As one can tell by reading my blogs, I am a hunter, gatherer, collector and a stylist. I see the world in composition…seems I have been this way since I was a child. The ability to create something out of nothing has been a natural gift that I have been blessed with! I love sharing my ideas with you, and today, I am sharing how items you already own mixed with a variety of pieces can create an arrangement that will reflect your personality and style.
We have put together another fabulous French Country dining room using many different elements and countries of origin. The star of our show is our gorgeous Pine Breakfront filled to the brim with an accumulation of antique porcelain and ceramic collectables. Topping our breakfront we have an exquisite French Street Scene Painting in an ornate gold gilded frame; flanking on either side are the ever so popular blue and white porcelain urns. Remember, blue and white never, ever goes out of style and makes a statement in any setting. Our choice of color comes from our salmon, blue, green and cream rug. The selection of our Imari porcelain ginger jars and plates melds well with the rug and blue and white items creating a harmonious fluidity of colors. Add the green French marble top table from the Basque region of France, and this dining room now comes to life. The Louis XV host and hostess chairs are paired with our simple Swedish side chairs, illustrating how dignified combined with simple creates a well balanced and evenly matched setting.
Found on a treasure hunt, the antique copper tea urn used as our centerpiece explains how effortless creativity can be. Using vessels you already own as vases adds an unexpected and attention-grabbing element to any arrangement. Stacked upon a wrought iron stand I had stashed away, I gained the height needed for our magnificent flower arrangement. Our antique brass and porcelain cranes not only add panache to our table, but they continue our melodious flow of color.
The things we buy and collect throughout our lives and how we choose to use them by incorporating them into our décor speaks volumes about ourselves to the world. The décor and styles we choose give people a glimpse of who we are. Our collectables become metaphors of our lives, speaking for us before we open our mouths. So bring forth all your treasures, share them with your friends and family and open yourself up to the world!
Defining classic English style is not always an easy task. As with all things traditionally English, words like ‘good quality’, ‘understated’ and ‘timeless’ pop into my mind. During the first half of the 18
This photo came from one of our clients who purchased our 18th-century carved walnut wine coolers from Europe. She is thrilled with her new treasures, and we are thrilled for her. This is what we’re all about: Helping our clients enjoy their homes, helping our clients make their homes a sanctuary. This client is on an emotional journey of discovery, and she is in a state of mind to explore fresh territory. This sideboard is situated in her foyer, and while we usually will add a modern touch, we never insist that our clients do the same. She has added a touch of whimsy with the tassels on the keys. The wine coolers are multipurpose: They can be used as vases, as decoration, and yes, to cool and serve wine. Metal panels and a decorative gallery rail speak to the current trend of mixing metal and wood. This is a calming, symmetrical setting with its candlestick lamps and linen drum shades. Add the impressionistic landscape and the faux finish on the wall, and the scene is set. Our client is learning to enhance her lifestyle and developing her own personal aesthetic. Our job is to help our clients create rooms that must reflect their personal preferences, needs, desires, and dreams. For all of us, learning how to live well is a lifelong process. We want our clients to be happy in their sanctuary. After all, we at the gallery think life is a luxury, indeed
Setting a formal table should be done with ease as if it were everyday decorating. For those of us who love doing tablescapes, it’s like making a collage. It’s about color, texture and pattern. We have shown you how to combine these elements on our post today. Experimenting with what you already have and can readily get your hands on, moving those things around and putting them together cohesively as well as mixing them up a bit is the key to success. By doing so, you can create a sense of movement and variety in your tablescape; one that is unique to you, your home and your heritage. You don’t have to go shopping or spend a lot of money. To be creative, you have to be willing to step out of your comfort zone and do the things that speak to you, and make you happy. That can be accomplished by looking around your home, pulling things together that you love and build a central theme for your tablescape. Remember, your table should be beautiful as well as functional; however, your guests and the conversation should be the focus, always. Coming up with your own idea and using a combination of china, crystal, silverware and linens you already own is half the fun. We have used a crisp white linen tablecloth and matching dinner napkins as the foundation for our beautiful formal tablescape; these items are a good investment to make. You will be able to use these companions dressing them up or down, depending on your selection of china and crystal. We have chosen to formalize our table by using silver, antique etched crystal stemware, Wedgewood bone china and sterling silver flatware. Notice that we have not used placemats; the simplicity of the setting demands your attention. Our birds, artichokes and china create a flowing color scheme that is pleasing as well as beautiful. A touch of whimsy is given by our parrots! The French epergne and 
Did you know that tea was introduced from China to England in the middle of the 17
