Antique Living

Christmas Inspirations of Holiday Splendor

2011-12-21T11:47:00.001-08:00

As it is Christmas and holiday inspiration is all around us, I wanted to share some images of Christmas light decorations in Dallas. It is nice at this time of year to take a break from our demanding antique furniture business and enjoy the rich traditions and splendor of the season. We were fortunate to be there just last week, and had fun looking at and photographing amazing displays of holiday lighting splendor. We felt these photos would be perfect to share with everybody.

Christmas lighting in Dallas is a serious affair ~ from shopping villages to private homes ~ creating beautiful sights to behold. There are businesses that specialize in decorating for Christmas when a client wants to go “all out”.

Our dog, Louis, attempted to befriend the animatronic reindeer outside of someone’s home. He was also very interested in the Clydesdale pulling the carriage.

In Highland Park, a community long ago surrounded by the expanding city of Dallas, one can see horse-drawn carriages for hire, decked out in holiday majesty, trotting thru lavishly decorated neighborhoods and filled with holiday sightseers.

At our store we have been dreaming of a White Christmas. It is one of my favorite holiday color schemes, layered with crystals and centered with cream bisque centerpieces. You can add silver or gold elements in this design’s palette as well as pewter, antique bronze and mercury glass ornaments ~ all of which will add a special luminescence to the display.

May these images inspire us and add to the Magic of Christmas! And on behalf of everyone at Inessa Stewart’s Antiques & Interiors, we wish you and your family a Merry Christmas, a Joyous Holiday Season and prosperous New Year!

Enjoy!

Harvesting and Gathering Antiques ~ in the Fog

2011-12-07T13:50:00.001-08:00

If you wonder why I have not been posting blogs as of late, it’s because just before Thanksgiving I wrapped up my latest antique buying trip to Europe. This particular foray to the European continent lasted almost two weeks, during which I found lots of beautiful antique treasures (to say the least). We are working as fast as we can to upload them onto our website. The first antique container of our finds will be arriving to Baton Rouge in December (John worked very hard and this antique shipment is already on line for your viewing). In January we will be receiving three antique containers ~ two in Dallas from France and Italy, then one more for Baton Rouge.

My buying trips are always an adventure. I never know what I may find or what obstacles will I encounter. This trip was no exception. As we traveled through the European countryside in Italy, France, Belgium and Holland, fog was our constant companion. Never before have I encountered such tenacious weather that seemed to follow me from country to country, kilometer after kilometer! After days of these persistent, misty elements I began to take photos of the haze that constantly shrouded us. Concealing the ordinarily beautiful surroundings of the European countryside, the fog became our hazy companion and under this veil my camera revealed some interesting images that I would like to share.

The scenery of landscapes blanketed in fog revealed an obscure splendor I did not anticipate. It may never occur to us to look for inspiration in the mist, but may we always welcome creative visions even when they may visit us in uncommon forms.

Tablescapes 2011~ An Evening of Candlelight, Antiques & Style!

2011-11-02T14:36:00.001-07:00

It has been amazing to be involved for the past seven years with Kappa Kappa Gamma’s now-famous Tablescapes charity event that has been a Dallas tradition since 1995. Each year we select an exciting antique theme to represent our table setting. As many as 40 other designers, florists and notable retailers such as Nieman Marcus, Horchow, and others participate as well.
In years past our table settings have revolved around themes such as~ Country French, Italian Renaissance, Noelle Francaise, Black Forest, French Gothic and more. This year we decided to do a mix of Italian and French ~ the Arte Povera style.
The Arte Povera style emerged as a movement popular in Italy during the 60’s. It has recently experienced a renaissance throughout Europe, enjoying a new popularity that has spilled over the Atlantic into homes of American cognoscenti. The style is somewhat similar to the British and American “shabby chic” style, but more oriented towards classic and rustic antiques. Finishes are typically painted, stripped or distressed by age.

For our Tablescapes display this year we combined etched and mercury glass with linen runners and napkins for a supple, natural texture. The centerpiece of the display was an antique 18^th century polychrome statue of Saint Paul we found in Italy. A pair of grand cast iron Napoleon III period jardinieres held lush arrangements of hydrangeas, kale, natural greenery and lilies of the Nile.

The Dallas Alumnae Association of Kappa Kappa Gamma organizes this unique event each October. The Tablescapes event consists of both a festive evening gala and the following day, an elegant luncheon for a fun-filled and visually inspiring two-day event.
Local designers, retail & antique stores (like Inessa Stewart’s Antiques & Interiors), and florists create incredibly unique tables for displaying their interpretations of the latest trends. It’s easy to pick up interesting entertainment tips, and always a pleasure to enjoy the presentations from exciting featured speakers such as eminent designer Charles Faudree.

This year’s venue was the Brook Hollow Golf Club and the featured speaker, Bettie Bearden Pardee, who graciously autographed copies of her latest book, “Elegance on the Atlantic: Newport, Rhode Island”. Her unique perspective as one of its most gracious hostesses enables her to describe Newport’s high style and exceptional entertaining throughout its long and storied history. Surrounded by breathtaking ocean views, Newport is renowned for its colonial heritage, the Vanderbilts and Gilded Age decadence, the romance of Jack and Jackie Kennedy, the spirited tales of heiress Doris Duke, and its polished yacht fleets. She produced the “Entertaining With Style” feature as a contributing editor to Bon Appetit for 11 years. Well-versed in television work, Bettie was the creative producer and host of the series “Presidential Palate: Entertaining at the White House” on PBS and additionally, she has produced and appeared on many morning television programs including Good Morning America.

We hope you can attend next year’s event! Stay in touch with our Dallas showroom or just checkout Kappa’s website for details. We’ll see you then!

