Not Just Any Ol' Sunday...

Today began like every other day (unfortunately) with my ten year old cocker spaniel named Jack barking at 5am for his breakfast.  

Here is Jack with a dragon fly...isn't he so cute?  

The cute factor doesn't apply at 5am!

(oh and moments later, he ate the dragon fly...poor dragon fly!)

Closing the bedroom door, putting my head under my pillow, and trying my very best to ignore him was just not working, so after nearly an hour I got up to face my Sunday.  This was not going to be an ordinary Sunday though because today was the day that Avolli joined Tangibles in Cape Neddick and it was going to be a busy, busy day.  

Tangibles - Rt. 1, Cape Neddick, Maine

“Tangibles is a diverse group of veteran dealers, many of whom are long time regulars on the New York City and New England show circuits, that offer a dynamic and fast changing mix of inventory. Tangibles dealers continue to be successful in the antique business and have persevered by evolving with the trends and in some cases foreseeing the future design demands of homes and businesses.”

After several hours of packing, unpack, dusting, hanging and fluffing, Avolli at Tangibles was ready to go.  Tangibles is run by a charming gentleman named Cesar and today he had is lovely daughter working at the shop with him.  Cesar will be a welcoming face and knowledgeable presence at the shop and is ready to assist customers in every way.

The next time you are in the area please take a minute to stop by Tangibles.  It is just off of Route 1 in Cape Neddick and is part of the Antiques on Route One cooperative which produces the guide to antiquing along Route One in Southern Maine.  The guide is a map of sorts that shows where the many antique dealers are located along the famous Rt.1 antiquing miles. Included is a listing by name, brief description, address, telephone number and website when available. It is a great resource and you can download and print off a copy of your own here.

After a successful, but long morning and afternoon I returned to my home office where I made myself a pot of tea, lit a lovely little lemongrass & ginger candle and settled down with my computer to prepare a few blog entries for the week.  

And while I toiled away, Jack the cocker spaniel, loudly snored under my desk as he took a nice long nap.  After all…he was up early!

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Please join me back here later in the week when we will be traveling to a castle in Sweden,  seeing some new inventory from Vintage & Modern, finding out “What’s with all the dogs?” and experiencing a few more surprises in the arts, antiques and design industry in Maine and around the world.  

Splendid Willow

Many thanks to Monika Claassen of Splendid Willow for including Avolli in her most recent post.  I am most honored to be mentioned and encourage everyone to visit her beautiful and inspiring blog.

The post is titled Investing In One Good Swedish Antique and here is just a little glimps into what she had to say and the Avolli piece she chose to highlight:

".......My personal design style is to mix very old with very new. I love real contrasts. I can’t think of any other antique style that mixes so well with a contemporary style as the old Swedish - particularly the “simple gray period” 1750 - 1850. Furniture was painted gray before and long after the internationally recognized “Swedish Gustavian” period (1771-1792)."

"....Do your research well and you may end up with a really lovely Swedish companion that will be treasured for generations."

Thanks again Monika!!!

V & M New Inventory

Last week Avolli announced a new relationship with Vintage and Modern, Inc., an online resource for some of the best antiques and mid-century furniture available.  Avolli’s participation reflects our commitment to excellence in inventory as well as a commitment to service and the highest level of business integrity.  Today I would like to feature a new dealer to V&M that also shares these high standards…Connecticut Antiques Center. 

“Specializing in high-end antiques, Connecticut Antiques boasts one of the most impressive collections of fine art, porcelain, pottery, silver, clocks, lighting, mirrors and fine furnishings. Whether you prefer the refined elegance of the English Country House style including antiques from the Georgian, Regency and Edwardian periods; or the exuberance of the French Louis XV, Louis XVI and Neoclassical periods, there is something for every taste and desire.”

This week V&M features a gorgeous pair of neoclassical style chairs that would be perfect, just as they are, in a ladies dressing room or an en suite bathroom…  

Or, mix it up a bit by add a fun new fabric and they will be perfect for any room that needs something unique and special. 

www.duralee.com

This week Avolli’s newest addition to V&M is a spectacular rustic French dining table. 

Chestnut Topped Dining Table - France, 2nd quarter 19th century

The chestnut table top rests upon a painted apron and base, offering a perfect contrast between natural and painted finishes.  This table can be used in either a traditional setting, or mix it up with a modern chandelier and mid-century chairs to create a contemporary setting rich with texture and interest. 

Are you looking for a desk but just can imagine using a standard style office desk?  This table could be the solution.  With its generous proportions it will accommodate all office accouterments with ease and style.  Add a functional chair on one side and a pair of gorgeous arm chairs on the other and your office will be both comfortable and functional.

