DECORATING WITH ANTIQUES IN THE MODERN WORLD AT THE AVENUE ARMORY SHOW

The Avenue Show of Art and Antiques at The Armory recently had its run at 643 Park Avenue. On Friday, author and interior aficionado Susanna Salk moderated a panel of design luminaries including Richard Mishaan, Milly de Cabrol, Philip Gorrivan on the topic of living with antiques. The conversation kicked off with what is antique and what is vintage. The eras of the 1940's- 1970's were considered modern, and anything over 100 years old, antique. The group encouraged sharing the "story" of pieces with a clients, since if you know the provenance and period, you build a connection, in addition to an appreciation for the craft. Never forget that quality will last.

The panel: Nicki Field from Sotheby's International Realty, Richard Mishaan, Jennifer Post who is designing a room at this year's Kips Bay Showhouse, Susanna Salk, Milly de Cabrol, Philip Gorrivan, and Nina Morton of NVM Interiors

All designers agreed you have to love what you buy, and advise your client's to do the same. Thanks to the Internet we have become more educated, developing an eye and particular tastes along the way. Client's understand the language better, and know their Murano glass from their Baccarat. They also noted to the antiques and mix needs to best reflect a person's lifestyle. How do you know a piece is right? As Richard Mishaan stated, " Furniture and antiques have an energy, you get a vibe." How true.

The group pondered questions ranging from getting antiques restored or not, to creating a mix of old and new pieces to provide a sense of history. When mixing periods and styles, the panelists all agreed, it is about the scale, line and proportions of the pieces you are combining. For it to all work together, the diversity in pieces must balance their placement in a room. If one is working with an inherited piece or collection they cannot part with, either make it the focal point or diminish its importance in placement.

So what is this group looking towards-- what style is inspiring them now?

Nina Morton is looking to 18th Century Furniture and Karl Springer pieces, Philip Gorrivan is moved by the soft - edged Art Deco pieces of Leleu and Belgian design and Richard Mishaan is focused on his new collection for Bolier and Company which debuts at upcoming High Point Market.

THE SHOW:
In case you missed the show, I picked out some special pieces to show you. Fine estate jewelry from Camilla Dietz Bergeron, botanical paintings from Dinan and Chighine, antique silver from London's N. and I. Frankin, period pieces from Yew Tree House Antiques, and mid-century modern selects from Mantiques Modern were just some of the special vendors there. Here are some standouts:

Photographer and global get about Miguel Flores Vianna introduced me to Douglas and Rebecca of London-based French Country Living UK Ltd. Their selection of period 18th and 19th Century Swedish, Italian and French pieces with original painted finishes are quite something.

The knockout: A French tree of life screen depicting Theseus and Ariadne circa 1750 in the most beautiful colors.

A zinc planter sits on a farm table with parchment covered antique books

For something from a more current century, this piece from Gary Rubenstein Antiques stole my heart. A Rare Multifaceted Mahogany Bar Cabinet attributed Ico Parisi from Italy made in the 1950's is one of three created. Bill Blass had one, why shouldn't you? His was sold along with his impeccably edited collection at Sotheby's. This one is still available...

Three hinged doors reveal space for glasses in a circular layout.

Il Segno del Tempo from Milan displayed utilitarian goods in the "rough luxe" vein. Functional and fantastic, the pieces are industrial and aged.

Scientific instruments sit amongst canes, miniatures, industrial light fixtures and globes.

Connecticut's Dawn Hill Antiques displayed Gustavian and Swedish painted pieces.

The cool calm of light woods and white finishes make Gustavian a very livable choice.