Andrew Barnes Lifestyle: 1stdibs

Showing posts with label 1stdibs. Show all posts

Monday, February 24, 2014

Espana Chest... and my Dorothy Draper wannabe

Oh, wait. Wrong story!

Let's try it, again.

Several years ago in House Beautiful, I spied a chest of drawers. And, it was spectacular!

Black chest of drawers in David Jimenez's home in Kansas City
http://www.housebeautiful.com/decorating/kansas-city-style-0807#slide-3

Unfortunately, there is that pesky Biblical Commandment, "Thou shalt not covet." Ok... so I will not covet HIS chest of drawers, I will find one of my own! Hmmmph.

Sadly, I knew nothing about that lovely piece of furniture.

Time to do some research.

Generally referred to as Dorothy Draper chests, these are officially named Espana Chests.

Dorothy Draper Espana Chest from 1stDibs

http://www.1stdibs.com/furniture/storage-case-pieces/commodes-chests-of-drawers/vintage-dorothy-draper-chest-drawers/id-f_953738/

According to Kate Collins, "The Espana Chest was designed by Dorothy Draper by invitation of the Spanish government to design a collection to raise the profile of Spanish design in the International market. Profile raised; this is a classic piece."

http://kcinteriors.wordpress.com/2010/09/27/dorothy-draper-espana-chest/

Even though these chests are Spanish in origin, the design style is frequently known as Hollywood Regency.

Ms. Draper, herself, was an interesting character. Born to a wealthy family in 1889, she established the first interior design company in the United States, in 1923.

The original Espana chests were created from cherry wood, lacquered in black or white, the 24 karat gold decorative drawer trim was hand applied, and the drawer pulls were high gloss brass. They were designed as "bunching chests" since several of them could be used together. Heritage furniture produced and distributed them starting in 1955.

Original advertisement, circa 1955

http://blog.circawho.com/tag/espana-chest/

Today, a new Espana chest will cost about $5000. And, used ones are all over the proverbial price point map... ranging from a $400-8000.

My buddy, Josie, managed to find a Dorothy Draper-esque chest of drawers in Charlotte and sent a photo to me. It was promptly purchased because it was CHEAP!

But, there was one small problem. How was I going to get it from Charlotte to Greenville????

Fortunately, Ross Spain to the rescue. Ross is a friend who owns Acquisitions Limited in Raleigh. He jokingly claims that he is in the used furniture business. Actually, he and his business partner, Ben Everett, import European antiques and their Raleigh and Charlotte stores are always stunning.

http://www.acquisitionslimited.com/

Ross, generously, transported the chest to Raleigh.  We just won't discuss the therapy bills... the chest had a severe bout of PTSD after riding in a truck filled with pedigreed antiques. {Wink}

The ancestry-challenged chest was kept in storage until I moved to the Triangle.   Though my initial thought had been to refinish it in black lacquer, low gloss white was chosen.  And, since gold inlay trim and additional drawer pulls might look out of place in this crazy mid century modern house, they were avoided.

Today, it continues to be a Dorothy Draper Espana Chest wannabe!   But, located in my guest bedroom, I love it.

My Dorothy Draper-inspired Espana Chest

Sunday, September 9, 2012

Vintage hat stands

Two views: 1920s millinery stand for hats from Etsy.com

True confession..... vintage hat stands are one of my favorite things!

Poetic justice might explain my admiration. I look simply dreadful in hats. As the saying goes, we always like what we can't have.

But, millinery stands are different... NO hat is required. Tee hee.

For the purpose of clarity, a milliner is a "hatter." Specifically, milliners typically create hats, bonnets, and head-dresses for women. Millinery stands are, therefore, hat stands. Sometimes, they are referred to as millinery hat stands... but that is probably a bit redundant.

Anyway, MY admiration of hat stands started in Memphis.

http://www.toadhallmemphis.com/

One day shopping at Toad Hall Antiques, I found a vintage hat stand and immediately fell in love with it! There were, unfortunately, two problems. One... there was NO place to put it in my tiny apartment. And, two... it was terribly overpriced. Granted, it WAS much cheaper than the $3500 Belgian Apothecary chest that I wanted to follow me home, but... you get the idea.

Over the past few years, hat stands have been on my radar. But, they are painfully difficult to find. Trust me, I've looked!

Recently, I thought: It is rather silly to admire hat stands yet know absolutely nothing about them. So, after a little internet research.... voilà.