Autumn, Antiques and Recipes

2011-10-20T12:27:00.000-07:00

All around our stores we have been decorating and getting ready for the changing of the season, using the vivid fruits of fall. If you have ever visited our stores, you know how much we love to create seasonal vignettes using our antique accessories, changing our displays to reflect the changes during the year. Now is the time for us to be inspired by the colors and scents of the harvest, as well as our new antique arrivals.

Chilly, crystal-clear mornings make us crave the coziness of fall, as we pull out our woolly sweaters and brew pots of hot tea. On one of these cool mornings I was making my weekly pilgrimage to Whole Foods Market. Approaching the store I stopped in my tracks ~ in front of me was a tantalizing display of pumpkins. They were in all shapes and sizes and in an amazing variety of colors, from creamy white to bright orange. I’ve never seen such a bountiful medley. They were piled high, cascading down in giant heaps. I could not resist! They called to me, announcing summer is over and autumn is here!

In this Fall season, if your décor has light grey and beige tones, the white cream pumpkins give the perfect touch of autumn to the lighter color schemes. We clipped wild grass from the fields to create a simple, earthy arrangement that compliments the tones and to add soft texture to this setting.

Autumn is always welcome in the south as we get rewarded with cool and refreshing weather. The fruits of the harvest are all around us inspiring me to try new recipes as well as some old standards in my kitchen. The other morning our daughter Rebecca brought over some apple-pumpkin butter, so I just had to get in the kitchen and make my Cinnamon Scones. It is hard to resist the smell of cinnamon as it permeates the air. Of course we brewed a pot of tea~ thoroughly enjoying our afternoon and welcoming autumn with open arms.

I would love to share with you my recipe for Cinnamon Scones. Happy baking!

Inessa’s Cinnamon Scones

This recipe is wonderful this time of the year. The smell of cinnamon reminds me of fall.

Ingredients
3 cups all purpose flour
½ cup sugar
2 ½ teaspoons double-acting baking powder
½ teaspoon baking soda
1 tablespoon and ¼ teaspoon cinnamon
¾ teaspoon salt
1 ½ sticks (¾ cup) cold unsalted butter, cut into bits
½ cup chopped walnuts
1 cup buttermilk
1 tablespoon heavy cream

Preparation
Preheat oven to 400°. In a bowl sift together the flour, 6 tablespoons of sugar, baking powder, baking soda, and one tablespoon each of cinnamon and salt. Mix in the butter; rub it in with your fingers until it resembles small peas. Stir in the walnuts and buttermilk. Combine the mixture until it forms manageable dough. On a well-floured surface knead the dough lightly for 30 seconds and pat it gently into one-inch thickness. With a well-floured heart-shaped or round cookie cutter, cut out the scones and place them on a well-oiled cookie sheet. In a small bowl, combine the remaining 2 tablespoons of sugar and the remaining ¼ teaspoon of cinnamon. Brush the tops of the scones with cream, sprinkle with sugar mixture, and bake the scones in the middle of the oven for 12 to 15 minutes, until golden brown. Cool on a wire rack slightly and serve warm with pot of hot tea and apple or pumpkin butter.
Makes about 15 scones.

Design on Dragon ~ Antiques, Art and Fun

2011-10-11T09:03:00.000-07:00

What an enchanting evening it was! Design on Dragon, an annual event for antique showrooms, design showrooms and art galleries along Dallas’ storied Design District Mecca ~ Dragon Street ~ where the doors are open for a captivating night of antiques, art, food and wine, took place on October First. The street was closed to traffic for the night so guests could enjoy a leisurely stroll while partaking in culinary delights, wine, and visual feasts inside galleries and showrooms all down the street.

We were blessed with perfect weather after a cool front moved in the day before. The event is always open to the public so it was great to see old friends, and welcome new antique and art enthusiasts as they stroll down Dragon Street, mesmerized by enthralling surroundings and unequalled ambiance. The wine flowed, the music played and everyone had a great time!

If you haven’t visited our Dragon Street showroom lately, Texas General Manager Don Nolan has been working tirelessly, first receiving a new shipment from Europe, then totally redesigning, arranging and decorating our Dallas Design District showroom for the event.

The response from the attendees? It looks amazing! Of course I had fun with flower arrangements and the food; decorating and catering to my heart’s content. We took these photos of the event along with some of the showroom vignettes to give our out-of-town friends (who could not attend) a peek at the festivities. More photos are available on Facebook.

We wish to thank all of you that attended for all of your kind comments, and we truly look forward to next year’s event! Mark your calendar for next year and I hope to see you there!

Decorating for Fall with Antique Accessories

2011-10-08T12:05:00.000-07:00

Fall is the time of the year when the earth rewards us with splendid bounty, and nature springs forth with tapestry of color. It is also the season to entertain, so I love to decorate with rich colors of autumn for special gatherings of the season. To make my holiday table special I often use antique accessories to enkindle unique and memorable settings. The warm tones of this period remind me of a Dutch still life with an earthy and comforting palate. I use antiques as my inspiration and my guide. The earthy warmth of pottery and the bright glow of copper only add to harvest-hued arrangements. These culinary antiques are natural centerpieces in this season of gourmet entertainment.

With all this rich autumn inspiration it was easy to create these colorful and festive tablescapes.

An Autumn inspired decorating tip: To put together this vignette I varied the texture with a warm pallet using earthy antique French pottery in contrast to the soft glow of antique copper accessories and amber glass oil lantern. I made two arrangements, one in monochromatic harvest greens and the other with seasonal golds and reds. Apples in the display carry the crimson color of Louisiana spider lilies throughout the display. The rustic farm table and antique door created a perfect backdrop for this seasonal vignette.

Wishing you an exciting and uplifting autumn!

Blog Giveaway Winner Announcement!

