Chairish Magazine - January 2022

NIS H GETS MA GAZ I

P I H S O T READY

VOL 5

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A GREAT BIG EMPORIUM FOR EXPLORERS LETTER FROM OUR CO-FOUNDER Chairish Gets Magazinish Welcome to the Valentine’s edition of Magazinish, the print companion to Chairish.com. It’s packed with our current objects of affection, eternal favorites, and made with love.

Chairish, by the way, is the ultimate online destination for vintage and antique home furnishings, meaning all our items are in stock and ready to ship. So you can forget about long lead times and get to decorating right away. Sometimes it pays to be old!

It’s a new year, and with it comes a fresh sense of optimism, inspiration, and newly unearthed vintage to fall in love with. In these pages, we pick the best interior brains we know, and find out what they’re enamored with. Eat breakfast in bed with interior designer Celerie Kemble, Kemble peek at the Chairish pieces Alyssa Coscarelli— Coscarelli fashion editor and influencer—furnished her new LA apartment with, and discover the history of Grand Tour objects. objects As you explore this issue, you’ll find a QR code on every page, page making shopping easier than ever. Whatever your taste, I hope you find plenty of pieces (and stories) that spark new affairs of the heart—or even rekindle old obsessions.

Viva la vintage!

ANNA BROCKWAY Co-Founder, Chairish CHAIRISH .COM

SAN FRANCISCO, CA

How to shop these pages This issue is entirely shoppable—even the cover. Scan a page’s QR code with your smartphone camera to instantly find a piece of furniture, art, or design, and others like them. Chairish is home to 850,000 unique items, with thousands more arriving each day. Find your new favorites on chairish .com.

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PALETTE CLEA 04

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F O R A B R E AT H O F F R E S H A I R , S O M E T I M E S YO U H AV E TO S T E P I N S I D E . W E A D O R E T H I S R E F R E S H I N G TA K E O N N E U T R A LS , AS M AS T E R F U L LY E X EC U T E D BY C H A I R I S H S E L L E R A N D I N T E R I O R D E S I G N E R A L I R I O P I R E L A .

Photographed by Mike Van Tassell

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Photographed by Mike Van Tassell

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There is a particularly delicate balance to strike when creating a room that’s both resplendent and understated—such as this stately drawing room in Princeton, New Jersey. Tip the scales on that delicate clash of color or pattern, and it might come off as unrelatable, or overly “designed.” Alirio Pirela, the interior designer and owner of Pirela Atelier who has a distinguished taste for neutrals, knows how to find that balance, creating spaces that are at once spacious and intimate, joyful, and subdued. “Using color schemes

within the same tonal family or palette makes for an aesthetically pleasing environment while still offering variety,” he says.

Throwing shapes via wellplaced sculptures is one of the most instinctive weapons in Pirela’s design arsenal . “I have an inclination for architectural, organic and graphic shapes— materials that make your eyes wander around the room,” he says. Here, a form looms in the corner, perched atop a spiral column, another sculpture in stone contrasts the travertine surface of the coffee table.

Since bringing his sophisticated medley of travel-sourced wares to Chairish — mostly American Art Deco to European mid-century masters— Pirela has found the response “overwhelming,” in a good way. (In fact, it ’s become fuel for Pirela to seek out more curios when styl ing his rooms.) Among his most prized finds is a bleached oak chest of drawers with brass detail ing, discovered in Boca Raton . After some buffing, it was revealed to be an original design from French furniture magnate Pierre Chapo —

which often retails upwards of $30,000. Not everyone has that luck, of course.

The thing we can all access is layering, something Pirela considers vital when building eclectic spaces using a single tonal palette. He likens adding layers to building a photo album, a collation of memory-evoking pieces that stir emotion . “Layering is key to producing a scheme that’s rich and full of depth,” he says. “It’s about using the right combination of shape, color, shade, and size to create a harmonic vibe.”

