Maitland-Smith

A Shade Above the Rest

What makes a lamp shade stand out above the rest?  To do so, the design must be original, the frame must be hand-formed and welded, and the finest fabric must be hand-stitched.

At Maitland-Smith we start with the original shade drawing of the perfect complement to the lamp base. This is a good example of an unusual shade with curved sides rather than straight lines. 

From the designer's drawing the lamp shade comes to life as the metal is shaped and welded. Next the frame is handwrapped with fine muslin ribbon.  To this fabric-covered frame our skilled sewers stitch the outer fabric and inner lining. 

Dressmaker details including hand-set pleating, smocking and embroidery are added as the designer indicates.  Final steps include the addition of trim at the top and bottom with folds, gimps and custom details. 

 

When the shade is complete, it goes to packaging for a custom-made box.
Here is the final product.  The shade is silk with ruching and trim, and the fabric diffuses the light beautifully. The peacock base made from the drawing is verdigris finished cast brass with pawa shell inlay giving a little sparkle to the wings.  The base is stone.

There are definitely differences in lamp shades, and a hand-formed and hand-stitched shade is what makes a shade above the rest.

Elegant and distinctive pieces for your home today, with quality and style to last a lifetime.... Do you have a Maitland-Smith treasure?    www.maitland-smith.com

Dealer Showcase - Mister Robert, Norman, OK

One of our favorite dealers is Mister Robert Fine Furniture & Design, Norman, OK, whose relationship with Maitland-Smith/La Barge began in 1989.    

Occupying over a half city block, Mister Robert Fine Furniture and Design started over 50 years ago on East Main Street.   It's a family affair as Steve Calonkey and his siblings continue the business started by their parents in 1958.  Their slogan is "beautifying the world, one room at a time."  They do this by providing high-end, designer oriented furniture selections and complimentary design services by the best designers in the area. 

Here are a couple of shots from their store.  The Maitland-Smith oval partners' desk is the focal point in this room.  As you can see, Mister Robert offers a large selection of accessories for that spur of the moment purchase of just the right thing to add to or complete a room.   

Shown here are examples of Maitland-Smith's signature hair hide inlays on the chest of drawers and mirror. 

If you are in the Norman, OK area, be sure to stop in to see the Calonkey's at Mister Robert Fine Furniture & Design to experience 50 plus years of tradition in providing quality furnishings to the people in Oklahoma and beyond.   

Elegant and distinctive pieces for your home today, with quality and style to last a lifetime....Do you have a Maitland-Smith treasure?     www.maitland-smith.com

Crazy for Crabs

Summer often includes trips to the beach, and usually at the beach we find crabs with the sea and sand, sea gulls and pelicans. 

 

These creatures are odd as they dart from side to side in the sand, yet endearing at the same time.  Because of our fascination with crabs, we find them imprinted on fabrics, in art, and as accessories.  Who can resist the "crispy on the outside, tender on the inside" crab cakes and she-crab soup and steamed crabs?  Tasting these foods we are instantly transported in our minds to the wonderful times spent on the water. 

Maitland-Smith has a selection of accessories featuring these quirky creatures. Seen here is a cast brass box with inlaid tiger penshell on the lid.  Deposit your rings or change, and they are beautifully kept out of sight. 

 

For your summer parties, you can enlist as help these two saucy crabs who are busy holding up the Aged Regency finished tray with a beautiful marquety pattern and brass accents.

Below is the perfect clock for your sea-side desk. The cast brass crab is clutching a timepiece. 

Crab-themed items are just the thing for the beach home. For your home away from the beach, they will remind you of those lazy, hazy, crazy vacation days of summer all year long.   

 

 Elegant and distinctive pieces for your home today, with quality and style to last a lifetime....Do you have a Maitland-Smith treasure?    www.maitland-smith.com