Hello there ~
Happy October! After enjoying a bit of an Indian summer, it’s now looking and feeling more like fall in DC.
Have you added any seasonal touches to your home? I just brought in a few white pumpkins.Ten years ago, when I wanted these ghostly beauties I had to trek north to my favorite farmsteads in Lancaster, Pennsylvania. Now, they and many other specialty pumpkins and gourds can be sourced locally at grocery stores and nurseries. I have a friend who even grew his own white pumpkins from seed. It’s fun to see how popular they have become.
Enjoy this tour of the shop as well as a few new arrivals! If you have questions about any of the following pieces, please email me at topiaryplants@gmail.com.
I went to the market with my garden trug and . . .
. . . came back with just a few white pumpkins 🙂
Here is a trio on an antique English Wedgwood creamware platter.
The Belgian oak table has a bleached top over turned legs painted gray. The French armchair / fauteuil has been reupholstered in a quilted fabric from Nancy Corzine. Both pieces date from 1870-1900.
Traces of old paint and elegant carvings add texture to the simple frame. I can see this chair accenting a bedroom, library, living room, etc.
ABOVE: A sculptural Thonet bentwood table that would be charming as a small center table.
BELOW: A French cast iron urn as a catch-all for garden accoutrements. Mini white pumpkins would be cute in the urn as well.
This is a striking French round table with zinc base and marble top. The fretwork apron and scrolls on this sturdy table have such movement. Originally, there were castors so I wonder if this was a pastry or even a conservatory worktable?
This French or Swedish painted sofa recently came back from my upholsterer. I had it updated and simplified with a neutral linen fabric, flat tape trim, and single loose seat cushion filled with down and feathers. Note its channeled frame with beading and finials terminating in scrolls. The color is more of a French gray than Gustavian.
The pillow fabric is from Lisa Fine.
Here is a substantial steel and brass 43″ square coffee table with an inset glass top. The grid design resembles a basketweave pattern. It’s a piece that bridges classical and modern designs – even a bit industrial in spirit.
An English white-washed whatnot / etagere of useful size, this piece can hold books, china and even towels for a bathroom. I love the undulating lines!
On this 1900s kidney-shaped freestanding chest by the Danish firm of Lysberg & Hansen, from Copenhagen, is a pale Lumina pumpkin served on a French creamware platter.
The giltwood mirror with mercury glass and plaster decorations is French.
A diminutive Swedish Gustavian painted demi-lune table from the 19th century.
This Gustavian period window seat has been hand scraped to its early painted surface. During the process, iron reinforcements / braces were discovered – I love finding these tidbits which are a part of the piece’s history and character. The stool is newly upholstered in a silk damask by Claremont. Cording is by Samuel & Sons, and gimp trim is by Scalamandre.
WHITE ON WHITE!
Antique French creamware fruit compotes filled with Baby Boo pumpkins. The antique creamware covered soup tureen is also French.
The Swedish Baroque cabinet is an early piece from the 1740-60s. It would be great under a TV or as a buffet server.
So I guess the theme this year at Tone on Tone is pumpkins and creamware :)To see how I decorated in previous fall seasons, click on “autumn” on my sidebar under BLOG TOPICS.
Cheers,
Loi
love all the white pumpkins and that amazing coffee table. but truly, you had me at thonet.
The pieces you select for your shop are truly stunning, Loi! The white pumpkins also add an air of elegance.
Mary Alice
Loving those round tables, and the styling of course. The Thonet is one of my favorites! And yes, white pumpkins have really taken center stage haven't they? Love them, and all that one can do with them. Enjoy these cooler days!
All of the wonderful understated pieces you have seem to be made to for displaying white pumpkins. This is your time of year!
The quality of light in these photos is like Dutch Masters paintings. They are gorgeous photos!
You didn't disappoint me…..all those lovely white pumpkins!!!!
The brass, steel and glass top coffee table is my favorite piece this time around……but the urn comes in a close second!
