Mecox Gardens Blog

One of a Kind

Fri, 11 May 2012 13:48:00 -0400

We have all heard it, and we all want it. The phase couples with the ideas of personal, hand crafted, and expensive. You can get virtually anything custom made these days--sofas, chairs, dining tables, and even rugs. We love "One of a Kind' here at Mecox. We believe this is what truly helps us define ourselves from our competition.

If you are looking to push your décor up a notch or two, try adding a custom piece. Original art is a perfect place to start. Mecox is a terrific venue to find local up and coming artist. In our Houston location we are featuring the works of two very talented artists, Saba Jawda and Melanie Millar.

Saba Jawda is a Houston based Interior Designer with formally training in fine art and design. She also has her own line of modern yet glamorous furniture. We believe she is a force that has only begun her climb to popularity and we will enjoy watching and being part of her career. Here is an example of her work.

Range

Melanie Millar is also a Houstonian whom has already had a phenomenal amount of success and has become collectible. We are so proud to have her works in our collection. She is well versed in a multitude of different mediums including oil, acrylic, and has recently added (iron) rust to her palette. Due to her wide array of artistic abilities, she is able to come up with a style of painting that is very much her own and yet absolutely " One of a Kind". Here is one of her more recent works.

Line of Beauty #5

Mecox Salutes Austin Varner

Fri, 11 May 2012 13:45:00 -0400

Austin takes a fresh modern approach to a room with classic roots. The perfect balance of old and new, something we strive for at Mecox. Cited as a "favorite source for accessories" in the May issue of House Beautiful, we consider Austin Varner one of our favorite designers!

For more information on Austin, please visit her website.

The Roots of Modern Design

Tue, 08 May 2012 16:08:00 -0400

Many of today's modern designs are influenced by the Modern Movement of the late 19th Century. The Modern Movement instantaneously removed all ornamentation, focusing on pure form, with full attention to the qualities of the material and the honest use of those materials.

Panelled Velleum Door Cabinet

The movement started as a protest against the intolerable ugliness of the nineteenth century home. The clean lines and outstanding materials became an expression of the mindset of the age itself. Some of the most prolific designers of the time were Jean-Michel Frank, Andre Arbus, Ludwig Mies van der Rohe and Ruhlmann.

Mid-Century Parchment Buffet

Use of exotic woods, parchment, shagreen, marquetry inlay and chrome were some of the exquisite materials that define the period. As we walk through the Dallas Mecox store, and look at the furnishings prevalent in high-end design today, the influences of the Modern Movement are undeniable. The designs are timeless and luxurious yet, very simple and pure. They have stood the test of time, and will continue to do so for many years to come.

Jonathan Lounge Chaise

We invite you to the Mecox Dallas store, to see a wide range of Modernist-influenced designs on the floor. You can also read about and see more examples of Modernist Movement designs in the book Jean-Michel Frank, which is part of our book collection.

Yvette Short Sofa

2 Book Signings This Week at Mecox Los Angeles

Mon, 07 May 2012 18:33:00 -0400

Mecox L.A. is very pleased to host not one, but two (2!) of our very favorite designers with book signings this week during the famous La Cienega Design Quarter Legends Event, "Windows on the World"!

The lovely Mary McDonald (Star of Bravo TV's "Million Dollar Decorators") will be in-store on Thursday, May 10 from 1-3 signing copies of her fabulous book, INTERIORS. Champagne, light hor d'ourves and attitude will be served!

Our good friend Tim Clarke will be in-store on Friday, May 11 from 2-4 signing copies of his beautiful, relaxing new book, COASTAL MODERN. Please stop by on Friday and enjoy complimentary frozen Margaritas (a Mecox L.A. staple!) and delicious tacos from Santa Monica's Blue Plate Tacos. Fiesta indeed!

While you're here, please make sure to inspect our gorgeous designer window for the week-long event, "Berlin", by famed L.A. decorators Bonesteel, Trout & Hall. Being in a library was never so chic!

For more information on the Legends event, please visit the La Cienega Design Quarter website.

For information on Mary McDonald, please visit her website.

For information on Tim Clarke, please visit his website.

For information on Bonesteel, Trout & Hall, please visit their design website.

