Hello ~ Happy August! I hope this finds you well and enjoying these remaining days of summer, which seem to be flying by. Tom and I have been on several road trips up to New England. Otherwise, we’re hanging around the house and the shop.
Speaking of which, it’s been a while since I’ve toured you around Tone on Tone. With a new shipment that just arrived, now is the perfect time. Here are some of my favorite new arrivals. Click on photo for enlarged view.
First up is this Swedish green-grey painted sideboard. This is a classic Gustavian sideboard with its raised gallery, reeded diamonds, and symmetrical arrangement of drawers over doors. I think it looks so fresh with the creamware and ironstone pieces. To dress it up, I would hang a giltwood mirror, in silver or gold, above.
Also from the Gustavian period is this stepback linen press in 2 parts. The flanking chairs are French in the Louis XVI style.
Notice how the raised panel doors follow the arch of the bonnet top.
Mix it up! Here is a Swedish Gustavian style 72″ long sideboard with a pair of Italian cast iron urns and a very French still-life painting. I love the modernity of the contemporary frame against the classical urns. Many thanks to Richard at Artisans Art and Frame (Washington, DC – Ph: 202-333-4093) for suggesting this fabulous gold-leaf frame with gesso over wash.
From the village of Forsa in Halsingland, Sweden is this 1790-1800s original painted table with lipped top, long drawer, and carved leaf-tip apron.
A 19th century Swedish Gustavian style vitrine cabinet (for books or china) next to a 20th century French mahogany etagere. The classical style oval plaster plaque is Continental European.
Antique European ironstone china: still fresh and fabulous as ever! Notice all the pieces here have a rounded / barrel form.
Can you help me identify the subjects in the above plaque?
A life-size squirrel statuette perched on a cricket table from a tavern – both from England.
One of my favorites in the shipment is this Rococo campaign secretary in 3 parts, each with its own set of iron handles.
The interior of the top piece is also washed in a beautiful blue-green color.
I’ve styled this blue-gray oval pedestal table with pewter and tin accessories.
A green-gray Swedish secretary with reeded medallion motif.
This pair of narrow nightstands is perfect for that small bedroom.
This Gustavian settee has been scraped back to its early painted surface. The slats, rails, and apron all have that signature Gustavian reeding.
This super comfy Swedish tubchair is from a prior shipment. I had it reupholstered in a Rogers and Goffigon “tone-on-tone” linen.
Above and below: a mix of Swedish and French. The 2 small French landscapes have such an impact when grouped together. Separated, they seem to underwhelm. They hang above a Swedish pedestal cabinet.
I hope you have enjoyed this tour!
Cheers,
Loi
Cheers,
Loi
Oh my, and just when I was about to step away from the computer for a bit! So glad I didn't miss this post and all of its beauty! That secretary is to die for…that blue/green interior is breathtaking, and that linen press is to die for…well everything in this post is! Are those acorns for sale?!
xo Kat
Thanks so much, Kat! The acorns are new from Terrain.
Stunning, as usual, Loi. I was drawn to the variety of artwork and how it works so perfectly with the other pieces in your shop. I love the squirrel!
So fabulous! I need to drop into the shop again soon!
Stop by soon, Stefan! We need to catch up.
New shipment! Eeeeee! So exciting to get to see some of your beautiful pieces! They truly are the most perfect shade of gray! Love!
Loi I would be so thrilled to have any one of these gorgeous antiques.
Do you happen to know how the Gustavian reeding originally came about?
It is so beautifully decorative.
xoxo
Karena
2013 Design Series
I think the reeding is based on fluting found on classical architecture and furnishings. The Gustavian style borrows heavily from the classical style. Thanks for asking, Karena.
I want everything. xoxo, P
Hi Loi So exciting to get to see some of your beautiful pieces!
It is so beautifully decorative.
Angélica
I enjoyed it so much, such beautiful furniture and the ironstone is gorgeous!
Loi-
You have found some beautiful pieces. I especially love the sideboard and the linen press. Gorgeous.
Thank you for sharing.
Teresa
xoxo
I saw New Shipment and flipped!
I want everything!
I really love the sideboard.
Well I really love it ALL!!!
Loi,
You have eye for picking your pieces. No one has beautiful swedish pieces like yours. I am drooling over three parts secretary. Visiting DC in September ,will see you then.
Asha from Atlanta .
Can't wait to see you, again, Asha! Thanks a bunch 🙂
i'll take it all!!!!! that rococo secretary has to be my absolute favorite though! gorgeous!
I enjoyed it thoroughly! Everything is so pretty, and I especially like the English cricket table as well as the Swedish sideboard you featured at the very top of the page. Beautiful things indeed. Glad you're enjoying the summer.
Claudia
I WANT EVERYTHING!
