Decorating with Houseplants

The pair of unexpected cacti in our last post got us thinking about houseplants and how much life and interest they bring to a room, especially when paired with antique and vintage pieces.

 

The big marble coffee table in our loft is styled with a trio of Phalaenopsis or Moth Orchids potted in Spanish moss, bringing some much needed height and vertical drama to the otherwise horizontal display of trinket boxes, small porcelain accessories, books, and sculpture scattered around them.

A column makes for a chic and elegant plant stand that can fit just about anywhere. The fluffy looking plant happily perched near this sunny window is known as a Ming fern, though oddly enough it's a relative of the asparagus and not a fern at all, while the vintage birdcage on the windowsill keeps company with a sweet African violet cheerfully basking in the sun.

The little sunroom through the French doors to the left is packed to bursting with all kinds of plants, palms, and vines. This tiny high ceilinged glass room could be thought of as sort of giant walk-in terrarium, but its come to be called simply the plant room, as it’s proved a perfect spot to winter palms or rebud orchids, including the pink and white ones in the first shot.

Antique Baltimore chairs flank a juniper bonsai tree atop on a Moroccan style accent table in this eclectic vignette. Produced mainly in Baltimore from 1820 to 1840, this style of chair incorporates Classical influences, like the curved back of the ancient Greek klismos chair as seen on the left, and elaborate hand painted and gold gilt details that result in a fantasy of the ancient Greco-Roman world by way of early American folk art. In its more heavily distressed condition, the chair holding the mandolin harp with its elegant deer-like legs and graceful gold gilt details almost resembles a relic from ancient Rome.

Many of the plants featured here including the orchids, Ming fern, and even the cactus that got this whole topic started have been purchase over the last few years from the Parkside Orchid Nursery in nearby Upper Bucks County, our favorite source for orchids that often carries other interesting houseplants as well, and definitely worth a visit if you're in the area.

Styling and photos by KS&D.

Shop the newest items and many of the ones pictured  here in our online shop.

A Victorian Marble Topped Dresser

We’ve always had a thing for marble topped furniture.

So when an entire bed and breakfast full of antique furniture was closing a few blocks away we couldn’t resist bringing home a marble-topped dresser, as there were so many to choose from.

The heavy drawers with wonderful carved and inlayed wood detailing all stuck once filled with clothes, but after a little rubbing the bottom of the treads with a bar of soap they now open and close like new.

The entire mirror is easily removable if desired, but the molding around it has a bold almost baroque architectural influence that we played up by draping with antlers, one holding a charming vintage Bavarian boy’s hat.

On the smooth white marble top an unexpected pair of potted cactuses lend some texture and interest alongside a classical bust draped in beaded jewelry and a tiny antique child size shoe mold.

Photos and Styling by KS&D.

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.

A New Look For The Old Cabinet

Regular visitors to our blog might remember this three arch cabinet from last year when we curtained the windows to mask inventory for our online antique shop.

While the curtains were a good quick fix they weren’t exactly the most interesting things to look at.

Inspired by the tradition of decoupage furniture we decided to create a series of collage panels to display behind the arched glass doors that could be easily removed when desired.

After considering a variety of themes and materials like sheet music or playing cards we found the remains of a damaged 1870’s art book that still contained hundreds of random pages filled with illustrations.

The subjects include many famous works throughout art history and examples of decorative arts, as well as highlights in contemporary fine art of the 1870’s.

Even the fancifully decorated letters were carefully clipped and arranged like scrabble tiles to spell out words and phrases.

Here gothic letters arranged to spelling out “The Mad Poet” are used to frame an engraving titled ‘Milton Dictating Paradise Lost to His Daughters’.

The Victorian period art book was perfect for this project, as not only was decoupage a popular Victorian folk art, but the cabinet sits in a loft in a Victorian era opera house that was in it’s heyday when the book was originally published.

Since the illustrations are all black and white engravings, the finished collages have a neutral pattern-like appearance that makes a richly detailed backdrop for this colorful orchid and a selection of antique and vintage accessories.

Click HERE to see what’s hidden inside the cabinet as well as the newest arrivals in our online design boutique Knickerbocker Antiques and Vintage!

Photos and styling 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 Hollywood Regency Lux

When we saw the Hermes orange hued silk damask covering the sensuous lines of this vintage Hollywood Regency sofa it seems we’d yet again found ourselves unable to resist temptation.

We’ve always had a thing for orange accessories from various throw pillows to an dusty orange velvet X-frame stool, but this conversation piece is the ultimate in vintage orange chic. The original 1960’s silk upholstery is in excellent condition and adds a major dose of that “Mad Men” inspired glamour so influential in design right now. The sexy rolled curve of the back is piled with cushions while the single cushion seat makes this showstopper as comfortable as a cloud.

Such an extravagant sofa called for a coffee table that could really hold its own and the eclectic vibe of this vintage Chinoiserie brass tray table featuring a bamboo detailed gallery along the edge seemed to fit the bill. More vintage brass, Italian Murano art glass, and gold gilt accessories increase the vignette’s warm golden glow. The oversized pillow is crafted from an antique tapestry depicting a flowering urn that echoes the urn pattern in the damask while the smaller accent pillow is striped silk taffeta, both are trimmed with a playful looped fringe passementerie.

Even the cabinet of curiosities seemed due for dressing up, now sporting a lavish bouquet of peacock feathers. The sofa does have one other trick up it’s sleeve but you’ll just have to check back soon to see for yourself!

Styling and photos by KS&D.

When Not to Resist Temptation

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.

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.

Chic Eclectic

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.

Tabletop Crystal & Glassware

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.

Refurbished Vintage Curio Cabinet

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.

Art Glass Curio Cabinet

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!

Old Oak Sideboard

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 Mission 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.