Bonny Neiman

We all love Phyllis!!! (Manhattan home visit) Sept. 2010 One of our favorite designers who frequents Trouvaille is Phyllis Mechanic.   Phyllis is one of those creative people who generates warmth and positivity.  She loves interiors and is a natural at interpreting the desires of her clients into beautiful and comfortable design for their homes.  She is fun to be with and always arrives with a smile and a jingle jangle. (her bracelets)   Phyllis attended Parsons School of Design/NYC and Corcoran School of Art in Washington DC.  It's hard to believe she has been doing design for 41 years!! (is that a typo??)  Phyllis always stresses  "my work should be a representation of the client and not my own personal opinion.  I guide and make suggestions.  When I leave a home, the home should be YOU and not me" Most recently she called ahead with an exciting project.  A charming gentleman had recently rented a pied-a-terre in Tribeca and wanted to have it furnished as a surprise for his lucky fiance'.  The client wanted country chic in the city and needed everything in less than a month AND while most designers would retreat from the task,  Phyllis met the challenge and so did we.  I am happy to say almost everything in the sunny apartment was purchased right off the floor at Trouvaille.  Two truckloads were coordinated from our store. In the entry is my favorite demilune table I found in France, wonderfully distressed with elements of original paint.   The moss balls in the wire locker basket with the antique marble bookends and leather books add texture underneath the VERY textured driftwood mirror you all admired when it was hanging in the store (locker baskets, leather books and another driftwood mirror available). Phyllis suggested this 18th century French server to anchor the TV (soon to be mounted) We have solved many "the TV floats" problems with wonderful antique commodes and servers (more available).  The 2 armchairs from the dining set flank the server, French crystal sconces hang above with a great view of the entryway beyond.  They decided on this 19th century wine tasting table (another available) with the attractive brace underneath.  The Swedish chairs I found in Europe, crusty painted with rush seats, add a nice contrast to the urban view. The hand blown glass fish net floats reflect light in the large antique wood bowl.  Nice spot for morning coffee,  don't you think (more floats and antique wood bowls available)? The paint distressed mirror over the sofa I found in Belgium The living room choices include this vintage steel cocktail table (more available) contrasted with the bleached antler and antique oak box with the couple's monogram.  (serendipitious find!). Sofa by Donna Donaldson.  Don't the 3 pillows add so much to the room?  Donna brings in more pillows each week (big sellers) and the patterns and fabrics always impress me.   The side table is accented with a vintage lucite spiral lamp and hotel silver (more available).....sisal carpet, of course. Modern bench by Donna Donaldson in ultra suede.  This was smart of Phyllis to add a beautiful bench for more seating which doesn't obstruct the open feel of the area like  the backs of chairs would.  Notice the antique clock faces from the south of France on the far wall and the finials mounted on the steel stands add a sculptural touch. Closer look at the antique finials (more available).   Korbel from France....accenting with architectural pieces adds dimension and interest.  Even the bedding was coordinated pronto as Pine Cone Hill linens most often arrive within the week.  Ashley has a wonderful workroom for upholstered headboards in dozens of fabrics and shapes.  The bedroom looks beautiful with the mirrored chests I found for them that same week. The apartment is not fully complete, but certainly on its way and with Phyllis at the helm I'm sure it will be just as they dreamed.  The fiance' was thrilled and who wouldn't be charmed with a man willing to make all those tough decisions.  (My husband would buy a country before he would buy me furniture or apparel......he says I'm difficult, imagine that!)  He needs to meet Phyllis............ Phyllis Mechanic is a pleasure to work with and loves the creative opportunities her business affords. She is seeing " a resurgence of textured, primitive looks combined with new treatments .....for example, distressed and cerused .  (definition below) The textures mix well with the cleaner contemporary woods of the last few years. Just as fashion re-invents itself, so does design!  Eclectic is still my favorite ."  It takes Phyllis' discerning eye to mix the periods  successfully.  Thank you Phyllis for allowing us a peak into this Tribeca beauty.  Phyllis phone number is 973-809-7685 or e-mail her at drossell7@comcast.net. Cerused-  The "ceruse" finish is achieved by applying some kind of white material (eg paint or filler) to the pores of the grain where it is absorbed, leaving the non-porous areas untouched. Click here to go to the website and stop by to see many new pieces at Trouvaille.  We're once again open on Mondays.  Hope to see you! Best regards, Bonny Bonny Neiman Stylish Antiques   p.973-714-4541 www.bonnyneiman.com Trouvaille 12 Beechwood Road  Summit, NJ Monday-Saturday 10-5:30 (closed Mondays in July and August) Thursdays until 8 PM