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Edited by Alexa Yablonski -- Interior Design, 1/1/2002 12:00:00 AM

TriBeCa French

After Successfully Charming le tout Paris (including Andrée Putman and Alberto Pinto) with his tremendously tailored designs, Henry Personnaz is now poised to take Manhattan, thanks to the new TriBeCa branch of his showroom, Les Migrateurs. Stocked with exquisite furniture, lighting, and accessories fresh from France, the store will showcase the work of emerging talent, including architect Sami Sader, lighting designer Olivier Desbordes, and designer Luc Chevalier, who created the new Kiev line of tables (above). These streamlined but lighthearted pieces are fashioned from orange or pink glass paired with epoxy steel, making them suitable for indoor or outdoor use. But many of the most remarkable items at Les Migrateurs are created by Personnaz himself. The Santiago collection, bearing his stamp, blends substantial proportions and a masculine material—oak—with such feminine flourishes as daintily sculpted legs (stool at right). Les Migrateurs, 188 Duane Street, New York, NY 10013; www.lesmigrateurs.com. circle 300

Seat Yourself

A sumptuous sampler of pieces sure to please a range of palates

Streng Design: We were intrigued by Daniel Streng's low chaise, so animated we thought it might just walk away. It's fashioned from fiberglass composite and available in a variety of colors and two finishes. Streng Design, 938 North Boulevard, Suite 401, Oak Park, IL 60302; www.suba.com/~streng. circle 301

Tracé Simple: The versatile Rivoli table-bench is part of the debut furniture collection from interior designers Nathalie du Luart and Delphine Vendel, alums of Andrée Putman's studio. This extremely refined solution for small spaces is made of matte lacquered steel and walnut or sycamore, both available in a variety of finishes. Tracé Simple Home, 11 West 17th Street, 12th Floor, New York, NY 10011; www.tracesimple.com. circle 302

S. Russell Groves: In furniture design as in his architecture, S. Russell Groves continues to seduce us. His weapon of choice? Subtlety—which manifests itself in impeccable craftsmanship, ever-so-refined lines, and luxe materials. This low-slung couch features a hardwood frame and Dacron-wrapped foam cushion. We admit it might not sound sexy, but just take one look. S. Russell Groves, 210 11th Avenue, Suite 502, New York, NY 10001; www.srussellgroves.com. circle 303

Perobell: Jorge Pensi's sleek Ginger collection, which includes armchairs, sofas, and beds, debuted at the 2001 Valencia Furniture Fair. Perobell, Avda. Arraona 23, 08205 Sabadell, Barcelona, Spain. circle 304

Martin Brattrud: The One Collection, Martin Brattrud's first foray into exposed metal-frame furnishings, comprises smart, contemporary designs created by Collin Burry and Terry Walker of Gensler, San Francisco. Martin Brattrud, 1224 West 132nd Street, Gardena, CA 90247; www.martinbrattrud.com. circle 305

Mirak: Distinguished by sweeping curves, the swivel lounge chair makes a striking addition to the popular Antibes collection and measures 31 inches wide by 36 inches deep by 39 inches high. Mirak, 8403 Westglen Drive, Houston, TX 77063; www.mirakfurniture.com. circle 306

Holly Hunt: This handsome Hemp Sail club chair and ottoman are yet two more fresh designs from John Hutton. Holly Hunt, 801 West Adams Street, Suite 700, Chicago, IL 60607; www.hollyhunt.com. circle 307

Repertoire: New York–based designer Dominic Gasparoly's amply inviting GD1 armchair, fashioned from dark-stained maple or oak, might not be the perfect fit for a pint-size apartment but would make a great statement in a loft. Shown here, the GD1 chair measures 38 inches long by 38 inches deep by 31 inches high. But even those with studio apartments can take heart: Custom sizes are available. Repertoire, 75 Grand Street, New York, NY 10013. circle 308

Office Innovations

Style-savvy solutions for forerunners in business

Stylex: The Zephyr mesh stacking chair is the latest design from Sava Cvek, who has been responsible for creating Stylex's stylish chairs. In tubular steel and dense monofilament elastomer with just the right amount of give, Zephyr will make a great accompaniment for the ubiquitous Aeron. Stylex, Box 5038, Delanco, NJ 08075; www.stylexseating.com. circle 309

