Orient Expressed

Custom Interiors by Excentricities

Known throughout Florida and New York for their unique style and fresh approach to decorative accents, home furnishing, and interior design, Excentricities’ talented team of professionals is here to help you make your home ready for a magazine cover. Call, today, to arrange for a consultation!

561.845.3250

Antique Ancestor Painting

I fell in love with Chinese ancestor paintings the first time I saw one, many years ago. It was mesmerizing, of exquisite quality, and I wanted to know more about this art form. Why had I never seen these beautiful paintings before?

My search for information quickly revealed that Chinese ancestor paintings were generally hidden and for view only by family members, the paintings were never sold (possessing the portrait of someone else’s family member was considered verboten), and they were almost never exhibited publicly.

Chinese ancestor paintings were extremely popular during the Ming (1368 – 1644) and Qing (1644 – 1911) dynasties but largely ignored by the art world. It wasn’t until the early 1900s that ancestor paintings slowly became available to “outsiders.”

Unfortunately, as photography became more common, Chinese families began relying upon photographic portraits rather than paintings as a means of carrying on the tradition of ancestor worship. The change certainly makes sense, but it’s a shame that these wonderful paintings were no longer produced in great numbers.

Each Chinese ancestor painting is unique, but all of the portraits have many things in common. The ancestors are painted on rice paper or hemp (and often mounted on silk); the images are almost life-sized and the ancestors are seated; faces are realistic but without expression; women’s hands and feet (considered the most erotic parts of their bodies) are hidden; the clothing is heavy, usually black, blue, and/or green (royal ancestors would be shown wearing yellow, and the varying shades of yellow indicate “rank”); and both the men and women are often shown wearing jade.

The most curious fact I discovered about these paintings was that, because the portraits were almost always created posthumously, the Chinese artists relied upon books containing drawings of eyes, noses, and other facial features. The families used these books to help the artist paint the ancestor portraits correctly.

It was extremely important that the ancestors appear “true to life” as it was believed the family’s prayers and offerings could be misdirected to someone else’s ancestor if even a hair was out of place. That the artists worked from books of facial features made me think that the Chinese must have invented the system used by modern-day police sketch artists!

Today, Chinese ancestor paintings are considered collectors’ items and we are thrilled to have several fine examples in our Excentricities showrooms. Call or email for further information!

P: 561.845.3250
E: Carol at Excentricities dot com

I Have Heard the Mermaids Singing

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 been daydreaming with the mermaids these past few weeks. Aren’t they fantastic?!

Every time I look at them I am reminded that Spring will come again, and soon I’ll be enjoying balmy breezes which smell of the ocean and gardenias (and wearing jackets because they complete my ensemble rather than because I’m freezing). Springtime in the tropics is absolute heaven on earth.

It was a surprise to find three of these hand-carved beauties! Mermaids are a very popular design accent but few pieces exude the natural elegance I see in these particular objets. They would be wonderful additions to a stateroom or a pool house or a garden, as well as in any space belonging to one who loves the sea.

Please contact us for further information regarding these gorgeous creatures and other folk art gems carried in Excentricities’ boutique showrooms.

P: 561.845.3250
E: Carol at Excentricities dot com

Mirrored Two-Drawer Chest

Although we don’t carry a large number of mirrored pieces I have always had a great appreciation for the finer examples.

Mirrored furniture dates back to the latter part of the 12th Century and it was Venetians (before the Renaissance) who mastered the art of applying mirror to furnishings.

Lured to France by members of King Louis the XIVth’s court, many of Venice’s finest artisans applied their skills to creating the mirrors and mirrored furnishings for the Palace of Versailles and for the most opulent homes in Paris. The 17th Century found mirrors and mirrored furniture gaining popularity and being made in London.

Until the 19th Century mirrors and mirrored furniture were extraordinarily expensive and could only be enjoyed by royalty and the aristocracy. I think my favorite pieces of mirrored furniture are those from the Art Deco period during which the popularity of mirrors and mirrored items soared.

It can be difficult to find high-quality mirrored pieces but we have several at the moment (including a mirrored desk). This elegant mirrored chest is one of the finest I’ve ever seen. It has two drawers with crystal knobs and is so well-made! It would be lovely in a bedroom or dressing room, in an entry way…the possibilities are endless.

Please contact us for further information and photographs of mirrored pieces or any other fine furnishings available from Excentricities!

P: 561.845.3250
E: Carol at Excentricities dot com

Excentricities' Red Cross Boutique

The 34th Annual Designers’ Show House benefitting the Greater Palm Beach Chapter of the American Red Cross is in its final week atop the twenty-story South Tower at City Place and the public’s reception has been phenomenal. We are honored to have been chosen to participate in this prestigious event which is said to showcase “the best of the best.” This year’s Honorary Chairman is best-selling author and the new designer for the White House, Michael S. Smith.