Fortunately, a blog from an Australian stylist and event organizer, StephieB, was found.... courtesy of Google. And, that Aussie girl knows her hat stands. The following three photos and captions are from her blog. I take no credit for them. http://stephiebstyle.blogspot.com/2011/06/you-can.html

On the left: Antique wood hat blocks. In the center: Antique style hat stand. On the right: Vintage "Capital" hat block, Bowler hat block, and vintage hat block on a turned base.

Top row: Wire hat stand, vintage metal hat block, and vintage wire hat stands. Bottom row: Two vintage velvet-covered wire hat stands, old department store display stands, and a pair of antique metal hat stands.

Top row: Set of four vintage hat stands and a vintage miliners block. Bottom row: Vintage industrial hat blocks from 1stdibs.com, shelves of hat blocks, and antique English Oak hat stands.

So, the proberbial take home messages are: Millinery forms are usually blocks, stands can take a multitide of forms, and... yes... they are still a pain in the a$$ to find.

A couple of weekends ago, I found myself on etsy.com. Generally speaking, the organization of that little website makes it difficult for me to find anything. But, it WAS a rainy Saturday!

Then.... Oh.My.God! A vintage hat stand........ great price. PayPal to the rescue. Oh crap: What was that PayPal account password?

After some online PayPal tech support and thanks to the US Postal Service, it finally arrived at the office a few days later.

Much to my amusement, only our office manager, Jackie, knew that it was a hat stand. {Never claimed that my taste was anything other than ecclectic.} After taking it home, I realized: I am now the proud owner of an antique millinery stand. "Booyah!"

Vintage hat stand on the mantle in my sunroom.

The same hat stand beside sputnik.

It's a good thing that I love it... because I still can't wear hats!

Wednesday, March 7, 2012

...not just for chickens

Chicken wire....not just for chickens, anymore!

Chicken coop

Chicken wire, or poultry netting, has been around for a long time. In fact, it was invented in 1844 by Geoffrey Chaucer.... a little random Wednesday trivia courtesy of Wikipedia. And, while netting does serve a functional purpose for housing chickens, there are some other uses with a tad more aesthetic appeal. (No offense to the farmers out there...)

Wire mesh inserts have been used in cabinet doors for centuries. They've made a big comeback in the antique world, and here are a few examples from the online dealer, 1stdibs.

Circa 1820-1840s with original chicken wire

Circa 1720, France.

Both available: www.1stdibs.com

Unfortunately, the antique world can set some incredible prices on their furniture. The 1720's cabinet, for instance, has a suggested retail of over $35,000. So, how about a few examples that might be more budget friendly?

Cabinets can be repurposed. Remove the door inserts and insert chicken wire for a little funky flair.

http://eatcaketoodesigns.blogspot.com/2011/07/entertainment-console-80.html

Same idea is seen in this kitchen cabinet featured in Better Homes and Gardens.

http://www.bhg.com/kitchen/cabinets/styles/kitchen-cabinet-door-ideas/#page=20

True confession... I really HATE this room, but the idea of the chicken wire in that vintage and very fussy armoire is fun.

http://futuredomesticgoddess.blogspot.com/2011/10/wordless-wednesday-chicken-wire.html

And, a great idea for doors for the bar... check out the bottle of Maker's Mark. I knew that they had good taste.

http://furniturereincarnated.blogspot.com/2010/06/furniture-reincarnated-barnwood-bar.html

Though this photo doesn't do it justice, the upper cabinets in this kitchen remodel have chicken wire...proving you don't need to be in love with French country style to appreciate it.

http://havenandhome.blogspot.com/2011/05/love-one-youre-with-velvet-linen.html

This room may look a bit "staged" for some folks, but the chicken wire inserts in those cabinets look amazing.

http://nestegg.typepad.com/nest-egg/2010/01/knock-knock.html

But, if you aren't ready to grab the jig saw, staple gun, and a roll of chicken wire from your local hardware store, these might be just the trick...

Chicken wire around bottles. My friend, Josie, gave me a set similar to this for Christmas or my birthday. Great way to display single flower blooms.

http://www.11magnolialane.com/

This is my chicken wire "bud vase." I keep it on the ottoman in the sunroom. Sometimes, it might be missing the flowers... shhh! Don't tell anyone.

