Secretaries Day

My furniture wish list tends to be rather fluid. Some pieces come while others go, but the one piece that is a constant is a secretary. I've wanted one for as long as I can remember. While some may think of secretaries as being rather stodgy, I think the opposite. They can be quite elegant, such as those glorious antique japanned types. Or they can be dignified, especially those rendered in mahogany. Secretaries are also quite practical. What a wonderful way in which to display porcelain or other objets. And wouldn't using one of these as a desk make bill paying a tad bit more fun?

I'm still undecided about which type is my favorite. I think I'm leaning towards a Chinoiserie version in either red or black. But after looking at these images below, I just might have to change my mind!




The oft discussed 18th c. Chinoiserie secretary in the home of Ivanka Trump.


I like how Ruthie Sommers mixed a very traditional antique mahogany secretary with a 1940s coffee table, a black sofa with funky nailhead trim design, and a faux zebra rug. (Image from InStyle Home, Spring 07, photographer Ngoc Minh Ngo)


An 18th c. English secretary filled with ivory objects in the home of the late Sister Parish.


A secretary that has been painted with a faux yellow bird's eye finish. In the home of designer John Phifer Marrs (photographer Stephen Karlisch).


Image at top: Venetian mirrored secretaire, c. 1930, from John Salibello

Big 'n Brown

Is anybody else ready to see more brown wood again? After a few years of solid-colored, painted furniture staking its claim on design, I know that I for one am eager for the "return" of rich, dark wood.

Now to be fair, brown wood has never been out of style. It just seems that brightly hued furniture has gotten a lot of our attention lately (this is not a criticism, because I'm a fan too). You can, however, strike a balance between painted finishes and brown wood. You don't want too many brown wood pieces in one room- it will look dark, hard, and heavy (this is where the painted furniture comes in handy). Also, you've got to exercise caution with those big, looming dark wood pieces- what Nancy Lancaster called "Big 'n Brown". And yes, I understand why Dorothy Draper chose to slap a coat of paint on furniture when there was too much brown in one room.

But please, don't banish the brown wood! If my plea hasn't convinced you, then you may want to consider these wood pieces (accessories included) that are mixed with brass, nickel and chrome- now this is truly an easy way to live with wood!


Wooden Pavilion Lantern in Oak and Nickel, from Charles Edwards


Rosewood liquor cabinet with brass inlay, by Paolo Buffa, c. 1938, available at Fred Silberman


1950s French desk, brass and wood, from Visiona


Karl Springer Mahogany and Chrome Dining Table from Assemblage.


Shrimp earrings in wood and gold by Seaman Schepps


Rosewood and brass etagere,from George N Antiques

Image at top: Brass and Mahogany Travelling Writing Box, c. 1830, from Mallett

Frederick P. Victoria & Son

Have you ever wanted a touch of Elsie de Wolfe in your home? Or wanted to channel the cool elegance of Babe Paley? Well, you can do that, in a way, with furniture from the venerable firm Frederick P. Victoria & Son. F.P. Victoria has been in existence since the 1930s, and their clientele has included design and style icons alike- Billy Baldwin, Cole Porter, Duchess of Windsor. Fortunately, F.P. Victoria has maintained an extensive archive of their custom pieces, many of which are named for the particular client. I also believe that some of the items are inspired by famous pieces.

Below are some of the designs that F.P. Victoria currently lists on their website. I've tried to include what information that I could, but for those of you who are well informed about de Wolfe, Maugham, Porter, and the like, I would appreciate it if you could share with us any additional information. I know that I'm quite curious!

Elsie de Wolfe

Elsie de Wolfe side table

Cole Porter


Cole Porter side chair


Baldwin/Porter Coffee Table

Syrie Maugham


Syrie Maugham model reproduction Louis XV step magazine table

The Windsors


Chippendale style Chinoiserie Bookcase


The original- George III style japanned etageres from the collection of the Duke and Duchess of Windsor


Windsor Hurricane Lamp, originally made for the Windsors by F.P. Victoria in the 1950s

Babe Paley


Paley Venetian Mirror, based on a mirror sold to Babe Paley in the 1960s.

Image at top: Elsie de Wolfe mirrored bench after a Serge Roche design for de Wolfe

Avery Noll

I'm always looking for fun new shops and online retailers, so it was with much excitement that I learned about Avery Noll, a great online retailer of vintage furniture and accessories. Owned by Dee Gardner and Delores Gardner-Thompson (a mother-daughter team- how great is that?), Avery Noll carries a fun mix of traditional antiques and contemporary pieces from the 1960s and 70s. Many of the pieces have been "refreshed" with new upholstery or lamp shades.

I recently purchased the bar cart (above) from Avery Noll, so I can attest to their excellent customer service (I had wanted to use an image of the bar cart in my home with all of my "stuff" on it, but unfortunately I haven't had time- so, I had to borrow the image from Avery Noll's website!). I had been searching for a stylish drinks cart, so I jumped when I spotted this one on the site. As much as I like the brass, I'm thinking about possibly replating it in chrome and adding antiqued mirror shelves to it (you know, for that glam 1930s look!). And this brings me to my next point- with such reasonable prices, you can buy a table or desk and tweak it to fit your design scheme... and you still won't break the bank.

