A Very Vintage Christmas

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.

An Eclectic Country Bedroom

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.

Classic Country

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.

Old Things New Home

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

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.