Loving Italian flair for design!

I love traveling to almost anywhere in the world, but have to admit that for me Italy has it all - scenery, food, wine, culture, and style! When you walk down a street in Rome or Milan you wonder how so many people can look so chic. The same goes for Italian design. I am so often drawn to things Italian, whether it's new or antique.

Doyle New York

If we start with the old and work our way forward, this is a lovely example of a circa 1800 Northern Italian walnut and birch game table. The 3-D parquetry inlay work is gorgeous. This sold at a Doyle New York auction for $1,625. 

Doyle New York

This delicate Italian Rococo gilt mirror is exuberant but not over the top, as so much rococo can be. This was also sold at a Doyle New York auction. It's 43" x 38" and sold for $2,125. 

Christie's New York

I have always thought it would be cool to have a grotto chair. Like hall chairs, they are meant to be looked at, and are clearly not designed for comfort. This 19th century Italian giltwood and ebonized example that sold at Christie's is fabulous. It's a wonderful decorative object. It sold for $5,000. 

Bonhams

This day bed is terribly elegant. The sweeping curves and the beautiful marquetry are wonderful. This is 1st quarter of the 19th century Italian neoclassical, and sold at a Bonham's auction in Los Angeles for $3,050. 

Bonhams, San Francisco

Jumping to the 20th century, this Italian Art Deco chandelier is so stylish. It has great detail. This sold at a Bonhams auction in San Francisco for $1,952.

Wright Auction, Chicago

A while ago I wrote a blog Are you off your rocker - a cool rocking chair?, and since then I've noticed really cool rockers. This one was designed by Gae Aulenti in 1962, and is made of lacquered wood and vinyl. It has such sensuous curves, and just want to be admired. This sold at a Wight auction in Chicago for $1,000. 

Doyle New York

Finally, we must include some Murano glass. Italians make such wonderful designs in glass and crystal, whether it be chandeliers or decorative objects, like this vase. This one was designed by Ludovico Diaz de Santillana in 1987, and sold for $688 at a Doyle New York auction.

Add some Italian style to your home and you'll feel almost as chic as those Italian men and women strolling down the streets of Rome!

Chic by design 'at auction'

For me, there is an allure to a beautiful antique. The warmth of the wood patina, and workmanship of the curves and carving. I don't like adding antiques to create a museum, but rather to add interest and style.

NY Spaces Magazine - Designer: Alex Papachristidis

This apartment designed by Alex Papachristidis for Fruzsina Keehn in New York looks fresh and modern, and is furnished with wonderful antiques. The chaise longue has a fabulous shape, and sits happily besides the ever chic round table and X stools. The the bottom photo the 18th century French secretaire, and the wonderfully shaped chair give this living room it's high style. 

I decided to see what I could find at auction to re-create this look. 

Christie's New York

Christie's sold this lovely 18th century Louis XVI tulipwood, amaranth, and parquetry secretaire for $1,625. This was well below the estimate of $3,000 - $5,000. As in the photo of the apartment above, leave the desk front open, and have a beautiful flower arrangement and lamp sitting on it.

New Orleans Auction

New Orleans Auction always has a good offering of Continental antiques. This 2nd quarter 19th century Louis Philippe mahogany daybed is a remarkable match to the one in the top apartment photo. It has the lovely sweep of the back, and just needs the darker striped upholstery to finish the look. This sold for $2,880. The estimate had been $2,500 - $4,000.

New Orleans Auction

These chairs are not quite the same as the one in the living room photo, but they I fell in love with them. They are Italian, of course! These were sold at a New Orleans auction for $2,091. They are early 20th century and made of mahogany. The detailed carving is fabulous, and the patina of the wood is gorgeous. A pair of chairs is always better than one anyway.

Doyle New York

To complete the look we need a round center table. This Beidermeier style table is a close cousin of the one in our photo at the top. It has the carved column along with an even more interesting base. It's made of mahogany, and has the added bonus of two leaves to expand in to a dining table. It sold at a Doyle New York auction for $875.

