Knickerbocker Style & Design

From Carriage House to Opera House

2012-02-17T16:53:00.004-05:00

Those of you who’ve emailed these past weeks to see what had become of us already know it was another case of wanderlust. When an exciting space became available, in of all things a renovated Victorian era opera house, we just couldn’t pass it up!

Soaring ceilings and towering windows make a dramatic backdrop for our cabinet of curiosities, brimming with oddities and artifacts, including an eclectic mix of sculpture and folk art, as well as ceramics and art glass. Our new home happens to be at the heart of a charming little Victorian city that fuses the best of both town and country, blessed not only with a wealth of fantastic historic architecture, but a haven of fine antique shops and inspiring art galleries to explore. We look forward to sharing more in future posts!

Photo and styling by KS&D.

Ultimate Heraldry

2012-01-05T16:04:00.009-05:00

It’s no secret at Knickerbocker we have a major obsession with crests, coats of arms, and all things heraldic. Among the most sought after items in our shop, we’re sure to pick them up whenever we can find them and always love working them into our vignettes, so you can imagine our excitement at seeing this amazing collection of heraldic art up for auction at Christie’s next week.

The January 10th Christie’s Interiors sale includes an amazing collection of fourteen massive sculpted plaster panels originally crafted by Gilbert Bayes to adorn the British pavilion of the 1939 New York World’s Fair. Here Edward, Prince of Wales, The Black Prince is depicted resplendent in blue and crimson generously accented with gold gilding.

Gerald Cobb, Herald painter at the College of Arms, designed the panels to represent fourteen great individuals in the history of England, Scotland, Ireland, and Wales, including Owen Glendower, Prince of Wales shown here in regal gold and crimson.

Due to the onset of World War II by the fairs end it was decided safer for the panels to remain in the U.S., where they were purchased in 1973 by philanthropist Eric Lafferty Harvie for installation in the military history gallery of the Glenbow Museum of Alberta, Canada. With its intricate coat of arms and bold use of black on white the crest representing William Cecil, Baron of Burghley, Knight of the Garter, is especially striking.

With each panel measuring in at around a whopping 100 inches square these grand works of art must have made for a spectacular display in the British pavilion. Crowned gold gilt lions and a fearsome winged dragon support the crest of Oliver Cromwell, Lord Protector of England, Scotland, and Ireland.

Choosing a favorite among these bold yet romantic artworks would be difficult to say the least but especially charming is the coat of arms of Horatio Nelson, Viscount Nelson, Knight of the Bath, which includes a sailor among other nautical references to his numerous victories at sea.

All images via Christies.

Wishes for a Prosperous New Year!

2012-01-01T09:04:00.006-05:00

Who better to help us ring in the New Year than Luk the Chinese deity of wealth and prosperity!

Wishing a very Happy New Year to all!

A Very Vintage Christmas

2011-12-14T14:55:00.009-05:00

For our first Christmas in the country we’ve decided to trade the tabletop trees of years past for a towering conifer freshly cut from a local grower.

This grower doesn’t shape his trees, as most do today, making for a naturally shaped tree with more space between the boughs like those seen in old movies from the 40’s and 50’s. This gave us the idea to go for a full out vintage theme complete with loads of blown glass ornaments, icicle tinsel, and even a charming snow village spread out beneath.

To really get the look of a true retro Christmas tree we made sure to have the big old-fashioned multicolored lights that cast such a wonderfully warm glow, and of course yards of traditional popcorn and cranberry garlands to lend that final homey touch.

Nearby an elaborate Italian nativity finished with moss, straw, and greens is displayed below a three-tier wooden German Christmas pyramid surrounded by a squat pair of nutcrackers and a cheerful collection of Santa figures.

A bowl of clove-studded oranges is a simple and inexpensive project that not only makes an elegant display but also has a wonderful aroma that adds much to the holiday ambiance.

Outside greeting guests an old cast iron grotesque mask is transformed into the Ghost of Christmas Past with a sumptuous halo of holly and pine.

The old carriage house door gets into the spirit with a simple country display of a weathered copper barn star generously decked out with pine and holly.

Decor and photos by KS&D.

Our 100th Post!

2011-12-08T14:07:00.005-05:00

Knickerbocker Style and Design is proud to celebrate our 100th post! We've loved sharing our treasures, ideas, and inspirations with you from our eclectic vignettes, to books and movies, design history, holiday decorating, even our move from city to country! We hope you've enjoyed the journey and continue to see what's new in the world of Knickerbocker as we start on our next 100 posts!

Eclectic Holiday Decor

2011-11-30T14:58:00.011-05:00

Now that the Thanksgiving dishes are cleared it’s time once again to think about decorating the house the winter holidays. Why not begin with a unique antique or vintage find?

The kindly old gentleman in this charming vintage German oil portrait bears more than a passing resemblance to Santa Claus, especially with his red and green attire and pipe.

Where would Old Saint Nick be without this reindeer? This regal pair of brass deer figures, complete with dramatic antlers, certainly make for an elegant alternative.

Who better to watch over your holiday celebrations than this primitive carved folk art cherub corbel so beautiful you’ll want to keep her around all year long.

The snowy mountain landscape of Mount Fuji depicted on this hand painted antique Japanese porcelain plates makes them perfect for the winter holidays.

A rare Christmas collectible, this charming antique donkey figure with tiny glass eyes hails from France where he once graced a nativity scene.

Here a cheerful set of tole cache pots features elegant scalloped rims and hand painted wreaths with gilded ribbons and white berries.

Trim the tree with a strand of antique blown glass beads that proudly display the softened patina of Christmas past, and for the most unique gifts for under the tree be sure to visit our shop Knickerbocker Antiques and Vintage!

Eclectic Holiday China

2011-11-18T10:55:00.009-05:00

With Thanksgiving a week away it’s time once again to start thinking about setting the perfect holiday table.

Incorporating a unique piece or two of antique and vintage china with your existing pieces is a great way to add interest to your table setting. A special piece of porcelain such as a compote dish or gravy boat also makes a wonderful hostess gift that can be brought out and enjoyed year after year.

An elegant platter or unique serving tray always makes a beautiful and useful addition to any china collection, while more specialized pieces such as a sugar and creamer or a set of tiny butter pats are a charming way to add that little extra touch.

For a hint of whimsy why not add something purely decorative? Our pyramid of majolica fruits and vegetables or the colorful Italian ceramic pheasant figure are both perfect accompaniments for any harvest feast.

Photos and styling by KS&D.

An Uncommon Autumn Vignette

2011-11-10T10:04:00.007-05:00

Orchids may be an uncommon source of inspiration for an autumn vignette, but the rich red and orange hues of these delicate petals are bold as any fall foliage.

A trio of hand carved wooden folk art figures sit surrounded by deer antlers and an elegant pair of French rococo style sconces, adding an unexpected touch of glamour that echoes the curving lines and points of the antlers. Even the humble pumpkin, a most traditional symbol of the season, takes on a twist displayed under a bell jar.

The whimsical figure of an elegant turbaned hunter stands with rifle at the ready and a charming Staffordshire style lion resting at his feet. The rustic folk art figures of a horse and rider are carved in a primitive style with movable hinged arms.

Looking over the scene is the regal figure of a brightly plumed folk art Indian maiden specially adorned for the occasion with delicate strands of vintage glass beads.

Photos and styling by KS&D.

The Greatest and Grandest

2011-10-26T13:41:00.001-04:00

Browse the most eclectic mix of unique antique and vintage home accessories from the comfort and convenience of home! Enhance the design of any interior with Knickerbocker’s carefully curated collection of American, European, Asian, and African fine and decorative arts. Our ever-changing inventory features an array of objects and artifacts from Victorian to Mid-Century Modern including lamps, sconces, art pottery, fine china, porcelain, crystal, art glass, prints, oil paintings, sculpture, folk art, primitives, nautical décor, and much more!

Click HERE to shop our newest arrivals now!

Fins and Feathers

2011-10-17T07:10:00.001-04:00

The 500 Years: Decorative Arts Europe sale to be held this week at Christie’s is packed with amazing treasures, but these whimsical pieces inspired by creatures of the sky and sea really caught our imagination.

This fantastical late 19th century Venetian turtle-form chair is designed with a hinged back that reveals a silk upholstered seat. The sculptural base is charmingly detailed with starfish and shells scattered among the rocks.

This spectacular set of 18th century Chinese wallpaper panels depict a variety of winged creatures including caged birds, peacocks, hawks, butterflies, and insects all among a background of flowering branches.

Lastly this wildly playful Victorian porcelain fish service by Bodley, with an almost Disney-like whimsy, is resplendent with seriously lavish gilt detailing.

All photos via Christie’s.

Cool Calm and Eclectic

2011-10-06T10:17:00.004-04:00

We all crave more calm and serenity so why not introduce some into your own environment with these cool eclectic home accessories.

The exotic shape of the onion dome birdcage plays well against the blue and white Chinese porcelain, the elaborate wire scrollwork echoing the intricate floral motifs of the vase and carpet, while from above the tranquil profile of the great poet Dante looks down from an antique plaque.

An elegant mid-century Danish modern blue and white porcelain bowl by Bing & Grondahl rests before a romantically distressed vintage Buddha garden sculpture, which sits alongside a pair of hand blown art glass vases, one a wild riot of free-formed molten glass and the other a vessel of perfect simplicity.

Photos and styling by KS&D.

Architectural Americana Part II: Colonial Revival Interiors

2011-09-28T07:32:00.010-04:00

As promised in our earlier post on Robert J. Collier’s country estate here are some interior views of the Colonial Revival mansion at Rest Hill originally published mere weeks after Mrs. Collier’s uncle John Jacob Astor perished the richest man aboard the RMS Titanic.

Architect John Russell Pope, better known for lavish Beaux-Arts projects like the Jefferson Memorial and the National Gallery of Art, maintained the simplistic theme of the façade in his interiors. The floor plan centers on a wide hall running the depth of the house and dominated by a dramatic double flight staircase that meets at a landing above the front door.

At the far end of the hall French doors flanked by built-in arched corner cabinets lead out to the Mount Vernon inspired porch with its commanding view of the countryside. Wide archways at the foot of each stairway open into the dining room on the left and the drawing room on the right.

A view of the archway to the drawing room shows the acres of simple rag rugs that were spread across the floors of all the main rooms lending a homey country feel in keeping with the Colonial Revival theme. Further unifying the hall, dining, and drawing rooms was the lush foliage of hand-painted scenic wallpaper lit by cut glass light fixtures.

From the drawing room a passage connecting the vestibule with the west wing leads into an intimate library cum smoking room cluttered with antique prints and exotic hunting trophies. The door next to the fireplace leads to a hall with two guest rooms and a bath as well as a staircase to the family rooms above.

The dining room mantle features a simple marble surround flanked by narrow fluted pilasters supporting a high ledge. Another expansive rag rug provides an informal foil for the elegant Chippendale furnishings.

A view from the dining room into the hall shows more of the lovely scenic wallpaper that envelopes the spaces as well as the clean lined moldings that help define them. In 1927 Mrs. Collier donated Rest Hill to the Sisters of the Good Shepard to establish a home for troubled girls, the organization continues to maintain the estate now open to children of all ages as Collier Youth Services.

Photos from Architectural Record June 1912

New Arrivals at Knickerbocker

2011-09-23T14:20:00.004-04:00

Vintage Globe Vignette

2011-09-16T15:06:00.006-04:00

A charming trio of vintage globes lends an air of adventure to this romantic vignette.

Adorning the background is a shield emblazoned with a lion and crown flanked by a pair of antique reverse painted glass wall panels intricately hand painted with elaborate classical motifs. Resting on the romantically distressed antique Indian jewelry box is a pair of just as beautifully distressed antique carved wooden clock hands.

The dramatic antique Victorian statues, both rich with wonderful old patina, add a note of grace and elegance to this eclectic vignette.

Photos and styling by KS&D.

Riddle of the Treasure Hunt

2011-08-14T07:12:00.015-04:00

Question: What’s harder to find than…

a finely hand-painted vintage reproduction of an eighteenth century British marching drum,

an intricately hand-embroidered Thai wall tapestry depicting the signs of the zodiac,

or an antique hand-decorated folk art saint portrait still displayed in its original faux grained wood frame?

Answer: A reputable online dealer to ship them safely and speedily to your door!

Shop our newest arrivals here now!

