If Money Was No Object: My Vintage Top 10

What would you choose for yourself if your budget was without limit? I was recently asked this question and was happy to shop with abandon for my dream room, selecting gorgeous vintage items from Decaso, Decorative Arts Society.

If you are familiar with the online vintage site Chairish, this new sister site is founded by the same stellar team.

About Decaso: “It is an ultra-curated selection of exceptional antique and designer furniture offered by the world’s most respected dealers.”

As a blogger asked to choose my “Bucket List” favorites, I fell in LOVE with the 10 vintage items above. Details for each item with links to more info are listed below.

My theme? A classically glamorous room to entertain guests, enjoy a cocktail or two, put my feet up and get cozy.

My fantasy budget? Just over $30,000 (without adding in the cost of the original art). Not unreasonable for custom and vintage, but certainly outside of my typical price range. A girl can dream, right? If I had to choose just one of the ten, I would probably take home the bar cart. What would your fantasy room look like?

1 // Still Life With Upright, Oil on Canvas by Anne-Louise Ewen

2 // Leaded White Glass Sphere Pendant

3 // Italian Brass Chiavari Chair in Mongolian Fur

4 // Regency Style Designer Taboret Bench by Randy Esada Designs

5 // Charles Hollis Jones Lucite Faux-Bamboo and Brass Serving Cart

6 // Four Capiz Star-Shaped Pendant Lights

7 // Italian-Inspired Settee by Stripe

8 // Early 20th Century Oushak Carpet

9 // Pair of Fishskin Covered Chairs

10 // Custom Mid-Century Coffee Table

Choose your vintage favorites at Decaso.com

Adding Style with Saturated Colors

art  //  lamp  //  bachelor's chest  //  carpet  //  bedding  //  accent pillow

upholstered bed  //  upholstered storage bench  //  vintage slipper chair

I was recently asked by Chairish, an online shopping site for vintage and used home furnishings, to create a bold and bright room featuring my favorite accent chair from their curated collections. Vintage chairs are a particular weakness of mine, so I could not pass up this unique design challenge!

I selected an elegant vintage slipper chair in yellow velvet as my inspiration, then paired it with equally bright new pieces from Bassett Furniture that had a classic or vintage feel to them. An over-dyed Persian style carpet, a Robert Allen watercolor-like fabric, and an abstract knife gel giclee combine for a rich and colorful palette. The large scale upholstered bed adds visual balance to the space by remaining neutral in color.

Often times I am working with clients who want to incorporate a much loved piece, like a vintage chair, into their plans for a renovated room. The key is to make all the pieces, old and new, look as if they are speaking the same language. Repeating the shape of a leg, duplicating the finish color, or choosing pieces that seem to be from a similar time period, helps to bridge the gap from the past to the present. Including a modern twist, like these deeply saturated colors, keeps the space looking fresh.

If you are looking to add some lively pieces with vintage patina to your newly designed spaces, check out the decorative objects that are also available via the Chairish site ... 

  

Vintage Fretwork Green Wooden Tray

Mercury Glass Candlestick

Bone China White Swans