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.

Decorating with Antiques

Nestor Santa- Cruz ph: William Waldron

It's all about the mix when using antiques in your decor.  I subscribe to the hi/low, old/new look in a room.  That's where the interest lies.  When you drop an antique into a contemporary room, the room becomes three dimensional, lines are blurred, and that is dynamic!

The 1970's Maison Jansen cocktail table (which is considered more vintage than antique) takes nothing away from the new regency style chairs and antique lacquered Chinese armoire in the photo above.  The space looks layered, lovely, livable, and therefore contemporary.

Antiques used to be defined as anything over 100 years old, but it is not that black and white anymore.

18th century furniture is in demand again, but the biggest jump in the value of any given period is the Art Deco period, the 1920's, 30's and 40's, which had been under valued until recently.

Alex Papachristidis, ph: Phillip Ennis

Swedish, French, and English antiques happily co exist with a contemporary painting and graphic rug.  The modern designs of today always look to the past for inspiration and inform new designs for our informal way of life.

Susan Hable Smith,ph:Richard Powers

An antique Indonesian day bed covered in an antique Moroccan wedding blanket, vintage shipping pallet as table and Venini light fixture create an interesting melange.

Richard Hallberg

An antique piece or two in a modern room create the necessary layers of a warm environment.  Even designers who don't typically embrace working with antiques acknowledge the importance of learning provenance.

There is nothing stuffy about the eclectic room with its mix of antique accessories, period furnishings, and op art rug; a perfect example of "mix mastering"

Susan Zies Green,ph:John Kernick

19th c. prints look comfortable in a 21 c. home

Alexa Hampton

One great piece can turn a room on its ear.  The antique rocker becomes the focal point in the room of this modern, country beach house.

Michael S. Smith never misses with his eye for the mix ~

Michael S Smith,ph:Börn Wallander

Vincent Wolf is the master of repurposing antiques with his finds from round the world into contemporary, functional pieces

If the idea of filling a room full of antique furniture scares you and conjures up thoughts of your grandmother's house ~ one piece can seem thoughtful, weighty, and wise.  One chest, one armoire, one gilt mirror, and you look like a sophisticate.

Alex Papchristidis

Apply antique wallpaper into a modern setting and I assure nobody will consider it dowdy!

FYI..."When you know the rules, you can break the rules."