Vintage Home by Judith Miller
Dear Diva Readers,
Vintage finds are dominating the “antiques” market place… with more and more clients seeking vintage pieces instead of period antiques. From mid-century modern to retro and beyond, there are so many stylish pieces that can enhance a home. My design philosophy has always been to mix antiques, vintage pieces, and modern objects for the ideal finished product. That’s why I’m so excited the antiques expert—and AD&Co friend— Judith Miller http://www.millersantiquesguide.com has come out with a new book called Vintage Home.
Miller has written over 100 books, innumerable articles, and is a regular guest on several television and radio shows – I may be The Antiques Diva – but Judith is unquestionably The Queen of Antiques. While I’m constantly adding her reference books which often catalogue antique furniture and objects to my personal library, this new addition showcases the best of 20th Century furniture and design and is a style guide which focuses on vintage and retro furniture. With a brief history of the Modernist movement, the book then looks at the Art Deco period, followed by the New Look & New Moderns, and finally finishing with a comprehensive directory of designers, makers, and suppliers, Judith does what she does best – She demystifies “antiques” and removes stuffy traditional rules from the genre making this “vintage” movement accessible to antiquers helping us understand no matter the age their relevance.
In the book, Miller highlights famous designers like Eames and Murano, and also sheds light on lesser known 20th Century designers. It’s a fantastic reference book for collectors and a visual feast for interior design lovers. For those looking to start or expand a vintage furniture collection, this is the book to read before heading to the auction house or buying online. It’s also a nice guide for the less serious buyer, as it covers mass-produced and highly popular designs that may be considered kitsch and not so costly, but still highly sought after.
I’ve seen a big trend in the last year with younger clients wanting to source vintage pieces as well as antiques. Mixing in vintage and retro pieces, be it a mid-century chandelier or a funky plastic chair is what interior designers are doing today and Vintage Home provides inspiration with its gorgeous photos as well as information on specific styles and pieces. Incorporating vintage pieces into the home can be tricky, but the homes featured in this book show how to tastefully add in vintage touches for the way we live now.
If you’re a design fanatic like me, or simply interested in vintage furniture, I recommend adding Vintage Home to your library. It’s a great way to learn about what I think is the next big thing in interiors and antiques, allowing you to know about the styles, designers, and makers of vintage and retro pieces.
Until next time,
The Antiques Diva®
2016 Trend Forecast
Dear Diva Readers,
As we begin 2016, I’ve been asked what I think the design trends will be this year. I believe that more consumers will say, “Forget the trend,” and opt for one-of-a-kind finds that reflect their personalities. Antiques and hand-made goods will dominate the interior design scene allowing consumers to express their unique sense of style.
Mid-century modern a la Don Draper has been done to death. In its place, vintage finds from the 1980’s are coming back to the future and challenging the status quo. Bold Italian designers such as Ettore Sottsass and Michele De Lucchi’s shocking geometric motifs are reappearing on furniture, textiles, tabletop decor, ceramics and even jewelry.
Clients are clamoring for color. Fearless color and form combine in a display of zany artistry. The more intense the better! Fuchsia, orange, and azure rule the scene. While we’ve always seen upholstered pieces get facelifts with color, case goods are now being lacquered in bright hues. Like a handkerchief peeking from a tailored jacket, interiors of drawers and cabinets are being given shocking flashes of color—sort of like the classic mullet— it’s all business on the outside but a party on the inside.
“Mantiques,” Grand Tour, and country house accessories are hot. Chunky leather-clad pieces from the 1930’s to 70’s, vintage trunks, globes, maps, and vintage cartography are giving homes a collected, evolved, and well traveled feel.
I hate to break it to you, but size matters. In 2016, bigger is better especially when it comes to lighting. Vintage Italian Murano chandeliers (pieces from the 1970’s and 80’s) which are often reclaimed from hotels are all the rage from New York to LA and Miami to Chicago.
Another theme I see appearing as we enter 2016 is that less is more. One of the biggest trends in antiques has nothing to do with style, but quality. Clients want period pieces with provenance and they are willing to sacrifice and make these purchases. Investing in one quality piece instead of several lower end reproductions is what people are doing now.
When it comes to furniture, brown is the new black. For the last decade whitewashed woods and shabby chic has dominated the interior design scene. In 2016 discerning buyers are picking up highly polished pieces. You’ll see clean lined Empire commodes as a back drop in more interior design magazines, as they add a weight to otherwise airy rooms.
