Guest Blog: Sandra Goroff-Mailly on vintage lamps

I worked with Sandra Goroff-Mailly as we were booking Judith Miller on The Skirted Roundtable. She mentioned this fantastic vintage lamp that she'd found and had restored and I asked her if she'd share her story here on ::Surroundings::. Thanks Sandy!

While other dealers were covering their tables with plastic tarps, an older man way in the back seemed unfazed by the rain. He rearranged the items on his table, still unpacking the back of his station wagon; it was only 8 a.m. Sunday morning. I was in Arundel, Maine at one of my favorite outdoor flea markets. I watched as he unwrapped something intriguing from dampened newspaper; my pulse quickened as I raced across the field to investigate. With rain comes great bargains as the dealers who remain are eager to make the day pay before the weather drives all the shoppers away.

A very dirty opalescent, hobnail lamp base -- partly round, partly pear shaped tapering at the bottom (probably from the 20's or 30's)came into view. It had twisted, dried up and tattered ends and an assortment of electrical apparatus separate from the base that I had never seen before. My heart began to race -- the shopping equivalent of love at first sight. I don't usually weaken at the sight of hobnail but this example was particularly alluring with leaves and poppies done in subtle shades of mauve and powder blue against an off white pearlized background.  I made an offer. The man countered and back and forth we danced.  We settled on $35 -- a great deal, I thought, though I kept a straight face hiding my delight until I was back at the car with my niece.  While I hadn't a clue how the lamp would work -- if it could ever work again, I could clearly see it on the table by my bed and sighed a smug happy sigh as I gently laid it on the back seat. I was giddy all the way back.

I love vintage lighting and even more fun, transforming vintage shapes and items into one of a kind lamps that mix so beautifully with any period. My collection includes torch lamps, perfume lamps, mid century, art deco, rings of saturn lamps and an assortment of this and that found over the years.

I am no electrician for sure and not mechanically inclined at all. I routinely take my finds to Anne at Concord Lamp and Shade. I love her enthusiasm when I walk in the shop -- no matter what challenge I put out before her on the counter. And so it was with my hobnail lamp base. Anne immediately directed me to a variety of shade possibilities, exploring the various heights and design, and together we sorted through a myriad of finials (I love finials). We picked out the softest ballet slipper pink shade and a slate blue and pewter finial. They would rewire my odd little lamp and sort through the wires and antiquated pieces for a fair price and I would pick it back up in about a week. My dirty hobnail lamp base had come a long way from the parking lot in Arundel, Maine to an honored spot next to my bed.

Here is a photo of that little lamp transformed along with some of my vintage perfume lamp collection.

Sandra Goroff-Mailly is a long time Boston based national and international literary publicist and voice actor, with a specialty in art, design, style and antiques. Clients include antiques and collectibles expert, Judith Miller, Erica Hirshler, Curator and Head of American Paintings at the Boston Museum of Fine Arts, architect Jeremiah Eck, Garrison Keillor, Colin Cowie, Provincetown artist, Anne Packard and many others. Sandy is an avid collector who delights in vintage lighting, carnival chalkware, costume jewelry, art deco, finials, hood ornaments, whimsical ephemera, vintage green and turqouise and an irrestible smattering of this and that."  She has also handled promotion for Skinner Inc., The Brimfield Antique Show, Chris Van Allsburg, Maurice Sendak, fashion designer, Zandra Rhodes, the Kovels and the Boston International Antiquarian Society. Sandy does photography and watercolor as well."What I love most about going to flea markets," confides Sandy, "is that you never know what you are going to go home with."



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Guest Blog: Sandra Goroff-Mailly on vintage lamps

I worked with Sandra Goroff-Mailly as we were booking Judith Miller on The Skirted Roundtable. She mentioned this fantastic vintage lamp that she'd found and had restored and I asked her if she'd share her story here on ::Surroundings::. Thanks Sandy!

