The Goods: Tansu Furniture

One of the aspects of interior design I enjoy so much is the depth of design knowledge to be found from every culture that enriches the lives of client and designer alike.  I have recently been working  with Japanese tansu furniture for a project and have found them to be a real insight into the Asian arts and culture.

Japanese tansu are much more than items of furniture. Extraordinary and versatile wooden cabinetry, dating as far back as 7th-century Japan, tansu represent a rich folk heritage unique in the world. Although created primarily for function and portability, these pieces of furniture reflects equally the masterful craftsmanship and aesthetic sensibility found in the finest Japanese art and design.  Furniture as an expression of art and way of communicating ones trade and status.

Tansu have been traditionally fabricated from fine woods such as chestnut, elm, cedar, kiri, and sipo (similar in property to mahogany).  There are many different categories of tansu ranging from pieces that would have been used as staircases, in the kitchen, for clothing storage, sword storage, and merchant inventory.  Functionally and visually the common thread they all share  in addition to the beautiful woods and fabrication are optimal storage solutions, and beautiful hardware that serve an aesthetic and functional purpose. 




A contemporary  four-step tansu (Kaidan-Dansu)
Courtesy of Eastern Classics (http://www.tansushop.com/)



A modern interpretation of the tansu concept


I am struck by how the German Biedermeir movement might have drawn inspiration from the tansu tradition.  Simplicity, utility, and masterful craftsmanship also being the hallmarks of these equally intriguing pieces.



Birch Biedermeier Secretary
2nd Quarter 19th Century
Courtesy:  Christie's



Mizuya-dansu being used in a ktchen designed by Michael S. Smith



Mizuya-dansu (kitchen cabinet)



tansu as bed side storage

 While antique tansu furniture may be out of reach for many design projects, companies like Eastern Classics specialize in authentic high quality tansu fabrication that can be customized to meet your specific storage and design criteria. 

Bye for now.
CG

The Goods: Bolon Flooring

A flooring product that I find versatile, fun, easy to install and eye catching is Bolon Flooring from Sweden where it is widely used  in kitchens, bathrooms, and other high traffic, spill prone areas.  The product is impervious to water, and has a great look that works in both contemporary or more traditional settings.

The flooring lays flat right from the get go, so if you are sprucing up a rental this is a great option to use which you can install yourself and not have to pull up the flooring underneath.

Bolon allows you the flexibility of sourcing the product in rolls or in tiles.  Ideal uses for the product are really any space where you want to introduce some texture and a soft look but are concerned about durability or spills.  Commercial and retail settings are also ideal.



Bolon Flooring at the new Capellini showroom in Paris



Sisal like weave



A more modern custom installation

To see more of Bolon, visit http://www.bolon.com/

Bye for now
CG

Gentleman On the Go: California Bespoke Exhibition

Recently my studio was engaged to design an exhibition showcasing a variety of artisinal product designed and fabricated in our great state of California. 

This sort of design project always is exciting to me, as it is more conceptual and poses a challenge to the space but allows for great creative freedom, not unlike the Dreamscape installation I wrote about some months back.

As I began developing the concept and how I would showcase the varied products such as furnishings and textiles to stationary and soup bowls....even surfboards designed by the incredible Thomas Meyerhoffer (http://www.meyerhoffer.com/) 

I decided that the answer, at least part of it, was in the beauty of California's natural landscape.  

Half Dome in Winter
Yosemite, CA



Joshua Tree, CA





Big Sur, CA



With the concept set we began developing a space which would simultaneously provide a neutral backdrop being curated by our friends over at The Editor at Large (http://www.editoratlarge.com/), and at the same time force you to engage some aspect of California's beautiful landscape through either imagery, greenery or through the artisinal quality of all the various products.

It was an absolute pleasure collaborating with the producers of the exhibit (Merchandise Mart Properties), as well as the entire team at the Los Angeles Convention Center, not to mention having an opportunity to meet many of the very very talented artisans producing so many beautiful things that have the ability to inspire us in all aspects of our lives.



California Bespoke
Photo: Jim Harris




California Bespoke
Photo: Jim Harris





California Bespoke
Photo: Jim Harris





California Bespoke
Photo: Jim Harris



Bye for now.

CG 





Icon: Alberto Pinto

Known for his sumptuous and harmonious interiors, Alberto Pinto is certainly at the top of my icon list.  A native of Morocco, studied at the l'ecole du Louvre and began his career photgraphing interiors.  With the trained eye of a photographer, he became further focused and informed through his travels leading to the exhuberantly eclectic interiors he continues to create along with his fifty five person Alberto Pinto Agency, established in Paris, France in 1968.

In addition to beautiful interiors, Mr. Pinto has designed among other things, several lines of textiles for Pierre Frey, jewel like faucets for THG, silverware, china, the list goes on. 

The prolific Pinto among his many influences credits Luis Barragan, the Mexican architect and designer for his bold use of color and David Hicks, the English decorator and designer for his practical know how.  However, make no mistake, Alberto Pinto is a true original and whether he is designing an apartment, villa, palace, corporate interior, hotel, jet, yacht, china or fabrics the look is timeless, sophisticated and elegant.

For more on the work of this remarkable designer visit http://www.albertopinto.com/

Bye for now.

CG

The Spaces of Our Lives

I am working on a new residential project for a family of five…and two dogs.  A family whose main project objective is to have a home where they can entertain and have a well worn comfortable feel. 



Dining Room
Interior: Christopher Gaona, Inc.





Entry
Interior:  Christopher Gaona, Inc.



As I worked out the details of their living room space plan I was listening to some Shirley Horn.  At some point Here’s To Life queued up.

The craft of design has always been something I have cherished and make every effort to bring my clients along for the ride.  As a craftsman, you are always looking to improve, to build on past projects, and gain a deeper understanding of the rituals of our lives.  As such, I enjoy making sure every detail is set in a home and exiting the party before it starts.  Part of that is a selfish desire to keep my imagination actively engaged in the space.



Outdoor Dining Space
Design: Christopher Gaona, Inc.



My most successful client relationships has been those in which I have been afforded the ability to live in the imagination of my clients and have them live in mine for a while.  That's a small often overlooked pleasure of working with clients.  To see life, not necessarily through rose colored lenses, but optimistically, full of hope and share in their dreams of a happy home bustling with festive occasions for family and friends. 

A good friend gone to soon
Interior:  Christopher Gaona, Inc.



Landing
Interior:  Christopher Gaona, Inc.



I always remind my clients that the interior should also be an intensely personal reflection of themselves.  If photography is an interest incorporate it.  If your dogs have run of the house we will make sure your furntiure is dog friendly.  I can't do anything about the hair...yet.  Fill your home with photos of friends...even the  ones you no longer speak to.

I also always remind my clients not to cut corners in the areas that really matter…bedrooms, closets, bathrooms and the like.  In fact I have often encouraged clients to begin their decorating in the bedrooms, so that the areas they enjoy the most are completed first…private luxuries.  After all, those are the luxuries that matter.  What good is it to have a beautiful living room, if your closet is a mess and you don’t have a comfortable and inviting bedroom. 

Master bedroom
Interior: Christopher Gaona, Inc.



Mrs. make-up vanity
Interior:  Christopher Gaona, Inc.



Mrs. Dressing Room
Interior: Christopher Gaona, Inc.



Friends at home.

 

So here's to life...and here's to you.

Bye for now.
CG