Simplicity
There’s nothing complicated or overly ornate about the debut collection from City Studio of Los Angeles.
The streamlined, classic look is what’s so appealing about the first line of furniture by designers Toby Mazzie and Tony Fernandez, who recently started City Studio to create original furniture. The two had been working as a team since 1993, when Fernandez joined City Antiques, which Mazzie had opened the previous year.
The style of their creations is sharp and straightforward yet balanced with influences from the past.
“Our products are based upon historical references as the starting point,” says Mazzie, who met Fernandez, a San Salvador native, at USC. “While a chair from the ‘30s or ‘40s might have elements we like, we refine them further and add those that we feel are missing.”
Indeed, the Modernist Collection combines African tribal influences with Art Deco styling. In the line, there are wood tables, mirrors, consoles, coffee tables, desks and side tables. A variety of custom finishes and veneers are available, including mahogany and rift oak.
The Nairobi, Sassandra and Tabou taborets ($1,125 each, 15 inches deep by 18 inches high for Nairobi and Tabou; 15 by 20 for Sassandra) are based on African ceremonial furniture. They combine the spirit of traditional stools with classical forms. The taborets, each finished in French walnut on alder, are designed to be used either as low tables or seating.
The Grand Bassam dining table ($13,800, 72 inches deep by 30 inches high) is pure geometry. Named for an African city, the table has a primitive simplicity with a sophisticated modern edge.
For more information, contact the Randolph & Hein showroom at the Pacific Design Center in Los Angeles, (310) 855-1222.
A Good Fit
Get even, if you have an odd-sized medicine cabinet you want to replace.
Robern Inc., a Kohler company, has introduced the CLR cabinet in its cabFIT series. The cabinet (about $99)--though its 14 by 18 inches--can fit multiple openings from 14-by-18 through 14-by-24 inches.
The cabinet has greater depth (5 1/2 inches) and a larger storage area, so you can stuff hair dryers, toilet paper and other such items in it. There are built-in organizers for such items as emery boards, razors, cotton swabs and makeup.
A toothbrush holder built into the door holds four brushes. The cabinet is mirrored inside and out and has adjustable glass shelves. A matching incandescent vanity light fixture can be purchased separately.
For more information or to locate the nearest retailer, call (215) 826-9800.
Tea Time
Karastan has brewed up its latest collection of wool area rugs. The Samovar Collection of TeaWash rugs is evocative of exotic and spicy teas. The TeaWash technique gives the yarns a rich, warm coloration.
There are three patterns in the collection--Kirman Panel, Esfahan and Persian Vase.
Kirman Panel is an hommage to the artistry of 19th century Persian carpets. The overall effect resembles the bygone use of vegetable dyes to achieve varying shades of color.
Esfahan features a pattern of large-scale floral blooms and leaves, cloud bands and spiral scroll stems. Shades of cocoa and toffee browns, gingery golds, olive and Mediterranean greens are among the rug’s 26-color palette.
Persian Vase is inspired by the late 17th century decoration found on ceramic vases. The distinctive border design is formed by cypress trees alternating with flowering plants.
Prices range from about $1,500 for a 5-foot-9-inch-by-9-foot rug to about $2,800 for an 8-foot-8-inch-by-12-foot rug. For more information or the nearest retailer, call (800) 234-1120.