Mission Style Furniture

I recently came across a mission parlor set that needed some TLC.  The original leather upholstery was not in good condition but the wood frame and seat springs were in great condition, especially considering the age of the set.  We decided to have it re-upholstered and it turned out great!  I forgot to take pictures of the parlor set before it was re-upholstered but take a look below for a few pictures of how the set looks now!

The design philosophy of Mission furniture:

"Mission style is a design that emphasizes simple horizontal and vertical lines and flat panels that accentuate the grain of the wood (usually oak). People were looking for relief after the excesses of Victorian times and the influx of mass-produced furniture from the Industrial Revolution. The furniture maker Gustav Stickley produced Arts and Crafts furniture often referred to as being in the Mission Style, though Stickley dismissed the term as misleading. This was plain oak furniture that was upright, solid, and suggestive of entirely handcrafted work, though in the case of Stickley and his competitors, was constructed within a factory by both machine and handworking techniques".

If you would like to learn more about Mission Style furniture click on the link below:

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mission_Style_Furniture

A Little History of Sheraton Style Funriture

Sheraton style furniture is a beautiful style!  Our friends as Wikipedia provide the following explanation:

"Late 18th century neoclassical English furniture style, in vogue ca 1785 - 1820, that was coined by 19th century collectors and dealers to credit furniture designer Thomas Sheraton, born in Stockton-on-Tees, England in 1751. 

The Sheraton style was inspired by the Louis XVI style and features round tapered legs, fluting and most notably contrasting veneer inlays. Sheraton style furniture takes lightweight rectilinear forms, using satinwood, mahogany and tulipwood, sycamore and rosewood for inlaid decorations, though painted finishes and brass fittings are also to be found. Swags, husks, flutings, festoons, and rams' heads are amongst the common motifs applied to pieces of this style.

The Sheraton style was the most reproduced style in the United States during the Federal period."

Take a look at a few pictures of Sheraton style furniture pieces and let me know what you think!

Spring is Almost Here

Tonight, don't forget to change your clocks ahead one hour!  Although it may seem as though we are losing an hour of sleep, we are that much closer to Spring! It's a great time of the year to start thinking about projects for the yard.  We are gathering our outdoor furniture for the shop and will be displaying more of it soon. It goes fast so if you see it, like it, buy it!

We have also been adding a lot of new indoor merchandise to the shop.  A visit is highly recommended!  I included a few pictures of some of the new arrivals.

Shopping around for anything in particular?  Feel free to let me know!

History of the Etagere

Ever heard of an Etagere?  It's basically a beautiful shelf, especially corner etagere's! Here is a great definition by About.com:

http://antiques.about.com/od/chesthutchstyles/a/etagere072910.htm

I also included a picture of an etagere that we have in the shop.  Another one of those pieces that I just want to keep! It does not take up much room at all but adds great beauty with your curios displayed.