“Mad Men” vintage featured at Kent, a new home décor store in Chappaqua

Monday, January 31, 2011
by Lenore Pott

There’s a new store on the block! Ahead of the “Mad Men” vintage design curve, Kent at 396 King Street has an inventory of mid-century contemporary home furnishings and gifts that brings an uptown chic to uptown Chappaqua (as in up at the top of King Street, next to Lange’s).

Michael Kalesti’s innate sense of style translates to his small gem of a store and its inventory of clean lines: Danish modern, American vintage and French and European accents. As the furniture and fashion of mid-century is currently at a fever pitch, a visit to Kent reminds you why modernism in décor is so desirable.

Kalesti is happy to share his knowledge of modern design

As a centerpiece to the store a Knoll sofa designed by Eero Saarinen recovered in bright red Knoll fabric is flanked by atomic-age floor lamps of brass and enamel. Vintage and reproduction lighting are popular sellers here and Kalesti’s knowledge of the mid-modern is worth the visit. Also for sale are hand crafted mirrors and accent pieces, and larger furniture items such as coffee tables and bar carts (priced at $500-800).  Materials reflect the modernist in design and many are of chrome or brass. You’ll find a vintage chrome and mirror étagère ($750), wood tables and plastic chairs of the era. 

Kent is not strict in its inventory, however.  Kalesti’s love for objects of beauty sometimes transcends the vintage contemporary vibe with items such as a 1930’s botanical room screen ($695), American Arts and Crafts pottery or a Waldershof Bavaria demitasse set circa l930 (21 pieces priced at $250).

Make mine a Manhattan. To top the bar cart, Kent offers high ball glasses with gold leaf trim, mixing pitchers with atomic design and period cocktail glasses that just cry out for a Tom Collins or Whiskey Sour. Houseware items include serving pieces ($49 for a set), serving bowls and silicone and woven placemats ($52-$68 per set).

Unique gifts and vintage jewelry

Kent also sells vintage jewelry, some refashioned from vintage pieces and some originals, including pieces by Miriam Haskell. Kalesti’s inventory is acquired from other high-end dealers, estate sales and luxury consignments. Inventory is in constant rotation, encouraging more visits to see new items.  Kalesti refers clients in need of inspiration to interior designer Kim Freeman and together they can create a space or seek out an item for a room, such as a gaming table or bar cart recently found for one customer. Kalesti advises, “don’t be afraid to try a new look. Mixing traditional and contemporary can work.”

Kent also does a brisk gift business with eclectic and distinctive gifts such as imported soaps ($10), candles, and picture frames, including the popular Kenneth Wingard floating frames in ebony or natural wood ($65).  Kalesti’s upcoming trip to a major gift show should result in exciting new inventory for spring.

Kalesti, a Chappaqua resident for 13 years whose middle name is Kent, is the father of two.  He was the proprietor of Bolo Bar in Mount Kisco.  Previously he worked for Calvin Klein and Cerutti and brings his experience in fashion to home décor and lifestyle design. Browsers are welcomed with a smile and parents of small children should not be concerned.  “This is not a museum,” he said, “but a store.”

Parking is in the front on King Street and rear. Website is Kent-chappaqua.com. Hours are Tuesday-Saturday, 11:00 a.m. - 5:00 p.m.  Telephone, 914-861-2690.

Lenore Pott is a freelance writer whose articles have appeared in “Inside Chappaqua” magazine.