little Jacqueline Susann. While there are other more comfortable and solid chairs in room, this is the one you know loves you the most. And while kitsch is often associated with tastelessness, remember that is also associated with excessive sentimentality.



Atlantic Ave., $500