Maitland-Smith

New Alexa Hampton Accessories at Maitland-Smith

Maitland-Smith proudly introduced a new collection of over 50 accessories by Alexa Hampton at the April 2015 High Point Furniture Market. 

Alexa Hampton, Mark Hampton LLC, New York, has completed a wide range of designs for domestic and international projects from New York City to Hangzhou, China, including apartments and large residences, private airlanes and yachts.  A perennial member of Architectural Digest's AD100 and House Beautiful's Top Designer list as well as a member of Elle Decor's A-list, Hampton's work is classic and eclectic.   

Hampton has a growing stable of acclaimed products for the home including her own furniture line at our sister company, Hickory Chair.    

Additionally, she is the author of two renowned books:  the Language of Interior Design, and Decorating in Detail. 

The Alexa Hampton for Maitland-Smith collection of accessories includes paperweights, urns, tazzas, trays, obelisks, boxes, candlesticks and other finely made decorative objects. 

Following are a sample of her amazing new accessories.  

 
  

This is a set of three stone balls in various colors on black stone bases. 

One of several obelisks in the collection, this one features multi-stone inlay.

 

This urn was a market best-seller, with inlaid brown snakeskin stone. 

This beautiful mauve terrazzo stone tazza sits on a black waxstone base. 

 
A pair of ebony bronze finished brass Egyptian candlesticks are small (only 9" high), but big on detail. 

 

 

Alexa has a variety of boxes in the collection including this light clamstone inlaid box.  Other boxes have inlaid wood patterns, inlaid penshell or a painted tortoise finish. 

 These are just a few of the many new items in the Alexa Hampton for Maitland-Smith collection. The collection will be available in fine home furnishings retail stores in the fall.

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

Maitland-Smith is part of the Heritage Home Group LLC family of companies.

www.maitland-smith.com   www.heritagehome.com

 

A Frog's Life

Kermit the Frog sings a song,  "It isn't easy being green...."  But the frog's life can't be all that bad.   By the time Kermit finishes the song, he says, "I am green, and it'll do fine, it's beautiful!  And I think it's what I want to be."  

We all love Kermit, and frogs, despite being amphibians, are sometimes kind of cute. 

At the recent April market, we introduced several accessories with the popular frog motif. 

First is a best-selling new lamp added to the Maitland-Smith collection of lighting.  The cast brass frog is flying his kite of tiger penshell, while standing on his lily pad.  A real conversaton starter, it is sure to be noticed because of its whimsy. 

Next we have a helpful frog who is happy to hold and display your favorite summertime wine.  He, too is cast brass and has dyed green penshell accents.   

In case you are wondering, penshell is a mollusk found in abundance in the tropical waters of the western Pacific.  Tiger Penshell is so named because of the coloration of gold and brown.  It can be used in a variety of ways, most notably as lamp shades because of the beautiful diffusion of light. 

This frog's umbrella got away with him on a windy day.  For this accessory, the umbrella forms a bowl that can be used to hold soaps in the powder room, or keys on an entry table. 

If you love frogs, be sure to check our website where we have other frog-inspired lamps and accessories.

Kermit the Frog is known for his quotes, so I leave you with this one: 

"Here's some simple advice: Always be yourself.  Never take yourself too seriously.  And beware of advice from experts, pigs and from members of Parliament."  Good advice. 

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

    

Russian Rooms A La Anna Karenina

For my fellow Anglophiles who can't seem to get enough of period movies and actors such as Keira Knightley, Jude Law and Matthew Macfadyen (Mr. Darcy in Pride and Prejudice), we have only a few days to wait for the new Anna Karenina movie opening in theaters November 16.  The director, Joe Wright, and the producers worked together on Pride and Prejudice and Atonement, so we can expect another winner. 

Although this movie is set in Russia, rather than England, it will still more than satisfy our interest in the fashion, elegance, life and drama of the 19th Century.    Anna Karenina, the novel, is an epic, tragic love story written by Leo Tolstoy in installments from 1873 to 1877.  It is considered by many critics as one of the greatest novels ever written. 

At the recent fall furniture market, Maitland-Smith unveiled our own new lifestyle of lavish Russian-inspired furnishings with all the gilt, carvings and inlays that one expects of the period. 

 Here we have a handsome chest of drawers with hand carving, gilding and loads of brass pulls and escutcheons made in our own foundry.  The finish is a combination of black lacquer with polished mahogany and the top is black waxstone with a brass inlay.  You must agree that this is very regal indeed. 

Next we have a writing desk which also evokes the Russian Empire look with black lacquer and gilding, black leather inlay and brass accents.  I can almost picture Count Vronsky working here. 

