IRON MAN | La Forge Français’ master metal craftsman Patrice Humbert is a gallant keeper of artisan tradition. I love energizing a neutral space with his calligraphic wrought-iron gates, banisters or chandeliers. His recent work has shown amazing breadth, ranging from furnishings inspired by Edgar Brandt and Gilbert Poillerat to a chic modern glass and steel enclosure. La Forge Française, 100 Kroemer Ave., Riverhead, NY, 631-591-0572, laforgefrancaise.com.
PAINTERLY PANACHE | My interiors depend on flawless paint and finishing, which is why Frank Pennington Ball is my go-to. His exacting standards and artist’s eye—Frank’s varied career paths include sculpting, jewelry design, art director—permeate every facet of his business, Pennington Painting & Restoration. He’s also a technical wizard who delights in finding the perfect solution to any problem, priceless in an installation. Pennington Painting & Restoration, 800 Hoydens Hill Rd., Fairfield, 203-319-1800, pennington-painting.com.
Glass House | Bendheim Glass is a thoroughly modern company rooted in the centuries-old tradition of hand-blown glassmaking. The selection is incredible—more than 2,000 specialty glass types—and products range from color-saturated laminated glasses like this vibrant blue enclosure to its artisanal Restoration Glass, crafted in one of Europe’s oldest glassmaking facilities. I love the convenience of its trade site, which lets me order custom sample sets over my early-morning coffee. Bendheim Glass New York Showroom, 122 Hudson St., 212-226-6370, bendheimarchitectural.com.
WOOD WHISPERER | This month I’m looking forward to the Washington Connecticut Antiques Show, where I might happen upon the perfect piece for a project. Now and then, these vintage finds need some expert care to amplify their beauty, and I have a secret weapon. Glenn Gian learned antique restoration under his father’s tutelage, and is a master at both hand and pressed caning (pictured), along with traditional refinishing, repair and powder coating. His studio, The Wood Den, has been a family affair for more than 40 years. The Wood Den, 266 Selleck St., Stamford, 203-324-6957, thewoodden.com.
CLAY DATE | A recent discovery, Symmetry Tile Works takes its artisan credentials to heart. Cofounder Robert Rossel’s pottery is infused with Zen philosophy (he apprenticed with a Japanese master) and his love of nature, creating tiles impressed with freshly cut flowers, tree bark, reclaimed woods and other organic elements. For a truly custom experience, it offers the printing process on-site for clients wanting to immortalize a child’s handprint or shell collection. Symmetry Tile Works, 14 Plumer Rd., Epping, NH, 603-679-4355, symmetrytilenh.com.