And there you have it- my predictions for what we’ll see in the next year! I hope that you’ll all continue to join me here on the blog and on social media as I travel the globe searching for antiques and style in 2016!
Cheers,
The Antiques Diva®
Antique Refectory Tables
Dear Diva Readers,
When clients come on tour, they are sourcing everything under the sun including furniture, accessories, lighting, and artwork. However some pieces seem to constantly be in demand, and tables are one of those things. Whether clients are looking for original, modified, or repurposed tables, they just can’t get enough of them! With homes being larger and open concepts being the new normal in architecture, antique refectory tables are ideal for using in dining rooms, open kitchens, and even as consoles or center tables in grand entryways.
A refectory table is a very long table originally used for dining in European monasteries. Early refectory tables can date back to the Medieval period and often times there would be numerous refectory tables in one dining hall of a monastery where the monks would eat and listen to sacred texts being read aloud.
Around the first part of the 16th century, these large tables started appearing in castles and large estate homes of the nobility and were used for feasts. Made of solid wood— usually oak or walnut– and crafted by hand, refectory tables were built to be used. It is thought that secular use of refectory tables began in and around Italy, and throughout the 16th century this trend of using them in private homes spread throughout Europe.
With the wide geographical popularity of refectory tables, their styles range from ornate to rustic. Ornamental carvings and graceful iron stretchers embellish some tables, signifying the skill of their craftsmen and the status of their owners. More simple versions may have been used in country farm houses. Regardless of the style you prefer, these hefty tables can accommodate a crowd.
Today, refectory tables are in high demand due to their generous proportions, quality construction, and lovely patina. From Italy to France to England to Belgium, we are constantly sourcing these fabulous pieces for clients all over. If you would like information on taking an Antiques Diva Buying Tour email us at info@antiquesdiva.com
The Antiques Diva®
Pantone Color of the Year 2016
Dear Diva Readers,
It seems that 2016 is going to be an interesting year of innovation and expanding boundaries throughout the world. Even Pantone is pushing the limits and doing things outside the box. Instead of selecting their usual color of the year, Pantone has announced dual hues for 2016. Serenity and Rose Quartz not only symbolize masculinity and femininity, they also embody tranquility and utilitarianism. They are straight out of Monet’s Gardens giving a soothing relief to the overworked eye, making them ideal for decorating a bedroom or pairing in comfy – yet elegant – clothes for at home entertaining. Let’s take a look at how some top taste makers and style setters would use these colors in design.
– Sandra Espinet –
“Nude and Mikonos blue have dominated the fashion industry for the past two years and I feel Rose Quartz & Serenity are a lighter variation of those palettes. I am open to see how it translates into the interior design field.” – Sandy Espinet
– John Rosselli & Associates –
“Serenity” is the perfect color to bring your home a sense of cool, soothing calm. We are all about pairing blue and white together, so we’d love to see this shade of blue combined with vibrant whites. Pantone’s “Rose Quartz” brings a soft component that used with serenity and neutral tones can give any interior space a natural quality.
– Alan Tanksley –
Serenity. I love this color. There’s a freshness to it that coordinates well visually with most colors and colorful patterns. A favorite decorative scheme of mine often combines blues of this hue with organic browns and creamy whites.
– Joe & Vivian of Global Home –
We’re all about Rose Quartz this year. We see it as a resurgence of the 80’s interiors palette. Some of our favorite pieces throughout our product assortment, are made out of actual rose quartz – a beautiful pop of color in our eclectic showroom.
– Christina Tullock of Woven Accents –
Rose quartz used properly in a room can read like a modern neutral. It works especially well when combined with charcoal grey, taupe and shades of bone.
– Robin Baron –
Rose Quartz is a stone that helps generate love, serenity is all about being centered and calm. The names of Pantone’s colors of the year would be enough to inspire a bedroom. The colors themselves are luxurious, soft, and romantic and are perfect for creating a special master bedroom…a retreat from the crazy world we all live in.
– Plexi-Craft –
Plexi-Craft embraces the Pantone colors of Serenity and Quartz. We can subtly infuse many of our products with these colors, as we do with our Lane side tables (see below). Or, any fabric featuring Serenity and Quartz will look great on a Plexi-Craft upholstered bench, stool, or chair.
– Kathryn Scott –
My first thought of these two colors paired together is one of the boys and girls playing. What better place for them than a playroom? These colors sing like a sunset/rainbow mural…I’d love to see what energy it brings your home.
