The classical sofa - 'at auction'!

Designers like Darryl Carter know how to use antiques in contemporary decor. I love his use of classical sofas and daybeds!

All photos from Pinterest - Designer: Darryl Carter

Darryl Carter's room are so fresh and modern, while using classic antiques. The wood framed sofas and daybeds have style and interest. The wood adds warmth to the white interiors.

This is a lovely example of a 19th century Empire mahogany sofa. It has wonderful carved detail, and elegant scrolled arms. This is in the next Copake Auction in Copake, NY October 20th. This is Lot 54 and has an auction estimate of $500 - $700.

This early 19th century mahogany sofa also has graceful curved arms, and more restrained carved details. The upholstery needs to go (!), but the style is all there. This sold at a Brunk Auction in Asheville, NC for $900.

This American classical mahogany sofa was made circa 1825. The scrolled arms are even more pronounced, and I like the salmon striped upholstery! This sold at a New Orleans Auction earlier this month for $522 off an auction estimate of $400 - $700.

For something a bit more masculine, here is a leather upholstered option. This is Federal style, circa 1880. This is included in the October 20th auction at Kamelot Auctions in Philadelphia with an auction estimate of $700 - $900 (Lot 49).

I love the look of a daybed in a living room. This may not be the comfort option, but it can be very elegant. This Provincial Empire fruitwood daybed is late 19th century and sold at a New Orleans auction for $922 off an auction estimate of $400 - $700. The carving is wonderful. 

This is a very refined Duncan Phyfe daybed. The mahogany is rich, and the white upholstery is the perfect choice to set it off. This sold at a Brunk auction for $1,000 off an auction estimate of $1,500 - $2,500.





All these example incorporated in to a room painted white, with white upholstery would be an excellent way to create a Darryl Carter look!

Versatile ladders

Ladders are amazingly decorative and functional. Think of them for towels in the bathroom, a place for a warm throw, or just wall decoration in an awkward corner. I have an antique red Chinese ladder that I have found a place for in various homes with various decor.

All from Pinterest

I love the idea of using a ladder for shoes, or even on the wall as a place to put a changing exhibit of family photos. 

 

This simple vintage (circa 1930) library ladder could easily be used for anything! This was sold at Kamelot Auctions in Philadelphia for $125 off an auction estimate of $100 - $300.

This industrial iron ladder is fitted with wooden shelves. This is quite a useful piece of furniture, and ready to be used for some wonderful collection of objects, or a place to stack towels and toiletries in the bathroom! This sold at a Kamelot auction for $550 off an estimate of $300 - $600.

I love rustic, utilitarian items that can be re-purposed in to decoration.  These wonderful early New England apple picking ladders have such a great shape. These sold at a Copake Auction in Copake, NY for $125 off an auction estimate of $150 - $200. Copake is a great place to find Americana at bargain prices.

There is a real charm to this primitive 42 inch tall ladder sold at a Copake auction. There is a warmth to the wood. This sold for $82.50 off an auction estimate  $35 - $50.

The shape of this ladder lets you use it in so many ways - shelf for objects, ladder in a library, stand for shoes, or bathroom towel holder. This is a mid-20th century Continental stained maple ladder. It sold at a New Orleans Auction for $338 off an auction estimate of $200 - $400.

 

Finally, this painted metamorphic chair/ladder is a very versatile piece of furniture and decoration. Use it as a chair, or convert it for display and storage. This sold at a Brunk Auction in Asheville, NC for $90. Lots of character for not much money!

Even if you think you have a fully decorated place, there's always room for a ladder. My red Chinese ladder travels everywhere with me, and I even move it around the house as I get the urge to re-decorate a bit!