Architectural Americana: The Mount Vernon Deluxe

2011-08-05T06:06:00.002-04:00

Lazy days on the porch are a beloved symbol of summer in America, call it a piazza or veranda if you will, but whether it’s on a southern plantation or seaside bungalow no piece of architecture is more quintessential Americana than the slender columns of Mount Vernon.

Architect John Russell Pope clearly had this in mind when he designed Rest Hill the Robert J. Collier residence in Wickatunk, New Jersey in 1911. Robert Collier, editor of Collier’s Weekly magazine, inherited the dramatic hilltop site from his father, publisher Peter F. Collier, who acquired the estate to pursue a passion for foxhunting that remains a Monmouth County tradition to this day.

Enormous size and extreme simplicity seem to have been the architect’s main guidelines in this restraint Colonial Revival design, making the massive yet wholly unpretentious house unique among gilded age mansions. Approached through an old orchard rambling right up to the facade provided a perfectly patriotic country setting while helping to conceal the buildings vast scale. The simple elements of cypress shingles, louvered shutters, and basic moldings echo those seen on local farmhouses throughout the region.

The cavernous recessed entrance porch overlooking the orchard was charmingly furnished with high backed chairs and potted trees while a huge pair of hunting trophies flanked the Chinese Chippendale balcony over the front door. From here one could look out over the orchard toward Collier’s private polo field and the landing strip for the private biplane this aeronautical pioneer purchased from Orville Wright, a friend and guest at Rest Hill.

The Mount Vernon porch sprawls along the rear façade commanding a spectacular view down the hillside to the valley below. From this vantage point Collier would host legendary entertainments, most notably a three-day housewarming extravaganza attended by thousands that combined the old money pastimes of polo and foxhunting with stunning displays of the latest in aviation technology.

Another view of the rear façade showing one of the wings that flank the central block gives some idea of the scale of this massive house, nearly three times the size of Mount Vernon itself. Be sure to check back soon for an interior tour of Rest Hill, domestic domain of Mrs. Collier nee Sarah Van Alen, a granddaughter of the legendary Caroline Astor.

Photos 1, 3, and 5 from here, photo 2 from here, and photo 4 from here.

Click here to read more on Collier's wild housewarming including how he accidentally scared of one of J.D. Rockefeller's horses to death.

Eclectic Elements

2011-07-27T16:12:00.001-04:00

Blending art glass, ceramics, oddities, artifacts, and elements of nature.

At the heart of this eclectic display the goddess Athena presides over a collection of minerals with the bold graphics of an antique French plate and a nautical English tile providing a suitably noble backdrop.

Tucked among this eclectic treasure trove before an artfully displayed branch of faux white coral sits a charming miniature globe spinning on its tiny brass stand.

The clean lines of the elegant long necked blue and white Chinese porcelain vase echo in the huge vase of free form art glass; the wild molten glass trails providing a foil to the traditional floral motifs of the ceramics.

Photos and styling by KS&D

A Unique Antique Boutique

2011-07-21T11:56:00.002-04:00

Albemarle Revisited

2011-07-02T11:48:00.012-04:00

Our piece last year on Sotheby’s auction at Albemarle House remains our most popular post to date. Now with the estate and Patricia Kluge once again making headlines lets revisit this infamous Virginia mansion that continues to fascinate.

Here in the entrance hall a massive piece of Greek art pottery displayed on a pedestal does double duty as a hat stand, the basket of firewood lends a rustic note to the classical formality.

The doorway to the left of the fireplace leads to the Gun Room with masculine wood trim and a view over the forecourt of the rolling Virginia countryside subsequently purchased by the Kluge’s friend Donald Trump.

The fireplace is flanked by custom Asprey gun cabinets and sports an elaborate gilt convex mirror that pops against the deep green walls. Not far from these finely housed firearms sits a Chippendale dresser set up as a chic little bar for serving after-hunt libations.

A marbleized Palladian window framing a distant piece of garden sculpture, dominates one end of the Drawing Room. The fluted Corinthian columns mirror those flanking the staircase on the opposite entry wall seen in our previous post. This scheme of a curved stair framed by columns and mirrored by a Palladian window is repeated again in the Dining Room to dramatic effect.

Yet more marbleized classical moldings are off set with trompe l’oeil swags of fringed fabric in the series of galleries linking the entrance hall with the main rooms and twin staircases. These faux-finishes that characterize the interiors typify the lavish style of the era.

The Library returns to a more masculine atmosphere with rich wood paneling and a billiard table filling one end. The view through the curtained doorway looks into the stately Roman Gallery furnished with a set of swaged neoclassic stools custom designed by the architect David Easton.

These lavish little jewels complete with architectural detailing, faux finishes, and elaborate trimmings seem to sum up the design philosophy of the whole estate, if not the opulent spirit of 80’s excess that created them. Now these furnishings like all the rest have long been auctioned off while the sprawling red brick manse that once showcased them sits emptily awaiting its fate.

All photos via Sotheby’s.

An Eclectic Country Bedroom

2011-06-23T13:11:00.006-04:00

A bedroom vignette seemed long overdue, especially as we’ve yet to do one since moving to the country.

A private space like the bedroom is a wonderful opportunity to create a completely personal environment filled with ones favorite things. Here unique keepsakes and other pretty things, including an antique French candlestick, an inlayed wood cigarette box, and one of a pair of lions fill the side table.

Flowers are a welcomed addition to any bedroom. Just a few fresh hydrangea blooms tucked into porcelain bud vases lend a seasonal charm. Useful accessories such as the enameled brass bowl and art pottery trinket box are both handy and aesthetically pleasing.

The exposed hand hewn beams provide yet another display opportunity for favorite items, such as an antique silhouette, a small folk art print, and a carved gilt wood scroll molding propped against a butterfly display. Shimmering above the bed is an intricately hand embroidered Thai wall tapestry lavishly depicting the signs of the zodiac, while a sculptural pair of vintage moose antlers adds a dramatic crowning touch.

Photos and styling by KS&D.

The Other Newport Mansions

2011-06-02T09:56:00.005-04:00

It’s been ages since we last posted a favorite book, and with summer now officially underway it seems the perfect time to steal away to one of the country’s most extravagant watering holes.

Blessed with a wealth of architecture, history, natural beauty, and well…wealth, Newport, Rhode Island has always fascinated. While there are countless books dedicated to the palatial summer “cottages” now preserved as historic house museums, “Private Newport at Home and in the Garden” by Bettie Bearden Pardee features many private estates never before seen by the public. The photography of Mick Hales beautifully captures the interiors, gardens, and stunning natural vistas of Newport, bringing to life a world of exquisitely appointed homes among expertly maintained gardens.

While less opulent than Vanderbilt showplaces like The Breakers and Marble House, the homes featured here even include some actual cottages, like this charming shingled cape overlooking the sea, where an elegant Wedgwood inset mantel is surrounded by framed family photos, fine antiques, and stacks of books and albums. With the fresh salty breeze blowing in off the ocean what better place to pass a summer afternoon?

Online Design Emporium

2011-05-28T10:02:00.001-04:00

Cuddling Money Bags

2011-05-18T12:05:00.001-04:00

As promised in a previous post here’s a look at what we did with those old canvas bank bags.

Running them through the wash a few times softened the canvas enough that we decided to keep it simple and stitch the bags up into a set of fun throw pillows perfect for the outdoors. We made sure to stuff them firmly, after all who doesn’t prefer a plump money bag even if the filling is just feathers?

Don’t they look quite charming here on a weathered old chair in the sun with iced tea and a good book at the ready?

Photos and styling by KS&D.

Old Money Bags

2011-05-13T14:01:00.001-04:00

When we came across these old canvas bank bags on a recent buying trip for our online emporium they were too much fun to pass up.

We’ve got a few ideas for these unique vintage finds, but you’ll have to check back next week to see what we come up with!

When Not to Resist Temptation

2011-04-21T16:32:00.010-04:00

It happens to the best of us, usually when we least expect it.

On buying trips for our online emporium we’re often forced to resist the temptation to pick up a thing or two for ourselves, but seeing the thrice-slashed clearance ticket on these French Regence style chairs with leather upholstery on just the right side of “broken in”, there seemed no point in resisting.

We really loved the fine hand carved details along the cabriole legs, especially when accented with those handsome lines of old brass nail heads. In early eighteenth century France the Regence was a transition style between the heavy classically influenced baroque styling of Louis XIV and the lighter curvilinear lines of Louis XV.

The pair make a charming vignette flaking this eccentric old birdcage mixed with classically designed candlesticks and a distressed antique marble bust. The potted orchid lends some life and color, as do the stacks of books that make a convenient perch for a framed Mid-Century print and replica of Michelangelo’s David.

Photos and staging by KS&D.

Spring on the Historic Delaware Canal

2011-04-13T15:00:00.008-04:00

The forsythia and daffodils are a sure sign spring has finally reached Bucks County, with the warmer weather providing the perfect excuse for a stroll along the Delaware Canal.

Delaware Canal State Park is one of the great treasures of the Delaware River Valley, with a towpath running 60 miles along both riverbanks, as it meanders past historic villages, rural farmsteads, and quaint country houses. The last surviving fully intact towpath in the country, it provides a rare glimpse into a lost world of nineteenth century America. After all what more better way to experience the longest free flowing river east of the Mississippi than on foot much as it was seen over a century ago.

The charming sign on this stately residence reads “The Boathouse”, alluding to the buildings original function in the days of the canal. Known as quarterboards, such fancifully carved and gilded signs are a nautical tradition especially beloved on Nantucket. Originally designed for display on sailing ships, the sign would be removed when the captain retired and placed on the exterior of his home.

Here another beautifully maintained historic building from the heyday of the canal sits right along the waters edge. The tiny historic village of Uhlerstown where these photos were taken was once a bustling commercial hub that now boasts the finest group of nineteenth century canal related buildings in the country.

This charming covered bridge at the heart of the village is one of several still to be found on the back roads of Bucks County. The towpath, which often runs directly along the river, diverts here to the west, allowing for a wide swath of farmland that isolates the village from the river road. These fields coupled with towering cliffs to the west have done much to help preserve the nineteenth century atmosphere.

This romantic old Victorian Gothic mansion boasts a porch richly ornamented with lacey cast ironwork. With only the occasional car rattling virtually unseen across the bridge, it’s easy to forget the modern world as you stroll the towpath through this well-preserved rural village.

Here a closer look at the facade reveals another pointed Gothic Revival window while allowing a better view of the frothy metalwork of the porch. The beautiful old slate roof has achieved a wonderful aged patina.

This view of the bridge as seen from the road gives a hint of the cliffs running along the west side of the canal, but these photos are just a small sampling of the miles of historical, architectural, and natural treasures that Delaware Canal State Park has to offer, in spring or any other season.

Photos by KS&D.

Shop New Arrivals Now!

2011-04-09T14:14:00.002-04:00

Classic Country

2011-03-31T13:29:00.006-04:00

As promised, here is a look at our sitting area as influenced by the English country library seen in last week’s post.

To create a similar atmosphere on a small scale we’ve retained the warm color scheme with an antique oriental carpet sporting a rich golden background that matches the apricot velvet upholstered stool as well as shades in the Wedgwood print throw pillows. The x-frame design of the stool recalls the one at the center of the original photo while the wonderfully versatile antique drop leaf table beside it holding a book and Limoges dish is the ideal height for serving tea, a tray of cocktails, or an impromptu game of cards.

As promised, here is a look at our sitting area as influenced by the English country library seen in last week’s post.
Among the antique European prints cluttering the walls is one of a pair of gilt oval shadowboxes displaying classical plaques. Lining the top of the bookcase are pieces of green tole, a pair of terra cotta cherub candleholders, a charming antique trinket box in the form of a cluster of grapes, and a whimsical figure of a fancifully attired violin playing monkey. Next to the marble pedestal lamp sits a cluster of art pottery including an English jug, a green majolica pitcher covered in strawberry vines, and a salt glazed pitcher holding an arrangement of dried thistle-like wildflowers known as teasel, our simplified take on the flower arrangements that lend the inspiration photo a heavy dose of both charm and drama.

Photos and styling by KS&D.

English Country Inspiration

2011-03-25T07:29:00.002-04:00

Settling into our new old carriage house in the country seems a perfect excuse to revisit our favorite country interiors.