2011-10-06T15:09:00.000-07:00

We are proud to announce that Inessa Stewart’s Antiques & Interiors has a winner for our first blog giveaway! The winner will receive, French Impressions, the latest book from Betty Lou Phillips, the very successful author, interior designer and Francophile. Congratulations to Sue McCrain Walsh for winning this contest. Thank you to everyone for participating in the blog giveaway. We appreciate your kind comments. Stay tuned for more exciting giveaways like this one on our blogs: Antique Living and Mirroring History. Over the next few weeks, we have exciting plans for our blog, including more giveaways! Subscribe to our blogs and follow us on Facebook in order to get the latest news on our new arrivals, special events, and contests.

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Antique Accessories for the Wine Connoisseur

2011-09-27T12:39:00.000-07:00

Autumn is a very important season in Europe. It is time for the grape harvest across the continent, especially in France and Italy. Vineyards from Burgundy to Tuscany are busy gathering and creating the “magic nectar of the gods”. John and I have visited many wineries over the years and it always amazes me how much knowledge, talent and care goes into the production of a single bottle of wine ~ one must have perfect weather, soil conditions, solar orientation, soil moisture. The list is amazing!

Just recently we were fortunate to spend time in several remarkable vineyards in Napa Valley, California. Now is the time of the year to stock up your wine room or wine cellar. Many wineries traditionally release new vintages at this time of the year, so it is great~ just before fall entertainment season~ to stock up on some wine and plan a wine tasting party. Now is a perfect time to be wine lover, because so many wineries gladly share their wine expertise freely, resulting in educated wine consumers. Even with a little knowledge you can sound like an expert.

Of course, after acquiring all of this great wine it can be fun to share with friends, which makes it a excellent time to have a wine tasting party. You can choose a special theme, like “Great wines of France”, for instance. If you just came back from a trip to Italy, “Vineyards of Tuscany” would make a perfect topic. Naturally, you do not have to travel to create the right atmosphere for the party. A trip to your local wine merchant with guidance from a connoisseur could also set the stage for a brilliant party.

Next, it is important to create the fabulous atmosphere for your event, and what better way to do that than by incorporating antiques into your decorating. Antique furniture will give your party the earthy, authentic look of ancient wine caves plus make great conversation topics.

We have great wine cellar related items available in our showrooms and they make wonderful gift for the wine connoisseur you may know!

Our Fall Harvest ~ New Antique Arrivals!

2011-09-14T14:09:00.000-07:00

It is Fall, and after a long hot Summer, we are truly looking forward to the promise of cooler days and crisp nights. Of course, it is also time for a bountiful antique harvest! After laboring on the fruits of our antique buying trips all spring and summer long, we are in the process of receiving two wonderful antique shipments in both our Baton Rouge, Louisiana showroom and our Dallas, Texas showroom, both arriving this month. This particular antique harvest is as diverse as it is exciting, and we are thrilled with the arrival of these new treasures!

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Fall in Europe brings experiences both familiar and new. Lush vineyards and abundant orchards from Brittany to Tuscany engage in bountiful harvest, many still using the proud methods established from centuries-old traditions. We understand these noble traditions, because on our buying expeditions we hand pick each and every piece of antique furniture or antique accessory that goes into each container. We carefully and lovingly gather an abundant feast for your eyes from all parts of France, Italy, and other parts of Europe to grace our showrooms and web pages.

No matter where your tastes lie, our goal is to surpass your expectations and create a little excitement as well! I hope you visit our stores or our web site soon to share in our delightful finds and inspirations. Visit our Facebook page, where we share our journey and news with you. We also try to make our blogs informative as well as visually stimulating. Please view the albums of new antique arrivals when you log onto www.inessa.com.
Here is another collage of our diverse findings from Country French and rustic furniture to elegant Parisian Louis XV and Louis XVI mirrors and garnitures… we love them all!

Let us know what you think~ we love to hear from you, and in the meantime, enjoy!

The Wedding of Erin & Justin ~ A Vintage Affair

2011-09-08T15:17:00.001-07:00

Our niece Erin just got married last month, an event that became the occasion for our trip to California a couple of weeks ago. It has been decades since I have traveled the west coast, since our antique business has kept me so busy so I’m usually traveling in the opposite direction to Europe for our antique buying trips. John, Rebecca and I were so thrilled for Erin and Justin that all of us embarked on the excursion to San Francisco and Northern California for the wedding.
Erin is in love with the glamour of the era known as the “roaring twenties”. As she so eloquently put it on her website ~ “The (era and) generation is often characterized as a period of American prosperity and optimism”. The romantic style of Great Gatsby and for her wedding event “the illustrious Prohibition era was to be revived in magnificent fashion for this affair” and so it was!

Erin designed a wonderful vintage atmosphere at the wedding and the guests joined in the fun by showing up in period style garments. I would like to share some of the photos from this great event with you and hope you enjoy the following!

The wedding was a joyful and lovely affair with an atmosphere of a bygone era set amongst a magnificent redwood forest in Northern California.

John typed wedding wishes on the vintage typewriter and the three lovely cousins posed for a memorable photo.

The couple’s first dance was a combination of classic dance styles from the 20’s, and later on members of the musical Stewart and Munning families dedicated songs to the happy couple.
We wish this wonderful and creative couple, Erin and Justin, all the best ~ joy, happiness, and continued success throughout all their adventures in life!

