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Peek into The San Francisco Fall Antiques Show 2012

October 26, 2012 · Comments { 0 }

The Sea Worthy theme at this year’s San Francisco Fall Antiques Show is romantic, nostalgic and adventurous. As you enter the exhibition hall at Fort Mason Center nautical art, ceramics and jewelry welcome you. The first booth to the left showcases Ron Pippin’s, All Night Long He Sailed Upon It. Rustic scaffolding with wooden planks holds hundreds of Pippin’s detailed model ships, while simple (yet haunting) incandescent bulbs light the magical scene.

With nearly 60 dealers from Europe and the United States, the show features exquisite antique, vintage and modern pieces ranging in price from $100 to $1 million. Here are some of the items that caught my eye:

This was one of my favorite vignettes with Emulsion 9 by Giuliano Bekor, 1780’s Louis XVI mahogany chest of drawers and vintage bronze “Aloe” lamp by LA Maison Charles at the Habité booth – I love the vibrant color and bold mix of now & then.

I just loved this sweet elephant and monkey in bronze (didn’t catch the year or artist – sorry!) was displayed is the Kentshire booth 3.

Mallett has an incredible must-see lantern by Matali Crasset hanging in the center of their booth. Crasset transformed the traditional hanging lantern archetype into a piece of art. Paktong, an ancient golden-hued, silver metal, encases 24 mouth-blown glass panes. The lantern is lit by an internal hanging pendant with a mirrored shape, made with hand-blown, milk-white glass.

Industrial lighting hung on a vertical angles lined the booth of Thomas Livington Antiques – a great look!

This stunning patchwork Japanese kimono hanging in Galen Lowe Art and Antiques is a head-turner.

One of my favorite pieces however, was this large camel statue from the Tang Dynasty dated 618 – 907 A.D. Curious to know how much this beauty was listed for? $32,000.

I also loved the nautical- and travel-themed works, such as these framed vintage swim suits (American Garage / booth 8) were also found throughout the exhibition.

The show, benefitting the Enterprise for High School Students is open now through Sunday. For tickets and more information please visit, www.sffas.org

Bon voyage!

Cristin

*all images by Cristin Priest for Simplified Bee

Read full story By Cristin on October 26, 2012 in antiques, furniture, home accessories, lighting, mid-century modern, original artwork, vintage

It’s Here! :: West Elm Palo Alto

October 24, 2012 · Comments { 7 }

It’s no big secret that I’m a huge West Elm fan. I’ve selected their affordable designs which feature a mix of clean lines, natural textures and global accents for numerous client projects. So I was thrilled to hear that West Elm was opening a new retail store at the corner of University and Emerson in Palo Alto. Each West Elm store has it’s own regional look & feel and the Palo Alto store is no different. It’s earthy accents and trees take center stage. Twinkling holiday trees line the front window, while stacked logs as if ready for a winter’s fire are placed behind the register. In addition, the new store features collections of decorative accessories and art made by local Etsy artists (love).

The Palo Alto store’s door swung open to the public on October 8th and showcased the brand’s early Holiday assortment including vibrant textiles inspired by hues of nature and new furniture and tabletop for holiday entertaining. I had the opportunity to tour the beautiful store the day before the grand opening and wanted to share some pictures I took of the festive and inspirational displays…

West Elm Palo Alto Holiday Display Silver and Gold Holiday Tabletop by West Elm Christmas Trees West Elm

I love that West Elm collaborates with outside designers and artists. It brings a freshness to the brand that keeps folks coming back season after season. For Holiday, these colorful geometric glass ornaments by ConfettiSystem has caught my eye.

Throw Pillows by Alison Fox for West Elm

Texas-based designer, Alyson Fox’s geometric pillows (above) and Italian designer, Allegra Hick’s hand-block quilt and bedding collection (below) were also standouts.

Allegra Hicks Bedding for West Elm

And how beautiful (& easy) are these paper flowers by British designer Sarah Campbell?

If you are in the Palo Alto area, you’ll have to drop by and see the beautiful new store for yourself!

– Cristin

*photo credit: Cristin Priest // Simplified Bee

Read full story By Cristin on October 24, 2012 in bedrooms, beds, etsy, furniture, Holiday, holiday decor, home accessories, tables, Thanksgiving, throw pillows, Uncategorized

Top 5 Favorite Dining Chairs

October 17, 2012 · Comments { 1 }

With the holidays fast approaching, for many the focus will be on the dining room. A special place in a home where family and friends come together to eat, converse and pray. We all want our guests to be comfortable, and providing just the right chair is the first step.

When selecting chairs for your dining table (and they don’t have to match styles), there are several things to consider. First, make sure that the dimensions of the dining space are congruent with the size of the dining table and chairs so that the room’s size does not overpower the furniture (or vice versa). Second, make sure that the chair’s seat height isn’t too high or low for the table: There should be around 12 inches between the top of the seat and the top of the table.

Now that you know what size chair would best fit your table and space, the fun part of selecting a style begins. With tons of styles to choose from, it might be hard to narrow it down, so I’ve rounded up my favorite dining chairs in an Ideabook on Houzz and am sharing my top five here.

1. Classic Chinese Chippendale Dining Chairs :: 1st Dibs

2. 1940s inspired Thomas Pheasant Chair :: Baker

3. Antique, Swedish Klismos Chairs :: 1st Dibs

4. Lacquered Loop Back Chairs by Frances Elkins – 1st Dibs

5. Colorful Wishbone Chairs – Room & Board

What’s your favorite dining chair?

Cristin

Read full story By Cristin on October 17, 2012 in antiques, chairs, chinoiserie, dining rooms, furniture, houzz, Interiors

Serena & Lily Friend and Family Discount Code :: Save 20% Site Wide

October 11, 2012 · Comments { 0 }

It’s the sale you’ve been waiting for. One of my favorite home decor sites and Simplified Bee sponsor, Serena & Lily is preparing for their Friends & Family sale starting later this month. However, they are giving all Simplified Bee readers (& your friends!) early access to the sale (wahoo!). Starting today, October 11th through October 23rd you can receive 20% off your total purchase store wide by using the code: SHAREBEE. From signature bedding to custom upholstery, statement lighting to perfect paint palettes – Serena & Lily offers a wide variety of colors, patterns and styles for you to create a home that reflects your personal taste and lifestyle. The special discount only excludes items from the art collection and gift certificates.
Serena and Lily Friends and Family Discount SHAREBEE