BY KAREN YOUNG
When I moved to Studio City in 1998, my very first find, years before My Daily Find was even germinating in my mind, was a home furnishings and design store called The Crimson Rooster that was housed in the Ventura Boulevard cottage now occupied by Canyon Beachwear. It was owned by Michael McHugh and his partner, Tom Connor, and had opened that same year with instant success. Sadly, the store closed four years later when Tom passed away.
Flash forward to 2010 when I spot a new store called Filigree on Ventura Blvd and Laurel Grove in Studio City that reminds me of The Crimson Rooster with windows filled with beautiful fabrics, pillows, ceramics, paintings and furniture evoking the same sense of a Hamptons, Connecticut or New England lifestyle.
John Robshaw Bedding and textiles (above) will be shown at a sales event party on July 22 from 5-8 pm; One of a kind furniture like this bench can be designed by Michael McHigh at Filigree. Photos: Pavel Matsusik
I meandered in and started perusing around when I heard my name — “Karen?” I looked up and it was Michael McHugh — the man who spent hours with me and helped turn my house into a home. I was thrilled. Turns out Filigree is his store which he owns with his sister, Beth Matsusik, and her husband, Pavel Matsusik. Together they have re-created the spirit of The Crimson Rooster, only doubled in size with an even larger and more appointed inventory.
Once the location of a clothing store, Filigree feels like an east coast home anchored by a floor to ceiling stone fireplace designed by Michael. With a refined rustic theme permeating every corner, it is a sophisticated and classic full scale home furnishing shop complete with a collection that includes John Robshaw, Pamela Kline , Ralph Lauren (exclusive line for Filigree), Chelsea of London Textiles, Les Indiennes, Astier de Villate Ceramics and many more upscale designers.
Refined, sophisticated rustic defines the Filigree style. They even design for pets in mind too.
This Begere chaise is custom-made; Whimsical photo by Pavel Matsusik
There are also one-of-a-kind pieces such as various antiques, a coffee table made from a Chinese window frame and arranged under glass, an antique shutter console, and filigree lampshades made by a Czechoslovakian artist. The art on the walls is by Susan Hovel who paints American Primitive works exclusively for Filigree. She can also be commissioned for original art work. Unique photographs are by Pavel Matustik and are available for sale. Especially delightful are his images of rooftops resembling a face. Unique to the shop is 3D porcelain wallpaper in various shapes such as roses, birds, crosses and airplanes designed by artist Daniel Birsc.
In addition to furniture and textiles, there are also wonderful independent pieces such as clocks, mirrors, candlesticks, vases, plates, rugs, throws and so much more. If you don’t see what you want, Michael can order or design according to specifications.
All kinds of accessories, such as these clocks and 3-D wallpaper by artist Daniel Birsc are available.
Michael offers in home consultations for $250, but then deducts it from purchases. His personal service runs the gamut from scaled floor plans to working on renovations to finding or building furniture, and accessorizing the home.
And with the belief that a house is truly not a home without a pet, Filigree has many pet friendly design materials, such as Dash and Albert rugs, that enable people and animals to live together with décor that is practical and sophisticated. There’s even a selection of wonderful dog books.
Hey Michael, nice to have you home.
This Thursday, July 22, from 5-8 pm, Filigree will be hosting a special John Robshaw sales event with wine and light refreshments highlighting his bedding, pillow and textiles at 15 % off all in-stock items and 10% off special orders.
Filigree 12262 Ventura Blvd., Studio City, CA 818-508-0560 www.filigreestore.com
Karen Young is the Editor/Publisher of My Daily Find. Got suggestions? Questions? Email karen@mydailyfind.com
About Karen Young
