Little Old New York

Do you ever get the feeling you've traveled back in time? Oh well, we do.

It happens to us every time we visit our Stationer's shop, Bowne & Co. And after we close the door behind us and our eyes adjust to the dark and mysterious interior, we are sure it is not 2009 anymore. It is somewhere around 1870. Maybe 1865?

They use letterpresses that were new in 1844. With this museum quality equipment Robert Warner and his team make the most fascinating cards and stationery we ever saw.

The text is composed by hand using historic antique type collections. Afterwards, they print on original 19th century treadle-powered platen presses (thanks Robert for this information!). It is an honor to be able to watch these artisans at work. And a privilege to be able to enjoy our stationery the way we do.

Bowne & Co. is located at 211 Water Street - South Street Seaport

(212) 748-8651

South Street Seaport, getting there.

How to make the perfect pied-à-terre for a couple working in finance?

We thought it might be interesting to show you a renovation which is almost finished. The apartment was built in 1984 and everything was still original (bathroom fixtures and cheap parquet floors included).

We upgraded the look with custom cabinetry and paneling in the hallway to add drama. Also the kitchen cabinets were replaced with fine Italian cabinetry from Canova .

So, we wanted to show a project before it is photographed professionally, so you can get a behind the scenes look.

The apartment is almost there, but not yet.