(Re)Mixology: Mixing Up Décor Inspiration with Arlen Sam Brown

Rago’s Remix Auctions are built around the understanding that the most livable spaces are not contrived or overly curated. Rather, they are kinetic and welcoming expressions of the people who occupy them, a blend of contrasting and complementary colors and forms that come together like the flavors of a fine cocktail.

Ahead of Rago's Remix: Contemporary + Classic Auction, on April 7th, they sat down with Arlen Sam Brown, Design Director at Rago and lead (Re)mixologist to sample some of her most tantalizing room recipes.

When one’s passion for entertaining and collecting collide, the result is an evocative space that is at its best when filled with friends.

Lot 2110, Adrian Pearsall, Disk Bar, USA, 1970s; Estimate $1,000 - $1,500

This Adrian Pearsall Disc Bar is the kind of piece that, as a designer, I immediately want to build a room around. It combines sculpture, wall art and functionality. Pearsall’s use of applied resin to create a Brutalist effect is captivating. A departure from Pearsall’s typically sinuous designs, this bar is a perfect ‘bridge’ between periods within a room-scape. Doing double duty (looking sharp AND keeping cocktails at the ready) it is a perfect addition to the décor and entertaining needs of a smaller home.

Lot 2114, Two Arnt Arntzen Rocket Tables, Canada, 2001; Estimate $1,200 - $1,600

Who doesn’t love clever, industrial, post-modern furnishings that double as a conversation piece? These two Arnt Arntzen Rocket Tables do all of that and still offer a worthy resting place for a cocktail or a cup of coffee. These are a perfect example of what I fondly refer to as martini tables, but with a twist. Because of their artistic bent and mixed materials, they work chair-side in nearly any remixed décor.

Lot 2111, Pair of Charles X Painted & Parcel Gilt Armchairs, France, ca.1830; Estimate $700 - $1,000

The bronze cut velvet furniture on this elegant pair of French Charles X painted and parcel gilt armchairs reflects the room’s tonality as they provide a place to sit and converse. Exquisitely crafted and down-filled, these chairs will have your guests lingering long past closing time.

My home office has always been my sanctuary. Carving out even the smallest niche in a home allows one to be productive, creative and contemplative. We have a blog published for home decor ideas that can help boost your mood while working from home.

Lot 2603, Pierre Paulin for Artifort Ribbon Chair, France, Latter half of 20th c; Estimate $1,500 - $2,000

Here, the classic Pierre Paulin Ribbon Chair gets a makeover in a deep plum and brown brocade. Mixing periods and styles on a vintage piece of furniture is a true testament to the power of Remix. Modern fabric on a classic 18th or 19th century sofa or a traditional fabric on a mid-century chair breathes new life into a piece and adds a truly one-of-a-kind element to your interior.

Lot 2618, Style of Ico Parisi Dining Chairs, Italy, 1950s; Estimate $1,200 - $1,800

Sleek and sexy in white, these dining chairs set in the style of Ico Parisi really pop in this study, as they would in the dining room. They are both modern and elegant, ready to go in any room setting.

Lot 2617, George III Marquetry Inlaid Mahogany Serving Table; Estimate $800 - $1,200

The minimal, curved lines of modernism are perfectly complemented by the restrained ornamentation of this quintessentially Georgian-style serving table. The beautiful grain on the surface and skirt, the delicate inlay detail throughout and the touches of ebony effortlessly carry this 19th century antique into the 21st century. The scale, while perfect as a writing desk, can easily do double duty as a dining table for two in a pied-à-terre.

Browse nearly 700 lots of art and design in the full catalog for Rago's Remix: Classic + Contemporary sale coming up on April 7th. 

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