Create a grand entrance with a few key pieces!

I am in the midst of downsizing our New York apartment and moving to a one bedroom rental with my husband. I am excited by the new decorating challenge! One of the biggest is that there is no entryway to speak of. You just walk right in to the living room. But an entrance of some kind is so important. There are three critical elements - table (to put things on), mirror (to check appearance coming and going), and lighting (to brighten the area).

Designer: James Michael Howard

The interiors firm of James Michael Howard designed all of these entryways. They illustrate what I view as the key elements. If you can add seating, like in the top two photos, even better. It's great to have a place to take off your shoes! Then just add decorative items on the table and walls, and you have a a grand entrance. 

For an Art Deco look in your entry, try these three pieces. The Art Deco style parcel gilt wrought iron and glass console table is offered in the Bonhams LA February 27th auction (Lot 7363). It's very smart looking, and will work in a modern or more traditional decor style. It has an auction estimate of $1,500 - $2,000. 

Put this fabulous Art Deco wrought iron mirror over the table, and you have a design statement. This has such wonderful design detail. I love the curly cues! This is offered in the Christie's Interiors sale in New York March 1st and 2nd (Lot 583). It's 45" tall, and has an auction estimate of $1,200 - $1,800. 

Sconces on either side of the mirror will complete the look. This pair of Italian gold glass sconces are perfect. They are simple and stylish - just enough decorative detail in the glass to make them really interesting. These are also offered in the Christie's Interiors sale in March (Lot 838). These have an auction estimate of $800 - $1,200.

I always love Asian. This Chinese hardwood altar table is beautifully carved. The detailed fretwork and curved sides are fabulous. This table is included in the next Christie's Interiors sale in New York (Lot 411). It has an auction estimate of $1,500 - $2,000.

You don't need to make your entry all Asian objects to go with this table. I like this Anglo-Indian mirror, also in the Christie's sale (Lot 761). It's an interesting and unusual shape (25.5" high and 41" wide). It's mahogany inlaid with ivory details. It has an auction estimate of $800 - $1,200.

There are all sorts of lamp options, but these Chinese vases would be lovely. Blue and white is crisp and would enhance the overall look. These sold at a Doyle New York Belle Epoque sale for $500 for the pair.

Finally for a more formal style that would make for a truly grand entrance, this Northern European giltwood console table with marble top is fabulous. It's described as 'possibly assembled using 18th/19th century elements. It's offered in the Christie's Interiors sale (Lot 746), and has an auction estimate of $3,000 - $5,000. Think of this in your small entryway to make that big design statement!

I adore this mirror. It's actually a pair of pier mirrors that are 73.5" tall. You might use one in your entry and the other in your living or dining room. The shape is terrific, and is embellishment enough. The frame is simple and allows the curves to make the statement. These are in the Christie's sale (Lot 879), and would be an investment at an auction estimate of $4,000 - $6,000. Go in on it with a friend and each take one!

For the third key piece in this grand entrance, top your table with this pair of Venetian glass lamps that seem to go with the mirror. These are Lot 835 in the Christie's sale, with an auction estimate of $1,000 - $1,500.

House Beautiful - Designer: Ashley Whittaker

An entryway is a wonderful small decorating challenge. It takes just a few key pieces to make a grand entrance: console table, mirror and lighting. Over time add layers of decorations with vases, pictures, and small collections. It's about the statement upon entering. Check out some auction sites for ideas, and then see what you can get to create your grand entrance!

Furniture classics at auction

I have often blogged about Stair Galleries in Hudson, NY because they have a reliable source of decorative offerings, and you can find good values much of the time. Their Exposition auctions offer the best value and without minimums. We have had success several time buying things at rock bottom prices (and been outbid as well!).

We went to the preview and took these pictures. There was a nice selection of furniture classics that can be added easily to any decor style. The auction was last Friday, and here are some results of things that caught my eye.

There was a fabulous set of Zuber et Cie scenic wallpaper panels (35 panels in all, running 48 feet). The scene is 'El Dorado'. They sold for $9,500 off an auction estimate of $800 - $1,200! This could be a good value for what they are because I suspect you'd have to pay much more than that for new ones. 

 This American classic style mahogany settee is a lovely shape, and actually pretty comfortable (I sat in it). This is the kind of settee that features in the designs of Darryl Carter, among others. He would probably reupholster it in white canvas. The curves make it very sculptural. This sold for $500 off an auction estimate of $600 - $800.

 
This Chinese hardwood cabinet is very smart looking. The wood is a warm color, and the carving and drawer details give it loads of interest. This sold for $100 off an auction estimate of $300 - $600. Bargain!

These wonderful vases sit atop the Chinese cabinet in my photo above.  I think these are just plain fun. They are metal mounted steer horn, and are Italian. They sold for $425 off an auction estimate of $300 - $500.

I thought this American classic style mahogany chest of drawers was very good looking. The carved columns and feet give it personality. It sold for $375 off an auction estimate of $400 - $800.

