Favorite Products from C.O. Bigelow

C.O. Bigelow, the oldest apothecary in America, was established in 1838.  If you have never visited one, you're missing a beautifully merchandized shop filled top to bottom with unique and unusual products for beauty and home.  To add to our Best of Class List, here are a few of our all-time favorites from C.O. Bigelow.  Rose Salve is amazing stuff for chapped kissers.  Beloved by both men and women for about a zillion years, it goes on smooth with a faint rose and vanilla scent and completely eliminates dry, chapped lips with no waxy, menthol smell.

I love, love, love these blotting papers and keep them in all of my evening bags.  Gently pat one small, thin square to your face, anywhere there is excess shine.  They have no powder or fragrance.  My skin is actually dry, not oily, but after a few hours at a party, I press one of these little miracle workers to my nose and forehead to restore my makeup to perfection without disturbing it one bit.  A model's secret weapon.

I discovered Diptyque's little shop on the Boulevard Saint Germain the first time I visited Paris ages ago.  Now, of course, Diptyque has been discovered by magazines and celebrities and the brand is famous everywhere for clear, true fragranced candles.  My favorite scent is Tubereuse, a glorious, rich, unbelievably real tuberose scent.  I get so many compliments on this, and I love that it comes in a deep, garnet colored glass jar for the holidays. 

I searched forever for a comb with wide, smooth teeth for de-tangling, that would look pretty in my monogrammed travel bag or on the counter.  The drugstore has only bright plastic versions (don't even get me started on the hunt for a decent toothbrush) so I ordered umpteen varieties on the internet each time thinking, "This is the One."  But they always turned out to be disappointing.  Like the perfect guy, this handmade comb is a substantial weight and size, classic, attractive and doesn't shout.  The One.

Visit C.O. Bigelow Chemists here.

Mais Oui

Feeling French this morning...

Want a soundtrack for this post?  Click above...

and wishing for this gorgeous Louis XV desk.  An antique bombe desk of rosewood and fruitwood with marquetry inlay and original ormolu and hardware.

French secretary desks like this, are timeless, current and surprisingly overlooked for the moment (and therefore affordable) and I have dreamed of one since 

I saw this 18th century French secretary in the Alex Papachristidis designed living room of London-based jewelry designer Fruzsina Keehn in Elle Decor in 2006.

I love the sensuous way marquetry and antique ormolu provide rich subtext to rooms that are otherwise clean, spare or rustic.  Because they can stand alone sans accessories, I predict that French Louis XV antiques will be increasingly collected by 20 and 30-somethings, perhaps in formal rooms the way their parents used them, but more likely as a bohemian masterstroke to eclectic, contemporary or monochromatic interiors. 

Their playful curves and swirls add interest and intention to rooms with painted furniture.

Antique French secretaries are both multi-functional and splendidly sexy and mysterious, not giving away all of their secrets at once.

I could see it in a bath like this one by Brooke Giannetti.  It would surprise and delight in a restrained, even modern white or gray bathroom, the open desk piled with fluffy white towels and the cubbies filled with soaps and bath salts.  I would tuck a terry slipcovered stool underneath and use the drawers for extra storage.

How fabulous would it be as a bedside table in a crisp French blue and white bedroom with a silver buffet lamp on the open drop down desk, or between two twin beds in a guest room?  I would use it in an entry hall with simple painted wood floors and stash dog leashes and hats and gloves in the drawers.  I imagine it would draw guests to it like a magnet if it were used as a bar in a rustic room.

I also love the practical Russian leather writing surface.  Get more information about this desk by clicking here.  

Favorite Books from our library:

                  

Photos:  1.2. Spurgeon-Lewis Antiques Old Town Alexandria, VA 3. Spurgeon-Lewis 4. Photographer Simon Upton 5.  Spurgeon-Lewis 6. Kay O'Toole 7. Photographer Marina Faust 8. Kenneth Jay Lane via Elle Decor 2005 photographer Pieter Estersohn 9. Giannetti Home via Veranda

Virginia Country from A to Z: A is for Antiques

Antique shopping in Old Town, Alexandria

Parker Jennings has been collecting antiques since he was 11 years old, and besides his sense of humor and elegant style, is known for his discerning eye and ability to choose beautiful antiques for collectors to add the perfect dramatic statement to a home.  He has learned many lessons over years of collecting, so one evening we sat by the fire with Winston and talked about how beginning collectors might get started.

Q:  Poplar Grove has a collection of museum-quality 18th and 19th century antiques.  How long have you been collecting?

