Shall I start at the beginning? I’ll keep it brief :)10 years ago, Tom and I signed a lease for a small shop and, within a couple months, opened
Tone on Tone. Prior to that, we were accumulating inventory in the basement of our home, which by the way flooded while we were on a buying trip. Not a pleasant way to start a business. Our little shop seemed perfect with bright sunshine, an open floor plan, lofty ceilings, and endless walls for artwork, mirrors, and such. But within a year we had to move due to complications with the rock-and-roll studio later opening next door – imagine antique mirrors and crystal chandeliers shaking from the vibrations!
A much larger retail space became available, and with much hesitation, a move across the street to our current location became the best option. Here we were just a year old, maxed out on a small business loan, stationary and signage barely dried, and having to tackle the additional square footage – talk about stress!
Fast forward to the recession a few years later – a most difficult time for all. Thank goodness for our loyal and encouraging clients – you all are awesome!
Would we do it all over again? Yes! Absolutely!! Though design trends change, our point of view has remained true due to the continued interest and passion of our clients. Tom and I have become good friends with many of you – thanks for your kindness and support. We appreciate you finding homes for our treasures.
Over the next few months, I will be sharing more of our journey to 10, including highlights and reflections. And even a couple of giveaways to fete a decade of Tone on Tone. In the meantime, please enjoy this preview of the newest shipment at the shop.
With sincere thanks and much gratitude ~
Loi
For this first shipment of 2014, we traveled back to our beginnings in Sweden. A splendid 18th century Rococo cabinet with old and new painted surface. It can hold books, china, clothing, and even a TV with the shelves removed. A classical style French plaque hangs above an English wood and iron music stand.
This vignette features a pair of old painted wooden finials, small and elegantly carved Gustavian style demi-lune consoles, and a Swedish clock scraped to original paint.
A couple more wooden finials with old white paint.
We love Swedish painted settees, and this one with storage beneath the lift-top seat is perfect for the entry hall or mudroom. It is only 20″ deep.
In this shipment are many Swedish tables. This petite pair offers a marble top, drawer, and shelf. Great for a bedroom!
Two matched tables (available separately) from the early – mid 1800s. Their elegant lines and humble spirit define classic Swedish style. The nightstand has a charming gallery top and blind drawer below the doors.
Another matched pair of tables. These date from the 1900s. The oval work table is fitted with small compartments inside.
Here is an early Austrian brass mounted fruitwood table with fluting / stop fluting, graduated drawers, and slender legs. The curvy Swedish Rococo style armchair provides a lovely contrast.
This Gustavian period (Ca. 1790s) stepback cabinet with shaped cornice, peaked corners, raised panel doors with reeding, and arched niche has an exquisite patina of early paint. The pair of window stools retain their old jute seats. These airy and sculptural stools would look smart in front of the fireplace or flanking a hall chest.
Winter arrangements with antique French pottery: pomegranates in faience bowl and hellebores in ironstone footbath.
Also in the shipment are many case pieces such as this Swedish chest. With outset corners, canted front, dentil molding and reeding, this is the quintessential Gustavian chest!
This semanier tall chest has seven drawers – one for each day of the week! It’s not a piece frequently found in Sweden.
Notice the graduated drawers on this pair of Gustavian style chests from the 1890 – 1900s.
A pair of slightly larger Gustavian style ottomans with carved leaf tip rails and tapered legs with fluting.
A stack of antique Swedish ironstone cheese stands on top of a large desk / small dining table from the 20th century. There are 2 concealed end drawers. Not super old, but still a fabulous table.
THANK YOU FOR 10 SPECIAL YEARS!
And when I am able, I am buying something from YOU! Loi, you are a joy to follow for not only are your photos of your wares TDF, YOU are a kind hearted person. Thank you for being a part of this fun connection in Blogland, and your taste in furniture is outstanding. I dream of having one of your pieces in my living room. I already know the spot and I look at that area and think how divine one of your settees would look there!
HAPPY 10 year anniversary and best wishes for a super 2014! Love much, Anita
Thank you, Anita! My pleasure joining blogland 🙂
Loi, you have such beautiful pieces. I love the Rococo cabinet. I would love something like that to replace the ugly cheap cabinet my husband has now.
congratulations Loi, you have such a gift…best wishes for a happy and prosperous 2014
Congratulations Loi and Tom on 10 years of sourcing the most gorgeous pieces! This shipment continues that tradition! I wish you many more years of prosperity and happy hunting!
xo Kat
Dear Loi, congratulations to you and Tom on this milestone. It is no surprise to me that Tone on Tone has been a success – everything single thing I see here is stunningly beautiful and you arrange it all so artfully. Looking forward to following along for the next ten years.
xo,
Phyllis
Happy ten years to you and Tom! I have so enjoyed following your blog and seeing the beautiful pictures of your shop, home and travels. Thank you for sharing your amazing talents. Best to you both in 2014!
