My Favorite Things

1stdibs ShowroomPhoto: Courtesy of 1stdibs
Photo: Hannah Whitaker/Courtesy of Egg Collective

Crystal Ellis, Stephanie Beamer, and Hillary Petrie founders, Egg Collective

The 1stdibs showroom is the website in real life. We go there looking at vintage furniture for inspiration, and we always find something unexpected. 200 Lexington Ave., nr. 33rd St., tenth fl.; 212-679-9500.

From nuts and bolts to delicate brass screws, Greschler’s Hardware has just what we are looking for (especially in a pinch). 660 Fifth Ave., nr. 19th St., South Slope; 718-499-3100.

Photo: Courtesy of the vendor

Owner Rado creates the most beautiful and tasteful bouquets at Stem Fort Greene. We say “thank you” with Stem if we want to make a lasting impression. 112 S. Oxford St., nr. Fulton St., Fort Greene; 718-722-4767.

When we’re seeking the perfect wood, we’ll sort through the hardwood stacks at Rosenzweig Lumber. 801 E. 135th St., nr. Walnut Ave., Port Morris; 718-585-8050.

Photo: Courtesy of the vendor

One of our favorite galleries is Thierry Goldberg, which is on the ground floor of a Bernard Tschumi–designed building on the Lower East Side. We saw Hannah Whitaker’s ethereal and vivid photographs there. 103 Norfolk St., nr. Delancey St.; 212-967-2260.

Photo: Courtesy of the vendor

Visiting de Vera is like walking into a museum and a jewelry store all in one. The curation of the displays are inspirational. 1 Crosby St., nr. Howard St.; 212-625-0838.

We love the great customer service from Charlie and the team at Abbot Paint & Varnish. We go there for all of our furniture-finishing needs. 238 Eagle St., nr. Provost St., Greenpoint; 718-349-2112.

Photo: Courtesy of the vendor

For a regular dose of design inspiration, we subscribe to the Wright auction catalogs. They’re pretty enough to use as coffee-table books. wright20.com.

Leather ImpactPhoto: Victor Prado/New York Magazine
Photo: Courtesy of Palo Samko

Palo Samko, woodworker

When I want to incorporate leather into my pieces I go to Leather Impact. Here I can find alligator skins and cowhides for reasonable prices. 256 W. 38th St., nr. Eighth Ave.; 212-302-2332.


Photo: Courtesy of the vendor

Tools for Working Wood has a great selection of woodworking tools—from Japanese chisels to handsaws. You really can’t find these pieces anywhere else in the city. 32 33rd St., nr. Second Ave., Ste. 5, Sunset Park; 800-426-4613.


Photo: Courtesy of the vendor

Brooklyn Flea has such quirky things, from furniture and art to hats and clothes. My wife usually has to pull me out of there.Corner of N. 7th St. and Kent Ave., Williamsburg; brooklynflea.com.

I found a piece of ebony wood at the old-fashioned lumber company M.L. Condon Company. It made my trek from Brooklyn completely worthwhile. 250 Ferris Ave., nr. Westview Ave., White Plains; 914-946-4111.

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I love browsing vintage pieces at Darr. It has everything you never knew you needed. On a recent visit I found a book about the New York City water system. 369 Atlantic Ave., nr. Hoyt St., Boerum Hill; 718-797-9733.

For antiques, I poke into Paula Rubenstein. I once bought a letter-and-number stamp-punching set from the thirties there. 21 Bond St.,nr. Lafayette St.; 212-966-8954.

All the stuff I need for my bronze castings, from silicone molds to wax, I find at The Compleat Sculptor. It’s where all the artists go. 90 Vandam St., nr. Greenwich St.; 212-243-6074.

Photo: Courtesy of the vendor

No matter who I’m shopping for, I know I’ll find the best gifts at NestInteriors. The last time I was there, I left with penguin salt-and-pepper shakers made from a stalagmite. 172A Ninth Ave., nr. W. 20th St.; 212-337-3441.

BDDWPhoto: Courtesy of BDDW
Photo: Robert Wright/Courtesy of Roman and Williams

Robin Standefer and Stephen Alesch, principals, Roman and Williams

BDDW is one of the top contemporary furniture stores devoted to amazing craftsmanship and great design. Its pieces, created in a variety of woods, are made to last. 5 Crosby St., nr. Howard St.; 212-625-1230.

Ted Muehling is a master artist, and we love everything he does—from jewelry to candlesticks to glassware. The basis of everything he makes stems from nature, which is similar to what we do. 52 White St., nr. Church St.; 212-431-3825.

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New York Central Art Supply is one of Stephen’s favorites for its beautiful notebooks, drawing paper, and difficult-to-find art supplies. Robin particularly loves it for the exquisite Japanese wrapping papers. 62 Third Ave., nr. 11th St.; 212-477-0400.

Hyman Hendler & Sons is a great old-school store in the garment district where we consistently find beautiful high-end ribbon. We have used it for everything from gifts to trim for drapery. 21 W. 38th St., nr. Sixth Ave.; 212-840-8393.