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TRENDS TO SHOP O U R O F F I C I A L G U I D E TO 2 0 2 2 ’ S G R E AT E S T H I T S I N D E S I G N , F U R N I T U R E , A N D A R T .

ALL FABRIC, ALL OVER All hail the return to fully upholstered pieces: benches in boucle, buttery leather sofas, barrel armchairs in animal-print velvet.

Whether you’re sleeping, sitting, or some kind of stretched out in-between the two, fabric covered pieces add comfort and extra-inviting tactility.

SURREAL BODIES The best art is transportive. That’s why we’re drawn to contemporary painters, photographers, and mixed-media artists making pieces that activate our unconscious—and take us into realms beyond probability. Consider a vast, natural landscape bisected with a block of computer-like geometrics, or an image of a woman’s body that melds into architecture.

NOSTALGIC FLORALS Not your grandma’s florals. We’re drawn to old school blooms with a countrified feel, especially when styled with contrast prints. Think roses atop cushion cases, fire screens sprouting tulips, and bouquet-ready beauties climbing across upholstered sofas, wallpaper, and bowls.

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HEAVY METAL PAINTERLY WEAVES In antique French and Flemish tapestries, lush greenery and florals abound.

Their scenes needn’t be relegated to heavy wall weaves; however: we love these verdures printed on everything from linen pillow covers to sofa upholstery.

Brass and Brutalist. Super glossy, silver, and sleek.

When it comes to sconces and lampshades (especially traditional empire and cone shapes), metal is having a moment—adding a little toughness to elegant silhouettes.

MARBLE MANIA An ode to chance and the beauty of separate elements interacting, swirling marble formations are all over the fashion runways—but they’re also perfect for statement ornamental pieces at home. With its psychedelic, oil spill patterning, marbling feels utterly fresh, even though its aqueous design dates back to ancient times.

TORTOISE TIME It’s easy to fall in love with (faux) tortoiseshell.

The palette is warm, rich, and inviting: flecked browns, deep sunset oranges, and blacks. The pattern? An unabashed ode to nature—without the graphic loudness of a jungle print.

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DEDICATED G A M E

Bottoms Up!

In the spirit of a new year with new resolutions, we tapped Mélanie Masarin, founder of Mediterraneaninspired aperitif brand, Ghia, for an alcohol-free cocktail recipe—one that’s ready-made for cold weather entertaining. Presenting the soothing, sweet elixir she calls “Slow Burn.”

S E A S O N

“Chess is everything,” the Russian grandmaster An a to ly Ka r pov o n ce sa id , “Ar t, sc i e n ce, a n d s po r t.” I t ’s true—the game doubles as evening pleasure and rigorous brain teaser, with a heavy dash of competitive sport. Stock up on vintage game room essentials— especially those made for pa irs— for year round entertainment, both indoors and out, and a distraction from life lived with screens. Think a lacquered backgammon set in Sacramento green, a ping pong table in oak, or midcentury dominoes (in their original boxing, of course).

Ingredients:

2 oz Ghia 8 oz water 1 tsp honey 1 tsp cilantro and/or fennel seeds Whole fresh ginger, peeled and sliced Combine water, fresh ginger slices and coriander in a saucepan over low heat and stir. Bring to a simmer and let steep for one hour, then strain. Add the Ghia and honey to taste. Drink from a mug while it's warm.

THIS MUST BE THE PLACE CO N S I D E R T H E DA Z Z L I N G P L AC E S E T T I N G : L AY E R E D L I N E N S , S PA R K L I N G S I LV E RWA R E , G LOSSY P L AT ES . I T ’ S W E LCO M I N G, S U R E , B U T A F E W S I M P L E ST Y L I N G T R I C KS W I LL M A K E E V E RY G U EST F E E L L I K E YO U R D OT E D - O N VA L E N T I N E .

ALL TOGETHER NOW. Move beyond the dominating single floral centerpiece —let soaring candlesticks, assorted flower-filled vintage vases, and flickering votives meander down the table.