Nancy Lancaster, the American tastemaker who helped define what we think of today as the English Country aesthetic, created this room for herself in the 1970’s. After many years residing in some of the finest homes in England, this arbiter of style took for herself a cluster of outbuildings on her former estate at Haseley Court, and fashioned this summer sitting room cum library from an old orangery. The rich warm color scheme, the patterns and textures, the jumbled prints, masses of books, and bunches of wildflowers; all combine here to brilliant effect. Inspired by the components of this gracious interior we hope to achieve a similar atmosphere for our own library/sitting area. Be sure to check back soon to see just how this image influences our own decorating efforts.

Image from Nancy Lancaster: English Country House Style.

Distressed Patina

2011-03-22T15:40:00.006-04:00

Don’t you love the richly distressed patina on the gilding of these antique architectural fragments?

The intricate baroque detailing finely carved into these wooden artifacts strikes a wonderful contrast with the roughly aged gilt finish.

Now online! Only at Knickerbocker.

Shop New Arrivals Now!

2011-03-20T17:00:00.001-04:00

Old Things New Home

2011-03-17T11:31:00.007-04:00

It’s always interesting reworking your old pieces into a new space.

This massive three arch china breakfront once lined a long dark hall in our city apartment. Now in the country the bulky piece perfectly fills a large wall that was originally an open carriage entrance.

Here an exterior view of the same wall shows the big old rolling barn door still hanging from its antique metal hardware.

For a fresh clean look we’ve curtained the glass doors with simple muslin sheers that hide the piles of shop inventory stowed within. The pleated folds also happen to make a wonderful backdrop for displaying items such as this charming pair of vintage horse prints.

Photos and styling by KS&D.

Knickerbocker's New Nest

2011-03-10T14:35:00.009-05:00

Last month visitors to our online emporium Knickerbocker Antiques & Vintage would have noticed we closed shop for relocation. In fact we traded the hectic pace of New York City for the bucolic pleasures of country life in beautiful Bucks County, PA, where the winding lanes along the Delaware River are dotted with ancient stone farmhouses and massive old barns.

Here some familiar pieces from the city fill a corner in our new home, a unique structure originally built as the carriage house on a farm established in the 1740’s. Ever enamored with all things old we were especially charmed by the exposed hand hewn beams and uneven hardwood floors.

A closer look at the framework shows the craftsman’s tool marks still evident under the whitewash, as is the end of the wooden peg used to join the post and beam.

Photos and styling by KS&D.

First Year Top Ten!

2011-02-02T07:15:00.012-05:00

Today marks the one-year anniversary of our first post here at Knickerbocker Style & Design! In celebration we’ve selected our top ten favorite home vignettes for another look.

1. The boldest color story of the year had to be the rich warm hues of the “Autumn Eclectic” post with its opulent bohemian flair. The handmade pillows we crafted of vintage Schumacher fabric were tea dyed to gently tone down the bold saturated colors.

2. In “The Perfect Summer Color Scheme” we pulled from our collection of blue and white china for a display that looks as fresh and beautiful now in the middle of winter as it did then in the heat of summer.

3. In the “Eclectic Dessert Buffet” post we created one of our most romantic vignettes of the year with our prettiest floral china displayed among fresh cut flowers and candles.

4. The “Library Nook” post confirmed our love of books as both inspirational sources as well as decorative accessories. A mixture of intricate antique prints and porcelain accessories complete this charming yet elegant vignette.

5. The versatile old “Oak Sideboard” has appeared in several variations, here a few pieces of Chinese porcelain mingle with more eclectic décor while a unique selection of antique prints fill out the display.

6. Restraint went out the window with our “Holiday Hospitality” post featuring the sideboard dressed up in all its holiday finery, including a bar tray crammed with glistening cut crystal.

7. Setting the table was the focus of our “Dinner for Two” post where we raided the “butler’s pantry” for our finest crystal and glassware along with mixed and matched antique and vintage china from England, France, Germany, and Austria. Using a quilt as the tablecloth lent a charmingly informal air.

8. In the “Refurbished Curio Cabinet” post we shared the results of a simple DIY project that refreshed an outdated storage piece for our expanding art glass collection. Painting the dark curio the same color as the walls gave the look of a built-in while focusing attention on the jewel toned glass treasures within.

9. The “Cozy Chic Bedroom Corner” post featured one of our most eclectic vignettes with a charming mix of antique and vintage furniture and accessories ranging from the ethnic to the nautical with a dash of gilding and crystal thrown in for good measure.

10. “Playing with Shadow and Light” was the first vignette styled exclusively for the blog, and the creative freedom allowed here inspired the creation of every other post on this list. We hope you’ve enjoyed perusing our favorite posts as much as we enjoyed creating them, and as always be sure to check back soon to see what inspires us this year!

Photos, styling, and staging by KS&D.

Nautical Novelties at Auction

2011-01-18T12:28:00.012-05:00

Later this month Christies is set to auction off the treasures of a London collector with truly breathtaking taste.

In the piles of rare art and antiques it was these romantic nautically themed pieces that really caught our imagination. This show-stopping mirror frame assembled from 17th century carvings includes a whimsical lobster at the base surrounded by shells and dolphins as if sprung from the mind of Tony Duquette.

Always obsessed with naturally distressed patina we envied the selection of pottery and other items pulled directly from centuries old shipwrecks. Still encrusted from hundreds of years at the bottom of the sea these unique pieces have to be the ultimate in nautical accessories.

Or perhaps the ultimate nautical accessory would be Venetian grotto furniture for its wildly whimsical flair? The Gothick Pavilion sale features an impressive collection of Venetian grotto furniture including side chairs, armchairs, and even a sofa.

The fairy-tale fantasy climbs right up the walls with these matching Venetian grotto wall brackets playfully designed as opened scallops perched on conch shells.

Even this wonderful Scandinavian cabinet with its fantastic aged patina injects a nod to the nautical with a crowning crest that features an eye-catching anchor motif.

All images via Christies

Eclectic Country Kitchen Decor

2011-01-07T15:34:00.012-05:00

Antique and vintage ceramics lend warmth and charm to the utilitarian modern day kitchen, especially when they prove functional as well as aesthetically pleasing.

This enormous Italian art pottery bowl features a wonderful hand painted blackbird motif on the interior, a theme similar to that on the salt glazed pitcher with its unusual curling handle and unique shape. On the other side of the ironstone platter sits an elaborate yet useful Italian majolica canister alongside a simple French Country creamer with pale blue tulip motifs. Other examples of classic French provincial china include the green faience oyster plates with their finely detailed shells, as well as the asparagus plate, also from Sarreguemines, and featuring a sauce well and molded asparagus stalks encircled by a basket weave border.

Baskets are another decorative yet functional accessory perfect for the kitchen. Here one brimming with fresh eggs sits among a number of other useful accessories including majolica oil and vinegar cruets, an English copper lusterware cream and sugar set, a vintage Italian ceramic wall pocket designed as a cluster of onions, and a blue and white floral serving bowl in the elegant Chatsworth pattern. Along the back rests a colorful majolica platter alongside two elaborate Victorian style majolica plates.

The top self holds a massive Limoges porcelain serving platter surrounded by a quartet of Italian white art pottery pitchers and two large white ceramic canisters. Adding a dose of color is a blue and white delft china jam jar along with a whimsical pyramid of majolica fruits and vegetables, the perfect antique accessory for the eclectic country kitchen.

All photos and styling by KS&D.

Knickerbocker Antiques & Vintage Turns Two!

2011-01-01T07:33:00.001-05:00

Happy 2011! Knickerbocker Antiques and Vintage is proud to celebrate two years of offering the most eclectic collection of antique and vintage home decor in our convenient online emporium!

Click HERE to shop our newest arrivals now!

Seasons Eatings!

2010-12-25T07:30:00.004-05:00

Wishing a very happy holiday season to all!

We have some great posts planned for the new year but until then we hope you'll enjoy this entirely edible edifice we created complete with caramel block chimneys, shaved coconut snow, and windows of caramelized sugar.

Gingerbread house and photo by KS&D.

Holiday Hospitality

2010-12-20T07:05:00.008-05:00

This holiday season welcome your guests with a cup of cheer served from the finest European cut crystal by Waterford, Val St. Lambert, and Baccarat.

Our barware rests on a romantic inlayed wood tray depicting an elegant lady courted by rival cavaliers. Along the back are placed inverted gold gilt wall corbels to tie in with the opulent golden frame on the dramatic angel painting in an exuberant Spanish Colonial folk art style.

This bold and imaginative work of art is flanked by hand painted tole cachepots brimming with burgundy hydrangea and gilded floral wall swags. Along the top hangs a round Chinese wood carving of horses framed by a pair of intricate Persian miniature horse paintings.

Adding height and drama are large scaled accessories including a matched pair of large sang de boeuf porcelain jars along with two unique armillary sundials. The vintage holiday magazines under the little suit of armor date from the 1940’s and 50’s and are a great source for retro Christmas cookie recipes and holiday decorating ideas. Scattered under an antique French music box are several charming vintage German Christmas cards featuring cozy holiday scenes.

All photos and styling by KS&D.

Trimming the Tinsel Tree

2010-12-14T07:03:00.017-05:00

As promised in an earlier post, here are some of our eclectic holiday decorations including our over the top ultimate aluminum Christmas tree.

This year we went with a full on metallic color scheme ranging from silver through the whole spectrum of golds to copper and deep bronze. To keep the focus on the tree we’ve placed it against an original abstract oil painting flanked by Limoges china, antique Chinese silk embroideries, and gilded shadowboxes holding classical plaster medallions.

More than 50 years since they first debuted, vintage aluminum trees are now popular collectibles for their nostalgic charm and clever design. This small bundle of brown paper packages is quickly transformed into a glimmering pine by giving simply primping the branches and tucking them into the trunk. All branches are the same length with the angle of the hole creating the conical shape. We’re using a vintage cast iron tree stand for added strength and stability.

To fill the tree out we’ve wrapped the trunk generously with silver tinsel being careful to choose a wide thick tinsel that closely matches the needles of the tree. We wound the tinsel around the stand filling the entire table, after all what better skirt for a tinsel tree than yet more tinsel!

We’ve added beaded garland by hanging it from the branches on ornament hooks so as not to damage the aluminum needles. Since the branches on these old artificial trees don’t click into place the way the way modern ones do it’s important to hang decorations carefully to avoid accidentally pulling out the branch.

Finally we’ve filled the branches to capacity with European blown glass ornaments mixed with inexpensive discount store finds in multiple finishes including satin, shiny, and glittered. The deep spaces are great for displaying large ornaments or tall slender icicles and the long branches are capable of holding many ornaments with this tree taking over 200 to fill it.

If the cool blue and green color scheme from last year was more your style you might enjoy this white feather tree for another festive yet dreamy twist on holiday decor.

All decorations and photos by KS&D.

Shop New Arrivals Now!

2010-12-10T17:00:00.006-05:00

Browse the most eclectic mix of unique antique and vintage home accessories from the comfort and convenience of home. Enhance the design of any interior with Knickerbocker’s carefully curated collection of American, European, Asian, and African fine and decorative arts. Our ever-changing inventory features an array of objects and artifacts from Victorian to Mid-Century Modern including lamps, sconces, art pottery, fine china, porcelain, crystal, art glass, prints, oil paintings, sculpture, folk art, primitives, nautical décor, and much more!

Click HERE to shop our newest arrivals now!

Russian Romantic

2010-12-06T06:51:00.016-05:00

It’s been awhile since our last Interests post when our examples of Hollywood at Chatsworth reminded us of our love for period movies, particularly as sources of design inspiration. While the sets for Pride and Prejudice, especially the Bennett’s charmingly derelict Longbourn House, are certainly among the most beautiful, there is one lesser known film that has always captivated us.

In the 1999 film Onegin, based on Alexander Puskin’s mid-nineteenth century novel in verse, the title character trades the glittering palaces of St. Petersburg for the glistening snows of his Russian country estate. As the jaded Onegin (Ralph Fiennes) engages with the provincial nobility he is introduced to our heroine Tatiana (Liv Tyler), who resides in this rustic wooden manor house with dream-like interiors.

The main living space is a grand white neo-classical hall with banks of white gauze curtained windows, rows of double columns, and a gleaming parquet floor. Arranged around this airy interior are seating areas, a dining area, and even a grand piano.

