A few months ago I had the pleasure of meeting artist An Hoang and her husband Jeremy while they were here in Holland for An’s solo exhibition opening in Den Hague. I invited them over to le petit bateau one morning for tea and cookies with Riley, and the 5 of us sat around, enjoying wonderful conversation. Jeremy, who is an architect, was telling us about his current project – creating a very special space for his friend Sarah who owns Saipua, in Brooklyn, New York. When Jeremy was describing his design, I was instantly drawn to it – from the materials he wanted to use (gorgeous silver barn wood), to the structure itself which he described to be ” two box-like rooms – one nested within the other.” Jeremy had the challenge of creating a tiny interior retail space within a warehouse opened by a garage door. He used the concept of an old dressmaker’s sewing box:
“There is a life and beauty that exists in an old dressmakers sewing box. That life lies not in the wood and brass hinges from which the box is made, rather it is found within the multi-colored jumble of spools of thread and the assortment of pins placed at random in the pincushion. This is an arrangement that could only emerge from use – the result of an ongoing act between the dressmaker, the dressmaker’s tools, and the thing being made.” Jeremy Barbour of Tacklebox
Last weekend the space opened to the public for the first time, and it is breathtaking. It completely encompasses the Saipua aesthetic, and is the most beautiful backdrop for Sarah’s soaps and flower arrangements. I can’t wait to see it in person. A big congratulations to Jeremy and his team, as well as Sarah and her partner Eric for such an amazing space. Enjoy your new premises, dear Saipua!
it’s really, really gorgeous. i love this type of wood that looks like it has been left untreated outdoors for ages. and combined with both delicate and colourful things it’s even more beautiful… it’s the kind of shop that you’d like to live in!
August 27th, 2009 | #
Absolutely beautiful. I’ve never seen a space quite like it before. It makes me wish that someone would just finally invent teleportation so I could go there right this minute! 😉
August 28th, 2009 | #
If I still lived in NYC I would head over there right.this.second! Jeremy is an absolute genius of a designer. This store is utter perfection. 🙂
August 28th, 2009 | #
Just wow.
really.
August 28th, 2009 | #
What a beautiful vision Jeremy has brought to life. Lining the space in that weathered timber and creating the nooks and crannies is inspired. All the best to Sarah and Eric ~ Saipua will be a magical little oasis in Brooklyn!
August 28th, 2009 | #
An old dressmaker’s sewing box! This is just pure delight. I know where I’ll be headed next time I’m in Brooklyn.
August 28th, 2009 | #
This is such a beautiful place– it makes me wish I was in NY. It’s magical, really.
August 28th, 2009 | #
He certainly made good use of the space! Absolutely lovely. xo
August 28th, 2009 | #
Absolutely inspired! What dreams he must dream!
August 29th, 2009 | #
Wow, what a stunning space! I could live in place like that.
August 31st, 2009 | #
absolutely fantastic…..feels so like a japanese spa…wow
August 31st, 2009 | #
[…] the wild foliage, the brilliant way they mix their colours or simply that they’re set against a great backdrop*, but they seem to be able to make the most old-fashioned Constance Spry-type flowers look […]
November 4th, 2010 | #