Save the Date: Unearthing Beauty: Finding Great Artwork at Affordable Prices

The premise that one has to be rich in order to purchase high quality art is finally put to rest! This is thanks to a lively presentation by Carole Pinto, a private dealer who has recently moved to New York after having lived and worked in Paris for over 20 years.

While living in Paris, Carole discovered astonishing paintings of exquisite quality by 'les Petits Maitres,' or lesser known painters who are gaining a reputation in the United States and whose works are selling well below current prices.

Carole will discuss how these artists fit into the trajectory of the great artistic movements of the late XIXth and XXth century, where their work can be found and who is collecting them. She will illustrate her points with a sampling of paintings and talk about their current market value.

A reception will follow at Ralph Lauren in Suite 404.

The event takes place April 12 at 9:30 a.m. at the DDB's Astra Cafe on floor 14. For speaker information and reservations, please call 212-759-2969.

Design Philosophy of Laura Michaelides

How would you define your design philosophy?

For me, design is an all-encompassing, continuous opportunity to delight in the visual world; to learn from its riches and to reflect what I’ve gleaned from the work that I do. Every day I try to share that delight with the clients I have the opportunity to work with, and try to make each design project a pathway to learning and discovery for us both. It’s a time for my clients to learn to express who they are through their environment; for me it’s a time to learn about my clients, and to try to find the best way to help them express their sensibilities, past history, and aspirations.

Because I enjoy the visual world so much, I am able to see virtue in many different styles, and feel comfortable with both modern and traditional design vocabularies. I find that I am less interested in doing rooms in one style, and am most excited by being able to mix traditional and contemporary elements so that they complement each other. At the moment, this seems like the most modern idea.

Panel Discussion

When hanging window treatments, you want to make sure the work have you have put into them pays off. Here is a measuring guide so there are no costly mistakes.

MEASURING FOR UNLINED DRAPERIES OR CURTAINS

Always measure each window separately: as you know, those that appear to be identical may not be.

There are three standard lengths for draperies or curtains: to the window sill, to the bottom of the apron, or 3/8” above the floor or carpet pile. If you plan to hang sheers behind the draperies, their length should be 3/8” shorter at the top, than the draperies they are to hang behind. Sheers are usually 4 times the width of the window.

Following are methods to help you estimate how much fabric to reserve. Your workroom should always follow through with precise measurements to finalize your yardage requirements.

Formula to calculate yardage needed for unlined draperies or curtains:

3x total outside width of window divided by standard fabric width (48” or 54”) rounded to next highest number = width  x total finished length (12” is included for top and bottom hems). Round to the next highest number then divide by 36” to get the number of yards needed. (24” is included for triple hand-sewn items.).

Estimating example for fabric with no repeat:

Outside width of window is 63”

Draperies or curtains using fabrics with repeats:

Divide total length before hemming by length of repeat and round it off to next highest number to give you finished length.

3x total outside width of window divided by standard fabric width (48” or 54”) rounded to next highest number = width; then multiply by total finished length divided by 36”. Multiply your answer by 11 to get number of yards needed.

Estimating example for fabric with repeat:

Outside width of window is 63”

Width of fabric you are using is 54”

Total unfinished length of draperies is 114” (12 “ is included for top and bottom hems).

Length of repeat is 11” 114” / 11” (repeat) = 10.36 rounded to next highest number = 11 (total finished length) 3x63” = 189” / 54” =  3.5 rounded to next highest number = 4 (width) 4x11 = 44 / 36 = 1.2 1.2 x 11 = 13.2 yards of 54” fabric with repeat is needed.

Photo Credit: Robert Martin

How to Save Your Magic Carpet

Need to know how to keep your carpet kept up? Follow the Design Genie's tips here:

Carpet Care

1. Vacuum regularly.

2. Remove spills immediately.

3. Professionally clean as required. Usually more than once every one or two years. We recommend a "Woolcare Specialist" certified by ASCR. Call 800 272 7012 for a professional cleaner near you.

Wool Wisdom

Asimple maintenance program including regular, interim and periodic cleanings will keep your wool carpet looking as good as the day it was installed!

Regular Maintenance

The simplest and most frequent maintenance involves vacuuming and spot removal, as well as preventative measures.

Vacuuming

Regular and thorough vacuuming once a week   (more often in heavy traffic areas) is an economical and effective way to remove soil and dirt particles before they become embedded into the pile of the carpet. For best results, empty your vacuum bag when half full. An upright vacuum with a beater bar/brush is best for cut pile carpet. For loop pile carpets such as Berber, a suction-only vacuum is recommended to prevent excessive fuzzing.

Spot & Stain Removal

With spot and stain removal, speed is of the essence.

Blot up liquids with a paper towel or absorbent cloth.

Scoop up solids with the end of a knife or spoon.

Treat the spot with a spot removal agent which

•is suitable for wool

•is pH neutral

•is explicitly recommended for cleaning carpets and rugs

•leaves no sticky residue

Always test spot removal agent on carpet in an inconspicuous place.

