Re-create a look at Auction

I've been enjoying the Traditional Home archive of photos. There were a number of rooms I liked and saw many opportunities to re-create the looks at auction. So the challenge I set for myself was to find pieces that would furnish similar rooms, and try to find them at prices that would get you thinking about re-creating the looks.

This classic Empire sofa add an almost architectural element to any room. Upholstered in a white canvas makes the mahogany carved wood pop.

This inlaid round hall table is paired with an ornate mirror in a room that is both traditionally furnished, but the white floor and contemporary art on the wall make it feel very modern.

I usually go for more color, but the white theme of this room also make the ornate console table and painted wood frame sofa sitting on a lovely oriental carpet look fresh.

I just love these columns flanking the painted french style cabinet and the decorative chairs.

So, from the recent Stair Galleries auction I found a couple of items that would re-create some of the looks above.

This Louis XV style armoire may not be painted like the one in the Traditional Home photo above, but a light paint job could re-create the look exactly. It sold for $700, and I'd leave it as it is!

This George III style giltwood mirror would look very well paired with the round hall table as in the photo from Traditional Home. It sold for $450.

The recent New Orleans auction had some very nice pieces to re-create the look.

This beautiful George III style carved giltwood mirror above sold for $1,200. Well worth the extra money.

 

This Louis XVI style console table sold for $1,800 and would serve as a very good option for the third photo from the top. Paired with this neoclassical sofa would finish the look. This sold for $2,040.

Clarke Auction has a sale coming up April 18th. There is a neoclassical sofa on offer that could serve as an option for the photo at the top.

This may not be quite as elegant as the one in Traditional Home, but reupholstering in a white canvas and polishing up the wood would make it a runner up. The estimate is $300 - $500, so there would be ample money in the wallet to spruce it up.

In the last Christies Interiors sale this round table would fit well in the second photo along with the ornate giltwood mirror.

This table sold for $1,625. It has lovely carved legs and a marble top.

I couldn't find the columns, but I've seen them at various auctions in the past. They tend to be fairly pricey because they're very decorative and really add interest to a room.

Auctions are a great place to find pieces to re-create a traditional look often at budget prices. The photos from Traditional Home show that traditional decor need not be stodgy. These rooms all look modern and comfortable.