Antique Inspirations ~ Country French Yellow

2011-08-30T11:38:00.001-07:00

It’s been a great and super-busy summer! We have been traveling a great deal between antique buying trips to Europe and our niece’s wedding in California. Nothing like traveling gets your creative juices flowing, and then inspiration springs forth!
On my recent flight to Europe for antique buying, I stocked up with the latest design magazines before the flight. I love to keep up with the latest trends and colors, and of course I’m always open to new ideas.
The cover of Elle Décor displayed cool summer neutrals with the blending of sea blues and soft greens. Inside, a one-page feature, the Trend Alert featured the color yellow, bright and sunny ~ just like summer.
Everywhere I went I could see the bright and cheerful color of the summer sun reflecting in fields of wheat, rows of sunflowers, even the flowers and produce at the Farmer’s Market. Yellow ~ one of the primary colors of Country French design ~ reflects in Country French antique pottery, faience designs, culinary antiques, and Provencal fabrics. In fact, whole exteriors of homes in Provence are often painted with soft buttery yellow.
In the 70’s I adored the color yellow, so much so that it was the color of my first car. Of course, as I got older (and hopefully wiser) I learned that seasonal trends are great to incorporate as an accent. There is no need for a total color commitment.
Alas, summer is almost over. So, if you didn’t get enough of the color of sunshine, here are a few antique and décor ideas~ some of which I just found on my most recent buying trip~ on how to add this cheerful hue to your interior any time of the year.

The above antique & decor items were photographed in our showrooms and are available on our website at www.inessa.com.

We’ll see you soon!

Antique Buffets: Versatile ~ Attractive ~ Endearing!

2011-07-16T13:57:00.001-07:00

For decades the antique armoire has reigned supreme over all other antique furniture types in dominating a room’s visual impact, providing the primary function for furniture in the room, and serving as the focal epicenter for all other aspects of the room’s design. In recent years, however, a strong contender for the antiques crown has gained prominence, and in many instances surpassed the armoire as the principal item of antique furniture. That contender provides a diversity, adaptability, and range of style that the antique armoire can never approach. That contender is the buffet.

The lowly trunk was the first cased furniture, appearing relatively recently in the history of western civilization, and was basically a way to enclose personal items for transport and storage. At some point it was realized that adding legs to the trunk made it easier to access, and shortly after, providing doors on the façade made for even easier access than raising the lid. Voila ~ the buffet.
Buffets have evolved into such an incredibly diverse entity that they are being found in virtually all rooms in home and office applications. Their ability to provide a surface for display or serving as well as simultaneously store valuable or useful items with style, makes them the obvious choice for an incredible number of design requirements.
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To talk about the variations in style of the buffets available today would require a reference volume the size of a dictionary! Every distinct style that has been born in the various countries of Western Europe can be found with relative ease, and the variety of styles is mind-boggling. From elegant yet simple Country French designs to exquisitely intricate Gothic works that are amazing in their complexity, to works of art in the Renaissance style that glorify heaven, earth and mankind, to Baroque and Rococo masterpieces that take the sensuous form to its apex ~ buffets come in a dizzying myriad of styles. Often when selecting a buffet one is faced with the dilemma of too many choices, rather than a lack of options.

The most obvious application for the buffet is the dining room. Atop the buffet one can place seasonal decorations, heirlooms and other decorative items. The top can be cleared for serving food items, as buffets are usually designed to be the perfect height for serving from a standing position. Above the buffet one can place a mirror to decoratively enlarge the room, or a painting, a grouping, or perhaps a tapestry.

Another obvious application is the foyer. For the various reasons upon which this article elaborates, buffets are excellent choices when compared to consoles or chests of drawers. Aside from the vastly superior variety of buffets available to match size and décor requirements, the buffet provides excellent storage, suitable for seasonal items and heirlooms that need to be stored in the conditioned area of the house, not the attic.
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Noted designers such as renowned authors Charles Faudree and Betty Lou Phillips are increasingly using buffets instead of chests of drawers in every room, including the bedroom. The buffet is superior to the chest of drawers in three distinct ways. One is its space utilization. Whereas a chest of drawers devotes significant internal volume towards the wood that comprises the drawers and framework/guides around those drawers, the buffet is unencumbered.

The second distinct advantage of the buffet over the chest of drawers is its superior variations in style, size and shape. Buffets have continued to evolve over the centuries into single, double, triple~ up to five or six-door models. They are available in narrow, medium, large and huge widths. They are available as corner units to utilize an oft-wasted space. A third advantage is that buffets frequently are available with a companion piece, such as in a matched pair or the more common buffet/dessert buffet combination.

For the office, buffets make a great choice as credenzas, housing paperwork, archive files, office supplies, and even fax machines and internet devices.

For the bathroom, custom vanities have become the norm for designers looking for unique and interesting visual appeal. Designers that choose antique buffets create an incredible focal point that is at once beautiful and functional. Buffets are easy to retrofit with sinks and plumbing because of the uncluttered nature of their interiors. That same feature allows infinite storage possibilities for toiletries and sundries.

For the family room, the inherent versatility of the buffet also applies to the 21^st century lifestyle. The advent of flat panel televisions has made it much easier to enclose these devices in beautiful armoires, which is a tried and true decorating trick. However, television screens have become quite large of late which yet again reduces the number of armoires adequate for the task.

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Unlike any other cased furniture, buffets provide a surface that gives a decorator an endless palette of design possibilities. All of the qualities we’ve mentioned make it a cinch to match any décor with a complementary buffet and accessories that fit the space, serve the purpose, and establish the style for any given room. The armoire may have reigned supreme for a very long time, but perhaps it’s time for the contender to take the forefront for the 21^st century.

Antique Shipment in Dallas Just Arrived!

2011-06-27T18:53:00.001-07:00

It has been busy and exciting here at Inessa Stewart’s Antiques & Interiors during the last month. We received two French antique shipments and have been furiously unpacking, setting up, unloading and removing crates from incredible antiques of all shapes, sizes and styles!

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The antique shipments in Baton Rouge and Dallas were bursting with antique accessories, Country French and Renaissance buffets, elegant French armoires, occasional tables of all kinds including Renaissance, Louis XV, Louis XVI and more.
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There’s also antique dining furniture such as tables, buffets chairs, and servers ~ then there were desks, trunks, elegant consoles, mirrors and so much more...
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The interest in both our new antique shipments was tremendous! We hosted Open House events in Baton Rouge then Dallas, and our wonderful clients responded with exuberance and excitement.
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Many of our friends and clients stopped by to wish us a Happy 20^th Anniversary, then took the opportunity to survey the new antique shipments, leaving with many antique treasures in their cars, vans and SUVs.

