Keno brothers' collection has touch of whimsy

Since Leslie and Leigh Keno became household names appraising antique furniture on the popular PBS series "Antiques Roadshow," you'd be forgiven for presuming that their own line of furniture, Keno Bros., would pay homage to Duncan Phyfe, Chippendale and the like.

Instead, the line they introduced at the International Furniture Markets last year is a stunningly beautiful collection of sleek, polished, modern profiles crafted by Theodore Alexander.

The Kenos, whose collection will appear in showrooms soon, have taken their extensive furniture expertise and applied it to their own pieces. The brothers also host "Collect This! With the Keno Brothers" on MSN. Leigh owns and operates Keno Auctions in New York, and Leslie is director of American furniture and decorative arts at Sotheby's auction house.

What is most important to the twin brothers is great proportion, form and design.

"The same factors in terms of quality, craftsmanship and attention to detail which apply to antiques are incorporated into our designs," said Leslie.

They care more about quality construction and good design than about ornament. And they both admire the S-shaped line -- "the line of beauty, as [painter William] Hogarth called it," Leslie said.

"It's all sculptural, really. We see these pieces as very sculptural," said Leigh.

The maple and hand-woven cane Slope chair, which appears to be carved from one piece, is a perfect example; the arms and legs form a continuous curve.

"It was our vision to make a comfortable chair that is alive and organic," Leigh said.

Theodore Alexander gave the Kenos carte blanche when it came to design.

"Harvey Dondero, the CEO of Theodore Alexander, said the only thing that would limit us as far as our line was our imagination. Literally, they can make anything. They have great craftsmen and woods," said Leigh.

The brothers admit that the whole process of developing a concept and seeing it built has been a fantasy come true. Theodore Alexander has its own foundry and can mold brass and aluminum legs and bases and hardware to the Kenos' exact specifications.

The brothers are not afraid of a little whimsy:

"I've got two little ones and they love the 'Peek-a-Boo' screen," said Leslie, who is married, has two children and recently moved to a new apartment in Manhattan.

"It's interactive and fun because you can have light against dark or all vice versa or all the same. It's very contemporary. You know everything we made for the line are pieces that we want to live with."

The Tree chest also was created as a fun, whimsical piece.

"It can be used anywhere and has a harlequin pattern veneer, which is very complex. Then on top is this dreamlike fantasy tree with spirally shaped branches," said Leslie.

They wanted dark against light with a three-dimensional feel.

"The veneer was sand-burned. Using tweezers, they would dip little pieces of veneer in burning sand. The pulls that are set within the tree are also inlaid to blend with the tree," Leigh said.

So which of the several sideboards in their line would Leslie like to see under a TV in his new place?

"I love the Wave, I love the Torque. Probably that would be what I would like -- the Torque," he decided.

The front literally twists. The wedge-shaped doors are opposing so the grooves across the flutes turn as if they are bending.

The Dance, a small occasional table with drawer, is another shimmering piece, with a modern zigzag pattern.

"It was inspired a little bit by 18th-century French furniture," said Leslie.

They are considering doing some pieces as limited editions in the future, but for now it's all available at select home-furnishings retailers.

"We do think of these as heirlooms for the future. We want them to show up someday at an 'Antiques Roadshow,'" Leigh said, laughing.