Looking for updated traditional chair for a client, we stumbled upon Oly Studio. Started by Brad Huntzinger and Kate McIntyre in 1999, Oly is based in the Bay Area, which - perhaps - gives them a little bit of a more playful approach when it comes to updating classics.
We particularly liked the mirrored furniture, which is hard to find, their Dylan entertainment console and their upholstered seating which reminded us of a more feminine Jonathan Adler.
The collection is HUGE, but all online, and it's sold through Mecox Gardens in NYC (212.249.5301) and East Hampton, Hudson Home in Hudson (518.822.8120). Prices? Oly says they provide "good designs at good prices."
Cool stuff.
But I think the best way to get "updated traditional" furniture is Craigslist, some imagination - and a good upholster/restorer combination.
I have an eclectic collection of antiques, all Craigslist finds, that I've had professionally restored. One chair was ready for the trash heap and cost me all of $45. After recovering in some unusual leather (from Craigslist!) and expert wood restoration, today it's worth $3500. Restoration and re-upolstery isn't cheap, but here's the thing - my "$3500 chair" cost less than a grand.
My favorite piece is an original swan-neck chair from 1920(?) that still has the original finish. It's being recovered in some retro Olle Eksell fabric and is really going to be hot.
http://store.txtlart.com/margretrose.html
Besides, most fruniture today is crap. I've seen new (two months ago in the showroom) Ethan Allen desks selling for $1800 that are made out of pressboard & veneer. If I wanted pressboard I'd go to Ikea. Uggh.
I love some of the Oly stuff, enough to have ventured to their store here (Bay Area), and it is SUPER expensive. More expensive than any of the usual Restoration, CB, etc, (eponentially more than that ilk) and more expensive than Jonathan Adler, to whom you compared the aesthetic.
While I like the style, and I am somewhat willing to pay extra for 'quality x style' (i.e. I own some Jonathan Adler), I have to agree with Keith. Go to the flea market, and if you don't have diy skills, send the piece out-- even sending a chair to the most expensive upholsterer with the most extravagant fabric will set you back a fraction of the Oly list prices.
i have an etagere by oly and think it is beautiful. however, most of their stuff is super expensive.
keith - who is your "upholster/restorer "?
i ordered 2 candlesticks by Oly through Mecox (had to track that one down- thanks Google!) who did not carry them, but ordered them for me and had them shipped. The transaction could not have been easier and the customer service was excellent (talking about Mecox).
yes, keith--i second the request for your upholsterer/restorer resources! i'd be eternally grateful!
thanks,
MB
bernstein23 (at) mac (dot) com
For you New Yorkers, Natrona New York carries their products.
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