Always follow the manufacturer’s directions when using commercial products.

Use a light, colorfast cotton cloth for the treatment of spots.

Always work from the outer edge towards the center to prevent spreading. Use only small quantities of spot removal agent. It’s a good idea to replace the cotton cloth as soon as it is soiled.

Carefully rinse the area with clean water and a sponge after having cleaned it.

Do not soak the carpet pile.

Afterwards, blot as dry as possible with a clean towel.

If necessary, brush cut pile carpets in the direction of the pile.

Do not use household cleaners such as soft soap, neutral soap, ammonia solution,

turpentine, benzine or spot removal agents which are only recommended for textiles.

Preventative Measures

Place absorbent mats at entrances to your home; change or wash when these mats become dirty.

Regularly change filters in your heating and air conditioning systems.

Clean traffic lanes and in front of frequently used chairs periodically with an absorbent powder.

Do not apply stain repellent treatments that contain any silicone, because they tend to accelerate carpet soiling. Note: some carpet manufacturers do not accept responsibility for complaints where such treatments have been used.

Interim Maintenance

Occasionally, morecomprehensive cleaning is needed to restore color and appearance. Impregnated absorbent compound – inert powders impregnated with a mixtureof cleansing agents and solvents – can be brushed into the carpet pile on an interim basis to absorb dirt from the carpet fiber.

Periodic Maintenance

Thorough cleaning is required periodically to remove the deepest soil. There are many deep cleaning methods you can use to ensure the beauty and life of a wool carpet or rug. Only use a professional carpet cleaner.

The Fez Diamond Rug pictured is from Patterson, Flynn and Martin's Michael Smith Collection

On a Roll: How To Measure For Wallpaper

WALL PAPER - HOW TO CALCULATE ROLLS NEEDED

For calculating rolls needed, use the following method. Note first that there is no simple means of calculating rollage needs that is always 100 percent accurate. The pattern repeat, rooms of unusual size or shape, greater than normal wastage during the hanging, or other special circumstances can throw off any estimate.

1. Find the repeat length, if any.

2. Using the following chart, find the usable yield for the wallcovering selected.

3. Divide the square footage figure you have previously calculated by the usable yield for the wallcovering selected. This will give you the number of single metric rolls needed or the number of American rolls needed.

These figures work well for normal sized walls. For unusually short (under 3 feet - such as over kitchen cabinets) or high (above 9 feet) walls, they do not apply and you should have your professional paper-hanger calculate your wallcovering needs.

Estimating Example for Metric Single Rolls

With the measurements you have made, you find that the room you are hanging has a total of 340 square feet. Your selection has a 9 inch repeat. In the appropriate line under “Repeat Length” in the Usable Yield Chart, you find that your selection has a usable yield of 22 square feet. Dividing 340 by 22 equals 15.45 or 16 single metric rolls.

Estimating Example for American Single Rolls

With the measurements you have made, you find that the room you are hanging has a total of 340 square feet. Your selection has a 9 inch repeat. In the appropriate line under “Repeat Length” in the Usable Yield Chart, you find thatyour selection has a usable yield of 30 squarefeet. Dividing 340 by 30 equals 11.33 or 12 single American rolls. After finding the number of rolls needed for the wall(s) or room you are hanging, deduct one half roll (if metric) for each standard size door or window. Design repeat of the pattern and length of roll may increase your rollage needs. Your professional paperhanger can advise you if the wallcovering selected will significantly affect your rollage needs.

USABLE YIELD CHARTS

METRIC SINGLE ROLLS

Repeat Length Usable Yield

0”to 6” 25 sq. ft.

7” to12” 22 sq. ft.

13” to 18” 20 sq. ft.

19” to 23” 18 sq. ft.

AMERICAN SINGLE ROLLS

Repeat Length Usable Yield

0” to 6” 32 sq. ft.

7” to12” 30 sq. ft.

13” to 18” 27 sq. ft.

19” to 23” 25 sq. ft.

All in Good Measure: Windows Treatments

MEASURING FOR UNLINED DRAPERIES OR CURTAINS

Always measure each window separately: as you know, those that appear to be identical may not be.

There are three standard lengths for draperies or curtains: to the window sill, to the bottom of the apron, or 3/8” above the floor or carpet pile. If you plan to hang sheers behind the draperies, their length should be 3/8” shorter at the top, than the draperies they are to hang behind. Sheers are usually 4 times the width of the window.

Following are methods to help you estimate how much fabric to reserve. Your workroom should always follow through with precise measurements to finalize your yardage requirements.

Formula to calculate yardage needed for unlined draperies or curtains:

3xtotal outside width of window divided by standardfabric width (48” or 54”) rounded to next highest number = width  x total finished length (12” is included for top and bottom hems). Round tothe next highest number then divide by 36” to get the number of yards needed. (24” is included for triple hand-sewn items.)

