Tuesday Tip

Tips on how to clean your goddess...or other stained marble.

In the spring, I did a post on busts with the intention of showing you mine and promptly forgot until now!

The owner from a favorite shop holding the bust for me to view all sides.
 Even though he said he had already vacuumed and wiped her down, she was still such a dirty girl!

This is how she looked in the shop after being outfitted with her new iron stand. The original marble pedestal
that surely once held her form was not found when she discovered in the celler of an estate in Europe by the shop owner. I actually didn't mind her sepia patina, but felt I needed to try and capture her original appearance.

I honestly didn't have a plan on where/how to start and just plunged in with what seemed reasonable and safe. Which ended up being mild dish detergent, baking soda, and lots of scubbing with soft tooth brushes and soft rags.

Though my cleaning method was working, I panicked halfway through and searched google for tips!
 It seemed this was okay. I also read suggestions to use hydrogen peroxide and chalk.
The hydo seemed to work a bit, the chalk was useless!


Add equal parts time and patience. And voila!

When the sunlight comes into the room in the morning, she glows!
 There is still some staining and discolorations, which doesn't bother me at all.
 Based on their location, I suspect she may have resided outdoors at some point.
She needs a proper name, but in the meantime I'll keep referring to her as the goddess.


Dear readers, if any of you have additional tips on cleaning marble, please share them!

The Beauty Of The Bust

Ever since my first trip to Italy in 1984, I've been fascinated by statuary. It's one thing to see their pictures in books. It's a completely different experience to see them in person. It's both a combination of awe and admiration that someone can create something so beautiful out of stone.

19th century Italian marble bust.
My latest acquisition. 

I especially love to see the many ways that a bust can be incorporated into rooms of all design styles. I can't help wonder the history. Is it of an ancestor? Does it have a symbolic meaning to the owner or the property? Or did the person who owns it simply fall in love with the face?

In my case, I fell in love with the face. I've searched for a bust of my own for years. I've been to auctions, estate sales, antique shops and never found one I loved at a price I could handle. However, two weeks ago, while shopping for client projects in one of my favorite antique shops, I happened upon this bust of a young woman. Although I have always wanted a marble bust, I had always imagined it would be of a man? But she was so beautiful, even with her layers of dirt and significant discolorations. I've been "bathing" her the last few weekends. She will eventually reside on an antique mahogany pedestal in my living room.

Until then, here's a sampling of some of my favorite images showing busts and head sculpture:

And for those of you who can't pick a favorite? How about one for every season!
The bust in the lower right corner is so similar to mine. I combed the article in the
most recent issue of AD trying to get more details, but it only indicated these are antique marble.

Images courtesy of Architectural Digest, Traditional Home, Veranda, and many unknown from my files.

Pedestals

I am not entirely sure why, but I've had a long time interest in pedestals. It's probably related to my interest in architecture and history.

Suzanne Kasler. This is actually a pair, the mate is on the the other side of the table.


I had someone ask me once if I could find them a "thing" that is used for plants and statues! Often they are confused with plant stands. Pedestals are more substantial in every way as their main function is to support heavy statues, vases and busts. When I think of pedestals, I tend to think of them as being mostly from the Roman era or Victorian period. Of course, neither of these are entirely correct, but I mention it because I think others may share that perception or may consider them to be too formal or old fashioned. 



Pedestal with a bust. Classic combination.

I also love old garden urns and spent years on a quest to find a matching pair and then of course matching pedestals. Pairs of either have eluded me. It's not that I can't find pairs, I just can't find pairs that I like and can afford! Twice I have found pairs. Once at an auction and once at an antiques show. They were so exquisite, I wanted to cry.


The lion heads make the pedestals interesting and fun!



During the late 90's I purchased two pedestals from two different shop owners. One is  painted cream and you saw it here topped with a black antique garden urn in my dining room. The other is a gorgeous antique pedestal. The only information the shop owner provided was that it came from an estate, is made from mahogany and is believed to be English.

My pedestal topped with a giant finial.

The last of this season's peonies. It's an ever changing display on the pedestal.

This pedestal weighs a bloody ton and takes two people to move it! The detail on the bottom even in it's crumbling state charmed me. I paid about $300 for it and remains one of my favorite things. I wish I new it's age, details of it's original owner and what kind of house they lived in?


Detail of the base.

One of the most appealing aspects of a pedestal, is they take up dead space and make dull corners more interesting.  I love using mine for seasonal displays of flowers or branches. All pedestals look amazing topped with finials, urns, sculpture or a fabulous bust. They are especially perfect in dark corners that don't get enough light for plants or trees. I also love to see a pedestal at the end of a hallway or in front of a window, they add so much interest.