Take a look at our website under the “New Antique Arrivals” section to see all of the photos. We think you’ll be elated with the selection, condition, and prices.

Naturally, we’re old hands at shipping anywhere on the continent and even beyond, with customers in Asia, Australia, Canada, Central America and even back in Europe!

We want to take this opportunity to thank everyone for sharing our passion for French and Italian antiques, and creating great memories for over two decades.

Thanks also to our wonderful, energetic and inspiring staff that has always been ready for the next antique adventure!

Antique Birdcages ~ Romantic & Elegant Accessories

2011-06-20T13:45:00.001-07:00

As the days get longer in the summer and the sun comes up earlier, birds greet us with their joyful song at dawn. The charm of antique birdcages and the relaxed yet refined styles they bring create an understated romance and luxury to a décor. Simply put, birdcages make a unique accessory or centerpiece.
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We have been fascinated with birds and have cherished the creatures since the dawn of civilization. In ancient Egypt we know that birds were kept as pets, thanks to hieroglyphs. According to legend Alexander the Great was given a parakeet by one of his generals and the Alexandrine parakeet was named in his honor. Ancient Romans were fond of birds as well. As western traders brought back spices and textiles from the Far East, they also brought the exotic birds as pets.

During the 18^th and 19^th century bird keeping and elaborate birdcages became status symbols. We see the subject of bird keeping in many artworks of this era such as tapestries, trumeaux and paintings.
In fact we just received a Louis XVI period hand painted trumeau from France with the romantic scene of lover presenting the gift of a songbird in a birdcage to the object of his affection.

During the neoclassical era of Marie Antoinette an exotic bird in a cage would have been an ultimate gift. In today’s style birds and birdcages have become popular subjects of both design and art. In our showrooms and on our website we have a number of paintings and accessories with this romantic theme. Of course we always look for unique and interesting accessories on our buying trips abroad. On my January and March trips to Europe I was fortunate to discover several lovely birdcages and they have all arrived in our showrooms. We just photographed them and they can be found under Accessories ~ Miscellaneous on www.inessa.com.

Birdcages make wonderfully inventive centerpieces; I have used one as an inspiration for the table setting and the theme at the TableScapes Charity Benefit in Dallas. Using avian-themed accessories to accentuate the cage certainly makes an interesting visual effect.
Antique birdcages also look great on top of a Country French armoire or perhaps a Italian Country buffet as a part of a still life setting.
Of course ~ you can always use them for birds!

Antique Accessories ~ Great Father’s Day Gifts!

2011-06-13T11:03:00.001-07:00

Each Father’s Day everybody scurries about, scouring the stores for that special gift to honor their father, and the best way to do it is to give him an instant heirloom ~ an antique accessory for his office or study. You can find a great selection of antique inkwells, boxes, clocks, trophies, bookends and other wonderful antique gifts that will be treasured for a lifetime.

The perfect accent for the worldly gentleman, this antique globe was created at a time when the wealthy cruised about the world in luxurious ocean liners, and conversed about their travels with the aid of this mapped representation of the world as it was known then. Cast iron tripod base. Great on the desk or in the bookcase!
France, circa turn of the century.

Ideal for a gentleman’s bibliotheque, this pair of antique andirons have now been pressed into service as bookends. Finely cast from solid bronze, they feature a bas relief bust of Bacchus.
France, circa 1880s.

It was common practice in 19th century Europe to make antique trophies that could be placed in the bookcase, atop the mantel or on the desk from one's hunting exploits, rather than the more common practice today of mounting on wall plaques. This antique Renaissance style trophy, cleverly designed to be removable for cleaning, it is obviously the product of truly talented artisans!
France, Circa 1850's.

Boasting its original bronzed finish, this antique Empire style inkwell makes the ultimate desktop accessory, and depicts the impatient Napoleon, apparently waiting for the writer to finish his piece! Dark green marble base. France, circa 1890s.

This Second Empire mantel clock features a black patinaed finish with gold highlights that blends perfectly with the beveled and footed slate base. Brass Roman numerals and hands. A perfect enhancement on the mantel, shelf or buffet of your favorite room.
France, circa 1870s.

This mounted warrior, in full battle regalia of a Renaissance style, was cast in terra cotta and hand painted to perfection. Ready to grace any surface in your masculine decor, it has been carefully detailed by hand for surprising realism and historic accuracy.
Germany, circa 1890s.

and from everyone at Inessa Stewart’s Antiques & Interiors~

New Antique Shipment ~ 2 More on the Water!

2011-06-08T13:29:00.001-07:00

variety's the very spice of life, that gives it all its flavor said William Cowper, famous 18^th century English writer and poet.
As you know, we believe in this statement, which is clearly evident when viewing our latest amazing shipment.

The incredible selection of this shipment includes antique French lighting & European crystal chandeliers, antique paintings, culinary accessories, an abundance of antique Italian & French occasional tables, antique doors and other architectural elements and of course the beautiful antique case furniture for which we are so famous.

We have been unpacking & setting up for days & finally had the time to write about it & share the excitement about our antique shipment. This is our 6^th container from Europe in 2011 & two more are on the way, the first arriving in Dallas mid-June and the second arriving in Baton Rouge mid-July! Looks like it’s going to be a busy summer!

The photos give you a glimpse of what arrived, but for more inspiration look at our website’s New Antique Arrivals section!

Stay tuned to our website as we are furiously adding new items each day, in between unpacking containers, of course… or better yet~ drop by one of our showrooms and share in our excitement!

