Colorful and Creative Gifts at LCR West Hartford

LCR West Hartford is pleased to announce our most recent addition to our website, Diane Markin. Diane Markin, an American artist, currently lives and works in California where she is busy transforming ordinary elements such as glass, jewels, recycled materials and metal into unique works of art. In our retail shop, Diane Markin is most well known for her many frames, but her line extends far beyond them to include everything from clocks, ornaments and garden accessories. Just about everything in Diane’s line is bright, colorful and whimsical, making them perfect gifts for a fun-loving friend.


In addition to creating new objects from the raw materials she so enjoys working with, Diane reuses objects like antique silver plate flatware, “tortures” them, and transforms them into something special. Our favorites are the clocks and serving pieces, like the vertical napkin tray (shown). Other creative and useful recycled items are the garden stake knives, decorative garden accessories made out of glass, jewels, and wire attached to antique silver plate dinner knife, which, according to Diane, makes the perfect garden stake. They are available in dragonfly, butterfly, daisy, heart, sparkler.


Any piece from Diane Markin’s line makes an excellent gift, especially when given to those who have the same love of colorful, cheery and handcrafted items as Diane. Her entire line is made by hand here in the United States, by Diane herself or a member of her team. Many of the pieces are made out of recycled materials making them great gift choices for the Earth-conscious friend as well.

Decorating with Neutrals

Many times we talk about adding a ‘pop of color’ to a room to make a space more exciting and appealing. But, can you still have a room with visual interest without the addition of color? The answer is yes. If done properly, a room designed in a neutral palette can be soothing as well as rich, luxurious and aesthetically pleasing. To achieve this look special attention must be paid to texture.
Even when color is used in a design scheme, texture still plays a big role; once it is removed, texture becomes the focus. Texture should be kept in mind even before furniture and accessories enter a room. In lieu of painting a wall, papering in a grass cloth or other wallpaper can serve as the perfect backdrop. Grass cloth is something that our designers at LCR West Hartford use quite often; it doesn’t have a pattern, and therefore doesn’t compete with other patterns throughout the room, yet has more depth than paint. Carpets are also a great way to add texture. A frieze area rug is not only incredibly durable but also warms up a hardwood floor nicely.

After the foundations are complete, attention can be turned to fabrics, furniture and accessories. Using a multitude of fabrics in a room is a very simple way to add texture, as well as add depth with different neutrals. When designing with neutral scheme it is also best to vary the shades slightly; for example, instead of using tans, vary the palette to incorporate cream, sand, camel and caramel. The way to achieve the combination is to make sure they are all of the same tone; keeping with either a cool or warm scheme, for example. Fabrics then can be found that incorporate any and all of these shades; they will help to add the depth and warmth needed for interest. Mixing different types of fabrics; from damask to velvet, woven chenille to silk, easily adds texture and interest all while keeping within the scheme.

Lastly, add in accessories. Look for special pieces that speak to you, and accessories will soon become the easiest way for you to make a room unique. Lamps can easily add texture and interest, as well as much needed light, and many vases do have a special finish or texture to them that will add to a space. Not every room needs color to be interesting and fun, a gorgeous space can be created with a neutral scheme, all you need is creativity and imagination.

A Few of Our Favorite Things: Cobra Candlesticks

At LCR West Hartford we see our fair share of crystal candlesticks. They come in an array of sizes and shapes, styles and prices. There are so many beautiful candlesticks to be seen, however, when there is one so gorgeous that it stops us in our tracks we can’t wait to tell the world.

While on a recent shopping trip we saw, and promptly fell in love with, the new Cobra Candlesticks by Rogaska. The design of these candlesticks is inspired by the movement of a Cobra; its upward twists and turns are reminiscent of a snake rising up, ready to attack. They are available in five sizes (5 ½”, 8 ¼”, 9 ½”, 10 ¼”, and 11 ¾”). Traditionally candlesticks are displayed in a pair of the same size, but our favorite way to show these off is in a grouping of either 3 or 5 candlesticks in varying sizes. It is a more modern way of displaying them, and is sure to add drama to any room.

They are a perfect gift for anyone who loves clean lines and great design. While they could be at home in any style of décor, we at LCR West Hartford recommend them as a gift to someone with a modern or eclectic taste. We can’t wait to see them get gifted as a wedding or anniversary present; that is if we don’t buy them first for ourselves!

