Posts in category Decorating & Design Inspiration

Antiques in Style ~ Into the Library

Antique Letter EngravingWith French antique containers arriving in Baton Rouge, Dallas and also Italian antique shipment just being unpacked in Texas store, October is shaping up as a busy month for us. The weather is cooler and we had our first cold front, which energized us to prepare for another busy fall season.  As new antique shipments from Europe and my new finds from markets are unpacked and displayed we are creating new vignettes, one of the ways we share our passion for antiques and design.

antiques in the library 3antiques in the library 2antiques in the library 1

We are so excited!  Last week the new issue of Grand Luxe Magazine came out and I want to share it with you as our staff works so hard with me on all photo shoots and this one was no different.  Below are the fruits of our creative effort and I hope you enjoy my monthly column Antiques in Style with this issue entitled “Into the Library”.

Grande Luxe Magazine Antiques In Style Page1Grande Luxe Magazine Antiques In Style Page2As I write this we are preparing for a Cover Party being held at our Dragon Street showroom, co-sponsored by Grand Luxe Magazine, where we look forward to seeing old friends and making new ones!

Inessa Stewart's Antiques

Antique Inspirations~ Quick Floral Designs

Antique Letter EngravingSince I have worked in the antique and design business for over 20 years, I know the importance of staying inspired.  Even when you are surrounded by beautiful antique furniture and art it is possible to lose the spark of motivation.  It is therefore important to see the artistry in even the simplest things and to start each week with new ideas ~ all to foster and maintain one’s eloquence in design.  No matter now great or subtle the inspiration, one cannot overstate its continuous impact.

Antiques and floral display

This week my inspiration came in the box of roses my sweet mother sent us for our wedding anniversary (this year we celebrated our 26th).  A dozen long stemmed roses in mixed colors arrived, giving me an idea for two quick and simple floral designs.

Antiques and roses: Before First, I picked some greenery fillers from my garden to add texture.  Using my grandmother’s two hand-cut crystal vases; I separated the roses into two color schemes.  When the stems are cut short and the roses packed tightly, the arrangement will last a lot longer.  Such arrangements are also easy to place just about anywhere in your home.  One arrangement looked great in our living room and the other in the bedroom.

Antiques and rosesAntiques and roses Seeing the roses in small antique family heirloom vases inspires me even today, and reminds me of all the times I saw each vase on my grandmother’s table as she lovingly arranged fresh flowers in them to celebrate special days.

Antiques and Roses Antiques and Roses

Voila!  Enjoy, and have a great week!

Antique inspirations ~ The French Dream Home

Antique Letter EngravingStoried Strait Lane in Dallas is well known for exceptional homes and its famous residents (Owen, Luke and Andrew Wilson resided on this street).  One particularly exquisite home, fashioned in the French style, is graced with a crushed limestone front court yard, with striking and distinctive Parisian architecture providing the setting for the remarkable residence of Kelly and Norm Green.  This distinctive home stands apart ~ even amongst the abundance of its famous and grand neighbors.

GrandLuxe Magazine

In the June issue of Dallas’ Grand Luxe magazine, talented editor and writer Carolyn Tillery features a gorgeous layout of this incredible home that echoes the mansions one would expect to be found only in Europe.  It is truly a Francophile’s dream!

GrandeLuxe Magazine

Click to Enlarge – Grandluxemagazine.com

GrandLuxe Magazine

In this home exceptional design was married with the best from the past and the luxuries of today.  The home is abundantly charming, elegant and is the epitome of Parisian style ~ a French Haven ~ down to the authentic architectural antiques used throughout its fabulous antique interiors.  (Below are the photos from this beautiful article.  Enjoy!)

GrandeLuxe Magazine

Click to Enlarge – Grandluxemagazine.com

GrandLuxe Magazine

GrandLuxe Magazine

I had the pleasure of meeting Kelly Green at a charity fundraiser some years ago.  The Greens are well known for their philanthropy and the hospitality they extend to many charities in Texas.  It was a home tour featuring the residences on Straight Lane with cooking demonstrations by some of the best restaurants in Dallas, all for the benefit of the Dallas Symphony.  We were busily prepared an elaborate cooking demonstration in the Green’s incredible French-inspired kitchen and also had the pleasure of creating an antique-themed table setting for the dining room.  The event was a smashing success and the Green’s home was the favorite of all who attended.  I will never forget how charming and hospitable Kelly Green was to me and my staff.  I will forever remember with fondness this inspiring and amazing home, and its charming and gracious owners.

Inessa Stewart's Antiques

 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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