Posted on

Natasha Baradaran: A Love Letter to LA

As the world around us inches closer to working faster than the speed of light, we know it’s more important than ever to honor the wins along this ever-winding journey. Having been a showroom partner for Natasha for nine years, we took a pause to reflect on these years together – what she’s learned from the last decade & what she envisions for the next one.

Posted on

Pierre Augustin Rose: From Paris, With Love

PAR New York City

A Parisian Vision Finds a Permanent Home in SoHo.

At R HUGHES, we’ve been captivated by Pierre Augustin Rose since their earliest introductions to the American market. Now, the Paris-based design label has opened the doors to its first permanent U.S. gallery, a 6,000-square-foot sanctuary in New York’s SoHo neighborhood — cementing its position as a global force in collectible design.

Posted on

Well Placed: XXV Years of Alexander Lamont

alexander lamont

At R HUGHES, we’ve long admired Alexander Lamont for the poetic rigor he brings to furniture, lighting, and objects. Now, as Alexander Lamont marks 25 years of remarkable craftsmanship, we’re honored to present XXV — a collection that distills the studio’s singular vision into a series of striking new works.

XXV feels like a quiet triumph: forms that are monumental yet refined, with every surface shaped by the hands of artisans who have mastered age-old techniques. In materials like parchment, shagreen, and vibrantly hued straw, the pieces echo architectural fragments — primal, sculptural, and deeply tactile. There’s a tension in the work that is uniquely Lamont: the ancient and the urbane coexisting with quiet intensity.

Rooted in the myths and materiality of ancient Britain, XXV reminds us that every object is a continuation of history — shaped by time, nature, and human touch. We invite you to explore this milestone collection, and to witness the depth of care, vision, and soul that continues to define Alexander Lamont after a quarter-century of excellence.

Posted on

Erden: A Symphony of Texture

In 2021, Erden acquired 22 acres of pasture and woodland in rural Illinois, which has since expanded to 92 acres, along with a growing herd of alpacas. Inspired by the patterns and themes found there, Terra – Erden’s fourth collection – explores the communion between man and earth, with raised textures, linear structures, and patterned forms created in a careful balance of the organic and orchestrated. To promote the launch and provide contact for the designs, Brian Erden enlisted his friend and design colleague Jack Andrews, partner of the renowned furniture and lighting collection Caste, to lend his urban sanctuary in the heart of Chicago as the backdrop for Terra’s debut. This collaboration beautifully illustrates how the gravitational force bringing man to the earth is relevant even in the most urban environments.

Between Erden’s rugs with intersecting lines of metal inlay and natural alpacas, playful suri and soumak edges…each woven brings us closer to bringing nature inside.

Posted on

R HUGHES NEW YORK: From Peaches to Apples

This section of the latest issue of OFFICE MAG captures our most significant professional leap in over a decade — embarking on a new chapter in one of the world’s most dynamic cities. Opening another location, especially in New York City, felt like an insurmountable challenge. Could we do it? Do we want this? Would our voice resonate in this new community? These questions weighed heavily on us, but our fears were quieted by the steadfast belief of our most trusted supporters and showroom partners, whose unwavering faith gave us the strength to move forward. We welcome you to explore R HUGHES NEW YORK.

Posted on

R HUGHES Welcomes Chaaban Designs

Brian Chaaban, a Los Angeles native, began his design journey in 2016, curating premium bronzewares and home furnishings under his label, “CHAABAN DESIGNS.” Inspired by nature, his work reflects organic forms and intricate details, drawing from his deep connection to the outdoors.

Initially focused on lost wax-casting bronze, Brian’s collection now includes brass, cast glass, marble, upholstery, and lighting, showcasing his evolving versatility. His influences include Paul Evans, Harry Balmer, and Barbara Hepworth, blending sculpture with functionality in each piece he creates.

“I like to think that juxtaposing forms of beauty is at the heart of Chaaban Designs. Whether it is organic forms blended with references to brutalism or nature-inspired silhouettes in their softest and hardest forms — these influences make an impression on my line of premium bronze-wares and home furnishings. My work is all handmade in Los Angeles and with every piece made to order, I can offer custom sizes, finishes and commissions on request, ” says Brian Chaaban.