Throughout the film we see the space transformed from an elegant living room to an intimate supper room from banquet hall to whirling ballroom. As lovely as this space is however it’s the next one you enter that really caught our imagination.

Through the elegant double doors we leave the Grecian temple behind and find ourselves in something like a giant humidor paneled entirely with raw wooden planks. Similar to a modern family room, such a space would have been known as a divan room for the long cushion backed sofas that dominate the walls.

The stark contrast between these two completely different environments is unexpected yet makes perfect sense considering in the long Russian winter it would be ideal to spend the few daylight hours in a bright airy space before retreating to a warm cozy den for the long dark evening.

According to Priscilla Roosevelt, author of the fascinating book Life on the Russian Country Estate, neo-classical architecture and rough plank walls contrasted with intricate parquet floors were common to manor houses of the period, most of which were lost to history following the Russian Revolution. Onegin recreates this lost world down to unique touches like the one-of-a-kind divans and these wonderful wooden floor-standing candelabra that represent the type of provincial furnishings that would have been produced on the estate by local serf craftsmen.

For a decidedly modern take on the divan room look no further than the April 2010 cover of House Beautiful touting "the new look of wood”. We’ve even seen a new lounge open in the neighborhood sporting an interior clad in planks of wood recycled from old shipping palates for a uniquely green twist on the trend.

Click HERE to view the Onegin movie trailer.

Images #1-6 from Onegin, #7 from April 2010 House Beautiful.

A Victorian Aluminum Christmas Tree

2010-11-30T07:02:00.014-05:00

Approaching our first holiday season here at Knickerbocker Style & Design we should probably warn you we’re absolutely crazy for Christmas. After all what time of year inspires more creativity and imagination in home decor than the holidays? As far as we’re concerned anytime after the Thanksgiving leftovers are put away is fair game to start stringing lights and trimming trees, so to get in the spirit we thought we’d kick off the season with a look back at last year’s decorations.

A Victorian styled aluminum Christmas tree might sound crazy but that’s exactly why this lavishly trimmed vintage sparkler is our favorite of last years trees. There’s something so over the top about a tree made entirely of tinsel yet when these glistening beauties first debuted over fifty years ago the fashion was to decorate them very simply with just a few ornaments for a modern Space Age look. Solid red or blue were the popular color choices but we’ve gone for a more sophisticated color scheme of wintery white with pale blues and light greens making for an icy effect against the silvery boughs.

Since the whole idea of a tinsel tree is over the top to begin with we decided to go all out and trim ours in the spirit of Victorian excess complete with beaded garlands and masses of blown glass ornaments. Instead of cumbersome light strands these aluminum trees were accompanied by a rotating color wheel which bathed the reflective silver needles in a kaleidoscope of colors seen here close up. Click HERE to see how we trim the tree for such a full effect!

The actual Victorians may not have had aluminum trees to trim but they did fashion their own ingenious artificial Christmas trees from dyed goose feathers entwined on wire branches. Here we’ve filled a white goose feather tree with a collection of European blown-glass ornaments ranging from original antiques and vintage baubles to contemporary versions by Christopher Radko and Waterford. The treetop Santa from Spode was charmingly designed as a replica of the tree topper on the company’s ever-popular Christmas Tree china pattern.

You can see we have a penchant for tabletop trees, as they take up virtually no floor space, are safely out of reach of pets and small children, and can fit just about anywhere. The sight of a tabletop tree trimmed by Queen Victoria and her family widely popularized the German custom of decorating an evergreen at Christmas. This fresh cut tree adorned with antiques baubles and seashells gathered on Nantucket is topped by a starfish and covered with a halo of gold French bullion; a fine slinky-like wire trim that creates a shimmering net to compliment the nautical theme.

Not to neglect the other yuletide trimmings here is a large holiday wreath festooned with flocked pinecones, dried-hydrangea, glittered glass baubles, metallic berries, and a flurry of white butterflies. We hope you enjoyed our eclectic holiday decor and check back soon for a look at this year's along with a closer look at how we trim an aluminum tree for a such a lavish final result.

All decorations, styling, and photos by KS&D.

Home for the Holidays

2010-11-25T06:57:00.004-05:00

Thanksgiving will always-mean two things, family and food, but certainly having a beautiful place to enjoy both doesn’t hurt either.

Ten years after its original publication the beautifully photographed ancestral abodes featured in Family Houses in the Country by Alexandra D’Arnoux and Gilles De Chabaneix still captivate our imagination. Ranging from grand to humble the touchingly personal interiors on its pages exude the unique personality often achieved only after generations of family use, a look so rarely seen in shelter magazines today.

Find Great Gifts Now!

2010-11-23T06:52:00.004-05:00

Asian Inspired

2010-11-18T07:14:00.006-05:00

Asian and Chinoiserie home accessories are always among the most popular featured in our shop and this vignette of eclectic standouts is no exception.

Sitting atop a Japanese stool with beautifully aged patina is a colorful Chinese figure of a girl and an intricately decorated bottle of cobalt blue glass, most likely crafted as the base of a hookah or water pipe. Resting beneath on a stack of old books is a ginger jar of rich cloisonné enamel giving a bold shot of color. The antique birdcage with its incredible Taj Mahal inspired onion dome is quite a dramatic piece.

Forming the backdrop is a beautiful Indian folk art painting at center flanked by a mother of pearl and black lacquer panel and another of whimsical Chinoiserie design. Draped along the shelf is an antique European tapestry for a touch of contrast while an unusual basket brimming with chrysanthemums lends its texture to the mix.

Photos and styling by Knickerbocker.

Whimsical Rustic Home

2010-11-12T07:41:00.007-05:00

Mixing and matching art and accessories is the guiding principal of eclectic style and pairing the rustic with the whimsical always makes for a lively mix.

Here a domed wood and metal birdcage lends a whimsical air to trio of rustic pieces including a wonderful folk art Indian maiden statue, a primitive pottery jug, and a charming buttocks basket brimming with colorful gourds and corn. The stately brass barely twist candlesticks add a subtle metallic sparkle.

This festive scene is a riot of colorful whimsical pieces including a trio of richly costumed monkey musicians playing the cello, a violin, and even bagpipes. The Italian majolica pyramid of fruits and vegetables fits right in among gourds and pumpkins, as do a pair of colorful fruit bowls and the pitcher and creamer, all of hand painted Italian art pottery.

Adding a few extra boldly colored books around the carved Chinese chest ties the bottom in with the rest of the arrangement, we’ve also included a few at the top for good measure along with an unusual basket holding dried hydrangea seen fresh in a previous post.

Graves Great Gatsby

2010-11-06T07:19:00.010-04:00

As a break from our usual art and design books we’ve decided to feature our favorite piece of full-blown literature, albeit one showcasing both art and design.

The Great Gatsby by F. Scott Fitzgerald is easily among the most well known novels of the last century but this rare edition is part of a limited run of 400 fine press copies created in 1984 by Arion Press. Featuring illustrations by the iconic architect Michael Graves, the volume is beautifully produced with cloth trimmed outer case and pages of thick cotton paper soft to the touch.

Graves charming sketches and illustrations depict various design elements of Gatsby’s world from the cocktail glasses to a bird eye view of his entire Gold Coast estate yet none of the characters themselves are shown leaving those details to the reader’s imagination.

Thanksgiving China

2010-11-01T07:32:00.005-04:00

With food, family, and fabulous china, what’s not to love about Thanksgiving! This year why not create the perfect table setting for your loved ones with unique antique and vintage china tableware.

Beneath our pretty pale pumpkin sits a of stack of old china bowls the perfect shade for serving butternut squash soup along with a stack of creamware dinner plates in an intricate pattern appropriately titled American Traditional. A good heavy turkey platter such as this antique English ironstone piece is one of the most important pieces on any Thanksgiving table second only to the gravy boat of course such as this charming floral piece by Staffordshire.

The white porcelain gravy boat is ideal for a more formal table setting, especially when paired with the luxurious sterling silver ladle complete with mother of pearl handle. The stack of vintage floral ironstone china dinner plates coordinate nicely with the antique transferware casserole dish brimming with autumn gourds. Imagine serving fresh apple cider to your guests with this unusual porcelain pitcher and cup set lavishly hand painted with acorns and oak leaves displayed here before a Currier and Ives print depicting a wild turkey hunt on a long ago Thanksgiving Day.

Photos and styling by Knickerbocker

Shop New Arrivals Now!

2010-10-26T07:04:00.003-04:00

Casual Layering

2010-10-19T07:19:00.007-04:00

One of the best design features of this antique oak sideboard is the narrow shelf along the top ledge perfect for casually layering framed art works and a slender piece of Blanc de Chine.

Overlapping a large bird print with a small equestrian scene and a piece of Chinese silk embroidery takes the formal edge off the elaborate pair of brass rococo wall sconces flanking them. We’ve kept all frames the same shape for a sense of unity yet each has a different contrasting finish ranging from raw wood to gold gilt.

Using an old botanical shade on a marble pedestal lamp again mixes the formal with the casual for a light playful feel. Clustered around its base are an art glass ball with an antique French Gothic music box and a pair of Waterford crystal decanters in the Lismore and Glandore patterns. Dusty hued hydrangea fills a blown glass urn lending just the right dose of soft color and texture next to the pair of huge sang de boeuf porcelain jars.

Photos and home styling by Knickerbocker.

Collections: Statues, Sculpture, and Objets d’Art

2010-10-13T07:17:00.008-04:00

Nothing adds more personality and individuality to a space than carefully chosen works of art. Paintings and prints are a great place to start but sculpture and objets d’art are a wonderful way to add that interesting finishing touch.

This collection of classically inspired antique and vintage sculpture range from a realistically designed horse figure to an unusual nautical allegory of a regal woman with an anchor.

Three unique works of art include this antique sculpture of a gentleman in Elizabethan garb crafted of copper, a classical porcelain bust, and another unusual allegory featuring a beautiful woman bearing a globe and laurel wreath.

Michelangelo’s David, perhaps the most famous sculpture of all time is represented here in a beautifully detailed replica complete with an elegant marble base, the bust of a male most likely Jesus at the forefront is carved of solid white Carrara marble and features a wonderfully distressed finish from decades of weather exposure. Finally the imposing huntress with her dogs most likely represents Diana the goddess of the hunt beautifully depicted in bonded Carrara marble with loads of romantic patina.

Photographing the Ultimate Art Form

2010-10-07T07:18:00.006-04:00

With its heady mixture of music, drama, scenic architecture, lighting, and costume design, opera has often been referred to as the ultimate art form and to celebrate this ultimate art form only an ultimate art book will do.

In the generously over-sized In Grand Style: The Glory of the Metropolitan Opera, photographer and artist Nancy Ellison beautifully captures the visual impact of twenty lavish productions on the stage of New York’s Metropolitan Opera House. From the temples of ancient Egypt to the streets of nineteenth century Paris the artists of the Met have been creating these magical worlds on the stage for over 120 years.

The nearly three-foot wingspan of the book allows for sweeping images such as this breathtaking scene of Imperial China as envisioned by Franco Zeffirelli for his lavish 1987 production of Turandot. The fact that such a deep volume might prove difficult to fit in your average bookcase only proves the point that a work of art like this should be left out and about where everyone can inspired by its fantastic imagery.

Library Nook

2010-10-01T06:34:00.006-04:00

The recent addition of a book column to this blog shows how much our style is influenced and inspired by our collection of art, history, and design books. We hope you’ll enjoy hearing about some of our select favorites and maybe even find a new volume to add to your own library at home.

Not only are our books one of our favorite sources of design inspiration but one of our best-loved design elements as well. The rhythm of all those colorful spines filling the antique mahogany bookcase lends warmth and richness to this little library nook.

The green and burgundy hues of the fresh hydrangea echo the muted shades in the mid-century vintage print behind them. Looking down over the scene from a shabby antique palm frond corbel bracket is a charming Chinese porcelain figure of a child with a large gilded fish. Contributing to the gilded theme are an unusual gold gilt rococo scroll mirror and a carved wood corbel bracket.

The top of the bookcase provides a perch for a small famille rose porcelain table lamp a contrast in proportion to the pair of over-sized ox-blood red Chinese porcelain jars beside it. Finally it would seem every library no matter how small should have at least one classical bust, here ours is displayed with a tiny Victorian print overlapping a larger antique English print on the wall behind.

Photos and styling by KS&D.

New Auction Items Now Running!