Spring, Summer, Sunshine, Light

Thu, 03 May 2012 16:33:00 -0400

Thoughts of brightness seem to make our spirits soar. What could be more delightful than a sunny day? Unfortunately, there are no guarantees in the weather no matter what season it may be. Absolutely no problem - A rainy day means we simply use the most functional, sleek, chic or vintage lighting to illuminate our space!

Not so bright, but so chic:

Vintage Pair Tortoise Shell Lamps

Thoughts of the ocean:

Resin Faux Coral Lamps

Thoughts of the Sea:

Pair of Wood and Iron Boat Lamps

Finding sea glass on the beach:

Blue Sea Glass Lamps

Sleek as a pony's hide:

Hide Lamps

Take a Seat in the Garden

Tue, 01 May 2012 12:39:00 -0400

Mecox Southampton has a new shipment of bright, beautiful and bold garden stools! Fill your garden with color and entertain in style.

Tassel Ceramic Accent Stool

Honey Glazed Ribbed Garden Stool

These accent pieces are perfect for use as stools, side tables or even grouped together as a coffee table. Tuck them into a corner with a blooming plant on top and--voila!--a fresh, new look for summer.

Blue Mushroom Stool

Coral Red Triangular Ceramic Stool

If you need a new look for your porch, garden or entrance stop in to add a pop of color this spring. Or better yet, use them for double duty indoors and outdoors. These versatile pieces don't have to stand alone in the garden. Use them inside next to a sofa or chair. Garden stools can go anywhere!

Oval Garden Seat

Round Contemporary Ceramic Stool

Tracy Hickman Named Winner of 1st Annual Chicago Interior Design Hall of Fame

Tue, 01 May 2012 10:30:00 -0400

The Design Center at the Merchandise Mart and Luxe Interiors + Design magazine recently named Tracy Hickman the winner of the first annual Chicago Interior Design Hall of Fame. She accepted the award at a gala at the Merchandise Mart.

Second runner up, Darcy Bonner of Darcy Bonner and Associates and first runners up Shea Soucie and Martin Horner of Soucie Horner Ltd were also recognized.

"The event was a huge milestone for the Chicago Design community as it's the first award of its kind," said Julia Chappell, managing director of marketing for the Design Center. "Our goal with the Chicago Interior Design Hall of Fame was to bring recognition to the vast array of design talent in the Chicago-area and honor the many designers who have contributed to interior design, civic endeavors and overall community well-being."

The ten nominees were selected by a jury of Design Center and Luxe Interiors + Design representatives. They included Susan Fredman of Susan Fredman Design Group, Alex Jordan and Dan Smieszny of Gregga Jordan Smieszny Inc, Gary Lee of Gary Lee Partners, Suzanne Lovell of Suzanne Lovell Inc,Margaret McCurry of Tigerman McCurry Architects, Frank Ponterio of Frank Ponterio Interior Design and Tom Stringer of Tom Stringer Design Associates.

In addition, Judy Niedermaier was honored with a special video tribute at the Awards Gala and received Posthumous Recognition for her many contributions to the design community. Luxe Interiors + Design is owned by HTT parent company Sandow Media.

Mecox Chicago congratulates all the nominees and the winner, Tracy Hickman.

Mecox LA Presents Thomas Hamel's Residence Booksigning

Mon, 23 Apr 2012 16:04:00 -0400

Please join Mecox Los Angeles as they present Thomas Hamel's new book, Residence. It is a glorious celebration of 20 years worth of design and collaboration by award winning international interior designer Thomas Hamel.

Mecox Los Angeles
April 26, Thursday
2:00-4:00

Residence is a glorious celebration of 20 years worth of design and collaboration by award winning international interior designer Thomas Hamel. A beautifully illustrated volume, Residence offers a breathtaking view of magnificent homes in Sydney and Melbourne from a harbour-front villa and bayside Italianate residence, to a stylish retreat in Florida and a French farmhouse in Luberon. Rich with over 150 gallery worthy and aspirational colour images, the book is a showcase of favourite projects from one of Australia's foremost talents.