In the corner of a hallway.

A pair flanking the french doors of an Americana styled breakfast room.



Pedestals really do work with any style or decor, which makes them just about the perfect accessory! Don't care for classic or antique versions? How about some with a modern twist?


Mariette Himes Gomez

Thomas O'Brien

This glass pedestal is incredible. You wouldn't want anything obstructing that view!

Acquired Objects just went through similar agony to mine of trying to find a pair of pedestals and instead cleverly chose to created her own, with the help of her handy husband. She needed a pair on which to place two recently acquired antique urns. The pedestals were based on a magazine cover. You can read about the details here, they're fantastic!


Mary McDonald. I am almost positive these are from the Wisteria catalogue from a few years ago!

 For those who don't want to spend the time searching for the perfect pedestal or making your own, catalogues such a Wisteria and Restoration Hardware can yield some decent pedestals. Don't forget to check e-bay and 1st dibs too. For the die hard treasure hunter, check your local antiques dealers, salvage yards and don't forget to check Grandma's attic!!!

Except where noted images courtesy of Elle Decor, Tradtional Home, House Beautiful,Vernada

House Tour: French-Inspired

We all peruse magazines with great excitement and anticipation with the turn of evey page. The deep inhale caused by an image that stops us for a long stare, then has us frantically flipping through several pages and then back to the original spot, is quite simply euphoric!   We become so giddy with ideas and inspiration from this encounter of glossy images, we almost forget to exhale!  And so begins the process of careful reading, thorough examination of each detail, checking sources and just blissful admiration.

Such was the experience when I first laid eyes on the French-style townhome of antiques dealer Donna Temple Brown. Owner of Gray Door Antiques in Houston, Texas.  She has been featured in both Country Home in 2004 and Veranda in 2009.  One thing in particular that I noticed between the five year span is that there are only subtle changes to the interiors.  I attribute this as an indication that she is confident of her style and a very capable designer.  Fellow Houston designer Pamela Pierce is credited with design consultation. Photography is by Casey and Anne Sills.  All courtsey of Veranda.  I regret I do not have any of the information from Country Home.

Welcome to the tour! 

                                            Veranda Jan/Feb 2009

The entry courtyard is peaceful and beautiful with it's ivy covered walls and welcoming furnishings. It is also  an enticing prelude to the palette of the interiors. 

Entryway:

Country Home November 2004   

Living Room:

   Country Home November 2004

Veranda Jan/Feb 2009

Country Home 2004

Veranda Jan/Feb 2009

Veranda Jan/Feb 2009

The living room has two conversation areas.  One is centered around the fireplace and skirted table, the other in a corner opposite the front door along the staircase.  The addition of the sheer fabric along the stair rail acts as a very subtle wall and adds softness and intimacy to the corner.   Behind one set of  shutters is a a beautiful storage cabinet with a wood countertop.  Although there is no mention, I am wondering if there is a television consealed behind the other pair. 

Kitchen/Sitting area:

                                                                                                                                                                                                         

Veranda Jan/Feb 2009

This enchanted space must clearly be the heart of the home.  The French influences provoke thoughts of leisurely dinners, conversations with dear friends and the perfect glass of wine.  The refrigerator and stove are barely noticable. The sink was incorporated into a 19th-c French store counter.

Master Bedroom:

Veranda Jan/Feb 2009

Guest Bedroom:

Veranda Jan/Feb 2009

I hope you enjoyed a peak into this unique home.  I'd love to hear what you think and if you had a favorite room or element?

Famille Rose Chinese Celadon Plates

I was drawn to these plates simply for the color and beautiful artistry after first seeing them at an antiques fair.  I began to look for them each time there was an opportunity.  Several years ago during the fall, my husband and I attended an antiques show and purchased one large, two medium, and two small plates from an English dealer.  We were so fortunate that day, because not only were we able to purchase these plates at very reasonable prices, but they were void of chips and the overall condition was excellent.  In addition, he took a few moments to give us a brief history:

The celadon plates were made only in the 19th century.  They are hand painted using a raised enamel technique.  Along with the rose details, butterflies and the bird of paradise are prominent features.  The plates also have gilding around the edge.  The dark blue Chinese signature on the back makes them more desirable to some.

Later, I came across this absolutely stunning collection of celadon plates in the November 2004 issue of Country Home magazine.  The homeowner is an antiques dealer!!!  Not only was I still (and continue to be) on the hunt for more small plates, originally I had no idea there were so many other interesting sizes and shapes.  Occasionally, I will come across one on ebay, but still prefer to see them in person.  Hopefully,  one day, I will be able to add some of these beauties to my tiny collection. Then maybe, I too could create a more interesting arrangement!