While other dealers were covering their tables with plastic tarps, an older man way in the back seemed unfazed by the rain. He rearranged the items on his table, still unpacking the back of his station wagon; it was only 8 a.m. Sunday morning. I was in Arundel, Maine at one of my favorite outdoor flea markets. I watched as he unwrapped something intriguing from dampened newspaper; my pulse quickened as I raced across the field to investigate. With rain comes great bargains as the dealers who remain are eager to make the day pay before the weather drives all the shoppers away.

A very dirty opalescent, hobnail lamp base -- partly round, partly pear shaped tapering at the bottom (probably from the 20's or 30's)came into view. It had twisted, dried up and tattered ends and an assortment of electrical apparatus separate from the base that I had never seen before. My heart began to race -- the shopping equivalent of love at first sight. I don't usually weaken at the sight of hobnail but this example was particularly alluring with leaves and poppies done in subtle shades of mauve and powder blue against an off white pearlized background.  I made an offer. The man countered and back and forth we danced.  We settled on $35 -- a great deal, I thought, though I kept a straight face hiding my delight until I was back at the car with my niece.  While I hadn't a clue how the lamp would work -- if it could ever work again, I could clearly see it on the table by my bed and sighed a smug happy sigh as I gently laid it on the back seat. I was giddy all the way back.

I love vintage lighting and even more fun, transforming vintage shapes and items into one of a kind lamps that mix so beautifully with any period. My collection includes torch lamps, perfume lamps, mid century, art deco, rings of saturn lamps and an assortment of this and that found over the years.

I am no electrician for sure and not mechanically inclined at all. I routinely take my finds to Anne at Concord Lamp and Shade. I love her enthusiasm when I walk in the shop -- no matter what challenge I put out before her on the counter. And so it was with my hobnail lamp base. Anne immediately directed me to a variety of shade possibilities, exploring the various heights and design, and together we sorted through a myriad of finials (I love finials). We picked out the softest ballet slipper pink shade and a slate blue and pewter finial. They would rewire my odd little lamp and sort through the wires and antiquated pieces for a fair price and I would pick it back up in about a week. My dirty hobnail lamp base had come a long way from the parking lot in Arundel, Maine to an honored spot next to my bed.

Here is a photo of that little lamp transformed along with some of my vintage perfume lamp collection.

Sandra Goroff-Mailly is a long time Boston based national and international literary publicist and voice actor, with a specialty in art, design, style and antiques. Clients include antiques and collectibles expert, Judith Miller, Erica Hirshler, Curator and Head of American Paintings at the Boston Museum of Fine Arts, architect Jeremiah Eck, Garrison Keillor, Colin Cowie, Provincetown artist, Anne Packard and many others. Sandy is an avid collector who delights in vintage lighting, carnival chalkware, costume jewelry, art deco, finials, hood ornaments, whimsical ephemera, vintage green and turqouise and an irrestible smattering of this and that."  She has also handled promotion for Skinner Inc., The Brimfield Antique Show, Chris Van Allsburg, Maurice Sendak, fashion designer, Zandra Rhodes, the Kovels and the Boston International Antiquarian Society. Sandy does photography and watercolor as well."What I love most about going to flea markets," confides Sandy, "is that you never know what you are going to go home with."



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An inside peak at Eric Ripert’s kitchen for his PBS TV Series – AVEC ERIC

Contributed by Lori Dolnick

We recently had an inside peak at world renowned chef, Eric Ripert’s show kitchen shot for his first solo TV series on PBS stations, AVEC ERIC. Ripert’s kitchen plays an important part in his creative process and is truly a reflection of his holistic approach to food and lifestyle. In each episode Chef Ripert guides viewers through a culinary journey to where he finds his sources of inspiration. Shot on location around the world, each show returns to his home kitchen where Ripert translates the inspiration gained from his travels into dishes that home cooks could make themselves – all in stunning surroundings and with high performance tools of the trade.

