They’re Baaaaack!

One of the largest broods of cicadas is expected to hatch in the coming days for the first time in 17 years, and it won’t be long before the bug’s distinct chirp inundates New Jersey.

They emerge from the ground in cycles, once every 17 years, when the soil temperature at about 8 inches below the surface reaches a steady 64 degrees. Within hours of appearing, the bugs go through a metamorphosis, transforming from a flightless, slow-moving nymph stage into a large, flying insect.

cicada

Soon after they are swarming the skies, often in tremendous numbers, filling the air with their distinctive mating call – a choppy chirp that, when amplified by the thousands, provides a steady hum under the summertime sun.

That got me thinking of my favorite insect artist/designer Christopher Marley, founder of a company called Pheromone. Christopher arranges insects in the most cleanly symmetrical form possible and displays them in a perfectly antiseptic, inorganic presentation; effectively diminishing the fear of reprisal that large bugs tend to inspire.

bugs

d499729ba5a902d034ac7bb335fa75b6-1295893974-251-290-0-90

The Coleoptera Mosaics are one of his trademark creations and among the most enjoyable to execute. Each piece is created with careful attention to the flow of negative space, complimentary coloration, and the meticulous preparation and selection of each specimen. The appendages are tucked under the body so as not to detract in form or reaction from the striking display of nature’s brilliance. Colors are natural and as many are structural instead of pigmented, as durable as any color in the animal kingdom. Museum quality, 8-ply, acid-free mats generously offset the wash of iridescence in deep, architectural, hermetically-sealed frames. Each piece is signed and labeled and no two are exactly alike. Learn more about the process of turning insects into framed pieces of art in this video.

I wonder if Christopher will be in New Jersey in the upcoming weeks :)

Be Sociable, Share!

New Arrivals for Spring

We’ve been hard at work adding all the exciting new products our manufacturing partners introduced at the spring market in High Point last month. See over 1400 new intros from your favorite brands on our updated website using the links below – all added within the past few weeks:

New Product Introductions from Uttermost

You’ll be pleased to find exciting new introductions across all of our product categories; Accent FurnitureDecorative AccessoriesArtworkLightingMirrors, Rugs!

We’ll also have an announcement forthcoming. We’ve recently entered an agreement to represent four (4) new exciting high-end brands. A unique collection reflecting the talents of Far Eastern and European artisans combined with the creative efforts of American craftsmen. Authentic, time honored designs reproduced with meticulous attention to detail and color in the old world manner. Striking traditional and transitional creations blending techniques and materials of the past to meet the dictates of today’s designs. These products grace the homes of those who demand unerring quality and consummate good taste. Stay tuned for more details in the upcoming weeks!

Be Sociable, Share!

Coral Majority

Just returned from Bermuda last week with a new appreciation for all things that are coral. The small islands totaling 21 square miles of Bermuda are surrounded by the warm waters of the Gulf Stream. Approximately 570 miles east of North Carolina, Bermuda is far from major sources of pollution. The constant supply of clean warm water allows corals to proliferate much farther north than they otherwise would be able to live. The coral reefs in Bermuda are healthy and thriving and contain many of the species found in the Caribbean.

Front_St_Hamilton

Front Street in Hamilton, Bermuda

Visiting design studios and boutiques up and down Front Street in Hamilton, Bermuda’s capital, it is apparent coral also is thriving as a decorative design element. Leading designers and manufacturers have taken note and are incorporating coral into lamps, light fixtures and decorative accessories.

Diallo Large Chandelier

Diallo Chandelier - The coral inspired large 8-light red lacquered resin chandelier is as dramatic as it is unique. The polished nickel center sphere gives it just the right amount of bling. Also available in white lacquer.

Wynne Assorted Coral/Zinc Accessory, Set/3

Wynne Assorted Coral Accessory, Set/3 – Give your seaside collections a look of substance and gravitas by arranging them around the Wynne trio of pedestal-mounted specimen corals. The authentic natural branch and brain coral skeletons each in a different neutral, yet dramatic, stone hue bloom like sculptural abstract flowers atop dark zinc pedestals. These chic metallic bases are gracefully tapered and softly fluted, bringing neo-classical flair to your oceanic vignette.

