Monthly archives for October, 2012

Warm and Fuzzy Side of the Antique Business

Animals are such agreeable friends – they ask no questions, they pass no criticisms” -George Eliot

Inessa Stewart's Antiques and Interiors: John and Inessa with their dogs


D
uring the past two decades while traveling throughout Europe, we have made many great friends~ and some were creatures of the warm and fuzzy nature.  Dogs go everywhere in Europe – to shops, fairs, even restaurants.  Cats are often a fixture at the antique warehouses and stores. Meeting and photographing these cherished creatures is always a fun part of our trip.

Inessa Stewart's Antiques & Interiors: CatInessa Stewart's Antiques & Interiors: Dog

In the retail antique business the hours can be long and the job usually requires a fair amount of traveling. Many antique dealers we know in Europe live near or sometimes above their shops and the work is often shared by family members. So their family pets become part of their business family ~ traveling from store to store, greeting customers, checking out new arrivals and testing the comforts of chairs and sofas.

 

Inessa Stewart's Antiques & Interiors: Dog

If you have visited our stores, you may have met our own furry family members ~ Louis and Zoie. They often greet customers as they come in and John jokes: “They used to be Wal-Mart greeters but got fired, as they devoured an entire isle of dog biscuits.” They are the two quietest Bichons anywhere; but I’ll admit we are partial.  Louis and Zoie are great travelers and are very well behaved dogs, so just like Europeans we take them everywhere we go. Our puppies are great companions and often follow us around the store. They are exceptionally fond of my husband John ~ the “Dog Whisperer” who has an amazing connection with animals.

Inessa Stewart's Antiques & Interiors: DogInessa Stewart's Antiques & Interiors: Cat

Inessa Stewart's Antiques & Interiors: Dog

Now that our kids are grown and we are officially “empty nesters”, these little fluffy creatures taken a special space in our antique stores, our home and our hearts.

Inessa Stewart's Antiques & Interiors

How to Decorate an Antique Bookcase

Antique Letter EngravingAfter our clients purchase an antique bookcase or a display armoire I am often asked ~ how do I decorate my bookcase? First, what is the bookcase style?  I let the antique set the tone and direction of decorating.

Antique Decorated Library Bookcase

The bibliotheque (bookcase) we featured in this blog was crafted in the Louis XVI style, so we will use this as inspiration to bring in neoclassical elements to complement the design ~ the hand painted plates in soft classic colors, and use a Louis XVI style mantel clock set is focal element in the peace. The color is of great importance~ notice soft pastels and neutrals are repeated throughout the bibliotheque.  The rest is achieved in this case with antique books in similar colors to add continuity and texture.

Antique Accessories in Bookcase Detail Antique Bookcase Accessories

I love the patina of old books as they make a great foundation to the display in any library or bookcase.   The rest of the display’s impact is achieved with repeating and alternating textures.  With this particular piece being a three-door type, symmetry is of importance. In one or two door bibliotheques, after establishing a focal point, balance is the key.

Antique Bookcase Accessories

If you are using a collection of modern books as the foundation for a display, I recommend you group the books by color and size. Also make sure you edit your accessories. If family photos are used, frame them in similar frames of varying sizes.

Antique Bookcase Accessories

Antique Bookcase AccessoriesAntique Bookcase AccessoriesA bookcase is a great place to display a collection.  For example I collect antique boxes, and they are prominently displayed in our rosewood bookcase in the living room where we enjoy viewing the collection every day. This way the display brings a special meaning and visual appeal.

Inessa Stewart's Antiques

Antique Flourish

 

Antiques in Style ~ Into the Library

Antique Letter EngravingWith French antique containers arriving in Baton Rouge, Dallas and also Italian antique shipment just being unpacked in Texas store, October is shaping up as a busy month for us. The weather is cooler and we had our first cold front, which energized us to prepare for another busy fall season.  As new antique shipments from Europe and my new finds from markets are unpacked and displayed we are creating new vignettes, one of the ways we share our passion for antiques and design.

antiques in the library 3antiques in the library 2antiques in the library 1

We are so excited!  Last week the new issue of Grand Luxe Magazine came out and I want to share it with you as our staff works so hard with me on all photo shoots and this one was no different.  Below are the fruits of our creative effort and I hope you enjoy my monthly column Antiques in Style with this issue entitled “Into the Library”.

Grande Luxe Magazine Antiques In Style Page1Grande Luxe Magazine Antiques In Style Page2As I write this we are preparing for a Cover Party being held at our Dragon Street showroom, co-sponsored by Grand Luxe Magazine, where we look forward to seeing old friends and making new ones!

Inessa Stewart's Antiques

 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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