Design: Antique Furniture

September 24, 2021 | Leave a Reply

For a long while, I have been interested in mixing classic, traditional pieces of furniture with modern items into my home.

What do I mean by traditional? I’m referring to pieces made from beautiful wood, from the 18th and 19th centuries, with unique, ornate details. Think marquetry, inlay, trim, marble, and gold. (Not white!) I’m referring to pieces you see in antique stores in Paris, New Orleans, and Montreal. I’m referring to the opposite of what you’ll see at West Elm and Pottery Barn.

These types of antique pieces didn’t really seem to suit my first home – an 80s townhouse – and finding just the right pieces at just the right price was never an easy task. I don’t live in France, after all!

Now that I live in a century home, I feel that the time is right for some antiques. I don’t want a house full of precious antiques, but a few select pieces mixed in with existing pieces would suit me just fine.

Here are some examples of the styles I’m eyeing.

*1820 mahogany and marquetry bureau, $3999USD, Charish*

*20th century marquetry writing desk, $3150USD, Charish*

*Italian marquetry secretary desk, $6500USD, Charish*

*marble topped dresser, $8039.33CAD, 1stDibs*

*18th century desk, $3361.06CAD, 1stDibs*

What do you think of this style of furniture? Is it for you?

Hotel to Home: La Maison Champs Elysées, Paris

May 25, 2017 | Leave a Reply

How have I not yet come across this gorgeous, boutique hotel of white cloudy goodness in Paris? La Maison is absolutely stunning, and although I’m only showing you one photo here, I encourage you to check out its gallery. It’s a completely breathtaking hotel, and even if you don’t like white as much as I do, I’m sure you’ll be impressed by La Maison’s design and decor. If you notice a bit of a fashion influence, it’s because fashion designer Martin Margiela served as artistic director for this hotel.

Since I’ve recreated many bedrooms and bathrooms in this Hotel to Home series, I have opted for an office area from one of the hotel’s suites. Look at those sculptural chairs! Absolutely cool!

via La Maison Champs Elysées

armchair, side table, desk, wallpaper, sheer curtains, chair

Save

Design: White Paired with Refined Antiques

October 29, 2015 | 3 Commentaries

I feel like the next pieces of furniture I invest in are going to be more on the refined side. For a while now, I’ve been wanting to incorporate some traditional refined wood pieces into my home. I adore the contrast between modern, minimalist white and delicate, intricate antiques. This is sort of what I’m talking about:

via

I’m on the lookout for great deals (obviously), so this design plan may take some time…

Marketplace: Elora Antique Show

April 21, 2015 | 2 Commentaries

It’s not very often that I hop in my car and drive somewhere other than Toronto. This past Saturday, however, I took a 25 minute drive over to Elora. I have only been to Elora once last summer, so I was happy to make a return visit. The drive through the countryside from Waterloo is easy and enjoyable, especially when the springtime sun is shining. The reason for my trip this weekend was the Elora Antique Show. I wasn’t on the hunt for anything (besides a gorgeous French bed, which are impossible to find!), but I was interested to see what the dealers had in store.

There must have been about 50 or 60 dealers carrying things like: sparkly jewels, vintage dolls, woolen blankets, wood dressers, Pyrex, silver serving pieces, blue and white, cloisonné, quilts, books, and paper goods. There were a couple of mid-century dealers that caught my attention, and there was a gorgeous booth full of glassware. If I had an endless supply of money and space, I would have scooped up a few cake stands, pieces of milk glass, and silver bowls. There were a lot of pretty pieces!

Here are a few photos from the show:

I also spotted some gorgeous cloisonné (I’m seeing more of it recently), classic teacups, and this pretty green dinnerware collection (someone help me out – what is this style called?).

The next Antique Shows Canada event will be in Orillia on Sunday, July 26th. Are you planning on going?

Marketplace: Hunter’s Alley

April 7, 2014 | Leave a Reply

One King’s Lane has a sister! She’s called Hunter’s Alley and she’s fabulous! Hunter’s Alley has all sorts of cool one-of-a-kind vintage pieces of furniture, art, accessories, jewelry, books, lighting, and more. The online company also allows people like you and me to sell our own goods on the site (listing is free). It’s an incredible online marketplace and I encourage you to go have a look. For now, though, here are some of the items that have caught my attention.