I am so excited to introduce you all to one of the most incredible family of galleries called, Arader Galleries, which offers exceptional antique works on paper, as well as paintings and rare books.   
For thirty-eight years they have helped homeowners and designers compile collections of engravings that feature botanicals, architecturals, natural history, and marine life that were created between the 16th to 19th centuries. They also feature the largest collection of Audubon prints and rare maps in the world.

So what does this mean to the glam girl who doesn’t have a fortune to spend on a rare map or Audubon print, but would like to put together a group of these historically significant pieces? First, begin by looking at your interior design. If traditional, go for some of the stunning maps (prices start at $150) or bird engravings. Placed in traditional, ornate frames, these pieces are perfect for your living room, entryway or dining room.

Contemporary aficionados shouldn’t shy away from historical prints, because amassing a collection of Rodrigues botanicals and framing them in sleek modern silver or black makes these oh so 21st century. Hang several on one wall to create maximum impact.

The world of artwork is complex and sometimes daunting, but when you are purchasing a piece of history, you can never go wrong. These pieces are timeless and will appreciate in value over the years. As well, they truly can transform to match your design sense throughout the rest of your life!

For more information contact Kasey Collins, (303) 321-0113, kaseycollins@aradergalleries.com.

–By Kate Bailey

Technorati Tags: Arader Gallery, botanical prints, historical maps, Audubon, bird engravings, antique prints, rare books

Love This Story? Buzz It Up Here!

Stumble It! Save to del.icio.us Digg Email Facebook

I have a serious love of exotic goods and textiles, and on my recent trip to New York I went completely mad for the modern furnishings upholstered with exotic textiles shown on nearly every floor of ABC Carpet & Home (see above and below). From the vintage embroidered Uzbekistani and Central Asian tapestries that embellish slipper chairs, benches and cushions, to the Indian sari that transforms a classically modern chair, these pieces spoke to me as the ultimate symbol of modern design.

While not everyone can afford these one-of-a-kind pieces from ABC, a favorite designer of mine, John Robshaw, handcrafts some of the most beautiful, rich and exotic textiles I have ever found. Their traditional printing, dying and weaving techniques reinterpret centuries old patterns with contemporary colorways and fresh combinations.
Late in 2007 Robshaw opened an online storefront, bringing his stunning wares to anyone with access to the Internet and a true penchant for the exotic. I think you will enjoy his goods as much as I do, and, if you are feeling particularly crafty, consider using one of his fabrics on a fabulous vintage chair or chaise…at half the price of a piece from ABC.

Here are some of my favorite pieces from the latest John Robshaw collection.

Phulkari Bedding

Placemats

Durries

Greek Harpies Pillows

Java Bedding

Technorati Tags: ABC Carpet & Home, exotic fabric, modern exotics, John Robshaw, Indian sari print fabrics, johnrobshaw.com, exotic bedding, exotic tabletop, exotic pillows

Love This Story? Buzz It Up Here!

Stumble It! Save to del.icio.us Digg Email Facebook

I first discovered Ortolan in the eco-friendly issue of Domino magazine a few months ago, and I was immediately drawn to their simple graphic designs and unabashed dedication to the environment.

Sister duo Bethany and Jenna Mallet grew up on a small farm in Ohio where “organic living was inescapable.” They eventually moved to Manhattan where, in 2008, they combined Bethany’s experience in the garment industry and Jenna’s artistic illustrations and founded their company Ortolan.

The sister’s maintain the highest standards of eco-friendly linens. The entire 2008 collection is made with 100% Certified Organic Cotton. Packaging is also 100% recycled, and all of the pillows are made with kapok fill, a vegan-friendly alternative to goose down. Additionally, all of their kitchen and bath goods are milled and sewn in the United States. All of the blankets and some of the pillows are hand woven in Peru using ancient weaving techniques.

The napkins and hand towels make excellent hostess gifts. Birds or strips are an excellent choice for city hosts and the cheeky crab and shell motifs are perfect for the beach hostess.