Lastly we feature a tripod occasional table with gorgeous wood grain on the top and beautiful marquetry inlay.  Pierced interlocking circles of brass encircle the top and the black lacquered legs are gilded. 

While we hopeless romantics wait for the next season of Downton Abbey to begin, we can look forward to sitting in the dark very soon with a big bag of popcorn ready to transport ourselves to 19th Century Russia and experience Anna Karenina. 

These new Maitland-Smith pieces will be available at your local fine home furnishings store next summer should you wish to create your own Russian-inspired rooms. 

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

Exciting News - Collaboration with Celerie Kemble Announced

Maitland-Smith is pleased to announce that Celerie Kemble, noted interior designer and author, is designing a group of lighting and accessories for Maitland-Smith to complement the new group of casegoods and upholstery she is designing for our sister company, Henredon. The pieces are being finalized now, and the exciting new collections will debut at the April 2013 market. 

Celerie, in case you didn't know, is a principal of Kemble Interiors based in Palm Beach, Florida, and New York City.  Interior Design is in her genes as her mother, Mimi Maddock McMakin, began Kemble Interiors in Palm Beach in 1982, so Celerie grew up surrounded by beautiful furnishings, fabrics and color. She is a partner with her mother in the New York office of Kemble Interiors. 

For 15 years Celerie has compiled a much publicized portfolio of residential and commercial interiors that are as diverse as her clientel.  She has been featured in countless publications and even appeared on the Martha Stewart Black and White show in March, discussing decorating with black and white, the subject of her latest book, Black and White (and a bit in between), published by Clarkson Potter. 

   Hand Painted Wallpaper by Fromental, Rene Drouet Chairs,  Black Lacquered Demi-Lune Table Attributed to Jansen, Belted Stripe Rug, and Silver Coffee and Tea Set.  Photo by Hulya Kolabas.

This image is from the Martha Stewart Black and White show.  

As an interior designer, Celerie endeavors "to fuse the elegance of subtle luxury with comfort, current fashion, and an understanding of what will be enduring design."  See deems it "a privilege to team with Henredon and Maitland-Smith and to work with some of the most capable craftspeople in the furniture manufacturing industry." 

We also deem it a privilege to be collaborating with such a talented designer and author.   (Photo of Celerie Kemble by Douglas Friedman)

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



 



The Celebration Continues At Maitland-Smith

Monday night during the furniture market we celebrated the launch of our new collection by Henrietta Spencer-Churchill.  This is the first designer collection for Maitland-Smith, so there was plenty to celebrate. 

  Lady Henrietta with our president, Dan Bradley at the party. 

Dan gave a champagne toast to welcome Henrietta into the Maitland-Smith family, and then she shared a few words.   

Celebrating with us were our friends from Traditional Home, Beth Brenner and Blaire Rzempoluch.

It was great to see our friends from Luxe interiors + design, Jennifer Matthews and Lori Sheldon. 

As an aside, Maitland-Smith is excited to be participating in the Maison de Luxe in Beverly Hills sponsored by Luxe design + interiors. the historic Greystone Mansion is the setting, and it will be open December 2-22, with rooms designed by over 20 of America's finest designers. 

Back to the party -- Our wonderful dealers and designers joined us in celebrating including Richard Condanti with Bella Casa, Portland, Oregon. 

Lady Henrietta is a renowned interior designer and has written several books on classic English interiors.  Her pieces in the collection are her own designs - from sketches all the way to the completed piece.   She visited our factory in the Philippines where she  selected her custom finishes and custom hardware.   It was "hands on" all the way from her vision to the placing of the pieces and presentation in the showroom.  Her inspiration comes from the 18th century classics, but with her modern twist. 

 Adding a collection by Henrietta Spencer-Churchill to the Maitland-Smith line is the perfect marriage of designer and manufacturer.  Our roots go back 30 years to London, where we were founded by an antiques dealer. From the beginning our artisans have held to high standards of craftsmanship, and this craftsmanship continues today.   They do exquisite work with marquetry and parquetry, lost wax cast brass and hand-rubbed finishing. 

This festive party mood has carried us through to the last day of market and now as it has ended, we reflect.  Today our showroom is quiet, and before long we will start to anticipate the beautiful furnishings to come in April.

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

 

The British Connection at Maitland-Smith

Maitland-Smith is pleased to announce the October 2011 market launch of a new collection, Henrietta Spencer-Churchill for Maitland-Smith. Included are almost 100 pieces of furniture, lighting, upholstery and accessory pieces.  Lady Henrietta draws her inspiration from 18th century classics, yet at the same time infuses them with contemporary appeal. 

