When we moved to our Dutch canal house two years ago, after walking through the entryway, this antique French cupboard was the first thing you'd see. But the cupboard didn't agree with the house's modern architecture, so more than a year ago - after removing the sunburst windows and drawers for a future project - I replaced it with a George Nelson bench. But that seemed a bit too "art gallery-like" for the space; eventually it was moved elsewhere, in favour of a late 1950s/early '60s Dutch low sideboard.
The white strip below the sideboard is where the painter forgot to replace the wooden baseboard; must remedy that soon! I often switch the photographs and art above the sideboard, but my collection of mid-century graphic pottery (Anton Piesche, Germany) remains - for now!
Quite the contrast from the top photo, isn't it? The current look is more my style. I like simplicity and clean lines, with one focal point providing a bit of punch or drama. I strive for the "less is more" look, but rarely achieve it. Our house is an eclectic combination of antique and modern furniture, art and treasures collected on my travels.
Since leaving Paris, I've sold nearly 250 antique and vintage items (keeping only my favourites) and purchased some modern design classics. The biggest expenditure has been on lights from Denmark, Sweden and Finland - seems the further north you move and the colder the climate, the more light is needed (or maybe it has something to do with age).
Which look do you prefer??!!
Tara, we have 2 drawers on the right side. Our furniture is teak mid century. We recently had our dining chairs reupholstered. They needed it after 50 years.
Posted by: Sheris White | 02 April 2014 at 19:50
I like both looks. However, I have to agree that simplicity and light are necessary evolutions that I am leaning toward, too. I love your new look! (But I am currently still with the old look here.)
Posted by: Helen | 02 April 2014 at 13:41
Thanks for the kind words about the new look. It is quite the change, which I'm still getting used to...
Posted by: Tara Bradford | 02 April 2014 at 09:33
Hi Sheris - Does your sideboard have three drawers on the far left side?
Posted by: Tara Bradford | 02 April 2014 at 09:32
We have a sideboard that looks just like yours. We prefer modern furniture.
Posted by: Sheris White | 01 April 2014 at 20:55
I prefer a more modern, clean look with room to breathe--and room to display that beautiful pottery. I'm finding that as I enter mid-life (could that possibly be?) I am more intent of de-cluttering and creating more space for movement in my home. And I totally get the need for better lighting as I get older too!
Posted by: Raquel | 01 April 2014 at 04:02
This looks beautiful Tara, and seems very right for your house. I have a hard time paring down and I do love that first cupboard, but knowing your style and space, I see why you switched to the new look. Your pottery collection is stunning and it has that wonderful look with the photos above and their frames. It's beautiful.
Posted by: jeanie | 31 March 2014 at 15:06
I am transitioning into something simpler, but still including some of our treasures. I like the more simple setting.
Posted by: Marilyn | 31 March 2014 at 02:55
I am a ceramics/dinnerware kind of gal and love pottery in all shapes and forms. I have a small collection of Keramik in earth tone colors and a wonderful red/brown fat lava floor vase. I have not seen the styles in your photos before and will admit to love at first sight! I suppose that would mean my preference is one that will showcase that wonderful pottery!
Posted by: Mary H. | 31 March 2014 at 01:06