Wednesday, December 26, 2012

Well, Hello There....

I haven't forgotten you....I've just been very hard at work on the new and improved Prize website. 



Yes, it has been a long time in the making but we think you will be super pleased by the new experience and all of the exciting inventory we've been stocking away for our re-launch.


We are also closing our Country Club Plaza location on March 31 and we will be moving to a new location that will be part design center and part store.  More on that later.  Meanwhile, check back soon for all the new stars in our line-up!
 

 
-Best to you for the New Year!
 Steve

Monday, November 19, 2012

Thanksgiving Indian

I'm thankful to have discovered this smashing Indian.  Coming soon to Prize.

Sunday, November 11, 2012

Fun At The Auction


Hi friends! It's a cold and rainy Sunday afternoon, so I've got the kid's in a happy place, Jill is playing some indoor tennis and I'm settling in front of the computer for just a bit.  With a cup of hot coffee in hand, and from the comforts of home, I just joined in the Slotin Folk Art Auction, featuring the private collections of Chuck & Jan Rosenak and Kelly Ludwig (a local and highly talented Kansas City gal).

My first prize of the afternoon is this fantastic work by Felipe Archuleta (1910-1991).  Weighing in at 16x20, this piece is marker on paper. 
 
 
 
Two Boxers - Felipe Archuleta c.1987
 
Mr. Archuleta's work can be found in the Smithsonian (Washington DC), American Folk Art Museum (NYC) and High Museum of Art (Atlanta).   I'm happy to say it will soon be in our collection at Prize (new site launching in December).  Be sure to check back on this and some other goodies coming soon.

Best,
Steve


Wednesday, September 19, 2012

1940's road sign.....just as true today.

Just spotted this great little sign on 1stdibs. It totally resonated with me.

Wednesday, August 29, 2012

Provence: Take Me Away

Prize began its cooperative retail partnership with Peruvian Connection over two years ago on Kansas City's Country Club Plaza.  Alongside wonderful antiques and vintage finds sits a collection of artisan clothing that is as amazing to look at as it is to wear (confirmed by my wife, Jill).

Congrats to Annie Zander and her amazing team of designers on this wonderful holiday collection -- this is unparalleled beauty. 

Enjoy this short film in the French countryside....it's stunning.


Behind the scenes in Provence: Holiday 2012 from Peruvian Connection on Vimeo.

Saturday, July 14, 2012

We Love Us Some Texas!

Prize is headed to Texas and will be showing at Marburger Farm in October.

Tuesday, July 3, 2012

From The Archives.....

All photos shot on location at Prize in Kansas City, MO.












Saturday, April 7, 2012

Design Mash Up

Industrial wood pallets mix with an antique Italian chandelier and custom wrapped zinc table to create a high-low look.


Thumb through a few of your favorite shelter magazines and it’s right there on the pages: decorative tension. It’s the art form of the yin and yang that gives context and interest to the details of a home. Where rustic can meet refined and high-end meeting low-end.

So here is my perspective. Life is short, there is a lot to be enjoyed, so let’s not put limits on how we live with design.

As we find ourselves at the top of the twenty first century we have many periods and references in which to pull our design direction. Is it modern that moves us or is it 18th century English that does the trick? How about early American or a touch of the Orient? Classic or less refined? I’ve just resolved that I like them all and they have a place in my world.

Let’s just refer to this as design mash-up, noting that it does work best when following a few key principles.

I’ve said it before and I’ll say it again – one single paint color throughout your home will create the necessary continuity to let decorative objects stand out and hold their place of interest. Take your queue from an art gallery or museum where spaces are connected by unified color. It focuses your attention on the subjects and creates harmony for all that is taking place.

Don’t hold back on pattern and textures. Toss some bold, graphic pillows on a sofa or chair that need a pop of pattern. Line the back of a boring bookcase with Ikat wallpaper and pepper your floors with colorful rugs. Cover a wall with reclaimed lumber from top to bottom and create a unique focal point to showcase your favorite art.

