On various counters throughout our office, there are collections of material samples that everyone knows are precious—the favorites that stand out amongst the rest. Sometimes they are rare or one-of-a-kind or fabricated as a one-off for us by a vendor. These samples are held as unique pieces that even though may not be available any longer, we try to recreate. Some of these favorites go back decades, and while they are ours collectively, some are specific to certain members of our team, possessing a nuance that catches a particular eye. These samples may be referenced if they feel appropriate for a new project, but from day-to-day, they serve as inspiration or simply as sources of beauty to behold.
In a new series we are calling “My Favorites,” inspired by a collection David gathered last year for a piece in Business of Home titled “What I Love,” Senior Associate Robin Corsino talks about samples he has collected over the years that he has arranged in neat stacks and reside within arm’s reach from his desk.
1. Sample of black leather weave rug from JD Staron. This is one of my favorite bespoke rugs. The unexpected material, texture and pattern is a perfect statement piece when layered over light wood floors for that characteristic MR black and white signature look. For a comprehensive story of the company and its inventory visit: jdstaron.com
2. Custom sample of heavy-brushed, riff-cut white oak veneer, custom stain matte finish. I consider this as my go-to finish because of its versatility. The wood can be stained any color. This finish balances the rough and rustic qualities of the material with a modern approach to its application which results in a grounded sense of luxury. The finish pictured here was used for flooring in the basement of a Hamptons residence and we specified a black stain for it in the vestibule at our 111 Murray project.
3. Textured glass sample by Charles Burnand London. Textured glass is one of my favorite materials when we’re looking to make a bold statement. This sample has a smoky mirror finish that gives it a subdued shimmer. For inquiries: charlesburnand.com
4. Sample of custom cast glass by Amses / Cosma. This is a small test sample that was created for a large screen we installed in a Fifth Avenue residence years ago. The screen was inspired by fragments of architectural details that made up the view out the windows of the apartment and was interpreted with Art Deco flourishes that were used for the overall interior design. Creating custom cast glass work for a project is a unique way of delivering something rare and personalized to a client’s space that will make a statement that endures. For inquiries: deniseamses.com
5. Sample of zinc stain finish on white oak floorboard. I love this sample because it reminds me of a very important strand of MR’s DNA. We love transforming materials with unexpected finishes. This custom sample was created for a floor at a downtown triplex but was ultimately not used. I hope to specify it for a project in the future.
6. Gray brass metal sample by Soraya Osorio. For years, Soraya has created bespoke pieces and unique finishes on metal. She has collaborated with us since our early years and continues to do very precise, beautiful work. For inquiries: soraryaltd.com
7. Sample of bleached white oak floor. When I create material palettes for new projects, I often begin with selecting a natural wood. This immediately grounds the project, and it allows us to effortlessly incorporate our client’s aesthetic wish list. This bleached white finish transforms a classic, known material into a fresh, bright and contemporary surface.
8. Ceramic piece by Peter Lane Studio. I discovered Peter Lane’s work through David. His bold and geometric patterns fit right into the MR aesthetic. He specializes in ceramic site-specific work catered to the visual cues of the interior design. For inquiries: peterlaneclay.com
9. Sample of Smoky Quartzite. This is a semi-precious stone engineered in slab form. It is beautiful and bold yet calm in its rough, natural formation. We have used this for counters, feature walls and custom-designed furniture including a retail project that is scheduled to be completed this year. It is also translucent, so it has a lot of depth. Several semi-precious stones are available through BAS Stone. For inquiries: basstonenyc.com
10. Sample of unfilled Milky White Travertine, honed finish. This is a classic material that is highlighted best when installed against contrasting colors or materials. We have used it with great results in black and white interiors. For inquiries: stonesource.com
The composition of the image was inspired by the process we undergo when selecting materials for a space, from floor and walls to rugs and feature materials. This is meant to convey a mood of grounded yet special, flat against textured. What connects all these materials and samples is my belief that specifying favorite finishes, filtered through our clients’ needs and aesthetic values can result in very inspired and successful projects.