Hello!

It’s been four months since I closed my antiques shop in Maryland, and I really do miss everyone! Some of you have emailed, called or texted me – many thanks for staying in touch.

A few of you have asked about sourcing antiques, and where to buy the kinds of pieces that I used to sell at Tone on Tone. I’m pleased to share a favorite source of mine.

From Gustavian painted furniture to garden accessories, Cote Jardin Antiques in Georgetown, DC has it all. I’ve been purchasing from them for years. Do you remember the giant clock face in the breakfast room of our first home? That came from CJA.

Cote Jardin specializes in fine garden antiques – think of carved stone urns, important bronze statuary, charming faux bois furniture, etc. They also have an impressive inventory of antique French, Italian, Swedish, English, and other Continental furniture and accessories. You can peruse their online stock by clicking here.

My friend Allyson Terry is the manager at CJA. If there is anything that catches your eye, please feel free to contact her.

Email: cotejardinantiques@gmail.com
Cell: 202-494-1313

And if you are searching for something specific, Allyson can find it for you.

Let’s take a tour of this exquisite shop on a quaint side street in the heart of Georgetown….

Shopping at Cote Jardin is quite an experience – you enter through a charming courtyard to the sound of trickling water from a wall fountain. There are benches that invite you to sit and admire the many mossy pots and striking architectural elements….all for sale!

Above is a photo shared by @Erinpointandshoot on Instagram that shows the courtyard in bloom. Speaking of Instagram, you can follow CJA @cote_jardin_antiques for updates and new arrivals. 

I immediately noticed this French cast iron bench painted in blue. It looks like the one that
I used to have in the conservatory at our former home (below). This would be
fabulous outside in the garden or in the home (just like the way we had
it) – a great way to bring the garden indoors.
Stepping inside, I was greeted by a pair of bronze deer statues with the most amazing verdigris patina. They would be magical in a shade garden surrounded by hostas. Above them is a beautiful crystal chandelier. 

The main room of the shop is anchored by this monumental French wallpaper panel – talk about a statement piece of artwork!

Here’s a very rare piece comprised of an early painted base cabinet with marble sink top surmounted by a bronze fountain urn. 

This vignette features a wall sconce in the form of a shell, terracotta fruit and flower baskets, creamware tureen with stone fruit, and plaster models.

Look at this dining table with its thick marble top – what an incredible find! That sculptural base is stunning! It would also make a handsome desk.

Shown
with the table is a set of 6 French dining chairs in old white
painted finish. The chairs are upholstered in antique French linen with dressmaker’s tacks. BTW, Allyson told me that there are additional chairs available for a larger set.   

Over the store’s fireplace mantel is collection of toleware and other treasures.

Now a look at my most favorite item: a large stone rabbit with early painted surface. The patina, slightly crusty and weathered, is just fantastic. Actually, I think he is a hare? Anyhow, Mr. Bunny needs to come to my cottage…….I WANT, I WANT 💚!!

The hare is sitting on a round table with marble top and Greek key iron base. Use it as a center, breakfast or dining table. It measures 53.5″ diam x 28″ high.

Here’s another marble and iron table. This Directoire Period French baker’s table, originally used for making pastry, would make a dramatic kitchen island or a console table flanked by chairs. The lyre front is accented with bronze. It measures 35.5″ wide x 23.75″ deep x 31.5″ high. 

Do you have a large sunroom? Put this zinc birdcage, in the form of a chateau, in there amongst your plants. I love one oversized item in each room! 

More curated finds! A bronze Chinoiserie style chandelier most likely made by Maison Jensen dates from the 1960s. Wouldn’t it be chic in a foyer, powder room, etc?

The rare clock secretary is Swedish from the late 1700s. All of the paint is original. It measures 45.5″ wide x 37.5″ deep (with desk top down) x 84″ high. I’ve only seen a handful of clock secretaries over the last 20 years, and this is definitely one of the best.  

Below is another Swedish piece. I’d put a marble top on this blue table and convert it into a sink vanity for a bathroom. For storage, a large wicker basket underneath would be perfect. 
On the table is a pair of zinc bull’s heads from the 1800s – most likely trade signs from a butcher shop. I have never seen a pair before!
A few more vignettes from CJA…..

The shop always stocks a superb collection of French pottery. These green glazed pieces were found in Provence. I love to use objects in green as tributes to the garden.

It’s quite difficult to find original, unique lighting. Cote Jardin is known for their fabulous chandeliers, lanterns, sconces, table and floor lamps ranging from Neoclassical to Midcentury Modern styles. Many of the fixtures have been repurposed from architectural elements. And all the lighting has been rewired. Here are some of my picks from their website:
It’s been so fun sharing this divine shop! Be sure to visit in person at:Cote Jardin Antiques
3218 O Street, NW
Washington, DC 20007
Shop: 202-333-3067
Cell: 202-494-1313Or shop online at:
Cote Jardin Antiques
cotejardinantiques.comCheers,
Loi