Congratulations Loi…a milestone that you should be extremely proud of! I am anticipating embarking on a similar path (although not exculisively antiques) this year…I could use your sage advice!!
Congrats! I am a bit of a chicken when it comes to committing to a space, so I am excited to hear about your journey! Your taste is impeccable as always, I love everything!
Best,
Christina
oh i am really looking forward to this story! i feel like we are going through some growing pains right now, and i am dedicated to making it work this year- it's my passion. thanks to you and tom for sharing and for your inspiration. xoxo
Good luck, Cassie! I hope 2014 will be a good year for us all.
Congratulations on 10 years, Loi! I'm grateful for all the beauty you bring into the world both through the gorgeous pieces you import and find homes for, and the gorgeous photos we get to enjoy here on the blog. You have such a fantastic point of view, I always leave feeling inspired. Here's for sticking to it through all the ups and downs. Cheers to you and Tom!
HAPPY 10TH ANNIVERSARY. Your taste is exquisite and the shipment is spectacular!!!!
I looked for myrtle topiaries (or plants) at the SF flower mart but only found ivy. I will keep looking though.
Congratulations on 10 years! It is truly a testament to the wonderful quality of the treasures you carry and your passion for history. Here is to many more years!
Congratulations to you both. MC and I wish you continued success. We are anxious to hear more of your story. Maybe someday we can actually shop in Tone on Tone…..now that would be Heaven
Congratulations on 10 wonderful years, Loi! Your latest finds are truly fabulous! I hope I can make it in to the shop the next time I am down visiting my daughter. Here's to ten more years!!
Congratulations!!! What a milestone. Happy anniversary to you both. 🙂
I am so glad you found this path you we're meant to be on. You are such a talented stylist and decorator with a marvellous eye. I cannot wait to hear more and also it is good to share the ups and the downs as it can be encouraging to hear of another person pushing through challenges especially with a small business. You could have been a photographer if this didn't work out but luckily now you can do both!!! Your photos capture all the quiet grace and charm of your pieces. That little fruitwood table had me at hello. Oh and that 7 drawer chest….dreamy. Oh I like everything!!! 🙂
Congrats again and here's to the next ten years!!! Xo Terri
Many thanks, Terri. I am thinking of taking a photography class this spring.
Many congratulations to you both Loi! You have such a fabulous 'eye' and such talent….Tone on Tone deserves to be the success that it is.
Adore this recent shipment!
Thank you also so much for your recent comments……shall keep the 'London address book' suggestions coming for you! Oh, and I am with you on 'Wagamamas'!
Have a lovely week.
Sophia x
Happy 10th Anniversary of Tone on Tone, Loi and Tom!
You are masters of exquisite and eclectic buying, styling and decorating, providing a haven of beautiful pieces for both customers and readers of your wonderful blog. Looking forward to all the memories!
xo
Poppy
Congratulations! I wish you'd opened a store near us here. I very much admire the Gustavian style, and of the photos you've shown in this post, I covet those demilune tables.
Hello Loi, Ten Years! That is a tribute not only to your inherent style, but to strict maintenance of high standards.
It is always difficult to pack a favorite item from your posts–perhaps this time, I really like the small tables. Also, those stacked cheese stands look just like a giant electrical insulator!
–Jim
Loi, you are to be commended for ten successful years in business in an exceedingly difficult economic time. Your impeccable taste and artistry sets you apart. Besides you are nice! 🙂 No wonder you have succeeded! Personally, I love wandering through your shop and always study your posts. You have taught me so much. (For example, I had never come across the word semanier. I am off to google its meaning.) Here's to ten more years!
So beautiful, all of it! (Would that my blogging profits exceeded $0. . .) I love the potted hellebores.
congratulations, loi. your eye for beauty is unerring. love these pieces, especially the reeded cabinet. just seeing how you combine and place these pieces is a treat. here's to many more years of success. donna
Where to begin indeed! I love those wooden finials, and then all the tables. So many, many perfect places to put them in my house!! Congratulations for all your hard work, and for taking those chances, and for staying with it. Just beautiful pieces everywhere….
