For many years, a shop in Naples has been a great source for finishing rooms that I've designed for various clients. Maison Auclair http://www.mashellart.com/ has always had a wonderful mix of antiques, custom lamps, accessories, and shell creations.
We used a lot of things from this shop for the trophy room in Indiana, as well as the condo in Naples for the young couple from Darien, CT. All of our jobs have benefited hugely from having this resource.
Here, on a recent visit to the unique shop, located at 465 Fifth Avenue South, I found a gorgeous Knole sofa, by Edward Ferrell, a very charming Napoleon III settee, and an interesting demilune table in coquillage, (the art of shelling decorative items). In the window of the shop is a magnificent shelled mirror, hung above a chippendale style table in a chipped white finish, making a total statement to the shopper about what lies in store for them upon entering. Judith Auclair is currently working on an amazing pair of obelisks with shell applique' which are over six feet tall ! Her work will also be featured in an upcoming issue of "Coastal Living", and is currently featured in "Naples Illustrated". Do visit this romantic boutique soon. DF
