Posts in category Decorating & Design Inspiration

Antiques Throughout History ~ Prologue

Initial Aantiques and the study of history represent a remarkable journey of discovery and reflection on our past.  Humans have always had a fascination with preceding civilizations and with the background of the objects and stories of yesteryear.  This knowledge gives us a foundation that enriches our lives ~ and then makes us thirst for more.

This fascination emerged during the 18th and 19th century after major archeological discoveries led to research into ancient civilizations, fueling an explosion of creativity, art, and style.  This strong interest in history, antiques and art continues today ~ inspiring us to write this blog.

As if we have a private time machine, we will explore the centuries, travelling to ancient castles and villages in the search of the birth, origins and history of antiques and the antique furniture we love today. We invite you along on this fascinating & amazing journey.

Don’t worry ~ we are not going back to college ~ in fact these insights are not available in today’s schools.  These tales are divulged and discovered by living with history and having the insatiable curiosity about the origins of everyday objects that furnish our homes and build our collections.

This is the mission of our blog, Mirroring History ~ to find the explanations and secrets of the past, bring more meaning to the present, and to inspire us for a greater future. SignatureInessa

High Point Market ~ Hot New Trends

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Twice each year, in the Spring and in the Fall, John and I make a pilgrimage  to the High Point Market. It is exciting to see new trends, colors, fabrics and designs, spread out over countless city blocks.  This Spring’s market was definitely influenced by a transitional interpretation of traditional & antique styles.
Duralee’snewest fabrics add a touch of modern  elegance to traditional frames.  As always ~ they’re so perfectly tailored!  The showroom was awash with playful pinks, lavenders and plums, just in time for spring.
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Hickory Chair was celebrating their 100 year anniversary and the new collection was produced by in-house designers paying tribute to old traditions but with a modern interpretation.  We saw a lot of great woven tailored patterns in strong grays, browns and neutral colors.  My favorite style is Neoclassical and I found a great chair for a client in their showroom.  Marie Antoinette would have been proud.DSC_0949
Pearson’swas also celebrating their 70 year anniversary (This year we’re celebrating 20 years in business…How time flies!). I always enjoy their collection of antiques that they use to display with upholstered pieces.  Their selection of antiques varies from formal to rustic – English, French and Oriental – a great eclectic mix similar to what we do in our own showrooms.
IMG_1410New items are arriving each week in both states, and we’re photographing & uploading them to our website as fast as we can, because we want everyone to share in our excitement!
Be on the lookout for new arrivals in both states by staying logged on to www.inessa.com.
Bar420_975101picAntique French Louis XVI period commode plus antique French landscape painting beautifully blended with transitional Hickory Chair sofa, Audubon style prints, and perfectly selected antique accessories, all in cool blues and grays ~ ideal for the hot summer to come, the vignette below is from our Baton Rouge showroom~
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Dog Days of Summer



I know, it seems the summer will never end~ but it always seems to fade away into fall somehow. In the meantime, thank your lucky stars we have freon!

We were very pleased this month to start receiving the first of our floor samples just in time for the fall and winter seasons: Exceptional sofas, armchairs & ottomans with our Inessa Stewart Collection label ~ manufactured to our specifications and beautifully upholstered for stylish comfort for you and your family, with quality that you’ve come to expect from Inessa Stewart’s Antiques!
Of course, we had to have testimonials, so we hired our two in-house consultants, Louis and Zoie, to try out a sample or two. Zoie tends to gravitate towards the newly upholstered antique furniture, whereas Louis, the overstuffed comfy sofas. He also likes to watch football, so go figure…
 Inessa Stewart

Antiques in Style is a source of joy for me to create, and hopefully will be a source of inspiration for you! The variety, artistry and history of the antiques and vintage pieces that surround us every day provide pleasure, beauty and sometimes even intrigue.

The classics never go out of style, and each era, country, and even artisan's interpretations create an environment that is always full of surprises.

It is truly a pleasure to bring such timeless style together for every client and follower of my blog. And of course, your input is always welcome!

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