Artful Objects at Michele Varian, in Soho

Photo by myself at Howard and Crosby Streets, in Soho.

While walking around Soho, Wednesday evening, I stumbled into Michele Varian, a striking interiors store, on Howard Street.

Let me say first that there are loads of furnishings stores in New York. Loads and loads. There are places selling antique furniture, knick knacks and decorative objects. Only rarely am I impressed by a store.

Michele Varian is one such store. Was it because their objects looked old? and were artfully displayed in an effortlessly eclectic way? or because the space was lofty and just tinged with age? I'm not sure.

All I know was that there was a ton to look at and the folks I met in the store were friendly. One woman told me that the space used to be a metalwork studio and that Jasper Johns used to own the building.
 

There were gorgeously decorated serving trays, precious drinking glasses and old-timey light fixtures. There was a giant bird cage dangling from a winch.

And there were a great number of quirky, arty objects that I can't even begin to describe, like candelabra, porcelain skulls, and jewelry made from porcupine quills. Fortunately I couldn't stay and actually shop, because I would have a hard time deciding what to buy (!).

To shop or browse around on the Michele Varian website, with more photos of their interiors, click here.

Related posts: Living in Style at A&G Merch, in Williamsburg, You Can't Take it With You, and Handcrafted Objects at the Architectural Home Show.

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Living in Style at A&G Merch, in Williamsburg

Photo by myself at A&G Merch, a home furnishings store in Williamsburg, Brooklyn.

You can get anything from vinyl wall stickers to paper mache mooseheads to outdoor benches made of reclaimed lumber at this lofty store.

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I never tire of browsing, a trait that Mark does not share. He points and shoots, while I chew things over. Just looking at stuff satisfies me, which is lucky for my pocketbook. (I'm sure if I won Lotto, I'd sing a different tune).




Check out the A&G Merch website, here.

Happy Monday, everyone!

Related posts: Still Life, Antique Store, Eco-Friendly, Cardboard Design, Shopping on St. Mark's Place.

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Still Life, Antique Store

Photo by myself in an antique store in Brooklyn.

One of my favorite furniture stores is called The Golden Calf, in Williamsburg.

A small place, it's always packed with interesting finds, from curio cabinets to milking stools to hand-dipped candles. It's a homey place to while away some time, browsing.

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Edit: I'm sorry to say the Golden Calf is no longer around.

Related posts: The Markets in Union Square, Browsing Around in the Village and Shopping on St. Mark's Place.

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Eco-Friendly, Cardboard Design

Photo by myself on West Broadway.

There was a sale going on outside this store in Soho. Taking up the ecological theme, Cardboard Design sells objects made from recycled paper.

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They say there's a market for everything, and there's a huge variety of stores on New York.

You can get cheap stuff and expensive stuff, second hand stuff and stuff in the wee hours. You can get sample stuff that was worn only once on the runway.

And of course you can find loads of design stores selling the latest in material or technology. Even new stuff made out of old stuff.


Click here for the Cardboard Design site. They have some nifty kids things. Both the rocket and house are priced around $75.

Related posts: The Markets in Union Square, Christmas Windows to Warm the Heart and Buying in Bulk.

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You Can't Take it With You

Soho is known for its design and clothing boutiques. I consider it the land of beautiful, expensive objects. Aero is by far my favorite store.

With everything from light fixtures to bath towels to antique credenzas to look at, I visit once in a while to salivate. I want just about everything. If only I had the megabucks.

There is a sumptous window display, a wooden gridded wall filled with precious things and a display of sconces and picture lights. Throughout the store, beautiful objects are spread about in the most elegant way.

Thomas O'Brien, Aero's designer, has a line of decorative objects and bedding with Target. His Vintage Modern line is thankfully geared toward the rest of us.

I don't usually post more than one photo, but Aero has to be the exception.








Photos by myself at Aero in Soho, New York.

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