Tag: antiques

My Trip To Paris

July 25, 2016

As Audrey Hepburn said, “Paris is always a good idea.” And so it was earlier this month.
After seemingly endless rains, we arrived to glorious weather — beautiful blue, nearly cloudless skies and clean, crisp air. When we arrived at our hotel, the Directeur’s PA said, “thank you for bringing the sun with you.” Each day w‎as bright and comfortable.

And of course, such perfect weather simply magnified the beauty of this glorious city and of its people, who were ready to be outside and welcome visitors.  But no matter how small our world becomes, some things don’t quite translate — for example, a sidewalk cafe invited its guests to be seated by asking that they “install yourself at a table.”  flowers that are everywhere in Paris. Wherever we went, there were beautiful gardens and arrangements everywhere — from the magnificent displays in the city’s superb hotels and restaurants to the windowboxes overlooking the streets. A breathtaking array of color throughout the city!

As my friend Lisa would say, “there was a frisson of excitement” all weekend as Paris prepared to host the final game of the European soccer championship. And when the French team qualified for the finals, the excitement reached a fever pitch. It was like Super Bowl Sunday! Throughout Paris, huge crowds — their faces painted and many carrying (or wearing) French flags — gathered to watch the match. And when Portugal’s best player was forced off the field with an injury early in the match, the prospects for the home team looked bright indeed. But alas, Portugal stunned France with a goal 20 minutes into the overtime period to take the title 1-0. All over Paris there were long faces on Monday.
And of course in a nod to the state of our world today, there was a constant security presence with police and heavily armed soldiers throughout the city.

But for me, the highlight of the trip was my time in the antique markets! After coming here for many years, I know some of the dealers well and it is like seeing old friends.

The markets always surprise, but never disappoint. A stand that seems of no interest at first glance reveals a hidden gem moments later.  I have posted some of my new finds and can’t wait until the “transport” arrives and I can share everything with you.

Here is a sneak peak:

One trend I continued to see throughout the markets was sheepskin upholstery. I have seen a bit of that stateside, but it seemed to be EVERYWHERE in Paris…..

As I walk through the city, I am always awed and inspired by the flowers in Paris—from the simplest arrangement on a breakfast table to a grand display in a hotel lobby.  There were beautiful gardens and window boxes on display at every turn.  The colors are glorious and are a feast for the eyes,  Somehow, the neighborhood “fleuristes” are also always a treat!

The doors and windows of Paris continue to inspire me with their scale, detail and color.  So many offices and apartments are hidden behind these grand entries, often with a lovely green courtyard in between.  Here are a few I discovered on this trip.

Sometimes it is not easy to blend new and old, modern with traditional.  Mixing a bit of the unexpected creates interest and is pleasing to the eye.  This fabulous circular glass chandelier in a grand hotel lobby exquisitely juxtaposes with the traditional, classical architecture.

In recent years, the Palace of Versailles has featured contemporary art, a refreshing addition to the 18th century grandeur of this famous chateau.  This glass bead sculpture was one of my favorite examples of the masterful blending of old and new at Versailles.

We left Paris on the morning of July 14, as the city was preparing for the annual Bastille Day celebration.  Shops and offices were closed, flags were flying, and pride and excitement were everywhere.  When our flight landed in the U.S., we learned of the horror of the attacks in Nice — a sobering reminder of the fragile nature of life In the modern world and of the need to embrace and appreciate the beauty that surrounds us.

High Point Market 2016

April 30, 2016

After all these years, I finally decided to make the pilgrimage to High Point Market.  Although I was there for four days, I felt as though I barely began to explore this vast market place.  More than 2,000 exhibitors in a total of 180 buildings, showcase their newest collections of antique and contemporary furniture, as well as the dazzling array of lighting, accessories and much, much more.  While I have had plenty of experience shopping big shows and generally know what I am looking for, even my eyes were glazing over at the end.  Advice to the first time market attendee: Make sure you do your due diligence before your trip.  You won’t make it to every showroom, so prior to arrival, plan your visit and make a list of your “must sees.”  Otherwise, it all becomes a big blur!