Loi, you carry such beautiful pieces. I love the linen press and that glorious secretary.
I feel so calm and serene after this tour, Loi. Everything in your shop looks wonderful. How can you resist that squirrel? Shouldn't he be at home with you and Tom in the garden? He's adorable. Love the English tavern table too—I'm in an English country frame of mind these days.
xo,
Deborah
Yes, I've been thinking a lot about bringing Mr. Squirrel home 🙂 Thanks, Deborah!!
Hello Loi, I am always impressed how much variety you achieve within your style range/palette–you are always showing us something new. Some of my favorites this time were the white ceramic pitchers, which are so well shaped, and I also like the French mahogany bookshelf (I always have a soft spot for bookshelves!).
–Road to Parnassus
As soon as I saw pale grey pop up on my sidebar I though ah! Loi is back again, and what a veritable feast of furniture and accessories you have taken delivery of.
My only thoughts on the plaque are that it could be Apollo being handed a laurel wreath by the nymph Daphne.
Thanks so much, Rosemary! I'll make a note, and continue my research.
Oh là là….mon dieu…..you know how I feel about seeing your interiors, LOI!
Each piece here is classic TONE on TONE, the style that we here in Blogland love, the style that says YOU. My dear Loi, that Roccoco campaign desk with the aqua interior….how can anyone make something so perfect? :)))))
The sideboards and tables, the chairs….thank you. Thank you for sharing all of your brilliant finds and most of all, your artistic ability to style some of the most beautiful photos. If I had my druthers, I'd buy a piece from you (a gorgeous settee) from you in a heartbeat.
Wishing you a wonderful August day my friend! Anita
I'm joining the chorus of love. I'd always been familiar with Gustavian furniture, but it's style and palette have only been enhanced by seeing your blog; thank you. I wish I had room for a few pieces, but their light colour would do better in colder climates, so when I've bought my Georgian mansion in Scotland, I'll know where I should be furnishing it from.
Fabulous as ever! Love the addition of subtle color in that secretary and other images. You are the master styler, it's confirmed. Those little acorns have my heart.
see you soon.
xo Nancy
Oh Loi. How lovely! I want it all. Brings back fond memories of browsing through your lovely shop!
Dear Loi,
Your shop tour makes me wish I lived near enough to drop by often — at least I can do that through the Internet! I really like the look of the Gustavian reeding, and the mix in the furniture of ovals and rectangles. Your blog is a fine Gustavian education!
Loi, I love a good mystery! I just spent the last hour researching the stone art. I believe I have an answer! I saw the shield at the feet, and the wreath being handed over….I believe this is Nike, goddess of victory,handing a warrior (Apollo?) a victory wreath.
As for the stone squirrel you have, I know you have many amazing pieces, but something about that sweet statuette that tugs at my heart strings!
Thanks so much! I really appreciate your help and research. Couple readers also shared info on the plaque. I'm putting all the info together.
I enjoyed looking at all of your stylish vignettes here. I would love to bring home those Italian cast iron urns and the Swedish secretary. I hope you are enjoying the rest of the Summer. All the best to you and your Shop! Pamela
P.S. I forgot to mention that I love that Squirrel figurine. It reminded me of the Squirrel photographed from pur garden. I've never seen one anything like it. So adorable! Pamela
Thanks Loi..The tour was amazing< especially love the secretary and sideboard. Enjoy the rest of your week.
Sarah
Loi…everything you posted I loved…the patina on these pieces are so gorgeous!
Hi Loi, I'm lusting over the 3-part secretaire bookcase. Truth be told–I want all of the Gustavian pieces, the reeded detailing gives that touch of energy that makes the pieces sing.
Have a wonderful day. xoxox
Mary
Did we enjoy it? Need you ask? Really gorgeous, lovely pieces one and all. And your styling and photography are superb!
Hope you have a lovely (though hot..) weekend!
I will take it all + that oval plaster plaque has my heart + thank you for your sweet comment on my blog! xxpeggybraswelldesign.com
*sigh* franki
I love the tubchair and the painted table with the long drawer.. wow! gorgeous colors Loi and I like just a little bit of patina. Your furniture is ALWAYS beautiful and it's tough to pick favorites. The blue/green is so pretty with the grey. The plaster plaques are wonderful too ~ in a group or on their own. Beautiful pieces Loi! Have a nice day:)
Beautifully styled!! The cricket table is such a versatile little piece. Love the tub chair, the two small nightstands. So much to love here Loi, thank you for sharing all of your beautiful treasures. I can only imagine what a treat it is to walk throughout your store.
xo Kathysue
Oh what a lovely collection of restful pieces. I have a more colourful pallette here but am yearning for those greeny grays which I love so much. You display them with class and style. How to incorporate them now…ahhh. I haven't seen anything like this in our area ( Ontario). I love the plaques and have been searching for something like that recently. Famous Scottish architect/ artist Charles Rennie MacIntosh's wife – Margaret McDonald's gesso artwork at Hill House, Helensburgh in Scotland inspires me to maybe take this up and see what transpires. Thank you for sharing this beautiful collection.
