New XOXO: The Furniture Library

I XO libraries. I XO design. Therefore I XOXO The Bernice Bienenstock Furniture Library.

Just north of Krispy Kreme on Main Street in High Point, and housed in a c. 1923 former doctor's residence, The Furniture Library is filled with books and periodicals that serve interior designers, furniture makers, antiquarians, patent lawyers, students, and decorative arts nerds of which I am one. This industry-specific resource is the largest furniture specialty library in the world, and includes a climate-controlled Rare Book Room with 350 specimens dating back to 1543.  "Yale and Harvard have the same books, but they're not accessible like ours," says Library Director Karla Webb contentedly.

The library is an aesthetic study and gathering space. It has a number of  rooms, equipped with tech and other amenities, that can be rented for business, educational and social events and the garden, with it's landscaping and sculpture collection, is also inviting.With two floors and plenty of tables and chairs, the library is homey and quiet with room to spread out and delve.

A quick tour...

The interior was refreshed about 4 years ago by High Point interior designer Pat Plaxico.

The burning question I had for Karla ...

"What is this white paint?"

Edelweiss by Martin Senour.

 I've always liked these Phillips Collection wire figures and one greeted me in the foyer.

Flor carpet tiles add a zippy vibe to the studious libes. (found on Aphrochic)

I am totally crushing on these leather mid-century chairs that belonged to the Bienenstocks.

 

Karla Webb points out an unexpectedly colorful 1843 Victorian-era book filled with fabric samples.

I love looking through old magazines.  "House Beautiful" and "House & Garden" date back almost 100 years.

The Vuncannon Room, formerly a two bedroom suite. can be reserved for meetings, seminars, and study groups...

as can the Hadley Court Center for Design Collaboration with its 80" TV screen and live streaming ability.

This shot doesn't capture the beautiful outdoor setting so you must see it for yourself!

If I lived closer, I'd be here all the time.

Countdown to High Point: The Currey 6

I was invited, among others, to preview Currey & Co.'s newest decorative offerings for High Point Spring Market 2015. Flattered by the ask, I am sharing 6 random pieces that spoke to me. Like playing a word association game, certain items triggered a quick thought, and it was this auto-response that drove

"The Currey 6."

For example, as soon as I saw the Medusa Multi-Pendant (above), I thought, 

"STAR!"

in other words, I predict it will be one of the most widely editorialized spectacles of market. As for me, I'd XOXO to see it floating above me in a South Beach bar while I drink the crispest, coldest glass of prosecco.

ALSO TRIGGERING A PASSIONATE RESPONSE...

"EL CORAZON!"

Wild for folksy Mexican heart milagros, I now heart Shannon Koszyk's chic translation.

Sacred Heart Mirror (left) from the Shannon Koszyk Collection + a Milagro collection from Flickr.

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FINIS!

As decorators/designers we all have experienced the NEED to find the finishing touches for a certain project, that je ne sais quoi piece for a puzzling corner, clamoring for something to fill the space, but nothing too much. Voila! The faux bois coat tree, except sans coats, in perfect fade-away gray.
Bonus: You can dress it up for the holidays.

The Countryhouse Coat Tree, 77.5"H,  is too cool to cover up.

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"MADONNA!"

As soon as I saw the black-n-nude Cooksbridge Pendant it reminded me of the killer dress Madonna wore on the IHeartRadio Awards, except in reverse.

Madonna image found on That 1960 Chick

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"GREEN!"

Every cell in my body responds to green in a really good way.

Funny, they call this colorway for the Rehan Rug "charcoal" but I'm just seeing green.

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"CROSS SECTION!"

...the whole idea of cross-section fascinates me, and since I've been keeping tabs, when I spied the sliced bamboo decorating the Currey & Co. shade, I was convinced of the trend.

Currey & Co's Grove Rectangular Chandelier (left) with Timothy Oulton's table, a firewood stack in Athens, GA and a window dresser's cardboard tree prop.

And one more thing...

"AVIVA!" 

The uber-creative and witty Aviva Stanoff will be in the Currey & Co. house on Monday the 20th from 3-5, High Point. She's working on a collection that will launch late this year. I can't even imagine!

And one more thought...

"PARLORE!"

 If you are a designer/decorator reading my blog, please check out Parlore for iPad, sign up, and try it for free. If you are a manufacturer of pretty, cool, unique, well-made, designer-friendly home furnishings and decor, reach out: jane@parlore.com. Or come say hello in High Point at 220 Elm on Saturday the 18th.
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