Monument

Jamie Herzlinger

2010-11-12T04:28:00.000-08:00

Our favorite David Sheflin, recently introduced us to the lovely interior designer Jamie Herzlinger. While looking through Jamie's beautiful portfolio of work, it is clear she has a natural sense of working texture, geometry and graphic lines into a space.

We're also finding her blog to be an interesting read, chock full of practical design advice. We love her take on how to bring out the best in your floors, ceilings and walls --and future clients, take note, she's a licensed general contractor to boot! A peek at Jamie's past projects below.

Interior of the amazing Hollywood Regency-style Casa Blanca house she designed and oversaw construction herself! Check out the video on this house here.

Jamie's own home (Solano house) is an exemplary example of her beautiful aesthetic.

photos via www.jamieherzlingerinteriors.com

New in Shop: A rosewood by any other name

2010-11-11T13:43:00.000-08:00

The guys have a very definitive eye, and know exactly what they like. I love popping by the shop and seeing pieces from disparate sources, come together under their collective aesthetic. They have a real respect for wood, and know how to bring it back to life. Vintage rosewood, in particular, often makes an appearance in the collection. By pure coincidence, these pieces came together on the floor. Rosewood case goods? Yes, more please...

Danish glass & rosewood cabinet (pair), c.1970's. Look at those curves! No hard angles here.

And by contrast, a pair Danish rosewood chests. c.1960's, fully restored. Serious and substantial.

And here's a lesson in How to get your Don Draper on 101. Floating rosewood credenza on chrome base. c.1960's, Canada.

photos: Antoinette Celes

Stanlee Gatti

2010-11-09T20:00:00.000-08:00

Just got back from a nice NYC trip. Lots of interesting things to see, and happened to bump into the talented Stanlee Gatti while flexing our retail therapy muscles. It was a thrill to run into one if our favorite people.

photos via Haute Living & Pat Johnson

Although he is best known for creating grand aesthetic experiences for countless events, we find his installation at San Francisco's Conservatory of Flowers, very poignant.

One: An Earth Installation (2007)

photos: cbcastro

Only a tiny drop of his prolific event design.

photos via www.stanleegatti.com

photos via Laurie Arons Blog

It's a goldie, but goodie...

2010-10-26T02:03:00.000-07:00

The clink of the chips, from the poker dogs at the beginning, cracks me up every time!

Palmer Weiss in Lonny Magazine

2010-10-19T15:54:00.001-07:00

We love to see how our pieces live. Beautiful design periodical Lonny Magazine features interior designer, Palmer Weiss's home in their latest issue. We love her mix of high style, color, warmth and most importantly comfort.

Check out Lonny Mag's lovely interface online for the full story here...

Monument vintage bisque cockatiels on mantle, and bamboo-frame chair in foreground.

Monument brass x-frame bench. A nice mix of hard and soft here.

Thank you for the shout out!

Florence + the Machine

2010-10-19T13:57:00.000-07:00

James recently turned us onto Florence and the Machine. We're really into their soulful-retro sound, and who doesn't love blue gogo girls with beehive ponytails?

Florence + the Machine - Dog Days Are Over

Monument at Gump's

2010-10-06T16:14:00.001-07:00

We have some lovely pieces displayed at Gump's San Francisco. Hollywood Regency MCM glam meets Asian design. Gorgeous! If you're in the city, please stop by Gump's to check out all their beautiful things.

See more photos in our Facebook album, and become our friend!

Front entrance with a peek of some of our pieces upon entry.

Nanna Ditzel armchair.

Nanna Ditzel armchair - detail.

Widdicomb black lacquer desk.

Asian-modern brass frame armchair.

T.H. Robsjohn-Gibbings armchair, Italian gilt mirror and Dorothy Draper red chest.

Dorothy Draper chest

T.H. Robsjohn-Gibbings armchair

Mastercraft desk & armchair.

Dunbar Armchair

Stiffel white ceramic crackle-glaze & brass lamps.

Hans Wegner Papa Bear chair & ottoman.

Pale periwinkle Blenko vase.

Italian bar trolley by Eugenio Girli for Tecno, Milan.

Dorothy Draper chest & Asian-modern brass frame armchair.

Asian-modern brass frame armchair.

Paul McCobb for Calvin Furniture Co. room divider with Blenko green bottle on shelf.

Paul McCobb for Calvin Furniture Co. coffee table, one part of the room divider in previous photo.

White Asian-modern lacquer console, with glass brass-bamboo legged coffee table.

Italian case glass bottle with black stopper.

Milo Baughman for Thayer Coggin club chair in gunmetal leather.

Milo Baughman for Thayer Coggin club chair in gunmetal leather (full frontal)

Stiffel blue ceramic crackle-glaze & brass lamp.

Very yummy-looking Widdicomb double dresser! (previously posted)

photos: Antoinette Celes

Some light visuals are in order

2010-10-06T16:01:00.000-07:00

Non-committal stuff for the eyes while we piddle about with life.

New in Shop: Smoke gets in your eyes...

2010-09-16T14:13:00.000-07:00

By pure coincidence, both these new pieces take on smoky connotations in both look and name, respectively. I love a good play on words.