Photo: Jonathan Weiskopf/Courtesy of Dashwood Books

Tucked a few steps beneath the streets of Noho, Dashwood Books is filled with an exceptional collection of obscure photography books. It’s an enduring staple in the ever-changing neighborhood. 33 Bond St., nr. Lafayette St.; 212-387-8520.


Photo: Courtesy of the vendor

Katsuya Nishimori at Florisity is one of the most inspiring, cross-cultural florists we have ever worked with. We use him exclusively for arrangements for our office and events. He has an eye and instinct for choosing forgotten and overlooked flowers and plants. 1 W. 19th St., at Fifth Ave.; 212-366-0891.

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Wyeth is one of the best curated furniture stores in New York City. It has an exceptional and eclectic mix of objects from the industrial to the refined. 315 Spring St., at Greenwich St.; 212-243-3661.

D. Bryant ArchiePhoto: Courtesy of D. Bryant Archie
Photo: Alaric Campbell/Courtesy of Malene Barnett

Malene Barnett principal, malene b

I love handmade goods, and the table linens at D. Bryant Archie are handwoven by artisans in Guatemala. It adds a modern global flair to any table-setting. The ones in teal are beautiful. dbryantarchie.com.


Photo: Courtesy of Russell Frederick

Russell Frederick’s collection of black-and-white photographs document my Brooklyn neighborhood and add an element of nostalgia. They can be custom-printed to any size. russellfrederick.com.


Photo: Courtesy of the vendor

HomeGoods is my favorite place to shop for affordable, globally inspired accessories, such as glass vases, baskets, mirrors, and decorative art. 795 Columbus Ave., nr. 100th St.; 212-280-6303.


Photo: Courtesy of the vendor

GIN Art & Design recycles materials, such as reclaimed fabrics and metals to create one-of-a-kind furniture that is bright and bold. Its lamp collection features styles in which the bases are made from old 45s. 245 21st St., nr. Fifth Ave., Studio 2, South Slope; 646-373-4288.

Photo: Anne Robert/Courtesy of Kat Flower

Kathleen Hyppolite of Kat Flower is my go-to florist. She makes arrangements with your needs and the season in mind. Her designs are lush and have so much movement. katflower.com.

When I need custom metalwork, I go to Mitchell Iron Works. Experts there can translate any drawing into an iron gate, railings, or window guards. 597 Marcy Ave., nr. Vernon Ave., Bedford-Stuyvesant; 718-384-2772.

It’s rare to find a custom upholsterer with a modern-design sensibility, but Angel Naula is just that. Every Naula piece is crafted with precision. 349 Suydam St., nr. Irving Ave., third fl., East Williamsburg; 212-470-6796. Appointments suggested.

Photo: Victor Prado/New York Magazine

Bedford Galleries has an eclectic mix of antiques and modern furniture, with an emphasis on lighting. I found a lampshade there that sparkles once it’s lit. 1167 Bedford Ave., nr. Putnam Ave., Bedford-Stuyvesant; 718-230-1298.

R 20th Century GalleryPhoto: Sherry Griffin/Courtesy of R 20th Century
Photo: Adrian Wilson/Courtesy of Caroline Beaupère

Caroline Beaupère, principal, Caroline Beaupère Design

David Wiseman’s decorative objects and installations at R 20th Century Gallery are simply breathtaking. Wiseman’s work makes any room spectacular. 82 Franklin St., nr. Broadway; 212-343-7979.

Adelaide is my top source for Art Deco items. Not only does it have an amazing selection of original furniture pieces, but it also carries gorgeous decorative objects, mirrors, frames, and glassware. I found the perfect martini glasses there. 702 Greenwich St., at 10th St.; 212-627-0508.

Photo: Victor Prado/New York Magazine

Trove takes a new approach to wallpaper. The store is so innovative—the patterns are artistic, glamorous, and unexpected. 214 W. 29th St., nr. Seventh Ave., Ste. 1201; 212-268-2046.


Photo: Courtesy of the vendor

Lacanche’s red, yellow, and blue stoves are every chef’s dream—they’re the perfect mix of French craftsmanship and timeless design. Art Culinaire represents the brand and just opened its New York showroom. Ask for Elisa—she’s amazing. 1133 Broadway,nr. W. 25th St., Ste. 203; 646-358-4344. By appointment only.

Charles Jouffre is a master upholsterer. He provides the highest level of craftsmanship when it comes to wall décor, custom upholstery, window treatment. 459 W. 18th St., nr. Tenth Ave.; 212-247-7194.

Photo: Courtesy of the vendor

Everything at Ochre radiates beauty and glamour, but the elongated 112-bud chandelier from the Seed Cloud installation stole my heart. 462 Broome St., nr. Greene St.; 212-414-4332.



Photo: Courtesy of the vendor

Flessas Design has an incredible collection of furniture, lighting, and accessories from the thirties through the seventies. I created a room around a beautiful pair of sixties-era sconces, discovered there during one visit. 1285 Madison Ave., nr. 92nd St.; 212-289-8484.

My Favorite Things