The art of display

The display of our collections, objects and art adds a critical layer of character to our homes. It tells the world our interests and passions. It may reflect the places we've been with things bought while visiting. I know when I look at pieces that we've bought on holiday, I not only enjoy the piece itself, but remember the whole process of buying it. It takes me back.

Living Etc Magazine, UK

In the top photo from Living Etc magazine, the shelf on either side of the fireplace displays books arranged this way and that to give an almost geometric pattern.

In the bottom photo, the white space of this loft gets it character from the collection of Asian birdcages on top of the decorated Chinese cabinets, and if you look to the left you can see a ladder used for display of books.

I thought I'd see what I could find at auction for interesting display that might be decorative in and of it self. 

This Louis XVI style giltwood easel is a very stylish display piece. It's decorative in and of itself, while it would be perfect for showing a modern or traditional painting. This would be great in a space with lots of windows that might lack in wall space.  This is included in the next New Orleans Auction January 29t and 30th. It's Lot 137 and has an auction estimate of $400 - $700.

I love open etagere for displaying objects. I think they're more flexible than bookshelves, and need not stand against a wall. This one is a lovely shape with the grading of the shelves, and has a wonderful mahogany wood color. This is also included in the New Orleans auction, and has an auction estimate of $400 - $700. It's Lot 16, and is 55.5" tall.

These English mahogany circular bookshelves are very chic. They serve as display of books or other objects in the shelves and more space for things on top! They would also make great end tables. These are included in the next Christie's Interiors sale in New York February 8th and 9th. They are Lot 587 and have an auction estimate of $1,000 - $1,500.

Bedsteps make excellent display pieces. This is a Victorian mahogany example in the same Christie's Interiors sale. The wood patina is beautiful, and the leather steps add more interest. This is Lot 457 and has an auction estimate of $800 - $1,200.

I see these wonderful French brass and wrought iron baker's racks show up at auction periodically. The attention to decoration in what is a utilitarian display rack is beautiful. Look at the curves and the wheat sheaves detail. This is such a wonderful alternative to an ordinary bookshelf. This is included in the Bonham's  sale January 23rd and 24th in San Francisco. It's Lot 2322, 94" tall,and has an auction estimate of $1,000 - $1,500.

The Bonham's Los Angeles sale January 16th includes this cool Art Deco style walnut side cabinet. This is Lot 7383 and has an auction estimate of $700 - $900. I love the curved shelves on each side. These make perfect display and jazzes up the cabinet.

Think about the display of your collections as an art in itself. What a wonderful opportunity to find a beautiful and interesting piece to enhance the presentation of your passions.

Taking your shoes off: Entryway benches

We're building a house in Upstate New York. We're close to moving in and I'm in the throes of planning each room. The entryway, of course, sets the first impression, and needs to be welcoming. The house is a very modern design, and so far I've found a wonderful Art Deco inspired console table to set the tone, but I will need a bench.

 
It can be very muddy and snows a lot! People visiting will need a place to take off their boots. A bench needs to be able to withstand wet clothes, and thus can't be too precious. I'm on the hunt for something at auction.

Canadian House and Home

In these photos from Canadian House and Home, the inclusion of a rustic bench in these entryways doesn't sacrifice style. I like both these benches because one wouldn't hesitate to sit down on them with a wet coat, and remove those muddy boots.

Homes and Gardens, UK

In these Homes and Gardens Magazine photos, in the top one I like the use of hall chairs as an option. They're wood, sturdy and stylish. The bottom photo shows a wonderful old bench that is smart, but doesn't look too precious.

Brunk Auctions, Asheville, NC

These are two great options for an entryway. These were both sold at past Brunk auctions. The example in the top photo sold for $275. The catalogue said that it was possibly constructed from an old bed. I love the wood color and the shape. 

The Chinese bench in the bottom photo is another chic option. I always love adding Asian pieces and these Chinese benches are generally not too difficult to find at auction if you keep your eye out. This one sold for $300. 

Doyle New York

This bench would have been perfect for my entryway! Sorry I missed it. It's an Art Deco style painted bench, and sold at a Doyle New York auction for $375.

 Wright Auctions, Chicago, IL

For that mid-century vibe, this walnut bench is a cool example. It was designed by Greta Magnusson Grossman, circa 1954. It has clean lines with added interest in the way the legs are constructed. This sold at a Wright auction for $570 off an auction estimate of $1,000 - $1,500. 

Christie's, NY - Interiors sale Feb. 8th and 9th - Lot 428

This is a funky option. This is included in next month's Christie's Interiors sale. It's described as a Late Victorian oak hall bench, and has an auction estimate of $600 - $900. The carving makes it really interesting, and just a little over the top. Leave it to the Victorians to be ornate! This one is a bit smaller than the other examples (39.5" wide), and would be great if your entryway has less space. 

