How many times have you sat and wondered, will these colors work together? What should my color scheme be and why doesn’t this room make me feel good? How overwhelming is it for you to have to make paint choices? Fabrics, flooring and furniture selections become a challenge if you are not comfortable with the very first decision that you have to make… the choice of color. The answer is very simple…it lies within the beauty that is all around us. Observing the opening of a single rosebud is an extraordinary event; now, there are many colors of which you could choose from the rose. One of those pleasing colors that makes you happy could become the beautiful color of your dining room. Look at those daffodils with their beautiful tones ranging from golden to buttercream. That color could be paired with a beautiful coral or red from the rose to become your living room. The beautiful green leaves of nature could give you endless choices to add to your color scheme. Soften these hues with an addition of cream. Get the message? Beauty holds the world together and fulfills a need in our souls. The colors that you are drawn to should help you begin a color palette for your home. It is the foundation that you build upon to create the house as a whole. Today’s post gives you an idea of how these colors can be used in harmony together. When I have achieved harmony in my design, my overall feeling is a sense of calm. Creating calm through creating harmonious interiors is key to my world and my work. In the fast paced world we live in today, one cannot always achieve calmness; however, in our homes, we surely can, and should. I have embellished the look of harmony by adding a pair of hand painted wall sconces painted with our colors of golds and yellows. Atop them sits a pair of Oriental Emperors, which gives the Asian influence I always try to impart in every room I decorate, in some small way. Notice how all our colors flow calmly together, which is an integral part of creating this well balanced wall decoration. This deep connection between beauty and the observation of it has created a beautiful and meaningful life for me. It has given me a wonderful career of which I love. Underneath all the pretty “stuff” in the work I design is a solid and grounded belief that beauty is a positive force…just look outside now that spring is here and you will believe me! Now start that spring cleaning and decorating before Easter girls!!!A View from the Gallery
Decorating With Color From Art
March 22nd, 2013How many times have you sat and wondered, will these colors work together? What should my color scheme be and why doesn’t this room make me feel good? How overwhelming is it for you to have to make paint choices? Fabrics, flooring and furniture selections become a challenge if you are not comfortable with the very first decision that you have to make… the choice of color. The answer is very simple…it lies within the beauty that is all around us. Observing the opening of a single rosebud is an extraordinary event; now, there are many colors of which you could choose from the rose. One of those pleasing colors that makes you happy could become the beautiful color of your dining room. Look at those daffodils with their beautiful tones ranging from golden to buttercream. That color could be paired with a beautiful coral or red from the rose to become your living room. The beautiful green leaves of nature could give you endless choices to add to your color scheme. Soften these hues with an addition of cream. Get the message? Beauty holds the world together and fulfills a need in our souls. The colors that you are drawn to should help you begin a color palette for your home. It is the foundation that you build upon to create the house as a whole. Today’s post gives you an idea of how these colors can be used in harmony together. When I have achieved harmony in my design, my overall feeling is a sense of calm. Creating calm through creating harmonious interiors is key to my world and my work. In the fast paced world we live in today, one cannot always achieve calmness; however, in our homes, we surely can, and should. I have embellished the look of harmony by adding a pair of hand painted wall sconces painted with our colors of golds and yellows. Atop them sits a pair of Oriental Emperors, which gives the Asian influence I always try to impart in every room I decorate, in some small way. Notice how all our colors flow calmly together, which is an integral part of creating this well balanced wall decoration. This deep connection between beauty and the observation of it has created a beautiful and meaningful life for me. It has given me a wonderful career of which I love. Underneath all the pretty “stuff” in the work I design is a solid and grounded belief that beauty is a positive force…just look outside now that spring is here and you will believe me! Now start that spring cleaning and decorating before Easter girls!!!Museum Quality Art
March 21st, 2013
Come see what’s new at the gallery! We have just received a large shipment of museum quality art with certificates of authenticity, beautiful French antiques from Europe and exciting accessories as well. Today’s post features a still life with incredible detail that you have to see to believe. We hope you will make it a point to stop by the gallery and see what we have in store for you!
