“In a world where everything is immediate and disposable, I have always been interested in pieces that last." That's Richard Ostell's philosophy, which could not be more timely. We've been admiring the aesthetic of this British-born, New York-based onetime clothing designer for a while now, and we're pleased to see him parlay his philosophy into an online store with goods for the home.
Simple, timeless offerings form the backbone of his shop. "It might be a bit of a disparate collection," he tells us, "where things that are very humble and simple contrast with things that are really refined and expensive." That said, each piece is a classic of sorts, unified by Ostell's discriminating eye. He's planning on adding to the collection with a series of highly polished copper pieces soon to be unveiled.
N.B. Although his offerings are currently only available online, Ostell is hoping to open a New York storefront by fall. For more, visit Richard Ostell.
Above: Ostell designed Plate.Bowl.Cup, a straightforward three-piece dinnerware line that is hand thrown in Connecticut and is dishwasher safe. The bowls and cups are $36 each; plates are $38.
Above: The Hakeme Chawan by Matthias Kaiser has brushstroke markings on the inside and out; $128.
Above: Ostell offers three simple glasses including this traditional Spanish Wine Glass; $6. As he notes, "it's all you need for wine".
Above: A Round Vase hand made in Los Angeles by Roger Lee; $70. Lee began working in ceramics not long ago, and now works with Heath Ceramics developing new glazes.
Above: A Facet Bowl by Roger Lee in a textured metallic anthracite glaze; $98. Ostell loves its square faceted shape built into a round form. The designer confesses to being "obsessed with squares," then quickly qualifies: "but bowls should always be round."
Above: The Series 1 Bench is hand made in Grand Rapids, Michigan. Comprised of minimal lines and a strong theme of negative space Ostell aimed for "A quiet simplicity, focused on proportions and a desire to get the balance right."; $3,500.
Above: The Series 1 Low Table; $2,800.
Above: According to Ostell, the Lumina Daphine Tavolo is "the most elegant lamp in the world"; $440.