Sea Glasbruk: LCR West Hartford's New Gift Line

Sea Glasbruk is one of the newest additions to both LCR West Hartford’s retail shop and lcrcollection.com. Sea Glasbruk is an Orrefors/Kosta Boda company; all of the pieces in the collection are handmade in Sweden, as keeping with their customs. Sea Glasbruk pieces have been hand painted and hand made by Swedish artists for over 50 years. These artists create pieces that both uphold and explore Swedish design traditions. More modern in style, these pieces will add grace to any décor, making them the perfect gift.


Vases from the gift collection exemplify this grace with their angled rim. The vases from the Sea collection, as well as the bowls, are all created by the artists in collaboration with florists, thus ensuring that the pieces better suit floral arrangements. Large Sea Glasbruk vases hold a bouquet of cut flowers beautifully and, when combined with the brilliant colors of the vases, you are left with an absolutely stunning arrangement which will be sure to brighten a dull corner or be the perfect centerpiece on a foyer table.


Other pieces in the collection include a cake plate and large platter. With the clean simple lines that is indicative of modern Swedish design, these pieces a great addition to any tabletop, perfect for entertaining or to be left out as part of the home décor in a kitchen or dining room. The large platter could also serve as a center piece; perfect to hold a candle, potpourri, fruit or anything your heart desires.


Because of the bright and fun colors of Sea Glasbruk, they are not limited to being in a modern decorating style. The Vase in Red would harmonize wonderfully with a rustic or country scheme, whereas the blue, coral and even plum would accent a Tuscan decorating style. Our favorite use of Sea Glasbruk at LCR West Hartford would be for al fresco entertaining. We envision a mixed collection of the colors becoming the dining centerpiece and an excellent showcase for delicious cooking and fresh-cut flowers, a perfect addition to a summer evening spent with close friends and family.

The Sea Glasbruk collection from Orrefors/Kosta Boda is our new must-have. Its bright colors and versatility, combined with great price point, lend it to any lifestyle and decorating scheme. Because of this flexibility they truly make the perfect gift; large platters and bowls have a myriad of uses and with a wide array of colors as well as black and white, there really isn’t anyone who wouldn’t love a piece of the Sea as a gift.

LCR West Hartford Showcases Lee Industries

In addition to being a full service interior design firm and a retail shop selling gift, tabletop and home accessories; LCR West Hartford carries furniture from several lines, including Lee Industries. Lee Industries is a family owned and operated furniture company that was founded in North Carolina in 1969. The founders of Lee, Bill and Dottie Coley, wanted to produce high quality, American-made furniture, and that is exactly what they did. Over 40 years later, they are still producing quality furniture, and have also turned their attention to the environment as well; according to their website all Lee upholstery contains certified sustainable frames, soy-based cushions, recycled metals, recycled fibers, and low VOC finishes. They have also partnered with several environmental councils to not only certify that their product is eco-friendly, but also to aid in promoting sustainability efforts on a national and global scale.

Our interior designers at LCR West Hartford have been using Lee furniture for many years now and they love it not only because of the quality, eco-friendly products, made in the USA, but because of the wide variety of pieces they carry. Lee is known for their sofas and chairs; they also have an array of benches and ottomans, as well as upholstered beds and outdoor furniture. Upholstered benches from Lee have been used by our interior designers in countless rooms of homes they’ve designed. Smaller ottomans have been used as vanity stools or as a piece that can be tucked away in the corner but then pulled out for extra seating when entertaining. On the other hand, larger benches and ottomans are perfect as coffee tables or, when placed in front of a fire place, can provide extra seating when needed, without blocking the view of what often is the focal point of a room. They are also great additions to bed rooms; whether a place to sit to put on shoes, or, in a kid’s room, a great place to read books or play.


In addition to the variety of pieces that Lee Industries carries, they also have many ways for their pieces to be customized. With over a thousand different fabrics to choose from, there is something for every décor. We recently brought six new pieces of Lee into our retail shop and they include a few examples of additional options Lee has.
Our tall, rectangular back wing chair is an example of how to upholster a chair in two different fabrics with a teal grounded velvet raised damask on the inside of the chair, the seat, and as a contrast fabric welt around the back of the chair where we have woven texture. We used antiqued brass nail head trim to delineate the two fabrics. Finally, the chair has legs in a warm fruitwood finish and antique brass casters to give it a complete and elegant look.

Our sectional sofa with a left-facing chaise is the perfect addition to any family room or den with its comfy seating. The woven texture in teal, gold and chocolate adds the perfect amount of visual interest while still reading as a neutral. By adding the teal velvet throw pillows with gold fringe sewn in, we achieve the perfect pop of color by pulling colors from the fabric to attain a cohesive look.


