Sunday, May 8, 2011

Saint-Louis Crystal: An Integral Part of the LCR Collection

Saint-Louis is a line of crystal stemware, glassware and giftware that we are very proud to carry here at LCR. The line is one of the mainstays of the LCR collection, and is also one of the oldest glassmaking companies in the world. Founded in the province of Lorraine on the eastern border of France in 1586, Saint-Louis was originally known as M ü nzthal Glassworks. In 1767, Louis the Fifteenth gave the factory the royal seal of approval by naming it the ‘Royal Glassworks of Saint-Louis’, after Louis the Ninth. The factory had an great amount of influence on the French economy and continued to flourish throughout the centuries.

What we at LCR love about the Saint-Louis crystal line is the timelessness and beauty of each design. By mixing history with current trends, the line is popular among today’s bridal and gift registries.

The clean lines of Saint-Louis’s Amadeus collection allow the stemware to coordinate with any china. Combine the clear crystal water glass with an Amadeus hock glass, which comes in nine different shades, for an interesting tablesetting.
The Thistle collection features clear crystal adorned in a classic gold or platinum thistle pattern and is the perfect complement to any traditional table setting. The Bubbles pattern, featuring tumblers, highballs and vibrant-colored hocks, makes a fun addition to any barware collection.


In addition to stemware, Saint-Louis is also known for their giftware & home accessories collection.
From vases to candlesticks to decorative crystal figurines and paperweights, you’re sure to find the perfect gift within the Saint-Louis line.



Since its foundation, Saint-Louis has been an integral part of French culture – and at LCR, we consider the line to be an integral part of our collection as well.

Tuesday, April 19, 2011

Scott Potter: Elegant Decoupage Designs

LCR West Hartford is pleased to announce our latest addition to our online and in-store collections, Scott Potter. After debuting a small selection of his product during our 2010 Holiday Season we will be presenting a greater assortment of his collection this spring. Starting May 1, 2011 we will be hosting a Scott Potter Trunk Show, which will feature approximately 30 products in store ranging from small bowls and trays to urns and vases. The in store event will continue through May 31, 2011. Products are currently available online, where we will feature a greater assortment of his designs year round. Also in celebration of our Scott Potter Trunk Show, we will be showcasing Jay Strongwater’s Hydrangea Collection, with product ranging from a $275 Small Hydrangea Box to the $2,500 Hydrangea Glass Bowl. Groupings of product from both artists makes a beautiful statement; a fabulous addition to any home décor.

Originating from a career in ballet, Scott Potter combined his knowledge of theater, choreography and costume with his love for classicism. This, combined with inspiration drawn from decoupage prints made in 18th Century English and Irish picture galleries, led Scott Potter to begin producing his art. Since 1992 Potter has been working in the mediums of decoupage and gilding to create his elegant, unique designs. The many designs in Scott Potter’s collection are all hand-blown crystal or glassware with images cut from reproductions of the 18th and 19th century prints that inspired him. These images are then applied to the glass in a realistic, yet elegant composition. After a careful cleaning the entire piece is gilded in many layers in the gold/sliver leaf finish, a colored leaf finish, or colored glaze finish. All designs are signed by Scott Potter.

Scott Potter’s designs are exceedingly rare and are collected and coveted by mid-eastern royalty, movie stars, and celebrities. His product line includes desk and library accessories, bath accessories, tabletop, and home accent pieces with pieces ranging from trays, paperweights, classical urns, dinnerware and vases to larger items such as large floor screens and fireplace screens. Because they are all handmade, Scott Potter’s designs can be customized by either isolating or highlighting the decoupage images on the glass or by changing the background color, ensuring that these beautiful pieces will integrate wonderfully into any style of décor.

Sunday, March 27, 2011

The Art of Glassmaking: Orrefors & Kosta Boda

In the history of Swedish glassmaking, Orrefors Kosta Boda is one of the most highly recognized names. The company gets its name from the area of Sweden in which it originated - an area where hand-blown glass has been produced for over two and a half centuries. The foundation of Orrefors Kosta Boda is based on experience and technique. Designers and glassmakers work side-by-side in a collaborative effort to develop ideas. These ideas come to fruition in the form of beautiful, hand-made pieces of art & functional glass.

