Decorating a garden room 'at auction'

Whatever outdoor space you have - a grand garden or a small balcony - in the nice weather you enjoy it for living and dining as much as your indoor rooms - so why not decorate it with as much care! Of course, auctions are a great way to add character and create a wonderful outdoor 'room'.

 Wonderful weathered benches and table.

Classic bistro chairs, but painted white and distressed, always works and so simple. 

I love this small space. If you can add an arbor it really makes a room. An arbor gives you something to hang a lantern from as well. They even have a rug. 

This is a wonderful rustic table and vintage chairs set under an arbor - so welcoming. I could see a my friends and me having a meal and hanging out all afternoon. 

All photos via Pinterest

Kamelot Auctions in Philadelphia regularly has garden themed auctions, so I didn't need to go further for this post to find some great examples of how you can decorate your outdoor room with pieces with terrific character and patina. 

This Hollywood Regency dining set is the perfect place to start. I love the green paint and the  baby blue cushions. This is circa 1960, and sold for $600 for the set off an auction estimate of $600 - $900.

This Philadelphia circa 1910 wrought iron table with marble top (43" diameter) is fabulous. The base is so decorative and only needs some simple bistro chairs to sit down to a meal. This sold at Kamelot for $1,600 off an auction estimate of $1,500 - $2,500.








These Italian wrought iron chairs (above), circa 1980, have that sleek Italian chic. The set of 8 sold for $800 off an auction estimate of $800 - $2,400. 


For lounging try these cast iron armchairs with a fern pattern. They are so decorative, and just call for a small table in between to set a drink down! These sold for $500 off an auction estimate of $200 - $400.

For your 'sofa', with added cushions, or as dining seating, this classical bench (48 " long) with urn and garlands decoration on the back is very stylish. It's circa 1900 so has the antique cred that really adds character to the space. This sold for $1,000 off an auction estimate of $700 - $900.

I just live this French chaise lounge for outdoor resting and reading. This is circa 1910, and makes for a welcome garden look. This sold for $900 off an estimate of $400 - $700.

We need some decoration as well. This planter is perfect. It has chinoiserie decoration along the front, and wonderful paw feet. It's 46 inches wide, and would be wonderful filled with flowers or small bushes. It's circa 1940, and sold for $200 off an auction estimate of $300 - $600.

Outdoor spaces seem particularly conducive to using rustic pieces. They automatically give the space that lived in weathered look, that you would have to wait for with anything new!

Mix it modern! Dining chairs

Mixing old and new is so fresh and modern. An old table with classics of modern design chairs make a dining area with edge and interest.

From Pinterest

Eames chairs are a great option, and in this dining room the old and new is mixed to perfection. I love the use of different colored chairs, a classically shaped table, and a big, bold antique mirror. 

Rue Magazine

More Eames chairs! They look great at this French farmhouse table, along with their funky flowered cushions. The moody dark blues walls are a wonderful foil for the white chairs too!

 Via Pinterest

Wonderful streamlined chairs surrounding a glass topped table. More deep blue walls creating a moody, sexy atmosphere. 

The next auction July 13th at Stair Galleries has the theme of Modernism and is full of fun pieces! This set of 6 lucite champagne chairs designed by Erwine and Estelle Laverne make a perfect dining set. Place them around a warm wood table for a great mix of modern and old. These  are Lot 9 and have an auction estimate of $2,000 - $3,000.

This group of four lucite chairs on casters would work well in a small dining area around a round or square table. I would pick a warm wood to serve as a contrast to the clear lucite. These are Lot 41 in the Stair auction, and have an auction estimate of $1,000 - $1,500.

The Stair auction includes a group of 7 laminate and chrome Eames design chairs for Herman Miller. This design will always give you the cool design vibe around any table design. These are Lot 69 in the Stair auction, and have an estimate of $800 - $1,200. 

 
Wright Auctions in Chicago focuses solely on modern design. On July 13th they have a Mass Modern sale, which generally has the more affordable selections. This set of 5 enameled steel chairs designed by Harry Bertoia for Knoll (1952) would be a cool dining set. These are Lot 161 with an auction estimate of $1,000 - $1,500.

To recreate theelook of the top photo with Eames chairs of differnt colors, this auction would be a good place to start. They have a number of Eames chairs including this pair, and the following singles. These are Lot 213 and have an auction estimate of $500 - $700. They are for Herman Miller, 1951.

This orange Eames is Lot 213 with an auction estimate of $300 - $500. These are Herman Miller 1951. 

Add a yellow Eames version with this Lot 218 which has an auction estimate of $100 - $150. This is Herman Miller, 1958.

 

Via Pinterest

One of the fun things about collecting Eames chairs of different colors is that you can be opportunistic at auctions. Start with one, and add to your 'set' over time. They will make almost any table look modern and fresh. Your guests will have a fun time choosing one to sit in!