08/18/03

Cool, contemporary decor and accessories loosely inspired by the fab '50s.

by Kim Cooper

The Scene
Three sprawling rooms feature office suites, dining areas and bedrooms, with areas stocked with pillows, bedding, housewares and design history books. Decorators and the general public browse avidly, and the enthusiastic staff offers suggestions for mixing styles and colors.

The Goods
Appealing to professional decorators and the general public, Shelter offers a carefully curated line of its own stylish furnishings--pick from 12 different veneers--and select pieces by favorite international designers. The neglected realm of the gentleman's den is well served with broad leather chairs, ottomans and even folded leather wastebaskets. Jonathan Adler's biomorphic vases transform body parts into unexpectedly erotic decorative motifs. Hable Construction's charming felt pillows are goofy with dots and cubes. Official reproductions of several classic vintage Charles Eames chair designs are available. The overall look is simple, refined and absolutely hip.