So, for a total spend of $7,471 we could substantially re-create the key elements of the look in the Alex Papachristidis designed rooms. It was fun too!

Design Inspiration - Modern with character

I was looking at one of my favorite blogs, desire to inspire, and they had a link to a Spanish shelter magazine - Mi Casa. I fell in love with so many of the homes featured in the magazine for their clean modern design with hints of traditional that add warmth and character.

All photos from Mi Casa magazine, Spain

Each of these rooms is characterized by lots of white which is warmed up by an antique wood dresser, or a trunk used as an end table, or a classic sofa table and old paintings. 

This approach allows you to buy a few good pieces which will stand out against the clean white back drop of less expensive pieces from some place like IKEA.

Bonhams US

This lovely Chinese painted pigskin trunk mounted on a stand was sold at a Bonhams auction earlier this year for $195. It would make a wonderful end table at 22" tall and 14" wide. The decoration is particularly interesting compared to most you will find.

Christie's NY Interiors Sale - Lot 765 - December 16th and 17th

A good antique chest with a rich wood patina adds tremendous warmth to a modern interior. This is a lovely example being offered at the Christie's Interiors sale in NY. This is described as an early 18th century Queen Anne walnut chest (35¼in. high, 37¼in. wide, 20½in. deep), and has an auction estimate of $1,000 - $1,500. 

New Orleans Auction

A beautiful table like this can serve as a console or a table behind a white upholstered sofa. This is a Victorian burl elm and mahogany breakfast table. It has beautifully carved legs, and a warm wood color. It went unsold at the last New Orleans auction which usually means that there was a minimum. It had an estimate of $3,000 - $5,000. When investing in a piece like this I would look for the carving that sets it apart from others.

Brunk Auctions, North Carolina - January 8th and 9th - Lot 0307

Adding a classic mirror always adds character. This graceful early 19th century Federal carved and gilt wood mirror is being offered in the next Brunk auction. It has an auction estimate of $800 - $1,200. I've really fallen in love with this style. It's both reserved and elegant. It's the perfect size for an entryway or small space. 

If your idea of modern is white and clean, the addition of a classic antique will create warmth and a welcoming feeling.

Sexy Sconces

Every room - living, dining, bath, den, entry... (except maybe the kitchen) - will be better looking with sconces. They add decorative detail, draw the eye, and add style! Auction Decorating provides regular opportunities to find something unique and interesting that reflects your design aesthetic.

Canadian House and Home Magazine

In this classic entryway, the candle sconces add drama to the traditional arrangement of console table, hall chairs, and French style mirror.

Ralph Lauren dining room via decor pad

The sconces in this dining room are a statement in this black painted dining room. They are like a work of art on their own. 

Jeffers Design Group via decor pad

A powder room is always a fun place to let your design style run a bit wild. The sconces in this powder room enhance the Venetian style mirror and the sink set upon a lovely marble topped table. 

Christie's Interiors Sale December 16th and 17th

Both these sets of sconces are included in the next Christie's Interiors auction in New York. They have a number of sconces to tempt, and these two Deco inspired pairs caught my eye. The top photo is Lot 504 and they are described as American brass and glass wall lights, second half of the 20th century. They have an auction estimate of $800 - $1,200. 

The bottom photo is Lot 600, and they are described as mid-20th century brass sconces (18" tall). They have an auction estimate of $700 - $900. They would make a similar statement against a dark painted wall as the ones in the photo above of the Ralph Lauren dining room.

Dawson and Nye Auction - Lot 2038917

Dawson and Nye in Montclair, NJ conducts on-line auctions, and the next one is December 10th to 21st. This pair of brass carriage house sconces are quite chic! They would be terrific in an entryway. These are described as late 19th/early 20th century and have an auction estimate of $300 - $500.

Bonhams, NY - Auction December 14th - Lot 4311

These sconces are very cool. They are included in the Bonhams, NY 20th Century Decorative Arts sale December 14th. They are described as 'in the manner of Felix Agostini 1960's'. They are made of brass and are 24" tall. These would be fabulous in the powder room or entryway. They have an auction estimate of $800 - $1,200. 