2010-09-26T22:00:00.001-04:00

Architectural Treasures at Auction

2010-09-19T07:11:00.009-04:00

When England’s greatest country estate cleans house no ordinary tag sale will do, which is why October 5 – 7 Sotheby’s will be hosting a sale of over 1,000 lots containing 20,000 objects removed from the store rooms of Chatsworth House.

This magnificent estate in Derbyshire has served for centuries as the seat of the Duke and Duchess of Devonshire, including the famous Georgiana as portrayed by Keira Knightly in the 2008 film The Duchess. Chatsworth House itself is no stranger to the silver screen having appeared in numerous films, most notably as Pemberley in the 2005 adaptation of Jane Austen’s Pride and Prejudice also staring Ms. Knightly.

While the sale includes mountains of furniture, china, glass, and fine art the most eagerly anticipated items are rare antique architectural elements salvaged from among the many castles, manors, and estates owned by the family over the centuries, including this eclectic grab bag of beautiful gilt-gesso architectural fragments dating from the late 17th and 18th centuries.

Among the rare fixtures and fittings are many long forgotten elements salvaged from Devonshire House, the palatial London residence designed for the family in 1733 by the great English architect William Kent. Once the epicenter of English society this “lost palace of London” was demolished in 1925 with many of the finest interior flourishes, including this pair of Kent designed brackets, making their way to the attics of Chatsworth where they lay forgotten and collecting dust for nearly a century.

The rediscovery of these artifacts provides a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to own a piece of England’s architectural heritage as Kent’s work is now only to be seen in important preserved historical buildings. Aside from the 18th century a broad scope of historical English design periods are represented including this beautiful collection of 15th century carved oak Gothic tracery fragments that would look incredibly chic and romantic simply displayed and enjoyed as works of art.

Among all the grand and imposing antiques we were especially taken with this unusual little pair of charming late 17th century carved oak candle wall sconces in the form of flowering crocuses with beautifully aged patina.

Photos via Sotheby’s

Autumn Eclectic

2010-09-13T06:56:00.014-04:00

This eclectic seating arrangement which can best be described as "Baronial Bohemian Baroque", was inspired by none other than the autumnal hues of our vintage fabric throw pillows begun here in a previous post. A simple tea dying treatment was the perfect solution for muting the super saturated colors of this circa 1972 Schumacher fabric to something more akin to the hand printed cotton chintz of eighteenth century India.

With the pillows as a starting point we’ve amassed an assortment of autumnal art and accessories ranging from the Imari orange of a vintage porcelain shell bowl to the ox blood red of the Chinese porcelain jars flanking the arrangement. The gilded floral garland swags and antique Italian gilt metal and crystal wall sconce add a metallic sparkle to the mix that stands in stark contrast to the moose antlers that recall an old rustic hunting lodge.

The painted set of Hollywood Regency wall panels have a Chinoiserie fantasy motif complimented by the antique Chinese silk embroideries set in elaborate antique frames with incredible aged patina. The 1940’s vintage lampshade has aged to a lovely parchment like tone that casts a warm honeyed glow over the brown leather sofa and woven Scottish throw blanket.

The beautifully hand painted Italian majolica pitcher holds a perfect autumn bouquet of golden sunflowers and orange tiger lilies while nearby the last of summers velvety fruits nestle delectably into a creamy white alabaster bowl. As you can see Heidi the Rat Terrier heartily approves of her "Baronial Bohemian Baroque" surroundings and has already claimed these new pillows as her own.

Photos and staging by KS&D.

Eclectic Dessert Buffet

2010-09-07T07:11:00.014-04:00

What better way to follow up our recent “dinner for two” post than with a generous helping of dessert? We’ve scoured the butler’s pantry for our most romantic porcelain and fine china serving pieces to create a dessert buffet as rich as any frosted confection.

Anchoring the table’s right end is a charming vintage German apothecary jar overflowing with fresh hydrangea in every imaginable shade of pink and purple. Flanking the bouquet are some beautiful Limoges porcelain compote dishes with intricate gilded floral detailing including a large cake stand layered with a scallop shell compote to create a multilevel serving piece perfect for displaying cookies and other treats. Tucked between all the Limoges sits a elegant antique Austrian porcelain serving basket and a charming antique English china sugar and creamer set.

Front and center sits an intricately painted porcelain tray of unusual shape piled high with vintage German porcelain cups and saucers adorned with colorful clusters of lush ripe fruits. Illuminating the scene from behind is a pair of elaborate porcelain candelabra ornamented with cherubic figures along their bases.

Behind the exquisite Haviland Limoges biscuit jar and vintage pewter coffee pot rests a large English ironstone platter just waiting to be put into service. The set of antique Royal Worcester bowls in the foreground are of ivory china with finely detailed gilded rims. Next to these a stack of small plates includes a set of old English Staffordshire embellished with blue ivy as well as a set of antique platinum banded Lenox. The scene is finished off with a smaller bouquet of hydrangea arranged in a classical vintage Lenox vase.

Photos and styling by KS&D.

Shop New Arrivals Now!

2010-09-02T21:29:00.007-04:00

Vintage Wedgwood Schumacher

2010-09-01T07:02:00.008-04:00

On buying trips for our shop we often come across incredible vintage fabrics but without a specific project in mind rarely stop to take a look. On a recent trip we had a definite project in mind and were lucky enough to stumble across the perfect piece of fabric for the job.

The fine fragile silk pillows seen here in a previous post all suddenly begun to fray at once (wonder who the culprit could be?) and vintage fabrics are a wonderful opportunity for unique throw pillows. At just over two yards this bold vintage Schumacher screen print was just the right size to make three pillow covers and dates from the early 70’s when this fine old family owned textile company was supplying fabric to the White House.

The pattern known as “Golden Cockerel” for the rooster motif was inspired by a now discontinued Wedgwood china pattern of the same name. The rich saturated hues in this fabric that were so popular in the late 60’s and early 70’s give the traditional pattern a fun more casual feel but are a little intense to contemporary eyes. A simple tea dying treatment will instantly tone down the bold colors and give the fabric a softer aged feel. Be sure to check back soon to see just how the finished products turn out!

Secret Garden

2010-08-26T06:57:00.011-04:00

Tucked away on Long Island’s Gold Coast, the enclave immortalized by F. Scott Fitzgerald’s Great Gatsby, a most unusual garden lies forgotten in the woods of a large estate.

The gardens most unique feature is a tiny Tudor house situated at its heart behind which hides a walled garden designed especially for the enjoyment of birds. Built to resemble a fairytale witches cottage, this romantic folly was built in 1917 by Mrs. Payne Whitney at Greentree the family’s country estate to serve as a private place for reading and quiet contemplation. To give a sense of age the masonry exterior incorporates beams from old Long Island barns and a deliberately sagging roof of multicolored slate specially laid to encourage the growth of moss. A candle fixture framed in the tiny window above the Tudor door romantically illuminates the entryway.

The cottage was named Cromwell House for it contains an actual Tudor room imported from a house in Gloucestershire, England believed to have once been the bedchamber of Oliver Cromwell. Upon entering the visitor is greeted by a large multi-paned window looking into the walled bird garden, the only entrance to which lies through an antique iron door tucked away on the side of the house. Looking out from this cozy paneled room the Whitney's and their guests could view the wild birds without disturbing them.

The bird garden is surrounded by nine-foot high walls crawling with wild grapevine and features a raised stage-like area at the far end. The garden is centered on a birdbath surrounded by formal paths and planted with shrubs specially selected to attract birds. Today the estate is preserved by the Greentree Foundation which has hosted high level UN-led meetings on the property as Cromwell House and its bird garden sit nearly forgotten in a copse of trees just beyond the tennis court.

Photos from House and Gardens Book of Houses.

Dinner for Two

2010-08-20T06:31:00.014-04:00

A beautifully set table can turn the simplest meal into a memorable event. Luckily the "butler’s pantry" here at Knickerbocker Antiques and Vintage is stocked with all the little necessities for a one-of-a-kind table.

We started by taking the quilt off the bed and putting it into service as a unique tablecloth set off by a simple blown glass urn filled to the brim with lilies and irises. This simple yet elegant base makes a perfect backdrop for mixed and matched pieces selected from our antique and vintage porcelain, fine china, crystal and glassware collections.

Our place settings feature colorful French Limoges dishes sitting atop antique Austrian porcelain soup bowls with delicately gilded detailing. The dinner plates are unadorned white porcelain by Villeroy & Boch featuring fanciful molded borders perfect for mixing and matching. The white and gold bread and butter plates of English Wedgwood china perfectly match the French Limoges butter pats, a charming dining accessory rarely seen today.

The exquisite hand blown Venetian Murano glass goblets from Asprey are intended for red wine but their massive size makes them perfect water as well. They are shown here matched with antique wine glasses featuring unusually detailed stems and vintage cut crystal glasses by Tiffin.

The table for two sits framed by columns displaying potted plants, one in a large art pottery shell supported by monkeys and the other in an Italian majolica pot. The framed bird print and gilded wall swags pick up on the china’s gilded details creating a cozy vignette for a memorable meal.

Photos and styling by KS&D.

Porch Perfection

2010-08-14T07:01:00.007-04:00

What better way to spend a lazy summer afternoon than relaxing on a well appointed porch, and we’ve yet to come across a finer one that designed by David Easton for Balderbrea his Hudson River Valley country home featured here in a previous post.

Easton flanked his jewel-like home with deep loggias featuring wide lattice panel columns and beadboard wood paneling trimmed with traditional crown moldings. The beautifully designed space is conceived as an open-air living room complete with stone flooring, circular windows, and even a wood burning fireplace to snuggle up to on cool nights.

The floor is covered with simple straw matting and the mix of metal and rattan seating features thickly upholstered cushions with coordinating throw blankets and pillows at the ready. The idea of treating the space as an extension of the interior is emphasized by table lamps and even framed pictures on the walls, while the deer antlers over the fireplace lend a cozy hunting lodge feel.

Of course one of the most important aspects of the well appointed porch are plants and flowers and here Easton doesn’t disappoint with masses of potted plants, vines, flowers, and topiaries on every tabletop and even displayed on brackets along the walls. With a porch like this who would ever want to go inside?

Chic Eclectic

2010-08-08T07:05:00.011-04:00

While somewhat less grand than the Sagredo room featured in a previous post this cozy bedroom corner exudes charm with just a touch of glamour.

There’s nothing homier than a quilt on the bed and this beautiful example in shades of cream and white was hand crafted by an Amish quilter in Lancaster, Pennsylvania. The oversized preppy plaid pillows bring visual interest especially when placed beneath the abstract painting in corresponding hues. A pair of Italian crystal and gilt metal sconces and miniature still life paintings flank the main painting like elegant punctuation marks.

Next to the bed sits a green streaked 1940’s vintage desk paired with an antique caned bottom Baltimore chair, although the pieces are more than 100 years apart in age the painted finishes give a unity that works nicely. Painted furniture works especially well in bedrooms where formal stained wood can come off as too dark and heavy. The soft colors of the framed vintage print compliment the green nicely while the carved wood bracket holding an antique folk art elephant adds some ethnic texture to the mix.

The antique Italian lamp illuminating the vignette incorporates cut lead crystal, marble, and art glass elements as it casts a warm soft glow over the daisy filled Limoges jar, a gilt wood bracket turned upside down, and hand carved wood inlay trinket box. Our favorite nautical motifs are represented with a pair of ship models and a branch of artificial white coral, while Grandmother’s old leather bound copy of Gone With The Wind sits just awaiting the reader.

Photos and staging by KS&D.

Venetian Splendor in New York

2010-08-02T07:15:00.008-04:00

Venice with the sparkle of sun-dappled waters reflecting across her awe-inspiring architecture has always been one of our favorite destinations. Behind the lacey gothic windows of the Grand Canal lay many of the world’s most incredible interiors. However when a trip to Italy isn’t on the schedule a heavy dose of Venetian splendor can be had right in the heart of New York City.

Down a quiet hall of the Metropolitan Museum of Art lies a lavish bedroom removed in its entirety from the Sagredo Palace in Venice. This dramatic interior dating from 1718 is among the finest of its kind and instantly immerses you in the opulence of eighteenth century Venice. The elaborate stuccowork of the ceiling is awash with life-like winged figures soaring around the mural and down the cornice. The bed itself sits like a throne in a raised alcove crowned by an oval gilded dome. With soft light seeping through the frosted glass windows you could just imagine yourself waking as dawn breaks over the Venetian lagoon. If you decide you’d like to make that particular fantasy a reality it just so happens that back in Venice the Sagredo Palace, sans said bedroom of course, is now a luxury hotel.

