Posts Tagged ‘Teroforma’
September 24, 2009
Perspectives // First touch of color
After an amazingly hectic summer - evidenced by the near total neglect of our beloved blog - it seemed like the right idea to tie our new resolution to get back to writing with the first glimpses of fall color. This picture was taken first thing this morning from the little deck outside our back door with a cup of coffee in hand.
June 25, 2009
Updates // Teroforma @ NYC Makers Market
We’re here late packing up for the 1st Annual Makers Market to be held this weekend at Socrates Sculpture Park near the Noguchi Museum in Island City, NY - right across the East River from Manhattan.
Here’s what the packing looks like so far…
So far, so good. It’s a great group of participants so, rain or shine (the former being far more likely), we’ll be in our tent this weekend livin’ the dream. If you’re in the area, please do stop by and say hello - we’re in tent three (just click the top image here to go to the Makers Market website for details). Full report next week. Ciao.
June 10, 2009
Updates // Teroforma for Amangiri
Teroforma has been tapped to work with Aman Resorts’ latest temple to the harmony between man and nature - Amangiri. Sitting in its own private valley, among 600 acres of high desert canyons at the foot of a 400-foot rock wall, Amangiri is located in Southern Utah, near Lake Powell.
While not the first custom commission Teroforma has undertaken, this is the first project we’ve done for a client that has their own canyon. We’re kind of excited and, frankly, have spent some time wondering if they would be willing to offer a free vacation in lieu of payment. Only kidding…or not.
Given Aman’s amazing stable of unique resorts all over the world, we have no problem recommending Amangiri site unseen - sadly, we are not in the high desert very often. If you go, take special note of the glasses!
May 30, 2009
Updates // Whisky Stones for Father’s Day
Drum roll please…We know you aren’t supposed to change what works. But after talking to loads of customers from all over the US, we became convinced that our whisky stones would make an even better gift with a bit of thoughtful packaging. So now, instead of being greeted with a quizzical look as you hand the lucky recipient a bag of rocks, the new packaging tells the story of where the stones are made, how to use them and why they are simply the best way to enjoy your favorite tipple.
Instead of 8 stones, you now get 9 per box. You still get a muslin storage pouch so that you can keep the stones organized in the freezer for easy use. The stones are also now wet tumbled which takes some of the sharper edges off and results in a more antiqued look. The new whisky stones are available on the website as of today - June 1st. Place your orders now for quite possibly the best Father’s Day gift in years - much better than socks or neckties anyway…We hope you enjoy!
May 25, 2009
Profiles // Lekker Home, South Boston
Great stores are the result of great people. This is the first Profile in what will be an ongoing series of interviews with our extraordinary retailers. First up? Dutch-born Natalie Carpenter, owner of Lekker Home, is a big reason that South Boston has emerged as one of the most exciting contemporary design scenes on the East Coast.
There’s a lot in a name. What does Lekker mean?
LEKKER was the first word my husband picked up when we traveled back to Amsterdam to see my family. We use it to describe just about anything. Like the English say “brilliant”, or Americans say “great”. The official meaning is “tasty, enticing, alluring, attractive, nice”. All “great” words to describe a home design store!
Great stores always seem to be a careful balance of inspiration and reassurance. To what extent do you see Lekker as a way to educate and inspire? To reassure?
It’s a balance indeed. We definitely educate our customers on the product, tell the story behind it, where it’s made, who the designer is etc. Our goal is to present the product in the most appealing, but also in the most logical way, so people can picture it in their own home. I could personally love the most outrageous setting that pushes the limits, but in the end, our goal is to sell product, so it’s got to make sense.
What prompted you to open Lekker in Boston? What do you think has fueled the growing preference for contemporary design in Boston and how has Lekker been able to play a role?
We are based in Boston, so it was pure convenience. The area we’re in was getting a lot of attention from the local government, lots of buildings being developed. We wanted to be in that area. I think that part of all this development, contemporary buildings prompted people to look for more “fitting” home products.
How does the American perspective on contemporary design compare to the European perspective and what changes have you seen since opening Lekker?
It has been an interesting experience. I think the US has some great contemporary designers at the moment. Boston as a market is generally speaking more conservative, so I have had to adjust to that a little bit, but I think if you help people see how they can mix their family heirloom pieces with more contemporary pieces, they usually get it. In the 6 years we’ve been in business I’ve noticed that more and more people want a modern feel, so my European designed products work for them.
What makes great design? And who are your current favorite designers?
For me, great design is the synergy that happens when you combine good quality/craftsmanship, originality and function. I like products that are use-able. Some of my favorite designers at the moment are: Piet Boon, Piet Hein Eek and Hella Jongerius.
What tips do you have for people who want to create that sense of effortless style when they entertain at home?
Splurge on a few pieces you know you’ll bust out every time you have people over. Like a good platter that can be used for cheese, salad, or a piece of grilled fish. ALWAYS use cloth napkins, no matter what (preferably linen ones, and Yes, you’ll have to iron them). It adds immediate class and luxury, even if you’re serving grilled cheese sandwiches. I love to cook and entertain, but I don’t have time to whip up 5 course meals so stick to simple dishes and good ingredients.
Shopping is hungry work, where do you send your best customers for a great local bite to eat?
