Moura Starr & the Brazilian Wood Revolution

by Erin Ferucci

Celebrity Lifestyle Designer

This is the most superior craftsmanship I have seen on the market today. The design is modern organic. The medium is exotic non-extinct woods from Brazil.

These pieces can be described in three words: custom, custom, custom! Handmade in Brazil out of wood that cannot be found anywhere else in the world Moura Starr adds Brazilian stone, colored glass and colored crystal to make unique high end contemporary furniture that surpasses Italian contemporary workmanship and design.

Take a look at this wonderful Curio Cabinet made from black lacquer, black crystal and rustic Imuia wood. Isn’t this the ultimate media cabinet? It is unique; designed and made with impeccable taste.

With their Pacific Design Center grand opening scheduled for sometime before the first of the year, it is just a matter of weeks before this unique and wonderful company will be on everyone’s tongue. For shoppers living outside the scope of Los Angeles or New York, Moura Starr will ship anywhere in the world. They recently opened their first showroom in Dubai available for designers and the public to shop. Please browse their online site for more unique and spectacular pieces.

Krislyn

by Erin Ferruci
Celebrity Lifestyle Designer

When celebrities collect modern design sculptural art they frequently choose the work of Krislyn. These sculptures are unique, they are classical but capable of surviving in a modern setting. The sculptures make a strong statement and are low maintenance - they have a presence that is strong with a subtle wow factor without being overwhelming.
Her unique perspective is echoed in the jeweled and mossed trees which make her studio on West 3rd seem more like a woodland for fairies than a downtown boutique

Her arrangements are remarkably unique and feature spectacular organic displays of nature inspired art.
Julie Krislyn designs trees that don’t die. She does something that no one else does. Some crazy things, crazy in a good way. She's very original. Innovative, cutting edge, unique and eco friendly

Casa Del Bianco

All designers have secrets. Little bits of information that we have that we know will wow a client. Today I am giving away one of my secrets, I probably shouldn't, but I love the owners of this shop so much and their sheets are so spectacular that I'm giving up my secret. Now everyone will know where to get the same custom made sheets that celebrities and the uber wealthy rest their heads upon, Casa Del Bianco.
If what they say is true and we spend over a third of our lives asleep, then skimping on budget linens is not the thing to do. If you want the best linens that money can buy, then you want Casa Del Bianco fine Italian Bed Linens. Every thing is hand woven in Italy. They are a gift to yourself. Trust me this is what the wealthy and influential have on their beds, I know because I put them there!

Their small but chic shop on Lexington Avenue in New York is a veritable treasure trove of custom linens. If you want to put together the perfect bed from top to bottom this shop is the secret answer. If Oprah isn't sleeping on these sheets she should be!

The sheets are custom made so you can pull a look and feel together simply and create a stunning bed that is divine to look at and even better to sleep in. There is so minimum order at this palace of bedding, so if you only want two shams - not a problem.

You can order the linens on line, but if you are in New York you must treat yourself to the sensual experience of these linens. Tell Lupe and Fabrizio that Erin Ferucci sent you. And now my secret is out!

Dayna Decker's Candle Line - My Fav!

DayNa Decker's unique candle line is really impeccable. Her "chandels" transcend good taste. The packaging is beautiful and the truly innovative "EcoWood" wicks used in her candles crackle when burning. It's like having a personal fireplace!


The affordable line is the Botanika line. These candles are made with aromatic gel in several different scents. They look great, smell wonderful and at prices ranging from $34 to $74 these candles make great gifts.


If you are looking for a truly remarkable gift DayNa Decker offers "conceptual gifting" that is spectacular.

On the higher end are the exotic woods Luminesse sculptures. This is the kind of candle Tom Ford would buy; in fact he probably already owns one.

I even love DayNa Decker's website, a direct quote:

“Providing both artistic impression and provocative ambience, one does not just light an illuminating sculpture, one experiences it. From the mesmerizing flicker of the flame as it works its way across the top, to the ebb and flow of glow dancing with the surrounding air, it is the perfect fusion of form and function manifested in light.”

These candles are amazing. Treat yourself to the experience and give one as a gift.

Garden Visit at Charles Jacobson

In the middle of the city, down a mysterious hidden alley way, off the "beaten path", is an oasis called Charles Jacobson. As you approach you are greeted by tremendous wrought iron gates from India, in the background you can hear gentle water flowing from fountains and the sounds of birds softly chirping. This is how your garden visit to Charles Jacobson begins.

Interior design is as much about setting a mood as it is about color and function. Charles Jacobson clearly understands how to set a mood, making him a favorite among interior designers. Every time I visit, I have to remind myself that this amazing, immaculate wonderland exists in the middle of Los Angeles. It really is unbelievable. The trees in the garden are filled with bird cages from Chinatown, and each cage is home to an exotic bird. There are sitting areas all over the garden for designers to take a break or enjoy lunch while conjuring up idea for their clients. I love to enjoy the ambience of the garden and listen to the exotic birds chat with the birds that come to visit from the neighborhood.The shop and garden are filled with treasures, one of a kind wonders that are whimsical and unique. Furniture from all over the world is displayed, there is a definite Asian influence, but as each piece is hand picked by Charles himself there is an impeccable, tasteful through line. Charles skilled eye ensures that each piece is unique and special. The "Garden" is a wholesale warehouse where a designer can bring their client, shop and enjoy a

peaceful field trip. Charles Jacobson also has a showroom at the Pacific Design Center, and while it is indoors, temperature controlled and lovely (they even play taped birds chirping softly through out the showroom) I prefer to visit the garden oasis and marvel in its wonder.

Floral Art LA

In Venice, California there is an amazing shop that is appropriatley titled Foral Art. They feature really stunning arrangements that are innovative and evocative. They are truly works of art.






Whether you are seeking a more traditional arrangementwith a vintage flair...

or a spectacular architectural arrangement...

or a stunning gift box...


Floral Art has the style sense and sensability to add unspeakable finesse to any arrangement.

Their use of color, texture and living art is remarkable.

The truly beautiful thing about flowers is you don't have to be wealth to use them.

Imagine three of these vases in a row on banquet table, visually stunning and spectacularly inexpensive.

Visit Floral Art and find yourself rejuvinated and inspired. I know I do. This is my Los Angeles floral secret and now it can be yours.

Stalked by a Design Theme

Did you ever feel as though a theme were stalking you? I had an amazing field trip the other day where I really felt that I began to appreciate marble in a deeper more meaningful way. While I was enjoying this new appreciation of marble I came across this amazing rose marble tile.

This particular tile is produced by a company called Hagan Flynn, Inc. The Tile technique is titled “Cameo” it is a “modular system of coverings executed in two-colored marbles, with a strong decorative character.”

The tiles, which are designed by Raffaello Galiotto, are currently available in four different styles
Rose (shown), Serpentina, Rete and Alkazar.

The tiles are really heavy and would require a professional plan to mount them in the fashion shown in the pictures.

I found myself being really attracted to the rose tiles. I have to be honest that my attraction to them was a little off beat from my usual Island living flair. There was something about them that reminded me of those women in New York City in the Seventies with Bakelite bracelets. But I couldn’t stop thinking about the rose tile.

Later in the day, still shopping, in another part of the city I came across this rug with the exact same design element.

And it occurred to me that I am being stalked by this rose theme. I will let you know where it leads!