Here are a few of my favorites from the site:


Faux bamboo metal end tables


Parchment table


Bamboo desk


Hand-painted fabric wall hanging

In with the Old, In with the New

A few months ago, the New York Times published an interesting article on Newport, Rhode Island society decorator John Peixinho. I was really quite curious about him as he counts the inimitable Oatsie Charles as a client. In fact, Peixinho upholstered Charles' late husband's Barcalounger in a Scalamandre Chinoiserie print. Now, how can you not like the decorator who adorns the 800 pound gorilla in the room in Scalamandre?

So it was interesting to see the recent article in House Beautiful (Jan. 08) about Peixinho's own home in Newport. The 1730 house is owned by the Newport Restoration Foundation, which strictly limits what Peixinho can do to the house (i.e.- no painting!). It seems, though, that Peixinho overcame these restrictions by filling the home with pieces that he loves, and this to me is what makes the home interesting. Amongst the Chinese export, the Hitchcock chairs, and other antiques are more modern pieces- a bright yellow Bungalow 5 coffee table, contemporary paintings, and mirrors from Ballard Designs.

It's this mix of the old and the new that I find inspiring. I've been fortunate enough to receive some early American antiques from my parents, and will inherit more some day. As much as I adore these antiques, I don't actively collect early American. But that's okay because they work with my other furniture. I'm here to suggest that with a little imagination and a critical eye, you can mix American antiques with Louis XV chairs or 1930s furniture for example. And really, isn't this the modern way of living?


The card room with the Ballard Design mirrors and newly painted Queen Anne Chairs.


Another view of the card room with a modern painting.

Excellent Advice from Bunny Williams

I recently read an article (New York Times, I think) about Bunny Williams and her new book Bunny Williams' Point of View. In it, Williams said that people should visit the crème de la crème of antiques and furniture stores in order to train one's eye. The merchandise may completely be out of your price range, but you're getting an education while you're browsing. I think Williams is quite right.

One website that I like to visit from time to time is that of Kentshire Galleries, the venerable English antique shop located in Manhattan. Of course there are no prices listed, only colored dots by the item that indicate a general price range ($10,000 and below, $10,000 to $50,000, and $50,000 and up). Yes, the dots can be a little intimidating, but just to be able to look through such a wonderful assortment of furniture, porcelain, and accessories- it's a virtual feast for the eye and the mind. And the great thing about this whole process is that when I do see something that I like in a local antiques shop that is in my price range, I will be ready to buy with confidence.




A pair of Chinese Quing Dynasty cloisonne elephants, c. late 18thc- 19th c.)


Pair of Italian Painted Nubian Pedestals, c. 1790


Pair of Art Deco glass and bronze screens, c. 1910


Pair of Regency faux painted bamboo benches, c. 1810


Pair of George III Adam brackets, c. 1770

Image at top: Regency Gilded and Faux Marble Chiffonier, c. 1805

(All images courtesy of Kentshire Galleries)

Decorating Dilemma

It can be a challenge to figure out what to put in a hallway or entryway. Consoles are always a great option- they tend not to take up too much room, and it's a perfect place on which to display an objet d'art, a small cluster of flowers, or a tray for keys and other detritus. But once you've chosen a console, then you've got to figure out what to place on the wall above the console. Artwork? A mirror? And what size? What a design dilemma!

An easy solution is to find a console/mirror set such as the ones I'm showing here. The scale of the two pieces match, which only leaves you with having to decide what to place on the console. If this is all a bit too matchy for some of you, you can always throw the whole look off kilter with a quirky sculpture or bibelot.




Italian polychrome mirror and console, c. 1950s, from Dragonette Limited


Wall console & mirror, c. 1950s, from Chapman Radcliff


French metal mirror and console, c. 1940s, from Ellen Ward Scarborough Antiques


Art Moderne console and mirror, French, c. 1940s, available at Retro-Modern


French console and mirror, c. 1950s, at Retro-Modern

Image at top: Italian Neoclassical Style mirror and console from Coup d'Etat Antique & Decoration

Maison Charles Lamps

Today I'm writing about something that I know very little about- Maison Charles lamps. What I am certain about, though, is that they are some of the most stylish and witty lamps I've ever seen. In fact, I've included photos of Maison Charles lamps in some of my previous posts on lamps.

From what I have read on the web, La Maison Charles was founded in 1908 by Frenchman Ernest Charles. Working primarily with bronze, the Maison Charles artisans were known early on for their reproduction antique lighting and later, in the 1950s, for their fanciful lamps (like those below.) Based on what I've found on 1st dibs, I believe Maison Charles also created mirrors and small pieces of furniture.

The firm is still in existence today, and while their current offerings are quite glamorous, they don't compare to the lamps I've featured here. And if anybody has any additional information on Maison Charles (or needs to correct any information I have here), please do comment. I would very much like to know more about this illustrious design house.


Maison Charles "Corn on the Cob" lamp, c. 1950s, available at Deco Dame


Maison Charles "Corn on the Cob" lamp available at Deco Dame


Yes, it's the ubiquitous coral, but this is still a neat lamp. Maison Charles Coral lamp, c. 1960s, from 1st dibs


Maison Charles "Sunflower" lamp from Fleur

Image at top: Pineapple lamps by Maison Charles, c. 1955, available at Thomas Brillet