Christie's, NY Interiors Sale - Lot 735

These traditional gilt metal sconces are quite elegant. They have a lot of decorative detail and interest and would lovely aside a mirror in any room. They are 14.5" tall, and have an auction estimate of $600 - $800. 

I like almost any kind of sconce and there are lots of options from all sorts of retail sources. But at auction you have the opportunity to find something a bit more unique, so have fun looking!

Auction Decorating Holiday Gift Ideas

DWe were at the Doyle New York 'Doyle@Home' auction preview for the sale of December 7th . They had lots of things that would make great gifts for the holidays. Have you ever been at a loss as to what to give someone? Why get something just because, and instead get them something special at an auction. Here are just a few ideas to get you thinking!

For the golfer in the family, there was a set of four small oil paintings on the 'Art of Golfing'. The set sold for $281!

Louis Vuitton luggage is always a hit, and there was quite a bit of it in the Doyle sale. People like the hard luggage to stack as a coffee table or just decoration, or you could even use it when you travel and look very chic! One group of three (Lot 200) had a range of $3,000 - $4,000, and sold for $1,875. A set offered via 1st Dibs is priced $5,000.

Elle Decor - Designers: Mark Badgley and James Mischka

Here is an example of how 3 suitcases become a table in the home of Badgley Mischka.

Copake Auction - January 1st - Lot 325

Think out of the box and consider an architectural element as a sculpture. This 19th century pineapple ornament (30" tall) is included in the Copake Auction sale New Year's Day with an auction estimate of $150 - $250. It would look great on a table or at the end of a hall to draw the eye. 

Stair Galleries, Hudson, NY

This very smart looking faux ivory Pyramid form humidor (10.5" tall)  sold at the last Stair Galleries auction for $475. This would look terrific on any table or shelf. And if the person receiving the gift is a cigar smoker, even better.

Christie's Interiors Sale - December 16 and 17 - Lot 442

Or give the gift of light! This handsome group of Chinese porcelain vases mounted as lamps is offered in the next Christie's Interiors sale in New York. It has an auction estimate of $400 - $600. Just think - you might get 3 gifts out of it!

Christie's Interiors Sale - December 16 and 17 - Lot 489

A pair of wonderfully decorative Italian 20th century vases would always be a welcome gift. These are offered in the Christie's Interiors sale in New York, and have an auction estimate of $600 - $800. They would add a pop of color to your entry console, or look great with a flower arrangement on your holiday dining table.

Canadian House and Home

These are but a few ideas. Get more inspiration from upcoming auctions, and bid for that gift that will be unexpected for the friend or loved one who lives a decorative life!

A few upcoming auctions:

• Bonhams US has several interesting auctions in December in their NY, Los Angeles and SanFrancisco locations, and you can always check them out on line. 
• The next Christie's Interiors sale in New York will be December 16th and 17th.
• The next Dawson and Nye on line auction starts December 10th through December 21st.
• Lewis and Maese has an Antiques auction December 15th
• Wright Modern has an 20th Century design auction December 14th

Lounge in a chaise longue

There's something almost decadent about lounging in a chaise longue. They conjure up days of leisure when we had hours to spend reading or doing needlework! Maybe that's what makes them so attractive now - we have very busy lives and we can indulge ourselves just a bit on a chaise.

Elle Decor

Chaise longues come in old and new shapes. This modern classic is a Le Corbusier design. 

 

 

House Beautiful
Interior design by Babs Watkins, Julie Watkins Baker & Eleanor Cummings

An Empire chaise in this French inspired library just makes you want to lie by the fire for a little relaxing snooze. 

Copake Auction, Copake, NY - January 1, 2011 - Lot 61 

 

This elegant 19th century New York grain painted daybed is gorgeous! It's a work of art with the sensuous fluted arms and legs, and lovely brass details. This is being offered in a Copake auction January 1st, and their description says that a similar one can be found in the Brooklyn Museum.  This has an auction estimate of $2,000 - $2,500. It just needs a beautiful cushion. 