Posted on

Modern Murano: A New Collection from Ochre

ochre lighting

Ochre’s latest collection is about Modern Murano. Sometimes inspirations are profound in their subtlety. Daily sightings of the ebb and flow of tides in Venice’s canals became embedded in the imaginations of Ochre’s founders on a visit to Venice over five years ago. The volumes of water, the ever-changing hues, and the deep tidal marks on gondola mooring poles began to distill into a new creative venture called Marea.

ochre lighting – marea

The collection of hand-blown Murano glass pendant lights in mesmerizing watery hues reflects the changing seasons, the soft quality of Venetian light, and the muted reds and ochres of the city’s architecture.

modern murano – ochre lighting – marea

Each pendant has a distinct personality. The Marea features a trio of layered tones composed in precise ratios to enhance the form. The refracted light, intensified by an ingenious and barely visible internal brass spiral. The Clochette features a floating canopy speckled with silver and clutching a pod beneath. They are unique, delicate, and ultimately mesmerizing.

marea pendant

When switched on, reflections gently wave and spin across the interior architecture of a room echoing the movement of water. When off, ripples gently radiate.

The research and development behind Marea involved intense education and experimentation with the Ochre team meeting specialist glass-blowing studios across the island of Murano. The time spent is a tiny drop in the great sprawling history of Venetian glass blowing that first became a significant industry in the late c.13th.

modern murano – ochre lighting

Over the centuries, numerous specialist techniques emerged including cristallo (clear): lattino (milky) and murrino (mosaie) helping further the exceptional reputation of Venetian glass against a growing tide of competitors in Bohemia and France Indeed, Murano glass connoisseurship became a pre-requisite in cultured circles with collectors seeking ever more rarefied artifacts with lighting and chandeliers being the most prized.

ochre inspiration

Today, each glassmaking studio, often run by successive generations, continues to uphold a signature technique and aesthetic yet quality can vary wildly. Ochre found its mark: in 3 niche makers (one of the few to employ women glassblowers) that can create works of extraordinary clarity and is also highly sensitive to Ochre’s nuanced color palettes. Bringing this legacy into a new age – hence the phrase Modern Murano.

clochette ochre

The myriad of skills across each glass. blowing tears come together. in the final creation with each pendant possessing a unique identity. These works of art are a tribute to Murano artistry, the timeless spirit of Ochre, and the wonder that is Venice. 

clochette oak porcelain

clochette ochre murano

Posted on

Rose Uniacke : Always in Bloom

R HUGHES brings an elevated new dimension to its New York Design Center showroom with the introduction of Rose Uniacke’s distinguished collection of textiles, furniture, and lighting. Known for her signature aesthetic — one that seamlessly balances quiet simplicity with refined elegance— Uniacke’s pieces embody craftsmanship, longevity, and an understated sense of luxury.

The London-based designer, renowned for her expertise as an interior designer, antique dealer, and furniture maker, first launched Rose Uniacke Editions in 2010 as a natural extension of her work. Frustrated by the lack of pieces that met her exacting vision, she began sketching and commissioning designs for her own use. What started as a personal endeavor soon evolved into an expansive collection of exquisitely crafted furniture, lighting, and textiles — each designed with the same level of care and detail as the antiques she has long championed.

Rose Uniacke is an architectural and interior designer, antique dealer and furniture designer who has garnered a world-class reputation for her signature aesthetic that is unrivaled in its quiet simplicity, sensitivity, and sophistication. Rose originally trained as a furniture restorer, gilder and specialist in paint and lacquer before becoming an antique dealer.

