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Friday Five with David Harris

Interior designer David Harris is a founding partner and one of the forces behind a fabulous pair of New York City furniture companies, The New Traditionalists and ducduc. While The New Traditionalists designs are entrenched in the classics, the approach is wholly of this era, with a multitude of custom, come-up-with-your-own-design fabrics and finishes. ducduc is a modern dream for kids, all glossy, sleek, and white, accented with bright color bursts. The design magic happens in the Soho studio, and the building takes place not far beyond, in facilities in New England, using old-fashioned furniture making techniques. You can get a glimpse of Harris’ classic and current day influences in this week’s Friday Five.

1. Cabo Polonia, Uruguay
This beach community is located on a promontory on the beautiful coast of Uruguay. It’s a national park, so nothing more can be built here. You arrive by giant dune buggy that takes off through the sand. There’s no electricity, no running water, no cars, but plenty of great sunsets. It’s not for everyone, but I think it is the best off the grid spot where you can just check out. And, it has the best outdoor bar I’ve ever encountered.

2. Mona Hatoum sculpture at the Rachofsky Collection
I saw this at the Rachofsky Collection in Dallas recently fell in love with it. Circle in the sand. An orderly zen garden in a box brings  a meditative moment to a chaotic world. It’s part of an amazing private art collection in a modern house in Dallas.

3. Vintage Mercedes Benz
I have always loved this iconic car. Designed when cars had character and style. Whenever I see one I slow down to take a look and daydream about driving around with the top down.

4. Hendricks Gin
This makes the smoothest martini in the world. Sometimes you just need a good drink.

5. Hamilton Shirts
This is a family owned company. The shirts are made in Texas from imported fabric. I also love the shirts from Sid Mashburn in Atlanta. Both have great websites from which you can order.

Marni Elyse Katz is a Contributing Editor at Design Milk. She lives in Boston where she contributes regularly to local publications and writes her own interior design blog, StyleCarrot.