Who hasn’t always yearned to dine off Mae West’s dinner set from a collectable McGuire table, basking in the candle light of a 1950s era chandelier while being draped in a coyote and fox collar fur coat?
Well, here is your chance!
Lance Kostrobala, Chai Somyana and Howard Weiner have turned their home down the quiet cul-de-sac of Nimmanhaemin Soi 3 into an extraordinary showroom selling all manner of home decor and accessories, both old and new.
“Every piece in our showroom has a story,” said Lance as we wander around the clutter-chic space, filled with a mind-boggling array of items. “Howard and I spent 30 years collecting furniture, art, accessories and just about anything that we found wonderful. My background is in theatre, so I like things lush and extravagant and full of culture. As you can see here we have a huge Tibetan cabinet. There we have some Czech crystal, oh, and this is a mask from Borneo,” he continues.
A tiny little Chorkie (Chihuahua Yorkshire Terrier mix – we learn something new every day!) trots alongside us as we examine a limited edition Bennett Liberty crocodile clutch bag, admire a Lynn Geesaman photograph, open up a 1940s rosewood Danish credenza bar, pick up a set of Picard (suppliers to the White House) bone china, ogle stunning Japanese wedding kimonos and a Sylvain Klaus Hawaiian sunset. It quickly becomes apparent that this is no ordinary showroom.
“Chai is a florist,” continues Lance, “so at the back of our shop, he creates bespoke floral arrangements for special occasions or for hotels and businesses. Howard takes photographs, manipulates the pixels and has come up with exquisite Chinese silk satin scarves we call Kaleidoscope which are both unique and exceptionally stunning. The three of us have come together to offer a very special shopping experience.”
Bead collectors will find a stunning coral necklace from Mongolia, handbag lovers will adore Miguel le Salle’s line made especially for Cosmos, those who like colour will adore Howard’s Kalaidoscarves and anyone who enjoys high quality design or slices of history will have a thoroughly good time exploring the shop.
If you are looking to decorate your house with one-of-a-kind items, then this is the place. There is no hard sell, guests are welcome to come in, sip tea, chat about the history of each piece (important pieces all have auction or manufacturer documentation) and explore the ever-increasing number of objet d’art on show.
Open Tuesdays-Sundays, 11 a.m. – 5.30 p.m.
25 Nimmanhaemin Road, Soi 3
Located opposite Sabai Day Bed & Breakfast Guest House
Thai: 089 636 5109, English: 087 577 3118
www.csfloraldesign.com
Note: The Cosmos website is currently under construction.