Pair of smoked glass Stemlite Lamps - possibly the sexiest pair of lighting within a 20-mile radius. So smoky and glossy, it makes the mind wander... c.1960's >> more info

Hans Wegner Cigar Chair - another Danish classic to sink into --although cigar not included. So warm & cozy. Beautifully restored teak & oak frame, reupholstered in the softest, pale grey Maharam felt. c.1950's >> more info

photos: Antoinette Celes

How do I look?

2010-09-16T14:04:00.001-07:00

I must say, I'm amazed!

New in Shop: Widdicomb Dresser

2010-09-15T19:06:00.000-07:00

The guys outdid themselves with the restoration of this c.1940's Widdicomb dresser. Completely restored & refinished in a Salzburg blue lacquer paired with a stained mahogany in bittersweet chocolate. The light shining off the finish is just gorgeous, with all that brass hardware standing at attention --reminiscent of a vintage military coat. Stunning isn't it? (More info in our 1stdibs shop)

photos: Antoinette Celes

SF20 San Francisco Modernism Show 2010

2010-09-15T18:55:00.000-07:00

The SF20 Modernism Show opens this week! Come check it out, and stop by our booth and say hello. Hope to see you there!

SF20 San Francisco Modernism Show 2010
September 16-19, 2010
Festival Pavilion at Fort Mason Center

Open to the public
Friday & Saturday: 11am - 7pm
Sunday: noon - 5pm
www.sf20.net

Living Contemporary

2010-07-28T14:00:00.000-07:00

This auction has ended, but let's admire the beautiful pieces (and grand space) from this Paris-based collector, shall we? (via Wright)

Living Contemporary: a private Paris collection from Wright on Vimeo.

Highlights from Living Contemporary: a private Paris collection from Wright on Vimeo.

Vintage Danish Design via Monocle

2010-07-27T15:46:00.000-07:00

Monocle magazine creates some really wonderful podcasts. I enjoy their culture, world news and business coverage, but most especially love their eye on design. They do short, succinct stories that really pique your interest.

It's a treat to see the interior of Finn Juhl's home in this clip. You can catch a glimpse of his iconic Chieftain chair, at 2:33, we featured in a previous post. Understated design that evokes power! Check out more photos of the master Juhl's home at The Mid-Century Modernist.

And now more eye candy! Some beautiful Danish pieces in our shop.

Early Arne Jacobsen Armchairs

Hans Wegner Papa Bear Chair and Ottoman

Hans Wegner Rosewood Credenza

Beep Beep

2010-07-26T05:00:00.000-07:00

Spotted this little cutie parked right outside our front door. Instant smile-maker!

Notice the leather straps to buckle down the hood? Vintage details + cute overload!

Wiki Mini

Countdown to Mad Men

2010-07-25T17:45:00.000-07:00

Some observations...

Mad Men Season 4 premieres tonight on AMC, 10/9c. (Mad Men official site)

Harnessing the power in a block of wood

2010-07-25T12:00:00.000-07:00

and then some.... The beautiful work of sculptor, furniture-maker and "wood whisperer" Alma Allen.

Turned stools from blocks of Eastern Oak.

Sculpted pieces of wood and stone. Modern primitive...

Coffee tables

More coffee tables. The organic meets almost a pop-art sensibility.

Walnut credenza power!

all photos via Alma Allen

Sometimes less is more

2010-07-24T05:35:00.000-07:00

1. Dieter Rams.

2. 10 principles for good design.

(via Freddy Anzures, dj, master mix-maker and the awesome designer of our cool logo)

Snow White's coffin

dryers

radio

Toogood is too good

2010-07-23T23:17:00.000-07:00

Wow, what a portfolio! The beautiful, surreal stylings of Toogood Studio. I tip my proverbial hat to this London-based studio founded by creative powerhouse, Faye Toogood. (Read her profile on Sight Unseen)

photos via Toogood Studio

Mark Mahoney x YSL Homme: No Way Back

2010-07-12T02:53:00.000-07:00

via HypebeastTV: Yves Saint Laurent and director Ari Marcopoulos present No Way Back, a short film representing the vision of Yves Saint Laurent Creative Director Stefano Pilati's 2011 Spring/Summer collection. The short film focuses on influential tattoo artist Mark Mahoney and his Hollywood institution, the Shamrock Social Club.

More Mahoney...

The Daily Jhuzz: Mediterranean blue

2010-07-11T15:33:00.000-07:00

This warm, Sunday sun has us thinking of azure waters, white-washed walls and a hefty serving of gold jewelry against bronzed skin. Share the fantasy...

The Daily Jhuzz: Gilt Hollywood Regency mirror, Asian modern lacquered console table, c.1960's Murano lamps, brass jack, Blenko large vase, Blenko sun decanter, Italian glass decanter, and c.1950's stools with new upholstery.

