Fall Brings Antique Shows

Fall Brings Antique Shows. It’s a great time to be on the ‘hunt’ for that special piece from long ago. This weekend was my first time ‘doing’ an antique show.  When I say ‘doing’ an antique show, I need to clarify that for you. I was not an exhibitor nor an attendee but I did have a booth, front and center. The Warren County Historical Society in Lebanon, Ohio invited me to come and talk to people coming to the show on the hunt for the perfect antique. Frankly, I talked with almost everyone who walked by (and everyone did), about Decorating with Antiques in a Modern Home. Most were receptive and liked the idea of eclecticism. I created a video and played it on a tv showing photos of rooms decorated in this manner.

One of my favorite design ‘styles’ is mixing antiques with modern pieces in today’s homes. As an Interior Designer, I often suggest or specify an antique piece in each room to my clients.  It may be a large piece or a mirror. Some are receptive and some are not. Many people have a vision of antiques which equal Grandma’s oak pie-safe, but there is so much more to explore! Take a look at the following photos and perhaps it will change  your mind about antiques. Antiques are defined as a collectible of at least 100 years of age, so we’re talking 20th century folks, however earlier pieces are what most collectors search for.

I absolutely love this photo. You definitely will not find this anywhere else. What a beautiful piece which becomes a focal point on this wall.

Another example of an updated use of an antique wardrobe. Looks great.

Thank you WCHS for having me, I enjoyed meeting so many new people!
A special thank you to Al Hardy of Hardy’s Interiors (and B&B) for bringing some both antique and non-antique pieces for my display. I so appreciate you!

This is what I commonly refer to clients as ‘high contrast’ mixing. I don’t know if that’s an actual term for this, but it is quite obvious the ‘high contrast’ of age and style of the modern trough sink and the antique mirror. Creative.

What a FAB desk with all it’s intricate glory! I absolutely love the pairing with the modern chair and the juxtaposition! Often, a statement antique piece like this is all that you need in a room. It simply speaks for itself. Quiet quality!

This photo demonstrates quite a mixture of styles and age. If you notice the staircase, it appears this may be a modern city apartment or loft but it creates more interest than if everything was purchased at once.

A common theme in this thread of photographs sourced via Pinterest is a mirror above a commode of some type. Mirrors are one of the easiest ways in which to blend the old and new.

don’t you adore the fresh crispness of this idea of an antique wardrobe being re-purposed as a linen closet? How beautiful for a welcoming guest room!

This barn door application is actually quite popular. This particular door appears to me to be a reproduction, however it give a good visual of the concept.

This photo demonstrates an antique or possibly vintage mirror over a vintage suitcase table next to a traditional upholstered chair. It’s a great look that adds a sense of time to your space.

Lovely vignette! Antique chest with modern art and accessories.

Here’s a couple of lovely and un common items I spied today while mingling with the guests:

Spotted these antique classy umbrellas after I saw a lady walking around with one that a HUGE jewel on the handle. I mean huge. I always lose or break my umbrellas so this wasn’t a good purchase for me, but they were fun to look at!

Check out the detail on these handles! I mean how stylish would you be walking around town or at your son’s football game with one of these?

You could put a small hand through this one and wear it on your wrist and swing it.

I saw some other great items at the Warren County Antique Show and Sale yesterday and today. I was drawn to a couple of tables with a lot of Blue and White Porcelain, but that’s for another day!

PLUS: I’ll be back soon with pics from the Downton Abbey Gala and details of the fund raiser!

Thanks for stopping by Chatti Patti Talks Design!

Photos are by Patti Johnson or sourced on Pinterest and I make  no claim to represent them as my own work and are used only for the purpose of sharing.