COLORFUL CUTLERY. Make knives and forks a conservation piece with bright cutlery whose handles pop.

PATTERN PLAY. Fearlessly mix florals, stripes, geometrics, and more. A beautiful table is a visual and culinary feast. We like to keep it harmonious by working with a tight color palette like this crisp red and white.

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H O U S E O F

S onic sat isfact ion .

D iscove r o ur go -to t ra c k s a b o u t love, home, and finding ple a s ure in the s pace s we inhabit.

SCAN TO P L AY

L O V E (S ON G S

)

TO LOVERS e v i F Take

U P O N S STOW E I E N D B D F R S TO E T N D H F A S I I , G C H E R R U BY F I V E T , S L O A .

R M V E A , CO F LO YO U R C H S I D E O U A F H N S — I H E R it h Y OT in g s , w E V E R ce set t la a r. p e y d n ll e, a in s a im k t p g a in n r sp o ped t e v o ke 1 . S c a ll r a ls t h a lo f ons . e t u s rea s in t r ic a io v b o fo r u c ke t , r t h e ir agne b p m a d a te fo h p u t n 2. A c a in s t ns, an c u s h io n e n li h ic 3 . G ra p r in t o f bed . r b lo c k p o d o o s o fa w n ed t h is s ig t s , li ke in r p e ag 4 . V in t e . h e d w in e d li p s t h s - h a tc s b r ig r o r . c le s m h pood a r e , f ro h e d w it g la s sw tc d e e , t s in e t ss 5 . Rose in k g la sq u a t p to s e t f lu

IN PRAISE OF LOVE Some scholars think the art of love letter writing began in the Renaissance—others associate it with the ancients. Whatever the case, it’s changed a lot, adapting to each new era . Here, we present a handful of rules for writing modern love letters.

1. USE YOUR FANCIEST PEN.

2. BE FLEXIBLE WITH FORMAT. STICKY NOTES COUNT—IF YOU TAKE THE TIME TO HIDE THEM SOMEWHERE UNEXPECTED. 3. CUT THE SALUTATIONS. (REAL LOVE HAS NO TIME TO WASTE WITH DEAR OR TO. GET STRAIGHT TO THEIR NAME.) 4. ASK FOR WHAT YOU WANT! THE SIGN-OFF IS A PERFECT PLACE TO TELL THEM YOU’D LIKE A LETTER BACK. 5. SLIP A SURPRISE IN THE ENVELOPE. (A PHOTOGRAPH, A GALLERY POSTCARD, A FAVORITE CANDY. GO WITH YOUR HEART.)

A ROSE BY ANY OTHER NAME

N E W YO R K F LO R I S T E M I LY T H O M P S O N I S A W I Z W H E N IT CO M ES TO B LOO M S — S H E ’S WO R KE D W IT H I N STIT U TI O N S F RO M T MAGAZ I N E TO P R ES I D E N T O BAMA’S W H IT E H O U S E . KN OW N FO R H E R SC U LPT U RAL , NAT U RALI STI C AP P ROAC H , S H E S U GG ESTS FO RGO I N G ROS ES T H I S VALE N TI N E ’S . C H OOS E SW E E T P EAS I N ST EAD .

“Sweet peas reach their apex during February at farms in Italy, France, and Japan,” she says. “They are fragrant and full of charm, sometimes arriving with their tendrils intact, so we can create wild tangles with them. A favorite design works sweet peas alongside exotic beans in a riot of legumes. The sweet pea is associated with blissful pleasure … In our hands, we strive to animate them into wild, unruly, passionate compositions, just a bit out of control.”

Photos courtesy of Emily Thompson Flowers

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THE

“I love a deep nest of pillows,” says interior designer Celerie Kemble, while arranged atop an abundant, fluffy stack of them. “I have three Euro pillows to prop up and read, two king pillows, two standard—and a few baby or neck rolls to push around. My favorite sheets are long staple cotton. I’m less of a snob about thread count than I am the quality. The most important thing about my bed is how it feels. As my son says, one of life’s best feelings is the cool side of a pillow.”

