Wednesday, October 17, 2007

Seeing Clearly

A good pair of floating acrylic cocktail tables always adds a little style à la David Hicks to a space. What I love best about these tables is their function as small and easily movable while looking simultaneously inconspicuous and funky.

Keith Irvine designed this living room for Merrill Hanley using acrylic cubes, a great option for smaller New York apartments. (Photography by Paul Costello for Domino Magazine, October 2007). For more photos of this home and that of her sister, see The Peak of Chic's September post, Sister Act.

A couple of days after spotting the cubes in Domino, I saw these Kartell "Jolly" tables in this room from Metropolitan Home, designed by Ron Marvin. (Photographed by Annie Schlecter).

As an alternative to more expensive acrylic cubes, the Jolly Table by Paolo Rizatto works well in an otherwise busy room, and measures only 16" square. Available through Kartell.

An early proponent of the clear cube, David Hicks designed this London apartment in 1972 as a "dorm room" for the sons of Stavros Niarchos, while they were in school. The lacquered walls and Perspex tables add to a nightclub feel. What a cool place to not get any studying done. (Photo from David Hicks: Designer).

16 comments:

The Peak of Chic said...

I completely agree with you- funky, functional, and perfect for small or tight spaces. I also love lucite waterfall tables.

The Peak of Chic said...

Oh, and I forgot to say that I always get a kick out of that Niarchos apt- certainly was a swinging pad for those sons :)

Style Court said...

Great ideas here Millie. I just love how they work in the red room, top :)

Habitually Chic said...

I love all of the rooms you posted! They are all such great inspirations! I have been trying to find a lucite table to use as a bedside table so I can stack lots of art books underneath it but am having trouble finding the right size. You may have just motivated me to keep looking or have one custom made. Thanks!

girl meets glamour said...

I love these lil tables! Great post and great pics as well.

~Kate

Pigtown*Design said...

Funny about the Niarchos bros... They attended the boarding school where I worked in Wales!

Jane Flanagan said...

I love this idea too and have been thinking about it a lot. Especially since I'm uncontrollably lusting over Weinrib rugs - these tables (moreso than glass, which still has a frame) allow a clear view through to a lovely floor-covering.
I like using one expensive purchase to justify many more ;)

Mrs. Blandings said...

I love lucite - in fact, Rod, my guy at Retro Inferno, always makes note of new pieces when he sees me coming. Funny how these "edgy" pieces seem classic now.

Laura said...

I agree with Jane Flanagan--I'm obsessed with Madeline Weinrib rugs, too--perfect way to not cover them up. Those little tables seem so versatile, and can work in a variety of interiors--traditional or modern (which sort of describes my marriage)!

KellytheCulinarian said...

That's a nice touch.

Unknown said...

I love the second room. It looks so serene.

phoenix said...

I love the look of the second room! I wouldn't have thought to use those clear tables but they totally work...now I have something else to consider for when I finally furnish my place...

Suzy said...

All great rooms, and I agree that lucite tables are a perfect way to have a table without the look of having something solid that obstructs your view of other items - like a fab rug!

kellie said...

you have a serious eagle-eye!

i LOVE these rooms. great post!

Alkemie said...

Love David Hicks and Love the clear cubes. I have a thing for Lucite. All of the rooms look amazing! Thank you for sharing.

Anonymous said...

I can't get over the room that is all red. Love it. I want a room just like that. Red is a amazing color.

-Zane of ontario honey