Both inspired and instructive, Residence allows the reader the opportunity to have a sneak peak into some of the most private homes in Australia, Asia, Europe and the US. Chapters focus on a specific residence and are accompanied by an insightful and personal description of the design process used in each transformation. Residence is the pre-eminent design book for 2010 and will no doubt prove to be an indispensable part of any design-conscious library.

For more information on Thomas Hamel's design and projects website.

For information please contact us at 310-358-9272 or
919 North La Cienega Boulevard
Los Angeles, CA 90069

Everyday Pagoda

Mon, 23 Apr 2012 12:15:00 -0400

Pagoda describes the unmistakable tiered tower with multiple eaves common in Asia, and this ancient silhouette is often found in modern design. Most pagodas were built to have a religious function, most commonly Buddhist, and were often located in or near temples. Look closely, and you will see the awe-inspiring form take center stage in a variety of home decor from fabrics to furniture. Exuding mystique and beauty, the Pagoda likeness is a favorite unique touch in many Mecox goods blending seamlessly with our signature look.

Flank a contemporary console with ceramic Pagoda accessories.

Square Pagoda in Light Blue

Display treasures on our Vintage Faux Bamboo Pagoda Etagere.

Vintage Faux Bamboo Metal Etagere

Dress up a dining room with a pair of Vintage Gilded Pagoda Mirrors.

Vintage Gilded Pagoda Mirrors

Add a punch of color and whimsy with our Pagoda cotton and linen pillows.

Cotton and Linen Pillows

Pin It!

Tue, 17 Apr 2012 16:11:00 -0400

Mecox Gardens is now on Pinterest!

Currently, we have 14 boards created and are adding more daily. Such topics include Faux Bois, Mecox NYC Designer Windows, Inspired Chandeliers, New Items, and Spring Inspired Pillows.

Connect and Re-Pin Us on our Pinterest Site.

If you have suggestions for Boards please email us at info@mecoxgardens.com.

The Inspired Room

Tue, 17 Apr 2012 15:53:00 -0400

The Inspired Room is a new, monthly feature on our Mecox Blog taking inspiration from a glamorous room, a stylish outfit, or a luxurious travel destination. We then meticulously create an online vignette filled with furnishings and accessories all available from Mecox so you too can create the look!

For our first vignette, we have taken inspiration from a well-appointed room exuding glamor, style and the eclectic mix you've come to love from Mecox.

Image credit Lonny Mag

Mecox Palm Beach seamlessly recreated the look with furnishings available from our distinctive collection.

Click the links below to see details for each item we selected.

Furniture:

Cowhide Brown Zebra Rug

Round Stainless Steel Coffee Table

Tilt Arm Sofa

Lisel Burlap and Nailhead Ottoman

Albie 2-Tier Side Table

Avita Brass Table Lamp

Smalls:

Zeus Resin Bust

Carved Ruffles Marble Bowl

Ivory Shagreen Box

Vellum Books

Clint Hammered Candlestick

Easily transform your inspiration into reality with our fresh approach to getting the Mecox look in your own inspired room. We are happy to help you execute your vision! Feel free to bring an image of what inspires you next time you visit any of our stores, so that we can better serve you!

Tim Clarke's Window at Mecox Los Angeles

Wed, 11 Apr 2012 16:33:00 -0400

In celebration of our good friend and client Tim Clarke's new book, Coastal Modern, we invited Tim to do a front window vignette for us, which, of course, prominently highlights his gorgeous new book.

Tim did an outstanding job, and with the exception of the colorful and graphic vintage dhurrie rug ($6500 from Lawrence of La Brea, 671 S La Brea Ave, 323-935-1100), Tim only used Mecox products taken directly from the showroom floor! Tim created a stunning and vibrant vignette that is not only a show-stopper, but also a perfect example of his relaxed, modern beach aesthetic.

We hope anyone in the LA Area will stop buy and stroll through Tim's vision, and enjoy just a touch of his original, cool beach vibe. It would be like a mini-vacay! Proceeds from the sale of any Mecox item from Tim's window will benefit Tim's charity, Heal the Bay.

