Haute Fabrics Now in Georgetown & books ON a wall

I mentioned this briefly in another post but this news warrants more coverage than that. Haute Fabrics (Marshall, VA) has opened a location in Georgetown at 2603 P Street NW Washington, DC, sharing space with Jean Pierre Antiques. The selection of fabrics has grown since my first visit two weeks ago and the ones I had my eye on were in the range of $16 - $26 a yard.



Haute Fabrics, 2603 P St. NW, Washington, DC, 202.965.1123 (*they're closed the day after Thanksgiving but I will update this post w/their hours tomorrow)

Earlier in the month, I posted on the amazing concrete books created by Richard Taylor of Flat Earth Designs. Check out the creative way Debra Phillips of Scentimental Gardens and SG Grand displays the ones she has for sale. Ask you would expect, customers are first surprised to see them on the wall and then to discover they're concrete to boot.

Concrete Books!

An unexpected package from Richard Taylor of Flat Earth Designs came the other week. At first glance, a box of vintage books. Only after picking them up did I realize they're made of concrete!
As usual, the detail is amazing - from binding cord to layers of "pages."

If you're wondering, they aren't heavy because, except for the smallest one, they're hollowed out to reduce the weight. Richard has also created them in various colors to even further simulate the appearance of leather. I'm guessing they're going to be popular at Round Top this coming spring. To see other books, go here.

On another note, keep your eye out for more of Richard's pieces in the next year. Where? At none other than Pottery Barn.

Zinc-Topped Tables & More: Warehouse Finds in Atlanta

The last few years a business trip hasn't been complete without time away for something design related. Last week's behind-the-scenes visits in Atlanta are all thanks to Richard Taylor of Flat Earth Designs (you may remember him from the post It's not leather, It's concrete!) who was very generous with his time and gave me a tour of some great design sources, including his own warehouse. First up is furniture designer Dave Lennard, whose warehouse is located right next to Richard's. Dave handcrafts large scale zinc-topped tables that are beautiful in both finish and proportion. Many of his designs have that sought after Belgian aesthetic. I also happen to be swooning over those chairs too!
This table with the rivets has more of an industrial edge to it.
Particularly love the patina of the zinc on this table. In addition to furniture, Dave carries industrial antiques and unique accessories. Good news is that his work is available to both the public and the trade. More info here.
A number of artists share the space with Dave and I couldn't help but notice this secretary desk in-progress.
Next up was a visit to the shared warehouse of four talented and friendly women - Margaret Bostick of The Silk Purse, Inc., Lisa Burnett of Inner Pieces, and Glenis Rose and Marlene Buckalew of Birts & Grits. Their gorgeous finds from trips to France and Belgium are available to-the-trade and to the public via Scott Antique Markets (North Bldg., A-6, #162-165). They had just come back from a successful weekend at Scott's and their warehouse was still full of unique things - I can only imagine the before-Scott's version.
Beautiful urn. Why can't carry-on suitcases be larger?!

Gorgeous marble topped tables that would look smart with many different decors.

Thought this was quite creative - boxwood balls resting on iron scrolls.


I love these two metal containers to the left.

Just before leaving I noticed these three oil paintings and fell in love with the two on the ends. Margaret had mentioned she found these in Ghent, Belgium; part of an original set of 11 by an amateur painter. I love the quality of the light and have found the perfect place for them in my house.
A bit more - here's a look at Richard's work in the raw, pre-staining stage. His pieces are made with the more expensive and higher quality white concrete (as opposed to gray). Below is a finished Watts Pot - amazing difference; although the unfinished white pieces have their own appeal too.
I meant to take more pictures of his warehouse as I found the whole place fascinating & so much larger than I imagined it. There's different sections devoted to creating rubber molds, casting pieces, and experimenting with new designs. Plus, on one wall of large scale shelves there's a huge collection of design magazines - any blogger's dream!

Sources:
Dave Lennard 941. 232. 2925, Margaret Bostick, The Silk Purse, Inc. 404. 431. 5422, Lisa Burnett, 404. 808. 7135, Brits & Grits, Glenis Rose 678. 656. 5973 and Marlene Buckalew 770. 815. 2696., Richard Taylor of Flat Earth Designs (to-the-trade and at Round Top)

It's Not Leather - It's Concrete!