To see more Rogaska Crystal, visit Nambe on our website, lcrcollection.com and browse their crystal pieces, as all Nambe crystal is made by Rogaska. At the moment these amazing candlesticks are not available online, but if you have any questions or would like to make a purchase, please call or email us at:

1-800-878-9446
1-860-231-7742 (Local)

info@lcrcollection.com

LCR West Hartford Designer Bios: Peter Robbin

LCR West Hartford, Connecticut is an interior design firm and retail shop owned by lead interior designer Peter Robbin. Peter has a Bachelors of Fine Arts and a Bachelors of Interior Architecture, both from Rhode Island School of Design. After he graduated, Peter worked in Paris for 6 months before heading to New York City. There, he gained experience working for three well-known interior firms. Then, in 1987, Peter moved to Connecticut and purchased what is now LCR from interior designer John LaFalce.

Peter’s design philosophy is based in tradition. As a classically trained interior designer, he enjoys designing a room in a classic/eclectic mix, working to incorporate classic pieces ranging from Traditional to 20th Century Modern, to Asian to French. In a classic/eclectic mix Peter feels that because of the juxtaposition of the different styles, their best features are then highlighted; the curved leg of a Louis XV chair is highlighted and more visually appealing when it’s against a hard line of an Asian end table. Then, Peter uses proportion, materials and color to tie everything together and give the room a cohesive look. Texture is also a tool Peter uses in his interiors, using it to give the room a warm and friendly feel. When different textures are found throughout a room it feels more comfortable and inviting- the room says come touch, not look and don’t touch.

For Peter it is important to get to know his client before starting to scheme for his design. He observes how the client dresses and presents him or herself and uses that information to design a room that best suits their personality and style. He also takes time to find out how the room will be used and how it is naturally lit; two important factors in his design.

Peter Robbin is a designer who’s interiors are based in tradition but always stylish. He turns away from current trends in favor of a design that is timeless and will never go out of style, using classics from an array of periods to give a room a cohesive and beautiful design, only adding new style that will become tomorrow’s classic. There is so much currently stylish that is dated in a few short years.

Peter’s designs have been featured in publications such as Colonial Homes Magazine, Metropolitan Home Magazine, House Beautiful, and Hartford Magazine.


To Schedule An Appointment Please Contact:

Peter Robbin

LCR
981B Farmington Avenue
West Hartford, CT 06107

(860) 231-7712 ext. 300

pcrobbin@lcrcollection.com

Tamara Childs: The Perfect Gift

Finding the perfect gift to give can often be an arduous task. Our clients at LCR West Hartford always have one request when we help them pick out a gift; it has to be special. Gifts should be just as exciting to give as they are to receive, whether it’s a small thank you gift or something larger for a special occasion. It should be unique, and a piece of art. When we find a line that fulfills all of these requisites, we can’t help but share it and get excited ourselves.


We first brought in Tamara Childs glass pieces into our retail shop about two years ago, and it has recently been added to our website. Tamara Childs is a Seattle native; there she works with fine sheets of metal leaf to create masterpieces on a wide variety of glass pieces, most of which are exclusive designs. Tamara’s glass pieces are available in eight different color-ways, three of those being Gold, Silver and Copper. To achieve the remaining colors, Tamara mixes the metals in true artisan fashion. What we are left with are Sunset, a brilliant mix of gold and copper that radiates light and warmth; Northern Lights, a cooler color with hints of purples and greens just as one would see in the Aurora Borealis; Variegated Blue and Variegated Green, both with a marbled effect in their respective colors, over a gold ground; and Moss, her newest color, a soothing mix of gold and silver.


In each of these colors, Tamara creates different patterns; swirls, zig-zags, and slashes accent a wide array of glass pieces. Because of the many color-ways and patterns this line truly has something for everyone, regardless of their personal decorating tastes or color preferences. Whether it be gold, silver or color; contemporary or traditional, we can attest that everyone can find a piece from this fabulous gift line. Because the pieces range from small pieces such as vases or soap dishes, to large trays or bowls, the perfect gift can be discovered for any occasion; housewarming to wedding, and everything in between.

Fantastic Finds From the City that Never Sleeps

At LCR West Hartford the shopping trips that we take are some of the most exciting and fun times of the year. After three days of seeing everything there is to see in the world of gift, home accessories and tabletop we are so happy with what we will be bringing into the shop for the fall season.


We will be adding to one of our newer lines, the Grant Dawson Collection, which is part of the Four Seasons Design Group. The Grant Dawson Collection includes home accessories, tabletop and entertaining, and desk accessories. Every piece features an animal or a plant that is an endangered species; helping to bring awareness to that organism. A portion of all of Grant Dawson’s profits are donated back to the Sustainable Furnishings Council, a non-profit coalition from which Grant Dawson was awarded the Silver Exemplary Status in 2008. In addition to raising awareness of endangered species, Grant Dawson also prides itself on using sustainable resources for their line. They work primarily in pewter, precious metals, certified woods and recycled glass; with everything being made in the United States. One of our favorite pieces at LCR West Hartford, which is also best-seller, is the Dart Frogs Salt & Pepper. They are available in several color-ways and make the perfect addition to any table setting, adding not only a touch of whimsy but also serving as a wonderful conversation piece, as the story that goes along with the company is one to be shared. Their entire collection includes beautiful handmade pieces that truly do make the perfect gift.


