Jacques Adnet

Jacques Adnet (1900-1984) was a French art deco modernist designer, architect and interior designer. He is known for his furniture designs in leather. (from Wikipidia) Jacques pieces have become increasingly collectible lately as people realize both the lasting beauty and the importance of his contributions to the modern design movement. You can see his influence in our line of furniture as we share his fondness with the juxtaposition of warm organic materials like like leather against cooler, more industrial steel.

This chair was in the inventory of ModernOne, one block down from us. Ben has the eye of a passionate collector and seasoned curator.

He designed for Hermes and, in my opinion, helped define what makes them great.

I dare you!

To find a better modern railing that complies with California building code. This house is featured in the April '09 issue of Luxe magazine. Modernism is alive and I will install a railing like this before I die......even if I have to do it on a doll house for a little girl named Dahlia.

New Oversize Prints!

Sometimes bigger is better. In the past we were restricted to printing only 34" x 46" prints but we now have the capability to make and mount prints up to 60" x 100". The giant sepia-toned 1929 image of Los Angeles City Hall is printed with UV stable pigmented inks, mounted, laminated and sells as shown for only $875. You can also get any of our other images printed large like this.

Frank Lloyd Wright

No true modernist can get through the day without being influenced by Frank Lloyd Wright. And can that man make a drawing......



I don't care what the floor plan looks like, Ill live in anything that he designed. In my mind, this is one of the most compelling reasons to visit Chicago and the surrounding areas.

One of my favorite quotes of his (and don't get me wrong, I respect Dorthy Draper and really like her work) is when he called Ms. Draper an "inferior desecrator". Maybe I'm reading into it but it seems to me like FLR had a little ego, was perhaps a little bit of a professional misogynist or maybe just a stubborn designer who felt he knew what was best for everyone. It just sums up all the "glamour" of the design world doesn't it?

I heart 3D Modeling of furniture

dff

Good CAD software has always been something I have sacrificed when I gave up my PC to become an all Apple household in 1996. It's been a long wait but I don't feel I'm making a sacrifice any more. Google acquired a company called @last software and has continued to improve the sketch-up modeling software. This software removes so many tedious communication barriers with clients and manufacturers that I cant say enough good things about it. And if you want, you can even model your own house and upload it to Google Earth.

Robsjohn-Gibbings Walnut Slipper Chairs

This man is the master of taking everything good about the past and making it even better. Seriously, a moment of silence for our favorite English designer. Deco on its way to austere modernism.....thanks dude with three last names.

Canyon House

Italian dining chairs from Empiric as seen in Angeleno Interiors and coffee table book High Style.

Captain's Mirror

The iconic captain's mirrors designed by Jacques Adnet for Hermes have regained popularity and can be found on sites such as 1st dibs (Adnet above for $3200), high end retailer BDDW (their design below for @ $1500),


and now at Empiric for a fraction of the price.

Round leather mirror with adjustable 3"W strap

16"D $325. & 26"D $575.

more info here

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New This Week at Empiric

Two Door Media Cabinet, Modern, Refinished

Period/Style: Mid Century Modern

Description: Vintage 2 door cabinet. Restored in two tone lacquer finish. Shelf inside and depth make this a great media cabinet for beneath your flat screen TV. We will gladly drill holes to run wires out the back. Doors operate on push-latches.

Dimensions:
35.5"W X 18.5"D X 29"H

Materials: Mahogany
Condition: Excellent, Restored
Number of items: 1

Price: $875.

Modern Coffee Table with Matchbooked Pecan top

Country: USA
Date: 1960's

Description: Restored Modern coffee table with brass ferels. High gloss lacquer finsih on beautiful matchbooked pecan top.

Dimensions:
22"W X 58"L X 16"H

Materials: Wood, Brass
Condition: Excellent/ restored.
Number of items: 1

Price:$950.

Ebony Lacquer and Travertine Side Tables

Description: Vintage Modern Ebony Lacquer and Travertine Side Tables. Restored.

Dimensions:
28" x 18" x 22"h

Materials: Wood/travertine
Condition: excellent restored. Small chip in one travertine top (see photo)
Number of items: 2

Price: $825./pair

Steve & Madelines

What can happen when your office is walking distance from Empiric? You may wake up one day to find the majority of your furnishings came from the same store. We are lucky to have loyal clients (who have become our friends) like Steve and Madeline and think their apartment turned out great. If you want to get first pick of new merchandise at our store......get in line behind Steve who comes in twice a day to check for the new stuff.

Thanks for your business over the years Steve & Madeline. Lets wear out that nice bar cart in the corner! See ya tomorrow.

Taking It Down A Notch

An interesting article from the NY Times here.

Our Home on HGTV

Our Culver City condo as seen on HGTV's Small Space Big Style shot in early 2007.

Happy New Year

We thank you and appreciate your business over the past year. Starting in 2009, our hours of operation at our Beverly Boulevard store will be Monday-Saturday 11-6. Our Culver City space will be going through some exciting changes soon and will be open by appointment only until further notice.

Wishing all of you the best in 2009!

Michael & Annie Towey

Empiric's Guide to Gifting

Click image to view a selection of new and vintage gift ideas

A Christmas Miracle

A long overdue order of new metal cabinets has arrived and is available for immediate delivery. Above is a sample of the items now in stock. 

Reduced Sofa Prices Starting at $1495.

Effective immediately we are able to offer the same quality and style at even more affordable prices.


We also have all new, hand selected, fabrics, to compliment each of our frames.


Come in, or contact our showroom, and we'll help you choose a fabric that is right for your room and you lifestyle.

Happy Thanksgiving

November 25, 1908
4PM

Vintage Post Cards c. 1900

Daylight Savings Sale