Crystal, Gilding, and Lilies

2010-07-27T07:15:00.006-04:00

We’ve decided to bring the Waterford crystal decanter collection out of the dark breakfront to sparkle in the light of an antique carved marble lamp.

The crystal ball filled with internal bubbles also sparkles beautifully while adding a fun less formal counterpoint to the traditional cut crystal, and the polished brass stand adds a metallic note picked by the gilded bracket shelf and unusual rococo mirror. The little shelf along the top of the sideboard is just right for holding two vintage crystal vases.

Next to the decanters sits a blown glass urn brimming with lilies, a wonderful way to scent your home that’s more potent and longer lasting than candles or atomizers. At the florist buy as many closed buds as open flowers so you can toss out the older flowers as they wilt while the new blooms open over the next few days. Refresh the water every couple of days and you’ll have flowers all week.

Photos and staging by Knickerbocker.

The Work of Photographer Slim Aarons

2010-07-21T07:02:00.008-04:00

Everyone likes flipping through a pretty “coffee table book”, and with their lavish swimming pool cover shots two of our summertime favorites have to be Once Upon A Time and A Place in the Sun featuring the work of photographer Slim Aarons.

As portrait photographer for Town and Country, Holiday, and Life magazines, Slim once described his career as “photographing attractive people doing attractive things in attractive places”. From WWII until the 80’s he traveled the world photographing the rich and famous in their natural habitat. From high society and royalty to titans of industry and Hollywood celebrities the pages of these books are filled with the one glorious image after another.

Our books are seen here with a simple bouquet of daisies, the perfect summertime flower, arranged in an antique French Country china creamer. The swirling striations of the antique Venetian glass bowl beautifully match the soft sherbet hues on the books spines. Now all we're missing is the newest book, which appropriately enough is simply titled Poolside with Slim Aarons.

Photos and styling by Knickerbocker.

Tabletop Crystal & Glassware

2010-07-15T05:58:00.007-04:00

Here is another look into our long breakfront featured in a previous post, this time showing a section devoted to our crystal and glassware collection.

The top shelf is centered on a large elaborately cut compote with cover that shares center stage with two beautiful Waterford crystal wine decanters in the Lismore and Glandore patterns. Surrounding these are a set of exquisite goblets handcrafted in Murano, Italy exclusively for Asprey, the London based luxury purveyor to the British royals.

The lower shelf centers around an elegant Waterford crystal ships decanter, so named for the unique bottom heavy shape designed to keep the piece from tipping in rough seas. Assembled around the decanter are a set of antique cut crystal glasses by Tiffin, a set of sleek Baccarat beer glasses, and yet more of the generously sized Asprey goblets.

Blue & White at Balderbrae

2010-07-10T06:40:00.006-04:00

Our recent posts on the blue and white color scheme and the sale at Albemarle House reminded us our favorite use of blue and white was that used by David Easton at Balderbrae, his Hudson River Valley country house.

This image of the lofty main room shows an envelope of warm honeyed hues punctuated by a symmetrically hung display of blue and white porcelain along the walls. Another favorite decorative device of ours are the corbels used here to display a number of jars and vases. To be honest we love just about everything about this space especially that great round table piled high with books, yet another one of our favorite things!

The Perfect Summer Color Scheme

2010-07-05T01:28:00.012-04:00

Summer certainly is one of the busiest times of year at Knickerbocker Antiques. With the warm weather comes tag sales, flea markets, antique shows, and auctions full of unique and eclectic treasures to be discovered. Between the humidity and temperatures reaching into the nineties there’s nothing more refreshing than coming home to a cool palate of crisp blue and white.

Here a shelf of our rustic cabinet features a display of blue and white china from around the world including an oval platter by Lomonosov, porcelain supplier to the Tsars of Russia, in the Cobalt Net pattern designed for Empress Elizabeth and used at Stalin’s own table. To take off the cold formal edge of the blue and white and impart a nautical summertime feel we’ve added a pair of Venetian art glass dolphin candlesticks and two white coral branches around a Blue Willow pitcher. Filling out the display are two Blue Fjord plates, a delft box, a small Chinese dragon pitcher, and a row of intricate Chinese porcelain cups.

On the upper shelf a simple arrangement of white lily and iris in an antique delft vase continues the color scheme among a group of classical sculptures including a copy of Michelangelo’s David, a distressed antique marble bust, and a graceful female figure. One entire corner is filled by a large art glass vase which fades from cobalt blue to clear to a bold aqua at the rim. A carved gilt corbel turned upside down, and a framed antique French print, lend a metallic sparkle enhanced by glowing votives.

The ornately carved wooden chest on the bottom shelf is surrounded by a number of art and design books chosen to compliment the color scheme with all bold bindings removed in favor of blues, whites, and neutral tones.

Photos and styling by KS&D.

Beauport Glass Display

2010-06-30T07:19:00.011-04:00

Our recent art glass storage project reminded me of the ingenious glass displays created by interior designer Henry Davis Sleeper at Beauport, his fascinating home in Gloucester, Massachusetts.

The house itself is an architectural wonder filled with curiosities and incorporating salvaged historical architectural elements. Here in the Central Hall is a breathtaking collection of amber glass viewed through a graceful arched window. The window, which actually looks into the pantry, has been backed with frosted glass to allow light from the pantry skylight to naturally illuminate the honey-hued glass items. Just below the pantry skylight are two brilliantly designed mirrors on cranks allowing for the maximum amount of natural light to be focused directly into the display case.

Photo via Beauport website.

Refurbished Vintage Curio Cabinet

2010-06-25T07:53:00.013-04:00

As promised here is a look at our completed curio cabinet redo.

After an unsuccessful experiment with black lacquer (too dark) and contrasting highlights (too much contrast) we decided to rethink the project entirely by moving the piece to a new space and painting it the same gray satin finish used on the walls and trim. As noted earlier the cabinets angled sides reflected in the mirrored back give a “built-in” effect, which the new paint finish only further emphasizes. Now the piece fades into the wall beautifully showcasing the art glass collection within while emphasizing the graceful slender arches I’ve admired all along.

The Elizabethan armchair is an antique reproduction from the 1920’s, a previous DIY project that was our first and last attempt at reupholstering. The architectural salvage column holds a whimsical bowl in the form of a shell supported by monkeys, which seems to have dictated an animal theme continued with a Chinese horse carving, a colorful framed bird print, and a charming folk art elephant resting atop the antique palm frond corbel.

An animal or two even turns up inside the curio in the form of a Murano glass swan and small etched bird vase, but the majority are simply random favorites from the collection including an amber glass dinner bell, a blue Art Nouveau style vase, and a stunning Deco piece of ruby cut crystal. The print perched atop the cabinet not only looks great against the wall color but also makes a fine backdrop for the unusual antique copper statue of a mysterious gentleman in elaborate Elizabethan garb.

Photos and home staging by KS&D.

The Do-It-Yourself De Medici

2010-06-20T08:03:00.014-04:00

Today being Father’s Day our post celebrates one of the forefathers of American design and one of our favorite inspirations, the legendary Tony Duquette.

The beautifully produced design books “Tony Duquette” and it’s companion “More is More” have become staples on my coffee table both for their breathtaking imagery and inspiring content. Discovered as a young man by international design arbiter Elsie de Wolfe, Duquette’s genius as an artist and designer earned him the honor of being the first American artist in history to be granted a one-man show at the Louvre.

Known as the “Do-It Yourself De Medici” for reworking ordinary objects in imaginative ways, Tony’s creations ranged from jewels for the Duchess of Windsor to sets and costumes for MGM motion pictures. Duquette designed for the opera, ballet, and theater, earning a Tony Award for costuming the original Broadway production of Camelot. His theatrical touch made him much in demand among wealthy clients as a creator of lavish parties, but it would be interior design for which he would become best known. The evocative image above shows the spectacular drawing room at Dawnridge, Tony’s jewel box of a home in Beverly Hills.

Here we’ve arranged our treasured books with a nod to Duqette style including an elaborate Chinese vase filled with bright fragrant lilies, glowing votives, a handful of seashells, and an unexpected bubble filled crystal ball just for the fun of it.

Inside the Ultimate Beach Bungalow

2010-06-15T11:04:00.009-04:00

Following our recent post on Ocean House, the grand beach house William Randolph Hearst built for mistress Marion Davies, are some interior views of three of the mansions 118 rooms.

Shown here in historical photographs are the massive library, dining room, and ballroom, among the largest and most opulent rooms in the mansion. While such formality and grandeur seems out of place at the beach it must be remembered Ocean House was primarily designed for grand scale entertaining.

Throughout Hollywood’s Golden Age the sumptuous balls and lavish costume parties held in these rooms were attended by legendary celebrities from Charlie Chaplin to Charles Lindbergh. The average party at Ocean House included about 300 elite guests but the house was designed to comfortably accommodate as many as 2000.

As anyone who’s ever lived at the beach knows how impossible it is to keep out the sand, I can only imagine the mountains of it removed from those expansive floors after a night of 4000 feet drifting in and out from beach to ballroom.

Photos by William Grimes

Sotheby’s Hosts Kluge Sale at Albemarle House

2010-06-07T08:16:00.018-04:00

Beginning tomorrow Sotheby's will host an historic two-day sale of the contents of Albemarle House, the sprawling Virginia estate of billionaire philanthropist and vintner Patricia Kluge.
This house sale will be the first in over twenty years to take place on site, with the 23,538 sq ft mansion itself offered at $48 million. Located in Charlottesville near Jefferson’s Monticello, the estate encompasses not only the 45 room red brick mansion, but also 300 surrounding acres of pristine Virginia countryside and formal gardens.
Completed in 1985 by architect David Easton, Albemarle House was by far one of the grandest country estates built in America since the Gilded Age, representing the height of 80’s luxury and excess. Described as “a livable palace” the home was built for America’s one-time wealthiest individual, media tycoon John Kluge, and filled with only the finest in antique furniture and decorative arts.
Mrs. Kluge received the estate along with the largest divorce settlement in history when the couple split in 1990; a story overshadowed by the heavily publicized divorce of Donald and Ivanka Trump simultaneously taking place. Mrs. Kluge was no stranger to scandal however, having stepped down from hosting Prince Charles and Princess Diana in 1985 after tabloids uncovered nude photos and an adult film she’d made in the 70’s.
Looking to downsize after twenty-five years in residence Mrs. Kluge is now opening the doors of Albemarle House to the general public, with everything from the patio furniture to her couture gowns available to the highest bidder. Among the lavish interiors to be dissected are the rich wood paneled library and sumptuous yellow drawing room with its columned Palladian arch framing one of the homes pair of gracefully sweeping staircases.
Always enamored by the nautical I’m especially drawn to the huge antique silver gilt nef of a three-masted ship complete with sails, rigging, and over forty miniature sailor figures estimated at $40,000.00 to $60,000.00.

Images by Sothey's

Click HERE for a closer look at the interiors of Albemarle House.

Art Glass Curio Cabinet

2010-06-03T09:52:00.012-04:00

Ever in need of storage solutions for our online emporium Knickerbocker Antiques and Vintage we recently acquired this mid-century vintage curio cabinet to hold overflow of our art glass collection. The curio takes up practically no floor space and the angled sides reflected in the mirrored back give the piece the effect of being a built in column inset into the wall. I also must admit to loving the slender Venetian Gothic-like arches around the glass panels. The only drawback is the vintage speckled chestnut finish that doesn’t match a stick of furniture we have least of all the antique 1820’s painted Baltimore chair it ended up situated next to in the hall. Taking our cues from the black painted chair we decided to try a high gloss black lacquer finish, which really gives the piece a completely different look. The crown molding along the top makes a perfect perch for a print and sculpture collection including a copy of the David, a carved marble bust, and an antique metal female sculpture with great patina. The gilded mirror and abstract painting add light and color while complimenting the rich hues of the art glass items displayed within. The only issue now is the dark finish really obscures most of the detail including those great arches along the top and bottom. Looks like this is another DIY project that just won’t be confined to one post!