Wow! Just gorgeous, Loi.
Loi,
Okay, I've got dibs on the Swedish secretary and the vitrine cabinet, with the ironstone and creamware, please. It all looks great and your talents for styling never cease to amaze. The pewter and tin items on the pedestal table are fabulous. Looks like your and Tom's hard work has paid off, everything is beautiful and will undoubtedly fly out the door.
Thanks for the tour.
xo,
Karen
I guess the theme of the day is reeded. I love them all. Especially love the pairing of a Swedish piece with the French still life. I could really use the nightstands. I bet they won't last long.
So beautiful! The secretary with the blue/green interior is stunning 🙂
Dear Loi,
All wonderful!!! OMG !!!!
You have such an eye for the most beautiful things!
When do you come back to Belgium? We do have to meet each other!
xx
Greet
Hi Loi!
All beautiful pieces here. Can't think of a better way to spend my lunch hour:) Well done as usual!
The Settee and the pair of nightstands are my favorite pieces. Thanks for sharing XO!
Sarah
So many beautiful pieces, but it is the secretary that really makes my heart swoon, what an exquisite piece of blue~green beauty. Hoping to make it to your shop sometime, until then, thank you for the updates.
Oh my, Loi! Everything is gorgeous!!!
My favorite piece is the Rococo three piece cabinet, but that secretary is also remarkable.
You have exquisite taste!
xo
Brooke
Hi Loi,
Thanks for the tour, and educating us as to the details of the furniture styles. All the pieces are lovely! I have loved Swedish style since the early 1980s when I saw "Fanny & Alexander" and fell in love with the austere priest's home even more than the more opulent and colorful family home in the movie. Have you seen it? I have no idea about the subjects in the oval plaque, but I'd say it looks like an ancient Greek version of Tinkerbell and Peter Pan. 🙂
-Revi
Hello Loi
Your new arrivals are precious. My favourite is the Rococo campaign secretary. It must be a vary exciting time in your showroom. I hope all the pieces find good homes.
Helen xx
The timeless pieces and restful colors feel like a breath of fresh air, Loi. Really beautiful. When I'm in D.C. next, (not sure when that'll be) I must stop in. Thanks for sharing.
Keri
I believe the plaque is depicting nike the goddess of victory giving a laurel wreath (a prize) to odysseus for winning the discus throw (the round object on the ground) at the olympics.
I love your blog and all of the amazing furniture!
Melanie
Thank you, Melanie!! I really appreciate the information on the plaque. Thanks for visiting.
adored the tour and can't wait to share it with my mom who is visiting from arizona. the shipment is outstanding, and it's too difficult to pick a favorite. i love learning from your descriptions of the pieces. before you, i simply thought OH LOOK, A GUSTAVIAN STYLE PIECE. it really helps to learn what it is i'm looking at.
have a great weekend, loi. mine starts with a pool party tomorrow and ends with a bon voyage fete sunday.
michele
Dear Loi, I am fairly certain it is almost illegal to enjoy this post as much as I did!!!! Too much gorgeousness to process *sigh*.
Ange x
Each piece is a statement. I am jealous that you have been going up to New England so much this summer. Summer is the best time to be there. Did you know that Newport, RI has a 'secret' garden tour of private gardens in September? I have always wanted to escape to that, but it conflicts with the start school. Have a great weekend, Loi.
Oh, I didn't know!!! Gotta look into that garden tour. Think we're going back to Maine in September. Thanks!
All absolutely stunning Loi…..would love all of these exquisite pieces here at home!
Now, I have to tell you something quite extraordinary?! You kindly left a comment on my blog a couple of weeks ago, about the beautiful sundial at my friend Clare's stunning garden 'Hole Park' that is open to the public……saying that it looks very like one that you almost purchased some time ago from the architectural antique store in Tunbridge Wells. Well…..you've guessed it…..IT IS the same sundial! There is more to the story, which Clare told me when I told her about your comment. That sundial is a very special piece that had been in their family for many years and it was stolen one night…..extraordinary bearing in mind the weight and location of the house and garden! They were naturally very upset. A few weeks later, they were at friends for dinner and were talking about the theft of the sundial, when their friend mentioned that she had seen a sundial just like it in the architectural antique store in Tunbridge Wells! Claire then raced up there the next morning, to discover that it indeed was their sundial…..apparently it has a very distinctive dial on it? So……quite an amazing outcome, and extraordinary that you recognised it from my blog! Claire sends a special message to you via me……thank you so much Loi for not buying the sundial! It is now happily back where it came from. Forgot to ask her if the police tracked down the thief, so must ask!
