When the Schonbeks introduced Da Vinci™, they thought this perfectly round crystal sphere would be ideal in a minimalist or starkly contemporary setting. But then images began appearing in home décor magazines with Da Vinci™ in very eclectic rooms. These rooms might even contain an antique mirror and period armchairs. It became clear that Da Vinci™ transcended most categories of interior design. Its simplicity of form allowed it to reside in both simple and complex spaces.

Although the outermost form of Da Vinci™ is a pure and simple sphere, it’s also a dense composition of faceted crystal jewels, so that in this crystal chandelier, simplicity and complexity co-exist in perfect harmony.

It makes me think of the saying, “Still waters run deep.” Da Vinci™ is a bit of a mystery. This crystal chandelier redefines itself according to where it lives and how its owner sees the world. It attracts metaphors and provokes dramatic acts of visual risk-taking.

Da Vinci™ is as full of contradictions as life itself. It glows and glitters like the moon and the stars – an awe-inspiring sight. And yet, when the dust settles, you’ll be grabbing hold of this mysterious entity, taking it apart and putting into your dishwasher. Your own personal moon and star is dishwasher safe!

Thursday, July 17, 2008
I’m still marveling at the finishes Schonbek developed for the new cast chandeliers.

Roman Silver gleams like some ancient silver art object enthusiastically buffeted back to life. Its elements are distressed pewter antiquing over a vintage silver base. You really must examine a cast finish sample at a Schonbek dealer to experience this deep dark gleam.

Andrew Schonbek calls Roman Silver an “exceptional match” for STRASS® Swarovski® Silver Shade crystal.

Silver Shade has an ethereal, mirror-like quality like a special effect you might see in a cinematic flashback. Combined this crystal with a Roman Silver fnish and you have a chandelier  rich in sensuous silvery visuals. Prepare to be perpetually entranced by your chandelier if you specify this combination of crystal and finish.

If you’re a gold person rather than a silver person, you have several interesting options. I like the combination of a Midnight Gild finish and Golden Shadow crystal. With Midnight Gild, a rich gilding is applied over a jet black base. Traces of black show through the gold in a wonderfully romantic fashion.

Then again, if you’re hard pressed to choose between a gold or silver palette, look closely at Gilded Pewter. This is a somewhat daring choice to go with Golden Shadow crystal because it’s predominantly pewter in tone. But the finish has these subtle speckles and smudges of gold appearing unpredictably here and there through the otherwise silvery hue of the finish. Andrew Schonbek describes it as “sumptuous gilding applied to a rich pewter base.”

By combining Golden Shadow crystal with a Gilded Pewter finish, you can indulge in both gold and silver. Inspired by your Schonbek chandelier, you might even decide to express a precious palette of golds and silvers throughout the room.

Wednesday, July 16, 2008
With the new cast chandeliers by Schonbek frame finish is especially important.

In most crystal chandeliers, the frame is a bit like a supporting actor. It’s got to be great, for the overall impact of the design, but the display of crystal is what rivets your attention.

Whereas the intricate cast frames of these new chandeliers share center stage with the crystal. Every inch of every surface is joyously decorative, etched and incised with delicate floral and foliate patterns. And there’s lacey openwork, too, like nothing you’ve ever seen in a cast chandelier.

So your chandelier frame will be admired and commented upon. You’ll want to make sure you choose a finish that complements the crystal, as well as the room.

Schonbek developed a whole new line of finishes for the cast chandeliers, precisely because of the importance of the frame-crystal synergy.

Coppertina, for example, was created by laying a subtle copper patina over a deep under base. It’s a natural for use with Golden Teak crystal.

Royal Pewter is a highly refined finish with rich umber antiquing over a French Gold base. It perfectly complements the warmth of Golden Shadow crystal.

Cypress is really unusual, with rich earth tones and patina rubbed over an ivory base. It blends beautifully with Silver Shadow and Golden Teak. Andrew Schonbek sees this finish as fitting in with a country look, which makes it possible to introduce a gorgeous crystal chandelier into a casual, homey décor.

The crystal colors I’ve just mentioned are all STRASS® Swarovski®. So you have a lot to play with: trendy new crystal colors and highly complex and original frame finishes.

The images of the finishes on this website will be useful, but visit a Schonbek dealer and you can look at actual finish samples on castings. Sophia dealers are listed on this website. Or call Schonbek at 800-836-1892.