John Lautner: infinite space, diamonds, espionage and a dash of The Dude

2010-07-09T16:29:00.000-07:00

Yerba Buena Center for the Arts never fails to surprise me with their wonderfully curated shows. This time, their screening room will host Something From Nothing: Films on Design & Architecture, a film supplement to their upcoming TechnoCRAFT gallery exhibition. Featured films will cover design, architecture, motion graphics, and craft.

The film that really caught my eye was INFINITE SPACE: The Architecture of John Lautner. Sometimes a name cannot be put to a face --or in this case a house-- but in regards to John Lautner, his design has certainly become a part of pop culture --particularly in film & video. You're probably already familiar with his work, even if his name doesn't ring a bell. Lautner's homes have provided the backdrop to a myriad of films, from blockbuster franchises, to comedic cult-flicks. I even like that his Sheats-Goldstein house creeps into hip-hop music in Snoop Dogg's "Let's Get Blown video (although all that pool thrashing makes me nervous!)

And lest we not forget the MCM-centric drama A Single Man, in which Lautner's Schaffer house sits quietly amongst the trees as the other main, yet silent, character.

INFINITE SPACE: The Architecture of John Lautner trailer

Screening: Sunday, August 15, 2010, 2 pm
info & tickets

The Elrod house vs. Bambi, Thumper & 007 in Diamonds Are Forever; followed by a more sobering house tour below.

The Sheats-Goldstein house featured in the Coen Brothers cult-classic The Big Lebowski --in this case Il Grande Lebowsky. This home conveys modern, California-cool in any language.

house tour

More info: John Lautner Foundation

Beat the heat

2010-06-28T22:09:00.000-07:00

It's hot!!! Keeping it light & airy.

Fringe Studio at Zinc Details Showroom

2010-06-28T12:00:00.000-07:00

The very talented Fringe Studio have collaborated with creative friends on a beautiful furniture line, now on view at Zinc Details in San Francisco. Their work will be showcased for two months, so check it out while you can.

Locally Grown, Fresh from Fringe
FRINGESTUDIO
Zinc Details Showroom
2410 California St
San Francisco, CA 94115
Event info

An example of their gorgeous Forest Table below.

Forest legs made by John Kolkka, claro walnut top worked by Thomas Wold.

The Mid-Century Modernist

2010-06-27T10:07:00.000-07:00

Stephen Coles aka Stewf, a longtime Flickr friend and typeface fiend, recently launched a beautiful redesign of his blog, The Mid-Century Modernist. Lots of eye candy for us MCM enthusiasts, and a nicely laid out Gallery section of ebay listings --smart design!

Uomini di Estate

2010-06-26T06:36:00.000-07:00

The European men's shows bring out style in droves. I love how Italian men do Summer. The Sartorialist captures some of the highlights. Note, age really is nothing but a number.

While photographer Tommy Ton's sharp eye seeks out the details. See more of his photos for GQ here.

Unhappy Hipsters

2010-06-25T22:52:00.000-07:00

Someone's saying what we're thinking. *wink, wink* With all this austere modernism, sometimes it doesn't hurt to make a little fun: Unhappy Hipsters

"They dreaded visits from her kombucha-loving Deadhead brother."
via Unhappy Hipsters.

Today feels rather graphic

2010-06-25T10:31:00.000-07:00

Then I stumbled upon this..

Alphabet Thesaurus Vol. 2 from Photo Lettering Inc. 1970 by Hopelevich Hopelitchka

And this!

Amazing MCM logo set by sandiv999

Chet Baker feels alright... Playing slideshow & Baker at the same time makes an interesting combination.

The Daily Jhuzz

2010-06-13T17:43:00.001-07:00

Sharing is caring. Some of the lovely furnishing & decor displays around the shop. Brass, white ceramic and Danish teak are the right costume for the day..

The Daily Jhuzz: Danish Peter Hvidt & Molgaard Teak Credenza, Brass Stiffel Lamps, C. Jere brass bird wall display, and mama & baby owls, white ceramic compotes, and Italian marble fruit.

photos: Antoinette Celes

The Films of Charles and Ray Eames

2010-06-13T17:13:00.000-07:00

We just found out our friends at DWR on Fillmore St., are hosting a screening of Charles and Ray Eames' films at their Fillmore Studio. Word on the street is popcorn and libations shall be served! A nice to-do for when the blazing sun sets.

The Films of Charles and Ray Eames
Sunday, June 13, 5:30-8pm
DWR Fillmore Studio
1913 Fillmore St.
San Francisco, CA

San Francisco Art Deco & Modernism show

2010-06-06T14:44:00.000-07:00

We exhibited at the SF Art Deco & Modernism show this weekend. Looked at some nice collections, and marveled at the snazzy attendees in vintage dress. The guys put together a great looking booth, and here was the result.

Jens Risom ultrasuede sofa holding down the fort.

Portrait of a Gentleman painting with a pair of Sonneman lamps, and Italian glass dish, on Danish credenza.

A Portrait of a Gentleman

Beautiful peonies in a Heinrich vase, keeping company with the yellow Jaru vases.

McCobb maple & glass display cabinet

Chrome C. Jere lamp and op art vase

Copper 1960's sculpture

Burlwood lamp on 60's rosewood Danish chest.

"Burlwood Ives," or a nice piece of cured beef!