Hi Loi, so many pretty things in your shop – I especially love the cast iron urn. It's just gorgeous. And the white pumpkins punctuate things perfectly. A few have made their way home with me, too – Mr. H. calls it the annual pumpkin invasion. White and blue-gray in the house and orange and white outdoors. They make me happy!
Hope you continue to have a lovely fall!
So many beautiful pieces here that I would love to own, like that bentwood table, that sofa and steel coffee table. The detail on your chairs, your choice of fabric and the craftsmanship are really exquisite Loi. I miss talking to you! I hope you and Tom are well and enjoying fall. Your pumpkins are the perfect T and T accessory! xox Nancy
Oh I wish I could live in your stop, Loi! I especially love the antique creamware with white pumpkins – so dreamy paired with gray. And the Thonet bentwood table is so unique. I've never seen one quite like that. You inspired me to get my white pumpkins this weekend. Have a lovely rest of the week + weekend! xx
Exquisite and elegant Loi. Your pieces always have a proud patina and a graceful beauty about them. I am admiring the coffee table's uniqueness. Loving the baby boos, white lumina's (ghost) and white Cinderella pumpkins, as I shop and grow my collection until Thanksgiving. John always asks me if I think I have enough … As if I would ever say yes!!! Your baby boos are placed perfectly for a sophisticated look.
xo,
Vera
Lovely, little paintings, each and every one, of tone on tone elegance and charm.
Happy October, Loi!
xo
Poppy
Wish I could be closer by! Oh Loi, your shop is full of beauty and all items have this discreet luxury that you love so much. The autumnal touch adds and of course the most important is that y o u make the difference as owner and vendor, I'm sure of it!
Have a nice day and good work!
Olympia
Hello Loi, I think the best part of these pumpkins is the long, curving stems, which liven up each vignette and draw in the viewer's eye. My favorite among the antique pieces is the metal coffee table–every detail on this piece is so well thought out and executed.
–Jim
Exquisite beauty!
The Thonet table is lovely – I have a bent beechwood Thonet rocking chair with cane seating and backing.
Not noticed white pumpkins around here, guess I will have to do what your friend does, and grow my own, they have such a lovely sculptural quality to them.
For a number of years now Loi, I have grown my own white pumpkins, but for some reason it just didn't happen this year. I am so annoyed with myself, as they are hard to come by here in Kent, England! Next year definitely, as they really are so beautiful……
Happy Autumn,
Sophia x
What a calming way to start the day, Loi. I enjoyed the tour so much that I didn't want it to end–going back for a second look now! Love that metal coffee table (among other things) and wish I had the right spot for it.
Deborah
LOVE!! That Thonet table is darling and the other pieces make me want to move and start my home over!!
Absolutely beautiful post, Loi! Looking forward to seeing the shop in person in a few weeks!!
xo
Hello Loi
The white pumpkins enhance your shop. I love several pieces of furniture. Thanks for a beautiful post
Helenx
Such exquisite taste- I love it all (especially the kidney shaped chest from Copenhagen), Such beauty.
Best,
Mimi
Whenever I click on a post of yours Loi, I feel a sense of calm come over me. I am always sitting on my kitchen settee in the early morning sipping very hot coffee while my english bulldog lovingly squishes me to one side. As the weather gets nice and chilly here in NH, these mornings are even more enjoyable. I just wanted you to know that your lovely posts are very much appreciated.
The Lumina pumpkin is one of my all time favorites. Have a wonderful day.
Fondly,
-Lisa
All such beautiful pieces but that bentwood table is my favorite – what an amazing piece!
Loi..I love your style…its so peaceful and pretty. You have some fantastic pieces in and the white pumpkins are great addition.
Dear Loi – It's always exciting to see what new finds you've brought to your shop, but the period window seat is my favorite of all that you've ever displayed! It's gorgeous!!
