STYLISH SHOPPING IN CT: MONTAGE MODERN VINTAGE OF WESTPORT

Photos courtesy of Montage

 The catchy sign 

When I was in Fairfield one weekend over the summer, a friend of mine said I really needed to check out Montage Modern Vintage in Westport, Connecticut. I had passed it many times while running errands on the Post Road, and really wanted to stop in. The catchy striped sign out front of 1276 Post Road East and fresh colorful assortment paired with a modern chandelier in the window looked great. I had always wanted to go in, so I took my friend Kim's advice and went over to the pale yellow building with tailored boxwoods out front.  From the minute I walked in, I was taken with the amazing merchandising, a cross-over between vintage finds and great new stuff.  Owners Robin Babbin and Tom Roth, both longtime Westport residents, hunt for unique finds that are special and have a story to tell.  Some pieces have an amazing historic provenance, like turquoise glass starburst mirrors by Paul Lazlo for the Algonquin. Other newer pieces, just mix really well with the mid-century modern, 1960's and 1970's designs by iconic designers. Their inventory of lighting, upholstery, tables, storage, accessories and original artwork by local artists is updated regularly, so check their website or visit for new additions.  There is just something really refreshing in the mix they have culled, and it is nice to know there is someone with a great eye out there finding design classics and bringing them back to life. Connecticut shopping for home furnishings has always been good, and with the addition of Montage, it is even better.

Vignettes like this are displayed around the shop, making "I'll take the whole thing, as is" an easy thing to say.

Bright pops of color, fresh accessories and a brass and chrome mix integrate seamlessly.

Glitzy bar accessories are ready for holiday entertaining and gifts.

A collection of modern artwork provides an energized, dynamic backdrop for pieces with interesting silhouettes.

A nice mix of prices and pieces mean there is something for design fans looking to redo everything in their home, and those looking for a hostess gift.

Mixing styles of varying periods works with pieces that have great lines.

READY SET DECORATE: OKL'S VINTAGE MAKEOVER CHALLENGE

Certain things in life require minor adjustments, tweaks if you will. Styling surface areas is one of those places tweaking is a must. Playing with scale, height, volume, color and texture to achieve the right balance is part of the game. Getting it right is always a work in progress. Creating something appealing and functional takes time and effort, like most things in life. Interior designers can spend days arriving at the correct balance of books to objects when styling bookshelves. Why should other surface areas be any different?
I was recently asked by One Kings Lane to take part in their Vintage Makeover Challenge for their Live, Love, Home editorial section. The task?  To re-work an area in my home,  layering in vintage items from their ever-varied, constantly-evolving Vintage and Market Finds assortment. I chose my nightstand to makeover, because it is a spot I use every day, and I wanted it to be functional, pretty and inject it with a dose of the unexpected. After I submitted my makeover area, Vintage Buyer and all-around style connoisseur Andrea Stanford of One Kings Lane set about selecting the items to bring a bit of zing to my bedside table. 

The results of her vintage selects and my styling are seen below, in a step by step guide to the art of the "try it out and see" school of styling. What she sent was a surprise, so when it arrived, I got to work.  Starting with a blank canvas,  I set about creating a layered effect to get a bit of sparkle, a lot of color and a functional spot to do more than just hold the remote control. If at first you don't succeed, try, try again.

I set out knowing exactly what space I wanted to transform.  My nightstand. It needed a freshening, and it was the perfect spot to delve into.

I added, subtracted, shuffled and stacked till it fit well and looked balanced.

 

The final touch was the addition of a bright pink hydrangea bloom to fill out the curvaceous teal vase with a round, voluminous mass.

Surprise! The goods!

STYLISH SHOPPING IN THE SUN CONTINUES AT CIRCA WHO

A return trip to West Palm Beach meant my second trip to the shop Circa Who. Located on a street with tropical, brightly painted facades at 531 Northwood Road, lies a candy land where pieces are wallet friendly. Filled to the rafters with endless Camelot-era goods, you can count on owner Tracy Deramus to always have great vintage finds that she comes across scouring estate sales. This recent visit yielded a lot of wonderful accessories, natural bamboo pieces and plenty of Chinese Chippendale, mais oui.
With a great passion and appreciation for her fantastic finds, Tracy has seen a change in what her clients gravitate towards. She has, in turn, looked ahead of the curve, and is now carrying more accessories and smalls, as well as the things that brought her a loyal clientele in the first place, Palm Beach Regency. Take a browse, I am sure you will like what you see. If you want it all, I have done my job, and Tracy is ready for your orders!