How would you use these two colors in design or decorating? Let me know in the comments below!
Colorfully yours,
The Antiques Diva®
Entrepreneur Series- Starting a Company
Dear Diva Readers,
I get so many people asking me how I started my company. They are usually people who are wanting to start their own business but have doubts, which is totally normal! They have this great idea but aren’t sure about the details and have had others-often well meaning family and friends- tell them it’s too risky. I too had naysayers when starting The Antiques Diva & Co. People thought I was crazy when I told them I was going to start a luxury-based service involving both travel and interior design at the height of the global recession.
I originally was writing a series of books about antiquing in Europe, but with the recession of 2008, no one was publishing books. When my book series wasn’t published, naysayers encouraged me to throw in the towel and channel my energies towards more economically viable business models saying, “Forget antiques, design and travel – there’s no money to be made there.” And I ignored them. I learned early on that I had a vision that others couldn’t see. When you own your own company it’s imperative you trust your instincts. That may be one of the best pieces of advice I can give.
You absolutely should seek advice from experts – but recognize that just because an expert has good advice, it does not mean their advice is applicable for your situation right now. Some pieces of advice I save for later. Others I negate as invalid. Above all else – do not doubt yourself. No one knows your business as well as you do and the surest way towards success is PERSEVERANCE. Gage what you have control over, set a realistic target and then steadfastly walk in the direction of that goal each day. When that goal is met – move the target – and keep going forward.
That leads me to another very important piece of advice for young entrepreneurs. Just do it. A lot of people talk about starting a company – but the only people who succeed in business are those that just do it. Do not wait until you are an expert in your field. Do not wait until you know everything there is to know. Do not wait until you are perfect. Just do it. When it comes to brand evolution, perhaps the most scandalous piece of business advice I can share is this: Do not wait until you’ve got the perfect business plan in place to start your business. Yes, you DO need a business plan. But it doesn’t have to be perfect. A good business plan will evolve over time as you learn more about your market, discover hidden sources of incomes and grow into your service. A successful brand will establish parameters which stay consistent – within which to operate – but it will evolve with the market and economic environment.
By listening to your gut instinct, planning as much as you can, and just doing it, you will be well on the way to starting a business that is as unique as you are. It’s important to listen to the advice of others, but it’s just as important to listen to your own voice and do what you know you need to do.
Gook luck,
The Antiques Diva®
Sunburst Mirrors
Dear Diva Readers,
I’ve always had an interest in interior design as well as antiques. In fact, I studied interior design in school and still enjoy decorating my own home when I have spare time! Perhaps one of my favorite parts of my job is to watch how antiques inspire current design trends. They say there is nothing new under the sun, and in fact, one design staple of the past few centuries has a lot to do with the sun! I’m talking about the sunburst mirror of course! This popular decorative piece has deep roots that involve religion, royalty, and repurposing, but it has been reinterpreted over the years and continues to be a fixture of home fashion today.
It is thought that the sunburst mirror has its roots in medieval European churches, when the Catholic church would use elaborate decorations including rays of sun and gilded sunbursts around the heads of religious icons. With the plethora of saints and statues of the Holy Family, wood and metal rays of light seemed to adorn every precious relic in the church. Perhaps when churches were remodeled or torn down, these sunbursts were salvaged and mirrors were added to them, resulting in small sunburst mirrors. Today you can find many antique religious pieces which have been salvaged from Italian churches. These pieces are often priced reasonably because most Italians wouldn’t put architectural elements from a church in their home, however the trend of repurposing religious pieces is spot on in America.
It is also known that King Louis XIV proclaimed himself the Sun King in the 17th century and incorporated rays of sun in much of his decor and architectural elements at Versailles. The head of Apollo, the sun god was a favorite personal emblem of the king, and as a result, it adorned much of the furniture of the time and was also carved into wall panels. In the late 17th century, King Louis XIV established his own glassworks factory in France, and began to have grand mirrors crafted. The Hall of Mirrors at Versailles is evidence enough of his love of mirrors and gilding. With the king’s affinity for sunbursts, it is no wonder that the motif became widely popular throughout France and continues to be a recurring theme in decor there.
The sunburst mirror became highly sought after again in the early 19th century. Throughout Europe and America, sunburst mirrors were being produced and incorporated into homes everywhere. By the 1940’s, Hollywood Regency became all the rage and the sunburst mirror again regained its popularity. Over the next few decades it was reinterpreted in metal and plastic and at times given a more modern shape. In fact, some of these mid-century sunburst designs looked extremely modern with sharp spikes used as rays or even incorporating smaller circular mirrors along the rays to add more shine.
