Summer in The Big Easy...A Learning Experience!

I Love New Orleans...the food, the history, the people, the art and architecture.I can get my "Southernness" in large doses each time I return... For almost a week in May I attended a decorative arts refresher course for the American Society of Appraisers.

Wrought Iron has always intrigued me and I am STILL trying to find Napoleon's Bumblebee in the ironwork of New Orleans  that I studied WAY back when in college!  Let me share some of my favorite pictures....Everyone loves New Orleans for different reasons and takes pictures of those people, places, or things...For me....New Orleans is the architecture, the courtyards, the connection to our European past. 

Don't Forget The Pralines....And AS ALWAYS....

DESIGN IS IN THE DETAILS!!!

Visit me at Pickwick Antiques Montgomery , Alabama

pks@knology.net or pickwickantiques@bellsouth.net

COLOR!!! Express yourself!

I LOVE the crispness of a neutral palette in most anything in life...yet ...I must admit...my closet would be used in a court of law as evidence otherwise. Color is  science. Using that knowledge of color is design and decoration. 


Some of the shows on the networks often show first -time buyers who determine their choice in housing by the color on the walls...Like cosmetics and accessories...it is an EASY solution and not cost prohibitive. 


Painted furniture has been around since the ancients began telling their stories through this medium.Today's painted furniture is proof that there is nothing new under the sun. It is , however, important to not merely paint everything in sight. There is not a magazine out there today that does not have examples of painted, distressed or enhanced furniture. 


Entire trends are now revolving around this technique. Personally, I am delighted to see how these pieces blend so effortlessly into the current design schemes.


There are SO many techniques....and appropriate paints for even the most treasured item. I , personally love the "Annie Sloan  Chalk Paint " because of her attention to historical colors, the quality and versatility of her paints and , of course, her waxes. In addition to these things, her paints are so easy to blend and  mix with waxes. There is no stripping of the item, very little if any sanding and  the best is the paints are totally eco-friendly. 

I am learning with every piece that I really want to highlight the details so that the beauty of the piece comes through. Therefore, my pieces will not be as "painted" in appearance as some. The beauty of this technique is ...you are able to customize the piece to the look that makes YOU happy. 


My first attempt was a drum table that belonged to my Grandmother...mahogany with lovely brass "claw" feet on casters..It now has a lovely new drawer pull. Fun!




The next pictures will feature plain "Jacobian" style lamps with a "lift", a Scottish Pub table that REALLY shows the highlighted details, and a beautiful mirror that went from boring to fabulous.

Remember.. as ALWAYS...Design is in the details!!!  This beautiful mirror would add to any decor... Visit me at Pickwick Antiques!

I will be sharing photos of examples here at Pickwick Antiques. This picture is an example of both needlepoint and petit point(sometimes spelled ..petite point). The term "petit point" literally means...small point.


Although the terms, needlepoint and petit point are interchangeable, they are, in fat, very different. Petit point is comprised of small, fine stitches and is often stitched in single threads of "Penelope" canvas...or fine needlepoint canvas. Congress cloth is also used as well in this process.

This photo is the central motif on a beautiful needlepoint Queen Anne style walnut chair...Beautiful craftsmanship.

Remember..as Always...Design is in the Details!

Invest in Art

Now,before you hyper-ventilate and say... I cannot afford to invest in art....let me offer some advice.

1. Art is not limited to a canvas.

2. Love the piece that you select and think of different vignettes to use it  in.

3. Your style and taste for art sometimes changes through your life journey. ( I can assure you that this is true). 

4. Do not follow all of the fads and trends when it comes to art....in other words...just because you see it on every magazine or website for a certain period of time does not mean that it will be highly collectable in years to come.

5. Your selection of art should not be totally based on a color scheme. Many choose a piece because it "goes" with the colors in the room. 

6. There are so many price ranges and artists, especially in the word of antiques. There is NOT always  a history or provenance behind every painting, bronze or sculpture.

7. Often, there are wonderful paintings that we consider "decorator paintings"...lower in cost and not always painted by a known artist.. There is a place for these if you are cost conscious ...I have several in my own home that I LOVE!

8. Do not overlook textiles as a wonderful form of art. Besides traditional fabrics, there are tapestries, needlepoint, woven textiles, quilts, lace collections, and personal heirloom treasures. One of my favorite designers, John Saladino, uses a matelesse' coverlet on the top of his dining table. Layering of different textures makes the setting rich and more interesting.

9.  Allow your art the opportunity to "travel". Use your art in different settings ....it will take on a new life!

10. Place your art in a place where you can enjoy it daily. I always say...Put something you love on the wall in your bedroom so it is the first thing you see in the morning.

Remember....Design is in the Details!

Crystal Clear

I am REALLY suffering from Spring Fever...My Favorite type of fever!!! Everything just seems to sparkle and shine ....new leaves, blue skies....gorgeous southern temperatures and bright colors of nature.

Cut glass and crystal have ALWAYS fascinated me...I am drawn to the spectrum of light and the good ole...."ROY G. BIV" that break into the colors that we see when we use a prism.(Ok...my science teaching comes out every now and then.) Nevertheless...there is something spring-like in the beauty fine crystal.
Enjoy these pictures of beautiful items that we have here at Pickwick Antiques...so many ways to incorporate crystal into your design whether you are more inclined to antiques or modern decor. We have recently received many of the pieces that you see here.

 The prices for most that you see are SO REASONABLE that they do not stay in the store very long. Crystal is the perfect gift for weddings, graduation, birthdays, anniversaries, and "Just Because" gifts.

Shine on!!!   Please feel free to contact me at pks@knology.net.

Details in Design...

I have ALWAYS been fascinated with the construction of things...anything architectural or structural... and , of course, design in general. I get it honestly...My Texas roots go deep in these areas. I am using my background in history or furniture everyday...I loved the courses that I took in college in my design field but ... application is the best form of learning....NEVER stop learning about the things you are passionate about!

There is always something exciting to learn when it comes to antiques...I hope that I will always be a student!

Have a great day!!!