Yearly archives for 2012

Antique Inspiration ~ The Bowls of Harvest

“On the motionless branches of some trees, autumn berries hung like clusters of coral beads, as in those fabled orchards where the fruits were jewels . . .”

– Charles Dickens

fall flourish antique engraving

I love this time of the year, when the season’s bounty is bursting with autumn shades.  The farmer’s market is the place for a multitude of inspiration, bursting with a cornucopia of the harvest.  Now is the time I go through my collection of antiques for creativity for this special season.  The jewel-tone vibrant colors of autumn blend beautifully with the textures of antique accessories.   Invariably I look at antiques for groupings and as centerpieces in tabletop designs.  The culinary antique collections of faience, china, pottery, pewter, copper and wood bowls are an ideal way to showcase this abundance of nature. 

Inessa Stewart's Antiques Antique accessories antique door pears

Antique bowls lend themselves as perfect vessels for pumpkins, gourds and fruit.

Piled high with a profusion of earth offerings and displayed on coffee tables, buffets or commodes, even perhaps on the dining table ~ without fail these antique containers command a decorative focus.

Inessa Stewart's Antiques Antique accessories painting antique door pumpkins

Enjoy the beauty of the season!

Inessa Stewart’s Antiques

 

Antique of the Week ~ The Bergere Parisienne

Antique Letter EngravingNo other city than Paris engenders visions of elegant style, glamour and cultivated history.  Naturally, the Parisian creations of antique furniture, art and literature are invariably blessed with the Muse of this fashionable city.  This particular stylish antique bergere (the French name for a wing chair or a chair with closed, usually upholstered arms) was created in the City of Lights at the end of the 19th century.  I can almost picture in my mind the grandeur of the Beaux Artes period in Paris that gave rise to the building of many charming apartments and townhomes all over the city ~ all elegantly furnished with the latest styles.  French chairs in my opinion are the superstars of the French furniture world, always demanding attention with their striking lines and sumptuous upholstery of antique silk or tapestry.  This antique bergere is just such an example that commands this type of focus.

Antique Bergere Chair

Superbly hand-carved from solid French walnut in the timeless classical style so admired by Louis XVI, this elegant bergere features a stylized wingback design that provides superlative comfort. The spiral ribbon, beading and egg & dart molding that envelopes the framework follows a plunging seatback crown centered with carved roses and flowing ribbon. Tapered & spiral fluted legs provide support, and the silk upholstery is in very good condition. The soft white original painted finish has achieved a lovely patina over the past century, helping to accentuate the delicate and fine relief carving even more. As of this writing, a matching ottoman is also available! Circa 1890s.

Ever since the discovery of Herculaneum and Pompeii in the middle of the 18th century, Paris was swept with enthusiasm for the neoclassical form.  Expertly carved and painted Louis XVI bergeres such as this one were created during this time, and never went out of style!

One of the unique elements of this bergere is the spiral fluting on the legs that is generally considered more visually interesting and more difficult to execute from the artisan’s perspective.  Such fluting seems to be found only on chairs of excellent quality.  My favorite element is the original soft white painted surface which with age has become delicately worn and has acquired a subtle patina, only adding to its charm!

 

Grand Luxe Antique Photo Shoot in Dallas

Antique Letter EngravingA few weeks ago I was involved in an exhilarating photo shoot at our antique showroom in the Dallas Design District for Grand Luxe Magazine.  Now the issue is out, so I can show you the amazing results of this project that stretched over three weeks…

Page 1 Grand Luxe Magazine

Page 2 Grand Luxe Magazine

Inessa Stewart's Antiques and Grand Luxe Shoot

Inessa Stewart's Antiques and Grand Luxe Shoot

I admit that I was nervous when Carolyn Tillery and Tim Miller (editor and president of Grand Luxe Magazine, respectively) first told me about this project.  The seven most stylish ladies in Dallas would be coming to our antique showroom on the corner of Dragon and Oak Lawn to take part in this high fashion layout for the September issue.  My trepidation was unnecessary, as the experience was both amazing and unforgettable!

Grand Luxe Magazine and Inessa Stewart's Antiques

Inessa Stewart's Antiques and Grand Luxe Magazine

Inessa Stewart's Antiques and Grand Luxe Magazine

Inessa Stewart's Antiques and Grand Luxe MagazineOur whole staff dove headfirst into the project; we could not contain our collective excitement.  Everyone worked so hard to set up seven different vignettes filled with antique furniture, accessories, lighting and art ~ each creating the perfect setting for the individual honoree’s gown selection.  It was truly a joy to work with such a talented team that was assembled by the Grand Luxe staff, which reminded me about my own modeling days and long hours in front of the camera.

Inessa Stewart's Antiques and Grand Luxe Magazine

Inessa Stewart's Antiques and Grand Luxe Magazine

Inessa Stewart's Antiques and Grand Luxe Magazine

Inessa Stewart's Antiques and Grand Luxe Magazine

Inessa Stewart's Antiques and Grand Luxe

The Dallas Stylish Seven are truly beautiful inside and out.  These inspiring ladies tirelessly give time, effort and much more to many wonderful Dallas area charities.  What’s more impressive is that they make their philanthropy look so easy and stylish!  Their commitment to the community was the major focus of this elegant photo shoot, and we applaud the beauty of their generous spirit!

Inessa Stewart's Antiques and Grand Luxe Inessa Stewart's Antiques and Grand Luxe

Inessa Stewart's Antiques and Grand Luxe

I also want to say thanks to our amazing showroom team at our Dragon Street showroom that spent days in preparation, sharing their ideas and creative styling to help make this all possible.  Of course, none of it would have been possible without the wonderful professionals that were such a pleasure to work with:

Wade Livingston, photographer extraordinaire, for his stunning photos and studious attention to every detail.

Kim Rozell, professional make-up artist, who made all the ladies’ makeup and hair look so flawless and glamorous.

Jordan Grimminger, floral artist at Cebolla Fine Flowers for working so close with us to create breathtaking floral displays, beautifully coordinating them with each and every vignette.

Feizy Rugs for loaning us exquisite one-of-a-kind rug masterpieces that added so much to each our settings.

This project was a creative collaboration of all these remarkable professionals, and it was my pleasure to style and coordinate such an exciting venture.

Inessa Stewart's Antiques

 

 

Click HERE to see this Grand Luxe Magazine seven page layout on line (Issue 912).

 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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