Antiques as Art

Sometimes the perfect piece of art is as close as the nearest flea market or antique show. I have often fallen in love with beautiful old things when perusing an antique show and wondered what new life I could invent for my obscure adoration. After all, what are you going to do with a pair of crusty ancient anchors?

That's when you look to the masterful designer, Susan Ferrier who together with House Beautiful created this inspiring show house apartment in Manhattan. Ferrier elevates the neutral palette to new heights with texture and interesting vignettes. The pop of color is insane! I love the sculptural quality of these anchors, truly unexpected, interesting, textural, graphic, whimsical...It may be a personal thing for me.

Do you like found objects as art?

Designer Ellen O'Neill uses the inside of an old parasol as the focal point over her mantle in her New York studio apartment. Her small space is full of inspirational ideas and clever juxtaposition of old and new. The monochromatic color palette unites the space and allows her eclectic mix to coincide.

Sometimes that tablescape needs that unusual, sculptural shape to add interest to straight lines and a neutral palette. Displayed above are a pair of African head or neck rests. The ancient purpose for these intriguing objects was to elevate the head or neck when sleeping so as not to damage the often elaborate and sometimes encrusted coiffures. These found objects made of beautiful old wood  have a worn and soft patina and curvaceous, statuesque shape. Surely these obsolete, intriguing objects would stimulate interesting conversations over wine.

Designer Shannon Bowers uses antique french ceiling panels as art. I love the crusty, peely paint texture of these panels arranged in a graphic, orderly composition.

Oars serve as art in Kay Douglas's beach house featured in Coastal Living. Douglas, owner of South of Market in Atlanta and Charleston, is a master at using found objects as art.

Do you share my enthusiasm for found objects as art?

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