You don't need to sacrifice style when furnishing your entryway with a utilitarian bench to sit on and take your shoes off!

Rustic Chic Provencal Style

We've rented a house in Provence several times. We quickly settled in to the life style of days wandering around hill towns, and evenings making simple dinners with items picked up at the various shops in the nearby town.

We also loved poking around the antique shops in L'Isle sur la Sorgue. You may not want a complete Provencal look, but pieces added to your decor will give you that Provencal chic!

Art et Decoration Magazine

I think one reason that Provencal furniture is so alluring is that it is somewhat rustic, and creates a relaxing look that's welcoming.

St. Charles Gallery, New Orleans - January 22nd and 23rd - Lot 402

I was taken by this provincial stained oak cupboard in the next St. Charles Gallery auction. The carving makes it almost graphic, and the deep color of the wood is wonderful. It's 76" tall and has an auction estimate of $50 - $80! I would want a condition report before bidding because that is a very low estimate, but it looks great.

Brunk Auctions, Asheville, NC - January 8th and 9th - Lot 674

This provincial Louis XV cupboard is a bit more classically Provencal style. It's made of fruitwood which gives it that wonderfully warm patina. It's dated late 18th/early 19th centuries, stands 83", and has an auction estimate of $1,000 - $2,000.It's included in the next Brunk auction January 8th and 9th.

New Orleans Auction

To give you an example of sale prices, this wonderful 1st quarter 19th century fruitwood armoire sold at a New Orleans auction for $2,706. It has the beautiful carved details, and wood color that are characteristic of Provencal antiques. It is a bit more refined looking that the previous two examples. 

Christie's, New York

The Provencal chair with the rush seat makes a relaxed dining room addition. I like the idea of a mixed style grouping to make it even more interesting. The lot represented in the photo above that sold at Christie's included two sets of 3 chairs to make a group of six that sold for $239. You'd want to check for condition of the rush seat and make sure that they were sturdy, and if not make allowance for repair. 

St. Charles Gallery, New Orleans

The chairs need a rustic table. This 4th quarter 19th century fruitwood farm table is 72" long, and sold at a St. Charles Gallery auction for $861. I love rustic tables for dining rooms to make them more welcoming and less formal. This would also be great as a work table in the kitchen where afmily and friends could pull up a chair and participate in the making of a meal.

Christie's, NY - Interiors Sale Jan. 11th and 12th - Lot 966

Finally, a lovely writing table with one of those rush seat chairs would be fabulous addition to the corner of a living room, or a place to work in your bedroom. This one being offered at the next Christie's Interiors sale in New York is a nice size, and has graceful carving and shape of the legs. This is a mid-18th century French provincial fruitwood table, and has an auction estimate of $800 - $1,200.

Provencal antiques are warm and welcoming, and reflect the life style of Southern France. You can bring some of that feeling in to your decor with lots of options at auctions!

Add Chic Asian Style

In my list of things a decor must always include there will always be something Asian - a Chinese console table, a buddha, or a wonderful screen. This rule applies if your style is Gustavian, Georgian or mid-century modern. An Asian element is always chic.

Architectural Digest - Designer: Mario Buatta

The use of Chinese screens on either side of the window in this traditional living room designed by Mario Buatta add art and interest in a big way. 

Metropolitan Home - Designer: Shamir Shah

In this modern dining room a large Chinese ancestral portrait adds drama and color. 

 

 

In my traditionally decorated New York apartment, a pair of Chinese ancestral portraits draws the eye across the room to the back. My Thai monk statue (right) and Chinese coffee table are a style offset to the overall English style look.

Stair Galleries, Hudson, NY - Lot 46

Stair Galleries in Hudson, NY has an Asian and Ethnographic art sale January 15th. It includes a pair of Chinese ancestral portraits (one of which is shown) that measure 32.75" x 19.25". The lot has an auction estimate of $800 - $1,200.

Stair Galleries - Lot 98

I have always wanted a Chinese red lacquer cabinet like this one being offered in the Stair Galleries auction. This is Lot 98 and has an auction estimate of $600 - $800. It has such wonderful clean lines and would add a jolt of color. It would look great in a living room, and might even hide the TV!

Brunk Auctions, Asheville, NC - Lots 0041 and 0042

The next sale at Brunk Auctions January 8th and 9th includes quite a few Asian pieces. I like the late 19th/early 20th century Chinese alter table in the top photo. The simple shape allows the carving on the leg struts to make the design statement. It would make a great entry table. Just add a wonderful vase with flowers and some family photos and you have an inviting entry. The table measures 40" x 50" x 17.5", and has an auction estimate of $500 - $1,000.

The chairs are also late 19th/early 20th century Chinese. They are yoke back chairs and have an auction estimate of $400 - $800 (Lot 0042). They work as decorative objects along a wall or even as chairs! Not terribly comfortable, but very chic.

