The decor zeitgeist is a funny thing; when suzanis started popping up EVERYWHERE three years ago I decided to loathe them on principle because they were such a capital T Trend. But seeing them over and over and over again eventually inculcated me to their beguiling, Eastern beauty.
And now I find myself having a Kelly Wearstler moment in spite of myself. The LA-based interior designer set off an avalanche of criticism when she unveiled her new direction in an October 2008 Domino cover story. The blogosphere was apopletic over her sudden style shift toward chunky 1970s and ’80s furnishings and I admit I added my voice to the chorus. But as I’ve seen more and more of this new Wearstler work published, I’ve warmed to the vibe, if only because it stands in such refreshing contrast to the overdose of mid-century modern evident practically everywhere else.
A lot of you will think I’m nuts but when I spotted these crazy, marbleized, tiger-stripe lamps in one of my favorite junk shops on Saturday ($20 for the pair), I just had to have them. The lamps are the essence of where Wearstler is at these days having abandoned her trademark Hollywood Regency style when the bandwagon got too crowded. Don’t you think my lamps would be right at home in the Wearstler room above?
I know the lamps are the wrong scale for my current den/office (below) but until I move next month, there’s no point in fretting over styling details. Truth be told, the last thing I need is another pair of lamps but I think they’re really fun; there’s an iridescent quality to the glaze that’s chic and cheesy in equal measures. Just like my girl Kelly.
April 13th, 2010 at 9:23 am
I hear ya. I was initially shocked by Wearstler’s sudden shift but warmed to it very quickly. I’m so tired of MCM’s orange wood.
Your lamps are EXQUISITE. Can’t wait to see what you do with them!
April 13th, 2010 at 11:04 am
I love, love, love these lamps! What a find. The universe is sending good things your way.
April 13th, 2010 at 11:19 am
I have to add a little rant here: while building this post, naturally I went looking for a link to the original Wearstler Domino spread. I discovered that publisher Conde Nast has redirected ALL Domino links to Architectural Digest, the title they foisted on Domino subscription holders as a consolation prize. I personally think it’s really criminal to bring down the Domino site and all the valuable content therein. What a waste.
http://www.dominomag.com/galleries/2008/10/kelly_wearstler?showall=true
April 13th, 2010 at 2:17 pm
I am in love with those lamps! What junk shop? Did they come with the black shades too? Good score!!!
April 13th, 2010 at 2:27 pm
Chris,
Totally agree with Leah! These little babies can work in the right space.
Maybe line the inside with a remnant of some cool (but not too busy) wallpaper/wrapping paper and perhaps add a piece of fine lux ribbon along the shade bottom (IF this is your thing…). I’ve seen this cheapo upgrade done with marbleized reflective wrapping paper (sounds odd) to fab (and tasteful) effect! Casts a lovely glow in the evening.
PS pray-tell which favorite little store was this SVP?
And that wild console – love it – I have no idea where to begin looking for cool (and kinda inexpensive) stuff like this. I could really use some suggestions from folks out there.
Ever thought of publishing (just to your faithful readers of course) “Chris’ Greatest Hits” – even for a modest fee?
April 13th, 2010 at 4:56 pm
Love the lamps! Supah score!
April 14th, 2010 at 6:47 am
Shannon, the lamps came from Javad’s Buy & Sell: http://stylenorth.ca/blog/2009/01/cheap-thrills-trash-or-treasure/
The shades were mine, some surplus I wasn’t using.
Cat, I love the wallpaper lining idea and may pursue that in the new apartment; thanks. The chrome dresser came from Craigslist. I’m going to play with your Chris’s top 10 idea so stay tuned.
April 14th, 2010 at 8:00 am
GAWD what gorgeous lamps! $20!!!! Well done! Can’t WAIT to see where you are moving to and what fantastic decor the new place will have.
Exciting times here at stylenorth.
April 16th, 2010 at 9:48 pm
Good evening CHRIS fabby lamps. As for finding new and exciting place to shop, this city has it all. Pick a street and start having fun, lots to be explored out there. Check out Bloor by Landsdowne the landscape out that way is pretty cool…
April 18th, 2010 at 8:58 pm
i also wasn’t sure about KW’s new direction but the more I see it the more it grows on me. at least, it is something original! we do tend to see the same thing over and over again. she’s a gutsy designer!
June 25th, 2010 at 5:38 pm
I LOVE the lamps.
As for KW, if she had infused a 70s and 80s strain into her decorating that would have been great; a kind of natural evolution that would have incorporated great pieces like those lamps. However, I think KW is trying too hard to be different. I like how she had earlier mastered the juxtapositions of different periods, colors, textures, and sizes. The monotony of scale and color in her current decorating direction is disappointing.