Posted on

Material Girl Featuring Pierre Augustin Rose x Alexander May

Alexander May and Pierre Augustin Rose

During Art Basel Paris in October 2024, Pierre Augustin Rose unveiled a collaboration with multidisciplinary artist Alexander May. Known for their refined furniture with timeless appeal, the brand took a bold step into the realm of expressive artistry. This special collection features May’s hand-painted canvases, transforming iconic furniture pieces into works of art, imbued with gestural brushwork and layered textures. Explore the pieces in detail by clicking on each image.

nuage ottoman

At the heart of the collaboration is a shared ethos of innovation and mastery. Pierre Augustin Rose’s commitment to simple lines and audacious reinvention complements May’s vibrant artistic style, creating a dialogue between functional design and fine art. The collection was showcased in a striking installation at the Paris showroom, where May’s bold brushstrokes and dynamic textures animated the space, presenting the furniture as both objects of utility and artistic expression.

ottoman pierre augustin rose

Alexander May brings a rich multidisciplinary background to this partnership. With over 18 years of experience spanning fine art, creative direction, and curation, his Los Angeles-based studio, SIZED, is celebrated for crafting immersive experiences that connect art and design. From founding a Milanese arts foundation to collaborating with global brands and galleries, May’s creative process thrives on collaboration, making him a fitting partner for Pierre Augustin Rose’s innovative vision.

This collaboration marks a pivotal moment in the intersection of art and design. By seamlessly integrating May’s artistic narrative with Pierre Augustin Rose’s timeless craftsmanship, the collection invites audiences to engage with design in a profoundly new way. It stands as a testament to the evolving dialogue between tradition and modernity, artistry and function—a perfect synthesis that redefines both fields.

alexandar may x pierre augustin rose

cadillac armchair

pierre augustin rose x alexander may

sofa minotaure

pierre augustin rose x alexander may

alexander may

Produced by SIZED

Photo by Matteo Verzini

Posted on

Sculptural Illumination: New Lighting from Alexander Lamont

alexander lamont

Alexander Lamont’s latest lighting designs are a masterful lesson in sculptural illumination. This fusion of natural textures, historical influences, and artistic craftsmanship offers a new way to experience light through uniquely tactile and sculptural pieces, each evoking a story in its design.

paglia lamp – alexander lamont

PAGLIA Floor and Table Lamps

The popular PAGLIA collection expands with floor and table lamps that celebrate the rugged texture of rye straw, translated into cast brass forms. Like cliffs exposed to natural erosion, the Paglia lamps reveal layers of texture, catching and reflecting light in fascinating ways. These burnished, sculptural illumination pieces have an earthy allure and monumental presence that pair beautifully with the simplicity of the lamp’s shade, adding a touch of organic grandeur to interiors.

Each of Alexander Lamont’s designs brings an element of artistry and reverence for natural materials, inviting light and texture to transform everyday spaces into atmospheres of timeless elegance.

alexander lamont – lamp shades paglia

chime pendant – alexander lamont

CHIME Pendant Lamps

The CHIME Pendant Lamps reinterpret the texture of shagreen, bringing a refined natural finish to contemporary lighting. Inspired by church tower bells, the Chime series features three distinct shapes that can be hung solo or grouped for dramatic effect. Available in two finishes—pale natural speckle and dark chocolate—each lamp is made with geometric shagreen panels. These slightly tapered shades, lined with gold for a warm, radiant glow, are paired with a bronze holder that mirrors the lamp’s shape, lending an elegant balance to the design. The CHIME pendants elevate spaces with a timeless texture, combining earthy materiality with golden light.

sculptural illumination

equinox – sculptural illumination

EQUINOX Wall Light

EQUINOX introduces an artistic exploration of straw marquetry, showcasing the beauty of natural materials through intricate craftsmanship. Named after the equinox—a moment when the sun crosses the equator and signals the beginning of autumn—the piece reflects this transitional period with soft, golden-brown hues. Interlocking curves and lines in straw marquetry evoke the sun’s path, animating the wall with movement and warmth. The Equinox design functions as both a light and a sculptural element, casting soft shadows and adding a dynamic focal point to any interior.

galea – sculptural illumination

GALEA Lantern

Drawing inspiration from the helmets of Roman legionaries, the GALEA Lantern is a striking piece that blends history with contemporary aesthetics. A cast bronze frame cradles a translucent alabaster or rock crystal stone, creating an intimate, atmospheric light. The rock crystal, known for its smoky, lace-like inclusions, adds a mystical quality to the light, while alabaster’s warm opacity diffuses a soothing, mellow glow. The GALEA Lantern is a tactile and luminous sculpture, perfect for adding depth and character to intimate spaces.