Parker Jennings:  When I was 11, I purchased a sterling silver compass at a flea market with proceeds from plants I sold from a red wagon in Southern California.

With so many beautiful reproductions available today, why would anyone bother buying antiques?

Parker Jennings:  Well first, I can almost always find a comparable antique for less.  And second, because as carefully crafted and distressed as a reproduction might be, it will never have the patina of a piece that is 200 years old.  That patina, the warmth of an antique, will raise the caliber of any room, traditional or modern, in one stroke.

Why is that?  What causes the patina?  Love?

Sure.  Love, and life.  Think about it- this secretary was made in 1790 for a Maryland estate.  George Washington was President.  To have made it this far, means it has been cherished and survived through generations of use before it came into my possession.  It has a warmth and resonance that no new piece can attain- or, at least not for a hundred years or so.   You really don't own an antique, you're just the caretaker of it during your lifetime.  Then, hopefully, it will be used, cared for and loved by a whole new generation.

Sort of the ultimate in living "green?"


Buying antiques is certainly green.  Antiques shows have been trying to promote this as a way to interest young buyers for a while now.

Do you think that some of the appeal of antiques is that they make a home look more expensive, or the owners seem wealthy or intellectual?  Are we talking snob appeal?

That is a good question.  When I was younger, I was struck by a wonderful early portrait hanging above the mantle in a home I was helping to remodel.  Yes, it was valuable, and it spoke of that, but I think the historical connection to the past resonated with me more.  Serious collectors are purely passionate about their acquisitions.  In fact, a few that come to mind are generally secretive, and share their collections with only a chosen few that share their same passion.  On the other hand, as interior designers, yes, we are often trying to convey a certain look.  That being said I don't think this is snob appeal.  I do wonder where all these Swedish antiques are coming from.

If a love of antiques implies a certain level of education or awareness, will collecting antiques make me smarter?

Parker Jennings:  (Laughs) However one can get it.  Seriously though, I've known people who purchased a piece for the look, but then got hooked researching the provenance, and became quite knowledgeable about a particular era.   Sometimes the tail wags the dog.  [At this, Winston wags his tail and rolls over.  He obviously thinks that is one of the funniest things he has ever heard.]

What advice do you have for someone just starting out in an apartment with no furniture, or a few hand-me down pieces?

Parker Jennings:  To develop and become conscious of their aesthetic or their look.  To gain focus.  Look at the magazines to acertain what appeals to you.  Try to become familiar with what key pieces will make the most impact in your room, and start hunting.

That sounds pretty straight-forward.

Parker Jennings:  The thing is though, it is never really this simple.  With antiques, the opportunities present themselves, usually at the least appropriate time, and you rarely get a second chance when you let that perfect piece slip by- and that can haunt you for years, trust me.

What do you think about fads in decorating?

Parker Jennings:  It's important to be true to yourself and not get caught up following magazine cover fashions.  You can end up with a very trendy look, and it might even photograph well, but it ultimately won't mean much to you later because it won't reflect who you are.

What would you tell a beginning collector who doesn't have much money to spend? 

Parker Jennings:  Buy the best that you can afford, and follow your heart.  Spending as much as possible on his home was Thomas Jefferson's mantra, and I follow it daily to a fault, drowning my guilt in Cabernet every evening.


You've said this to me before, to buy the best you can afford.  Why is that?  Why not just upgrade later?


Parker Jennings:  Upgrading is not as easy at it sounds, as selling a piece and recouping your investment is challenging.  Remember you are often paying retail, or some level below, but rarely at what would be considered wholesale. Additionally, the market is not appreciating as it once was.  This is unfortunate, as many people considered their antiques part of their retirement portfolio.

What would you say to a collector that has $500 to spend?

Parker Jennings:  Research, go to auctions, don't be impulsive.  One almost always regrets impulse buys.  Keep in mind that the better the condition of the item, the higher the price.


What if they have $1000 to spend?

Parker Jennings:  Hopefully they didn't spend that first $500 and we can have a lot more fun with $1500.

You say "research," what is the best way to do that?

Talk to dealers, ask them to refer you to someone who specializes in what interests you.  Read books.  I highly recommend Albert Sacks' book, because it illustrates Good, Better, Best, Superior and Masterpiece.

What is the best way to integrate antiques into a contemporary interior?

Parker Jennings:  Restrained use of larger scale pieces, especially utililized as the focal point of a room.  Darryl Carter, for one, is brilliant at this.


How do I find a good antiques  dealer?

