Luxe Magazine
Heavy Metal / Natural Wonder
April 2010

SPOTLIGHT | HEAVY METAL: SCULPTED BRONZE DISC BAR

Company: Todd Merrill & Associates, Inc.
Retail: Starting at $20,000
Info: merrillantiques.com

Mid-century American furniture maker Paul Evans’ superb cabinet is made from hand-sculpted bronze, and is one of about 200 created. Evans finished the piece by spraying it will melted bronze, exemplifying his one-of-a-kind approach to furniture making. The intricate details and grand scale of this cabinet makes a bold statement.

“This is a very special piece. What a surprise to open the doors and find a bar behind them! I love the organic quality of Evans’ work. The design aesthetic looks heavily influenced by George Nakashima, one of his mentors, who I also adore.” – Allison Paladino, Interior Design, Palm Beach, FL

ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE | NATURAL WONDER

With the success of his widely popular design blog, design therapy, and a string of creative and super-chic projects throughout the northeast, Brad Ford has quickly become a rising star in the world. But the Arkansas native hasn’t lost sight of his down-home roots, opting instead to use them as a source of inspiration for some of his most memorable projects.

“I grew up surrounded by beautiful natural resources. So the fact that thishouse is outside of the city in such a lush, natural environment felt very familiar to me.”
– Brad Ford, Brad Ford I.D., New York, NY

OUTDOOR INSPIRATION
When designing a Hamptons home for a couple with a taste for contemporary art, designer Brad Ford looked no further than right outside its windows for inspiration. “I tried to keep the materials neutral and natural to sort of reflect off the lush landscape,” he says. “But also so that the room did not compete with the art.” An earthy palette of beige, white and gray fills the space, echoing the relaxed sophistication of its location.

TEXTURAL INTEGRITY
To add elements of interest to the palette, Ford combined materials in the furnishings and finishes. “I love to use a lot of texture and incorporate things that have somewhat of a weathered patina with a handmade quality.” A concrete fireplace adds a clean and simple touch, while furnishings dressed in natural linen, suede and leather lend a casual vibe. Quirky wooden chairs and a seagrass rug complete the textural medley. “It gives the space intrigue and makes it more dimensional and layered.”

SIMPLE LUXURIES
While Ford appreciates the beauty of many things, his approach to design remains simple and uncomplicated. “I like to study a space, figure out exactly what it needs and keep it very edited,” he says. “I don’t like a lot of clutter.” The designer keeps statement pieces, such as the bold pop of color in the painting here, to a minimum, opting instead to complement a setting with casual and sophisticated objects. “I design so that everything is approachable and accessible. My goal is for all of my projects to feel livable.”

Available in different sizes and in an ochre or teal color, this unique ceramic bowl was handmade in italy. Handmade Ceramic Bowl, starting at $600; hgroomeonline.com

The owners of this home had this striking contemporary painting commissioned from New York artist Eric Freeman.

This wood rocking chair, designed by Jack Roger Hopkins circa 1970, is both a functional and sculptural element. Rocking Chair, price available on request; merrillantiques.com