Ocean Home’s design experts Jeffery and Deborah Fisher uncover five American finds for the home.
The Buck Stops Here
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When Deb discovered Cardboard Safari’s playful creations, she saw it as an excuse to order in multiples and throw a themed party. Made from 100 percent recyclable materials in Charlottesville, Va., this clever, creative and conservation-inspired company has a zoo full of animals to choose from and can custom print should you require. Deb loves Buck Jr. printed with the American flag, but the floral unicorn and Mondrian elephant bring a smile to my face. cardboardsafari.com
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Gilding The Lily
Tommy Mitchell doesn’t just gild the lily. He also gilds hyacinth, agapanthus, orchid, and an array of other flowers to create magical artworks. Based in Hillsborough, N.C., this talented artist has been inspired by plant life since he was a boy. His passion has bloomed into realistic recreations of plants and flowers, oversized interpretations of blossoms, and small furniture pieces, all created by hand with either a painted or gilded metal finish. tommymitchellcompany.com
America In Focus
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There’s something about Patrick Whalen’s “The Americas” series that draws me in. Whether he’s photographing graffiti-filled alleyways, junkyard cars or well-worn buildings, his eye for finding beauty in less than beautiful settings seems completely admirable to me. Whalen travels throughout the country attending art fairs and seeking inspirations like this wistful metal arts store in the heart of New Orleans. patrickwhalen.com
Made In Miami
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When Deb and I visit trade shows, it’s always a pleasure to discover home wares we love that are made in America. Such was the case after walking into the booth of V Rugs & Home at this year’s High Point Market in North Carolina. The brand’s sophisticated yet relaxed collection of applique and embroidered linen pillows look as great in a beach house as an urban apartment. And we’re proud to report they’re made in Miami. vrugsandhome.com
King Of The Castle
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Credited as the Father of the American Art Furniture Movement, Wendell Castle has spent the past 50 years of his life as a craftsman and sculptor. Having recently placed his 2 and 3 Pod Sizzle tables in a client’s home, I fully appreciate the fact they’re as much sculpture as furniture. Timeless and contemporary, I predict Sizzle will one day be as collectable as Castle’s early pieces are today. wendellcastlecollection.com