The Ultimate Beach Bungalow

2010-05-31T06:52:00.014-04:00

In celebration of Memorial Day and the arrival beach season today’s post is an antique postcard view of Ocean House, an immense Santa Monica beachfront mansion built in the 1920’s by media tycoon William Randolph Hearst for longtime mistress Marion Davies. Designed by Julia Morgan the architect of Hearst’s famous castle at San Simeon; the Georgian Colonial style Ocean House with its long columned veranda reminiscent of Mount Vernon on steroids had over 100 rooms, two swimming pools, and three separate guest houses each a Mansion in its own right. From the 1920’s until the 1940’s Hearst and Davies; whose love affair of over 30 years began when Hearst spotted Davies as a Zeigfeld Follies chorus girl; entertained the Hollywood elite at Ocean House in grand scale.After the Davies era the mansion was converted into a hotel and the pool into a private beach club, which remained in operation long after the hotel was closed and the mansion demolished. In the 90’s the site served as the beach club set for filming of the original 90210 television series, and just recently underwent a complete renovation by the Annenberg Foundation into a public beach facility. Now known as the Annenberg Community Beach House the site still retains one of the original Georgian Colonial guest houses now fully restored to it’s original 1920’s splendor.Image courtesy of Annenberg Community Beach House site.

Click here for a tour of the interiors of Ocean House.

At Home with the Romanovs

2010-05-27T10:48:00.009-04:00

Our previous post on the Yusupov Mansion has me thinking back on my visit to Russia and all the sites I would love to see again as well as those I hadn’t the chance to see.
The most intriguing of these perhaps is one that may never be seen again as it was one of the lost private interiors of the last Tsar and Tsarina Nicholas and Alexandra. The Maple room of the Alexander Palace; so named for the lavish use of maple wood in it’s decoration; was conceived in 1902 as a private sitting room for the Tsarina and her children in the then very modern Art Nouveau style.
Among the most unique features of this space was an elaborately carved balcony spanning the room, which allowed Alexandra access to her husbands study across the hall while creating cozy nooks for her and the children around the tiled fireplace. In one of the opposite corners stood a massive custom designed semi-circular sofa surrounded by a ledge for displaying objects d’art and surmounted by an elegantly carved Maplewood cabinet which once held the Tsarina’s famous collection of Faberge eggs. Surrounding this comfortable nook are framed family portraits reminding us this was indeed a family room, albeit for one of the wealthiest and most powerful families on earth.
One of the most spectacular aspects of this eclectic gem had to be the incredible ceiling treatment of realistically detailed plaster roses concealing a then cutting edge indirect lighting system that would bath the ceiling in a soft green light. Perhaps one day this unique work of interior design will be restored to enchant visitors once again with its one-of-a-kind style. Anyone interested in more information on the Maple Room, the Alexander Palace, or the Romanov family should be sure to visit the incredible website Alexander Palace Time Machine.

Eclectic European Art Pottery

2010-05-24T16:45:00.012-04:00

European art pottery, lushly hand painted majolica in particular, holds a special charm so different from it's finer porcelain counterparts. This long cabinet-top display ending with a huge Italian ceramic serving bowl includes a varied selection of art pottery and majolica items culled from our online shop along with select pieces from our own private collection.
The large wildly detailed platter is a contemporary piece from Portugal that makes a rich backdrop for three vintage Italian floral plates interspersed with a charming set of antique white Italian ceramic pitchers in a modeled grapevine motif. The rose garland apothecary jar to the right is a unique vintage German piece that perfectly compliments the delicate floral motifs of the platter.
An unusual owl tureen sits surrounded by Portuguese and Italian majolica pitchers; while an equally unique white platter peeks out from behind. The matching pair of old Italian bowls flanking the group have especially rich detailing and lavish hand painting.

Photos and styling by Knickerbocker.

Antique Window Glass

2010-05-20T10:26:00.008-04:00

With our love for all things old, unique, and beautiful it will come as no surprise that we at Knickerbocker are completely enamored by old window glass. These ancient handmade panes are awash with swirling imperfections capable of softening any view into a mesmerizing impressionist painting. The view pictured here of course isn’t just any view. In fact we shot this image at the Capitoline Museums in Rome where the entire complex; including that dreamy balcony just beyond the doors; was designed over 400 years ago by none other than Michelangelo himself.

Russian Rococo Restored

2010-05-17T13:08:00.012-04:00

After revisiting Rio’s Lage Mansion in a previous post I wanted to share another inspiring residence encountered on my travels.

I first came upon the Yusupov Pavilion several years ago on a tour of St. Petersburg and it’s environs. The long neglected structure was undergoing a complete restoration and my group was invited to witness craftsmen fashioning plaster into the froth of Rococo scrolls encrusting the exterior.

Built in 1856 by architect I. Moniguetti, this exuberant Rococo fantasy was inspired by the great palaces designed a century earlier by the Italian master Bartolomeo Rastrelli, including the nearby Catherine Palace at Tsarskoe Selo. For wonderful artistic images of the ruined building before restoration see numbers 13 and 14 in the gallery here.

The beautiful summerhouse seen here in a period photo was built for Princess Zinaida Yusupova to house her collections of fine art and rare minerals. It's said the Princess was originally offered the mansion by the Tsar himself in exchange for her participation in amorous endeavors. Being one of the wealthiest women in Russia she chose instead to decline his advances and simply have the plans constructed herself. The Yusopov family is perhaps best known to history for Zinaida’s great grandson Prince Felix’s involvement in the assassination of Rasputin at one of the Yusupov’s St. Petersburg palaces.

Old Oak Sideboard

2010-05-13T09:11:00.014-04:00

Even with plans to change the pale gray wall color you can’t help but notice how beautifully the color complements the golden oak of this antique Victorian sideboard. The clean lines and simple hardware give the piece a decidedly Asian influence perfect for a collection of Asian porcelain.

The large and elaborate porcelain figure represents the ancient Chinese wise man Sau, seen here watching over the charming figure of a baby with gilded koi fish. The elaborate floral and butterfly ginger jar, beautifully crafted in the cloisonné enamel technique, adds another luxurious dose of color.

Along the top ledge are four blue and white Chinese porcelain cups with intricate bird and branch designs clustered around the portrait of a young eighteenth century lady. This elegant hand colored print overlaps a larger fragmented eighteenth century print chosen at the flea market in Rome for it’s unique subject matter. This romantic work of art centered on an enthroned female was framed shadowbox style to accentuate the ravages of time on the 250 year old paper.

The image of an elegantly seated female is echoed by an unusual old cast metal sculpture depicting a regal noblewoman seated with an anchor. Light from the beautifully carved antique lamp of polish Carrara marble plays off the gilding of an unusual hand carved Italian Rococo scroll mirror, as well as a realistic pair of cast brass antelope antlers and the softly aged patina of a finely detailed brass wall sconce.

Photos and home staging by KS&D.

Architectural Accessories

2010-05-10T15:46:00.008-04:00

You may have noticed in previous posts we have a penchant at Knickerbocker Antiques & Vintage for elaborate birdcages as decorative accessories. People often assume we must keep birds as pets, which isn’t the case at all, my interest in these fanciful structures is purely an aesthetic one. The miniature domes, columns, and arches utilized on these thoughtfully designed pieces make them something like a classical architectural model.

Pictured here is a lovely example crafted of Indian rosewood and iron with gilded details featuring a wealth of classic architectural design elements including a row of columns surmounted by urns and an intricate copula atop the dome. This beautiful piece including the elegant stand is to be auctioned tomorrow at the Christie’s Interiors sale in London.

Also up for sale in the Christie’s auction is what may very well be the ultimate architecturally inspired home accessory. This show-stopping conversation piece is actually a cupboard designed in the form of an English Palladian townhouse complete with brick detailing, fluted pilasters, individual window mullions, and a columned entry beneath an arched fanlight.

Images courtesy of christies.com

Opposites Attract

2010-05-06T08:47:00.011-04:00

One of the best aspects of the eclectic aesthetic is the limitless freedom to mix and match pieces culled from various backgrounds, cultures, and styles. A great way to draw attention to special pieces is by pairing them with unlikely mates as illustrated here by a collection of fine porcelain displayed on the bare wood shelf of this rustic cabinet.

The intricate detailing of these elaborate porcelain Rococo candelabra is somehow more evident when contrasted against the natural graining of the surrounding beadboard. Not only does the raw wood throw the lavish candelabra into high relief but the porcelain also serves to ennoble the rustic nature of the simple cabinet.

Filling out the elegant china collection are several pieces of fine French Limoges including a beautiful hand painted pink and gold antique bowl, a floral Haviland biscuit jar, a fancy footed compote dish, and a charming pair of antique scallop shell saltcellars. At the center is a wonderfully realistic Italian majolica fruit pyramid adding a touch of whimsy. The blue and white china plates round out the display nicely while contributing a subtle hint of pattern to the mix.

The porcelain and china has been limited to the center shelf allowing for stacks of art books and a handful of unique accessories including a classical bust, an antique horse sculpture, and a fanciful birdcage of wire scrollwork holding a potted vine.

Photos and styling by Knickerbocker.

A Palace for Art

2010-05-03T15:36:00.010-04:00

At the foot of Rio de Janeiro’s Corcavado mountain, home of the famous Brazilian monument Christ the Redeemer, there stands a high wrought iron fence surrounding a lush patch of rainforest. At the center of this tropical garden, down a drive lined in towering Imperial palms, stands this ornate stone palace.

The Escola de Artes Visuais do Parque Lage is a school devoted to the fine arts in Rio de Janeiro. Since 1975 the institution has been housed in a spectacular 1920’s stone mansion built for shipbuilder Henrique Lage by the architect Mario Vodrei. An exuberant work of eclecticism this opulent structure cites influences from various styles and historical periods.

The grand arched entry leads into a lavish courtyard surrounding a rectangular stone pool. The dramatic architecture leads your eye up and away to the sweeping view of Corcovado and the distant figure of Christ the Redeemer. That first dramatic glimpse into the courtyard is captured here in a painting I completed after a visit several years ago.

After visiting and falling in love with the mansion I’ve recognized it in various television spots ranging from a fabric softener commercial to interiors and exteriors for the Snoop Dog video “Beautiful”, from which these images are taken. The interior shot is a grand room to the left of the entry with spectacular black and white veined marble lined walls and an intricately coffered ceiling.

This romantic location is both a masterpiece of eclectic residential architecture as well as a truly inspiring palace for the arts.

Antique & Vintage Porcelain & Fine China

2010-04-29T11:58:00.017-04:00

Here's a look into part of a large arched china breakfront lining the hall opposite the arrangement seen in a previous post. The gentle sloping arch of the glass fronted door makes a lovely frame for a selection of porcelain pieces featured in our online shop. The lower shelf is almost entirely devoted to an elegant Bavarian porcelain dessert service adorned with lush depicts of ripe fruits.

The upper shelf continues the theme with a collection of vintage German porcelain plates featuring baskets overflowing with fruit along the finely detailed borders. The plates make a lovely backdrop for an intricately hand-painted porcelain pitcher and cup set covered in realistically rendered clusters of acorn and oak leaves.

Photos and styling by KS&D.

Not So Mellow Yellow

2010-04-26T12:16:00.005-04:00

After the previous post on the impact of color I came across this image from an old copy of World of Interiors showing the bright yellow study of a rustic Scottish hunting lodge. The bold yellow of the image instantly attracted me and I had to wonder how different this space would feel just by changing the color. The intriguing element of this image for me is the relationship of all those black accessories against the yellow. It’s bright and cheerful but still somewhat masculine, even with that ruffle on the chintz-covered pillow. The unusual cushion upholstery is due to the owner’s belief that it takes twenty years to break in new leather and wishing to extend the life of his chair has simply recovered the worn cushions.

Photo by James Mortimer

Experiments with Color

2010-04-22T08:57:00.010-04:00

There is no faster or easier way to transform a space than through the simple application of paint. There is also no aspect more personal or of greater impact than the hue with which we choose to surround ourselves. Moods are often dictated by the color and light of our immediate surroundings, and the reaction between these two is important to consider.

After some years spent in the warming glow of the peach tone seen in previous posts it was decided a sleeker cooler tone was in order. Wanting to experiment with a gray we ended up with what in bright sunlight appeared to be an almost off-white. Once on the walls however, the color began to take on a decidedly lavender appearance, until after sunset when the room changed to a pale powder blue for the night. Setting out to choose the color I jokingly requested to paint the room opal after my birthstone and oddly enough that’s exactly what I got. As I sit writing this I can see off-white, lavender, gray, and pale blue from different corners of the room.

