Abstract Modern Art in a Traditional Eclectic Room

Mixing and matching periods, styles, materials, and textures is essential to the eclectic aesthetic and adds much interest and life to a space.

This mainly traditional living room furnished with a bohemian mix of antique and vintage pieces is centered around a large contemporary abstract oil painting with calming almost impressionist style colors and brushwork that blends beautifully with the eclectic mix of art, accessories, and textiles.

The constellation of rustic metal barn stars mounted on the wall above once decorated the exterior of our carriage house in rural Bucks County. The play of primitive folk art against modern art makes for an interesting juxtaposition, while the colors of the rusted metal and patinated copper pick up the same hues in the painting.

The pair of large oxblood red Chinese ginger jars also compliment the hues in the painting and match the color of the rusted stars above while providing an elegant foil to their rustic texture and perfect companions for the small classical sculpture that adds a final grace note to the vignette.

 

The neutral fabrics in the room let the art and accessories take center stage but still keep the eclectic theme by contrasting a simple white Belgian linen slipcover with a luxurious cut silk velvet throw blanket and a vintage tapestry pillow.

Click HERE to shop the newest arrivals in eclectic antique and vintage accessories and fine art in our online boutique Knickerbocker Antiques and Vintage!

Styling and photos by KS&D.

Summer Slipcovers

In the previous post on our mid-century vintage Hollywood Regency sofa we told you it had another trick up its sleeve.

While we love the original orange silk damask upholstery we also love the fact that this bold statement sofa came ready with a custom tailored slipcover in crisp white Irish linen, perfect for a cooler more casual summer look. The large tapestry pillow was swapped for a small one in pale gray blue stripped silk that better shows the cushions along the back, now looking prim and proper in their individual slipcovers complete with welting detail. 

The antique bead board cabinet was reworked to include a set of eighteenth century books held by a striking pair of vintage brass bookends designed as armillary sundials. The collection of minerals and nature specimens continues to grow, including a pair of antique roe deer antlers signed and dated 1898.

In the end we just couldn’t resist the urge to include a hint of orange and a pair of vintage Hermes boxes do the job quite nicely, while a hand carved folk art elephant stool adds a fun ethnic vibe, and a rustic wood treasure chest lends some texture to the mix. As you can see the pup is especially pleased with the new linen slipcovers as the easy to wash fabric means it’s not the worst thing if she makes herself at home for a little nap when no one’s looking.

Click here to shop the latest arrivals at Knickerbocker Antiques and Vintage!

Photos and styling by KS&D.

Vintage Wedgwood Schumacher

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!