A principal at Kemble Interiors, beloved for her comfort-driven, sophisticated takes, Kemble is no stranger to inventing dreamy places to recline. Her own bed is just that: a soft, layered place of rest, leisure, even work.

Presently, it’s layered with Kemble’s own percale sheets, from her new line of Chairish bedding. “It’s hard to find embroidered bedding beyond a simple hotel stripe,” she says. “I love that this design picks up various colors around your room.”

Some mornings in bed, Kemble brings the French press in, complete with a fuzzy wool cozy. She’s “embarrassingly trendy” with caffeine; right now, it’s Four Sigmatic Mushroom Coffee. Occasionally, she’ll carry in an oversized tray. “The bigger the better, so it sits flat while I wriggle between reading my newspaper, book, and iPad. Layering it with pretty linens makes me feel especially ladylike.”

Which bed adornments are worth splurging on? Outside her collection for us, Kemble has three suggestions: quality down, patterned Euro square shams, and flanking lampshades that serve a hit of color.

Photographed by Brittany Ambridge, prop and bed styling by Anna Surbatovich, food styling by Sue Li

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BED

Beginning the day with sumptuous bed linens—and the inimitable Celerie Kemble.

SWEET SCALLOPS I N C E L E R I E K E M B L E ’ S N E W C H A I R I S H B E D L I N E N L I N E — W H I C H I N C L U D E S N EC K R O L L C AS E S , TOW E LS , A N D WAS H C LOT H S — T H E S O F T, R O M A N T I C A R C S O F S C A L LO P S H E L LS A P P E A R I N L AY E R S O F P I N K , C R E AT I N G A C L E V E R I N S E T B O R D E R I N G E F F EC T .

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WHAT DESIGN CHLOE WARNER’S go-to design gift for lovers and friends.

YOUNG HUH reveals her current vintage obsessions.

“I ’ve been keeping tabs on French tole flower light fixtures, Louis XVI chairs, and interesting decorative stools. When building a room, there are some repeat hits I tend to incorporate— pieces by French interior firm Maison Jansen, Italian designer Aldo Tura, and the British designer and architect Robsjohn-Gibbings.”

Photographed by Brittany Ambridge, photo courtesy of Young Huh

MICHEL SMITH BOYD shares one classic design piece worth the hype.

“A Serge Mouille threearm multi-pendant light. It is easily one of the most versatile pieces you could ever own . I recently used the white version in this year’s Hampton Designer Showhouse. While that space was deeply based in French and Italian mid-century, I ’ve used this chandelier in rustic and modern spaces alike. Its sleekness transcends any one period, and it elevates even the most unassuming spaces. I like to outfit mine with silver-tipped bulbs to create an inviting glow.”

Photographed by Christopher Jamar Payne, photo courtesy of Michel Smith Boyd

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NOZ NOZAWA on a recent obsession that would have surprised her 10 years ago.

“Bombe commodes! Actually, antique and highly ornamental French and Italian furnishings in general . Ten years ago, I was heavily into the mid-century modern era ... I couldn’t have predicted that my tastes have become more expansive and eclectic, where I basically love things from across the world and across history. I ’m curious and follow what I ’m intrigued by. I can even learn to appreciate the aesthetic of a movement I wouldn’t viscerally gravitate toward, simply because I understand it. When it comes to enduring classics, though, I don’t think you can go wrong with a vintage rug … I love the way old rugs wear and age, like a patina that represents life having been lived in the rooms they belonged to. They were basically all handmade, so choosing a vintage rug elongates the lifespan of a piece that had tons of work and effort put into it.”