The color makes an excellent backdrop for gilding and dark woods. Over the brown leather sofa the mirrors have been replaced with a pair of beautifully detailed gilt floral garland moldings. Resting atop one of the salvaged columns is a hand carved bust depicting a stylized Native American Indian maiden similar to one displayed in the beadboard cabinet, both however have already been snapped up by a client in Europe. The carved cherub corbels and Chinese porcelain jars look great against the new color as well as the English porcelain plate at the top and the colorful gilt framed bird print below. As lovely a background as this opal makes for the rich accessories placed against it the color has proved a bit of a downer to be enveloped in all day and a lighter brighter shade has been chosen to replace it. After all you’re never more than a few cans of paint away from a whole new mood.

Photos and home staging by Knickerbocker.

Whispering Cherubs

2010-04-19T15:01:00.009-04:00

Browsing the catalog for Christie’s Jewels: The New York Sale I came across this incredible little pair of gold ear clips by legendary jeweler Paul Flato. Titled the “Whispering Cherubs” these imaginative jewels are designed to resemble the backs of a pair of heavenly cherubs as they whisper secrets into the wearer’s ears. I really love the humor and originality of these beautiful vintage gems right down to those wild curly ponytails. With an estimate of $1500 to $2000 these conversation starters are among the most affordable pieces to hit the block in the April 22nd auction. Those only intrigued by the most jaw dropping jewels might be interested in the spectacular emerald brooch once purchased by Catherine the Great and estimated at a cool one to one and a half million.

Photo from Christie’s website

Victorian Eclectic at the Met

2010-04-15T14:32:00.011-04:00

Playing with Pictures: The Art of Victorian Photocollage is a fantastic exhibit now on view through May 9th at the Metropolitan Museum of Art. The charmingly surreal fantasies on display are not the work of any famous artist, but were in fact created by Victorian English aristocrats long before collage was considered a serious art form.

Originally created to adorn the pages of personal albums and scrapbooks; these unique works of art combine drawing, watercolor painting, and photography to create amusing and often surreal pictures. Heads of friends and family were carefully clipped from photographs and applied to animal bodies, floating soap bubbles, playing cards, or even stuffed into pickle jars.

Viewing these works of wit and whimsy it’s easy to imagine Lewis Carol finding inspiration in these images created in the same years as his much beloved works Alice in Wonderland and Through the Looking Glass.

Playing with Light and Shadow

2010-04-12T12:08:00.011-04:00

After our previous post on a dramatically decorated hall in the Spanish Palace of the Duchess of Alba I wanted to show how I adapted some of the same ideas into the hall of my own far less palatial abode.

While I’ve yet to attempt my own celestial ceiling mural I’ve managed to achieve a dramatic effect simply through light and shadow. The glass-front shelves under the elaborate antique tapestry, provides ample storage space for our online shop as well as a wonderful display opportunity.

Lighting is provided by a candlestick lamp and a lovely vintage Italian art pottery urn, which cast light through the large domed birdcage and a vintage pair of moose antlers surrounded a display of porcelain plates including one of heraldic design. A pair of gilt framed Victorian prints glimmer alongside rusting wrought iron wall sconces.

Clustered around the small boudoir lamp are antique books with a distressed antique marble bust, a large shell filled glass compote, and a beautifully crafted iron sword. The elegant urn light fixture is also surrounded by antique leather bound books as well as a pair of terracotta cherub candlesticks.

Photos and styling by KS&D.

Aristocratic Inspiration

2010-04-08T11:49:00.007-04:00

Long before I ever had the pleasure of interning there in college, I had been finding mountains of inspiration in the artistic photography of W Magazine. While a fashion magazine might not be the first place one would look for interior design inspiration this magazine is a treasure trove of beautiful imagery. One of the most memorable interior images has to be this view of a hall leading to the Duchess of Alba’s private apartments in one of her six Spanish palaces. Because of this photograph I can’t walk down a long narrow hall without imagining it with a celestial ceiling mural. While the barrel vault certainly doesn’t hurt the drama factor either I imagine that would be slightly more of a challenge to replicate. Luckily the most dramatic aspect, and likely the easiest to replicate, is the wonderful lighting, a combination of table lamps interspersed with spot lit artwork for a dramatically mysterious effect. The Duchess of Alba also known as the most titled woman in Europe has a fascinating story of her own to tell. With a lineage so noble it is said the Queen of England should bow to her, she is not required to kneel before the Pope, and perhaps strangest of all she reserves the right to enter the Seville Cathedral on horseback.
Photo by Simon Watson

Roman Dew Drop Fountain

2010-04-05T14:49:00.010-04:00

On of the most unique and interesting water features I’ve ever seen is this unusual moss encrusted fountain at the top of the Palatine Hill in Rome. What struck me most aside from the wild growth, was that every little leaf and wisp of moss was sparkling with dew-like drops of water trickling their way down to the basin like a soft drizzle. The effect is subtle yet mesmerizing as you watch the patterns of scintillating droplets shimmer in the sun. Il Fontanone; as the fountain is known, was built for the Farnese family in the 17th century by Girolamo Rainaldi. In ancient times the Palatine, from which the word palace is derived, was the site of Roman Imperial palaces. The area was in ruins by the Renaissance when Cardinal Alessandro Farnese purchased the site for his summer residence the Orti Farnesiani. The secret of the fountain's unusual effect is due to low water pressure on the hilltop making a spurting fountain an impossibility, Il Fontanone instead “sweats” as the water slowly rises to the surface. The fountain and the pair of aviary structures that crown it are almost all that remains of the Orti Farnesiani today.

Old Cabinet New Look

2010-04-01T13:50:00.011-04:00

After weeks of scrapping and gallons of paint remover the cloud of fumes has finally cleared to reveal a new look for our old beadboard cabinet.

While I admit to being skeptical until almost the very end I really love the way it all finally turned out. It plays up the handmade rustic feel that I loved about the piece, while looking bright, clean, and refreshed at the same time. The soft faded graining of the beadboard also makes a perfect neutral backdrop for photographing items featured in our online shop.

The unusual arched glass front display cabinet shown here with a piece of Chinese porcelain looks wonderful against the new finish. Sharing the top shelf is a wonderful hand carved bust depicting a stylized American Indian maiden along with a selection of pitchers including a lavishly hand painted one from Sicily, a beautifully detailed little one from France, and a handmade rustic one holding hydrangea dried last summer. Finishing off the tableau is an old handcrafted wrought iron candlestick, an elegant art glass bell, and a charming antique carved wooden elephant.

The middle shelf is still a symmetrical display of Italian art pottery including hand painted plates, nautical candlesticks, and a pair of cruets. The centerpiece is a lavish majolica bowl featuring monkeys supporting a giant seashell. Fanning out behind the bowl is the intricately detailed rim of a platter by Lomonosov, porcelain supplier to the Tsars of Russia. Finally the collection of heavy art and design books and the old carved chest fill out the bottom with warmth and texture.

Photos and styling by Knickerbocker.

Paint Stripping Saga Continued…

2010-03-29T11:00:00.007-04:00

As promised here is an update on the paint removal Odyssey begun in a previous post.

Though it may not look it you’re seeing the product of hours of work and an additional two quarts of paint remover, as I’m yet again out of the stuff I think the time has come to face facts and begin buying it in gallon size! You can see I’ve started on the beadboard interior, which appears to have been painted every color of the rainbow at least once. It takes a good five rounds of application and scrapping to get to the wood and that’s before you get down to attacking all those little grooves and beads.

Helping some friends move into a new apartment last weekend I noticed a pressed tin ceiling in the kitchen they’re thinking of stripping down to the metal. Not only is the surface heavily covered and intricately detailed it’s also completely overhead! Just imagining the sea of sweat and paint remover the job would entail sends shivers down my spine. Then again it would look really great when finished…as long as I don’t have to help!

Serious Shabby Chic

2010-03-25T15:04:00.011-04:00

Looking something like the setting for a modern day Charles Dickens novel, the drawing room of Crowsley Park in Oxfordshire, England as it appeared in a 1980’s edition of World of Interiors, is a wildly organic yet honest interpretation of the English shabby chic aesthetic.

This grand mansion, once in a state of near ruin, was let to a pair of architects free of charge on the condition they prevent further dilapidation. While the structure was stabilized and made habitable no cosmetic alterations were made; as evidenced by the un-patched nail holes in the eighteenth century paneling where previous layers of decoration were stripped away. The result is a raw yet imposing space that appears to have been filled over time with a mix of random vintage furnishings and found objects. A cozy wingchair, an old tufted sofa, and a textural wicker piece find themselves clustered around the grand marble mantle while a simple 1960’s paper lantern hangs from the incredible ceiling. Stacks of firewood, books, dried flowers, baskets, driftwood, and other seemingly random objects accessorize the room as an elegant pair of antique portraits flank the fireplace.

Though the space might seem wild and chaotic it certainly gives the sense of a well-used and well-loved room. I credit this hauntingly romantic image as the source of my habit of incorporating found objects into my own interiors. Out walking I often pick up twigs, moss, flowers, driftwood, shells, sea glass, or pebbles that catch my eye. You may have noticed many of the aforementioned elements in a previous post where I filled a hurricane glass with shells, seed pods, and sea glass, as well as utilizing a piece of driftwood and a few hydrangea blooms dried from last summer’s garden.
Photos by James Wedge

So Much For Instant Gratification

2010-03-22T13:57:00.008-04:00

After the success of my first paint removal attempt on an old oak mirror frame I have turned my attention to the decades of dirty paint on our old beadboard cabinet.

I headed back to the hardware store to purchased what will amuse anyone who has ever attempted a larger paint removal project such as this…I came home with a mere two pints of paint remover. I’m embarrassed to admit I somehow thought I would be able to remove 30 layers and a hundred years worth of paint with two little pints of paint remover!

If that isn’t bad enough I seem to have also underestimated the amount of time and effort this project would take! In my defense my only previous paint removal experience took less than half a pint of paint remover, less than two hours, and resulted in an instantly beautiful oak frame. This time around after nine hours and two pints of paint remover I barely have the two bottom doors clean! It would also seem the small scale of my first project must have kept me from coming into contact with the paint remover because this time I seem incapable of not splattering myself with the flesh burning slim.

I now consider myself fully cured of my brief addiction to paint scrapping, yet something tells me I have untold hours of this pastime to look forward to before this, the final paint removal project of my career, is finished! I’ll be sure to let you know how this one turns out.

Instant Gratification

2010-03-18T13:35:00.009-04:00

I really love the mottled antique patina of the glass on this over-mantle mirror removed from an old Victorian shown here with an antique pair of carved Chinese door panels and three Chinese porcelain figures.

I was however less than enthusiastic for the high gloss black paint finish on the frame when I purchased it. Looking to lighten the piece up I decided bare wood would the best finish for framing such a heavily aged piece of glass. My love of old distressed finishes had until now kept me from ever attempting a paint removal project, but the inappropriate finish on this piece seemed a good opportunity for a first. I was surprised at how quickly the paint practically peeled itself away from the original varnished oak underneath.

It was instant gratification stripping off the black paint to reveal the warm golden oak underneath. Now I really love the way the aged wood frames the old beveled glass on this simple architectural artifact.

The soft aged patina of the piece looks especially beautiful at night in the glow of the unusual gilded metal Spanish candelabra.

Summer in 'Sconset

2010-03-16T10:58:00.007-04:00

Perhaps you could tell from the sailboats, shells, and driftwood of a previous post that this long cold snowy winter has had me thinking ahead to summer and looking longingly back through photos of last summer on Nantucket.

I can’t imagine a better spot to spend a lazy summer day than this time forgotten island off the coast of cape cod, and there’s no prettier corner of the island than the quaint village of Siasconset on the islands eastern shore.

Known locally as ‘Sconset, this charming collection of weathered shingle cottages, many encrusted with trellises of climbing roses, seems frozen in time amid blooming masses of powder blue hydrangea. Several of these simple seaside cottages feature beautiful wooden signs carved and gilded with names ranging from the whimsical to the mysterious to the romantic.

Yet for all its charm it’s one of those old weathered Adirondack chairs in the sun and salty air that I long for the most!