The white laminate cabinetry selected for the show provides a clean, modern look, maximum storage and maintains Ripert’s vision for an eco-friendly space. The main island and seating area extends the social and entertainment aspects of the kitchen. Open cabinets and shelving areas provide effortless access to seasonings and tools. Poggenpohl  kitchen designers worked closely with Ripert to integrate a countertop where the butcher block surrounds and is flush with the cooktop surface, for a more streamlined cooking process.

Ripert’s kitchen includes a Miele convection oven, speed oven, warming drawer, dishwashers and induction cooktop. In addition to these exceptional elements, the kitchen also boasts an Independence Series refrigerator and wine storage unit. The refrigeration and wine storage come equipped with RemoteVision™ WiFi technology that monitors the appliances so Miele can alert Ripert if something goes wrong (say a door left open) while he’s on location.

Ripert’s sink of choice is the PRECISION™ 16” R10 Single Bowl – a sophisticated, handcrafted sink made by BLANCO’s exclusive STEELART® division. The 10mm rounded corner radius is flawlessly smooth with an uncompromised attention to detail. A unique satin polished finish with exacting drain grooves complete the beautiful design for easy-to-clean functionality. The KONTROLE faucet sleekly hides a pull-down spray in its elegant pillar design.

About the chef:
Eric Ripert is best known as the chef of Le Bernardin restaurant in New York City and fan favorite guest judge on Bravo’s “Top Chef.” For Avec Eric, he stars in his own 10-episode series airing nationally now on PBS stations (check local listings).

Contributed by Lori Dolnick.

Click here to read all of Lori's posts.


 Subscribe to ::Surroundings::

An inside peak at Eric Ripert’s kitchen for his PBS TV Series – AVEC ERIC

Contributed by Lori Dolnick

We recently had an inside peak at world renowned chef, Eric Ripert’s show kitchen shot for his first solo TV series on PBS stations, AVEC ERIC. Ripert’s kitchen plays an important part in his creative process and is truly a reflection of his holistic approach to food and lifestyle. In each episode Chef Ripert guides viewers through a culinary journey to where he finds his sources of inspiration. Shot on location around the world, each show returns to his home kitchen where Ripert translates the inspiration gained from his travels into dishes that home cooks could make themselves – all in stunning surroundings and with high performance tools of the trade.

The white laminate cabinetry selected for the show provides a clean, modern look, maximum storage and maintains Ripert’s vision for an eco-friendly space. The main island and seating area extends the social and entertainment aspects of the kitchen. Open cabinets and shelving areas provide effortless access to seasonings and tools. Poggenpohl  kitchen designers worked closely with Ripert to integrate a countertop where the butcher block surrounds and is flush with the cooktop surface, for a more streamlined cooking process.

Ripert’s kitchen includes a Miele convection oven, speed oven, warming drawer, dishwashers and induction cooktop. In addition to these exceptional elements, the kitchen also boasts an Independence Series refrigerator and wine storage unit. The refrigeration and wine storage come equipped with RemoteVision™ WiFi technology that monitors the appliances so Miele can alert Ripert if something goes wrong (say a door left open) while he’s on location.

Ripert’s sink of choice is the PRECISION™ 16” R10 Single Bowl – a sophisticated, handcrafted sink made by BLANCO’s exclusive STEELART® division. The 10mm rounded corner radius is flawlessly smooth with an uncompromised attention to detail. A unique satin polished finish with exacting drain grooves complete the beautiful design for easy-to-clean functionality. The KONTROLE faucet sleekly hides a pull-down spray in its elegant pillar design.

About the chef:
Eric Ripert is best known as the chef of Le Bernardin restaurant in New York City and fan favorite guest judge on Bravo’s “Top Chef.” For Avec Eric, he stars in his own 10-episode series airing nationally now on PBS stations (check local listings).

Contributed by Lori Dolnick.

Click here to read all of Lori's posts.