Photographed by Alanna Hale Photography, photo courtesy of Noz Nozawa

“I have searches set up on Chairish for Spode ceramics and Nejemi pottery. I love giving gorgeous vases to friends. I ’ll often add a little plant or some flowers from my garden . I love flower-specific vases: narrow necks, lots of little holes. Vases with personality. As far away as possible from the clear glass cube vases that used to come basically free when buying flower arrangements.”

Photographed by Liz Daly, photo courtesy of Chloe Warner

MARTHA MULHOLLAND on her game-changing decor investment.

“Behold, the accent chair. I never, ever stop finding amazing chairs, and always buy them and force them into clients’ bathrooms, bedrooms, entry halls, and kitchens. Pairs of lounge chairs and sets of dining chairs are easy—everyone needs them and understands how to use them, but those random, lonely little chairs you see languishing in antique malls are my favorite. People often think they’re extemporaneous, but in fact they are the most useful of surfaces: a place for a guest to rest toiletries when visiting, gather mail or pile pillows when making the bed . Single accent chairs can also imbue a room with needed character, eclecticism and a sculptural quality. You always ‘need ’ another chair! ” Photographed by Laure Joliet, photo courtesy of Martha Mulholland

NERS

THE THRILL OF VINTAGE SHOPPING IS ITS UNEXPECTEDNESS: YOU NEVER QUITE KNOW WHAT TREASURES YOU’LL FIND—OR STUMBLE ACROSS— WHILE SEARCHING FOR SOMETHING ELSE. WE PICKED THE BRAINS OF FIVE DESIGN EXPERTS TO SEE WHAT THEY’RE COLLECTING, LUSTING OVER, AND CONSISTENTLY STYLING IN OTHER PEOPLE’S HOMES (OR THEIR OWN)— AND THE PIECES THEY’RE ALWAYS GIFTING LOVERS AND COMPANIONS.

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THE ENDURING 16

It began in the 1660s. Young, aristocratic men—the kind with plenty of pocket money, a grounding in Greek and Latin literature, and an appetite for the arts—would embark on an ambitious, often arduous adventure through Europe, marking the culmination of their classical education. This intellectual voyage came to be known as “the Grand Tour,” and peaked in the 19th century with the rise of Neoclassicism.

Accompanied by a teacher or guide, grand tourists usually began their itinerary in London before visiting Paris, Geneva, Berlin, and a smattering of Italian cities: Venice, Florence, Naples, Sicily, and always Rome. There was no fi xed route. They clambered through ancient sites and paid

homage to new, Baroque architecture. They observed Italian medieval and Renaissance masterpieces up close. The wealthiest travelers were accompanied by a sketch artist, who generated mementos en route, while others commissioned engravings from artists revered in Italy, like Giovanni Battista Piranesi.

Grand tourists brought lavish trunks packed with souvenirs from local artisans: marble busts made in the image of the ancients, leather-bound volumes, Venetian glassware, illustrated ceramics. Seen now, these artifacts—and others inspired by them—are odes to knowledge seeking and the enduring fascination of the classics.

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W I T H

A R T I S T S

I N

C O N V E R S AT I O N

BILL TANSEY AND DANIEL FALCÓN

Up close and painterly with two Chairish sellers who’ve mastered their respective canvases.

Bill Tansey’s abstract florals and Daniel Falcón’s surrealist faceless cowboys draw on the artists’ shared love of the outdoors. Though their inspirations are absorbed from different surroundings—Tansey in Eastern Long Island and Falcón in Brooklyn (Venezuela-born and Georgia, US raised)—they both conspire to produce a feeling that, when examined, is at once resplendent and hushed.

Here, over a late morning Zoom, we spoke to both, lifting the veil on their creative processes.

How do you each define your art practice?

Daniel Falcón My practice has a lot of different elements. All of my imagery comes from my made to measure work [Editor’s note: Falcón previously worked in luxury fashion, tailoring suits for various menswear and lifestyle brands.] I like to think of color and patterns versus just the things I see. I ’ve also worked on found objects. Being in New York City, I always find things to work on,

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A LYS S A

and they live in my studio for a bit.

