DEIDRE'S FINDS
Let's Talk About Armoires
When I'm shopping in Europe, I always keep my eye out for unique antique armoires. They make a design statement; they're useful, and every one of them has a story. Some are carved, some are hand-painted, and a few even have the wedding date of the couple they were made for painted right on top!
I love using an armoire somewhere you wouldn't expect it. In a dining room for linens and serveware, in an entry, or in a bedroom where a closet just isn't enough. It brings in history and storage at the same time
The antique marriage armoire
Some of my favorite pieces are marriage armoires. A wedding gift handed down to each generation, the hand-painted wedding date was updated for each new couple in the family.
Our 1783 armoire still has its date and inscription across the top, with flowers on dark green panels and faux wood grain painting. And the Alpine armoire is covered in folk art: sacred hearts on the doors, florals and drapery swags, and a red painted interior.
A few in our collection:
Painted or wood
The French Louis XIII style buffet-deux-corps are two-part cabinets with diamond point panels, barley twist columns, and hand-forged iron hinges. One is solid walnut, with carved winged cherubs across the top. The other is painted in ivory and sky blue, with birds carved in the upper corners.
And then there's the Italian cabinet, hand-painted in the spirit of Piero Fornasetti. It's a showstopper!
A few more I love:
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