 Bonhams Los Angeles - January 16th - Lot 7324

Including a beautiful sculpture to your decor is a wonderful way to add interest. This fabulous 19th century Chinese head of Guanjin is 19" high and comes on a stand. It has such a serene expression I think it would be so calming to look at. This is included in the next Bonhams auction in Los Angeles, and has an auction estimate of $800 - $1,200. 

Designer: Vincente Wolf

The addition of antique Chinese chairs to this modern kitchen design by Vincente Wolf makes it more interesting than if the furniture was solely modern.

Include just one Asian element to your decor for an added touch of chic!

All American Classic Design

I have been inspired this week by country auctions and all the wonderful Americana on offer. There are the colorful graphic quilts, the painted blanket trunks and the classic furniture - whether refined or country. All can be so chic in a modern design.

Diamond Baratta Design (all photos)

Diamond Baratta Design can be counted on to include classics of American design in their decors. You will often see hooked rugs, painted trunks used as coffee tables, and wonderful examples of American antiques.

Country auctions are a great place to find Americana of all types. 

Brunk Auctions, Asheville, NC - Auction January 8th and 9th

The wonderful daybed in the top photo is being offered in the next Brunk Auction in North Carolina. It is described as early 19th century mahogany, and made by Duncan Phyfe or a contemporary (Lot 0308). The auction estimate of $1,500 - $2,500. It's sleek and elegant, and would be very chic in traditional or modern decorating style. 

 

Blanket chests makes the perfect coffee table. The one above is American, 19th century, and made of tiger maple which gives the wood a wonderful interest. This is Lot 0258 and has an auction estimate of $500 - $1,000.

 

Copake Auction, Copake, NY - January 1st Noon

 

Copake Auction always has a terrific selection of American furniture, quilts, and weather vanes. The auction includes the 18th century Rhode Island blue painted tall chest above (Lot 55). I love the untouched traditional look. This has an auction estimate of $2,000 - $2,500. 

The hooked rug with the eagle and star design is classically American. This one would make a fabulous piece of wall art. This one is Lot 26, was made circa 1900, and measures 6'4" x 39". It has an auction estimate of $600 - $800. 

Quilts are a great way to add graphic color to decor. Quilts don't only need to cover a bed. They can be hung on a large wall space, or draped over the back of plain upholstered sofa. This one in the Copake auction is really beautiful. It was made in the 19th century and measures 97" x 101". It has an auction estimate of $900 - $1,000 (Lot 163).

House Beautiful

American design can be elegant and it can be high craftmanship. Try a quilt over the sofa and add a jolt of color in an otherwise simple decor. Or use a classic American blue and white color scheme, and include a long ago painted tall chest.

Mid-century madness in 2011

The madness for mid-century style is not entirely new, but seems to build. It speaks 'modern' and shows like Mad Men on AMC help further popularize mid-century style in clothing and furniture.

Architectural Digest - Designer: Sandra Nunnerley

 

This Manhattan apartment designed by Sandra Nunnerley has a few of the mid-century must haves - the Mies van der Rohe Barcelona chairs (in the top photo in white), and the Arne Jacobsen Egg chair (bottom photo in brown). Adding these classics gives any room the mid-century credentials right away. 

 

There are lots of opportunities to buy these and other mid-century classics at auction. The next Christie's Interiors sale in New York January 11th and 12th has a number of options. 

 

 Christie's Interiors Sale, New York - Lot 556

 

The Charles and Ray Eames chair and ottomon designed in 1956 for Herman Miller will always give that mid-century vibe to your room. This one is offered in the Christie's sale with an auction estimate of $1,000 - $1,500.  

Christie's Interiors, New York - Lot 612

Here is a Mies van der Rohe Barcelona chair and ottomon (5 ottomons are included in the lot!) with an auction estimate of $1,500 - $2,000. This was designed in 1929, and is a later manufacture by Knoll.

Wright Auction, Chicago - Scandinavian Design Sale

Wright Auctions in Chicago is a go-to auction house for modern design. This beautiful example of an Arne Jacobsen Swan chair went unsold at their last Scandinavian Design auction in November. Keep your eye out because these come up pretty often, in various degrees of quality and wear.

Wright Auction, Chicago - Scandinavian Design

In the same Scandinavian Design sale at Wright this fabulous Danish rosewood cabinet, circa 1960, was sold for $3,375. This would make any dining room shout mid-century. 

Veranda Magazine - Designer: Vincente Wolf

In designer Vincente Wolf's apartment he includes a Hans Wegener Papa Bear chair and an Eero Saarinen table for Knoll table by the bed. I also love the way he combines it with the 18th century Italian console table! Mixing several styles is always better than one!

As an auction tip: if you plan to bid on any design classic, do your research first on past auction sales as well as retail options (check 1st Dibs for one). No need to overpay unless you must have it now!