Danish rosewood expanding dining table. This one is big!

Knoll Saarinen marble top table with I.B. Kofod-Larsen chairs. "Quack!" -- blue Bitossi duck in the foreground.

Hans Wegner teak & walnut top dining set.

Danish teak dresser with the Jere stealing the thunder.

Brass C. Jere sculpture. Put on your best gauze maxi dress, and water the fern in your macrame plant hanger.

Jere sculpture detail

In the background, awesome 1970's Alan Brooks painting of the El Capitan theater in San Francisco's Mission district.

Detail of 1970's Alan Brooks painting of the El Capitan theater in San Francisco's Mission district. A study of light.

photos: Antoinette Celes

Tops, shocks and bow ties

2010-06-01T15:04:00.000-07:00

It's June, time for something light. The eamescollector channel on YouTube creates whimsical shorts based on all the lovely details of the Eames aesthetic. Quite mesmerizing. Don't miss the bow tie film at the bottom!

Auböck Exhibition

2010-05-28T16:53:00.000-07:00

Just found out (via Hoping for Happy Accidents) the gorgeous New York City gallery shop, Mondo Cane, has a show of furnishings & objects by Austrian Modernist, Carl Auböck, on exhibit through June 19th. The presentation looks amazing! If you're in NYC, we highly suggest a look-see. Otherwise if you're in San Francisco, you can get a dose of Auböck by checking out our sweet, burl walnut table in our showroom (shown below).

info:
Mondo Cane Auböck Exhibition
May 20 – June 19, 2010
174 Duane Street, NYC

more Auböck:
Werkstätte Carl Auböck
T Magazine blog article

Carl Auböck burl walnut table. More info here.

The Gibson Eye

2010-05-19T21:30:00.000-07:00

Grant K. Gibson that is! The noted interior designer takes C Magazine on an excursion of his favorite San Francisco boutiques and galleries, with Monument included on the tour. We were pleasantly surprised to see our photo in the opening spread. Smiles all around!

Check it out in C Magazine's May 2010 issue on stands now. Note Ellen Pompeo definitely looking radiant in yellow. We like the cover style coordination with our brass, white and neutrals display. Spring/Summertime indeed!

Photos by Alex Farnum. View more beautiful pics of this story on Alex's blog post, and check out more design journaling on Grant's blog, as well.

This isn't maybe...

2010-04-28T17:06:00.000-07:00

Waldeck's sunken living room courtship.

Have One on Me

2010-04-25T16:01:00.000-07:00

Ah, who doesn't love a nice surprise? A while back, a very lovely girl came into the shop and purchased a pair of brass deer figures. Said cutie happened to be singer/songwriter Joanna Newsom. Her latest album, Have One on Me, features an epic hippie-bohemian set design, and we noticed the golden pair holding down the foreground. Nice!

Deer pair seen upon closer inspection. Joanna evoking an ingénue of Earthly delights.

Miss Newsom looking colorful, and ever-lovely in her Paper magazine feature. That Alexander McQueen print dress (left) is gorgeous!

(pics via Paper magazine)

Musica!

Design crush: Kelly Wearstler

2010-04-23T17:08:00.000-07:00

As a child reared on tv, I find the lack of it at home is generally a godsend -- but hey, that's what the internet is for, huh? I usually miss out on the latest pop-culture shows, unless a friend updates me on "who's in, or who's out," or I catch a Dancing with the Stars bonding-marathon with my mom. When Top Design came out, I missed the boat on the drama, why so-and-so is always juxtaposing seating at an angle to the area rugs, and so on.... So you see, I was robbed of the weekly going ons of Top Design judge, Kelly Wearstler, and her high fashion ensembles.

During a bout of web surfing on saint verde digest, I came upon Ms. Wearstler's website, and was blown away at all the dramatic, interior stylings -- most especially the residential projects. Over the top, yes, but there's definitely a clear voice talking here. I find it beautifully comes together. It's like a big, bubbly stew: equal parts 70's and art deco, a unique dash of The Fountainhead meets neoclassicism (I know!), pinch of Cy Twombly, a long walk on the beach, some Mid-Century Modern, and a healthy helping of Hollywood glam. Whew, an interesting mix of ingredients, but it works.

Photos via kwid.com

If I could play house, I think these pieces would fit in nicely...

Milo Baughman Chrome Benches

Asian Modern Lacquered Console Table

Arthur Court Dining Table

Dorothy Draper Chairs (newly upholstered in turquoise ostrich leather)

It's a Specials kind of day...

2010-03-30T15:25:00.000-07:00

The Specials, too cool for school. Forever stylish with the cynic wit.

This is a Man's World

2010-03-19T17:38:00.000-07:00

"But it would be nothing without a woman, or a girl...." I don't know why, but for some reason James Brown's lyrics ran through my head upon first view of Edward Leida's home posted on The Selby. It's like a lion's den meets a sleek, Italian mid-century man cave.

Maybe it's Leida's assured pose, or the wood paneling, or those metal accents... or all that luscious leather. Yes, yes.. that buttery leather spread on toast. Reminds me of our Contour and Chieftain chairs, in all their wood and camel-colored glory. I'll take a nightcap and a good read, please...

