Revelers, above, at Buck House earlier this year for "Garden Party," marking the first time the shop's window display was created by someone other than Deborah Buck. It was the work of John Danzer for Munder Skiles. Photos courtesy of Buck House.
HEAD’S UP: December again already. It’s the gifting season, which means more things to do with less time to do them in. Don’t despair. At VEVLYN’S PEN, we are here to help. For the next week or so — 12 days before Christmas ending on 22 Dec. — each day we will introduce a product/item, brand or nifty shop that we believe is worthy of consideration for those very special gifts.
Gift Idea No. 11:
AFTER too many fits and starts here I am at Buck House on this cold, windy Monday afternoon. To my surprise, in the window is not the latest display I hoped to view. There is, though, a sight for sore eyes in the form of Deborah Buck’s personal assistant, the friendly and uber-talented Miguel. He is superintendng the design of a new display.
The theme of the current Buck House window display is "The First Woman on the Moon." Elements in the display include a huge framed copy of a Time magazine cover, steel and brass etagere with lamb head detail, as well as a Danish swivel armchair in dark green.
As pleasant as Miguel is to look at, one cannot just stand outside in the cold looking at him&helper as if they are the display, can one? I don’t think so, and wisely decide to go inside from the cold and toward some answers. “What’s going to be the theme,” Yours Truly asks?
“You’ll have to come back tomorrow to see,” a smirking Miguel informs me.
French wrought iron wine rack ($165) from 1950s.
Not exactly the answer one wants to hear but there are clues about – namely a framed blowup of a Time magazine cover announcing the walk on the moon by the first woman. Hmm … What new trick does Deborah Buck have up her rather creative sleeve.
American art pottery mottled glaze ceramic bowl ($245).
The artist/designer is mistress of Buck House, a "store" in the Carnegie Hill section of the Upper East Side that is filled with an array of objects - mostly old and ancient - for the home. An extension of her studio, it is a space in which forms, shapes and colors are constantly moving and changing. The nearly decade-old Buck House is popularly described as an antique shop. True, but only in part. It is a gallery, boutique and European-style salon.
Oriental incised marble fragment ($85) can double as a paperweight.
Buck House (http://www.buckhouse.biz/) is also a home. Immediately upon entering the warmth is palpable, the welcome sincere. Luxury is abundant. One senses, however, that these things are to be truly enjoyed, not just admired from a distance. There’s a proper place for everything and everything has a proper place. Just about every inch of available space is occupied by interesting objects from near and far. Yet, it does not feel cluttered or stuffy. Have a seat on a sofa or chair.
A 19th-century French cloisanne vanity mirror ($675).
Allow the eye to pass over the various treasures that DB has unearthed during her travels about the world. Get to your feet, if you please, and fondle the whatnot you are coveting with the full knowledge that DB only purchases those things for Buck House that she would display in her own home. This includes the 200-plus-year-old Persian water vessel that someone parted with last month.
Ladder-back chairs ($1,400) with newly upholstered pillows in turquoise trimmed in pink cording.
Buck House is very much a gallery/boutique in that the exquisite objects are for show and, sell. Indeed, this makes a visit both bitter and sweet; stock is constantly changing. As I make the rounds of the showroom, I am listening to seductive Spanish music, courtesy of Pandora. Gil Gilberto is crooning in my ear as I admire an Oriental incised marble fragment ($85).
Today, a number of objects also capture the eye. Among them a pair of ladder-back chairs ($1400) circa 1950s United States and 19th century French hand mirror ($675). The chairs come with pillows in cotton velvet. The hand mirror has a decorative motif around its borders. Both items feature turquoise, DB’s favorite color.
The Buck House Christmas tree ($600).
There is Tiffany Blue and there is Buck House Blue. DB has disclosed that she developed the hots for the hue in part when she realized how easy it is to mix as a paint. It has spread well beyond the boundaries of her paintings. Turquoise is a sort of leitmotif at Buck House. It is used on the Web site; Buck House signage and bags are turquoise, too. Any number of her pieces of jewelry contain turquoise centerpieces; turquoise stone is used as a base for several pieces of jewelry/ornaments in silver.
The Buck House Christmas tree ($600) is aluminum. Its ornaments, of course, are turquoise.
Tuesday, December 21, 2010
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Love that French wrought iron wine rack, It's quite impressive.
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