Parker Jennings:  Antiques dealers are generally part of a fairly close-knit community.  It is a pretty small world.  Go to a shop that interests you, and look around, ask a lot of questions.  Are they patient about talking with you?  The best really enjoy what they do, and will usually talk your ear off.  Do they pressure you to buy?  Good dealers want you to love what you're buying.  They will encourage you to come back and visit the piece, maybe even offer to bring it over on approval.  Ask for recommendations from other antiques dealers.  Like physicians, they often have a pretty good idea of the skills of their peers.

Is it okay to buy something that has been refurbished?

An antique generally is considered more desirable the better, and more orginal the condition.  There are always exceptions.  For example re-lining a painting that has a warped canvas, and is sustaining paint loss is acceptable.  The amount of restoration needs to be a consideration.  This is where a good relationship with dealers is helpful.  They are full of information, and generally love to talk about their passion.  Another secret I might add is that they love being invited over for dinner.  I have shopped from the trunk of a dealer's car more than once when they stop by for a casual country supper.


What is the biggest mistake a beginning collector can make?

Parker Jennings:  Probably to purchase on impulse without knowing the true value of an item, especially in todays deflated marketplace.  Having said that, we all make mistakes in the beginning.  Almost everyone at one time or another overpays for an item or buys something that wasn't what they thought it was.  Don't worry about it, just enjoy your piece and don't make the same mistake twice.


Okay, just one more question, can I have another piece of pumpkin bread?



Great Books on Collecting Antiques from our library:

            

We think that country life is more a state of mind, than a state of, well... State.

Whether your home is the city, by the sea, in the mountains or Farm town, USA, country life is about how you approach living your day, how you feel about your home, and how you care for yourself and your neighbors.

Virginia Country Life from A-Z is a new series inspired by our homes in Virginia.  It's about some things and people we love, and some ideas for making your life a little more country- wherever you are.

Next post... B is for...

Hostess with the Most-ess

via

I just returned from a lovely vacation at the Enchanted Home blog, here.  My fantasy began with a flight on a private jet and a wonderful meal.  Then, a chauffeur driven car took me to visit the friend of my choice, who lives in this beautiful house in the place of my choosing.  How terrific is that?

via

Be sure to pop over and read Tina's post if you haven't already.

Ralph Lauren

It isn't easy to be the host that makes guests feel adored and pampered; it takes creativity, empathy, planning and practice.  I can't take credit for the ideas which follow because I've picked them up over the years from many wonderful hosts.  Here is what I've learned...

Mona Haj

The arrival:  Your guest's arrival should be as stress-free as possible.  Will you meet her at the airport, or can you arrange transportation?  If that is not possible, be sure to mail clear directions and a map.  This is a good time to include a general itinerary for the visit (including when the visit ends) and a weather forecast for your area, so your guest knows what to pack.  One brilliant hostess has small packets, mostly pre-prepped and printed on her house stationery, which can be personalized and quickly dropped into the post.

Next, imagine how you sometimes feel after a journey--perhaps a little tired, hungry, maybe still a bit woozy from a rough flight.  As you planned your own fantasy trip at The Enchanted Home, how did you imagine that you were welcomed?

Hostesses and guests are excited to see each other, but it can be kind to keep that first hello brief, and to show your guest her room right away.  I appreciate the sweet luxury of having a few minutes to compose myself, take a deep breath, and put on some lipstick before jumping into a whirlwind visit.

A bottle of cold water, or a glass of ice water with lemon on a tray waiting in your guest room will help guests revive.

 Let your guests letting know where to find you when they are ready.

The guest room:  Luxury hotels are (hopefully) scrupulously clean and are usually decorated in simply tailored textiles in soothing tones.  Guest rooms at the Hay-Adams in Washington have a comfortable bed, a chair, good reading light, a desk, a closet, a clock and a cd player.  Luxury hotels have the amenities we crave as visitors, including uncluttered space.

via Veranda, Photo:  Carolyn Roehm

To borrow a tip from a grand hotel, consider keeping your guest rooms at home classic and neutral.  Avoid filling the room with knick-knacks or covering every horizontal surface.  Our personal photos and tchochkes don't hold the same meaning for our guests, and may even give them the uncomfortable feeling that they are interloping in a private space.

What is appreciated?  What do you appreciate when you are a guest?  A vase of fresh flowers or a potted orchid is nice, and perhaps a small tray with a note pad and pen, some chocolate mints, a box of tissues, and a few current magazines and books.

Photo via Veranda by Carolyn Roehm

A cleared guest room closet (with no dust bunnies in the corners) is always appreciated.  Consider wallpapering it with a pretty paper or giving it a fresh coat of paint.

