Original finish, Buffet a deux corps, 19th-century Austrian or Swiss.
For nearly six years, the huge buffet cabinet was a focal point in the salon. It seemed - well, dated. And she was tired of looking at it. So she consulted a Parisienne friend, an expert in revamping old furniture to give it a modern edge. For two weeks, she waited, with her collection of French and Engish ironstone usually stored in the cabinet, stacked on every available surface.
Just before Thanksgiving, it arrived. Instead of the demi-gloss black she'd envisioned, it was a dull, flat dark blue-grey. She winced. And so did her husband, who suggested she move it to another room, so he didn't have to look at it. She phoned her friend, hesitantly telling her it wasn't quite right; that the matte finish seemed to absorb all the light in the room. Her friend was understanding, assuring her all would be put to rights after the new year.
Meanwhile, she arranged various items on top of the buffet, trying to infuse character and distract from its light-absorbing qualities. She added Lehnert & Landrock framed photographs and an antique silver Syrian coffee pot; a Dutch handpainted vase and a French wicker one. Suddenly, the buffet took on a new aura, hinting of moonlight in the desert. Those who looked at it wondered aloud about Scheherazade's mysterious tales. They talked about sand dunes sheltering beneath vast expanses of glittering stars and inky velvet skies.
In January, her friend arrived to survey the damage and instantly agreed the buffet needed a glossy finish. She, too, noticed the unintentional Arabic influence created by the paint effect. So they decided to run with that look - even to enhance it, highlighting details with silver leaf.
A special wax was applied to make the cabinet shine and eliminate the matte look. Silver leaf paste was brushed delicately onto flowers and leaves. After she added some personal touches, the cabinet seemed to shimmer with a quiet light of its own; a suggestion of glamour; maybe even a hint of midnight at the oasis. She wasn't sure; it wasn't what she'd hoped for or planned. Perhaps it was a happy accident?
Lehnert and Landrock heliogravure (left) and photograph.
I should have thought to ask you what to do when it first came back that dull, drab matte. I'm pleased with it now, although it's not what I intended.
Posted by: Tara Bradford | 13 February 2009 at 11:24
Fabulous! I use a pewter paint on black and dark grey and it makes a vast difference. I love that it now glistens instead of soaking up the light.
Posted by: Di Overton | 13 February 2009 at 10:18
Relyn, thank you! How wonderful that you got to see that production of Arabian Nights! It's one of my favourite books, but I've never seen a film to do it justice. Hope I get the chance to see a theatre production. Do write about it - what fun!
Posted by: Tara Bradford | 13 February 2009 at 09:02
It probably helped that I was there to say "add more," because at first the glint of silver looked more like a pale grey whitewash, which didn't work for me. And I am a good customer, so they are happy to please.
Posted by: Tara Bradford | 13 February 2009 at 09:00
It is just wonderful, magical. I loved reading this just now. This weekend we went to see Mary Zimmerman's production of Arabian Nights at the Kansas City Rep. It was magical. Your post reminded me of my lovely weekend. I must write about it. Soon.
Posted by: Relyn | 13 February 2009 at 05:42
Well done! How nice of you to give them a chance to make things right. I like that they didn't go overboard with the silver - it was just the right amount of glint.
Posted by: dutchbaby | 09 February 2009 at 20:57
Thanks, Amber. It is quite different, isn't it? I was looking at the photos we took together in San Francisco (when copying all my photo files onto DVD) and they're really lovely of you. Too bad I look awful in most of them. :) xo
Posted by: Tara Bradford | 08 February 2009 at 11:20
Hi Helen - Yes, it's a two-piece buffet. Thanks for the kind words about my blogging anniversary. Don't worry - I haven't been blog-visiting much lately either, as I've been snowed under with writing deadlines. Sadly, you're right about rudeness - it's everywhere, but very unexpected in Paris, where politeness is considered important in social interaction. Of course this was business interaction - still, the clerk was over-the-top.
The city is quite lovely in the snow. It happens so rarely, we get excited like children. I can imagine that the kind of snow you are experiencing gets rather tiresome. Thanks for your kind words, Helen!
Posted by: Tara Bradford | 08 February 2009 at 11:19
Oh, wouldn't that be fun??!! Thank you, Gill. It certainly has changed the look of the room. xoxox
Posted by: Tara Bradford | 08 February 2009 at 11:15
Thanks so much Jeanie. Yes, Lehnert & Landrock's photos have a timeless quality. I love them and have a growing collection (but not enough room to hang them all. Two are hanging in the dining room; several are in a linen closet, waiting for more space).
Posted by: Tara Bradford | 08 February 2009 at 11:14
Alex, thank you! I have a collection of those photos - the heliogravures are from a rare prints dealer in Arizona; the photographs I bought from various sources and one (not pictured)is from our friend Maryam's source.
Posted by: Tara Bradford | 08 February 2009 at 11:13
Merci bien, Melanie. Would love to see your collection of photos de voyages.
Posted by: Tara Bradford | 08 February 2009 at 11:10
Thank you, Di! You know who did it - I threw in the Parisienne reference so people wouldn't assume it was you. :)
Posted by: Tara Bradford | 08 February 2009 at 11:10
I like it!
:)
Posted by: amber | 08 February 2009 at 05:08
Different--and quite lovely! Coincidentally, I saw some wonderfully silver leafed antiques at an auction recently that I was enamored with. Really love the look and that subtle glimmer of silver.
I am guessing from its name that this might be a two piece/section buffet? It certainly is fab! I had to chuckle at the comment about moving it to another room...
Happy anniversary on blogging! I have not been to your blog as frequently as usual and am truly enjoying catching up!