At LCR West Hartford, our clients have come to expect beautifully set tables, and we are always on the lookout for the inspiration for the next stunning table. After revamping our selection of china over the past two years we were ready to move on to placemats, napkins and napkin rings, and boy, did we find some stunning pieces. Kim Seybert is a go-to line for tabletop at LCR West Hartford. As a former fashion designer, Kim Seybert always hits the mark with the latest trends. With the entire line before us, the challenging part was choosing what not to bring into the shop, but we are thrilled with what we bought. At LCR West Hartford we love gray for the fall season, so when we saw Kim Seybert’s gray capiz shell placemats in person, we swooned, and could immediately imagine the tables that could be set with them. At LCR West Hartford, we strive to bring in a wide array from neutrals to brights, dressy to casual; and enjoy setting tables in any style. We are happy to work with our clients to set the perfect table for their lifestyle using their special occasion china or everyday dinnerware, or anywhere in between. There is truly something out there for everyone.


Pean Doubulyu glass is a favorite line for tabletop at LCR West Hartford, and we are very pleased to announce that we will be carrying a larger selection for Fall and Holiday 2011. Pean Doubulyu glass is a family owned company out of Providence, Rhode Island; all glass is made there by hand. Pean Doubulyu glass is creative, colorful, and one of a kind. They have several collections within the line featuring tumblers, juice glasses, and carafes with everything from dots, to swirls to what they call the “wonkie jimmie” pattern pictured above. In addition to those classic favorites, we fell in love with new oversized, color-block pieces, including vases, bowls, and a cake plate. These pieces are the perfect home accessory to add a splash of color or an exquisite gift for a special someone. There are also clear glass pieces including a fabulous cruet set as well as stunning one of kind candlesticks that the artists make on Friday afternoons to end the work week on a fun note. Everything from the Pean Doubulyu line, from table top and entertaining pieces, to their home accessories, is a true work of art.


At LCR West Hartford we are so excited for all of the new product to arrive; now we just have to wait, which is always the hardest part. You can also expect new pieces from your favorite lines at LCR, such as Ben’s Garden, Diane Markin, Michael Aram, and Nambe. Because we are able to meet and talk to the artists while we are out shopping we are able to set up trunk shows for the fall season; be sure to check back with us for news on what lines will be featured as we get closer to the holiday season. We love trunk shows at LCR West Hartford because they are a way for us to bring a majority, if not an entire line to our clients. It’s a perfect way for us to showcase everything that is available in tabletop, gift, and home accessories.

LCR West Hartford Designer Bio: Robin Jones

LCR West Hartford is pleased to introduce our newest interior designer Robin Jones. Robin has been with LCR since early spring of 2011 and has been busy ever since. For Robin, interior design is a lifelong passion. His training and background is from working for Kenneth Hammett of Woodbury, CT, one of the premier antique dealers in the United States; he still enjoys antiquing and loves using antiques in his design schemes. Robin was also educated at Rhode Island School of Design.

While Robin’s personal style of design is more of an eclectic mix, he is open to and loves decorating in whatever style his client is interested in. Because of his traditional training and his belief that all design, from interior design to jewelry, to art, can be traced back to traditional origins; once these fundamentals are understood any design style can be achieved. Robin stated that you “can’t abstract a form if you can’t relate to it in a traditional way.” This leaves Robin with the ability to transform any space to fit the vision that the client has. He takes great care to get to know his clients and listen to what they are looking for in a design; and then schemes to make sure the room fits their lifestyle, whatever that may be.

Robin’s design point of view evolved into a classic/modern mix; he believes that great design is a mix; including everything from contemporary to traditional to mid-century modern. He believes that modern design is about editing; as opposed to a Victorian Style that is heavy and incorporates many accessories. Robin incorporates items from a variety of styles and backgrounds; combining Asian, French and Mid-Century Modern; and then continues to mix in different fabrics and accessories to create a cohesive design scheme.

Interior Designer Robin Jones is flexible and adaptable in his design schemes. He designs for the wants and needs of his client, and will be sure to create a unique and lasting space.


Robin Jones

LCR West Hartford
981B Farmington Ave
West Hartford, CT 06107

(860)231-7712 ext. 307

rjones@lcrcollection.com