Yes, that ottoman may look like leather but it's actually concrete! Mention this to anyone looking at it and they find themselves compelled to touch it before believing you. In some cases, they'll even knock on it before believing. Known for resurrecting the dying art form of high quality concrete faux bois, Richard Taylor of Flat Earth Designs has taken concrete to a whole other level with these pieces.
The zipper and button detail is incredible. I should also mention these pieces are suprisingly comfortable to sit on.
In addition to the ottoman, Richard creates a Barcelona chair in concrete. This one is in a light finish. Couldn't you see these in a chic hotel or backyard garden setting?
Another double-take; this is concrete not alligator.

Just one of the many faux bois planters available.
Eddie Ross chose these mushrooms for the Chicago WOW event - I'm also loving the beautiful console table they're featured on.

Another favorite of mine - the poppy bowl.
I forgot where I saw this but a designer had a placed a huge clamshell like this in a fireplace. Looked stunning.
Pennsylvania finial.
Hypertufa spheres in various sizes. I particularly like this large one on a pedestal.

The Richmond Planter. The finish on this piece, and the one below, is akin to marble.
Rams Swag Pot
Oak leaf urn
This is just one of a number of lions available.
Richard's work is sold wholesale to stores and garden centers throughout the U.S., including select pieces for Anthropologie. (*Although he does sell to the public at the Round Top Antique Shows)

The acorn mirror and frog on a pedestal, along with a number of other pieces, are available from Scentimental Gardens and SG Grand in the Chicago area. (Debra has a great eye and has been carrying Richard's work for a long time.)
Here in DC, I believe Notting Hill Gardens on 815 King Street, Alexandria, VA will be carrying some of Richard's collection in the near future. (no connection to me)

To see more of Richard's work - go here. If you're like me, you'll spend alot of time looking around!

Design in Unexpected Places

You never know when you'll be surprised by unexpected design. In this case it was, in all places, the unisex bathroom at Taco Boy in Folly Beach! The two side by side cement sinks look hand made & well done. I like how they painted the sink interior white and the black stones lining the bottom worked as they were clean and fresh looking. Love the industrial lighting fixture against the light blue walls.
Whose the face in the background? -- my husband, with his sunglasses pushed up after he's just asked me, "Can we please leave now?" I should also mention that this was not an icky unisex bathroom but rather well designed. Each bathroom had a completely closed in door (not a stall)and there were two entrance doors into the bathroom, on either side of the sinks, that were half glass.

Contemplating Concrete

It's time for the pepto-bismol pink & black 1950's master bath to go! There's an overdue bathroom renovation in our future (near or distant future, depending on if you're talking to me or my husband.) The idea of using concrete is very appealing to me and these images have caught my eye.

sink by Concrete Concepts & Design for Smith & Hawken in Mill Valley, CA. it's so sculptural.

love this finish. sink by BNS Fabrications in Desoto, MO


more industrial than I'm looking for but I love the extended ledge. by Stone Soup Concrete

side-by-side trough sink by Stone Soup Concrete

ingenious towel bar by Liquid Stone Designs

In terms of color, I'm interested in something reminiscent of sand, although concrete can be made in a range of beautiful colors. First three color examples from Concrete Concepts and Design. Second two from Buddy Rhodes:





hand trowel finish by Buddy Rhodes

integrated sink in wet bar by Stone Soup Concrete

impressive island by Stone Soup Concrete
integrated trivet and drainboard by Concrete Habitat
concrete can look classic. counters above and below by Concrete Canvas

you couldn't do that with granite or marble. this inventive counter by Pourfolio Custom Concrete

Concrete counters are custom crafted and can be created to reveal a uniform, highly polished look or a rustic, more industrial feel. Three terms related to finish pop-up: towel, ground or pressed. Like marble and granite, concrete can stain and needs to be treated to protect its finish. I love the warm look and feel of concrete and have noticed it appearing in retail stores. It's Concrete, based in Hayward, CA, has a great FAQ page, with an overview of the fabrication process too. O.K. - I think working on this blog has just about convinced me to go with concrete! I'd love to hear if you have any opinions on or experiences with concrete counters.
Additional sources:
Buddy Rhodes concrete trained artisans
Cheng Concrete Exchange
Concrete Network