Culinary Antiques

2011-06-02T14:35:00.001-07:00

I remember dropping by my grandmother’s house after school. We would sit in her kitchen by the open window, lace curtains blowing in the wind, talking and drinking tea. I would peel apples; she would roll out the dough. A few hours later wonderful warm strudel was coming out of the oven and my grandfather would magically appear, ready for sampling. Those old memories are here with me when I am in my own kitchen. What begun years ago propelled my love for cooking and all things culinary. What I would give today for my grandmother’s old crock-pot sitting in her kitchen window?
This fascination of all things culinary started me on my epicurean collecting. I adore the glow of old copper; the patina of antique silver and the allure of old pewter. Every European trip we scour the countryside of the continent for gastronomic finds. These everyday items make my kitchen a special gathering place and the center of our family’s meals, festivities and memorable celebrations.
We just received a new container in our Baton Rouge store and one is on the way to our Dallas location. Both shipments have wonderful arrays of culinary treasures.
“The discovery of a new dish does more for human happiness than the discovery of a new star,” wrote French writer and gastronome Anthelme Brillat-Savarin.
So, I will share with you one of my favorite recipes…
Blueberry Muffins     I just love baking these muffins during the blueberry season in the early summer, when the berries are juicy and plump. The recipe was perfected during the years of Renaissance Garden Café and many of you been asking for it. So, here it is - my secret recipe. Enjoy!
INGREDIENTS     2 cups unbleached flour, plus 1 tablespoon for dusting berries
    1 teaspoon baking soda
    1½ teaspoon baking powder
    ½ teaspoon salt
    ½ cup granulated sugar
    2 large eggs
    1½ cup sour cream
    ¼ cup of milk
    ¼ cup vegetable oil
    1½ teaspoon vanilla extract
    2 cups fresh blueberries
    Extra sugar for topping
PREPARATION v Preheat oven to 425⁰.
v Spray muffin pan with nonstick cooking spray.
v Pick over blueberries for stems, rinse, towel dry & dust with 1 tablespoon of flour.
v Stir flour, sugar, baking powder, baking soda & salt until well-mixed in a large bowl.
v In a separate bowl whisk eggs, milk, sour cream, oil & vanilla with a fork until blended.
v Fold sour cream mix with berries into flour mixture, just until moist ~ do not over mix.
v Using ice cream scoop, fill muffin pan evenly with batter & sprinkle with sugar before baking.
v Place muffin pan in the middle of the oven and lower the temperature to 400⁰.
v Bake for 20 minutes & test with the toothpick in the center.
v Cool on a wire rack before removing from muffin pan and eating one or two.
Makes 12 muffins.
                                                  Bon Appetit!

High Point Market ~ Hot New Trends

2011-05-24T19:59:00.001-07:00

Twice each year, in the Spring and in the Fall, John and I make a pilgrimage to the High Point Market. It is exciting to see new trends, colors, fabrics and designs, spread out over countless city blocks. This Spring’s market was definitely influenced by a transitional interpretation of traditional & antique styles.
Duralee’s newest fabrics add a touch of modern elegance to traditional frames. As always ~ they’re so perfectly tailored! The showroom was awash with playful pinks, lavenders and plums, just in time for spring.

Hickory Chair was celebrating their 100 year anniversary and the new collection was produced by in-house designers paying tribute to old traditions but with a modern interpretation. We saw a lot of great woven tailored patterns in strong grays, browns and neutral colors. My favorite style is Neoclassical and I found a great chair for a client in their showroom. Marie Antoinette would have been proud.
Pearson’s was also celebrating their 70 year anniversary (This year we’re celebrating 20 years in business…How time flies!). I always enjoy their collection of antiques that they use to display with upholstered pieces. Their selection of antiques varies from formal to rustic – English, French and Oriental – a great eclectic mix similar to what we do in our own showrooms.

New items are arriving each week in both states, and we’re photographing & uploading them to our website as fast as we can, because we want everyone to share in our excitement!
Be on the lookout for new arrivals in both states by staying logged on to www.inessa.com.

Antique French Louis XVI period commode plus antique French landscape painting beautifully blended with transitional Hickory Chair sofa, Audubon style prints, and perfectly selected antique accessories, all in cool blues and grays ~ ideal for the hot summer to come, the vignette below is from our Baton Rouge showroom~

The High Point of our Springtime

2011-04-28T16:28:00.001-07:00

with each buying trip we never know what kind of finds and treasures we will unearth or what kind of adventure we will encounter, or what weather we will experience.

This trip to High Point we packed our coats, sweaters, umbrellas, sunglasses, summer shirts and tops. The temperatures fluctuated wildly from 35 – 85 degrees during the week. On one hand there were bright sunny days but on the other, rain, hail and hurricane force winds.
Monday morning, the night of the big storm, we were awakened at 4am by emergency lights in our hotel room.
We were staying on floor 15 at a 28 story Sheraton Hotel and winds up to 80 mph knocked out the power. Armed with a flashlight and our I-Phones we walked down 15 flights, then Googled and used the GPS App to get to the nearest Starbucks, where we got breakfast and good coffee while the storm abated. Then, we were on our way only a few minutes later than planned – isn’t technology great!
On every trip no matter what is the obstacle, it’s the excitement and enthusiasm that keeps us going.
We were not surprised to see that classic design and good quality remain in style, which is what we look for in new home furnishings and accessories. Naturally the timeless Country French look was everywhere. Of course the new has to stand toe to toe against the quality of our French and Italian antique collection, which is no easy feat.
Much of the new furniture we now carry is bench-made in the traditional manner just like antique furniture was made in days of old. As such, it can take six to eight months to arrive. You can’t rush quality. As I write this, we are just now receiving furnishings ordered in April and October 2010.
But as we all know ~ good thing come to those who wait!

Record 4 Shipments in 72 Hours!