galea – alexander lamont

hedra sconces

HEDRA Sconces

Designed by Alberto Velez, the HEDRA Sconces embody Lamont’s signature style with a fresh twist. These wall lights pair warm, cast bronze with the cool allure of faceted crystal, capturing the essence of minerals hidden deep within the earth. Gold-lined bronze cocoons embrace crystal gems, creating a soft, seductive glow. The Hedra sconces bring a new dimension to Lamont’s blend of bronze and gold leaf, adding an element of sparkle and depth that complements the brand’s hallmark craftsmanship

Posted on

The Aura Collection: Celebrating Natasha Baradaran’s 10 Year Anniversary

Los Angeles-based home brand NATASHA BARADARAN celebrates the 10-year anniversary of its collection with the release of AURA this Fall– the multihyphenate designer’s most personal body of work yet. The 15-piece furniture collection unveils in tandem with two bold moves for the NB brand: with the company taking their manufacturing in-house, and its first flagship showroom located in West Hollywood. Together, Baradaran marks her company’s anniversary with an emphasis on creating a 360-degree brand experience.

AURA is a coming-of-age collection for Natasha Baradaran’s studio, and vibrant homage to LA’s creative spirit, marking a new chapter in the designer’s career with refined messaging for her design studio’s core tenets: a commitment to masterfully handcrafted furniture that blend casual elegance and relaxed sophistication into a coveted Baradaran mood.

marquise sofa

marquise sofa

In legacy with the creative spirit of matriarchs of Los Angeles furniture manufacturing, such as design icons Sally Sirkin Lewis, Rose Tarlow and Nancy Corzine, whose female-founded studios shaped the foundation for Southern California’s laidback luxury aesthetic, Baradaran follows in their footsteps to open her first manufacturing workshop in downtown Los Angeles, to proudly carry the torch for female-founded LA design brands, upholding traditions of innovation, empowerment, and community. Working together with her design studio, the move allows Baradaran’s teams to design and produce her collections seamlessly, from design-to-production-to-point-of-sale. This commitment affirms NATASHA BARADARAN as a truly vertical, ‘made in LA’ design brand, while ensuring the highest quality standards, supporting local artisans and reducing environmental impact.

squircle coffee table – aura collection

As a tour de force year in the making for the illustrious designer, 2024 will also see the opening of Baradaran’s first flagship showroom at 400 Robertson Blvd. in the West Hollywood Design District this Fall. After a successful, year-long ‘NB Shop’ pop-up in the La Cienega Design Quarter, Baradaran’s move establishes the next level for her brand’s experiential trade and retail, as her first monoline NATASHA BARADARAN flagship to show her comprehensive offerings: furniture, lighting, textiles, curated vintage and home accessories that are inspired by Baradaran’s multicultural background, fusing European design traditions, Middle Eastern arts, and the laidback luxury of Southern California living.

Every piece from AURA crystalizes the mood of the brand. A range of plush seating and low- profile tables for lounging, reflect Baradaran’s recognizable casual glamour. Her designs are a true reflection of the Southern California lifestyle, offering timeless, versatile pieces that inspire confidence and dedication to high-quality craftsmanship.

brera bench

brera stool

In a time where ‘Iconic’ is overused, attaining ‘Mother’ status has become the ultimate sign of cultural significance. Over the last decade, Baradaran has slowly built a brand that resonates with those who appreciate quality, comfort, and sophistication. At the 10-year mark of her namesake furniture collection, Baradaran evolves from an emerging designer to an established voice in legacy with the creative spirit of matriarchs of Los Angeles furniture manufacturing who inspire us to break the mold, nurturing figures who have helped build LA’s design community, influencing us towards empowerment rather than conspicuous consumption. Baradaran enters a ‘Mother Era’ with a new collection, new workshop, and first flagship showroom to embody the experience of womanhood in design.

Loma chair

Garda Table

leone bench
Natasha Baradaran

 

evil eye chair

cosmica mirror

carla slipper chair – natasha baradaran

Dombak Stoollago coffee table

 

giorgio chair

arco chaise

the aura colleciton – cavallo stool

the aura collection – carlo lounge chair

 

Bangle Stool

Natasha Baradaran – Aura Collection

Seamless product images are courtesy of Natasha Baradaran