This collection takes us back to our roots, as our company was started in 1979 by a London antiques dealer.  Maitland-Smith is known by its exquisite artisan craftsmanship and attention to detail.  Lady Henrietta's pieces have this same artistry with beautiful marquetry patterns as well as hand-carving, hand finishing and custom lost wax cast brass accents. 

Henrietta Spencer-Churchill is a renown interior designer and author of several books on classic English interiors.    Her father is the 11th Duke of Marlborough and her family home is Blenheim Palace in Oxfordshire. 
This rich heritage steeped in history, gives her unique insight for designing beautiful, quality furnishings for the finest of homes.

Inspiration comes from my love of classic eighteenth century furniture and objects.  Quality, scale and practicality were key to craftsmen then and paramount to me today. - ''the object of art is to give life a shape."  (Jean Anouilh). Henrietta Spencer-Churchill.

Following is a sneak peek at just one of the pieces in her collection.  My favorite is this tea table with rosewood veneered top, brass gallery, curved ebonized legs and brass rondels.  

 

 The backdrop of this photo of Lady Henrietta is the front view of the magnificent and stately Blenheim Palace. 

Whether we admit to being Anglophiles or not, as we watched the fairy-tale marriage of Prince Charles to Kate Middleton in April we were caught up with the history, color and grandeur of all that is English.  We can carry that fascination into our homes this Spring when the Henrietta Spencer-Churchill for Maitland-Smith collection will be available in retail stores.  The quality, style and attention to detail of fine, 18th century English cabinetmakers are hallmarks of the Henrietta Spencer-Churchill for Maitland-Smith collection.

Timeless Designs Inspired by Heritage

www.maitland-smith.com

Coming Soon

Maitland-Smith is tremendously excited about the October market debut of a new namesake collection designed by a very special person.  Details will be shared soon, but until then, I will give a few photo hints. 

  
  
Okay - That was easy.   So now you have the British connection.  More clues:

1. She is a renowned interior designer and celebrated author of nine books on classic interior design.
2. She has a rich heritage steeped in history giving her unique insight and a trained eye for all that is authentic in English interiors.

No more clues for now, but perhaps these are enough to help you pinpoint the name of our new designer collection of almost 100 pieces including accessories, lighting, upholstery and furniture.   

There is a lot of hustle and bustle going on in our showroom, as we are preparing to receive our guests in just a couple of weeks.    The walls have been painted and the carpets installed. The lighting and mirrors are being hung. The trucks are delivering the furniture, and the items are being carefully placed.  It seems each market that we will never possibly be able to get it all done in time, but it always seems to happen. 

We are looking forward once again to the return visits of our friends, our loyal dealers and designers, and showing them all that Maitland-Smith and La Barge have to offer to help create the perfect home. 

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

 

New At Maitland-Smith

The spring furniture market is now just a warm memory, as our thoughts are looking forward to the fantastic new items coming for the fall market. However, we will take a moment to look back and share with you some of the exciting new items that were presented. 

Last month we introduced two new lifestyle groups,  "Mack's Lounge" and "Cape Colony." 

Maitland-Smith does not have collections, per se.   Each piece stands alone; however, the pieces generally fall into a style category, so our story builds around the style. 

Mack's Lounge is a transitional group with roots in the Art Deco, Art Moderne, Hollywood glamour, "Rat Pack" eras using Macassar ebony, faux shagreen, rosewood, walnut and mahogany with luxurious velvets and leather, gilt and silver leaf.  Shapes are bold linear symmetry with functionality and modernity.  Following is a sampling of some of the new pieces that our guests saw when they toured the showroom.

This center table has a glazed mahogany finish on rosewood veneer with abalone inlay on the top and a nickel-plated brass accent on the base. This is a beautiful focal piece to greet your guests as they arrive in your home. 

Another popular Mack's Lounge piece is this striking chiffonier with clean lines, walnut finish and ebonized base.  Notice the leaf pattern radiating from the center with stringing defining the leaf shapes.  The waxstone top adds beauty and functionality making this a wonderful addition to the dining room as a buffet, holding serving pieces.  Nickel-plated brass pulls complete the piece. 

Switching gears, we move to Cape Colony where we see the campaign style reminiscent of the knock-down furnishings created for the British army in the 1800's by English craftsmen, Sheraton, Chippendale and Hepplewhite.    

The items were portable and lightweight and gave the British officers some of the comforts of home.  The look also reminds us of an African safari, again with on-the-move pieces providing traveling luxury. 

As you can imagine, this campaign portable wine box stood out with its style and functionality.  Covered in canvas and inlaid with vintage leather, it makes having a glass of wine at the end of the day an easy accomplishment while on safari (or in your home). 

