I can't believe it's Coal

I first saw these sculpted coal tables a couple of years ago at the Ralph Pucci showroom and I wanted one immediately.  I almost fell over when I inquired about the prices, but I do have one friend who actually purchased one.  They are carved out of Anthracite coal by Jim Zivic.  I am told that this type of coal, unlike charcoal, is 100% pure carbon, whatever that means, but I am enthralled by them because one:  I find most of them to be quite beautiful and two:  I am always amazed to see others creative visions and use of materials that I never would have thought of.  He has also fashioned bowls and bookends.  The bookends are available thru Foley & Cox Home.  More on Jim Zivic later. 

A really interesting coffee table

I think I may be in love.  This coffee table by Jari-Pekka Vilkman (www.j-pvilkman.com)  is perfection in my eyes.  Having built furniture when I was in college, I stand in awe of great craftsmanship combined with beautiful and unique designs.  At second glance I realized that  opposite sides play against each other with a play of convex & concave curves.  I think it looks absolutely spectacular in Macassar Ebony.  I love placing a few really special and unique pieces in my projects because it is unexpected without screaming "Look at me!".  What do you think?  

Designs that expand my ways of thinking

This table by Herve Van der Straeten  ( www.vanderstraeten.fr ) expands all of the ways I think about furniture design.  Although it may not be your cup of tea and I may never be able to place it with a client, I find it inspiring and timeless.  To me it is like placing a piece of sculpture in a home and I love that it's RED.  Ralph Pucci in New York carries some of his pieces on occasion.  You probably have to email them to get their code info. to enter the site.