The French Bench
February 5th, 2013Here at the gallery we are always looking for pieces with unique design, character, wonderful finishes and beautiful workmanship. A basic rule that we abide by at the gallery is that furnishings incorporated into a space have to be antique…, and preferably of English or French origin. One of our favorite recent finds is the French bench pictured below. Here we have a combination of rustic and refined elements creating a cohesive blend of the current trends with the classic texture of linen. What caught our eye was the way this bench can compliment any space or décor with its unusual lines and details. The fabric trim and nail heads give it special panache that most French pieces possess. The 
curved metal legs are another detail that is very distinct; it allows the piece to take on a more industrial feel. We imagine this bench in many settings. It could be tucked away in a sunroom or study, serving as an extra place to curl up and relax with a cup of tea. It could also be a lovely statement piece in a foyer, with unique pillows and a colorful background as we have shown. Benches are also a great seating alternative to chairs in a dining area. This bench could flank one side of the table across from individual chairs. If you accept the idea that many different tastes can go together, you can create rooms that are never boring and always captivating.
A very, merry — and green — Christmas!
December 20th, 2012The sights and scents and sounds of Christmas are upon us. This definitely is the most wonderful – and busiest – time of the year. We are enjoying a traditional Christmas at the gallery. We love greenery and wreaths. We love the sparkle of crystal, Mercury glass, and ornaments. We love simple, elegant table settings.
At the gallery, we used a garland of evergreen atop an antique Sheraton breakfront bookcase, tucking in a couple of grapevine deer (although not the kind Santa employs). We hung miniature preserved boxwood wreaths from diaphanous gold ribbon and tied one to the back of each chair. The wreath on the antique French mirror adds a festive touch as well.
Metallic trees, silver serving pieces, and mercury glass decanters and candlesticks create a beautiful setting that is reflected in the mirror. Red crystal decanters and wine glasses add a touch of color.
Our table is set with Wedgwood china in a classic pattern, and a beautiful handmade Portuguese tablecloth from our personal linen press. The epergne is filled to overflowing with a base of greenery topped with a massive layer of red tulips. We think it’s simply elegant.
We call this traditional because the use of greenery and wreaths dates to ancient Rome and Greece, when they were used as a symbol of victory and pride. Holly, Ivy, and a variety of evergreen branches were used before the birth of Jesus Christ (which Christians celebrate during this season) as part of the celebrations associated with the winter solstice on Dec. 21. Then, the greenery was used to ward off evil spirits and to represent the hope of new growth in the spring.
We wish you all a very merry Christmas, a wonderful holiday season, and a blessed 2013.
For Christmas 2012, we opted for a traditional look with greenery, mercury glass, adding a mound of red tulips for a pop of holiday color.
Meet the Owner of Clark Antiques Gallery
October 24th, 2012Clark Antiques Gallery, along with co-sponsor flower magazine, recently hosted art historian Walter Edelman for the annual art show which took place on October 2nd and 3rd. Friends of the gallery and flower magazine enjoyed a special reception on Tuesday afternoon. Guests were delighted by Mr. Edelman’s works by artist from around the world and his extensive knowledge of each artist. Works from the estates of Marc Chagall, Salvador Dali, and Pablo Picasso were amongst the pieces that were on display for purchase. For the first time on my website
, I am introducing myself, Dianne Clark Hinson, to my friends and followers. I am pictured far right along with my guests and friends from the art show, Audrey and Stuart Lindquist. My passion for beautiful antiques and art encouraged me to open the gallery in 2010. Since the gallery opening, I have been hosting the art show with Mr. Edelman and introducing his art has been a great success for the gallery. Come visit the gallery and see in person some of these beautiful works of art!
An artistic display; a stunning art show and sale
September 5th, 2012Displaying art doesn’t have to be frustrating; in fact, it should be displayed, well, artistically. In the gallery, we have stacked two original signed and numbered lithographs by Salvador Dali over an antique Chippendale solid mahogany bookcase. The bookcase features fretwork on the doors as well as ball-and-claw feet. In the bookcase, we have purposefully left room so that the contents provide beauty for the eye and lessons for the brain. Atop the bookcase we have arranged a pair of black-and-gold iron lamps (the new touch we always seek) with a pair of antique French Empire urns.
The resulting look is calming, symmetrical, and eclectic. The Dali prints were purchased last year during the gallery’s annual international fine arts show and sale; curator Walter Edelman will return this fall with more amazing art from around the world as well as from the estates of Dali, Pablo Picasso, and Marc Chagall. Please join us on Oct. 2 and 3 for this show that will delight the eyes.