In September the designers will debut two new collections, Paisley–a flora-style vignette–and a funkier Tarot-card-inspired collection.

I highly recommend following the Mallet sisters as I think their renown will continue to grow as their collections continue to evolve. And, what is better than supporting budding young artists who are also doing their part to help save the planet?

–By Kate Bailey

Technorati Tags: Ortolan organics, organic linens, organic cotton towels, organic cotton napkins, stylish organic linens, organic bath towels, organic cotton blankets, handmade blankets, handmade pillows, organic pillows, vegan pillows

Love This Story? Buzz It Up Here!

Stumble It! Save to del.icio.us Digg Email Facebook

In my never-ending quest for home design products that are not only beautiful, but also give back to hard-working craftspeople in developing countries, I discovered the website for the Pillow Dreams Project. This wonderful company, which began in 2003 after the owners volunteered in an infant home in Malawi, is a fair trade business that imports pillowcases and other craft products from developing nations and sells them in the US.

The pillows, made from gorgeous materials, such as silk, cotton and hemp and crafted by local tribal women in villages and townships of South Africa, Vietnam and Thailand, are sold online. Fifty-percent of the profits are donated to nonprofit programs that benefit children where the pillowcases are made.

Co-founders Renee Reitmeijer and Laura Tilley founded the organization help develop fair trade businesses that would allow local women in each country to continue to make a living wage while maintaining their traditional lifestyles. Ultimately their goal is to preserve and develop local traditional crafts and help support the future of underprivileged children.

Visit their website for more information about KOTO (Know One Teach One), a non-profit that keeps homeless Vietnamese children off the streets, and helps them build a better future. Proceeds also go to Open Arms Infants Home in Malawi, Africa, which provides food, shelter and care to orphans from birth to age five.

There is an incredible selection of stunning pillows to choose from in a rainbow of different colors, materials and designs. Prices are seriously affordable, with most in the range of $20-$35. They make wonderful gifts, but will also add an exotic flair to your home.

I think it is a win-win situation for all!

Technorati Tags: Pillow Dreams Project, exotic pillows, pillows with a purpose, non-profit home design, South African pillows, Vietnamese pillows, Thailand pillows, silk pillows, hemp pillows, KOTO, Open Arms Infants Malawai

Love This Story? Buzz It Up Here!

Stumble It! Save to del.icio.us Digg Email Facebook

I confess that I am not much of a green thumb. In fact, I have more of a tendency to kill plants than nurture them into flourishing, colorful specimens. It helps that I live in an apartment and don’t have to worry about mowing the lawn or coaxing a patch of flowers to bring forth their bright hues. Instead, I tend to my little pots, planted with easy-to-maintain geraniums and grasses, and decorate my porch with some quirky pieces of artwork and funky patio furnishings.

In my never-ending quest for the interesting and different, I return time and time again to uncommongoods.com. They carry pieces by one of my favorite artists, Fred Conlon, creates some of the most wacky and hilarious pieces of garden (or patio) sculpture I have ever seen.

Raised in Colorado, Conlon now lives in Salt Lake City where he crafts his sculptures from recovered objects, such as World War II helmets, recycled metal and recycled hardware.

His collection of “Gnome Be Gone” figures cut a rug anywhere outside, and look particularly comical settled in among a “pretty” plot of botanicals. My favorite is the original “Gnome Be Gone” that appears to haul the traditional garden gnome off your lot.

So, while I am not much of a green thumb, I can and do love the great outdoors, and have come to appreciate all of those years my father made me mow the massive lawn that surrounded my childhood home. With all of the rushing about in our lives, why not take a little more time to stop and smell the flowers?

–By Kate Bailey

Technorati Tags: garden gnomes, garden sculpture, eco-friendly garden, recycled garden art, outdoor art, Fred Conlon, metal garden sculptures

Love This Story? Buzz It Up Here!

Stumble It! Save to del.icio.us Digg Email Facebook