Finally, this American classic giltwood overmantel has clean lines and would look great in an entry, behind a sofa, or over a mantel! This sold for $325 off the auction estimate of $300 - $500.





It's interesting to see the results of this auction. I took the pictures first, and then checked the results afterwards. There were a number of bargains to be had among the pieces I picked (except for the Zuber panels!). It tells me that you shouldn't get scared off by auction estimates, and bid what you think is the right number for you. You get it or you don't, and then there's always another auction!

Wall Brackets add style anywhere

In the living room of my parents Florida apartment, my mother covered a large sea grass papered wall with 4 pairs of wall brackets, each with a Latin American santos statue on it. It looked fabulous.

House Beautiful - Designer: Jonathan Berger

Designer:  Celerie Kemble Interiors

Wall brackets are great for display, but also can fit in almost any space or room. Think of the small entryway that needs some design pop - add a pair of brackets on either side of a mirror and put some inexpensive vases on top. Buy a mismatched group of brackets, put them on a wall behind the bed or sofa, and place some objects on each. Instant chic, and not expensive. 

In keeping with the theme that anything chinoiserie works in any decor, this Chinese export papier-mache wall bracket would be perfect. The design is decorative on it's own and place a simple blue and white vase on top and you have a chic display. This is offered in the next Stair Galleries auction in Hudson, NY February 4th. It's Lot 324, is 10.75" tall, and has an auction estimate of $50 - $70.

The same Stair Galleries auction includes this pair of Neoclassical style gilt plaster wall brackets (9.5" tall). These are quite decorative and would look great on either side of anything - a mirror, a painting, a doorway... These are Lot 297 and have an auction estimate of $50 - $75.

These two pairs of carved wall brackets sold at a Christie's New York auction for $375, which was below the estimate of $500 - $700. You could use these together on one wall, or a separate pairs. I think the figurative carving on the bottom set is quite whimsical. 

   

This pair of George III style gold painted carved wood brackets sold at a Bonhams auction for $538. Eagles are always very smart, and these brackets are decorative objects in themselves.

 

For more of an investment, this pair of 19th century Northern European carved wood brackets sold at a Doyle New York auction for $3,125, which was well above the auction estimate of $1,500 - $2,000. I can see why. These are very good looking, and only call for something simple on top, if anything at all. I could see these in a powder room on either side of a mirror where you and your guests could look at them close up.

Nicky Haslam Design

I love the idea of a group of brackets taking up a large wall space and making a statement. They need not match, in my view. They also don't need to be topped with expensive collections. The wall bracket will often have a lot of decorative impact itself. These are fun to collect at auction as pairs or single pieces, and then plan and create your wall design!

Nouveau Art Nouveau

Of all the blogs I've written in the last year, the one with the most visits is Sensual Art Nouveau. Does this portend something in terms of a style trend? Mid Century Modern has been the most recent design craze, which can be characterized by its simple shapes and clean lines. So what of Art Nouveau with all it's curls and curves?

Room designed by Alphonse Marie Mucha in Musee des Arts Decoratifs in Paris

Image by © Massimo Listri/CORBIS

Image by albany_tim

Maybe we need a break from straight lines, and long for the kind of curves that you want to touch.

These three lots from the upcoming Bonhams Los Angeles auction February 6th and 7th would nicely decorate an Art Nouveau living room. On the left is a four piece walnut salon set after a design by Louis Majorelle. This is Lot 7465, and has an auction estimate of $2,500 - $3,500.  The carving and wonderful shapes scream Art Nouveau.

For some architectural interest in your Art Nouveau living room, add this pair of gilt bronze mounted mahogany pedestals. They are Lot 7141 in the Bonhams sale, and stand 51.5" tall. They have an auction estimate of $1,000 - $1,500. Place these on either side the settee and put two Galle vases on top and you have a wonderful display! The swan heads and curvy decorative detail are wonderful.

Every living room needs a magazine rack and this one is so cute. This is Lot 7383 in the Bonhams sale, and has an auction estimate of $150 - $250. It is described as painted wrought metal, and stands18.75" tall. The swirly painted details and bees make this a wonderful Art Nouveau decoration.

If your living or dining room is big enough, this French carved mahogany buffet is a beautiful example of Art Nouveau. This is Lot 468 in the Doyle New York 'Belle Epoque' sale  February 9th. It is attributed to Louis Majorelle, and has an auction estimte of $6,000 - $8,000. It stands 7' tall and is 5'10" wide. The detail in the wood grain, and the lovely decorative details make this a very handsome piece.

Our living room needs a mantel clock and this gorgeous gilt metal example is Lot 548 in the next Christie's New York 'Interiors' sale February 8th sand 9th. Look closely at the woman's face carved just below the dial. The design seems almost liquid as it pours on to your table top. The clock stands 15.25" tall, and has an auction estimate of $2,000 - $3,000.

