Holiday's Are Almost Here!

It’s that time of year again to start thinking about trimming the house for the holidays!

Although here at Knickerbocker Style and Design our readers seem to have Christmas on their minds all year long as our annual Christmas tree posts have become among our most popular.

This year we’ve decided to take a break from the vintage inspired tinsel avalanches of the past few years in favor of a more natural look.

The vignette here gives a hint to the decorative elements and color schemes we have in mind.

Be sure to check back it the coming weeks for our version of a nature inspired holiday!

Photos and styling by KS&D.

Filling in the Gaps

It’s been sometime since we first posted about our ever-growing staircase gallery wall and as you can see it’s really starting to fill out.

Brooke Astor’s dog portrait still holds pride of place at the base of the stairs but plenty of other pieces have come and gone in this ever-changing display.

Many smaller pieces have been added above and below the larger ones to help fill in the gaps and emphasize the stepped diagonal lines of the total composition.

Among the little jewels that help to strengthen the visual diagonal are a small collection of handcrafted collages inspired by the decoupage panels we created to adorn our antique cabinet last year.

The collages include intricately hand cut illustrations and advertising imagery mixed with poetry and even sheet music, all taken directly from antique Harper’s Magazines dating from the 1860’s to 1880’s and decoupaged directly to the backside of the glass.

These completely one-of-a-kind works of art, reminiscent of the scrap folk art so popular in the Victorian era from which the magazines date, are currently available here in our eclectic online shop Knickerbocker Antiques and Vintage along with many other items seen along our gallery wall.

Photos by KS&D.

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.

Shop New Spring Inventory Now!

With the spring antiquing season in full swing we are pleased to offer an amazing selection of eclectic antique and vintage finds while they last.

Shop HERE now for a carefully curated selection of unique and one-of-a-kind curiosities and works of art from industrial and religious artifacts to elegant salvaged architectural fragments and primitive folk art. Let us help you find the perfect accessories to add to your home décor be it traditional, rustic country, romantic Victorian, Mid-Century retro, or shabby Bohemian chic.

Photo and styling by KS&D

A Cabinet of Vintage Glassware

The vintage glasses and cut crystal in our recent post on setting a bar inspired these shots of some more of our antique and vintage inventory.

 

Unique vintage glassware is among the fastest moving categories in our online shop, the more unusual the better.

 

Like these unusually shaped vintage dessert glasses surrounding the cut glass compote that would be a stylish way to serve an elegant sorbet or a simple ice cream.

 

Hand blown Murano glass goblets and an antique cut crystal decanter fill the top shelf with fun retro vintage glassware and a cut crystal bowl below.

Just a sample of the ever-changing inventory at Knickerbocker Antiques and Vintage.

Photos 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 Chic & Stylish Home Bar

It doesn’t have to be the holiday season to merit setting up a chic little bar at home, in fact what better way to beat the winter blues than a nice cocktail served up in fun vintage glassware.

If you don’t have the space for a cart you can easily create a stylish bar on a small table or even atop a dresser. This antique oak sideboard makes for an ideal bar with the mirrored backsplash and convenient drawers perfect for storing barware utensils and cocktail napkins.

 

We’ve used an antique oval mirror as a tray to protect the sideboard while mixing drinks and brought out a vintage cut crystal bowl to serve as an elegant ice bucket. Be sure to have a few fresh lemons or limes on hand and a mixer or two.

Now just add your favorite spirits, which can simply be set out in their bottles or transferred to crystal or glass decanters for a more formal touch. 

Styling and photos by KS&D.

Antique & Vintage Treasure Boxes

Since we regard our hand selected shop inventory as a personal treasure trove it should come as no surprise that we’ve a weakness for the treasure chest in all its forms.

Whether crafted of wood, lacquer and brass, studded leather, silks and needlepoint, or even painted tin, these intriguing containers come in as varied materials as the treasures they held.

Could it be the mystery of what they once contained that make these antique and vintage jewelry and sewing boxes, and trucks and chest into alluring home accessories?

Treasure after all comes in endless varieties, be it a jewel or artifact, once even precious teas were kept locked away.

Click HERE to shop the latest in our collection of unique antique and vintage boxes ranging from trinket box to treasure chest.

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.

Gold Gilt and Rusted Iron

Something about the rusted patina on this antique wrought iron candelabra and sconces perfectly compliments the golden oak of the old Mission furniture.

Religious art and artifacts also lend themselves well to the mix; especially the deep orange background of a Spanish Colonial style painting of the Madonna and Child and a gold gilt triptych icon depicting the same theme.

Beneath the triptych sits an elaborately painted Indian jewelry box atop an elegant antique Egyptian Revival casket.

Flanking the oil painting is a charming pair of Staffordshire style lions, as well as saint figures that include a colorful vintage plaster statue of Saint Jude.

The other antique saint figure is carved from wood with a romantically distressed finish that includes traces of the original gold gilt. At his feet sits another golden relic, this one a wingless Victorian cherub, behind which the bold architectural scrollwork of a fragment of hand carved wood Rococo molding makes a unique and interesting vertical element.

Crowning the vignette is a tiny antique Roe Deer antler trophy signed by the hunter in a scrawling hand and dated 1898.

 Styling and photos 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.

Designing A Staircase Gallery Wall

Creating a well-balanced gallery wall can be challenging but putting the display on the diagonal is an entirely different story.


This staircase is lined with a dramatic display of classical prints mixed with Mid-Century Modern art that forms an eclectic backdrop for a small sitting area.


The orderly composition is centered on a large print depicting ruins of the Roman Forum flanked by antique Italian reverse hand painted art glass wall panels of delicate classical design.


The traditional brown leather rolled arm sofa is dressed up with a trio of throw pillows in orange, teal, and yellow Chinese silk, a fun spring/ summer color scheme that adds a dose of 60’s chic. In another nod to Mid-Century style a collection of vintage Murano art glass bowls pop on the cocktail table like blossoms of color, while antique and vintage brass accessories lend a metallic note to the end tables.

Vignette photos and staging by KS&D.

Art and accessories available HERE.

Treasure Trove

It took some coaxing but someone finally agreed to share her treasure trove...


Knickerbocker is pleased to announce the expansion of our antique and vintage costume and fashion jewelry collections! After all, the only thing more fun to accessorize than your home is yourself!


Aside from the glittering rhinestone earrings and sparkling semi-precious stone set brooches, don’t forget we offer a unique selection of jewel boxes to store your treasures.

Photos and styling by KS&D.

Cabinet of Curiosities

The cabinet of curiosities - a place for wonders of nature and works of art.


A wondrous display of oddities and artifacts culled from the rare, unique, and beautiful. Arranged for invoking inspiration and thoughtful contemplation.


A rustic pair of antlers envelops this collection of sparkling gems and minerals interspersed with seashells, fine porcelains, and small sculptures.


Antique Chinese architectural carvings lend warmth and texture to a grouping of vases and figures of ancient Chinese deities draped in antique black jade necklaces. Natural elements include a copper vessel of dried seedpods, feathers, and a scattering of shells.


Light from a vintage porcelain lamp casts a soft golden glow on the scene and more unique pieces of folk art and art glass.

Photos and styling by KS&D.