I adore the window seat as well as the man above my comment!I am so far behind in the FALL decorating department!But I think you will forgive me as I have just come back from FRANCE!I have been up since 3:30 am…………..UGH.My husband has a STEP SISTER in LANCASTER!!Small world…………….VERY SMALL.XX
Hi Loi,
As always, simply beautiful. You are the best designer at "less is more"! I love the creamware pedestal pieces. Wonderful pieces.
Dear Loi,
All of your finds are thrilling to me and I would love having them in my home. The trough to carry your white pumpkins is wonderful!!
xoxo
Karena
The Arts by Karena
Markham Roberts
Knockout vignettes…lovely furniture…everything is always "just right." Simple, yet still amazingly cozy. I love your style!
your touch and your eye are incomparable. many of your vignettes should be paintings of still lifes
debra
Oh, I do like that baby white pumpkins…I took a paint brush and painted the stems antique bronze on mine. That sofa!!!! franki
Love everything you curate! The eye of an artist! oxox
holy s. you have just singlehandedly sold every last lil white pumpkin on the continent with this post. just dying here. we have them at our grocery store, and i've just been hesitating in my post-summer depression. NO MORE. my goddess, i love your style, loi. i always feel more elegant after visiting this corner of gorgeousness. merci, mon petit chou.
Each and every item is gorgeous – right down to the white pumpkins!
xo. Leslie
Segreto Finishes
Good evening, Loi!!!!!
You know how I feel about your furniture and décor. I NEED that French/Gustavian SOFA! The choice pieces you have in your shop…you nailed the look, the feel of relaxed elegance. And I love your photo with you carrying the wooden basket and white pumpkins. I have my eye on such a wooden basket in a great antique shop not far from my home.
Fall is really here for us too, and I bet your side of the country is brimming with color. I hope you get a chance to enjoy the Maine house soon before the leaves disappear. Have a great weekend, Loi!!! Anita
Oh Loi, I just saw that you visited me and that you just came back from Denmark and Sweden? SIGH!!!! No wonder you come back with a boat-loud of authentic goodies! Yes my dear, it is always good to come home and I am decorating my home for fall with WHITE pumpkins and these lovely gray tones we love. Hugs dear Loi!
This is sooo beautiful. I always learn from you. I have a garden trug, too…that I got in France…didn't know it was called that. It's on my bookcase filled with coral. Your furniture is stunning. Love the updates, too.
Happy Fall Loi! We are having fabulous weather here on the west coast. I love your little garden trug- I found one very similar in France. I always enjoy photos of your shop:) The vignettes are always lovely. The white and gray tones are perfect together.
Cheers
I don't think it can get much better than this!! You do such amazing vignettes and purchasing for your shop. Truly beautifully appointed, Thanks for sharing the beauty that surrounds you daily,
Kathysue
Exquisite pieces of furniture and creamware Loi – I would love to have them all! The pumpkins are perfect – this year I skipped white ones and have decorated with grey and green-gray mostly. I'm looking for savory pumpkin recipes to add to my collection as I plan to be cooking a lot of them later!
Happy autumn days – love the pic of you with the beautiful wooden trug holding small pumpkins, and your perfect pumpkin colored trousers, haha – very stylish!
Happy weekend – Mary
Hi Loi, NOT FAIR! I love every single vignette and piece. Of course, the newly upholstered sofa and the period pieces are my absolute favorites. Well, the creamware has me drooling, also. Interesting–I just bought a near pair of French Regence-style chairs that are very similar to your chair, except that that they aren't painted (and the linen is all set to go to the upholsterer). Your upholstery artisan does magnificent work. The depth of the cushion is just right. Just wish that you weren't all the way in DC.
Sending long distance love, Mary
As always Loi, you have outdone yourself! I grew white pumping this year and immediately thought of you! (There's a picture of one in my blog sidebar). They are tiny but magnificent! Oh that bentwood table is gorgeous. I love the unusual tone of the wood, and the crisp marble top. Just perfect! Happy autumn Loi!
pumpkin….that's what I get for typing in the dark!