Two small white woven curve leg tables in varying sizes are a real find.

Keep that party rolling with this diminutive bi level bar on wheels. I was tempted to drag this on the plane with me.

This elephant garden seat is great because it has a lot of surface area for a drink and a book, bright accent colors AND his trunk is facing upward.

Leo The Lion is adorable, I mean, he even has whiskers!

These rattan curved back arm chairs have an elegant line to them and would look amazing in a living room to balance out the upholstered pieces.

A Serpentine Mirror

Cheery elephant obelisks with a hint of bright green were hard to resist.

A pair of nightstands, a Chinoiserie lamp and blanc de chine Chinese sculpture in a white out.

A Fan Chair in great condition in a natural state. What's not to love?

Six cerused shell - back chairs would make a nice addition around a game table.

You can always count on some good white Chinese Chip chairs!

A good set of six natural bamboo chairs with cane seats look really fresh light and au natural.

Six Gothic Chippendale chairs in black have pizazz.

Who's ready to light it up?

Small chrome bamboo end tables add a bit of shine.

Need a bar? This brass tray table is a fit.

Another great rattan tall chair with a unique woven back. Love it.

A pair of Balloon back high rattan chairs have a great pattern going on as well.

A pair of faux bamboo regency benches with a punchy pink moire print are nice for the foot of the bed.

This pair of white wicker barrel chairs complete with original chintz ikat channel upholstery look very now.

VINTAGE AND MODERN: FIND YOUR KIND

Shopping for antiques and vintage one of a kind finds has been made much easier with the dawn of e-commerce. Whether you are researching a particular furniture style or shopping for a specific piece, some online due diligence can save tons of time. One such site, VandM, hits a sweet spot when it comes to accessible pricing, offering an eclectic mix of dealers in furniture, accessories artwork and jewelery. From aspirational to approachable, there are finds for those just starting to collect as well as the seasoned interior designer. Having recently undergone a redesign and enriched content, the site allows you to be a vicarious window shopper, as well as look for what you actually need. Take your pick and search by style, dealer or product type, whatever gets you to the goods faster. Here are some favorite finds I uncovered when I spent some time on vandm:
Photo courtesy of V and M
A Bibliotheque Chinoiserie Bookcase and Cabinet with red painted interior from LIV

Photo courtesy of V and M
A vintage plaster table made in the style of John Dickinson at House of Honey

Photo courtesy of V and M
A Pair of French Sunburst Wall Sconces from ADG

Photo courtesy of V and M
A Regency Style Convex Serpent Mirror from R.T. Facts


Photo courtesy of V and M
A Wood Barrel Back Art Deco Chair from LA Vintage Furnishings

Photo courtesy of V and M
X-Based Hair on Hide stools from The Shop at Maison

Photo courtesy of V and M
A Hollywood Regency Ebonized Silver Leaf Mirror in the manner of James Mont from Revolver Vintage Interiors

Photo courtesy of V and M
A White Lattice Demilune Console by Drexel Heritage from Acorn Antiques

Photo courtesy of V and M
A Pair of 1980s Orange Enamel Pyramid Lamps from 711 Warren

Photo courtesy of V and M
A Louis XIV Chest covered in lacquered zebra fabric from Sultan Chic

Photo courtesy of V and M
Hollywood Regency Chromed Palm Tree Side Table With Glass Top from Uber Modern
Photo courtesy of V and M
Pair of Belgian Iron Acanthus Leaf Sconces from RT Facts

Photo courtesy of V and M
Armchair covered in Kelly Wearstler's Bengal Bazaar fabric from House of Honey

THE THRILL OF THE HUNT: SHOPPING WEST PALM BEACH

My recent trip to West Palm Beach's Dixie Highway was about the thrill of the hunt. This now well known strip of highway has been trolled by many an interior designer, and shops such as Lars Bolander and Mecox Gardens have migrated over from Worth Avenue and joined the mix.
I was supposed to be taking a little Easter break, but I had to get out and go. I had to see what I was missing. The 85 degree weather did not keep me tethered to a chaise by the pool; I knew I had to get cracking and go shop! My quest took me down the strip, filled not so glamorous shopping malls that held trash and treasures. Here are some of my great finds that I hope you will enjoy, and possibly even buy. I resisted sending a container back to NYC, but maybe you will have less restraint!