Designer Nancy Boszhardt

Little luxuries might include a fresh spa robe and slippers, plenty of hangers, a small sewing kit, a flashlight, a fold down iron and ironing board inside the closet door, a lint brush, and a folding luggage rack.

These are the best hangers ever.  They come in colors to match your guest room, take up little space and the flocking keeps clothing from falling off.  Find them here.

In your Enchanted Home fantasy, what did the bathroom of your guest suite look like?  I always hope the bathroom looks surgically clean and has plenty of towels.

Have you ever been a guest and found yourself looking around for a place to hang your robe, clothing, towel and toiletry bag?  The Lugarno Train Rack from Restoration Hardware is great for small spaces because it holds both stacked towels and hanging items in a compact footprint.

A few of these would be great too.  I have found that it's almost impossible to have too many hooks, well, anywhere!

This is important:  Many people are allergic to dyes and perfumes.

You do not want your guest to develop an uncomfortable, itchy rash, so be on the safe side and wash your guest sheets and towels in a scent and dye-free laundry detergent.  Avoid fabric softener, it isn't necessary, and is often the source of allergic irritation.  If use bleach on sheets and towels, be sure to rinse them well in clear, cold water at least twice.  I remember reading that when Queen Elizabeth visited Colonial Williamsburg in 2007, the wonderful Williamsburg Inn rinsed her linens 4 times.

Guest bath amenities:  Small scissors, a tweezer, new toothpaste, a water glass, aspirin, cotton balls and Q-tips, a blow dryer and curling iron, lotion, band-aids, a new emery board, new bottles of shampoo and conditioner, a new bar of soap, a new toothbrush in an unopened package, a trash can, extra toilet paper, and a dark or pink washcloth for removing makeup.  It is also thoughtful to have a plunger tucked away so guests don't have to suffer the embarrassment of asking for one.

Buy a half-dozen clear shower liners when they are on sale, to change at the first sign of grunge.

The bed:  Resist the temptation to pile the guest bed with upholstered pillows, they just get dusty and dust is not relaxing.

Plus, guests are inconvenienced by having to do something with them at night when what they want most is just to climb into a crisp blissful bed, read a little and fall asleep.

A few bed pillows for sleeping and propping (consider 2 Euros, 2 standards and a baby pillow or neckroll) in a selection of down and hypo-allergenic fill, are what guests need most.  Ever wonder where the Four Seasons gets their pillows?  Find them here.  All fabrics used to make up the guest room bed should be washed between each visit so they look and smell fresh.

If you were a guest would you feel more relaxed here...

or here?  Most guests probably don't care if the room is creative or the colors match the living room, they just want a peaceful place to sleep.

Speaking of sleep, the most important aspect of a guest room is a comfortable mattress and plump, fresh pillows.  The room need not be luxurious, but we all need a good night's sleep.  Spend a night in your guest room.  If your guest mattress is as hard as a board or dipped as a soup bowl, or the pillows are flat, hard or musty, it's high time to upgrade.  Linen stores sell 2"- 4" memory foam toppers and reasonably priced down pillows that can make the difference between a happy, pampered guest and a crabby guest.  Happy=good.  Crabby=bad.

Watch the divine Bunny Williams and Martha Stewart discuss the perfect guest room here.

via Blackberry Farm

Refreshment:  When your guest rejoins you after freshening up, provide a light snack and a beverage in a comfortable, low-key environment.  Keep in mind that travelers usually have that buzzed, still-moving feeling for a little while, so keep stimulation low for a bit and allow them to get their bearings.

A glass of iced tea or lemonade in the summer, or a cup of hot tea or chocolate by the fire in winter can refresh the most weary traveler and help them prepare for a lively evening.

Activities:  The visit will be more fun for you as well, if you offer guests a choice of 2 or 3 possible activities and let them choose from those, rather than offering an open, "What do you want to do?"  It is a good idea to plan some meals but remain flexible, and leave plenty of unstructured time for spontaneous activities and relaxing.  Consider creating a place in the kitchen where guests can easily find fruit, cookies, a thermal carafe of hot coffee and the fixings for tea.

via Martha Stewart

And finally, it's fun to send guests home with an unexpected treat.  A small memento of their trip, such as a miniature photo book or a charm for a bracelet or necklace, or perhaps a box lunch, or package of homemade cookies for the road.


Good books from our library:

           



Other Images:  8.Bed, Bath and Beyond 9.  Williams-Sonoma Home 12. Williams-Sonoma Home 15. Restoration Hardware 19. Martha Stewart, photograph by Chuck Baker