The Balustrade & Bitters Encyclopedia - Watching it Grow!

Admin — Tue, 09 Mar 2010 01:05:03 +0100

So we haven't been up yet a week, and the response to our community has been fantastic! Businesses are connecting and people are communicating in ways that even we did not imagine. Take for instance Style Curator Blog:

We added a program where you could connect your TwitRead More...

What the Heck is a Half-Tester?

Admin — Fri, 05 Mar 2010 04:15:20 +0100

Head over to the B&B Encyclopedia to find out. Decor Delux, a drapery workroom in Orange County, CA and member of the B&B Encyclopedia writes about the beauty of this bed treatment here.

The Balustrade & Bitters Encyclopedia

Admin — Tue, 02 Mar 2010 00:21:33 +0100

We are thrilled to announce the launch of our companion site, the Balustrade and Bitters Encyclopedia - an online community for the design and arts industries.

For those of you in the industry - designers, upholsterers, antiques dealers, collectors, design bloggers, trade showrooms, writers, fabric houses, experts, photographers, manufacturers and much, much more, this is a place where you can present your work and/or products and connect with others in the industry.

Line Vautrin

Wendy Haworth — Thu, 25 Feb 2010 08:00:00 +0100

Line Vautrin was a designer whose work is as fascinating as her life story. In the manner of her compatriot, Coco Chanel, she was strong, creative, ambitious and inventive. Line was born in Paris in 1913 and left home at 14 unfulfilled with school to find her passion. At age 20, after various employments, she decided to set up her own jewelry business. She initially learned her craft from her father who ran his parents foundry.

Line’s career took off afterRead More...

Where do you go in your own home to get away from it all?

Admin — Wed, 24 Feb 2010 08:00:00 +0100

This simple yet brilliant idea can make use of a spare closet or the end of a narrow room. All you need is some shelving, a twin bed, 30 yards of fabric and your favorite books or laptop.

Illustration from "The Interior Designer's Bedspread and Canopy Sketchfile"

by Marjorie Borradaile Helsel

Feed Me Chocolate Truffles Amongst My Graduating Ruffles

Admin — Wed, 24 Feb 2010 06:34:20 +0100

Illustration from "The Interior Designers Bedspread and Canopy Sketch File"

Written by Marjorie Borradaile Helsel - 1975

VINTAGE VOYEUR - Victorian Gothic Lust

Admin — Tue, 23 Feb 2010 08:00:00 +0100

We could find no other words to describe this beauty in all its tufted black silk moire splendor. Note to the right, the Louis XIV goblets hung from the ceiling like a mobile.

Interior design by Pierre Barbe

From "The Finest Rooms in France", a French House and Garden book - 1966

Photographer unknown

Sandra Davolio - Expressive Vessels

Admin — Sat, 20 Feb 2010 00:11:37 +0100

Sandra Davolio, an Italian born artist who has lived in Denmark since 1974, creates these intricate, ruffly lettuce-like vases from stoneware and porcelain. We came upon her work while perusing the website of the J. Lohmann Gallery. Gallery owner Joern Lohmann offers an exquisitely curated selection of vintage ceramics, metalwork and silver as well as presenting new works by selected artists. We couldn't help but wonder how he came about representing Davolio.

LRead More...

Palm Spring Modernism Show - 2010

Admin — Thu, 18 Feb 2010 02:30:29 +0100

Modern showed in many forms this year at the Palm Springs Modernism show. From natural and industrial to high gloss and high glam. Click here for B&B's coverage.

Distinctive Dressing Tables - Arthur Smith

Admin — Tue, 09 Feb 2010 08:00:00 +0100

"Tissues" by Ed Ruscha hangs above a tailored skirted dressing table. An upholstered x-base stool mimics the artwork.

Interior design by Arthur Smith

Architectural Digest New York Interiors - 1979

Photograph by Peter Vitale

Interior Designer Tim Clarke Tells B&B About His Design for Blue Plate Oysterette

Admin — Tue, 09 Feb 2010 00:51:27 +0100

Click here to see the Tim Clarke/Blue Plate Oysterette video

Distinctive Dressing Tables - Armand-Albert Rateau

Admin — Thu, 04 Feb 2010 08:00:00 +0100

Boudoir design by Armand-Albert Rateau for Jeanne Lanvin in her Paris flat in 1920.

"Art Deco Interiors" by Patricia Bayer - 1990

Striking Lighting - David Whitcomb

Admin — Mon, 01 Feb 2010 08:00:00 +0100

A unique still life further enhanced by the use of lighting. Stairwell at the Manhattan duplex of Designer David Whitcomb.

Architectural Digest - Traditional Interiors - 1979

Photograph by Daniel Eifert

New Proprietor Story - Aaron R. Thomas

Admin — Sat, 30 Jan 2010 02:13:17 +0100

Click here to reader about artist and proprietor Aaron R. Thomas

*photograph by Coleen Rider

Mansour Modern

Wendy Haworth — Wed, 27 Jan 2010 04:26:21 +0100

Mansour Modern has a wonderful collection of antique and contemporary rugs; some of my favorites are part of the The Circa Collection. What makes this collection unique is that they are actually antique rugs that have been unraveled and rewoven into vintage inspired designs - taking green to a whole new luxurious level. Founder and head designer of Mansour Modern, Ben Soleimani, says “Although these are new designs, the wool and yarns are repurposed from vintage Read More...

Vote for Your Favorite Vintage Vessel Still Life & be Entered to Win a Dutch Touch Oil Painting!

Admin — Wed, 27 Jan 2010 01:44:59 +0100

We are very excited about our first contest here at Balustrade & Bitters - and it's a DOOZY!

By voting for your favorite image from our Vintage Vessels photo shoot, you will automatically be entered to win a beautiful Dutch Touch Art oil painting.

Click here for details.

Getting Modern with the Masters - David Whitcomb

Admin — Mon, 25 Jan 2010 08:00:00 +0100

Juxtaposition of old master painting with modern graphic textile.

Interior design by David Whitcomb

Architectural Digest - New York Interiors, 1979