CIRCA WHO 531 Northwood Road was started by Tracy DeRamus, who really enjoys picking through estate sales and tag sales for vintage finds. Her store is chock a block-- filled to the rafters with a great selection of Palm Beach Regency punchy lamps, fretwork headboards, quirky objects and garden furniture. It has become a favorite of many interior designers on the both the East and West coasts.

A set of Chinese Chippendale Chairs greeted me upon my arrival

A yellow faux bamboo shelf and mirror painted in a sunny yellow would be great in a bathroom

A tall chest of drawers was already sold

bamboo fretwork mirrors awaiting perusal

a painted metal etagere with fun lamps

A bamboo desk and Gothic metal chairs (there were six of them)

Who doesn't love a wicker elephant side table?

RE VUE ANTIQUES 3701-3703 South Dixie Highway

They have no website and that is how they like it. Each find is fresh and you have to check back often. This spot is more "thrill of the find" than the others.

A set of yellow lettuce patterned china made in Portugal in the Dodie Thayer style. Love it!

A side table with rope detailing

Italian brass chairs are perfect for a vanity

This horseshoe desk was great

This chippendale chair was a total find- the faux tortoise finish and unusual arm made great

Crazy tole lamps

This tiny chest would make a sweet side table

If you are looking for tole flower chandeliers, you will have lots of luck here

A pair of faux malachite painted brackets

For a Yalie

CASHMERE BUFFALO 3709 South Dixie Highway has a mix of mid-century modern, vintage table linens and great accessories

The two room space has some real finds and deals

I have never seen this many tole painted chandeliers as I did here, take your pick!

Great lamps

A stunning assortment of coral necklaces

Vintage jewelery and funky vases

A blanc de chine moment

This refinished bench was a total steal

HEATH AND CO 3707 South Dixie Highway is well known for their lighting, as well as their amazing rewiring skills. If you buy a lamp that needs work, take it here.

This bamboo table was hidden under stuff was going for a song

A bamboo bar cart on wheels was hard to pass up

More painted tole on a larger scale

BRASS SCALE ANTIQUES 3719 South Dixie Highway tends towards the English style of antiques and decorative accessories.


Another ode to Dodie Thayer lettuce ware, this set is 18th Century Italian and I covet it.

You have to spend some time looking but there are some fun things

WILSON ANTIQUES 3716 South Dixie Highway has two shops next door to one another. This is for big time painted Italian pieces, French over scale chandeliers, and Swedish chairs in light aged finishes. I was wowed and it was hard to leave.

The view from the door

Check out the pair of star mirrors

This small pedestal table was a beauty

Iron pieces, aged garden ornaments and incredible mirrors were everywhere I turned

Big game anyone? Not to worry, he is wooden.

This pair of patinated bronze French 1940's sconces were statement pieces.

For the garden

DOLCE ANTIQUES 3700 South Dixie Highway is a visit for the amazing loot and quirky selection.

Looking for something zany? A bric a brac mix of over the top vintage ephemera, signage and more can be found here.

Another set of Portugese yellow lettuce ware plates. Why must you be everywhere when I do not have the shelf space for you?

This pair of unusual panels from the 960's depicting fruits and vegetables was fabulous.

These belong in a restaurant.

A brass and black glass mirror was sharp

THE PALM BEACH ANTIQUE AND DESIGN CENTER 6910 South Dixie Highway. This center is a bit further down and I went at the suggestion of New York based interior designer Christina Murphy. It is a large space with sectioned off areas. You will find a lot of mid century as well as Italian 1970's things.

A pair of chests with chrome pulls that were refinished

A pair of 1940's Art Deco slipper chairs in a grasshopper green linen

A shell console table, very Palm Beach appropriate.

Low red side tables lacquered in a fire engine red paint

A shiny pair of coral red chests of drawers

Three Italian brass sextagonal tables with faux bamboo motif and glass tops

A glass topped dining table and chippendale chairs with cane backs

A bone inlay Chippendale arm chair

Refurbished chinese chippendale chairs in a vivid orange with vintage fabric



A 1970's brass chest with nail head detailing

A pair or reupholstered benches with a white finish and red tufted cushions

A refinished pair of barrel back chairs with ball detailing

A pair of 1940's black lacquered nightstands with lucite pulls