Gorgeous Barcelona Day Bed (it's refreshing to see this in brown leather) and Arteluce Triennale lamp.

Where's my cashmere blanket?

Love the pop of the Panton Cone chair in a sharp kelly green.

Beautiful wood grain and libations -- always a nice pairing.

This aerodynamic lighting looks warm and inviting. Edward Leida home photos via Todd Selby / The Selby.

Chairs to curl up in... aka "The warm leather hug."

Vladimir Kagan Contour Chair (1953). Click pic to view details on our site.

Finn Juhl "Chieftain" Chair (c. 1960's). Click pic to view details on our site.

And here's a heady glass of circa 60's James Brown.

Music infatuation

2010-03-14T17:43:00.000-07:00

We are smitten with the wonderful Charlotte Gainsbourg. Her latest album, IRM, produced by Beck, has been on heavy rotation in the shop.

The Danish angle

2010-03-13T14:24:00.000-08:00

San Franciso based, Danish born, fashion designer, Sofie Ølgaard, came by the shop for a photo shoot amongst her fellow Danish-designed pieces. Like her Scandinavian-infused aesthetic, Sofie's clothes are sleek, functional, and well-made with minimal lines.

Read her in-depth feature on SFGate, and check out her designs on her website, www.sofieolgaard.com.

Sofie in her sleek silk jersey Alassio dress. Furnishings shown: C. Jere blackbirds wall ornament, Lisa Johansson-Pape lamp atop Paul Frankl dresser, Italian marble lamp.

Sofie's Alassio dress complements the cool tones of the John Axton painting. Furnishings shown: Mastercraft glass & brass dining table, Norman Cherner leather upholstered chairs, John Axton 1960's painting, Danish teak crendenza, Laurel lamps, Barovier Murano blown-glass lamp.

All photos: Jana Asenbrennerova for The Chronicle

We meet again, Señor

2010-03-07T17:39:00.001-08:00

Eames Lounger vs. Barcelona Chair! Just a snippet from a hilarious video featuring the iconic Eames Lounge Chair. Click to watch.

I've got a crush on you....

2010-03-06T17:56:00.000-08:00

A sofa crush that is. Years ago I was flipping through an interior design mag (unfortunately I cannot, for the life of me, remember which issue), and came across an wonderful, minimally decorated home, filled with curves, graphic lines and lots of color. The singular element that burned in my brain, was this amazing side chair set off, near a landing, carved out as a reading nook. It looked so cozy, that chair, all rounded-square lines, and in a bright, kelly green upholstery. Instantly I fell in love, and had to know who, and what, was this chair. My squinty eyes scoured the fine print, and finally I spy the credits, "Vintage Chicklet side chair." My little design heart swelled from my crush, and I vowed one day, "I will find you Chicklet sofa, chair, whatever...."

Flash-forward to now. I recently stopped by Monument, but had rushed by the display window with nary a glance. Taking some photos around the shop, my beady, little eyes spied some very familiar rounded curves near the window. Kind of like 70's mod cartoonish curves, like a wide, toothy grin... My heart skipped a beat, when I saw it was, in fact, an all-kinds-of-gorgeous Chicklet sofa, newly reupholstered in a beautiful, soft green heathered cotton. It was like a bamboo garden landed in our window, and turned itself into a sofa. Okay... I know, I know.. you say it's just a sofa, but can't a girl have an inanimate crush around here?

Alright I'll stop babbling... pictures at last! Stop by Monument and visit my baby. Seriously.

Newly reupholstered Chicklet Sofa designed by Ray Wilkes for Herman Miller. circa 1976. Check our site for more info here.

p.s. Don't you love the drama of that antelope?

photos: Antoinette Celes

Sam's House Tour on Apartment Therapy

2010-02-03T12:30:00.000-08:00

Apartment Therapy recently did a House Tour on our very own Sam's Victorian flat. They did a lovely write up, and the feature turned out quite snazzy. We are right chuffed! Sam has a knack for mixing a dash of slick Mid-Century Modern here, with a bit of Hollywood Regency there, peppered with unusual vintage art finds, and antique objects -- all curated in a cohesive flow. I know, sounds methodical, but Sam will just tell you he's been collecting since his first baby steps.

Check out the feature on Apartment Therapy here. For more eye-candy, check out our Flickr slideshow, along with some outtake pics below.

Living room seating area

Coffee table display. Swarovski crystallized antler, made by a friend, plays nice with brass, quartz, zebra and bugs. Note the cast-wood like texture on the table base.

Living room view. Mixed metals meets natural materials.

Art corner. An amazing coiled wood sculpture, C.Jere owl, figure studies and the sweetest German Sheperd face.

Cocktails anyone?

Front window display. Ceramic, paint, glass, wood and shell make a nice tableau.

A wee turtle shell

A very distinguished hound

Paul Frankl dining table looks on the 1950's Baker sideboard with lamps to die.

Sideboard owl & forest creature collection, and more lamp love.

