New York City - Home Design with Kevin Sharkey

Posts Tagged ‘New York City’

My Guest on Today's Show: Christophe Pourny

Posted by Kevin Sharkey

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.

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

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.

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.

8 Before...

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

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

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

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.

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

Tags: Christophe Pourny, design, Kevin Sharkey, New York City, radio guests
Posted on October 12, 2011 in Behind the Scenes, Experts, Furniture, Miscellaneous, Radio | direct link to this entry |

Upper East Side Thrifting

Posted by Kevin Sharkey

Spanning 59th to 96th Streets from Central Park to the East River lies the Upper East Side, which has long been the home to some of America's most established and privileged families. Given residents' expensive tastes, it is not surprising that the Upper East Side is one of the best places to go thrift shopping. Within this thrift shop mecca there are so many hidden treasures. And the best part? Many stores give a portion of your proceeds to a good cause.

I recently went on a thrift shop crawl, taking pictures of all the shops I visited and of all of the second-hand gems I found. I've included a list of the places I stopped in, below, so you can go on a similar thrift shop hunt if you are in the neighborhood. But I also encourage you to explore the thrift shops where you live. If you look closely, there really are so many great finds to be uncovered.

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1 Housing Works Thrift Shop

2 A view of the storefront.

3 A pair of elegant vintage floral prints.

4 This set of matching tables would add a contemporary and glamorous touch to a living room.

5 I love the burst of color in this painting.

6 This reminds me of the long tan suede couch in Coco Chanel's Rue Cambon apartment.

7 What a beautiful wooden piece.

8 Moving on to the Arthritis Foundation Thrift Shop.

9 A view of the storefront.

10 Artistic ashtrays and stylish saucers.

11 What a lively Native American motif.

12 Here is the Cancer Care Thrift Shop.

13 A view of the storefront.

14 Café au lait bowls are one of my favorite things to look for while thrifting.

15 A very sleek clock.

16 A gorgeous glass compote with so many great possibilities for flower arrangements.

17 The classic gilded edge is so sophisticated on this pail. It would make the perfect addition to a home bar.

18 I think the simplicity of these spoons makes them really elegant.

19 What an interesting abstract floral pattern.

20 I love the color palette of this rug.

21 This fabric would be perfect in an outdoor setting as a throw or table cloth.

22 Here we are at the Goodwill Thrift Shop.

23 A view of the storefront.

24 This is such a great conversation piece. It would be perfect on a mantelpiece, or even to dress up your office desk.

25 The artistry on this plate is magnificent. The mix of cream, gold and blue works so well.

26 A gilded salt and pepper shaker.

27 These bronze chalices would be great for a party or simply on display.

28 An assortment of glass vases and carafes in great condition.

29 An interesting radish-shaped serving dish.

30 Up next: the Memorial Sloan-Kettering Thrift Shop.

31 A view of the storefrot.

32 The patterns on these vintage Pucci pieces are so vivid.

33 Fun, bright vintage Ungaro dresses.

These were probably used for a perfume display, as they are very large. I think they would have a great second life as home decorating pieces though. They're so unique.

34 These were probably used for a perfume display, as they are very large. I think they would have a great second life as home decorating pieces though. They're so unique.

35 This charity shop had a great selection of books.

36 The second hand Louis Vuitton luggage was in great shape.

37 There's something so whimsical about tea-cups stacked this way. I love the mixture of colors and patterns.

38 The butterfly detail on these egg cups is perfect for summer.

39 Popular in the 18th-century these finger vases are like five bud vases in one. What a simple way to make the most of a few stems.

40 I love the angular shape of these lucite ice buckets.

41 This is a Russian samovar. It is traditionally used to heat and serve tea, but I think it looks great even when it's not being used.

42 The contrasting thick and thin gold lines makes for a sophisticated pattern.

43 What remarkable details!

44 I wonder where this piece came from...

45 These Middle Eastern trays would make great wall art.

46 Classic striped covers for outdoor furniture.

47 This is a great retro print, and I like the frame it comes in as well.

48 This console has great storage options, with many drawers and exposed shelves.

49 Our last stop is Unique Boutique.

50 A view of the storefront.

51 Unique Boutique has these great lighting fixtures inside. They're very industrial, but they don't overwhelm the space.

52 The aqua color of these glass vases gives off the most amazing filter of light.

53 These crystal knife rests are quite luxurious.

54 An earthenware ceramic tea set in a beautiful ruby hue.

55 A fun dog portrait at an amazing price.

Upper East Side Thrift Stores

Housing Works Thrift Shop | 202 E 77th St. New York, NY 10021 | (212) 772-8461

Cancer Care Thrift Shop | 1480 3rd Ave. New York, NY 10028 | (212)879-9868

Goodwill | 1704 2nd Ave. New York, NY 10128 | (212)831-1830

Memorial Sloan-Kettering Thrift Shop | 1440 3rd Ave. New York, NY 10028 | (212) 535-1250

Unique Boutique | 1674 3rd Ave. New York, NY 10128 | (212) 427-0077

Arthritis Foundation Thrift Shop | 1430 3rd Ave. New York, NY 10028 | (212) 772-8816