From contrast fabric welts, to nail trims, and leg finishes to throw pillows all accents are easily customized for any order here in our shop. Because LCR West Hartford’s retail shop is owned by an interior design firm we are able to utilize the same design techniques they use when ordering furniture for our retail clients. We have fabric samples that are available to be taken home so our clients can see them in their own space. Because we all have a passion for furniture, fabrics and upholstery it is an exciting experience to assist a client in selecting and customizing a piece of upholstery whether it is a sofa or headboard that will be an inspiration for a design or a small ottoman that is the perfect finishing touch.

LCR West Hartford Heads to the City

It’s that time of year again! LCR West Hartford will be making our fall shopping trip to New York City. We take 4-5 shopping trips each year and it’s always an exciting time for us; one of our favorite parts of the job. At LCR West Hartford we are constantly on the lookout for new and exciting artists from all over the world, and we are regularly searching for the next great thing to bring to our clients. Whether it’s a new gift line, a gorgeous new china pattern or a fabulous home accessory, we will be sure to find it! We cannot wait to bring it back to our retail shop and send it home with one of our retail clients or have one of our interior designers use it as a finishing touch in a clients home.

We love going to visit our favorite showrooms such as Michael Aram, L’ Objet and Michael Wainwright and seeing what new product they are debuting for the upcoming season. So far we have already set our sights on pieces from Michael Wainwright’s Capitol Collection, which is inspired by Washington, DC, as well as the new Sleepy Hollow Collection by Michael Aram. These collections will be great additions to our retail shop, especially as the holiday season draws near. The Capitol Collection makes a beautiful tabletop, especially when set with crystal stemware from Orrefors Kosta Boda. Michael Aram’s Sleepy Hollow Collection will make a stunning holiday gift or can be purchased as the perfect addition to your own entertaining collection. Including everything from cheeseboards, to casserole dishes, to wine bottle coasters; this collection has something for everyone. You can expect to see these collections online and in the shop for our Fall 2011 Season.

Another exciting aspect of our shopping trips into the city is the chance to bring new lines to both the shop and the website. Two and a half years ago, we discovered Tamara Childs, which is now a favorite line of ours. We love that Tamara was an American artist, working out of her studio in Seattle; as well as how pieces from the line harmonize beautifully with other collections, such as Annie Glass. Tamara Childs quickly became a go-to gift line in our retail shop, and is now the newest addition to our website. We are always on the lookout for new lines that we can bring in, paying special attention to any American artists we meet. From gift to tabletop, small home accessories to furniture; LCR West Hartford is always looking for a new and exciting addition to share with our clients. Shopping becomes an exciting adventure for home accessories as well. We take care to find unique pieces for our clients to fall in love with, knowing that this piece could be the perfect finishing touch in a room or an inspirational piece for a new decorating project. With a wide array of vendors to choose from, each with product from all over the world; we are able to bring in a wide variety of accessories, sure to fit any style of décor, color scheme and price range.

LCR West Hartford’s owner and lead interior designer, Peter Robbin, accompanies us on the shopping trip, not only finding home accessories for the shop but also for his own design clients. Peter has been an interior designer in the West Hartford area for over 25 years and enjoys selecting pieces on the shopping trips to be the finishing touches for current projects. Peter keeps in mind the colors of the project as well as other textures found in the room, as well as the scale, when selecting these pieces for clients. As we shop with him he is always sure to educate us on why he is selecting pieces so we can pass that information on to our retail shop clients as we are assisting them in selecting the perfect piece of home furnishing for their décor.

Many lines that are loved in our retail shop are also used by our interior designers in their designs for their client’s homes. Garden stools are an example of one home accessory that we carry in our retail shop that are quite often used by designers in a room. Robin Jones, an interior designer at LCR West Hartford, recently incorporated a turquoise blue garden stool in a family room that he is currently working on. It will sit between two wing chairs and will not only be a pop of color that finishes off the room but is also useful as a small table or extra seating. Peter Robbin recently purchased two Kushi Pourpre Chargers by Jaune de Chrome for a design client of his to be displayed in a new china cabinet. Because of the unique texture that the chargers have they stood out in the china cabinet and were a perfect backdrop to a beautifully set table. Jaune de Chrome is a newer line for LCR West Hartford; it has been in the retail shop and on the website since we discovered it on a shopping trip last year and decided we couldn’t live without it as part of our tabletop selection.

With less than a month to go until our big shopping trip we are excitedly counting down the days. It’s always a pleasure to bring back new product to share with our clients. This year especially you can be sure to see some great new finds that will prove to be the perfect gift for a loved one or a furnishing or accessory that serves as the finishing touch at home.

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.

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.

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.

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.