International Furniture

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A look at imported furnishings, from sleek European designs to one-of-a-kind antiques

Written by Sharon Jaffe Dan

Made of Italian leather, Dragonfly has a metal frame with a stainless-steel base. When closed, it’s a swivel chair. When open, it’s a comfy chaise. Dragonfly is available in 26 different colors at Anora Home in Friendship Heights. Phone (202) 363-3033 or visit www.anorahome.com.

Designed by Patrick Jouin for Kartell, the Italian-made Optic container cubes combine transparent or mirrored parts; their surface is comprised of pyramid shapes that create a strong visual impact. The cubes can be aligned or stacked in unlimited combinations. Available in six colors at Apartment Zero (202-628-4067) and Contemporaria (202-338-0193) in DC.

curve appeal
Circle, designed by Ben Van Berkel of UN Studio in Amsterdam, introduces a new concept in seating. The piece is comprised of four parts that allow for five curvaceous configurations. They can be placed together in a circle, a semi-circle or an “S” form. Manufactured by Walter Knoll, Circle is available at M2L, which recently relocated to Georgetown’s Cady’s Alley. Phone (202) 298-8010 or visit www.M2Lcollection.com.

Jean-Marie Massaud’s Kennedee sofa and Jackie bed for Poltrona Frau were inspired by the simple elegance of the ’60s-modern look. Kennedee (above) boasts sweeping curves and hand-sewn quilting in a delicate “X” motif. Jackie (left) is also a head-turner, with a geometric headboard, seasoned beech wood frame and more “X” hand-stitching (inset). Both will be available this September—in 97 colors of Italian leather—at Poltrona Frau in Georgetown. Phone (202) 333-1166 or visit www.frauwashington.com.

In celebration of its 30th anniversary in Washington, the DC Roche-Bobois showroom recently introduced the Speed Up collection by designer Sacha Lakic. Also part of the design teams of Peugeot and Suzuki, Lakic has created pieces like the UBLO armchair and ottoman, that marry bold industrial design with a graceful fluidity. For more information, phone (202) 686-5667 or visit www.rochebobois.com.

antique imports
This one-of-a-kind drum table has made it to Marco Polo’s Treasures in Kensington. More than 250 years old, the piece is actually a solid tree trunk that was hollowed out by hand and painted. The traditional red finish has been worn and cracked over the years; the drum is covered on the top and bottom with tanned hides. For more information, call (301) 530-3420.

A great accent piece for a living room or bedroom, this French Napoleon III-period folding screen boasts six panels of oil-painted canvases, each panel depicting a different composition of flowers or birds. The reverse

is also painted with simple, complementary designs. Available at Sparrows in Kensington; phone (301) 530-0175 or visit www.sparrows.com.

This antique apothecary chest at Dragonfly Design and Décor dates back to mid-1800s China. The small drawers extend the depth of the cabinet and are divided into four compartments. Once used to store medicinal herbs, apothecary chests come in handy today for organizing jewelry, beading and coins. To contact Washington-based Dragonfly Design and Décor, phone (202) 265-3359 or visit www.dragonflydd.com.

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