We will tell you more about the show, the curator, and the artists in the coming days.
A library unit filled with books, or is it?
August 1st, 2012When we saw this English breakfront bookcase, we knew it belonged in the gallery. It’s one of the more interesting pieces we’ve found in our travels because of its uniqueness. The center doors open to reveal plenty of room for a flat-screen television that can stay hidden when not in use, or any of your personal treasures.
Because of the natural finish on this 12 1/2-foot wall unit, we’ve opted to decorate the room setting with elements of Nature — a deer mount, horns, tree limbs — and we’ve used framed watercolors that have a unifying water theme.
This bookcase is circa early 1900’s, and we’ve mixed it with lots of leather-covered French and English pieces that beg to be sat upon. We’ve added our signature bling in the form of an ormolu-trimmed Louis XV game table. The antique armillary centering the table is another unusual find.
To our library setting we’ve included an understated French Country writing desk that balances the bling of the game table. Notice the leopard print on our ottoman; no room is complete without one piece of animal fabric incorporated in its decor. Our requisite pop of color is found on the floor by using the Serapi rug.
Don’t get us wrong: We love books, and we love to read. We were drawn to this piece because of the creativity of an artisan a century ago. It represents the kind of special gems that we know make a home a sanctuary.
For us, almost any piece of furniture can be used in any setting, whether formal or informal. This wall unit would work in a den, a living/family room, or a bedroom. The leather chairs are suitable for a living room or den — or perhaps as the host and hostess seating in a dining room.
The game table, with its golden details, would fit in some foyers as easily as it does in the setting we have chosen.
We urge you to take chances, to step outside of your decorating comfort zone. Move your furniture to different rooms, switch accessories. Make it yours.
Every piece of furniture in this vignette can be used in any room of the home. We’ve chosen to create a library because the wall unit is keeping a bit of a secret!
An antique English bookcase that’s unusual yet useful
July 20th, 2012When we saw this English breakfront bookcase, we knew it belonged in the gallery. It’s one of the more interesting pieces we’ve found in our travels because the books are faux!
The center doors open to reveal plenty of room for a flat-screen television that can stay hidden when not in use. Because of the natural finish on this 12 1/2-foot wall unit, we’ve opted to decorate the room setting with elements of Nature — a deer mount, horns, tree limbs — and we’ve used framed watercolors that have a unifying water theme.
This bookcase is circa early 1900’s, and we’ve mixed it with lots of leather-covered French and English pieces that beg to be sat upon.
We’ve added our signature bling in the form of an ormolu-trimmed Louis XV game table. The antique armillary centering the table is another unusual find. To our library setting we’ve included an understated French Country writing desk that balances the bling of game table.
Notice the leopard print on our ottoman; no room is complete without one piece of animal fabric incorporated in its decor. Our requisite pop of color is found on the floor by using the Serapi rug.
This setting is our library; it could become a den, a living room or a office by dressing it up or down.
A plethora of pillows
May 17th, 2012Pillows are a great way to add luxury – and interest — to any room.
Here, we have piled a plethora of pillows on the bed for a dramatic effect. Look closely, and you’ll see interplay of textures with silk, burned-out velvet and tapestry. Look even more closely, and you’ll discover tassels, fringe and beading. It’s formal with a touch of whimsy. Jewel tones, including our favorite gold, blend effortlessly. (Let’s be honest ladies: We all love gold, whether it’s fabric or bling!)
On the bed, start with the euro-size pillow. It’s large and square, perfect for propping up while reading. Next, add king- or queen-size, and continue adding smaller versions until you feel like the look is complete.
Sure, pillows work beautifully on a sofa or in a wing chair, but think of some other ways to add a special touch elsewhere: In dining chairs, perhaps, to encourage leisurely after-dinner conversation; on a porch or deck, to add plush comfort to a few hours of lolling; in a straight desk chair, to add lumbar support.
Pillows add plenty of style and glamour to any room.
Think of pillows as an art element in a room; create a “pillowscape,” if you will, by combining a variety of sizes, shapes, colors, and textures. Pillows also are an inexpensive way to incorporate a new decorating trend, or to make seasonal changes.
Size and shape really don’t matter when it comes to pillows; just pile them on and enjoy.
