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!