Council Thrift Shop | 246 East 84th St. New York, NY 10028 | (212) 439-8373

Tags: Decorating, New York City, second hand, thrift shopping, upper east side
Posted on August 30, 2011 in Decorating Ideas, Fashion, Furniture, Inspiration, Lighting, Miscellaneous, Photo Galleries, Shopping | direct link to this entry |

Center 44

Posted by Kevin Sharkey

Here in the decorating department of Martha Stewart Living, were often search for unique and antique pieces to use in photo shoots. In New York City, there are so many places to look, but one place we constantly visit is Center 44 in Midtown Manhattan. It's a spacious 25,000 sq. ft. center (encompassing a city block between 43rd and 44th), a stones throw away from Grand Central Station. Co-owners Paul Plumadore and Jim Tindell have been running the store for 5 1/2 years. They feature dealers selling antiques, artwork, lighting, furniture, accessories and even antique fabric. The bulk of their products date back to the mid-20th Century.

Though they weren't educated in design, both had artistic pasts. Paul was originally a dancer, Jim a photographer. Before running antique centers, the two were antique dealers. In 2003, they were involved in the opening of a center in Harlem, Lafayette Antique at the Warehouse. On opening day, the manager quit and they were asked to come on as replacements. That management experience is what Paul says gave Jim the crash course they needed in management to run Center 44.

Unfortunately two years later, the building was sold to Manhattan Mini Storage, and so Paul and Jim were out of a job. However, they seized the opportunity and found a way to start their own business.

"We had all these dealers and they wanted to do something. So we said hey, let’s go downtown. We found this place within a couple of weeks…just sort of happened by serendipity," Paul said.

Many of the dealers transferred over to the new store. An old warehouse building that was built for the teamsters in 1904. The building's history makes it the perfect place to house such old objects. Currently, the space holds 70 vendors, but has room for 75 since a few vendors have expanded to use multiple spots. One of the main things Paul and Jim look for is variety in their vendors. Their wide range of products is what Paul thinks sets them apart from other antique centers.

"I’d like to say it’s mostly eclecticism. But also, we’re not snooty about what we do. We’re very hands on. We own it and we work the floor. We’re very service oriented. We work with our clients," Paul said.

The space is really incredible to be in. While a majority of their customers are designers, Center 44 is open to the public. The place is great if you're looking for something specific, but the sheer size and variety of space is also great for inspiration.

As Paul says, "You never know what you're going to find here."

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1 This lighting feature is very '60s.

2 A set of vintage Kagan couches, which Paul says are extremely rare to find together.

3 These chairs double as room art.

4 Paul points out an art piece that was actually used as currency.

5 The color of these chairs is striking.

6 The combination of the bright patent material with the vintage frame of this stool is great.

7 A pair of rare Madonna prints.

8 This wood coffee table is perfectly designed. And I like the yarn chair positioned next to it.

9 I have a similar chair at home.

10 Paul helps out on the floor.

11 A vintage chair with a classic upholstery.

12 The blue interior on these earthenware cups is such a surprising touch.

13 You can tell that this dealer has a very specific style.

14 This dealer has a very '60s glamor look.

15 A pair of interesting crystal pieces that would look great on display.

16 I love the flower shaped mirrors. They're fun and sophisticated.

17 A gilded glass bar, next to a great beige divan.

18 The color of this glass bar set is amazing. It reminds me of a blood orange.

19 This rustic-looking chair is actually made of ceramic.

20 These metal trunks are so unusual. They would look great in a modern-looking room, with their sleek exteriors.

21 The lamps are actually contemporary, but are very popular.

22 There are so many beautiful lighting options throughout Center 44.

26 The marbled effect on this lamp is unlike anything I've seen before.

27 I like the neutral couch. This dealer's selection of lighting fixtures and wall art are especially great as well.

28 A kimono that is beautiful enough to hang as art. I love the textile pattern.

29 The different lamp vases are wonderful. I like the blue milk glass and the wide based sea glass.

30 This dealer sells pieces made of Israeli olive tree wood.

32 Amidst the multitude of great pieces in this dealers area, it's hard to notice the gorgeous glass desk.

33 What a great hanging glass piece in the middle. It reminds me of a jellyfish.

35 An epic piece of Swedish Folk Art. And no, alligators are not native to Scandanavia.

36 I like the use of zebra hide for the backing of those antique chairs.

37 Coral is such a beautiful piece of nature to use as art for decorating.

38 This horn would make a great home accent.

An unusual find for a antique furnishings center, but beautiful none the less. These handbags are worthy of being displayed, even if it's just on your arm.

39 An unusual find for a antique furnishings center, but beautiful none the less. These handbags are worthy of being displayed, even if it's just on your arm.

Tags: center 44, Decorating, New York City, Shopping, vintage
Posted on August 16, 2011 in Decorating Ideas, Furniture, Inspiration, Lighting, Miscellaneous, Photo Galleries, Shopping | direct link to this entry |