2011-04-25T18:27:00.001-07:00

Just imagine you’re 10 years old again, and it’s Christmas Morning. The sun’s just peeked through the trees, and when you look under the tree, there’s enough presents there for you, your family, and the entire neighborhood!

That pretty much describes how we feel when a container arrives. Each is the size of a moving van and packed to the brim with treasures from the European continent.

Each has to be unwrapped from its packing paper just like a Christmas present, one by one, and the excitement builds with each discovery.

It takes the whole crew days, sometimes weeks to sort everything out after the truck leaves...

Just 3 weeks back, we received a container on Tuesday in Dallas followed immediately by a huge shipment of new sofas and chairs, followed by two more containers on Thursday, one to Dallas and one to Baton Rouge. This set an all-time 20 year record for us ~ three containers and a huge upholstered furniture shipment ~ all received and unloaded in less than 72 hours!

We’re still reeling from the enormous influx of inventory, but this means our customers have a smorgasbord of exiting new finds to see in each of our three showrooms! So, if you find yourself in our part of the world, stop by for a visit ~ but wear jeans so you can help us unpack!

We’ll see you then~

Happy Easter from all the staff in Dallas, Baton Rouge & Plano ~

2011-04-24T11:11:00.001-07:00

Happy Easter!

Spring brings bountiful flowers

Leaves winter’s chill behind

Sunshine lifts our spirit

With hope to ease our mind.

Easter gives us celebration

Renewal of life it brings.

The world is full of promise

My heart rejoices and sings!

Enjoy all the gifts of Easter

Delight in the message it imparts.

My special wish to all the world -

May faith and happiness fill all hearts!

~ Inessa

Super Spring European Buying Trip!

2011-04-23T11:00:00.001-07:00

s John can tell you, Spring has always been an inspiration for me. While witnessing the earth awakening from its winter slumber, we are greeted with the fresh colors of nature, and for us, Spring also means new discoveries of antiques and decorative treasures awaiting.
This Spring was no exception as we embarked on our March buying trip. Landing on a cold and crisp day, the rising sun held promise of warmer, brighter days to come.
While driving through the countryside, vestiges of Spring bore witness along the roadside, with brilliant forsythia budding everywhere. The year’s first daffodils were sprouting too, a fact not lost on the locals who can pick their own or find them at street markets in various types of rustic pots.
As exhaustive as our buying trips always are, we are nevertheless fueled by the inspiration and excitement of wonderful keepsakes that can be found if one simply knows where to look. Some of the more unusual treasures are pictured here, but we ended up with over 700 items in all, making this a very challenging but highly successful venture.
An amazing pair of matching hand-carved Cararra marble pedestals with their original urns was a rare discovery. Then, a set of four carved plaques was found, each depicting Mathew, Mark, John and Luke, was an inspirational find. Because of my love of gardening, I love jardinières, and we found plenty. Some were bronze, some were cache pots, and some were carved in wood, but this beautifully preserved faience jardinière was one of my favorites. Another jardinière of wood with delft tile insets provided a more rustic appeal.
A pair of superbly preserved Louis XIV fauteuils with exquisite aubusson tapestry caught my fancy. I cannot imagine how long it took to produce such fine needlepoint with such skill and artistry. A stately long case clock, plus a superb bar/counter and a gigantic entry door were fun finds. Elegant marble and bronze cassolettes contrasted sharp ly with rustic confit pots. A stunning cararra marble fireplace mantel was a rare discovery, along with a fantastic pannetiere in solid hand-carved walnut. Several mirrors were found, with this specimen being particul arly remarkable.
All in all, we’re glad to be back, but even more glad that once again we were blessed with a superbly productive trip which will yield container after container of exceptional heirlooms for months to come. Stay tuned to our website for photos which we’ll be uploading as soon as we can!

Dog Days of Summer

2010-08-20T14:03:00.000-07:00

I know, it seems the summer will never end~ but it always seems to fade away into fall somehow. In the meantime, thank your lucky stars we have freon!

We were very pleased this month to start receiving the first of our floor samples just in time for the fall and winter seasons: Exceptional sofas, armchairs & ottomans with our Inessa Stewart Collection label ~ manufactured to our specifications and beautifully upholstered for stylish comfort for you and your family, with quality that you've come to expect from Inessa Stewart's Antiques!

Of course, we had to have testimonials, so we hired our two in-house consultants, Louis and Zoie, to try out a sample or two. Zoie tends to gravitate towards the newly upholstered antique furniture, whereas Louis, the overstuffed comfy sofas. He also likes to watch football, so go figure...

Design on Dragon 2009

2009-11-24T08:03:00.000-08:00

ast November 5 marked the 4th time we've participated in the annual Dragon Street event known in the past as the Sip & Stroll, and now called simply Design on Dragon. For this event, showrooms and galleries down the length of Dragon Street open in the evening for a night of entertainment, fine food, wine and great fun.

This year was no different, as Modern Luxury Magazine teamed up with Park Place Motorcars to light up the street and place some of the latest models on the street, which was closed to vehicles for the event, so patrons could get a good close look.

The event also benefited BigThought, founded in 1987 and now one of the nation's leading non-profit organizations focused on promoting the arts in public education. Of course, Inessa, with her catering and restaurant background, couldn't resist the opportunity to spread out a couple of beautiful tables in our own showroom, which made our Dragon Street showroom the top pick! She personally created floral arrangements and conducted a catering operation within the confines of our 25,000 square foot showroom that showcased the excellent choices of food as well as the presentation on unique, elegant antique tables.

None of this was lost on the attendees of the event, many of whom started at Inessa Stewart's Antiques, visited the entire street, then came back for more late in the evening! One such attendee, Cynthia Travis, showed up on crutches but nevertheless set a pace that the unencumbered guests found hard to match.

