Cursive at ABC Carpet & Home is a must-shop for stationary enthusiasts, and a must-see for those who love color, harmonious retail displays, and unique objects. In addition to beautifully bound leather books and elegant writing supplies, Cursive also carries jewelry and "curiosities" including decoupage trays by John Derian. Located on the first floor of the ABC flagship store, to the right of the main entrance.


Cursive at ABC
888 Broadway, 1st Floor
646.602.3806

The Branch Chandelier, in a warm golden light shows off the gold-leafed
hand-blown glass teardrops that hang from the bronze-colored branches.


The Branch Chandelier, bathed in a cool light.
Asymmetric and evocative.

A beautiful chandelier makes all the difference in a room. So why do apartments come with the most basic of fixtures with the most fluorescent of bulbs? If I had the guts to do some rewiring, which I don't, I would invest in a chandelier. This one, from ABC Carpet and Home is perhaps a bit out of my price range at $12,000, but is right up my aesthetic alley. The Branch Chandelier, made in Italy. Find it opposite the main entrance on the first floor.


ABC Carpet & Home
888 & 881 Broadway
New York
212.473.3000

Just one of ABC's signature style mixes [image: abchome.com]

Another space that will surely inspire, on a grand scale, is ABC Carpet & Home (click with music or without). I love how they have let the stately old building and the walls breathe. As you already know, I am attracted to the layered 'ghosts of things past' look.

I wanted to find out a little more about the building itself, so I did a little reading. ABC Carpet & Home has occupied the landmark building at 888 Broadway in the Flatiron District since 1961, in what was known in the early 19th century as the "Ladies' Mile" shopping district for its specialty and department stores. Previously it was occupied by the century-old W & J Sloane department store, also a furniture and carpet retailer. The building is described as a "commercial palace style" of brick and terra-cotta, built in 1898, and designed by prominent architect William Wheeler Smith. (Smith built other "grand emporiums" such as the Ludwig Brothers Dry Goods Store in 1878). Here is a good article about the history of ABC Carpet and Home.