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My Guest on Today's Show: Arash Yaraghi from Safavieh

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Rugs By Martha Stewart for Safavieh: Can you believe this selection?

Martha Stewart's line of Safavieh area rugs is one of my favorite products to discuss. Unique, elegant, and polished, these designs are the perfect complement to so many room arrangements.

On today's Radio Show, I'm hosting Safaveieh owner Arash Yaraghi. The company Safavieh was founded by Arash's grandfather in the cultural center of Isfahan, Iran in 1914, with a focus on providing authentic and vibrant Oriental rugs.  In 1979, the Iran Revolution debilitated the Safavieh store in Iran, and Arash was called upon to set up a storefront in New York so that business could resume selling antique Persian rugs. This original US showroom at 153 Madison Avenue and 32nd Street in New York City still stands.

The company prevailed, and Safavieh now operates 10 retail stores that offer both antique and reproduction Persian rugs that are manufactured and imported from four countries. All images are courtesy Martha Stewart for Safavieh.

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The pattern on this rug is so intricate. The darker shade brings an imperative contrast to the pastels of the room, proving area rugs can be as much a statement piece as a background color.

1 The pattern on this rug is so intricate. The darker shade brings an imperative contrast to the pastels of the room, proving area rugs can be as much a statement piece as a background color.

This soft sunburst pattern begs to be walked on barefoot. I love the idea of putting a lighter rug on a dark tiled floor.

2 This soft sunburst pattern begs to be walked on barefoot. I love the idea of putting a lighter rug on a dark tiled floor.

The weathered look of this full-bleed pattern brings an almost tarnished metal luxury to an elegant space.

3 The weathered look of this full-bleed pattern brings an almost tarnished metal luxury to an elegant space.

Faux animal prints bring instant fashion to a space, and they work as both a neutral canvas for furniture and also an identifiable pattern.

4 Faux animal prints bring instant fashion to a space, and they work as both a neutral canvas for furniture and also an identifiable pattern.

This bordered rug brings clean lines and color tones into a room without being boring or flat in design.

5 This bordered rug brings clean lines and color tones into a room without being boring or flat in design.

The pattern on this rug, especially against the corals of the room, has a nautical whimsy to it.

6 The pattern on this rug, especially against the corals of the room, has a nautical whimsy to it.

The relief texture of this rug is appealing for both feel and aesthetics.

7 The relief texture of this rug is appealing for both feel and aesthetics.

After Arash and I speak, I'll be talking to Brent Ridge about the Thanksgiving Heirloom Photo Contest that I'll be judging soon! Tune in at 4pm today to hear it all.

Posted on November 16, 2011 in Radio | direct link to this entry |

My Guest on Today's Show: Christophe Pourny

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Christophe Pourny is known and loved at Martha Stewart Living for his absolute distinction in furniture care and restoration. His upbringing in the French Riviera (where his parents owned an antique store) coupled with a Parisian education led Christophe to his passion for all things from times past.

From fabulous guilds and finishes to a host of genius restoration techniques, Christophe’s knowledge of furniture care is truly masterful. You can see how Christophe helped me with my own furniture makeover when I was decorating my apartment here. As my guest on this week’s radio show, Christophe and I will be discussing his newest product called “Color Reviver.” Using only natural ingredients, this product refreshes the appearance of worn wood by actually hiding scratches on its surface.

I can’t wait to see Christophe and learn about this new age-defying furniture product. Tune in to SiriusXM 110 at 4:00pm today to hear the show! In the meantime, I hope you enjoy perusing these images of Christophe’s work.

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Christophe Pourny is no stranger to our offices; he has been featured on the Martha Stewart Show at least 3 times! Christophe is most proud of his work with the City of New York in City Hall and Gracie Mansion, for which he has been highly esteemed.

1 Christophe Pourny is no stranger to our offices; he has been featured on the Martha Stewart Show at least 3 times! Christophe is most proud of his work with the City of New York in City Hall and Gracie Mansion, for which he has been highly esteemed.

High shine and intricate, gilded details lend refinement to this lovely lacquered French Bombee Chest.

2 High shine and intricate, gilded details lend refinement to this lovely lacquered French Bombee Chest.

Christophe's Rue Jacob

3 Christophe's Rue Jacob "Spin Table" is chic and versatile.

The tabletop raises and lowers on a surprisingly chic and industrial screw. I think this piece balances sophisticated design and pure functionality.

4 The tabletop raises and lowers on a surprisingly chic and industrial screw. I think this piece balances sophisticated design and pure functionality.