Bill Mitchell's recycled light fixture featuring chicken wire, motorcycle wheel cap, and Eastern Red Cedar wood. Was featured in Green Home Chicago, recently.

http://www.chicagohomemag.com/Chicago-Home/Design-Dose/index.php?cp=4&si=30

This drum shade is sexy, fun, and unexpected. Would look wonderful in a loft space or in a modern kitchen above a long island.

http://www.houzz.com/photos/products/chicken-coop

Why not use it as a side table???

http://www.houzz.com/photos/products/chicken-coop

Also available at: ABC Carpet and Home, NYC

When all else fails.... take inspiration from Ivan Lovatt. He made a chicken statue out of chicken wire!

http://freshpics.blogspot.com/2011_11_01_archive.html

This made me laugh out loud. The irony... a discussion about the artful use of chicken wire, and Ivan Lovatt made a sculpture combining Andy Warhol (made from chicken netting) and his iconic painting of a Cambell's soup can. You just can't make this stuff up...

http://freshpics.blogspot.com/2011_11_01_archive.html

One final example..... and one of my absolute favorite things! (I feel like Oprah.) Chicken wire encased in acrylic. About a year ago, I saw this tray in BD Jeffries in Charlotte (http://www.bdjeffries.com). Since that time, they have become much easier to find and they make great gifts. I've given several away to friends who would appreciate their humor. Some of the best deals on these trays are from 7th Floor Barneys, New York... you have to call; they are not on the website. The one pictured is from:

http://www.homejameseasthampton.com/davidslaneacrylictray-wire.aspx

Saturday, March 3, 2012

Apothecary Charm

Vintage blue painted apothecary chest

www.lindaroseantiques.com

Was looking through magazines on this dreadfully rainy Saturday afternoon and came across this...

Genevieve Gorder's living room in her New York City brownstone
HGTV Magazine, February-March 2012
http://www.hgtv.com/hgtv-magazine/package/index.html
http://madelineweinrib.com/

The first thing to catch my eye was large apothecary cabinet underneath those great floating stairs. Simply stunning! And... check out the Madeline Weinrib rug. Absolutely adore this entire space.

For some strange reason, I've always been fascinated by cabinets and shelves. (Yes, Freud would probably have a field day with that one.) And, apothecary cabinets have become an obesession since I saw a beautiful one at Toad Hall Antiques years ago. http://www.toadhallmemphis.com/

Traditionally, apothecary chests were built as storage units for medicine in the 18th and 19th centuries and were used by pharmacists, chemists, and physicians. By the beginning of the 20th century, they were beginning to go out of style. Today, they are regarded as a uniquely styled cabinet that is a great accent or statement piece in a room.

Apothecary chests can be found in antique stores, otherwise known as "used furniture stores," and on internet sites like eBay and 1st dibs. These three are from 1st dibs. www.1stdibs.com.

19th Century, apothecary chest with 25 drawers

New England origin, 19th century pine chest with 16 drawers

Rue painted elm wood medicine storage chest, 19th Century, China

Some folks have a problem figuring out exactly how to use them in their homes. Here are some well done spaces....

Glad that I don't have the get the dog fur off of that red sofa!

http://www.mysanantonio.com/real_estate/article/SPACES-Scaling-Down-to-Tuna-Town-778413.php

Repainted vintage library card catalog cabinet... same idea as an apothecary chest.

http://dishfunctionaldesigns.blogspot.com/2012/01/vintage-library-card-catalogs.html

In a foyer...

http://nestdallasdesign.blogspot.com/2010/02/edgy-spaces-enticing-entrances-foyers.html

Above a desk.... just make certain to anchor it well to the wall. Just sayin'!

Featured in elle Decor.

http://www.ehomee.com/modern-home-office-ideas-and-designs/

Spectacular in a bedroom or on a landing

http://iwantiwantiwant.com.au/blog

Or, finally, in a living room or den. Check out the black and white photos with it... well done!

http://iwantiwantiwant.com.au/blog

Tuesday, February 21, 2012

Mardi Gras and New Orleans

Laissez les bons temps rouler

Mardi Gras cupcakes, a little twist on the traditional "king cake"

http://sweetpeaskitchen.com/2011/03/08/mardi-gras-cupcakes/

With that famous catch phrase, "let the good times roll," and because of its penchant for throwing one helluva good party, nothing is more synonymous with Fat Tuesday than The Big Easy. New Orleans, Louisana, our favorite cajun city - nearly destroyed by that pesky hurricane, Katrina - is making a comeback.

Hard to believe that New Orleans was established in 1718. And, it seems like they have been rolling out the red carpet for visitors, ever since. So, on this, the final day of the Carnival season, here are some of my New Orleans favs.