The Year in Review

I love a good year in review.  These are the Carrie's Design Musings top posts from 2017 in case you missed them or are interested in seeing them again.  What is most interesting is... many of the most popular posts have something to do with mindfulness.  This is a conversation I have been spending some time talking about this year.  What energy, literally and figuratively, are we dwelling in?  It confirms that my new found interest is resonating with you as well.  I am happy that is the case. Thank you.


A Clean Slate ~ I am thrilled this story's popularity allowed me to republish it because it's a point I could talk about again and again.

 Energetically Speaking  ~ My love of crystals and talk of energy will certainly continue into 2018

Pied-a-Teardown Addendum ~ This story brought with it a lot of attention.  Emmy Rossum has moved on, but her actions will live on in infamy

Incorporating Antiques ~ is always a good idea

An "I Can Do It" Attitude ~ my girlfriend will be quite pleased she made it into the top posts story.  It's a tale as old as time.  We can do anything if we set our mind to it!

Cube Formula ~ This story had legs. I was out and about talking to  a woman I had never met before.  I was telling her I was obsessed with decorative ice cubes.  She said, that's funny, I just read a blog post about that.  Guess who's blog she read?  We screamed in unison.

A Neutra in the Neighborhood ~ I loved that it was a little surprise that I did not even know existed in my hood, Oh I could be so happy here!

The Ibu Movement ~ Shopping for fabulous crafts by talented women from around the world coupled with philanthropy is a win/win always.  Plus, meeting Ali McGraw and hearing her speak passionately about her ambassadorship was thrilling.

The Language of Flowers in Feng Shui ~ this was a blog post and a Facebook Live discussion. People are passionate about their flowers and how to display (or not display) them!

I am eternally grateful for your readership.  May we continue together in 2018!  Good things are
coming.

Antiques move into the Future

bust of Liberty, 1890

I attended the 54th annual Winterthur Delaware Antique Gala the other night.  I do love looking at antiques, am always fascinated by their history, where they came from, who might have once owned each piece.  I picture these stunning pieces in a more modern setting more suited for today's lifestyle.  I am now wondering if antiques will stand the test of time.  I know they have thus far, but do millennials and younger have an appreciation for their provenance?  In an immediate gratification society where everything has become homogenized ~ can antiques survive?  I have pieces from my grandmother that are made so beautifully, I know they will last ~  but will anyone want them?  With future generations living differently and valuing different things, they also think of furniture differently.

Let's take a look at what I saw and how they might fit into a more modern interior.  Education is key as to why these pieces should be loved, preserved and handed down from generation to generation.

The multi colored plank chairs, ca 1860, would look funky and make a great focal point in the dining room below with nothing to compete with them.

 Samplers look like a cool Etsy find but they were made by someone's loving hands announcing a birth or new home.

A mahogany Queen Anne wing chair, ca 1750-60, with its sinuous shape is a perfect counterpoint in a room with  a more linear sofa.  Picture a hand painted storage chest at the foot of a sumptuous bed in an otherwise neutral bedroom.  This is a great example of taking a classic piece and moving it into the future.

Before cameras, tiny portraitures were painted in the likeness of the person.  Hanging a grouping on a gallery wall amongst other, perhaps more contemporary art, takes it to another level while keeping an "old world" feeling no matter what hangs amongst them. 

I love this set of  hand blown, graduated size and gradated colored glass bottles.  Just owning the set and displaying them together in this way already elevates it  ~ a contemporary twist to a utilitarian product with a humble history.  This collection would be at home anywhere!

Tiffany lamps are the epitome of everlasting beauty

Antiques, inherited or vintage pieces can be upcycled and made into something new with a little ingenuity.  Remember what they say ~ when you know the rules, you can break the rules!

An opportunity to create something personal, unique and modern is what respecting the past while moving into the future is all about.

Top designers are often inspired by the past and this informs the future.  If you see something that speaks to you, you'll always find a way to weave it into your decor.  As with all things, I believe a little goes a long way, though.

The tension between the old and the new is what's interesting and modern now.  An entire period room feels dated, an entire room outfitted by a big box store feels inauthentic.   Nobody wants that anymore.  The magic is in the mix.  Owning a piece with a history brings authenticity, warmth and interest to any space.  Reproductions just don't have the same patina. 

 Buy what you love, make it  the best you can afford, mix the high and the low, give your things space to breath, keep it simple.  There is your recipe for moving into the future with antiques.

Incorporating Antiques

I attended the Winter Antique Show at the Park Avenue Armory last Friday.  I always meant to go, so an invitation from DESCARO  was just the impetus I needed to make a point of getting myself there.  I had no doubt I would love it, and I did!  The antique show, now in its 63rd year benefits the East Side House Settlement which helps bring education and resources to those who need it in the South Bronx and Northern Manhattan.

Donzella

I wish I could have bought one of these faceted, hand cut crystal consoles.  They were spectacular!

Frank and Barbara Pollack American Antiques and Art, Highland Park,IL

Still life in white, Anat Shiftan

I am a big believer in incorporating antiques into an interior space.  If your space is more modern they create a great tension between the modern day and the past.  If your interior is more traditional, antiques lend an authenticity to your space that a reproduction does not.  The provenance of a piece has history that seems to radiate.  Contemporary art in a traditional setting is the easiest way to dip your toe into the look of mixing styles and periods.

If you follow me on Instagram you saw this, but this is worth mentioning again because it is so fabulous.  Maison Gerard brought in graffiti artist Faust who is known as an awesome calligrapher, to put this stamp on their back wall.  This perfectly illustrates how dynamic contemporary, vintage, and antique pieces can coexist.  It says, "It seemed like a good idea at the time."  If I had a dime....

While purchasing antiques with a pedigree may be important to some, you can get beautiful pieces at all price points.  This highboy comes with its original documentation.  According to the fascinating paper work, John Cochran once owned it (1765-1775). This dealer specializes in supplying some kind of paperwork that authenticates or educates with each piece.

Nathan Liverant and Son, Colchester,CT

I love hearing backstories of a piece, how they dealer came to it, where the piece may have come from, who it may have belonged to.  Its history makes it magical.

Herschel and Adler Galleries, New York, NY

There are really no rules when showcasing antiques.  Many elevate their "very important pieces" in a precious way focusing to their importance, but many incorporate them in a whimsical way that speaks to the desire for the history, but not taking it too seriously.  Americana has an innate character that makes them perfect for a playful look.

Kelly Kinzel, New Oxford, PA

From assorted Civil War Infantry Drums, circa 1822, in use until late 1870's to a collection of John Singer Sargent paintings surrounding a Tiffany lamp ~ the selection is vast, and the dealers, international.

Michael Altman Fine Art

One of the most intriguing booths was the jeweler Didier.  The windows invite you to peek in and linger at the jewelry that is just as much art by such artists as Warhol, Calder, Piero Dorazio, among others.

It's a great opportunity to think about starting or expanding on a collection.

Robert Young Antiques, London

Tambaran, New York

And don't think it is limited to your interiors.  An exterior space should tell a similar story.

Elizabeth Israel, Katonah NY

The show is only there till January 29th, if you get a chance to stop by.