Regardless of what style of sunburst mirror you prefer, it’s quite obvious that this mirror is not going out of style any time soon! From 17th century French gilded wood to Italian 1960’s metal, we see sunburst mirrors on Antiques Diva buying tours all the time and I love hearing the history of each one. If you would like more information on an Antiques Diva Buying Tour or our Buying Services, email us at info@antiquesdiva.com.
Cheers,
The Antiques Diva®
Vintage Chanel From Paris
Dear Diva Readers,
Some people may think that I’m difficult to buy for, but the truth is, all I want for Christmas (or any time of year!) is vintage Chanel! Check out some fabulous pieces offered by one of our favorite vintage fashion source in Paris, Les Merveilles de Babellou. And if you should happen to feel generous, you can send any of these lovely pieces to my flat! And by the way, Les Merveilles de Babellou has so much more than just Chanel pieces—peruse their website for some seriously drool-worthy vintage goodies!
Now let’s talk prices! What’s it cost to buy vintage Chanel?
A timeless Chanel bright red quilted patent leather bag decorated with a CC clasp and a silver metal shoulder strap chain interlaced with red leather. Simply perfect! 3800 Euro
These Chanel clip earrings made of gilt metal and adorned with blue, red, and green glass paste cabochons would be perfect for the holiday season! 530 Euro
Chanel by Gripoix atelier, a necklace made of several rows of faux pearls with an arabesque element in blackened gold metal with multicolored cabochons and four chains of red glass beads. A true stunner! 3800 Euro
Chanel by Gripoix atelier, a demi-parure consisting of a pearl necklace with a centered brooch and a pair of clip earrings both in golden metal and blue and green glass paste. 3500 Euro
A Chanel transparent resin bracelet encrusted with black and green tweed, small CC logo and a silver metal chain interlaced with black tweed. 850 Euro
Merry Christmas, and as Coco might have said “May All Your Christmases be Stylish and Chic!”
The Antiques Diva®
Russian Sleigh
Dear Diva Readers,
Dashing through the snow… On a one horse open sleigh…Over the hills we go… Laughing all the way!!’ Jingle Bells! Jingle Bells! Jingle All the Way!
It’s that time of year! With Christmas mere days away everyone is hustling and bustling in a last minute dash to the finish line! (Er… Make that check out line!). Shopping must be done, travel plans finalized, every last trimming must be put on the tree, not to mention the house must be cleaned and made ready for guests, food must be made, and gifts must be wrapped… Uhm… Did I just stress anyone else out? There’s a lot to do!!!! But in the midst of all the Christmas craziness, I think we all like to take a moment and reflect on the romance of this time of year.
Images of Christmas-past come to mind, and make us realize that this season can be such a magical time! Perhaps one of the most iconic symbols of Christmas and the winter season in general is the sleigh. Whether you picture Santa Claus flying through the air in one or hum the familiar tune of “Sleigh Ride” and envision a happy couple taking a ride in a one horse open sleigh, one thing is for sure— it puts you in the Christmas spirit!
One of our sources in France happens to have a gorgeous antique Russian sleigh in their showroom. An 18th century piece undoubtedly owned by an important family, this piece would have not only been beautiful to look at, but also a very functional part of winter life in Russia. Until the late 19th century, sleighs and sleds provided a high-speed means of transportation through the snow and ice covered regions of Russian and Siberia. Just as automobiles can be status symbols today, sleighs were often highly ornamented and the preferred means of transport for royals, bishops, and nobles.
This beautiful sleigh in particular has a detail of a male goat on the front, carved from wood and gilded. Made for only one person, this sleigh is modest in size, but regal none the less. I think it would make a fabulous display in a store window or even in a home next to the Christmas tree!
I love finding unique pieces like this when on a buying tour with clients. It makes you wonder who owned this sleigh? Did it’s original owner use it to carry a special message or gift to someone he or she loved? How did it end up in France? It just goes to show that you never know what you’ll come across on an Antiques Diva Buying Tour, and that’s the beauty of antiques—the stories they conjure up and the way they connect us to the past.
Wishing you all a very merry Christmas season!