Estimating example for fabric with no repeat:

•Outside width of window is 63”

draperies or curtains using fabrics with repeats:

Divide total length before hemming by length of repeat and round it off to next highest number to give you finished length. 3xtotal outside width of window divided by standard fabric width (48” or 54”) rounded to next highest number = width; then multiply by total finished length divided by 36”. Multiply your answer by 11 to get number of yards needed.

Estimating example for fabric with repeat:

•Outside width of window is 63”

•Width of fabric you are using is 54”

•Total unfinished length of draperies is 114”

(12 “ is included for top and bottom hems)

•Length of repeat is 11”

114” / 11” (repeat) = 10.36 rounded to next highest number = 11 (total finished length)

3x63” = 189” / 54” =  3.5 rounded to next highest number = 4 (width) 4x11 = 44 / 36 = 1.2

1.2 x 11 = 13.2 yards of 54” fabric with repeat is needed.

Picture Perfect: Everything You Ever Wanted to Know About Picture Hanging

BASIC RULES OF PICTURE HANGING

Composition is everything: Awell balanced wall makes a complete unit, the balance of the composition comes from the center out to the right and left.  The figures or a portrait should all be facing center of the composition so your eye will easily focus on the center of the arrangement.

If the direction of the art is all going in the same direction try to hang something at the end to bring your eye back to the center. This will counterbalance the direction of the art.

Eye level is the rule of thumb: Take the room's use into consideration. Art in the foyer or a hallway should be eye level. Artwork hung in the dining room should be slightly lower to take into consideration that you use that room mostly seated.Groups where the subject matter are similar makes a unified arrangement. A grouping of engravings of cities or architectural subjects. Group the botanicals on another wall.

Begin hanging with the largest piece in the center and work out to the right and left. Smaller pieces on either side of a similar size are a good way to begin and work out from there in each direction.

The design does not have to be symmetrical but it should have as much of a grid pattern as you can manage.

In a large wall arrangement strive to have the edges top and bottom aligned and the same with the right and left outside edges.

Begin the process of arranging on a place on the floor about the size of the wall. When you lay out the pattern on the floor it is easytovisualize and judge how much space will look well between each piece.

Consider the possibility of using metal gallery rods and hanging from the moulding or a metal bar attached near the ceiling for an interesting alternative.

Look for decorative brass hooks to use with small prints for added charm.

Use 2 picture hooks, each 1/3 of the distance of the width of the frame to be sure the picture will hang securely from the wire.

Information Courtesy: J. Pocker & Son • Suite 214 • 212-588-0043

Save Your Hide by Knowing How Much Leather to Buy

A QUICK GUIDE FOR MEASURING AND CALCULATING LEATHER FOOTAGE

Leather is measured in square feet. Leather hides come in irregular shapes. Each yard of 36” fabric is equal to 12 square feet of leather. Each yard of 50” fabric is equal to 16 square feet of leather. Each yard of 54” fabric is equal to 18 square feet of leather.

The Ralph Pucci "Show"

Show is best described as a pictorial history of Ralph Pucci International. Covering the life of the company founded by Ralph's parents, Nick and Lee Pucci, you'll witness its evolution as it develops from its beginnings in 1954 as a mannequin repair company, through to its present status, thanks to the vision of Pucci, as a major furniture and art showroom in New York City.

Everything You Ever Wanted to Know About Lamp Shades

PROFESSIONALS’ ILLUMINATING GUIDE TO CUSTOM LAMPSHADES

Custom lampshades can truly fit the lamp they rest upon. In order for that to happen, the lamp MUST be brought in for a proper fitting.

The lamp and lampshade must look to be “ONE” in the most Zen sense of the word.  If as “ONE”, the lamp as a whole fits in the room, you’ve shaded it properly!

Treatments can be Stretched Silk, Boxpleated Silk, Plissé Silk (even, undulating shirring), Knife Pleat, Silk (flat one directional pleats), and smocking of the Boxpleated Silk as well as of the Plissè Silk with and without various ribbons inside and outside of the pleats.

Calculate Yardage needed:

Boxpleat:

Take bottom diameter x 3.25 = N

Nx3=Length Needed for One Lampshade (not including self trim)

This assumes you are cutting along selvage.

Plissé & Knifé Pleat:

Take bottom diameter x 3.25 =N

Nx4=Length Needed for One Lampshade (not including self trim) This assumes you are cutting along selvage.

Stretch:

Take bottom diameter x 3.25 = N

N2+12" = width of _ pattern of ONE lampshade

Measure height of lampshade + 12" = height of  pattern of ONE lampshade

Example:

Yardage for ONE Empire 18" Lampshade that is 13.5" height 18 x 3.25 = 58.50

58.50  2 + 12 =41.25" (width)

13.5" +12" = 25.5 (height)

Therefore, if silk is 42" wide one would need 1.5 yards for the body alone, plus another _ yard for the self trim.

Note:

These are the bare minimum yardages with no room for mistakes or flaws in the silk. Please add another _ yard for self trim.