 Subscribe to ::Surroundings::

Hot design makes a “splatter” at Metropolitan Home’s Showtime House kitchen

Contributed by Lori Dolnick



Cool products and cooler design made Dexter’s kitchen my absolute favorite room in the Metropolitan Home’s Showtime House in Tribeca, NY. The Showtime House is a New York must-see fall design event and a stunning tribute to Showtime’s popular shows, i.e. Dexter, Weeds, The Tudors, etc. The showhouse features top name designers and brands that go “all-out” to fashion spectacular interior and exterior spaces for each show.

Designer, Marie Aiello comments on her design for the Dexter Kitchen:
“The inspiration for the kitchen design was Dexter himself, of course!” states Aiello. Dexter is a forensic blood splatter expert with the Miami police department. Beneath his outside calm and meticulous exterior lies a serial killer who hunts down and murders criminals who have escaped the clutches of the justice system. “In virtually every episode we see Dexter in his kitchen eating. He is a man who loves food so I wanted to create a space specifically for him that would be visually interesting and is also a nod to his character and sense of humor. For example, the overall concept of the Dexter space is that beautiful things are made from broken pieces (like Dexter; beautiful on the outside, broken on the inside.)  So the first glance of the kitchen is absolute elegance and beauty, but a closer look tells something different.  The upper cabinets cleverly appear to be breaking out or jutting out of the corner. In addition, I challenged the typical island design and created a shape that bows to Dester’s favorite tool: the butcher’s knife! It’s not an obvious rendition of a cleaver, but when you look closely at this beautiful structure, you see what it is! It’s Dexter’s own private joke.”

“I selected BLANCO’s PERFORMA sink and faucets for their elegance in design, simplicity – in form and quality,” states Aiello. Other materials used include cherry cabinetry, stainless steel ovens by Miele, CaesarStone countertops and backsplash consisting of Thassos, Carrera Marble and Bordiglio Natural Stones.

About the Showtime House
Metropolitan Home’s Showtime House will celebrate its second season with twin penthouses located in the luxurious Tribeca Summit building. Top designers transformed 14,000 square feet of indoor and outdoor spaces into stunning masterpieces of design, with the Showtime original series as their inspirations. It will be open on weekends for public tours Sept. 12 - Oct. 18, and tickets will sell for $20 each, with all proceeds from the ticket sales benefiting the non-profit organization Housing Works.

About Marie Aiello
Marie Aiello dove into the interior design world while living in Paris and studying art and design. This rising design star has a portfolio filled with the homes of influential entertainment and music execs and corporate CEOs in some of New York City’s hottest locations. The enigmatic Showtime House returns Aiello to her roots – she actually began her career as a Hollywood film producer.


Contributed by Lori Dolnick.

Click here to read all of Lori's posts.

Hot design makes a “splatter” at Metropolitan Home’s Showtime House kitchen

Contributed by Lori Dolnick



Cool products and cooler design made Dexter’s kitchen my absolute favorite room in the Metropolitan Home’s Showtime House in Tribeca, NY. The Showtime House is a New York must-see fall design event and a stunning tribute to Showtime’s popular shows, i.e. Dexter, Weeds, The Tudors, etc. The showhouse features top name designers and brands that go “all-out” to fashion spectacular interior and exterior spaces for each show.

Designer, Marie Aiello comments on her design for the Dexter Kitchen:
“The inspiration for the kitchen design was Dexter himself, of course!” states Aiello. Dexter is a forensic blood splatter expert with the Miami police department. Beneath his outside calm and meticulous exterior lies a serial killer who hunts down and murders criminals who have escaped the clutches of the justice system. “In virtually every episode we see Dexter in his kitchen eating. He is a man who loves food so I wanted to create a space specifically for him that would be visually interesting and is also a nod to his character and sense of humor. For example, the overall concept of the Dexter space is that beautiful things are made from broken pieces (like Dexter; beautiful on the outside, broken on the inside.)  So the first glance of the kitchen is absolute elegance and beauty, but a closer look tells something different.  The upper cabinets cleverly appear to be breaking out or jutting out of the corner. In addition, I challenged the typical island design and created a shape that bows to Dester’s favorite tool: the butcher’s knife! It’s not an obvious rendition of a cleaver, but when you look closely at this beautiful structure, you see what it is! It’s Dexter’s own private joke.”