The Downtown Fever Band provided excellent music for the festive occasion, adding just the right ambiance to the affair which involved quite a bit of walking down the street, deciding which gallery or showroom to visit.

Each gallery and showroom provided wine and beverages, and food courts were set up in the street by Urbino, Blue Mesa, Margaux's, Wendy Krispin Caterers, with wine provided by the Dragon Street Merchants and Cork Wine Bar.

Fall - 2009

2009-10-29T11:26:00.000-07:00

s usual our autumn started on a hectic note, but we wouldn't have it any other way! It started with two buying trips covering five countries and four states, ending with a breathtaking drive through the autumnal splendor of the Appalachians which cannot be described with mere words. It was a visual feast for the eyes and a trip that must be taken in one's lifetime!

We always enjoy kicking off the fall season with the annual event hosted by Kappa Kappa Gamma of Dallas appropriately called Tablescapes. For almost 15 years they have hosted this event, raising $2 Million for local charities, and providing a canvas for a multitude of area designers to display their talents. This year's event, held at the BrookHollow Country Club, was certainly one of the most enjoyable in our experience!

Our heartfelt thanks go out to the sisters of Kappa Kappa Gamma who, for the past 8 years, have generously provided us with a larger than normal area in which to display our exhibit, allowing us to showcase our extensive variety of interior décor, furnishings and accessories in a most satisfactory way.

This year we took advantage of their generosity once more by presenting an entire dining room setting in our space which included a 6' diameter round table, Provencal armoire, pair of buffets, and a set of 12 chairs to set the stage for our autumnal display

Our theme this year was "Fall in Provence" and featured an antique birdcage as the centerpiece of the table, accented with mustard-toned dinnerware, etched pewter chargers, flatware & napkin rings, with fleur-de-lis glassware set among the muted fall colors in the linens and upholstery.

This year 51 area designers produced spectacular table settings that were as beautiful as they were varied in scope and material. Our favorites are depicted here, but all of the displays were impressive, including some whimsical entries that added a sense of humor to the affair.

The food was exquisite, thanks to the capable staff at BrookHollow, and the recipes of noted chef and author Martha Hall Foose, who was on hand to personally autograph copies of her latest book, Screen Doors and Sweet Tea ~ Recipes & Tales from a Southern Cook. All her selections for the event were scrumptious, but the big hit was her shrimp etouffee served with hominy grits!

Tablescapes 2009 was the perfect way to begin our autumn and usher in the holiday season. If you're ever in the Dallas area this time of year, we can't recommend this event highly enough!

Living with Antiques in the Bedroom

2009-09-16T11:37:00.001-07:00

e find it fascinating how our customs and preferences have evolved over the centuries. One example is how we have changed our perceptions of how a bedroom functions in the home.

During ancient times in Egypt and China and extending through the period called the High Renaissance, the bedchamber was considered a public place.

Ancient Bedchambers

In the ancient world receptions were actually held in the bedrooms of a castle or chateau. Louis XIV, the Sun King, was famous for receiving guests and conducting the affairs of state from his bed. He was so fond of his beds that one was always disassembled and brought with him during his journeys from chateau to chateau!

In the early 1800s Anna, the 7th Duchess of Bedford, started the famous tradition of Afternoon Tea from none other but her bedchamber. She had tea and refreshments brought to her bedchamber, and began inviting her friends to join her. It became a custom that is carried on today, although rarely in one's bedroom... As the custom evolved, the tea was served in the parlor.

Queen Size Louis XVI Mahogany Bed

Since ancient times the grand bedstead was a sign of status and wealth. Not until the 19th century did the bedchamber evolved into a private retreat. These retreats were further refined into beautiful suites, designed in various styles.

Today, our private bedrooms are places of refuge, comfort and retreat ~ the place we read our Sunday morning paper, watch our favorite television show at night or work on our laptop computer. Our kids, dog and cats snuggle with us in our ultimate place of comfort ~ our bed. Today we may still desire the grandeur of the antique beds of older times, but our needs demand a larger mattress size, such as queen or king. For almost two decades it has been our quest to bring to our customers the beauty of French and Italian antique beds adapted by our expert in-house staff to 21st century lifestyles and comfort!

As always, we at Inessa Stewart's Antiques strive to assist our customers with furnishing their homes with beautiful, timeless antiques without sacrificing their comfort. We carry a great selection of antique beds of all sizes, including king and queen, and of course, twin beds.

Before...

After: King Size Louis XVI Walnut Bed

Our expert in-house staff is uniquely qualified to take these wonderful

Pair of Rosewood Twin Beds

antique beds and adapt them to modern mattress sizes, such as Queen and King size! In the case of the Queen beds, we specially select antique beds that are already wide enough, then extend the rails to accommodate the 80\u201d long mattress. King beds are somewhat more complex, and many times are made from pairs of twins.What's more, we can offer just the bed, or if you prefer, the armoire, nightstand, commode, dresser ~ anything you need to furnish your bedrooms. I'm particularly excited about the bedroom pieces that are now in our collection, plus the pieces that are in containers yet to arrive. I think that we now have the best selection of bedroom furniture in the history of our business, and that is no small feat!

Welcome to Antique Living!

2009-08-19T15:11:00.000-07:00

n the early 1990's, John and I opened a petit magazine antiquaire ~ the first Inessa Stewart's Antiques. It was John's idea to use my name for the company because it is relatively rare in the United States. Almost immediately the store became a new favorite among both antique connoisseurs as well as people that where just discovering antiques. Fast forward almost twenty years to 2009, when we have three stores in two states. As much as I would like to keep in touch with all of our clients and dear friends, we can't seem to find the time to do it in person. Between our duties as owners, buyers, decorators, restoration supervisors, web administrators and so on, there never seems to be enough hours in the day! However, with the magic of the internet we can share our joys, our passion, and the richness of Antique Living.