Frank Maguire (my partner in Excentricities’ Delray Beach showroom) and Excentricities did the living room in Penthouse Ten, though it’s been dubbed “the Boutique” as we are selling furnishings and decorative items to benefit the Red Cross.

The Designers’ Show House is a unique fundraising event and a highlight of the social season for all of Palm Beach Society, attracting extensive media coverage both nationally and locally. The event is an exceptional opportunity to learn about fine living and home décor and I encourage everyone to visit the gorgeous City Place penthouses — the views are incredible – and to support the Red Cross!

The 2010 Red Cross Designers’ Show House will continue to be open from 10 am to 5 pm this coming Monday through Saturday, and February 20th is the last day to enjoy this wonderful exhibit. Please visit us at the City Place South Tower, 550 Okeechobee Blvd. in West Palm Beach. Tickets are $30 well spent! We hope to see you there.

2010 Red Cross Designers’ Show House
January 21, 2010 to February 20, 2010
550 Okeechobee Blvd., West Palm Beach
Contact Julie Fanning:  561.832.3231
or julie@codpr.com

Photos and information available here: http://www.redcrossshowhouse.org

2010 Red Cross Designers' Show House

How kind of the Palm Beach Post! Last Friday they gave our American Red Cross Designers’ Show House a very nice article and included a photo of Frank Maguire (my partner in the Delray Beach Excentricities showroom) and Susan Angert, who does high-end jewelry sales at non-profit events around the State of Florida.

January 21, 2010 to February 20, 2010
550 Okeechobee Blvd., West Palm Beach
Contact Julie Fanning:  561.832.3231
or julie@codpr.com

Photos and information available here: http://www.redcrossshowhouse.org

Recycled WaterProof Fair Trade Bags

These stylish one-of-a-kind waterproof totes are created entirely from recycled rice and feed bags, and they — like the gold and diamond bangle bracelets and embroidered, sequined and beaded mules — are items I never intended to carry. But everywhere I went people were asking me where I got my shopping bags!

Not only are they colorful and a fun fashion accessory but they’re able to carry so much more than would seem possible. Friends have referred to them as “magician’s bags” because there seems no end to the number of items one can pull from their depths.

They’ll easily hold twice as much as one would put in a standard plastic shopping bag and then they can be folded right up, taking no space at all when storing. Which is why I don’t feel guilty about the number I now possess. I keep them in every office, home, and vehicle.

The colors are fantastic, and we have them in two styles [round bottom and rectangular bottom]. An aura of “fragility” surrounds them but they are incredibly durable and so well-constructed they stand on their own, which makes loading them a breeze. The material seems indestructible and all stress points are box-stitched. These lovely totes will prove useful for many, many years — and they are one of the very few fashion accessories you will ever buy which gets more fashionable every year!

Skillfully crafted in limited quantites by artisans who formed an inter-village co-op in Cambodia they are certified 100% Fair Trade. The colors and prints are stunning and no two are exactly alike.

P: 561.845.3250
E: Carol at Excentricities dot com

A Golden Invitation

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 of symphonies and the Hamptons, and makes time seem more gentle somehow. The butterfly chair is every bit as comfortable as it looks, and I chose a golden maple for this particular project (though these chairs are always beautiful no matter which woods and fabrics we use). Part of the Excentricities design philosophy is that elegance and comfort are not mutually exclusive, and we create spaces to enhance lives.

The botanical prints, earthen urn and a unique carved wood floor lamp tied it all together, and what had been a cold and “meaningless” space became a warm and inviting retreat which changed the flow of the entire house (while seeming to add another room).

Let the Excentricities interior design team help you find the magic in your “problem areas” today! Call or email to arrange a consultation.

P: 561.845.3250
E: Carol at Excentricities dot com

White Shagreen Bench

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 artisans. I think it just might be the best so far. The picture doesn’t do it justice!

The shade of white is so very clean and bright, and when examined closely the shagreen (or galuchat) pebbles are luminescent. The contrast between that and the highly polished natural dark wood is dramatic, especially along the delicate curve of the legs. It’s just a gorgeous, gorgeous piece of furniture and would look wonderful in any room.

P: 561.845.3250
E: Carol at Excentricities dot com

Handcrafted Inlaid Mother of Pearl

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 the dresser and mirror separately. Each piece works well on its own, melding with both traditional and contemporary settings.

The metal pendant lights in this photo are perfect for a powder room or as accent lighting almost anywhere, indoors or out. The ceramic garden seats are available in many sizes, colors and designs (and custom, hand-made pillows are one of our specialties).

Please contact us by phone or email. Our design team, personal shoppers, and event consultants are always happy to assist you!

P: 561.845.3250
E: Carol at Excentricities dot com