For the real thing, this Louis Majorelle circa 1900 rosewood and gilt metal writing desk sold at a Sotheby's auction in New York for $10,000 (including buyers premium). It had an auction estimate of $9,000 - $12,000. It's just perfect! Almost no design element is left without a curve.








I'm not sure if we have a trend towards Art Nouveau in decorating, but styles have been known to swing in popularity from straight lines to curves, and simple to ornate over time, and back again. One of the wonderful things about Art Nouveau style is that it avoids the ornate, and just focuses on the organic and sensual design details. Maybe it's just what you need to break up the straight lines in your modernist decor.

Obelisks add instant chic!

Decorative obelisks are so simple, but add SO much chic to your decor instantly. They are architectural, and can be made of materials that add even more interest.

Veranda - Designer: Miles Redd

Chinoiserie Chic blog

One obelisk, or even better a pair, just set down on a table, or placed on a mantle immediately dress it up. They work in traditional decor, and are very modern at the same time. The materials can make the difference. Think of a rock crystal column in a cool white space, or an elaborately mounted marble in a more traditional setting. 

One of the best ways to start before bidding for your obelisk at auction is to do some research on past auction sales. This way you'll have an idea of prices and offerings. Christie's has a great database which is easy to search (not all of them are). I found these two examples. The first is the pair of rock crystal obelisks on the left. They stand 17.5" tall and sold for $1,188. They are 20th century and would be so smart in a sleek decor. 

On the right, this pair of 19th century Northern European faux porphyry marble and painted marble obelisks are a more traditional choice. They stand 18.25" tall and sold for $1,625 off an auction estimate of $2,500 - $3,500. 

There are lots of examples that are less, and some very much more.

This pair of French gilt brass mounted cut glass obelisks caught my eye for their modern design. These are Lot 383 at the next New Orleans auction January 29th and 30th. They stand 21" tall and have an auction estimate of $800 - $1,200.

The sister auction house in New Orleans, St. Charles Gallery, sold these French marble obelisks for $492. I think these are a bit chunkier in design, but I like the simplicity of a single material, which in this case is a very interesting brown marble. And they were affordable too!

At the next Doyle New York 'Belle Epoque' auction being held February 9th this single neoclassical style rock crystal obelisk is on offer with an auction estimate of $800 - $1,200. It's 22.5" tall and is Lot 400.

This single obelisk is more elaborate than some of my previous examples. This is Lot 635 at the next Christie's New York 'Interiors' sale being held February 8th and 9th. It is described as an either English of French, late19th century gilt bronze mounted specimen marble obelisk. It's 16" tall and has an auction estimate of $800 - $1,200. It has very smart decorative detail on the base, and would dress up any shelf, table or mantle.

 Designer: Suzanne Kasler

On this dining able designed by Suzanne Kasler, the addition of a pair of clear crystal obelisks makes for instant chic decoration. Find a few at auction and move them around your home to give whatever space they are in the perfect updated look.

Design Inspirations: Winter Antiques Show, New York

The Winter Antiques Show is going on in New York now through January 30th. We visited the show this last weekend, and as always enjoy looking at what for us is mostly 'a museum with price tags'. The displays are full of inspiration, and get me thinking about what one could find at auction that is a close approximation.

In the 'Designing with Antiques' display at the show, decorators designed a room using antiques. This bedroom display features a wonderful art deco dresser, as well as a garden bench at the foot of the bed. This reminds me of my last post Bringing the garden inside in style!

I was quite interested in this tramp art cabinet. Tramp art is not something that's been on my radar, but I did bid on a tramp art mirror at the last Copake Auction. This cabinet is late 19th century and had a price tag of over $500,000!! Something worth learning more about in case I see a tramp art item at a future auction.

I loved this tramp art frame that was offered at the New Year's Day Copake auction in Copake, NY. I bid and lost. It was 49" tall, and had an auction estimate of $50 - $100,. It sold for $400. 

This tramp art frame was also in the same auction with an auction estimate of $50 - $75. It measured 17" x 21" and sold for $120.

Back to the Winter Antiques Show, this rustic multi-drawer cabinet was in one of the dealer booths. I love it's simplicity, and pale blue paint. Hanging it on the wall like this made it a work of art, and the addition of the doll was a cute touch!

This 19th century apothecary with it's original paint is a very close cousin to the one at the Antiques show. This measures 60" x 26", and sold at the Copake auction for $2,000, off an auction estimate of $700 - $1,000. Clearly someone had the creative vision to make this great display piece like the dealer at the show.

Add to the tableau a wonderful horse painting, and we have a similar display. This painting by J. William Johnson, 1905, sold at a Doyle @ Home auction for $313.










Going to antique fairs make for fun outings, and are a great way to get inspiration and education. Check the price tags and engage the dealers. Next time you see something offered at auction you'll have a better idea of how the piece might fit in your home and how much to bid.