by Ruthie on February 21st, 2012
I knew I’d be in for a black-and-white treat when I saw The Artist at the Westhampton Theater, just a few blocks from Fraiche. This period piece, nominated for 10 Academy Awards, incorporates not only the music, dance and fashion of the late 1920s and 1930s, but an incredible amount of work also went into finding furniture and other decor to match the time period.
Check out this article in the The New York Times on Oscar-nominated set designer Robert Gould and find out more about his work on The Artist. I particularly love the tiered Art Deco-styled wall sconces in this photo, and the flamboyant gold statuettes below them. Even without color, Gould’s sets look fabulous. I really admire the drama he creates with this symmetrical set, echoed in the soft cubism of the painting at center.
Tags: furniture, interior design, movies, The Artist, Westhampton
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by Ruthie on February 20th, 2012
Each week, Fraiche features a unique item in-store and online. From stylish furniture to fabulous gifts, you’ll find awesome deals at a fraction of the listed price. But act quickly, the Item of the Week changes every Monday!
This week’s featured item is the Timber Pear Candle from Vance Kitira. These beautiful candles make great accents (and great gifts too!). Vickie chose these great spring colors for our storefront, and they really do help lift our moods.
I love these three candles paired together (no pun intended). This trio of softened primary colors is a whimsical take on the traditional orchard. Pictured from left to right are Sea Foam, Pale Yellow, and Tangerine. You can find these long-lasting candles in our online store, or stop by our store on Libbie where you’ll find gift sets and matching pillar candles in tons more colors.
Tags: candles, Item of the Week, Vance Kitira
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by Ruthie on February 15th, 2012
Downtown Richmond - 1953
Perusing the Library of Virginia’s amazing photostream on Flikr, I realized that Richmond does have a unique visual identity. At times, Richmond can seem scattered with its hodgepodge mix of different architectural eras. However, that’s what makes Richmond such a fabulous place for art, style, and interior design.
Of course, Richmond is well known for rows and rows of gorgeous row houses, built mostly in Victorian or Colonial Revival styles. But here and there, the landscape is dotted with Italian-style abodes, aluminum skyscrapers, 1950s brick school buildings, and everything in between. Richmond’s architectural style ranges from the monumental (the Greek temple-esque Science Museum of Virginia) to the exotic (The Egyptian Building at MCV) to the bizarre (the Googie-style Montel Building).
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A Modern Twist on the Wing-Back Chair
Many of us who live in Richmond have a unique edge when it comes to interior design– our houses are old, but our décor is new. My house is an eclectic mix of carved wooden doorknobs and modern appliances, a flatscreen TV framed above an old-school radiator. I’m so in love with mixing and matching these various time periods, and you should be too. It’s what Richmond is all about.
This upholstered chair on the left is a perfect mix of old and new. The form is reminiscent of your grandmother’s wing-back chairs, but the modern patterned fabric gives it a contemporary twist.
And below, you’ll see the ladies at Fraiche aren’t afraid to choose décor from different eras of design either. Our antique mantel pops with the help of a mid-century style sunburst mirror. Contemporary accents such as pillows with bold stripes and chevrons and the wood-framed mirror above them bring the look to the present day.
Go forth! Be not afraid of mixing time periods and styles… for that is the all-embracing spirit of our great city of Richmond, Virginia.
- Ruthie
Fraiche's Eclectic Living Room
Tags: Anecdotes, architecture, design, Richmond, style
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by Ruthie on February 15th, 2012
Ukrops Supermarket, 1953 - Library of Virginia Flikr Photostream
One of the net’s most creative and comprehensive design blogs, Design*Sponge, mentioned Fraiche in its Richmond city guide, among many of our favorite shops and restaurants. We appreciate the shout-out!
This itty-bitty boutique store in the heart of the Libbie/Grove shopping district carries a carefully edited collection of furniture, art, lighting, bedding and accessories. Think slipcovers, rattan baskets and cashmere throws — perfect pieces to finish off your weekend river house.
Check out the rest of their guide here. Even if you’ve never left Richmond, there’s always more to discover about our wonderful little city.
Tags: Design*Sponge, Press, Richmond
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by Ruthie on February 13th, 2012
Each week, Fraiche offers a unique item at a specially discounted price. From stylish furniture to fabulous gifts, you’ll find awesome deals at a fraction of the listed price. But act quickly, the Item of the Week changes every Monday!
This week’s item is a unique Tulip Arrangement and Vase by Richmond’s very own Sarah Chiffriller. Its pink and red tulips are blooming big just in time for Valentine’s Day! Additionally, you’ll enjoy its fine blown glass vessel from Juliska for years to come. This 20-stem arrangement is perfect for celebrating all kinds of love.