Then something comes to life out of that.

Bill Tansey I paint pretty much every single day. Generally I get up, have my coffee, take care of my dogs, and then I go to my studio. The process is very fluid, almost meditative. I paint a lot of florals, still life, landscapes. It’s all in my head. Once I start a painting, the painting dictates where it’s going.

Does scale ever factor into your work?

DF Currently, I’m working on what would be the largest scale I’ve done, kind of like my series Faceless Cowboys. So I’m curious to see where that goes.

BT The last couple of years I’ve contained myself to canvases that were under 30 by 40 inches. I have now rented a new industrial space, because I am curious about doing larger work ... I’m very excited about experimenting with scale.

Which colors can you not get away from currently?

BT I’m in a rust/orange kind of thing at the moment.

DF I would say right now it’s more browns and creams, sort of like an espresso.

Have you forged any connections with customers through Chairish?

C O S C A R E L L I

BT I met this lovely woman that actually had a summer house out here on Long Island. She was in Florida, bought a work [through Chairish] and said, “I’ll be up in the summer.” I said, “Okay, I’ll deliver it for you.” I did. Then her kids ended up buying a Mother’s Day gift for her from my Chairish store as well.

Now the daughter is interested in my stuff. They start to follow you as a family. It’s a nice thing.

What has been the most useful career advice you ever had?

BT I remember a teacher telling me a long time ago that the downfall of most artists is when they sell . Because then they enter into this mindset of, “Are people going to like this? ” I ’ve always kept that in mind. I paint what I like to paint.

I don’t cross that line into trying to please someone else.

Who was this teacher?

BT She’s a portrait painter and abstract artist. Her mother is one of the great landscape painters of today: Anne Packard, who has a remarkable story. People should Google it. She started painting in her 50s—that’s how she fed her children.

DF I would say my best advice came from another artist. It was practically “do the work.” It is, at the end of the day, a practice.

You have to put your head down and do it, regardless of outside influences.

#FOUND AND CHAIRISHED The LA digs of Alyssa Coscarelli, a former New York fashion editor turned influencer, are a kaleidoscopic stockpile of time-honored finds. An avid Chairish shopper, her set of dining chairs instantly transports visitors back to the counterculture of Laurel Canyon. Finding the ideal pops of ‘70s color and amorphous shapes took some sifting, however. We asked Coscarelli about landing the perfect additions to her energy-filled apartment, and found out why it pays to follow your instincts.

Tell us about your Chairish dining chairs. What makes them so special?

AC These dining chairs had amazing bones and clearly had potential, but needed a refresh. So I went to Diamond Foam and Fabric here in LA and had new cushions made with this most amazing Missoni velvet checker fabric. They totally breathed new life into the chairs and made them feel more elevated.

What kind of dinner party would suit these chairs? Who would be in attendance?

AC I live with a longtime girlfriend of mine and our other friend moved in across the hall. Our apartment building is filled with creative women and peers my age, and it makes for such a fun and silly experience. My apartment is always filled with a lot of feminine energy, from wine nights to dinners to singalongs and breakout dance parties with good friends.

We spotted a white console from Chairish on this shoot too. How did you find it?

AC I was searching specifically for console tables. I knew the mirror it was going to live under, so I could quickly decipher what would and wouldn’t work. The shape and color of this one were so unique and special—I knew it was for me.

What did it bring to mind when you came across it?

AC I’ve always been into curved edges when it comes to furniture. In my previous New York apartment, I had an ivory sideboard that had curved details that I loved, but I had to part with it when I moved to LA. This console reminded me of that piece. I love that it’s somewhere between minimalism and maximalism.

How does it feel to finally hit on something you’ve been looking for?

AC It’s the best feeling to find the perfect piece, especially vintage because of the one-of-a-kind factor. It feels like winning the lottery. Sometimes I don’t even know what I’m looking for, but when I find the right piece, I just know it in my gut.

Photographed by Adam Amengual

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