“I selected BLANCO’s PERFORMA sink and faucets for their elegance in design, simplicity – in form and quality,” states Aiello. Other materials used include cherry cabinetry, stainless steel ovens by Miele, CaesarStone countertops and backsplash consisting of Thassos, Carrera Marble and Bordiglio Natural Stones.

About the Showtime House
Metropolitan Home’s Showtime House will celebrate its second season with twin penthouses located in the luxurious Tribeca Summit building. Top designers transformed 14,000 square feet of indoor and outdoor spaces into stunning masterpieces of design, with the Showtime original series as their inspirations. It will be open on weekends for public tours Sept. 12 - Oct. 18, and tickets will sell for $20 each, with all proceeds from the ticket sales benefiting the non-profit organization Housing Works.

About Marie Aiello
Marie Aiello dove into the interior design world while living in Paris and studying art and design. This rising design star has a portfolio filled with the homes of influential entertainment and music execs and corporate CEOs in some of New York City’s hottest locations. The enigmatic Showtime House returns Aiello to her roots – she actually began her career as a Hollywood film producer.


Contributed by Lori Dolnick.

Click here to read all of Lori's posts.

Contributor Lori Dolnick on The Morris Arboretum

Contributed by Lori Dolnick

Out on a Limb gives you a heightened awareness of trees – from scaffolding that’s 50 feet above the forest floor. One of the Arboretum’s oldest living oaks grows within the exhibit. It’s lineage dates back over 250 years.

If you live anywhere near Philadelphia, PA, you really must take a day trip to The Morris Arboretum - a 92-acre horticulture display garden that features a spectacular collection of rare and mature trees in a Victorian landscape. Beyond the Arboretum’s picturesque spots such as a formal rose garden, Japanese gardens, swan pond, meadows and the elegant Fernery, it also features a new exhibit called Tree Adventure. This dramatic installation explores the relationship between plants and people with its central theme, we need trees, and trees need us.

Industrial design meets nature. A path of discovery takes you to a human-sized bird nest complete with eggs.

The iconic centerpiece of the Morris Arboretum’s Tree Adventure exhibit is Out on a Limb, a striking 450-foot long walkway that soars 50 feet above the ground, and give visitors a bird’s eye view of the forest. From Out on a Limb, visitors can cross a swaying Suspension Bridge to the Bird’s Nest, scamper onto the Squirrel Scramble’s rope-netting skirting two towering trees, head to the top of the Wissahickon Vista platform for sweeping views or just wander along the Canopy Walk rising high above the forest floor.

Ingenious netting gives you a “bird’s eye view”.

Tree Adventure is not limited to Out on a Limb though. It’s really a tour within the garden and its exhibits are masterfully seeded throughout the displays. A passport guides you through the “adventure” and will leave you feeling inspired and ecologically aware. For updated information about the Tree Adventure exhibit, visit www.morrisarboretum.org

Be sure to visit the Arboretum’s other exhibits like The Summer Palace.

Beyond this exhibit – be sure and visit The Summer Palace – a 25-foot seasonal sculpture made of sticks and saplings by renowned artist Patrick Dougherty. And if you have children, there’s a model railway with electric trains running through the gardens. It’s especially festive around the holidays. When my son was a toddler – he wouldn’t leave that area no matter how cold it got. Watching the model trains weave in and around the plants is mesmerizing. Members are permitted to have private tours with the Arboretum’s staff or volunteers. We took a public tour the day we were there and learned much about the native plants that do well for backyards in our area. It’s really a jewel for gardening tips, beautiful vistas and inspiring design.