The elements of nature that surround the village of Orrefors are inspiration for glassblowing. Ripples in the water, beams of light shining through the trees, clear air – these elements are all reflected in each finished piece of the Orrefors line. The Cruise candlesticks, with a combination of smooth and textured surfaces, are a reflection of the sea. The smooth surface is reminiscent of calm, still water, while the other is an expression of rolling waves. Sophisticated and elegant, this pair makes a great wedding gift. The Drop Collection is reflective of a raindrop, areminder of the beauty of new growth in the springtime. This collection consists of a variety of bowls, vases, and other home accessories. With a timeless shape and design, the Drop Collection is graceful and dramatic in every form. Orrefors’ On the Rocks bar glasses contain a surface that replicates a miniature mountain range. The reflection of color upon this surface changes depending on the substance in the glass – a unique effect that is sure to be appreciated by any recipient. The Minus 10 bowls also reflect nature, in that they appear to have an icy surface that’s reminiscent of frost in the wintertime. These bowls make a stunning centerpiece on any table. Orrefors also offers many other timeless, classic designs – as seen in the Illusion stemware collection, or the Crystal Tone collection. Each design is unique, yet functional – something that is consistent throughout the Orrefors line.

The Kosta Boda line is more whimsical, colorful, and inspired by Swedish folklore. The Cancan bowls are made up of five different colors that freely melt and “dance” together, ensuring that no two pieces are exactly alike – a perfect instance of functional art. The Tempera bowls have a similar quality – clear glass mixed with swirling, fluid bands of color make each bowl appear to be a work of art.
One of our favorite collections in the Kosta Boda line is the Two of Us Flutes. They celebrate happiness and finding love – and they make a great wedding gift. Kosta Boda’s Brains Collection consists of sculptures that are also functional as paperweights or desk accessories. With 7 unique designs, they are the perfect item to collect or to give as a gift. The Aria Collection of vases and bowls take a sweeping form that reflects the rhythm of music. Available in 4 colors, each piece in this collection represents classic Kosta Boda. There are many other fun, whimsical collections featured in the Kosta Boda line – the Wide Life sculptures, Hearts Collection, and Catwalk figures are just a few more of our favorites.

With what started off 260 years ago as the production of both large and small simple household items, Orrefors Kosta Boda has grown and flourished into the company it is today. By continuously experimenting, researching, and adding new designers, artists, engravers, and sculptors, the company has received many awards and museum recognitions – in the US and in other countries across the world. As artists and artisans working side-by-side, the designers and glassmakers are consistently making a collaborative effort to develop new techniques while refining the old ones the company was originated on. The talent, experience, and technique of these artists are the foundation of the Orrefors Kosta Boda line.

Sunday, March 20, 2011

Michael Wainwright: An American Artist

Michael Wainwright has been one of the fastest growing new collections at LCR West Hartford. Just a few years ago we started out with just handful of products from the line, after hosting a large trunk show and signing event with Michael Wainwright in the shop, the line has quickly blossomed into a go-to line for gift, home accessories and table top.

With porcelain produced in both Ohio and Arizona and his design studio located in the Berkshires of Massachusetts, Michael Wainwright is a true American artist. Through his many worldly travels Michael gathers his inspiration for his different collections. Ranging from the Manhattan Collection which portrays the New York City skyline, to the Giotto Collection which echoes the rays of light of halos in early Renaissance paintings, Michael incorporates 24k gold and platinum in ways that will suit any style of décor.


The Truro Collection takes its inspiration from the beaches of Truro, Cape Cod characterizing the movement of the ocean and undulating dunes. Available in both platinum and 24k gold, this collection is a classic and will truly fit into any décor.


Wainwright’s Amalfi Collection evokes the memories of traveling through the Mediterranean. Each piece is brilliantly hand-painted and this collection also features coral and turquoise glazes, both paired with 24k gold. Both of these collections can be paired beautifully with the Amalfi Gold, creating a rich and beautiful statement. Amalfi is also available in Platinum and Rose Gold.


The newest collection, which was debuted in Fall 2010 and is quickly gaining lots of attention is the Origin Collection, where Michael brings all of his lines back to basics. The Origin Collection features the sculptural qualities of the Truro, Giotto, Manhattan Collections with accent pieces from Santorini and Palazzo; however they are left without the precious metals. What we are left with is the striking beauty of the silhouette of the porcelain itself. Also, because it can go from the freezer to oven to microwave and is dishwasher safe, the Origin Collection is perfectly suited for everyday use.

