Design Crush – Lorenzo Castillo

Those of you that have followed this blog for any length of time know there are certain designers whose work just makes me crazy (in a good way, of course). Their oeuvre hits all the right buttons for me and I remain a faithful groupie. One of those is Lorenzo Castillo.

This guy is one chic Spaniard. He manages to pull off paired down modernism in one project and, in the next, conjures up classic European luxe that still feels fresh and design forward. We’re loving his most recent designs for a Madrid apartment featured in this month’s Elle Décor. Castillo’s prowess as an antiques dealer extraordinaire is evident as he layers centuries, cultures and periods with a confident eye that results in a seamless whole. On Madison takes you on a tour of all things Lorenzo Castillo.

Todavia estamos locos.

Photos via Elle DecorLC8LC7 Lorenzo CastilloAnd some more inspiring images from Lorenzo’s extensive portfolio. Click through photos for source:

LC11Lorenzo CastilloLC10 Lorenzo Castillo  Lorenzo CastilloLorenzo Castillo  Lorenzo CastilloLorenzo Castillo

 
 

Best of the Best: Karl Springer

Parchment, lacquer, brass, and lucite. As the song goes, these are some of my favorite things. These finishes (among many other exotic finishes) were also the favorite things of designer Karl Springer, whose work is still coveted nearly 25 years after his death.

Born in Berlin, Karl Springer took a job at Lord & Taylor in New York where he began creating small decorative objects covered in fine leathers. His handmade designs quickly caught the eye of a discerning clientele and by the mid 1960’s he had his own workshop in New York, concentrating on furniture design. His business flourished after the Duchess of Windsor discovered his work and recommended him to her inner circle of society acquaintances.

His signature styles were classical Chinese and Art Deco, and he is credited with bringing back the popularity of shagreen, the rough skin of the Asian shark which had been popular in the 1920’s but had fallen out of favor. Shagreen, along with lacquered parchment, inlaid wood veneer, rare wood, metals, faux finishes, and granite, all became hallmarks of his pieces.

Today, Springer’s designs are sought after for their timeless appeal, seamlessly working alongside classical as well as modern and transitional decor. On Madison has assembled a collage of iconic Springer pieces. Our favorite things, indeed.

Karl Springer Roundup

All images can be found on our Pinterest board, Madison Modern Blog.

 
 

Father Knows Best: Father’s Day Gift Guide for 2015

Sunday is Father’s Day, a day to celebrate everything great about being a dad, having a dad, or celebrating the significant father-figure in one’s life. Father’s are an important role model in our lives. They can impart to us those traits that are thought of as typically “male,” such as courage, risk-taking, and mentoring. But trying to figure out what to get them is another matter altogether.

It’s amazing that as special as dads are, they are a bit of a challenge when trying to come up with something out of the ordinary to give them on Father’s Day. Let’s face it, most dads don’t shop or pamper themselves, so that rules out spa days or perfume. With that in mind, On Madison has assembled an assortment of not-so-typical dad’s day gifts that will tell your dad you think he’s the greatest.

Fathers-Day

 

 

 

For the sporty dad, we suggest a few gadgets and accessories he might enjoy to help him track his fitness, progress, and adventures. And of course an impeccable Sol y Luna leather handbag for a classic vintage look & feel out on the green. Sporty Dad: Sol&Luna leather golf bag / Electronics charging station / Apple iwatch / Oliver People’s classic sunglasses / The Fitbit Flex / The GoPro Hero4

For the culinary dad, may we suggest an array of sauces and spices, cookbooks, and you can’t go wrong with a professional knife set. Culinary Dad: Hot Sauce gift set / Barbeque sauce gift set / Peppercorn sampler / Bobby Flay ‘Grill It!’ BBQ cookbook / Saber SKS Pro knife set

For the connoisseur dad we think he’d enjoy a premium tequila assortment, and these are some of the highest rated suggestions via epicurious.com. Or if he’s not the liquor type, the States are boasting a wonderful selection of craft beers he would love, including anything by Allagash. Connoisseur Dad: Casa Dragones Silver Tequila Gift Set / Casa Noble Reposado / Tres Agaves tequila / Allegash Curieux craft beer

Last but not least, the intellectual dad who has impeccable taste would love anything from the MOMA store, amazing coffee table books, a handmade bow-tie (or two), or a bluetooth gramophone for a classic meets modern twist for entertaining and enjoy his favorite music. Intellectual Dad: Forage handcrafted bow ties / Vintage 1st Dibs telescope / Gramovox bluetooth gramophone / ‘The Art Book‘ from Phaidon / Penpo pencil cups

Follow us to see more ideas and inspiration on our Pinterest boards.

 

 

 
 

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