Sitting Pretty

We're Bond & Bowery, a website with the most diverse selection of antiques, design, and fine art in cyberspace. We highlight quality pieces without the clutter of competing ads and excessive editorial content. B & B understands the importance of a valuable acquisition and its contribution to home decoration.

Your B & B Host: I'm George Evans, and I've spent the last 20 years importing and exporting antiques and fine design pieces from Europe. I'm a New York City dealer and I have two showrooms in Lambertville, New Jersey.

This week, Bond & Bowery presents a great piece from Rue Auber, a Stonington, Connecticut dealer-- a Mid-Century Modern Window Seat. This piece could very possibly have been designed by Edward Wormley, a furniture maker known for working with quality materials.

An industry trend that I've been noticing is designers buying both mid-century modern pieces and traditional furniture, sometimes to mix and other times for different applications. One well-known designer is using mid-century modern pieces for kids' rooms and more traditional pieces for the adult rooms. 

I think this piece is perfect for any child's room. This sleek ribbon mahogany and ebonized window seat, with a leather top, opens up to make a perfect storage chest. The hinge on the chest lid is original, but it's possible to replace it with a slow-closing hinge so that it won't snap shut on junior's fingers.

Dual function in any item is always a plus, and that's another advantage of this particular piece. It provides extra seating, welcome in any room, and it’s a great place to hide toys, clothes, and sneakers. What a great way to introduce a sense of design and style to little ones! Teach them about these special pieces, and let them know that the pieces in their room are to be used, enjoyed, and cared for.

We think our Mid-Century Modern Window Seat would look wonderful under the window in this beautiful children's room designed by Mariette Himes Gomez. We know it will look great in your home, too.

For a more in-depth discussion about this window seat, see my By George! interview with Design2Share on mid-century modern style. And visit Bond & Bowery for the item detail page and direct dealer contact information.

Photo Credits: Bond & Bowery, Architectural Digest

A Rare Pair

We're Bond & Bowery, a website with the most diverse selection of antiques, design, and fine art in cyberspace. We highlight quality pieces without the clutter of competing ads and excessive editorial content. B & B understands the importance of a valuable acquisition and its contribution to home decoration.

Your B & B Host: I'm George Evans, and I've spent the last 20 years importing and exporting fine design pieces from Europe. I specialize in furniture, lighting, objects, sculpture, and fine art from the 18th and 19th Centuries.

This week, Bond & Bowery presents two pieces from my inventory at G. Evans Ltd. Antiques -- a pair of Regency Adam Painted Ebonized Armchairs.

It's a rare instance to find a matched pair of true 19^th Century armchairs that are sturdy and functional, and not overly decorated. The caned seats of these chairs have been replaced by fine hand caning. This repair does not diminish the value much, since function is very important in determining the overall value of these pieces. The cushions, of course, can be recovered with the fabric of your choice.  

Antiques are to be used, enjoyed, and admired. Both of these Regency chairs were painted by the same hand, in a subtle white and gray palate, highlighted with the ebonized and slightly gilt chair frame. Please note the streamlines of the construction -- there are no heavy or clunky parts, and everything is in proportion.

A pair of chairs like these, close to 200 year old, will add polish and finish to any fine contemporary living room, bedroom, or study. Here is an example of a modern interior from Brian McCarthy that uses Regency style chairs to great eclectic advantage. Think how amazing our pair of ebonized beauties will look in your home!

For a more in-depth discussion about these armchairs, see my By George! interview with Design2Share. And visit Bond & Bowery for the item detail page and direct dealer contact information.

Photo Credits: Bond & Bowery, New York Social Diary