The South End feeds just about any craving. We have great spots, from Italian to Indian, to Pizza and sandwiches. Here is my top 10: Butcher Shop & B&G Oysters for antipasti or oysters, you can’t go wrong / Meyers & Chang is a great contemporary Chinese “Snack bar” / Sage has simply delicious Italian / Flour Bakery makes the best sandwiches and sweet treats / Mela for fab Indian / Toro and Estragon for Tapas / Picco & Upper Crust for pizza. Enjoy :)
Lekker Home
1317 Washington St
Boston, MA‎
T. (617) 542-6464‎
Monday: Closed
Tu-Sa: 10AM to 7PM (EST)
Su: 12 Noon to 6PM (EST)
May 18, 2009
Updates // Teroforma on Twitter
Lest we be the only thing on planet Earth that is not currently tweeting*…you can now follow Teroforma on Twitter! We will alert you to new blog posts, special item sales, store events, the comings and goings of our community of designers, artisans & craftsmen and, of course, absolutely everything we do all day long.**
* Did you know that you can actually follow the Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff on Twitter? I am not usually a judgmental person, but that is just an awful idea. Since when has it become a good thing for someone involved in issues of national security to let everybody know “what they’re doing?”
** We will make every effort to tweet only about the things we do that are both interesting and informative. Might take us some time to get it right, so please be patient as we find our balance here at the trailing edge of the bandwagon:)
May 14, 2009
Perspectives // The DIY Countertop
We had our first Teroforma warehouse sale this past weekend. Leading up to it, we were worried that we didn’t really have any sort of useful countertop where people could stack their selections without lugging them around while they shopped. One of the drawbacks of operating your own warehouse is the profusion of shipping palettes that build up over time. Turning negative into positive, the picture above is what Andrew did to solve both the counter dilemma and the shipping palette plague: 24 palettes, 57 sq ft of 5/8 plywood, 23 2.5″ woodscrews, some swearing and a band-aid = Teroforma’s Eiffel Counter. The sale was a hit and at least one person asked us who made our cool checkout countertop. I’m pretty sure Andrew has added it to his bio somewhere :)
May 10, 2009
Design Walks // Bushwick, Brooklyn
Located just a short train ride from Union Square is a glimpse of what Manhattan’s SoHo was probably like back in its industrial heyday, long before it ever saw the likes of stores such as Alessi or Longchamp. East Williamsburg - or Bushwick to the locals - is as much an artists’ haven as it is one of the only corners of wider New York City that has gracefully resisted gentrification, a rarity even in Brooklyn these days.
Stepping out onto Bogart Street from the Morgan Avenue exit off the L train, you’re immediately immersed in a wash of re-purposed factory space and 20/30-somethings running around with paint splatters on their shoes. There’s a sense that anything is possible here and that the people you pass are busy doing it. And after spending an afternoon walking its streets, you understand why the hipsters are taking up residence in Bushwick but keeping the frills to a minimum. Despite the friendly behavior and welcoming attitude, it’s clear they’re not eager to see their undiscovered bohemian village become saturated with rows of “independent” boutiques, coffee shops and imported quirkiness. The residents are entertaining enough.
The best way to start a Saturday afternoon in Bushwick is with brunch at Life Café NINE83, located on Flushing Avenue at Central Avenue. The sister location to the East Village original, Life is a great place to hang out with friends and discuss future projects or just relax over a pint. You can see why Jonathan Larson found inspiration for his cult Broadway hit “Rent” at the East Village location, as owner Kathleen Kirkpatrick ensures that the Brooklyn location is still a place where artists and musicians can come together. The menu boasts classic favorites like French toast or scrambled eggs with bacon in addition to vegan-friendly options, substituting tofu for meat and using casein-free soy cheese in their dishes.
Upon leaving Life, take a stroll down Bogart Street and stop at The Archive Café for a post-brunch coffee. Have a seat on the vintage couch for some people-watching or peruse their selection of DVDs, as the café does double-duty as a movie rental shop. A neighborhood hub, Archive offers free Wi-Fi service allowing for major hang time on a budget, since a cup of Harney & Sons tea will only set you back $1.50. The Edison light bulbs and large worktables keep to the theme of what’s going on outside the graffiti-covered steel door, and provide a charming interior without feeling stereotypical.
Put your caffeine buzz to good use and pop next door to The Archive at Ad Hoc, before heading over to 3rd Ward down the block. On current display at Ad Hoc is a collection of works executed by a group of international female pop surrealists. 3rd Ward is a 20,000-square-foot creative facility that boasts everything from studio space for photo shoots to a woodshop. Depending on when you’re there, the gallery may have an exhibit on display, featuring any medium imaginable, or you might find yourself in the middle of filmmakers’ showcase. If possible you should make your way there on 7 December for their Handmade Holiday Craft Fair.
Finally, reward yourself at King’s County, a bar on Siegel Street known for its wide variety of whisk(e) y at fair prices. The all-black interior may seem alarming at first glance, but its knowledgeable bar staff and sociable crowd make you feel completely at ease.
While Bushwick isn’t booming with tourists, the area itself is full of life and its quirky outposts are a promising sign that there are people out there who find meaning in what they’re doing with or without grand acknowledgment from the masses.
Karen Day is a freelance writer, a budding photographer, an experienced traveler and a terrible tourist.