The little Bertoia corner that could, with the mini Saarinen marble-topped side table holding it down.

Amazing vintage pen & ink drawing. Very tattoo art!

Criminal sheeting meets lacquered headboard meets colored abstraction.

photos: Antoinette Celes

Ah, this chair is just right...

2010-01-31T16:31:00.000-08:00

We'd like to think that Goldilocks would be hard-pressed to choose from any of these lovely chair offerings. How can one resist sitting back with a good read, some tea or conversation (aka gossip) in one of these beauties? I could spend all day caressing these arm rests!

(l-r) Red chair - Danish, c. 1950's, oak frame with teak arms in red wool; Grey chair - Alf Svennson for Dux furniture, made in Denmark, c. 1960's, walnut frame in gray Maharam wool (more details on 1st dibs here); Teal chair - Paul McCobb for Calvin furniture, made in USA, c. 1950's, walnut frame in teal wool. *Note: all chairs refinished and reupholstered.

Gratuitous angle shot!

More red chair madness. Goldilocks vs. Red Riding Hood you think?

Elbows & knees please....

photos: Antoinette Celes

Art: Andy Goldsworthy

2010-01-18T19:00:00.000-08:00

The work of Scottish environmental/land artist Andy Goldsworthy takes our breath away. Nature will always produce the most amazing formations, but Goldsworthy's simple manipulation of natural materials, often in their immediate landscape, is stunning. He then leaves these works to absorb back into the land -- a distinct comment on man-made vs. the natural ebb and flow of life. Watch excerpts from the documentary on this work, Rivers and Tides, below.

It's supposed to rain today

2010-01-16T12:52:00.000-08:00

René Gruau Illustration, originally uploaded by sandiv999.

Poster for a lady's raincoat. From Graphis Annual 66/67.

Graphics Gallery

2010-01-14T05:39:00.000-08:00

We love exploring images on Flickr, and started adding images to our new Graphics gallery. Fun! Click the image below to check it out. This space will continue to evolve as we include more images. If you're on Flickr, add us as a contact.

B. Løkeland Illustration 3 via sandiv999

Quick Canal

2010-01-13T06:00:00.000-08:00

Laetitia Sadier vocals over 1950's design makes for some kind of genius.

Original video: The American Look (1958) (watch here)

Dim all the lights

2010-01-12T16:00:00.000-08:00

At the end of the night, turning off all the lamps in the shop sometimes leaves us wanting to rush home to curl up on the couch, tucked under a wooly throw, perhaps with a good read in hand. Winter makes the sun go down quick, but it's quite lovely inside amongst the warm glow.

Italian white frosted glass.

Laurel lamp.

Sweet little pair of Danish glass lamps with teak base.

1950's chic brass lamps (sold).

Very sexy chrome & acrylic 70's lamps.

1960's French resin lamp.

Tulip-shaped white and green streaked marble lamp. We love how the light warms the marble.

1920's carved alabaster lamp.

Detail (1920's carved alabaster lamp).

photos: Antoinette Celes

Music: Osborne - 16th Stage

2010-01-10T17:57:00.000-08:00

Smooth atmospheric stuff to while away an evening.

Process: Antique Sofa Transformation

2010-01-06T22:26:00.000-08:00

Reupholstered sofa project via Martha Stewart.

Hello 2010!

2009-12-31T19:15:00.000-08:00

Usually it's "Out with the old, and in with the new," but at Monument we can't help but love "the old." Especially if it comes wrapped in beautiful design. So as the hours tick by, and 2009 comes to a close, we warmly wish you all a Happy New Year for 2010! Love, peace and prosperity....

George Nelson Night Desk Clock by Modern Findings

left: 70's alarm clock by fotokisterl, right: 60's clock by GallPhotos

MCM clocks by smallritual

It's Monday... Let's dance!

2009-12-28T11:39:00.000-08:00

Before and After: Danish Sofa

2009-12-27T17:12:00.001-08:00

We recently restored a 60's Danish sofa frame, that just arrived back from the refinisher and upholsterer. The guys did an amazing job restoring the teak to a gleaming finish, and making comfy cushions covered with a wheat-colored woven cotton. We love it!

Sofa Before:

Sofa After

1960's teak sofa, made in Denmark, imported by Sealy.

photos: Antoinette Celes

Some Brini Christmas Cheer

2009-12-24T11:59:00.000-08:00

Brini always has some great ideas -- and she looks fabulous to boot!

Silver, glam, disco memories

2009-12-21T14:26:00.000-08:00

The guys put together an exquisite window for the holidays. Crystals, mirrors, silver, antlers, feathers, tinsel, lucite and glass. It isn't snowing here, but the reflective, sparkly surfaces hark back to memories of light bouncing off faceted snowflakes.

An amazing crystal encrusted tree! Love the singular accent of the large red glass ornament.

(detail)

This antler shaped glass base coffee table, with matte silver dove is just perfect. Organic and smooth modern shapes combine beautifully.

The table and tree are made for each other.

This white console is a great backdrop for the holiday window: glossy, white and reflective. A great anchor for these white & lucite base lamps, and the myriad of little, vintage tabletop trees.

