Friday, November 9, 2012

Shopping for antique lighting

I was in Artisan Lamp Co in my neighborhod the other day checking out the 'new' inventory.  I say 'new' because the store carries refurbished vintage and antique light fixtures. You may remember my blog post on it from last year HERE.  Since then I've found a few items for my own new place as well as for some projects.
I always love the very architectural empire style chandliers and they must be popular because they never last long in the store!
This gilded chanelier is beautiful and I loved that it has LOTS of lightbulbs. I have to say I love the chandelier I chose for my dining room from Artisan but I wish it gave off more light.
 If crystal is your thing, how about real rock crystal? Very elegant.
 I have a soft spot for lamps, you can never have too many. I loved this little art nouveau lady and the favrille glass one to the right..
 The crackle finish on this vase turned lamp was beautiful.
 A pair of marble lamps with ormolu might be more your thing? Very handsome if a tad somber.
I've love this French painted lamp and am not sure why it has not sold in a few months; waiting to come home with me perhaps?
 This unusual peacock lamp is really fun! Great for an entry hall.
They always carry an array of sconces as well in the back of the store. These victorian crystal ones would look very stately flanking a fireplace.
 These enormous French gilded sconces are so elegant.
And for the equestrian in your life, how about a pair of horse sconces?  I always think light fixtures are the jewelry in a room, so bling out your space!

Wednesday, November 7, 2012

Patrick Aubriot for Rue de Seine at Century Furniture

One of the greatest pleasures of Highpoint Market is not only seeing what's new, but also meeting the designers.  While touring Century, French interior architect/designer Patrick Aubriot and his wife Nathalie took us through their new collection which harks back to one of my favorite periods, mid-20th century French design.
Patrick and his wife are no stranger to American furniture companies.  A few years ago they collaborated with Baker furniture on the fantastic Andre Arbus collection.
The lines and style of these pieces are admittedly similar to the Baker collection in that they have simple forms which rely on the strength of the line and the balance of proportions.
I loved this desk chair from the collection.
And who wouldn't want this beautiful bar cabinet in their living room or den? I love the mirrored interior.
These elegant upholstered chairs would look fantastic in my new living room! Note the sheen on the selected fabric.
The details on these pieces are really what make them special - check out the inlays on the Rue du Bac martini table.
The clean modern lines of the end table below could fit in with any number of styles from arts and crafts to contemporary.
 This upholstered bed had some incredible detailing while still remaining simple.
 Notice the upholstery built into the wood frame.
The inlays on this wood bedframe were incredible too. What do you think of the collection? I obviously loved it!
Look for this collection soon!