Wright 'Important Design' Auction - December 14th - Lots 315 (top) and 201 (bottom)

These delicious modern chaise longues are included in the Wright Modern auction December 14th in Chicago. The one in the photo at the top was designed by T.H. Robsjohn-Gibbings (1950). It's designed for a nice nap in the living room, or to serve as an elegant room divider and extra seating. It has an auction estimate of $5,000 - $7,000.

The wonderful lipstick red velvet version was designed by Tommi Parzinger (1952). The graceful curve of the back invites you to lounge. The fabulous color would add great pop to the room as well. This has an auction estimate of $10,000 - $15,000.

Stair Galleries

This classic Le Corbusier design was offered in the sale today at Stair Galleries in Hudson, NY. It came with the pony skin cover just like the one in the Elle Decor photo at the top. It sold for $1,200. This gives instant modern design credentials to any decor.

New Orleans Auction

For the traditionalist, this Louis XV late 18th century French fruitwood chaise longue is the perfect choice. It has lovely decorative detail and the shape makes it a great style on which to read a good book. This sold last month at the New Orleans auction for $2,952.

Even in a busy modern world we need to find time to gather our thoughts and relax. What better and stylish way to do it than lounging on a chaise longue.

Delicious modern desks

We all work from home in some way or another. It may be that we work mostly from home, or maybe just when needed. Our work space should feel good, and why not be stylish as well. I know I feel better when I sit at my mid-century Danish desk than if I just picked something up from IKEA.

Also, our 'office' may be part of another room so our desk should fit in with the overall decor of the living room, library, or maybe bedroom.

In our New York apartment we squeezed an Edwardian desk (left) into our not very large den.

Homes and Gardens, UK

If you are setting up your work area as part of another room, a great desk will be a much more important design element. This sleek and simple desk fits nicely in to this classic living room (above).

Elle Decor - Designer: Steven Gambrel

This office nook by designer Steven Gambrel combines a contemporary wood and brass campaign style desk with terrific modern art on the walls. It's just missing the laptop that usually sits on my desk. 

You can always find a wide range of desks at auction from antique/traditional to modern. I focused on 20th century this time and found some wonderful statement pieces.

Christie' Iteriors Sale, NY - December 16 -17 - Lot 601

I love the sleek lines of this desk attributed to Maison Jansen, second half of the 20th Century. It's made of chrome and lacquer and is 59.5" wide. It has an auction estimate of $1,500 - $2,000. This would be a great desk in an office on it's own, or in a combination room. It will look even better when it has a wonderful lamp and a few objects on it, and, of course, your laptop.

New Orleans Auction

I think Asian furniture fits with any decorating period or style. This early 20th Century Chinese rosewood desk sold at a New Orleans Auction last month for $1,599. This has simple lines with just enough detailing to make it really interesting. 

Wright Modern in Chicago has an Important Design auction scheduled for December 14th. This Don Shoemaker style desk (1965) is a fantastic combination of woods making a wonderful graphic statement (see comments below on this). This is Lot 277 and has an auction estimate of $5,000 - $7,000. This would stand out in any room and make you feel good when you sit down to work!

                                                                                                                                                                                  

The Wright auction also includes this absolutely special Josef Hoffman desk (1906). This is lacquered beechwood with brass fittings, model 500/6. It has an auction estimate that probably limits this to collectors or those with money to spare, but it is beautiful to look at! This is Lot 116 and has an estimate of $10,000 - $15,000.

Bonhams, NY - 20th Century Decorative Arts - December14 - 16

The Bonhams sale in New York later this month includes this small French Art Deco desk made of a macassar mahogany. The stripes in the wood make it that much more interesting, and it's 43" width would fit in a smaller area. This is Lot 4224 and has an auction estimate of $1,200 - $1,800. 

Designer: Nickey Kehoe

There are so many options for great desks, and since many of us spend a lot of time sitting at one, why not make a decorative statement out of it. Feel stylish while you work!