We found these original Saarinen chairs (c.1957) at Two Jakes on our last trip to Williamsburg, Brooklyn. There were more than a dozen of them in different colors and fabrics scattered around the room selling for just $200 each. They stood apart from everything else in the room because of their absolute originality.

The name Eero Saarinen conjures up many images of iconic 20th century furniture designs. These executive armchairs are just one of his many contributions to the design world. His groundbreaking collection transformed everyday seating into a fluid, sculptural form. You can purchase these chairs new through Knoll (they’re manufactured according to the original specifications of the designer.) Imagine sitting in a chair like this at work today? Probably not as good for your back as those ergonomic ones, but a heck of a lot more stylish.

Here are 3 interesting facts about Eero Saarinen you may not know:

1. Saarinen designed the Gateway Arch, which stands in the heart of Saint Louis on the Mississippi River, the TWA Flight Center at New York’s J.F.K., and the main terminal of Dulles International Airport outside Washington, D.C.
2. After designing the General Motors Technical Center in Warren, Michigan with his father, Eliel Saarinen, he designed (among others) the headquarters of John Deere, IBM, and CBS.
3. Eero Saarinen’s work partners and friends were Charles Eames and Ray Kaiser, designers he collaborated with at Cranbook Academy in Bloomfield Hills, Michigan. Saarinen and Eames won first prize for several of their designs at the Home Furnishings competition at the MoMA in 1957— one of them was for this executive chair. – L

Remember those fabulous bracelets I wrote about a few weeks ago made by Mary Kate Steinmiller? Well, here she is on MTV’s new show, House of Style, teaching designer Charlotte Ronson how to make one of her super-chic pieces. Enjoy! (Click on House of Style above if you’re having trouble downloading) – L

This weekend we attended a fine art auction at a house in Rye, New York. When we pulled up in front of this bucolic 1928 brick Georgian Colonial (below) we knew we were in for an interesting experience. Apparently, the home had been recently restored and renovated, and had just gone on the market for sale. The auction was staged in the house as a way to draw potential buyers.
Five minutes after arriving, Lauren and I were doing double-takes at the original works of art in every room. Lithographs and drawings by Dali, Picasso, Pissaro, Degas, and Matisse filled the rambling old house. While this wasn’t quite what we were expecting from a neighborhood estate sale (we had come looking for furniture), we decided to stick around for the auction anyway.
One of the seven bedrooms contained a beautiful hand-knotted carpet (below), which later sold for $3,000, quite a good deal for a 10’ x 13’ carpet of this kind. Lots of Persian and Iranian rugs were up for sale as well, and most went for a fraction of what they were worth. Speaking of value, we were shocked at the rock bottom prices of most of the art pieces and rugs, as well as the poor showing at the actual auction—the majority of the pieces had two bidders at most.
Lauren got a little carried away at one point in the auction, a few moments later finding herself the proud owner of a beautiful signed lithograph by French artist Marcel Vertes (below). This particular piece is one of 250 signed drawings from the artist’s Le Cirque series. The auctioneer dubbed her purchase “the best deal of the day.” We’ll show you how it looks after we hang it in her apartment.
Be on the look out for estate sales in your area. Especially in these times of economic uncertainty, there are deals to be made for pieces of great quality and provenance. And you always learn something along the way. -S

Sixties-style dip-dye jeans and accessories are huge for spring. But don’t get too carried away, one tye-die piece per outfit is plenty. Sunshine and Shadow makes beautiful hand-dyed silk scarves in a bunch of cheery colorways, while Australian swimwear brand Zimmermann does a great multi-color bag with edgy leather straps and studs. And if you really want to make a serious psychedelic statement, Levis has the best tie-dye jean of the season.

How do you guys feel about tie-dye? Will you be adding it to your spring wardrobe, or is this one resurgence you’d rather not re-live? – L

Choosing the right light fixture can create immediate interest and style to any room. With few exceptions, we find that the lighting sold in most retail furniture stores is over-priced and just not that interesting. One exception is Klaff’s Lighting in South Norwalk, Connecticut. Wherever we go, we always look for pieces that will make an immediate impression in a space. Here are our most recent finds. Though very different from each other, they are all wonderfully original.

 Mid-Century modern lamp from New Zealand found at Cosmo Modern.  Even the dealer lamented how unfortunate it was that this is not part of a pair. Can you imagine how magnificent they would be together in a room with tall ceilings?
Multi-color drop chandelier, also scouted at Cosmo Modern. Primary colors make us happy. Get out your go-go boots.
Curve lamp from Two Jakes. Original’s like this one are hard to find. CB2 makes a fantastic Bauhaus knock off for $199.

Blue crackle lamps, circa 1950′s, American. $1500 for pair at Carl Chafee Furniture. This blue is extremely bold and would be wonderful in a room with yellow tones.
We’re crazy about this chandelier from Modest Designs.  Glass candle holders designed by Danish designer Erik Hoglund in the 1960s’s. The metalwork was fabricated by Lars Larsson. It’s currently not electrified, which makes it even more unique. This could live almost anywhere and would most definitely turn a room from ok to fabulous. – S

Here’s an idea for those of you who, like us, are looking ways to satisfy your desire to clean, organize, and rejuvenate your homes. Looking for a quick and easy decorating project that will bring plenty of comfort without spending a lot? We’ve rounded up 5 great pieces to transform your night table, and the room you sleep in. Below is a picture of my recently re-vamped bedside table. – S

1. Restoration Hardware Hampton Slender Clock, $49.00 – So elegant. Buy 2. Restoration Hardware Tabletop Compact Picture Frame,$7.49-$24.49. Buy 3.Crate & Barrel Glass Bedside Carafe and Cup, $19.95 – Eliminate those nasty plastic water bottles. Buy 4. Restoration Hardware Indoor Small Hydrangea Arrangement, $59.00 – These are SO real looking, I did a double take! Sorry Martha, fresh flowers every day just isn’t happening. Add to the illusion by filling the vase with water. In stores only. 5. Tocca Candles, $36.00 – Our personal favorite fragrance is Isabella. “An aroma of fresh watermelon washes over you, ripe with memories of summers spent by the sea, backyard picnics, and bike riding.” Sounds good to us! Buy.