Posts tagged antique bookcase

Antique of the Week ~ Antique Country French Bookcase / Buffet Deux Corps


French AntiquesCollecting sets us on the road of antiquing and the incurable collector looks for the perfect pieces of antique furniture to house his or her assemblage of acquired treasures.  I think this piece was built almost two centuries ago for just such an enthusiastic soul.  Creating a striking vignette display is easy in a perfectly fashioned piece of furniture by using a wealth of antique accessories, juxtaposing transferware, pewter, old books and antique art for added dimension ~ creating an ideal collector’s tableau.

Antique Bookcase 1

Antique Bookcase 2Antique Bookcase Collage

Gracefully executed in the preferred medium in Northern France ~ dense, old-growth French white oak ~ this elegant buffet a deux corps was meant to display a family’s prized collection above and store their everyday dishes in the buffet below, behind exquisitely carved solid oak depicting the abundance of which nature has blessed the rolling hills of Normandy. The interior of the upper tier was painted long ago in the soft patina of Country French blue to highlight the treasures displayed within, framed by the intricately glazed forty-pane display above ~ all of original hand rolled glass. Crowned with dentil molding and chamfered raised panels below and adorned with large and small rosettes, this antique French Louis XVI bookcase adds functionality with Neoclassical elegance! Original solid brass and iron hardware add to its authenticity providing the perfect touch of class.

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Built for the collector, it still commands focus which brings refinement and harmony to any room!

Inessa Stewart's Antiques & Interiors

How to Decorate an Antique Bookcase

Antique Letter EngravingAfter our clients purchase an antique bookcase or a display armoire I am often asked ~ how do I decorate my bookcase? First, what is the bookcase style?  I let the antique set the tone and direction of decorating.

Antique Decorated Library Bookcase

The bibliotheque (bookcase) we featured in this blog was crafted in the Louis XVI style, so we will use this as inspiration to bring in neoclassical elements to complement the design ~ the hand painted plates in soft classic colors, and use a Louis XVI style mantel clock set is focal element in the peace. The color is of great importance~ notice soft pastels and neutrals are repeated throughout the bibliotheque.  The rest is achieved in this case with antique books in similar colors to add continuity and texture.

Antique Accessories in Bookcase Detail Antique Bookcase Accessories

I love the patina of old books as they make a great foundation to the display in any library or bookcase.   The rest of the display’s impact is achieved with repeating and alternating textures.  With this particular piece being a three-door type, symmetry is of importance. In one or two door bibliotheques, after establishing a focal point, balance is the key.

Antique Bookcase Accessories

If you are using a collection of modern books as the foundation for a display, I recommend you group the books by color and size. Also make sure you edit your accessories. If family photos are used, frame them in similar frames of varying sizes.

Antique Bookcase Accessories

Antique Bookcase AccessoriesAntique Bookcase AccessoriesA bookcase is a great place to display a collection.  For example I collect antique boxes, and they are prominently displayed in our rosewood bookcase in the living room where we enjoy viewing the collection every day. This way the display brings a special meaning and visual appeal.

Inessa Stewart's Antiques

Antique Flourish

 

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.

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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

 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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