Malaya Large Coral/Zinc Table Lamp

Malaya Coral/Zinc Lamp – Find yourself in a seaside retreat with the Malaya table lamp. Drawing inspiration from the ocean’s beautiful coral reefs, this fixture features a molded resin coral construction supported by a 3-inch zinc base. A light beige linen shade with a matching cotton lining provides a warm glow and illuminates the gorgeous coral detailing. A matching coral shaped finial completes the look.

Corinne Sea Fan Coral/Acrylic Sculpture, Set/2

Corinne Sea Fan Coral/Acrylic Sculpture, Set/2 – Intricately detailed as only nature can achieve, these lacy sea fans bring the beauty of the ocean into your home. There are about 500 different species of gorgonians (aka sea fans) found in the oceans of the world, primarily in the shallow waters of the Atlantic near Florida, Bermuda, and the West Indies.

Cassidy Orange Porcelain Lamp

Cassidy Orange Porcelain Lamp – Inspired by the coral reefs, this unique lamp offers an eclectic orange hue. An off-white linen shade glows with warmth and adds a soft touch to this decorative lighting element. An orange porcelain finial matches the base and tops off the design.

Exploring the cerulean seas of Bermuda can be an exhilarating and eye-opening experience. Enjoy this up-close and personal tour of the waters below with our friends at Fairmont Southampton’s DIVE Bermuda Shop. Dive trips depart daily from Fairmont’s breathtaking secluded pink sandy and private cove, next to the world famous Horseshoe Bay Beach.

bermuda-dive

Be Sociable, Share!

Bermuda shorts

One of the joys of working in this industry is to travel to the world for our clients to uncover the best resources for unique decorative accessories, accent furniture, and lighting.

This weekend, we are heading to Bermuda to meet with buyers in hospitality management to discuss the products and services our company has to offer as well as scout potential new product offerings from local businesses and artists.

fairmont

We’ll be staying at the luxurious Fairmont Southampton, perched on Bermuda’s stunning south shore with miles of pink sand beaches. We’ll find plenty of Bermuda shops to explore in the city of Hamilton, Royal Naval Dockyard, and St. George’s.

We will be out of the office from Thursday 4/25 thru Sunday 4/28. All online orders will continue to be processed without delay. If you have an inquiry or an issue that needs to be addressed, please email us at customer-service@bronsondesign.com and we will be sure to get back to you first thing next week.

Be Sociable, Share!

We’re in Country Living Magazine!

We’re thrilled to announce that Country Living magazine contacted us a few months ago and asked to feature one of our baker’s racks in their April 2013 issue! Be sure to check it out! “Fresh Picks” on page 32.

CountryLiving-April-2013

The article is entitled Top-Shelf Storage – The greatest thing since sliced bread: these updates on the classic baker’s rack. Our slender Sydney Bakers Rack (item CD-04927) is one of 5 pieces chosen for the magazine:

Caged – Based on a commercial design from the early 1900s, one example (on page 31) features mango-wood shelves and a wraparound steel frame.

Bargain – This piece – built of ash and pewter – provides big-time organizing solutions at a minimal price at $187.

Slender – Just two feet across, our Sydney Bakers Rack is perfect for tight spots.

Repurposed – Go Home’s ample unit fashioned from iron and reclaimed pine, can serve as a living room bookcase too.

Multi-functional – A bit of a splurge at $1990, this rack extends counter space with a maple butcher block.

We’ve gotten a lot of attention (and orders) for the slender Sydney Bakers Rack due to the national exposure. Customers have contacted us after taking delivery to tell us how pleased they are with their purchase. Add storage and function to the hardest working room in the home with this well-designed piece profiled in Country Living magazine!

Be Sociable, Share!