This Rue Jacob Mirror is the perfect combination of elegance and simplicity. I love how the reflected gold cutout gives both depth and light to the deep black frame.

5 This Rue Jacob Mirror is the perfect combination of elegance and simplicity. I love how the reflected gold cutout gives both depth and light to the deep black frame.

Christophe is hard at work in his studio bringing life and intricacy to this elegant chaise frame.

6 Christophe is hard at work in his studio bringing life and intricacy to this elegant chaise frame.

Every gold leaf detail is secured with such precision! I really enjoy seeing the transitional phase between raw material and a highly refined finished product.

7 Every gold leaf detail is secured with such precision! I really enjoy seeing the transitional phase between raw material and a highly refined finished product.

Before...

8 Before...

...and after! The bright yellow pattern is so striking. A single, simple pillow keeps the whole piece looking relaxed.

9 ...and after! The bright yellow pattern is so striking. A single, simple pillow keeps the whole piece looking relaxed.

I can't even imagine how many hours of work go into each of Christophe's designs.

10 I can't even imagine how many hours of work go into each of Christophe's designs.

More gold detailing - the contrast with brown wood here is so rich and warm–perfect autumn shades.

11 More gold detailing - the contrast with brown wood here is so rich and warm–perfect autumn shades.

This famous tonic is mixed in small batches, right here in New York. It's the perfect cure-all for keeping wood in its best light.

12 This famous tonic is mixed in small batches, right here in New York. It's the perfect cure-all for keeping wood in its best light.

The newcomer! I'm so thrilled to hear about this Color Reviver that Christophe just released–so inky and luxurious.

13 The newcomer! I'm so thrilled to hear about this Color Reviver that Christophe just released–so inky and luxurious.

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Posted on October 12, 2011 in Behind the Scenes, Experts, Furniture, Miscellaneous, Radio | direct link to this entry |

My Guest on Today's Show: Bronson van Wyck

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Bronson van Wyck is one of New York City's top event planners, and I am delighted to have him as a guest on my radio show this week. As one of the founders of the environmental design and event production firm, van Wyck & van Wyck, Bronson has organized notable affairs, such as the 2000 Democratic National Convention, the Signing of the Dayton-Paris Peace Accords, The Hearst Tower Opening Gala, the opening of the Setai Fifth Avenue and the re-opening of the Plaza Hotel, and Sean Combs's 40th Birthday Party.

Don't miss the show at 4 P.M. today–live on SiriusXM 110. Below, I'd like to share a handful of photographs and flower arrangements from Bronson's inspiring portfolio.

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Warm, inviting lighting sets a welcoming mood at the 40th birthday party of Sean Puffy Combs.

1 Warm, inviting lighting sets a welcoming mood at the 40th birthday party of Sean Puffy Combs.

Confetti cannons explode as a part of Burberry's sign lighting ceremony.

2 Confetti cannons explode as a part of Burberry's sign lighting ceremony.

Guests on a rooftop across the street take in the spectacle.

3 Guests on a rooftop across the street take in the spectacle.

As part of the ribbon cutting ceremony at Hearst Tower, there was an acrobatic performance.

4 As part of the ribbon cutting ceremony at Hearst Tower, there was an acrobatic performance.

The performance took place in the tower's atrium.

5 The performance took place in the tower's atrium.

Bronson believes that the container is as important as the flowers. Here, he uses an antique stoneware pitcher as a vase.

6 Bronson believes that the container is as important as the flowers. Here, he uses an antique stoneware pitcher as a vase.

Blood red peonies, lady slipper orchids, black calla lilies, and privet berries make a lovely display.

7 Blood red peonies, lady slipper orchids, black calla lilies, and privet berries make a lovely display.

Bronson recommends a mix of high and low elements in an arrangement: Japanese peonies and dried wheat in an antique horn vase.

8 Bronson recommends a mix of high and low elements in an arrangement: Japanese peonies and dried wheat in an antique horn vase.

Here, Bronson created a stunning vertical garden for the Whitney Gala.

9 Here, Bronson created a stunning vertical garden for the Whitney Gala.

A tent outfitted to look like a barn is the perfect setting for a country wedding.

10 A tent outfitted to look like a barn is the perfect setting for a country wedding.

This all-white birthday party in New York City is so chic.

11 This all-white birthday party in New York City is so chic.

For a private party on the beach, Bronson utilized a group of blue and white cabanas.

12 For a private party on the beach, Bronson utilized a group of blue and white cabanas.

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Posted on September 28, 2011 in Experts, Radio | direct link to this entry |