Avolli - French Table - Updated Office by swedantique on Polyvore.com

Beautiful Interior In Östermalm

This gorgeous residence is located in Östermalm, a large, beautiful, high end district in central Stockholm where some of the highest real estate prices are obtained and many of the foreign embassies can be found.  While the architecture of this particular building is classic and traditional, the interior is a wonderful balance that includes  several contemporary touches.

The coffered entrance offers a welcoming area to the apartment. The warmth created by the lighting, the potted plants and the simple yet elegant design would signal to anyone that they are entering a home of peace and tranquility

Once inside, visitors are received in this gorgeous foyer classically designed with Gustavian blue paint, white trim, ebony stained floors and a gilt mirror and console.

The living room blends beautiful and practical contemporary furnishings with antique pieces to support the classic architecture. 

This Swedish stove (kakelugn) appears to be the same Gustavian blue color as the foyer walls…so beautiful.

The office contains all the necessary elements for efficient work, plus the added charm of an antique chandelier.

The bedroom represents the clean, uncluttered style so many Swedish homes possess.  

We again see the lovely Gustavian blue, now represented in the contemporary and streamlined kitchen.  

Continuing the theme of blending traditional and contemporary design elements, the Gustavian style kitchen chairs offer a welcoming place to enjoy breakfast.

The exterior of this exquisite building offers visitors only a hint of the beauty that will be found inside.

Source:  Skeppsholmen - http://www.skeppsholmen.se/?section

Avolli Joins Vintage & Modern

Avolli is pleased to be one of the newest dealers at Vintage & Modern, Inc.  

www.vintageandmoderninc.com

Vintage & Modern is a fabulous website that was started three years ago by the talented Bill Indursky and Chris Sansbury.  Through this expertly organized website, designers, dealers and the general public can shop for the best that the modern, vintage and antique industry have to offer. 

www.vintageandmoderninc.com

Each dealer is vetted for professionalism, integrity and authenticity of their inventory.  The dealers are also required to include detailed images, descriptions and pricing so that the shopping experience is both efficient and thorough. 

www.vintageandmoderninc.com

Advertising in some of the major shelter magazines, V & M has become well known throughout the design industry. 

Please take a minute to visit www.vintageandmoderninc.com and see what it is all about.

Is this art...or something else?

Photo:  Shawn Patrick Ouellette

This mornings edition of the Maine Sunday Telegram  gives us a peek into a new form of art that is coming to town.  I can't decide how I feel about it and apparently it is generating a bit of debate and controversy.  

In your opinion, is this art or is it......something else?

Do You Want What You Can't Have?

Some of my recent posts have featured homes with white interiors and I have often wondered why I continue to be drawn to them.  It may be because they do have a happy and cheerful feeling.  It could be because of the simplicity or the serenity that comes from the monochromatic pallet. 

Photo:  flickr

But I think, for me, it’s all about wanting what I can’t have.  But why?  Why can’t I have an all white interior in my home?  

Photo:  Prevention

I have two strong arms to paint with and paint stores at the ready. 

Photo:  Cordero Painting Company

I even have the best husband in the world who will take over if my two strong arms failed me.

There are slipcovers that could be made to cover my non-white couch and chairs.  

Photo:  Pottery Barn

And much of the furniture I sell at Avolli is finished in beautiful shades of white and soft gray and could easily find its way into my own home.  

Rococo Style Table

Gustavian Corner Cupboard

Gustavian Sofa

Gustavian Drafting Desk

For me, the answer simply lies in a passion greater than the taunting voice daring me to go white.  It rests in the beautiful face, gentle soul and fluffy black fur of Gus, my Bernese Mountain Dog.  At 100 lbs Gus is a gentle giant who has swept us off our feet (literally at times) and filled us with such unconditional love that I have learned to block out the taunting voice saying “go all white…go all white”.  

Gus - 10 wks old

Gus - 1st day at work

BMD’s are known for their gorgeous coat that they “blow” a few times a year.  We have affectionately called the tumble weeds of fur in our house Gus bunnies (not dust bunnies) and have found vacuuming has become a highly satisfying chore as we watch the fur get sucked up into the vacuum (never thought I’d put “satisfying” and “vacuuming” in the same sentence!).  

Photo:  Photobucket

So when I feel the pull towards redecorating in all white, I remind myself that a home is, or at least should be, a place of tranquility and peace for those that live there and in our case that includes a huge black dog named Gus.

Don’t you find a desire for what you can’t have to be taunting?