The collections of Michael Wainwright are pieces of art for everyday life. Being handmade and hand-painted, no two pieces are alike. The 24k gold, platinum and rose gold add in a touch of luxury, while the ability of every piece of porcelain to go into the dishwasher makes it practical, a combination that makes this line a favorite at LCR.

Sunday, January 9, 2011

Michael Aram, one of LCR's Signature Brands

Michael Aram, who founded his company in the late 1980’s, is an American-born artist. He uses traditional metalworking techniques, which he learned about on a trip to India, to create distinctive objects for the home. His work reflects who he is as an artist. With everything from tableware to furniture, each piece is a functional piece of art.

Michael Aram’s work has always been very well-appreciated in our shop. The extensive range of products allows his work to easily mix well with any décor, traditional or contemporary; and gift-giving is made simple with the beauty and uniqueness of each piece by Michael Aram.


One of our favorite collections that is popular here in New England is the Bark & Branch collection. Including everything from photo frames and vases to flatware and serving pieces to larger furniture pieces, the collection features metals such as goldplate, nickelplate, and oxidized bronze. A collection of each of the three Bark Vases in varying heights makes a stunning centerpiece for the dining table. Or display your favorite photo in one of the Twig Photo Frames, or entertain guests with the Bark Ice Bucket & Twig Tongs. The design reflects an element of nature, and since each piece is hand-sculpted, no two are exactly alike.


Some of the latest products by Michael Aram are also among of the most popular. The Black Orchid collection combines black nickelplate with stainless steel to create unique serving pieces and decorative objects. New additions to the Olive Branch collection are popular items as well. Give the Wine Coaster & Stopper Set as a gift, or use the Olive Branch Canisters in your own kitchen. Made of stainless steel and oxidized bronze, they are timeless, unique pieces that are sure to be appreciated by any recipient.


A popular registry brand, Aram’s work appeals to today’s modern bride. The Garland Collection reflects the beauty of romance. The 8 x 10 Garland Frame, or the Garland Toasting Flutes, make the perfect gift to give a bride as an heirloom to remember such a special event.

Michael Aram’s work is one of LCR’s most popular brands, and will always be a mainstay in our shop, and we have enjoyed watching the line grow and expand to what it is today.

Monday, November 1, 2010

Westchester magazine features Peter Robbin, founder of LCR



We are happy to share that one of our founders Peter Robbin is featured in Westchester magazine.

Excerpt:

The ceiling is painted a high-gloss celadon, almost like lacquer; as the pool water shimmers, so does the room. "It's a little play of light," bouncing between the two surfaces, liquid and solid, says interior designer Peter Robbin of L.C.R., an office and retail shop
design company with offices in Westport and West Hartford, Connecticut.


Read full article - please click here

LCR offers a full range of interior design services in Connecticut, New England, and across the United States, View our work - please click here

Sunday, June 13, 2010

Father's Day 2010 at LCR

Father’s Day is right around the corner, and at LCR we have gifts to suit fathers with various types of interests. If you’re looking for that perfect gift to give dad this year, LCR is the place to shop.

Some of our most popular gifts for men are desk accessories, and we carry a wide variety of desktop clocks, business card holders, pencil cups and other desk items. A letter opener or magnifying glass in gold & platinum or tortoiseshell enamel by L’Objet make great gifts your dad can use at the office. If your dad prefers a more contemporary style, Nambe makes desk accessories with a modern twist, such as the Flame clock and the Wave and Rocks business card holders.

Wine and bar accessories also make great gifts for dads, and we offer many different styles of decanters, coasters, ice buckets, and other wine accessories. Some of our favorites are by Nambe - the Morphik wine rack or the Contour decanter fit a contemporary, functional style. The Requin bottle opener and Magnetic drip ring by Ercuis also make ideal gifts for dads who enjoy bar entertaining.

If you want to give dad something with a more personal touch, the Father Verse tray by Mottahedeh or Michael Aram’s Impala photo frame with a photo of the two of you make gifts that dad will be sure to appreciate.

Finding the perfect gift for dad this Father’s Day is easy at LCR – with so many styles and options, you will be sure to find just the right thing.