I’m a native Floridian and have lived in Florida all of my life. It’s not supposed to be this cold!
February is usually quite lovely and mild. Temperatures are in the mid-to-high 70s and the sun smiles upon us all. But this year has been positively arctic.
Luckily, folk art has always warmed my soul and I’ve [...]
Posts under ‘Accents’
Dreaming of Spring
Serenity Now!
I love making “habitats” of empty spaces, beginning with floors, walls and ceilings.
This once dreary nook was transformed immediately by adding a golden and textured finish to the walls. The deep red base color in the antique rug complemented the gold perfectly, and the space radiated warmth.
The grandfather clock is so unusual. It reminds me [...]
Galuchat Encore!
Is it any wonder that in the Roaring ’20s shagreen was classic Art Deco chic? Also known as sharkskin (though made almost exclusively with stingray since the 19th Century) shagreen clutch bags and compacts were the height of fashion and considered luxury items.
This white shagreen bench is the latest piece from one of our favorite [...]
Mother of Pearl Inlay
Mother of Pearl inlay, also known as luodian, originated in China during the Song dynasty (960-1279) and the technique was soon used throughout Asia.
These particular pieces were created by artisans in India. The light base color is rare (dark colors are standard for this style) and the detail is extraordinary.
I would be tempted to use [...]
Fanciful & Formal Entertaining
Our clients and friends do a fair amount of entertaining, so I keep my eyes open for particularly interesting accoutrements.
Using salt and pepper shakers as a part of individual place settings is such a thoughtful way to accommodate and delight one’s guests.
I once used these playful salt and pepper shaker sets as napkin rings for [...]
Ottoman w/ Antique Rug Upholstery
Ottomans originated in the East but have been a fixture in the West since the 1700s. They come in all shapes and sizes now but are usually the width of a single seat. Until the 18th Century, however, they were always long.
Today many would consider this ottoman a bench or even a divan, but technically [...]
Orange You Glad We’re Eclectic?
Ottomans are an invaluable part of any design project for reasons of both form and function. Who doesn’t like to put their feet up after a long day?
I grabbed this unique orange ottoman the minute I saw it. Not only is it comfortable (and surely durable), but the polished nickel nail heads and criss-cross mahogany [...]
One of a Kind?
This beautiful silk and linen decorative pillow is truly unique, and the chocolate and cream color scheme is positively delicious!
I was initially hesitant to put this pillow on the blog, my excuse being that I’ve never seen another like it and the artist is no longer making them. But Excentricities is known for one-of-a-kind gems! [...]
Timeless Silk Tapestries
This antique handmade Peshawar tapestry is almost 5′ x 5′ and (technically) it’s for sale…but it’s so beautiful I keep it tucked away in my office, where it hangs (price tag implied) on the wall next to my desk. Is that wrong?
The colors and detail are amazing. Every time I look at it I see [...]
Hand-Embroidered Masterpieces
Our hand-embroidered pillows are an extraordinary design accent and have been one of the most popular items at all of our locations for years.
No two are alike and each can take more than a month to create. Though patterns, sizes, and styles are unique, all are made of the highest quality fabrics and threads and [...]