Love the urn on the table. Looks so good for Fall. White pumpkins are my favorite.
Wow everything is just stunning…..truly beautiful and those darling white gourds just are the perfect finishing touch to your gorgeous vigenettes. LOVE your style! Enjoy your weekend.
I saw that marble-topped bentwood table and my jaw dropped. How beautiful and unique! That's my favorite piece. Love the little white pumpkins and that sweet garden trug too. Happy fall! We're headed to the beach soon. Can't wait!
Claudia
Hi Loi, your white pumpkins looks so pretty. That's a vey nice theme you are doing. White pumpkin and creamware are a true match and looks so stunning together. I want all those new things in your store. The furniture are so elegant and beautiful. Have a wonderful weekend!
Everything you've posted here is fabulous! I love the window seat.
Everything looks so beautiful Loi! Love the white pumpkins too!
Hugs,
Vesna
My kind of fall Loi,
I could so just move into your shop, move a few things around to make it home sweet home. Love the Swedish sofa, and the pillow is a must.
Why do I tempt myself on these visits, I leave wanting to schedule a flight ticket to your shop and then never leave 🙂
Love your pale fall and of course I would it's pretty pale over here.
I am going to mix som of those warty grey ones this year to the porch, and a few grey in the home.
Looking forward to your Christmas Post, I am going to be presenting a French Theatre production with Anita, and Vera 🙂
Xoxo
Dore
All this looks so wonderful Loi. I have never seen white pumpkins in the UK. I guess if I want them I will have to grow my own.
Have a great weekend!
Di
X
Loi, everything looks fabulous! But the round zinc and marble tale is my favorite!
I hope you are having a fabulous weekend!
Elizabeth
I live in Bethesda and need an upholstery, Can you give me the name of yours? Gratefully, Ann annorr@helix.nih.gov
Dear Ann,
Please contact Designer Workroom on Woodmont Ave, Bethesda. Tell them Loi from Tone on Tone sent you.
Good luck!
Loi, thanks for the tour! I am drooling over the Thonet table! Love the lines/curves; so sexy! x
Pumpkins and creamware were made for one another! So many lovely pieces Loi, that sofa and pillow are to die for! And I remember driving miles to find white pumpkins years ago as well! So glad they are much more accessible now!
xo Kat
I know, right? Home Depot had a huge pile of white pumpkins!
Loi! I am working with a client right now and we are STRUGGLING finding a good coffee table … can you email me about the glass and iron table you have here?? Thank you! xokim
Thanks, Kim. I will email you the info.
I adore so many of these pieces. The coffee table is so interesting, the bentwood table is to die for and, well, all the rest is pretty amazing too.
I love the job your upholsterer does Loi, especially on the first French armchair with that yummy fabric. I wish I could waltz into Bethesda and go on a spree in Tone on Tone. Happy Autumn old bean!
Here's to pumpkins and cream!!!! Everything looks divine. That French painted sofa is so perfectly done and could be at home in so many places. You have the magic touch. Everything you touch turns to gold!!!
Happy October!
xoxo Elizabeth
Absolutely beautiful!
I adore your white pumpkins, Loi. I thought it was interesting your pointing out that the settee could be French or Swedish. Sometimes, it's difficult to tell the difference. I wonder if the Swedish copied the French or the other way around. The fabrics on those pieces are exquisite. Well, it all is!
Gorgeous post as usual!! I love looking at historical art and architecture is fascinates me. I also love seeing what you are designing and selling these days!! xo K
So many gorgeous pieces but in love with that Thonet Bentwood table, the simplicity is simply perfect!
Loi! I am dying over that Thonet table. How gorgeous. And you are brilliant with the choice of that Lisa Fine fabric on the lumbar. I saw that and instantly knew it was hers — it's PERFECT for that settee too!