Congratulations! You do such a beautiful job and should be so proud of your efforts!
xo
Congratulations to you and Tom! I think Tone on Tone is here to stay. I really must come and visit again soon.
Congratulations on 10 years of hard work to you and Tom. And here is to 10 more, 20 more, even 30 more years of success! There is far too much beauty in this post that I can't wrap my head around which piece is the best (really, do I even have to do that). Any home would be more beautiful with the addition of any of these pieces.
Hi Loi and Tom! Congrats!! It takes huge cajones to take on ANY space so cheers to you! Your authenticity and open heart are the keys to your success. I am so in love with everything you do!! You both make clients friends and they become friends for life. Many, many years of success to come!! Love everything you bought!! Xoxo, K
Congratulations, Loi. You and Tom have earned your success because of your exquisite taste. The new pieces are lovely.
XO, Victoria
Congratulations! Ten years is a huge accomplishment. Love all of our new pieces – you have such an impeccable eye!
Congratulations!!!! You have such an amazing and timeless vision it's no wonder you are so successful!!! Here's to many, many more!!!!
Congratulations! You have a fantastic shop! I wished I lived closer! I know you work very hard and wish you a lot of succes in future! You deserve that!!
xx
Greet
congrats…now that's something to celebrate….Your shop is amazing and you have a natural way of displaying things that enhance the beauty of the item….
Congratulations dear friend! So happy I found you and I wish you 10 more glorious years! You have enriched so many of our lives with your talents. I love hearing the story of your beginnings and your trips. xo Nancy
Congratulations Loi! Wishing you continued success with your business. Starting from the basement.. this has been a labor of love I'm sure!
Hope you are enjoying your day! xxL
Congratulations on your decade of finding and selling the most beautiful pieces. Loi, we are spending a long weekend in March with friends in DC. We will come and visit your shop and drool at all the beauty displayed.
Vera
Dear Vera – Please come visit! It would be wonderful to meet you. Thanks so much!
Dear Loi, I wish you a wonderful year ahead and Bravo on ten years of success!
That first cabinet is beyond gorgeous!
xoxo
Karena
The Arts by Karena
Loi and Tom + so happy you signed that lease 10 years ago + congratulations! sent this to my client/friend in the area. one day soon we will meet either in washington or la. xxpeggybraswelldesign.com
Congratulations on ten years! Your incredible talent and your kindness have given you staying power in a scary, fluctuating market. Here's to ten more!
Heather
Congratulations on a wonderful journey and I am so glad that your journey has brought you to blogland. So fun getting to know you and to follow along on your next decade.
Kathysue
Dear Loi, congratulations to both of you! Every single piece you have shown us is beautiful. I know the joys and sorrows of shop keeping, and the journey is worth everything, especially that many clients become good friends in the process…speaks volumes about you….I wish you every good thing that you can imagine in the years to come, N.xo
Congratulations Loi! At this point I'm not sure I'll make it to the 10 year mark! LOL! I love that clock – I want one like that so bad – maybe someday!
Hi Loi, Your vision has always been focused. The timeless beauty of all that you offer makes my heart happy. I love the counterpoint of the rich toned Austrian table with the softness of the Gustavian chair. Congratulations!!! Wishing you the best of the next 10!
xoxo Mary
I LOVE the tone of your blog…you are always positive and forward thinking. It's been a pleasure!! franki
Congratulations on ten years!
xxojoan
HOORAY!!!!!!! Congratulations!!! I'm so happy for you! And because I am, I sent a small gift to mark TIN… I mean, TEN years of success and beauty! Hope you like my very humble gift!!!! CHEERS! In love with the clock and the stools!
I am not at all surprised that you are both so successful after what is really quite a short period of time to get established. Your choices are so elegant and classical and will never go out of fashion. You have a great eye and know exactly what little touches to add to a bowl, a dresser, or chest of drawers.
congratulations and happy birthday, tone on tone!!!!
loved learning more about the shop's history and exciting beginnings. inspiring and testament to what happens when you put your heart and soul into something you're passionate about. someday i will visit in person.
i am finishing up painting some chairs and a few paintings today. nothing makes me happier than tone on tone painting!
michele
All really beautiful pieces. I'm surprised how many pairs you're able to find. The nightstands with the gallery top really catch my eye.
Congratulations on 10 years! My business turns 10 in a few months. I remember very well the excitement mixed with a big dose of nausea and fear. It all worked out.
Many congratulations to you, Steve! I hope 2014 will be good for all of us.