My first stop was the Antique and Design Center, a collection and antiques and vintage vendors, showcasing furniture, lighting, mirrors, accessories and art.  For the most part, I  was impressed with the range and quality of the offerings–a mix of European antiques and mid-century furniture and lighting.  

One of my favorites is French Bleu Antiques, a lovely husband and wife team offering interesting high quality pieces in an attractive display.  

A beautiful painted Swedish commode offered by French Bleu Antiques A beautiful painted Swedish commode offered by French Bleu Antiques

Another must see is Delray & Associates, an eclectic mix of European antiques, lighting and accessories. Carol Pollard is a stand out for mid-century furniture, lighting and accessories, and I loved visiting with David Lindquist of Whitehall Antique, based in Chapel Hill, NC.  A charming and knowledgeable dealer, David explained to me the wonderful story of “Museum Bees,” a collection of wall hangings made from 19th-century frame fragments.  

A fabulous collection of A fabulous collection of “Museum Bees” created by artist Trace Mayer using fragments of 19th-century frames.  Offered by Whitehall Antiques

After a couple of days at the antique markets, I ventured to the International Home Furnishings Center (IHFC) building to check out the new products.  The first floor alone is 80,000 square feet!  The first four floors are mainly accessories and lighting, whereas the top floors house furniture showrooms.  

Here are some of my favorite finds:

A collection of plaster lotus blossoms by Jamie Young A collection of plaster lotus blossoms by Jamie Young

I loved the juxtaposition of the shiny metal and bleached wood in this table offered by Uttermost     I loved the juxtaposition of the shiny metal and bleached wood in this table offered by Uttermost    

Tommy Mitchell created this beauty as well as other exquisite works including lighting, tables and accessories, sculpting metal butterflies and flowers to create whimsical, unique pieces. Tommy Mitchell created this beauty as well as other exquisite works including lighting, tables and accessories, sculpting metal butterflies and flowers to create whimsical, unique pieces.

In addition to High Point Market showrooms, there are some stand alone shops as well.  A few of my favorite stops are Bobo Intriguing Objects, Schwung and Eloquence.

Schwung Home is a huge selection of new and vintage pieces.  I loved this little lady's desk in bleached oak. Schwung Home is a huge selection of new and vintage pieces.  I loved this little lady’s desk in bleached oak.

I spotted these sleek lucite bar stools at Bobo Intriguing Objects, part of their new product line. I spotted these sleek lucite bar stools at Bobo Intriguing Objects, part of their new product line.

Eloquence is a beautiful, light-filled showroom on two levels with an impressive array of French antiques mixed in with high quality reproductions.

A reproduction French antique table surrounded by antique chairs at Eloquence.   A reproduction French antique table surrounded by antique chairs at Eloquence.  

A note about Southern hospitality: in every single showroom, shoppers were offered a variety of beverages, and in many cases, a full buffet of appetizing dishes. No doubt this was all intended to keep the customers in the shops, but it was done in a gracious, welcoming way.  The entire week was a “who’s who” of the design world and there were parties and receptions galore.  Two of my favorites were hosted by Kravet and Kate Spade Home Collection

At the Kravet Showroom reception with Clinton Smith, Editor-in-Chief, Veranda Magazine, and LA-based designer Missy Calvert. At the Kravet Showroom reception with Clinton Smith, Editor-in-Chief, Veranda Magazine, and LA-based designer Missy Calvert.

The Kate Spade Home Collection Showroom was the perfect spot for a festive cocktail party! The Kate Spade Home Collection Showroom was the perfect spot for a festive cocktail party!

There were two recurring themes in all of the markets I visited:  horses and flowers–they were everywhere!  Here are some of my favorites:

I am delighted that I was able to experience this market that I have heard about for years.  It is quite an undertaking to put this show together, and it is clearly the result of hard work and many hours of labor on the part of the organizers and vendors.  It feels somewhat like the Super Bowl of the furnishings world!  The challenge is to weed through it all to find some treasures.  After going once, I am already looking forward to my next visit to High Point and to making new discoveries!