Rethink your space by rotating furniture, artwork and decorative objects in your home. Add, take away and then add some more. Mixing periods, form and finishes can accomplish just the right balance you are trying to strike.

Last but certainly not least, a room is not a room without some old stuff. New stuff just can’t carry off the warmth or the authenticity of an antique. It does the heavy lifting in just about every situation and is the best place to invest for longevity. Family heirlooms are even better as it’s a real connection to your heritage.

Decorating is not a spectator sport, so mash it up a bit and get out there and find some good stuff! Along the way you will learn what you love the most as your curate your home-sweet-home.

Thursday, March 8, 2012

On the scene: Val d'Orcia, Italy

Many of you know that Prize is part of a co-op with Peruvian Connection in their Kansas City and Washington DC stores. I am such a fan of Annie Zander and her amazing team of designers who produce the most beautiful apparel.

They also take no short cuts when it comes to producing their catalogs. There is such magic as you take in every detail on every page. Prepare to be transported to Val d'Orcia, Italy, the location shoot for the 2012 Spring line -- you won't want to leave.


Saturday, January 28, 2012

Cabin Fever Has Never Felt So Good


There are those who feel a little glum after the holidays have passed, but I’m not that guy. In fact, I still take joy in the cold winter days ahead where outdoor chores are kept at bay and I can cozy into the digs of home with my family and friends.

Comfort food and comfortable surroundings is the key to setting just the right atmosphere and it’s the small touches that make those cold winter days even more bearable. Before the first foot of snow falls, I ready my home to ward off the potential effects of cabin fever.

WARM THOUGHTS
There is nothing better than a crackling fire, but I opted for gas logs a few years ago to make things a little easier and cleaner. However, I did find logs that were authentic and create an amber glow with warmth to boot. I also light lots of candles, but only burn one scent – my preference is Votivo’s Forgotten Sage which has the distinct smell of pine.

Vintage camp blankets fill a large basket and everyone grabs their favorite to snuggle up for family movie night. I’m still looking for a stylish version of the snuggie but haven’t had much luck there.

WINTER GAMES
Nothing says “bring it on” like a good game of cards or a board game that takes you late into the night. I recently came across some beautiful antique wooden checkerboards that are as pretty on the wall as they are in a high stake game of checkers. On a recent antique buying trip I found some vintage wooden lawn pins that we use in a version of indoor bowling.

We also take the games outdoors because that’s what makes the return indoors all the more fun. Though with it comes all the muck and mire and the abundance of coats, scarves and gloves that seem to multiply on their own. Invest in some rugs that can take the wear-and-tear of foot traffic. We use old colorful Persian rugs that have ample pattern and look better with age. We also have a large basket and a large scale coat rack right at the door to greet shoes and coats.

EATS & TREATS
I get a little fluffy in the wintertime and it’s not because of the goose-down coat that is hanging in my closet. Whether it’s an evening of entertaining friends or hanging out with the kids, food is usually in the spotlight.

Something that is fun is to get everyone involved by making individual specialty pizzas. We plan ahead by placing various toppings and sauces in vintage ironstone bowls that can be passed around the prep island. The crust is a blank canvas and everyone is an artist as they layer on color and texture.

So here is to greeting winter with a smile and warm heart. Wishing you a new year of good health, happy homes and great memories.

Tuesday, January 10, 2012

SurPrize & Delight.....



It has been said many times that it’s “all about the hunt” and that’s exactly right. There is no place too far or too remote nor anything that is of any magnitude of trouble that would keep us from hunting down the good stuff.












I love the gasps and awes from those who visit our retail store and get to experience these things first hand – they are always surprised and delighted. However, we’ve come to realize the appreciation for such good things should be extended beyond a showroom and our website really hasn’t delivered over the past few years.












So, as we revamp our site to make it more shopper friendly we will begin a weekly blog post called “SurPrize” with a listing of new items to our shop. We hope you will find something to fall in love with along the way.