The 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 […]
Tag: principles of design
A very, merry — and green — Christmas!
Thursday, December 20th, 2012Tags: #dining at home, Ala. antiques stores, Birmingham, decorating with antiques, English decorative objects, Entertaining, principles of design
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An antique English bookcase that’s unusual yet useful
Friday, 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 […]
Tags: @French Country style, #fine art, Ala. antiques stores, Birmingham, decorating with antiques, English decorative objects, Paris, principles of design
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A plethora of pillows
Thursday, 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. […]
Tags: @French Country style, Ala. antiques stores, Birmingham, decorating with antiques, decorating with pillows, principles of design
Posted in Our View, Seasonal decorating | 3 Comments »
Enjoy the Garden District wherever you call home.
Friday, May 4th, 2012Think Paris in the 1830’s – or 1930’s, for that matter. If that’s a bit too far away, think New Orleans at any time. The exquisite attention to detail – from a massive antique Chinese Chippendale mirror to a simple scalloped lampshade finished with fringe – the look is chic. The look is elegant. The […]
Tags: @French Country style, #fine art, Ala. antiques stores, Birmingham, decorating with antiques, fretwork, fringe, New Orleans, Paris, principles of design
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Using the classic French epergne as a centerpiece for the dining table
Saturday, April 28th, 2012Even the most simple table setting can transform an ordinary meal into a memorable occasion. Here, we are emphasizing sparkle rather than color: The silver and the cut crystal catch shimmers of light that add atmosphere. Set plain white china on lace placemats; add a salad plate with a floral motif and a plain white […]
Tags: @French Country style, #dining at home, Ala. antiques stores, Birmingham, decorating with antiques, Entertaining, principles of design
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Red, white, blue — and you!
Thursday, April 19th, 2012We love blue and white. We love tulips. We love combining the two to create a festive tablescape. Blue and white porcelain first was seen in the days of the early Chinese emperors, who showed a deep appreciation for objects of beauty. The discovery that an abundant plant produced the blue color capable of permanently […]
Tags: @French Country style, #dining at home, Ala. antiques stores, Birmingham, decorating with antiques, English decorative objects, principles of design
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We are ‘multitudes”
Sunday, March 18th, 2012As you get to know us better, you’ll realize that while we love to be surrounded with beauty, we believe that balance and comfort are the keys to creating sanctuary. You’ll see the phrase “casual elegance” on a regular basis, and you’ll begin to understand why we love the French Country style so much. It’s […]
Tags: @French Country style, Ala. antiques stores, Birmingham, decorating with antiques, principles of design
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Old and new — and you!
Tuesday, February 14th, 2012Who says antiques can’t mix with contemporary pieces? Certainly not us, and this photo proves that new and old combine Who says antiques can’t mix with contemporary pieces? Certainly not us, and this photo proves that new and old combine beautifully. This Italian pine breakfront, circa 1900, is the perfect anchor for a family room, […]
Tags: @French Country style, Ala. antiques stores, Birmingham, decorating with antiques, principles of design
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Make every meal special; make every room special
Wednesday, February 8th, 2012When it comes to style, the French really do get it right. They know that no one has a single way of dressing or decorating. Our homes are as complex as we are. Perhaps that’s why we love French Country so much. It isn’t a single style; it encompasses many styles — rustic, refined; […]
Tags: @French Country style, Ala. antiques stores, Birmingham, decorating with antiques, Entertaining, principles of design
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Enjoy a meal, a la French Country
Friday, January 20th, 2012One of the reasons we love French Country style so much is due to its casual elegance. Nothing looks or feels like it’s brand new, even if it just came off a showroom floor. It’s comfortable, and it’s anything but fussy. That’s why a French Country dining room works so well. You and your guests […]
Tags: @French Country style, #dining at home, Ala. antiques stores, Birmingham, decorating with antiques, Entertaining, principles of design
Posted in Entertaining | 1 Comment »
