7/05/2011

1stDibs Photo Archive

If you've been reading this blog for a while, you might've picked up on the fact that I am a total 1stDibs junkie. Most people my age do their time-wasting on Facebook, but I do mine on 1stDibs. I LOVE looking at all of the amazing antiques, jewelry, and art but I have to set a time limit on the site. If I have to look for something for a client, it takes lots of discipline to stay on course. It's all to easy to click on an item, and then to the dealer's storefront, and then the rabbit hole just keeps going and that coffee table you were supposed to be looking for has somehow turned into a vintage Rolex!

While I certainly don't need another diversion on the site, I am happy that there now exists a 1stDibs Photo Archive. The archive is full of stunning images, both interior and exterior and the database is sortable by photographer, room, and style. The coolest thing: a "Search the Look on 1stDibs" box comes up with every photo and contains buyable items that look similar to pieces used in each space. So, if you're looking to recreate Jenna Lyons' living room as shown in the Melanie Acevedo photo below, fab yellow sofas and French empire chandeliers are just a click away...


One thing that you'll immediately notice is that the photographer, not the designer, receives top billing. In fact, designers aren't mentioned at all. Like I've said before, a great photographer can be a designer's most valuable asset, so I understand why 1stDibs wanted to pay homage to the photographers. But, I am surprised that the designers don't get any mention...especially since they are among 1st Dibs' best customers.

In any case, plowing through photos of beautifully designed spaces is a favorite activity of mine and the "get the look" feature just sends me into euphoria, so I say bravo to 1stDibs (and thanks for adding another time vampire to my life)!

Here are some of my favorite images from the 1stDibs Photo Archive:

Photo by Tim Street-Porter, design by Mary McDonald

Photo by Tim Street-Porter, design by Mary McDonald

Photo by Tim Street-Porter

Photo by Tim Street-Porter

Photo by Tim Street-Porter


Photo by Melanie Acevedo
Photo by Pieter Estersohn

Photo by Pieter Estersohn

Photo by Pieter Estersohn

Photo by Pieter Estersohn

Photo by Pieter Estersohn

Photo by Pieter Estersohn

Photo by Pieter Estersohn


Photo by Pieter Estersohn

Photo by Pieter Estersohn

Photo by Pieter Estersohn
Photo by Tria Giovan, design by Suzanne Kasler

Photo by Pieter Estersohn, design by Katie Stassi-Scott
Pretty amazing lineup of photographers (and designers), isn't it? Any favorite spaces among the bunch?

Be sure to click through to the 1stDibs Photo Archive to see many, many more fabulous shots!

6 comments:

  1. Too cool! I have yet to discover the Photo Archive, thanks for the lead. I have always loved the first room, still have the tear sheet ;)

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  2. I see myself wasting many hours on this site :)

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  3. Awesome! Now I can zone out on 1stdibs longer than usual. Thanks for the eye-candy/time-sucker Kyle!!! ;)
    - Whitney from Consider Yourself At Home

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  4. Such beautiful pictures! I can spend hours on 1st Dibs :)

    Kristy
    www.idesignlove.com

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  5. that magenta campaign desk is bananas!!

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  6. Thanks for the write-up! You really shine a great light on the Photo Archive. It's exciting to hear that people are enjoying the new tool. This one was my baby. ;)

    We'll be adding new photogs every couple weeks, so we hope to keep your interests piqued.

    And currently, the attributions are by photographer because the photographers are the ones bringing us their work. We may add more categories (designers, etc) and filters in the future.

    Thanks again, and be sure to let us know of any suggestions or comments you have!

    Cheers!

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