These vintage trees are cute, yet sleek and glamorous even! Feathers, tinsel and a great disco-mirrored cone shape to represent 70's decadence. Party on!

photos: Antoinette Celes

Film: A Single Man

2009-12-19T19:08:00.000-08:00

We recently watched A Single Man, Tom Ford's adaptation of Christopher Isherwood's 1964 novel of the same name. I was must say, I was thoroughly impressed by Ford's directorial debut. It's been two days since I've watched this movie, and it still lingers in my brain!

The movie portrays George--played by Colin Firth--as a gay man living in Southern California in the early 60's, who loses his longtime partner in a tragic car accident. In true pre-Free Love/70's form, George suffers silently amongst the myriad of characters he interacts with, whom also harbor deeper anxieties beneath their perfectly coiffed exteriors.

On a side note, I must mention for you design aficionados, the cinematography and set design is a Mid-Century Modern orgasm! Ok, I'll stop blabbing now. Watch the snippets and soak in the eye candy. Better yet.. go catch this movie toute suite!

Trailer

The phone call (Firth's acting here is incredible)

Carlos

Jim (Matthew Goode) & George (Colin Firth) in a happier flashback.

Lois (Aline Weber) & Kenny (Nicholas Hoult) in a beatnik Bardot/angora moment.

The protagonist George -- neat, constrained and suffering.

Carlos (Jon Kortajarena) & George take a Lucky Strike break. Can you say "hubba to the hubba?!"

Charley's dressing table. We're loving those gilded lamps and mother-of-pearl inlaid mirror.

Tragically beautiful Charley (Julianne Moore).

Charley's rounded sofa is killing me softly -- love it!

Kenny & George post swim.

Director Tom Ford on set.

Eyes of the Devil

2009-12-19T16:13:00.000-08:00

Apparently there's some sort of scavenger hunt going on today in the Mission. We keep getting customers come in chanting, "Eyes of the devil, eyes of the devil, eyes of the devil." Eventually they find their way to this Japanese kabuki mask, then move onto their next destination. Funny stuff! Anyone know what's going on? We love holiday mysteries!

Christmas Time is Here

2009-12-14T12:12:00.001-08:00

One of our favorite San Franciscans. The holiday season begs for quiet tinkling on piano keys. Vince Guaraldi knows this all too well. This tune conjures brisk, chilly nights with a dash of Peanuts charm. Nostalgia made new again....

- Vince Guaraldi official site

Go, go Kikaider!

2009-12-12T17:40:00.000-08:00

Sometimes we pepper the shop with personal collections. Sam has this great Kikaider Japanese superhero figure people just love! Coincidentally, I grew up in Hawaii watching the Kikaider tv show, and would sing the opening theme song -- despite not knowing a word of Japanese at the time. We have another superhero figure in the shop, and wondered if this guy was related to Kikaider, or any other 70's superheros (last photo below). Anyone know this guy?

Our mystery hero! *UPDATE: Mystery solved. Our turbaned hero is Rainbow Man! See video here.

Birds, birds.... everywhere birds!

2009-12-11T19:49:00.000-08:00

We love all the animals, but have a special place in our hearts for birds. It's a veritable MCM aviary in here. Cooo.... cooo!

James Lavera ceramic bird

60's Danish ceramic bird. Isn't he the cutest?!

60's Danish ceramic dove server/bowl/planter

Bitossi bird ceramic candy dish

Bitossi ceramic duck

Bitossi ceramic dove. Love his expression.

Bitossi bird with lovely patched colors.

Bitossi bird with great rounded lines and a wonderful beak.

Bitossi ceramic chickens

Bitossi ceramic bird lamp

C. Jere polished aluminum bird

Jaru silver leaf birds

60's bisque cockatiel

photos: Antoinette Celes

Tonight: MISSION holiday BLOCK party 2009

2009-12-11T13:27:00.000-08:00

The 2009 Mission Block Party starts tonight from 5pm-10pm. Come visit Monument on Valencia, with the snazzy guys & gals getting our MCM on! Sip some mulled wine and maybe co-mingle under the mistletoe. Whoops, that's the wine talking....

MISSION holiday BLOCK party 2009
Friday, December 11th, 2009 — 5pm to 10pm An evening of parties, food, drink, sales, events, art openings and general fun times. More info here: http://getlocalsf.com

Film: The Lovely Bones

2009-12-03T12:10:00.000-08:00

The guys recently put up this amazing Jere black bird sculpture near the display window. We're loving the graphic, illustrated style of this wall piece. Kind of like a "murder of crows" in a gothic slash MCM sensibility. You think? Coincidentally we were admiring the cinematic saturation of Peter Jackson's upcoming film, The Lovely Bones, when lo and behold the Jere sculpture pops up in the Mark Whalberg scene, looking all kinds of dark & ominous (but still fabulous mind you)! Check the full force of the trailer below.

Music: Space of Bassey

2009-12-02T21:22:00.000-08:00

Keeping the groove going with Air's Night Hunter. Loving those clean, spacey, unmistakeable Air-like beats.