Congratulations on your anniversary!
Loi,
Happy Anniversary, 10 years is truly an accomplishment. No surprise but since I work for a retail developer, I see how many businesses fail, you and Tom are talented and skillful in finding the best for your clients. I only wish your shop was closer to the west coast.
Good luck as you embark on the next decade for Tone on Tone.
xo,
Karen
A big hearty congratulations to you! Nothing like seeing someone who truly loves what they do and your passion is evident. Your things are exquisite…drooling over every image! May you have many more successful decades ahead of you…..wishing you continued success!!
some fabulous things- congratulations on all of your success in 10 years!
Dear Loi,
Congratulations on Tone on Tone's 10th anniversary! It's always a pleasure to see what inspires you, and I've learned a lot from your handsome blog. Getting out of my Zip Code here in Florida and visiting your store is one of the things on my bucket list!
Congratulations, Loi. I admire you greatly for starting your own business. It's not for the faint of heart! I'm so glad your shop has been a success. You carry such stunning pieces. Oh, that clock! Love it. Congratulations again on your 10 year anniversary.
Claudia
There are so many beautiful furniture in your Store. I like them all! Congratulations on your 10 years. You are celebrating a milestone of hardwork, dedication and love of what you do.
Congratulations on a decade of Tone on Tone. That is an amazing accomplishment. I can't wait to read more about your journey. The new shipment is lovely, as always.
I am happy to know you through blogging Loi and I wish you and Tom continued success in the future. If I ever find myself antiquing anywhere near DC, I'm stopping by your lovely shop!! The pieces in your new shipment are sooo beautiful.
XO
Sarah
Dear Loi & Tom
Heartfelt congratulations on your tenth anniversary. Your style is timeless and each piece a treasure.
Wishing you many more years of success and fun along the way
Helenxx
Loi! I am so happy you have reached this milestone! Ten years, and your sense of finding such treasures is so good. I am going to have to swing by your shop some time soon… Happy New Year 🙂 Liz
How wonderful! Time flies when you are having fun at what you do!! I think a trip to see that fabulous store is in order as soon as it warms up!!
So happy for you and many more years of success to come!!
xo Karolyn
Looking forward to another ten years of inspiration and delight….
Looking forward to another ten years of inspiration and delight…
Congratulations! Love that you are still so motivated to keep it going … that is awesome! Here's to another 10!! xo
Congratulations on 10 years! What a wonderful accomplishment.
I have a question for your regarding the hellobores flowers on the Gustavian chest. Did you grow those indoors? And if so, how do they handle it? I love the idea of growing them inside!
Roxanne – The hellebores do much better outside. They are fine indoors for a month or so. I intend to plant them soon.
Congratulations! On Tone & Tone's first decade, and for many that are on the way.
Best wishes
Bon Anniversaire! Here's to your next ten.
Loi,
Happy New Year and Congratulations to you and Tom on 10 years of Tone on Tone!!! Your story is inspiring because it shows true grit, perseverance and faith! I'm so thrilled for you and am toasting you from New York!
I can hardly wait to see all the beauty you will share with us this year! This new shipment is chock full of beauties!
xoxo Elizabeth
Congratulations to you! What an amazing accomplishment. Your secret to success is your exquisite taste in furniture and your amazing topiaories– congrats on being featured in Southern Living too! Here's too many more successful years!
Loi,
I must admit that I was originally drawn to your blog based on your exquisite taste and talent. I have learned so much from you, my friend!
However, the real reason I visit is due to your deeply convivial personality. Your humble nature belies your genius and that is what I love most about you. You are the kind of person who makes me want to be a better person. I thank you for that.
It is obvious that you love what you do and I pray that your passion never fades.
xo
Andie
Congratulations on 10 years, Loi. Your business story is inspiring: the growing pains combined with your grit and determination to keep going have paid off. Your wares are beautiful, and I love it that you've stayed true to your design aesthetic without changing with the trends. I find that truly stylish.
Keri
Congratulations, Loi,10th anniversary! Wow, nice post, there are many person searching about that now they will find enough resources by your post. Thank you for sharing to us. Please one more post about that..
Congratulations, Loi!!
There wis a reason for your success! You are genuine and talented! You have impeccable taste.
Here's to another 10!
Teresa
xoxo
Congrats on 10 years Loi! My favorite from these pieces is the settee. I love that it is trim and has storage. It would be PERFECT on our sleeping porch. Cheers to many more……
Congratulations, Loi! You have enriched my life more than you will ever know! 😉
What a wonderful milestone. Your taste is impeccable and each piece so beautiful – it's certainly no surprise that you have been so successful. I'm swooning over every single piece. Here's to the new year and many more successful years at Tone on Tone!!