Krug: The new Dorso line, fabricated from formed steel and injection-molded foam, provides superior support and a sculptural, elegant look—a winning combination that landed the collection a silver medal at the ARIDO Design Awards at IIDEX/NeoCon Canada. Krug, 421 Manitou Drive, Kitchener, Ontario, Canada N2C 1L5; www.krug.ca. circle 310

ReFORM: These funked-up file cabinets are part of the Iris case goods collection from ReFORM, the Los Angeles–based company that counts MTV, Sony, and AT&T among its many clients. Whimsical but not without substance, these pieces are fashioned from 20- and 22-gauge steel with a catalyzed lacquer finish in a number of striking colors, including the stardust-tomato and apple-green–pumpkin combinations shown here. ReFORM, 800 Traction Avenue, 20, Los Angeles, CA 90013; www.reformfurniture.com. circle 311

Leef: This recently launched Canadian manufacturer has made a splash with a line of vibrant freestanding modular and desk-mounted privacy screens. The screens are whimsically curvaceous, designer-friendly with custom options galore, and functional—many of these glare- and sound-reducing designs can be flipped horizontally or vertically. Leef, 63 Medulla Avenue, Toronto, Ontario, Canada M8Z 5L6; www.leef.ca. circle 312

Studio System

When paint seems too plebeian, Studio E's wallpapers have flair to spare

"I've Always Considered wallpaper a layer of luxury," says Studio E president and creative director Christina Grinnell, who often looks to fashion for inspiration. "I travel up and down Madison Avenue. And I own every fashion magazine ever published." After seeing Studio E's hand-painted products, it's easy to understand why she has dubbed them "couture" wallpapers. They are sublimely sophisticated, often relying on rich textures instead of grand patterns to impress. "When I started to think about what papers I'd like, I realized I wanted them to be very subtle," Grinnell says. "We're actually one of the only companies that make white wallpaper." So even Studio E's boldest selections—such as its new animal print, Zola—are executed with a light touch.

As much as style is central to Studio E's success, so is artisanal technique. A spin-off of the EverGreene Painting Studios, Studio E benefits from its parent company's expertise in art and architectural paint restoration. (In the past 25 years, EverGreene has handled projects at New York's Chrysler Building and Plaza hotel, among other landmarks.) Studio E's Venetian Plaster series, including the recently launched Gaia, SunHee, and Laurie, demonstrates that techniques can translate beautifully from wall to paper—with added benefits. Grinnell notes how labor-efficient and cost-effective plaster paper is compared with traditional application. Even when considering such practical matters, however, she can't hide her yen for the fabulous. "Within a day or two," she observes, "you could cover a space the size of a ballroom." Studio E, 450 West 31st Street, 7th Floor, New York, NY 10001. circle 313

Paper Trail

Following the latest introductions in wall coverings

MDC Wallcoverings: Bolta based the delicate palette and texture of the Aran Isles series on Ireland's renowned linens. MDC Wallcoverings, 1200 Arthur Avenue, Elk Grove Village, IL 60007; www.mdcwallcoverings.com. circle 314

Wolf-Gordon: The Premier Collection III from Wolf-Gordon includes a selection of luxurious linen weaves made in Belgium, the Netherlands, and Italy, flawless silks, and faux suedes—all available in equally sumptuous hues. Wolf-Gordon, 33-00 47th Avenue, Long Island City, NY 11101; www.wolf-gordon.com. circle 315

Maya Romanoff: Zen seekers will be pleased to discover Maya Romanoff's latest hand-painted vinyl, Harmony in golden nutmeg. This serenely sinuous pattern with subtle shimmer was inspired by the ultimate source of calm: Japanese rock gardens. Maya Romanoff, 1730 West Greenleaf, Chicago, IL 60626; www.maya-romanoff.com. circle 316

Alpha Workshops: The latest success from this atelier employing people with HIV/AIDS is a stunning and varied collection of a dozen hand-painted wallpapers where stamping, stenciling, and glazing are used to great decorative effect. Infinity (shown) is available in five colorways. The Alpha Workshops, 245 West 29th Street, Suite 12A, New York, NY 10001; www.alphaworkshops.org. circle 317

Peter Fasano: Three patterns from the Elephant Hide parchment paper collection— Gridlock (shown), Capellini, and Bamboo Stripe—particularly charmed us with their hand-drawn quality. Available in five neutrals: bark, ash, hay, birch, and leaf. Peter Fasano, 964 South Main Street, Great Barrington, MA 01230. circle 318