The Antiques Diva®
Gifts of Provence-Olive Oil, Soap, Lavender
Dear Diva Readers,
As Christmas draws near, it’s got me thinking about all kinds of gift ideas in general – little things you can stock in your gift closet to use through out the year. As someone who travels a lot for work and pleasure, I try to pick up little gifts that will fit into my suitcase wherever I go. You never know when you’ll need a hostess gift or a last minute birthday treat to take to a friend! Many clients also enjoy stopping into small shops in between antiquing appointments to purchase locally made goods to take home to friends and family. Provence is a fantastic place to find antiques as well as some regional goodies such as olive oil, handmade soaps, and of course, dried lavender.
Olive oil has been a staple product of Provence for centuries. Olive trees were planted by the Greeks around 600 BC and continue to thrive in the area around the Mediterranean due to the dry, stony, limestone soil. Most archaeological museums possess large pottery which would have been used to store oil during these ancient times. During the Renaissance, olive trees covered nearly 300,000 acres of land in France, making olive oil production an extremely profitable and important business. But as with any business that depends on nature, olive oil production was dealt a hard blow in 1956 when temperatures dropped below zero degrees fahrenheit, causing 1/3 of the olive trees in Provence to die that year. While that has slowed olive oil production in France, there are still some wonderful places that sell artisan olive oils. In fact, a new generation of oil producers have started small-scale local farms, offering specialty blends, gourmet oils, and other products. The thing to remember is that unlike Italian and Spanish oils, French oils come from limited crops and you won’t find many of them for sale outside the Provence region.
Another fabulous gift you can find in Provence is savon (soap) de Marseille. Whether you’re in a metropolitan boutique or strolling through a small village market, gorgeous soaps of all shapes and sizes can be found. Another tradition that goes back hundreds of years, soap making in Provence lives on and continues to thrive. Savon de Marseille is only produced around the Marseille region and is made from olive oil and vegetable oils.
The traditional way to make this special soap is by mixing water from the Mediterranean Sea with olive oil, sodium carbonate, and lye. All these elements are mixed in a cauldron and heated for several days while being stirred. After the mixture sits, it is poured into molds. Before it is completely hard, it is cut into bars and stamped, then left to set until hardened. It can take up to one month to complete this entire process. Recommended by dermatologists, this soap is perfect for dry skin during the winter. Of course, it’s been used for centuries in France to clean everything from skin to linens!
Lastly, and perhaps the gift most synonymous with Provence, is lavender. A visit to the distilleries, farms, and shops can enhance a trip to Provence while also allowing you to pick up several perfectly packable gifts that anyone will enjoy. Sachets filled with lavender are a wonderful gift, and so are lavender scented soaps, lotions, and other bath products such as essential oils that sooth and calm. Don’t forget a lavender scented candle to place near the bath!
There is just something special about giving gifts that are hand made, and infused with local traditions. Provence’s rich history and bountiful natural resources makes it the ideal place to stock up on these wonderful gifts, and that’s why clients love perusing for antiques and regionally made items at the same time. If you would like information on an Antiques Diva Tour in France or any of our 8 tour countries, email us at info@antiquesdiva.com.
Au revoir,
The Antiques Diva®
Candles Stick Together-A Pop-Up Shop in Amsterdam
Dear Diva Readers,
I’ve got good news for you if you’ll be in Amsterdam today through 20th of December! European silver specialist Jacob J Roosjen is having a pop-up shop at the Galerie Prinsengracht, a gallery close to the Spiegelstraat and headquarters of antiques dealing in Amsterdam, which happens to be nearby the Rijksmuseum.
Jacob will be hosting this pop-up shop together with Paul Klunder, a renowned decorator from Belgium. The successful theme of “Dining and Shining” during the most recent PAN Amsterdam http://www.pan.nl inspired Jacob to continue his celebration of light into the holiday season. The motto for the pop-up of “Candles Stick Together” will carry on the idea of candlelight during winter and add to the festive mood in Amsterdam as well as help usher in the New Year ahead.
If you would like to join in the experience, be sure to stop in to Galerie Prinsengracht at Prinsengracht 795 in Amsterdam from 16-20 December from 14:00-19:00 and tell Paul Klunder or Jacob Roosjen that The Antiques Diva sent you!
Happy holidays,
The Antiques Diva®
The Antiques Diva & Co is a LAPADA Approved Service Provider
The Antiques Diva & Co is the Official Tour Guide of Paul Bert Serpette at The Paris Flea Market
Voted one of 50 best blogs on Homes & Antiques