Mecox LA is also pleased to announce we will host a book signing for Tim during the celebrated House Beautiful/Elle Decor/Traditional Home-sponsored "Legends of La Cienega" event next month which runs from May 9-11. Tim will be here on May 10 from 2-4 signing copies of his book, which has quickly become one of our favorites.

The items used in Tim's window are:

French Leg Rope Console

Latticed Back Wooden Arm Chair

Bottoms Up Drink Marble Tripod Table

Hand-Made Woven Baskets

Anaut Large Rectangular Mirror

Round Burlap and Nailhead Ottoman

Two Tone Basket Weave Ceramic Lamp

Blue and White Striped Cotton Pillow

California AIDS LifeCycle

Tue, 10 Apr 2012 12:40:00 -0400

On June 3-9 2012, Mecox LA's Manager, Dave Benbow, will be participating in his 7th (seventh!) California AIDS LifeCycle benefiting the San Francisco AIDS Foundation and the Los Angeles Gay & Lesbian Center! "The most challenging part of the ride," Dave says, "besides the fund raising, is the pre-training. Finding time to get in all the needed time on the bike beforehand! Once you're actually doing the ride, the scenery, the amazing people, experiencing camp life, it all just goes by so fast!"

The 11th annual AIDS LifeCycle starts in San Francisco on June 3, and over 2000 cyclists will ride approximately 100 miles to the beach town of Santa Cruz before camping in a field of tents for the night. Each 100-mile day of the week-long cycling event has the riders going through the most spectacular California scenery you can imagine! Stops along the always stunning Pacific Coast route include the agricultural cities of King City and Santa Maria, the burgeoning wine country of Paso Robles, and then through the coastal communities of historic Santa Barbara, before ending up in Los Angeles for a total ride of 565 miles! Along with the 2000 Riders, the event is staged by over 1000 volunteer staffers and "Roadies," who do all the camp set up and support. All Riders and Roadies sleep in tents set up in city parks along the route. It truly is an amazing bonding event, and Dave says it absolutely changes your life. "You will definitely laugh, cry, cheer, and be humbled by all the amazing people who literally pour their blood, sweat and tears into this cause." But, as Dave points out, "It's just sad we even have to do the ride. But until a cure for AIDS and HIV is found, we'll be here, doing our part."

Dave has raised over $21,000 in the course of his years doing the LifeCycle and is once again reaching out for donations for this year's ride. Each participant on the ride has to raise a minimum of $3000, and if you would like to donate to Dave's ride, please follow the simple prompts on the link directly below-it's safe, easy and you can help make a difference!

Dave Benbow's AIDS/Life Cycle Page.

For more inforation on the AIDS LifeCycle, and how you can participate, please visit the AIDS/Life Cycle website.

Outside the Box by David Scott

Wed, 04 Apr 2012 15:03:00 -0400

Hot off the press! Pick up your copy of Outside the Box at Mecox. New York interior designer David Scott presents his innovative interiors that are captured by photographer Antoine Bootz. These incredible residences are sure to please and inspire.

With almost 20 years of experience, David mixes the past and present while maintaining the individuality of each and every client. His emphasis on comfort and practicality in the presence of beauty creates the ultimate living space that is sure to be enjoyed.

For more information or inspiration, visit his website.

A Personal Statement!

Thu, 29 Mar 2012 11:30:00 -0400

Home furnishings have seen an explosion of options allowing the consumer to personalize his or her environment to make an individual statement. Gone are the days of the one-size-fits-all and one finish, one size, no options dining table, bed, and end table.

Many of our case goods have multiple finish options, size options and in some cases, custom size options. Even some of our upholstery lines will customize length and depth. And in most cases, dozens if not hundreds of fabric choices are available.

Just look at the difference in our popular Royal Palm Nightstand with different finishes; weathered parchment for a lighter look, tortoise for a more formal look, or silver leaf for some glamour.

Royal Palm Night Stand in Weathered Parchment

Royal Palm Night Stand in Tortoise

Royal Palm Night Stand in Silver

Or, for example, our comfortable David lounge chair. Bone color leather for a fresh contemporary look, Pewter Belgian linen for a subdued approach, or Pale Blue leather for some drama.
David Lounge Chair - Bone

David Lounge Chair - Blue

The options are out there, so go make your personal statement!