Globetrotting

2009-11-28T17:41:00.000-08:00

No need to pack your overnight bag and 2-ounce bottles. Come visit us and do your own globetrotting with our cool vintage globe collection. The lighted ones are mesmerizing!

photos: Antoinette Celes

Monument hearts Paul Smith

2009-11-28T16:44:00.000-08:00

It's great to see our pieces take up residence in a new home. Especially love it when said home is Paul Smith's new San Francisco shop. Watch out for the upholstered x-base bench in the dressing room. Nice, nice and nice. Don't forget the make-out session at the end! (via 7x7MAGAZINE)

Paul Smith
50 Geary Street
San Francisco, CA 94108

Vice devices

2009-11-27T18:38:00.000-08:00

We aren't advocates of Class A drugs, but we find these Italian ceramic containers kind of (quote) adorable (unquote). You can use them for other vices -- like candy! Yes... sweet, sweet sugar on the brain.

Raymor Italian ceramic buddha head with heroin & opium canisters
photos: Antoinette Celes

Ready steady HallReady

2009-11-27T17:09:00.000-08:00

HallReady design blog does a little QA interview with us. Thanks Kate!

Shiny, shiny, la la la la

2009-11-23T17:14:00.000-08:00

We are loving stylist, Mark Morrison's, myriad of shiny objects and sculptural pieces as photographed by our favorite interior/people photographer, The Selby. Try not to get distracted by kitty Ruby's cute face!

Music: Warm up to Koop

2009-11-21T18:07:00.000-08:00

We're freezing here! Winter has come, and we're dreaming of a fireplace or an Alexander Girard Snuggie (is there such a thing?)! Speaking of Girard, check out these House Industries fonts & objects.

We've been listening to Swedish pop group, Koop, on a loop here (pun intended). Here's our beloved Yukimi Nagano, of Little Dragon fame, giving us some Summer Sun to warm up to.

Woof! Boogie makes classics new again

2009-11-21T16:26:00.000-08:00

Talented animator/illustrator, Lili Chin, brings canine whimsy to classic Mid-Century Modern & contemporary chairs with her lovely drawings of Boston Terrier, Boogie, living the life in high design! See more on Apartment Therapy's post, or order postcards on Lili's Doggie Drawings site.

Boogie on Pakhale

Boogie on Eames

Shaken, not stirred

2009-11-14T16:44:00.000-08:00

We love the Mad Men three martini lunch... and dinner, and dessert, and nightcap! Those days are gone, but we can still play responsibly. Soldier up those bottles, buff your glassware, and gather the coolest barware you can find. Invite us over for a toast won't you?

pics via AMC

Get started with the Mad Men Cocktail Guide, then build up that mini bar!

The foundation: a nice little bar trolley, large tray, or credenza tabletop.

Italian brass bamboo chic

Polish up your stemware, old fashioneds, highballs and what-nots.

Vintage iittala glassware

Now fill up that ice bucket!

Vintage Dansk teak cube bucket

More vintage Dansk teak bucket-ness

And even more vintage Dansk buckets -- this time in rosewood

Polished aluminum knightshead bucket. Open!

Polished aluminum knightshead bucket. Closed!

Italian Aldo Tura goatskin bucket & tray

Faceted lucite buckets

And shake, shake, shake!

Interesting American bell-shaped shakers.
photos: Antoinette Celes

007 tells us how it's done

GREY GOOSE® vodka makes the classic martini

Hoo, hoo! Who loves owls?

2009-11-13T18:00:00.000-08:00

We do! We do!

Look at this lovely 60's Mid-Century Modern pair. Left: Curtis Jere brass owl with green glass eyes, made in the USA - $250. Right: Murano shaped green glass, made in Italy - $175.

Murano 60's Italian green glass owl (detail). Check out his eyes!

Jere 70's brass bookend, made in the USA - $225. Notice the lion looking a little bit "baked."

The mother owl that rules them all! 23-inches of Hooter power! Ceramic 60's owl, made in Italy - $450.

One of the sweetest owls in our collection. The details are Jere-ish (not confirmed) 60's brass owl with enameled coloring - $150.

Love the colors and metallic accents on this one. 60's Jere owl with enameled coloring, made in the USA - $495.

More Jere detail. Hootie hoo!

Skjode Skjern vintage owl bobble-head. His head is attached with a rubber band that allows his head to spin & adjust. Very cute! The bottom of his body bears a sweet poem. Come visit us to discover this wise owl's words. 60's teak owl, made in Denmark.

The owl in the bell jar. Vintage ceramic owl, made in Italy - $150

photos: Antoinette Celes

Set Design: Mad Men

2009-11-07T16:57:00.001-08:00

AMC's Mad Men scratches our design itch. We love this new look the Drapers are sporting, despite the fainting couch causing all sorts of controversy!

Jens Risom in the house!

2009-10-30T17:32:00.000-07:00

Jens Risom Armchair and Ottoman
USA, 1950
Very rare Jens Risom design over sized armchair with matching ottoman, newly upholstered in Maharam wool fabric. Ottoman 15"in.High x 33"in.Diameter.

Available on 1st Dibs here