Contributed by Lori Dolnick.

Click here to read all of Lori's posts.

Contributor Lori Dolnick on The Morris Arboretum

Contributed by Lori Dolnick

Out on a Limb gives you a heightened awareness of trees – from scaffolding that’s 50 feet above the forest floor. One of the Arboretum’s oldest living oaks grows within the exhibit. It’s lineage dates back over 250 years.

If you live anywhere near Philadelphia, PA, you really must take a day trip to The Morris Arboretum - a 92-acre horticulture display garden that features a spectacular collection of rare and mature trees in a Victorian landscape. Beyond the Arboretum’s picturesque spots such as a formal rose garden, Japanese gardens, swan pond, meadows and the elegant Fernery, it also features a new exhibit called Tree Adventure. This dramatic installation explores the relationship between plants and people with its central theme, we need trees, and trees need us.

Industrial design meets nature. A path of discovery takes you to a human-sized bird nest complete with eggs.

The iconic centerpiece of the Morris Arboretum’s Tree Adventure exhibit is Out on a Limb, a striking 450-foot long walkway that soars 50 feet above the ground, and give visitors a bird’s eye view of the forest. From Out on a Limb, visitors can cross a swaying Suspension Bridge to the Bird’s Nest, scamper onto the Squirrel Scramble’s rope-netting skirting two towering trees, head to the top of the Wissahickon Vista platform for sweeping views or just wander along the Canopy Walk rising high above the forest floor.

Ingenious netting gives you a “bird’s eye view”.

Tree Adventure is not limited to Out on a Limb though. It’s really a tour within the garden and its exhibits are masterfully seeded throughout the displays. A passport guides you through the “adventure” and will leave you feeling inspired and ecologically aware. For updated information about the Tree Adventure exhibit, visit www.morrisarboretum.org

Be sure to visit the Arboretum’s other exhibits like The Summer Palace.

Beyond this exhibit – be sure and visit The Summer Palace – a 25-foot seasonal sculpture made of sticks and saplings by renowned artist Patrick Dougherty. And if you have children, there’s a model railway with electric trains running through the gardens. It’s especially festive around the holidays. When my son was a toddler – he wouldn’t leave that area no matter how cold it got. Watching the model trains weave in and around the plants is mesmerizing. Members are permitted to have private tours with the Arboretum’s staff or volunteers. We took a public tour the day we were there and learned much about the native plants that do well for backyards in our area. It’s really a jewel for gardening tips, beautiful vistas and inspiring design.


Contributed by Lori Dolnick.

Click here to read all of Lori's posts.

Contributor Lori Dolnick at Poggenpohl

Poggenpohl Dining Desk reinvents the idea of what a table can do.

Contributed by Lori Dolnick



Recently, I attended the grand opening of Poggenpohl’s newest showroom in Old City Philadelphia. Poggenpohl is a leading luxury cabinetmaker that’s known for their sophisticated modern designs, environmental stewardship and innovative technology. Visitors to the showroom will be able to see their new Dining Desk that was introduced at the Milan Furniture Fair. What I love about the desk is that it takes the idea of what a dining table is or a kitchen is and reinvents both. Here’s a “desk” that you can use for storage, for cooking and for entertaining. It’s your kitchen, your cabinets and your table – all in one. The Dining Desk is on the lower level. Poggenpohl has kitchen designers on staff and offers free consults for visitors. This is a great starting point for those looking for cutting edge ideas for their kitchen designs.

The new 3,500 square foot showroom is located at 230 North 2nd Street, three feet North of the Ben Franklin Bridge, in the heart of Old City Philadelphia. The Poggenpohl showroom is now open to the public as well as the trade, and the opening hours are 9 am – 5 pm, Monday-Saturday.

Philadelphia Mayor Michale A. Nutter cutting the ribbon with Poggenpohl dignitaries.

Contributed by Lori Dolnick.

Click here to read all of Lori's posts.