Wow! Congratulations! And thank you again for your sweet comment on my blog. I loved hearing the story of how you began and that you were able to persevere despite many setbacks. If I had known you back then I would've said, "don't worry." You guys have "it." (whatever "it" is… you have it and then some!) I love reading what the others have said, too. I echo all of it! I love the woman who said that you make her want to be a better person. I agree, wholeheartedly… but in my case, it's probably hopeless. haha! Here's to many, many more successful Tone on Tone years and your unique, exquisite beauty that you so generously share! xoxo!!!
Loi,
What a great way to celebrate with more of a good thing. Love the history with Tone on Tone and so glad you stuck with it. It can be quite a blow when your passion for something so intense as furniture abd design is the on a stressing ground to push through. Cheers and Happy new year!
Bette
Congratulations to you and Tom, Loi. Sounded like a really rough beginning but led to great things. Even though I am not a fan of Swedish, you are convincing me – could be the contents of an 8th house.
Enjoy your well earned celebrations-
b
Loi, how did I miss this? I'm so sorry to be late wishing you and Tom a Happy 10th Anniversary!! I've been too wrapped up in my own things, I guess! Like others have said, it's a joy to follow you, see your exquisite images and vignettes, and get to know you in this crazy cyber world. I am so thankful for blogs, for the friendships they have provided, especially as it has introduced me to your gorgeous Tone on Tone. Looking forward to connecting for the 25th. Good luck with this gorgeous shipment. Carol
Hello Loi, oh my goodness what a lovely inventory you are sharing here with us…Absolutely adore the Rococo cabinet, amongst the rest, all just really gorgeous and how I would love to visit your shop! looking forward to hear all about your ten years of "growing up" though I suspect you were already quite wise when you started way back…wishing you the best for 2014 and many more.~ Colette ~South Africa
Ten years! Wow! You must be beaming with pride! Congratulation on such a major accomplishment. Your great taste is undeniable and I love everything you do! You have amazing pieces in this inventory too(as always:-)). Keep up the superb job my friend. xx
Congratulations on your anniversary!! I love your style! Keep up the great work!
XOXO,
The Glam Pad
I am so happy for you. Starting a business always sounds so foreboding. There aren't many stories of encouragement like this one. It's a breath of fresh air. Thanks and congratulations!
Happy anniversary! Ten years running a business is no small feat and your store looks lovely. We love the hellebores in the ironstone!
xxoo
C + C
Happy Ten (10 years) to you my friend, and a beautiful 10 years at that. Looking forward to many more with you.
Loi, you inspire the best that compares to none out here.
I could take home with me to my small cottage all that you inspire here, having to add on to my home to fixit all.
In love with your style, and Tone on Tone.
Thank you for your beautiful comments when you visit my place.
See you soon.
Xox
Doré
Hello, Loi dear, and a Happy New Year as well as a very Happy Anniversary to you, Tom, and Tone on Tone!!
You are an inspiration in so many ways…most importantly, though, you are such a kind, gracious, and generous person.
Thank you for who you are and what you do.
Bravo!!!
Sending much love and wishes for many more successful years of Tone on Tone! 🙂
Oh, and the new pieces are gorgeous!
Hugs to you,
– Irina
Dear Loi,
I really enjoyed this post and look forward to others on this topic. When AGA looked through your photographs he was picking out all the furniture that he would like to own!
YOur post strikes a note with us, because ten years ago, AGA and I packed up and moved to Germany, and the unknown, to begin a European adventure. And now we are getting ready to close that adventure and begin a new one – so I am with you when you say that you would do it all over again!
Happy Anniversary!
Kirk
Hello Loi,
Happy 10th anniversary (bit late sorry!) Such beautiful furniture and store, I wish I lived nearer!! Hope you are both well.
Ivan
Loi my dear – sorry I'm late to the party. I love your new house. As I looked through the photos the first thing I noticed was the light – great light. And of course the house itself has such character – what a beauty. You will polish it up and make it even better with your magical gifts! But as it is (well, now that you've cleaned it!), it already feels quite sublime…!
xo Terri
Your home and photos are exquisite. I'd love to win the Beige linen and ivory navy stripe pillow. jolee3333@gmail.com
You guy do very good work.keep it up
Business Set up Dubai & Business Advisors in Dubai