Stop by the store to see this fresh flower arrangement and many other unique designs by Petals by Sarah. You can find out more about Sarah and her charming floral designs at petalssarah.com.
Tags: flowers, Item of the Week, Petals
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by Ruthie on February 6th, 2012
(click to enlarge)
Orange is hot this year! Pantone recently named Tangerine Tango as its top color for 2012, influenced by designer runways, pop culture, and shoppers’ habits. This energetic reddish-orange hue is dominating everything from graphic design to fashion to our own homes! I love the idea of bright accent pillows in this color to give my brown leather couch some extra energy. How would you incorporate Tangerine Tango into your decor?
(right) We brought out the orange highlights in this chair with a fun cotton throw. The result? Not your grandmother’s armchair. I just love this bold look! However, it’s also possible to use orange as an accent piece without feeling “orange overload.”
1. Check out this candle from Lafco’s House and Home collection. Its orange and cilantro scent is just as radiant as its color!
2. New! Fraiche just got a shipment of charming jewelry from Towne and Reese, such as this poppy Ella necklace.
3. These vivid geode coasters from Rablabs give your home just the right amount of pop.
Happy decorating!
Ruthie
Tags: colors, orange, style, tangerine tango
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by Ruthie on February 5th, 2012
Each week, Fraiche offers a unique item at a specially discounted price. From stylish furniture to fabulous gifts, you’ll find awesome deals at a fraction of the listed price. But act quickly, the Item of the Week changes every Monday!
This week’s item is the brilliant gold Harlow Necklace. Fraiche recently got a shipment of all new jewelry from Towne and Reese and it is flying off the shelves! In the store, Robyn made a new display to highlight these wonderful pieces, and it looks über amazing.
The Harlow Necklace is a generously sized statement piece. Its boldness, however, is balanced by its lacelike intricacy. It rests slightly below the collarbones (9″ chain length per side) to bring sparkle to your neckline and face. In addition to being gold plated and hypoallergenic, it’s a steal at only $36!
If you like this piece, check it out at our online shop. This piece and lots of other charming jewelry from Towne and Reese are now available in our store, so stop by and browse our selection!
Tags: gold, Item of the Week, jewelry, towne and reese
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by Ruthie on February 2nd, 2012
The weather in Richmond has been especially wacky this winter, so it’s no wonder our crocuses & tulips are confused! Today, Puxatony Phil forecasted 6 more weeks of cold weather, but I’m not so sure. Fraiche is already in the spring spirit!
I just love this symmetrical setup! This chic mirrored cabinet from Modern History Furniture is paired with spring green pillows & botanical prints to give our shop a fraiche spring look. Gray furniture is so stylish this year. It’s neutral, so it makes colorful accent pieces stand out. Warm greys look especially fabulous with gold accents, such as this pair of skinny lamps.
Check out our new furniture, decor, and more on our Facebook page.
Happy Groundhog’s Day!
- Ruthie
Tags: furniture, gold, gray, green, Groundhog's Day, Modern History Furniture
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by Ruthie on February 1st, 2012
Vickie, Lou, and Robyn took a trip to Atlanta in January to sample the latest in home decor and gifts at the Atlanta International Gift and Home Furnishings Market. They brought back tons of great pieces of furniture, lamps, pillows, and more. Below are Vickie’s snapshots of the Traditions, Matouk, John Robshaw, and Modern History Furniture displays, and a picture of Vickie & Lou with the brilliant textile designer, Pamela Kline!
Tags: Atlanta, Market, Matouk, Modern History Furniture, show, Traditions by Pamela Kline
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by Ruthie on January 30th, 2012
Each week, Fraiche offers a unique item at a specially discounted price. From stylish furniture to fabulous gifts, you’ll find awesome deals at a fraction of the listed price. But act quickly, the Item of the Week changes every Monday!
Fraiche’s very first Item of the Week is a chic leather lounge chair from Wesley Hall. The chair’s soft blue leather is subtly modern and oh-so-comfy. And this week only, it’s 50% off! Matching ottoman (sold separately) is also 50% off list price.
Lounge Chair
Original Price: $2,295
Item of the Week Price: $1147.50
Matching Ottoman
Original Price: $912
Item of the Week Price: $456
If you are interested in this piece or have any questions, please visit the store, call or email us. For more information about the designer, please visit wesleyhall.com. This chair and other fine upholstered furniture can be custom ordered from Wesley Hall in a variety of upholstery and finishes.
Dimensions
Outside: L 35″ D 44″ H 38″
Inside: L 23″ D 21.5″ H 22″
Seat: H 18″ ARM H 23″
Ottoman: L 26.5″ D 21.0″ H14.0″
Tags: furniture, Item of the Week, sale, Wesley Hall
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