Have a lovely weekend!
Sophia x
JUst so gorgeous! I will be in DC the 21st looking at American University for my daughter I may have to pop in to that fabulous store if I can! I love that squirrel, believe it or not I have a real squirrel as a pet that I rescued when I was 12 years old., so I am loving that statue.
HAve a great weekend,Karolyn
You have the best eye of anyone I know! These pieces are beautiful. I kept trying to pick a favorite but it is impossible. Hope you are having a lovely weekend! oxox Lisa
Just exquisite Loi. My favorite is the oval table and the way you styled it. Love the chair and the pillow. Its those small details which together, create this incredible beauty. xoxo Laurel
Just lovely pieces. Seriously, if you open a shop her in Northern Cali, I'll be your very first customer! Swear!
~ Dawn
Greetings! these are some wonderful pieces. If I have room, would like to have several of them especially the table from Forsa.
All beautiful pieces (love that linen press) but I have to say, I am a sucker for a little curvy tub chair! Lovely detail on so many of these pieces. You must be thrilled. I also dearly love those plaster plaques. Hope you are well! xo Terri
dearest loi
i found myself audibly gasping as i scrolled from image to image, my favorite being the rococo campaign secretary. roger & goffignon fabric is one of my primary go to textile firm, a tone on tone? brilliant!
cheers
debra
We have completely different styles. Yours is perfection all the way 🙂 I just read and look at all the pictures with my jaw hanging. sighhhhhh.
Hi Loi,
I'd be in big financial trouble if I lived in DC – might have to change my entire design aesthetic. Lovely, lovely things.
Thanks for the tour.
b
I love all of this except for the squirrel!
what lovelies!!! oh my…you just make the heart zing!
Loi,
So much eye candy here today!!! Your shipment is full of such beautiful pieces…and I love learning something every time I read one of your posts.
Interesting observation about the French landscapes, which seem to have more punch when paired.
Hope you and Tom are well and enjoying the wind down of summer.
xoxo Elizabeth
Wonderful Loi, I love your beautiful descriptions of each piece. So many gorgeous finds, I could compile a list so easily. Love the reupholstered tubchairs with tone on tone fabric and that fabulous secretary in three parts. Want, want, want!
My goodness, Loi, I want it all! Your taste is so exquisite, I am in awe. And I absolutely love that you tell us where the pieces came from- so enjoyable to read and connect to your travels!
xo
Mimi
Hello Loi,
Happy August. Where on earth is summer going? I love your new shipment. Each and every piece is so special. Ahhh…it makes me want to redecorate my entire house.
xoxo
Susan
Oh, my goodness, Loi! I was swooning over the linen press with it's lovely arch until I saw the secretary! LOVE the interior color on that piece! And again, the arch. I'm a huge fan of arches. Thanks for sharing your shop with those of us who aren't close enough to visit! Maybe someday!
I can't tell you how much I enjoyed this tour!! Every piece is stunning on every level, I can't tell you how much I LOVE Swedish antiques! They're the happiest pieces of furniture!
I hope all is well Loi!!
xoxo
Desiree
LOI MY FRIEND! OOOOH to see you, it is such a comfort! Yes, I am well; I got a "poem" out of that moment, let me tell you! WHEW….may YOU be well my friend, and you are just a kind soul to come to visit me! August is almost over, Loi! Back to the French classroom for me. Wishing you the most fabulous end of summer. BIG HUGS! Anita
Every time I see images like this I want to get rid of everything and start over…so soothing. You have the most beautiful things in the whole world!
How is it that I manage to fall in love with every single thing that you show in your shop, my dear Loi!? :)) The surprise color of the secretary's interior…so dreamy….
I am wishing you a glorious weekend! We are heading back into sweltering heat for the next few days….how is D.C.? Does it feel like August out there?
Hugs to you,
– Irina
Hi Loi, I somehow missed this. What beautiful things you have found, each one perfectly lovely! Your customers must be overwhelmed as they move around your shop with all the beautiful vignettes! My favorites are the secretary with the blue interior, the pretty tub chair and the squirrel. We are enjoying the nice weather, our house has not sold yet, will have to be patient. Best wishes, hope you and Tom have a wonderful relaxing weekend!
Forgot to mention, LOVE the wood acorns too!
Love this tour of your new shipment! I see how you might have hurt yourself moving all that around! It was so great seeing you yesterday and experiencing your amazing hospitality. You are truly a warm and genuine friend who I utterly admire. Have a great weekend!
Xoxo Nancy
I want that Rococo secretary! All the prices are stunning! xx
Wow Amazing!