 The handsome Cape Colony chest of drawers provides storage and can easily be used beside the bed as a night table.  Sporting a new Safari Brown finish, it, too, is inlaid with vintage leather and the brass on the pulls has a new finish, Colonial Brass. 

 
As these pieces are very new, they won't be available at your local fine home furnishings dealer until the fall.  We thought you might enjoy having a peek in advance so you can be on the lookout for their arrival. 

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

 

New at Maitland-Smith and La Barge

The twice yearly home furnishings market begins today and we have been busy adding the final touches to our showroom to make our guests feel special and welcome.  It's almost like inviting our dealers and designers to a party in our own home.  The flowers are arranged, the background music is playing and the food is being prepared. 

Though we are only open to the trade, we will share with you a few sneak peeks of some of the new offerings.

Our new lifestyle this market is called "London Townhouse" with classic English and European furniture and accessories.  These introductions with their decidedly refined and pared down aesthetic were inspired by objects found in the finest of London townhouses, yet are suitable for any fine home today.  Lion's paw feet and textures of crocodile embossed leather, brass and stone as well as beautiful marquetry and walnut burl, create a look that is both handsome and very comfortable. 

This etagere captures the true essence of the London Townhouse group.   It features classic English forms with its turned posts and lion's paw carvings, accentuated in our new rubbed London mahogany finish.  This piece is at home in a library, but just as comfortable in a bedroom.  Scaled down slightly for today's urban living, this versatile piece complements any decor. 

This handsome pair of vintage silver finished brass table lamps with horse motif are the perfect complement to classic forms.  The black and gold shades are hand sewn silk. 

For those who like cleaner lines, we have added to our East/West passage lifestyle group of transitional 20th century designs.  The antique aubergine finish lends sophistication to this transitional cocktail table.  Overscaled but understated, the black waxstone top is accentuated with a petrified wood mosaic and brass inlays. 

La Barge continues its tradition of offering the finest in mirrors and accent tables with a blending of exotic veneers with stainless steel and brass accents.

The round La Barge mirror has a walnut burl faceted frame with gilded moldings and beveled mirror glass. 

 Clean lines define the occasional table with stainless steel posts supporting the walnut burl and beveled clear glass top.  The mirrored shelf below is also beveled. 

These are just a few of the many new offerings by Maitland-Smith and La Barge.  You can see why we are so excited and look forward to welcoming our guests.      

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  www.labargeinc.com

Creative with Carpets

 Nothing complements a beautiful floor like a beautiful carpet.

When we think of carpets, we often think of the Orient because this is where carpets were born -- as both a needed object for daily life, and a source of artistic expression.

The term, Oriental rug, is normally used to describe hand-made rugs from ancient weaving regions of a wide range of Asian countries as well as parts of North Africa.  People from different cultures, countries, racial groups, and religious faiths are involved in the production of Oriental rugs. The terms, rug and carpet, are normally used to denote size, but in America the names are interchangeable. 

It is believed that rugs evolved by nomadic tribesman who kept herds bred for wool, and made rugs to cover the floors of their tents.  The earliest one discovered dates back to the 5th century BC.

Because they are hand-made, all Oriental rugs are unique.  A weaver will inevitably make small mistakes which add some individual flavor to the work. 

All authentic Oriental rugs are either hand-woven or hand-knotted.  The warp and weft are the foundation for a rug.  The warp describes the vertical strands of material and the weft are strands that run horizontally.  All looms operate the same - whether large or small, rough or sophisticated. 

An excellent resource to learn more is the Bullfinch Guide to Carpets: How to Identify, Classify and Evaluate Antique Oriental Carpets and Rugs by Enza Milanesi.   

Today a homeowner can select from hand-made or excellent machine-made carpets that will add that extra dimension to home decor.  Besides adding warmth and color to rooms and complementing beautiful hardwood, tile or stone floors, carpets also help to absorb sound.

Visitors to our showroom during the twice-yearly furniture markets can't help but notice the beautiful Oriental rugs that showcase our new introductions. We selected Loloi Rugs because we find their carpets to be of the finest quality with a wide assortment of colors and styles to choose from. 

Amir Loloi founded his company in Dallas in late 2003 with over 25 years experience in the imported area rug industry.  In addition, Loloi has won numerous awards for their fine rugs and the company continues to grow and expand.  For those who prefer a more modern look, Loloi also has transitional and contemporary styles to choose from. 

Here is a sampling of the rugs from our showroom in April. 

  
 
 
The red and black carpets make bold statements, while the beige-tone is more subdued.   Each of these carpets is unique and adds that personal touch where weaver and homeowner/designer connect.  

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