Monthly Archives: November 2011
Antique of the Week ~ Country French Buffet a Deux Corps
Normandie is a storied region of France, as famous for its gastronomic delights as it is for its French antiques. Furniture making in Normandie flourished as early as the 17th century, as Norman maritime commerce brought prosperity to the region. The skillful artisans of Normandie developed a distinctive, unique Country French style over the course of time, and are renowned for elaborate carvings celebrating the natural beauty of the region and the blessings of provincial life.
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Antique of the Week ~ Country French Armoire
Literally, a cabinet for armor, the antique armoire we enjoy today has a long and rich history in France, most particularly in the provinces where skilled artisans used hand tools to produce works of art that have decorated homes for centuries. Each of the provinces tended to develop unique style motifs and Brittany is no exception. The residents of the Bretagne peninsula have a long history of association with the sea. Their furnishings were adorned with carvings relating to the sea, their Christian religious beliefs, their aspirations, and in general the joys of rural life.
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My Antique Beginnings in Historic Odessa
For years, collecting antiques has been a large part of my life. Many have asked me time and again why the subject of French antiques was of such intense interest to me. The answer lies in my roots, my birth and childhood in a great city that was the source of my sentiment towards antiques and my lifelong inspiration. My passion for history and antiques began as a child when my mother and I would attend museums, art galleries, opera, ballet, and theater. Being steeped in such a rich cultural heritage made a profound impression on me, and to this day I strive to recreate that magic everywhere I can.
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Antique of the Week ~ Louis XVI Console
Perhaps no other style is as universally elegant as the antique French Louis XVI style, and this console is no exception! I always considered this one of my favorite styles, and it cannot be denied that its basis in classicism is both alluring and romantic. What’s not to love about florid Corinthian capitals, classic urns bursting with flower bouquets, cascading garlands and stately tapered columns?
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Tablescapes 2011~ An Evening of Candlelight, Antiques & Style!
![AntiquePolychromeSaintPeter_thumb[3]](http://www.inessa.com/blog/wp-content/uploads/2011/11/AntiquePolychromeSaintPeter_thumb3-150x150.jpg "AntiquePolychromeSaintPeter_thumb[3]")
It has been amazing to be involved for the past seven years with Kappa Kappa Gamma’s now-famous Tablescapes charity event that has been a Dallas tradition since 1995. Each year we select an exciting antique theme to represent our table setting. As many as 40 other designers, florists and notable retailers such as Nieman Marcus, Horchow, and others participate as well.
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