Rudeness is rampant....sorry you find it Paris as I saw in one of your other posts.
Paris in the snow....sigh....wish I were there! We are buried in snow here and it is beginning to lose its romance.
As always it is lovely visiting your blog!
Posted by: Helen | 08 February 2009 at 00:08
Oooh Tara it looks perfectly exotic and loved. I'm enamoured!!!
Especially your personal touch of the Lehnert tableau you have made this extraordinary.
Man you need to come do my home....
xoxo
Posted by: Gillian daSilva | 07 February 2009 at 21:41
Well, THAT's lovely! (And I love the photographs, as well -- must check that link.) You know you've made a booboo when you hear "maybe that should go in another room so I don't have to look at it!" Wonderful!
Posted by: jeanie | 07 February 2009 at 18:44
Great job, Tara. You have such talent for restoration! And those photographs are so gorgeous... Where did you get them? I'll have to learn more about that photographer now! Miss you xo
Posted by: GypsyGirl | 07 February 2009 at 11:44
I love your photos de voyages. I have a collection of them . It looks gorgeous with silver leaves
Posted by: Mélanie Aussandon | 07 February 2009 at 10:21
I love it, well done!
Posted by: Di | 06 February 2009 at 23:18
Thanks, Robin. As for my friend, she was paid for her services. :) When her assistant originally worked on the piece, it was in a room without electricity (yes, such places still exist in France), so she didn't really notice the finish was too matte, until it was delivered to my apartment.
Posted by: Tara Bradford | 06 February 2009 at 19:35
I'm with christina on this tara. i see the art and go wow!
"Tara, I could barely take my eyes of the photographs in the first shot.
I don't think I have ever laid my eyes on anything more breathtaking.
I think all of it, so comes together in the last shot. : )"
it is a large piece and beautiful. i am sure it is a focal point so better to fall in love than to regret and feel bad about it. your friend is a good friend for working with you with such a good attitude :)
xo
Posted by: Robin Laws | 06 February 2009 at 19:08
Missy, thank you! So sweet of you to take the time to write, particularly when you're engulfed in a whirlwind of wedding planning and activities! What an exciting time for your family! Hope everything goes according to plan and you can relax and enjoy the festivities!
Posted by: Tara Bradford | 06 February 2009 at 18:41
Thank you so much! I think it looks better in daylight than in the glow of lamps though. The latter makes the silver appear as a really strong contrast.
Posted by: Tara Bradford | 06 February 2009 at 18:37
Dear Tara,
Although belated many,many,many happy returns on your THIRD blogging
anniversary! I have been overwhelmed with getting ready for daughter's
quick coming wedding. She became engaged at Christmas and the wedding is
Feb 21st....egads!!! So much to do and I'm so behind on my fav blog(thank
goodness for archives!). I have not forgotten winning my lovely 'bee' plaque!
and will catch up with you at the end of Feb.
Again congrats and thank you for your incredible blog.
Kindest regards, Missy from the bayou
Posted by: missy | 06 February 2009 at 16:12
A happy accident indeed! It's a gorgeous piece, I love how you made it work by resting meaningful items on its top, while waiting for the January finish! TA-DA!
Posted by: to seek and find | 06 February 2009 at 12:21
Thanks so much! It was a risk with unexpected results. But I like it better than the original version, which had its day.
Posted by: Tara Bradford | 06 February 2009 at 11:39
Thanks so much, Steph. Of course, by changing the look, the value of the antique piece instantly fell. But as I'm planning to hold on to it, the resale value isn't an issue.
Posted by: Tara Bradford | 06 February 2009 at 11:38
Christina, I have a collection of Lehnert & Landrock heliogravures and photographs. I adore their images taken in Tunis and Egypt! Many of their black-and-white photos are still produced from the original plates at the Lehnert & Landrock bookshop in Cairo. But I bought the heliogravures from a rare print dealer based in Arizona.
Posted by: Tara Bradford | 06 February 2009 at 11:36
Thanks, Beth. Coming from you, that's a high compliment!
Posted by: Tara Bradford | 06 February 2009 at 11:31
Rebekah, thank you! You're right about taking that step. I was hesitant to change the finish, as it instantly reduces the value of the antique. But I decided I wasn't planning to sell it in my lifetime and I doubted my daughter would want it in its original finish, so I took a chance. Normally I won't touch an antique's finish, to preserve its integrity (unless it's a small piece that needs sympathetic restoration, which still leaves it looking as it always has).
Posted by: Tara Bradford | 06 February 2009 at 11:31
It is PERFECT! I love the distressed edges and the handrubbed finish. Yes, the silver leaf is just exactly what it needed! I would be ecstatic. Thank you for sharing - and inspiring! It is hard to take that step to change the finish of a very old piece; it somehow verges on sacrilege. But what a payoff for your courage!
Posted by: Rebekah | 06 February 2009 at 05:52
Oh my goodness - the transformation of your buffet cabinet is splendid. It was beautiful before, but now it has style galore!
Beth of The Salvage Studio
Posted by: Beth Evans-Ramos | 06 February 2009 at 03:52
Tara, I could barely take my eyes of the photographs in the first shot. I don't think I have ever laid my eyes on anything more breathtaking. I think all of it, so comes together in the last shot. : )
I must hit the link you have listed. OMGoodness!
xxoo
Posted by: Christina | 06 February 2009 at 03:33
Tara, it's beautiful...it really did change the entire feeling of the piece. I love the silver leaf in the flower accents!
x..x
steph
Posted by: stephanie | 05 February 2009 at 23:18
I love it! Beautiful makeover. Sometimes you just have to take a chance!
Posted by: RD | 05 February 2009 at 23:05