Hello, friends - I hope your new year is off to a bright and beautiful start!
Speaking of bright, we've had a couple of snowfalls that dusted our cottage in ❄❅❆ . . .
As much as I love the whiteout, I'm already wishing for an early spring. It's been unbearably frigid in the DC area, and even colder up in Maine when Tom and I visited at the beginning of this month. Daytime highs hovered around 10℉ - that's COLD! Why were we there?
I'm thrilled to announce that Tone on Tone has just joined the York Antiques Gallery in York, Maine - one of the finest antiques and decorative arts group shops in New England. The gallery has long been a favorite source for dealers, decorators, and devotees of antiques ranging from country furnishings to coastal art. There is a strong emphasis on garden ornaments in addition to pieces with patina. You'll find our inventory in one of the rooms (originally horse stalls) on the main floor of the converted 19th-century barn. If you are nearby, do make time to shop the stalls. I always leave with something special!
In Maryland, our store has been refreshed and restyled with lots of new arrivals. Here are the latest. Click on photos to enlarge.
Above is a 19th-century Swedish Gustavian painted vitrine cabinet / bookcase that would make a handsome statement in any room. The body is only 14" deep, so it would even fit in a narrow hall.
I love the look of painted furniture mixed with dark wood as shown below. The circa 1830s French Louis Philippe armoire in walnut, with a rich patina, anchors all the light furniture in this neutral space. Plus the contrast helps the individual pieces to each stand out. BTW, the armoire transports easily as it is fully collapsible.
Perhaps my favorite large-scale piece of furniture is the secretary desk, which would have held the household's important documents, books, silver, etc. And, it would have been the home's prized possession commanding a place of prominence.
This 18th-century Swedish Rococo one is quite sculptural with its arched top, shaped doors, and curvy feet. Inside is the lightest shade of robin's egg blue. There is a shallow ledge to display books, sheets, documents, etc.
From the Gustavian gray color to the classical details, this pale beauty chest is the definition of understated Swedish elegance. It measures 41.5" wide x 16.75" deep x 31.5" high.
Would you keep the vignette neutral or add color via accessories and flowers? Throughout winter, I find myself bringing home more colorful blooms for little pops of color. How about you?
Measuring only 25.75" wide x 14" deep x 31" high, this petite French chest with three drawers has ample storage to boot. Note the faux painted marble top. Wouldn't it be charming in a small space like a foyer, bathroom, or even on a staircase landing?
Here is another small chest of drawers (28" wide x 18" deep x 32.5" high). This one has graphic lines with a wraparound reeded frieze plus fretwork base, which is quite unusual.
Perhaps you have a set of dining furniture, and are looking for a way to freshen the matchy-matchy decor? How about keeping the table and chairs but swapping out the sideboard / server / buffet? Changing that one piece will really update the room without having to replace anything else.
Here is a 60" long Swedish Gustavian sideboard with a fabulous form. The curved sides step back in such a gracious manner, and those delicate feet give an airiness despite the size. Paired with traditional dining furniture, this gray sideboard would really break up the sea of mahogany, walnut, cherry, etc.
Now a look at tables starting with this pair of small demi-lune consoles measuring 28" wide x 14" deep x 29" high each. These are especially graceful with their fluted slender legs. The aprons are carved with a leaf-tip motif - a Gustavian hallmark. I am a fan of symmetry, so I'd place one demi-lune on each side of a door opening, fireplace, etc.
Next is a Swedish blue-gray round table (26.75" diam x 27" high) that would be lovely nestled between two club chairs, or at the end of a sofa. Other than the reeded apron, there is an overall restraint and simplicity.
In addition to fresh flowers, I always incorporate plants indoors as they bring life to every room. While at the garden center, this variegated club foot fern with its wispy foliage caught my eye, so I decided to purchase it as gift for a friend. Here are photos of the fern at Tone on Tone before it went out.
The fern sits on an early Spanish desk with shapely trestle base and a top painted to resemble stone. Wouldn't this simple vignette be striking behind a sofa? I'd layer a wire basket full of favorite books underneath.
That's all for this post. Please go to our website for more info. If you have any questions, email me directly at info@tone-on-tone.com . I hope you'll visit us in Maryland and / or in Maine!
PS - Look for more updates on my INSTAGRAM.