Monday, May 10, 2010

Au Naturel Designer

Dan Marty's
new showroom gets earthy

  
...in September, 2009 our Tartan Scot friend posted about
Dan Marty and showed us some splendid photos of his work...
since then, Dan has removed himself to a newer, high-camp,
completely & totally awesome space right on La Cienega
inside
Maison Au Naturel No. 819
 

Designer and showroom owner,  Dan Marty, 
 has closed his sprawling space in the Pacific Design Center
 in favor of a smaller showroom on La Cienega Boulevard
named
Maison Au Naturel No. 819.


Marty says that name change reflects his shift toward
“more earthiness in design,”
such as his growing collection of vegetable-dyed hemp throw pillows,
 sea grass rugs and shell-encrusted mirrors.

Even hay bales are used to delineate different areas of the shop.




Marty was one of the first
to use French grain sacks as upholstery fabric.
It's a much copied look, so he's now busy trying out new ideas.
The latest involves using subway scroll fabric for pillows and lamp shades.
They've just arrived in the store.  

Au Naturel upholstered pieces aren’t cheap:
Linen-covered chairs and sofas run $1,000 to $3,000.



 Imported tableware.

 This shop embodies French rustic style.
Mr. Marty has always had a flair for rustic finishes,
aged materials and the lived in look.

His newest venture takes you on a voyage to the great
Parisian Flea markets without leaving home.

The look is pared down French, without a lot of decorative
 flourishes and clean lines. With furniture upholstered in natural linens,
 grain sack cloth pillows, and antique objects it all
comes together in a comfortable, easy lifestyle story.
 Far off finds include vintage trunks, and industrial steel tables.
One thing is for sure, you won't be bored. 



And a new line of glass domes set atop antique cogs, pictured here,
they’re a cool twist on bell jars
go for around $250.








  Pillows in Marty's new store start at less than $200.



 A local artist takes brass instrument mouthpieces
and adds a marching band music-holding clip.
The pieces, called "Toot Your Own Horn,"
are intended to hold cherished postcards,
photos or place cards. Price: $90.






  





I would love to have this room as a studio



 
 If you find yourself in the neighborhood,
be sure to stop in, even for a quick visit.


Once inside it's like being transported
to a chic, but charming, estate where everything is just right.
You'll find two floors of inspirational interiors and gorgeous accessories...
even getting up the old wooden stairs that creak beneath your
feet to the second floor lends a certain sense of romance to being there.
 
 

Why, you ask, would a fashionista go to an interior designer's den?
For me, it was my son's discovery...he's a person who prefers
everything "natural."    
 
For me,
not too far away from my favorite store on Earth.
 
Maxfield
 
in West Hollywood
 
Simply the most deluxe of the luxe boutiques, it
has designer apparel and items you will not find anywhere else. 
A family-owned business, the atmosphere is dark woods, sleek chrome fixtures
but not a hint of "Ralph Lauren" appears.
 
You can celebrity-watch on any day of the week.
 
 Oh, but that's another post, isn't it?
 

15 comments:

  1. Marsha, what a wonderful design boutique and thank you for sharing such fabulous images!

    Karena

    Art by Karena

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  2. Awsome post Marsha. It is fantastic to be able to take a little peak into a shop that otherwise I would have never seen. I love that his look is a little pared down, which means that everybody can find something they would like there without the burden of having French Country in the back of their minds. Awesome post!

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  3. Thank you for sharing a wonderful blog that show many people the sort of things perhaps many can't afford but love to look at.

    Take care.
    Yvonne.

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  4. Marsha, I just love the natural look in each photo. This is natural and white done right. It has depth, interest and is carefully put together and thought through.

    I agree- very pricey! I could make 15 pillows for $200.00. And I layer pillows on pillows so that would cost me a fortune! But they are lovely and chic.

    Supurb post! Lots to go back and see.
    Hugs and love,
    YVonne

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  5. Oh my gosh, I love all of it! The grain sacks, the subway rolls, the Union Jack, all of my favorite design elements rolled into one! Fabulous post, my dear! XO!

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  6. Marsha,
    This is a fabulous post. Such lovely things.
    You did an awesome post..
    yvonne

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  7. Hello,my dear Marsha!-)*

    You say that there on the one of these photos is you dream studio...
    I like it very much too,because there is So much light,elegance and truly,very,very natural!:-)))*

    Thank you many times for share these wonderful photos,

    My Love and care,
    ***Violetta***

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  8. I think I love every single home furnishing you posted. Fab finds!

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  9. Beautiful finds! Love your pink saturday post too-I'd love to have breakfast at a table set so elegantly!! Thanks for the visit=have a wonderful week!!

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  10. I love the store front! Looks like a fabulous shop to visit! xx

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  11. What a great store, I hope to visit one day! Have a sweet day!

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  12. My dear Marsha, I cannot thank you enough for reading my posts, when I look at your favorites list I cannot imagine that I am one of them.
    You understand me even when I don't understand myself, or just have an inkling of what I am thinking. You are more than a blogging buddy to me, you are my friend. Thank you, now on to the latest post, I would love that store, am eagerly awaiting my delivery for my sofa, chair and ottoman. At that point I will take some (lots) of pictures. Can't wait to show you my romantic, lovely, serene living room.
    You, are the bomb!

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  13. Thanks so much for bringing me over!!
    You are right... I'm in awe, loving it so so much. It's definitely on my list of places to go when I'm visiting my son at UCLA in the Fall!!!
    Great post... fantastic photos. Thank your son for me for finding this treasure trove!!
    A big XO to you :)

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  14. This is SO up my alley. Thanks for the introduction!

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  15. I wish "Maison Au Naturel" was in Europe too :(!! It's so beautiful! I love the living room with the white & black striped rug. Have a lovely week!

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