Monthly archives for August, 2012

Special Purchase in This Old House

Antique Letter EngravingIt’s now been almost 22 years ago when we started our antique and interiors business.   As you know, we are constantly searching for unique antiques, but also well-designed furniture of high quality and exceptional value.  Our search for home furnishings, inspired by the best European designs from the best manufacturers, sometimes includes our own exclusive designs ~ all with our exceptional pricing.

Slip-Covered Country French Parsons Chair

Our efforts have not gone unnoticed, as one of our Special Purchase items was just recently featured as an Editor’s Pick by This Old House Magazine’s September 2012 edition.  The item was our Slip-Covered Country French Parsons Chair.  It was exiting to get a call from the renowned New York magazine and hear that in their nationwide search for stylish, inspired furniture products, we were selected to grace the Editor’s Pick article.

Slip-Covered Country French Parsons Chair

This chair has been a great addition to our lines, and is perfect for vintage, antique and traditional settings.  The clean lines represent the best of classic design with a fresh draped linen slip-covering accented by a mattress-ticking stripe.  We also love this look, paired with antique farm and trestle tables, as a great way to add texture (as well as comfort) to your antique-inspired interior.

Inessa Stewart's Antiques

Special Purchase is a concept we developed to focus on the value of our buying power.  With three showrooms in two states, and having been around for so long, we have built up a superb group of resources that appreciate our buying power, and reward it with excellent pricing, which we can pass on to our customers.  Every day we are adding more and more to our website, so it’s important to check often so you don’t miss anything!  Click here to see more Special Purchase items and enjoy savings in style.

Inessa Stewart's Antiques

Antiquing ~ Grand Luxe Style

Antique Letter EngravingWell, who would have thought, I have been asked to become a columnist!  Come to think of it, blogging and writing articles for the web is something I have done for a while.  I also truly love sharing my joy and inspirations from history, antiques and design.  In addition ~ if time allows ~ researching and writing could easily turn into a daily escape even more so now that I have been armed with my MacBook Pro laptop and its amazing spell check (English is still my second language after all).

I was thrilled that a most delightful publication, Grand Luxe Magazine of Dallas, asked me to become their antique editor, debuting with my column, Antiques in Style.  I am truly looking forward to diving into this new adventure, and offer my sincere thanks to everyone at GLM for encouraging me.  Special thanks are due to the publication’s new editor, Carolyn Tillery, for her support.  The magazine is online, so you can click here to go directly to the article or just enjoy it below:

Grande Luxe Magazine: Antiques in StyleGrande Luxe Magazine: Antiques in StyleInessa Stewart's Antiques

Antique Pewter ~ Precious Metal of Charm

antique letter engravingThe history of wide use of antique European pewter dates back to the 11th century, also termed the Middle Ages, when pewter came into vogue to grace the tables of royalty and nobility for daily use as decorative tableware.  Pewter is a very soft pliable alloy in which the predominant (at least 92%) ingredient is tin and it has been a part of world history even before the Middle Ages.  Archeological digs in Egypt uncovered pewter that was crafted 3,500 year ago!  This is the period historians typically call the Bronze Age.  The primary metal in the alloy of bronze is tin, alloyed with copper.  Historians also speculate that pewter, and its resulting need for the metal tin, was one of the reasons for the Roman conquest of Britain.

Antique furniture and antique accessories

Antique Accessoires

The introduction of china and porcelain in 18th century signaled the end of the daily use of pewter as tableware.  Nevertheless, new uses for pewter were devised by craftsmen as a creative metal during the Arts and Crafts, Art Nouveau and Art Deco periods.

Antique pewter accessorie planterAntique pewter accessorie candle holder

 

The antique pewter we find today is primarily from 18th, 19th and early 20th century.

There is an undeniable strength of character and soft, warm patina in old and cherished pewter items.  I just love groupings of tankards and pitchers in the middle of farm tables or atop antique buffets, filled with wild flowers.

Antique pewter accessories Antique pewter planter

Antique pewter accessories

Just in the last few decades the popularity of this precious metal has reemerged.  The Country French, rustic and lovely greige color palettes of today’s interiors have given a new resurgence in the interest of the charming wares crafted so many years ago in this pliable and very adaptable metal ~ antique pewter.

Antique Flourish

 Inessa Stewart

Antiques in Style is a source of joy for me to create, and hopefully will be a source of inspiration for you! The variety, artistry and history of the antiques and vintage pieces that surround us every day provide pleasure, beauty and sometimes even intrigue.

The classics never go out of style, and each era, country, and even artisan's interpretations create an environment that is always full of surprises.

It is truly a pleasure to bring such timeless style together for every client and follower of my blog. And of course, your input is always welcome!

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