We visited some of our favorite Connecticut antique stores yesterday in search of inspirational  pieces for ongoing projects. What’s fun–but also frustrating–about antiquing is that you never know what you’re going to find. You might go with a list of fifteen things and find only one, but you often find things you didn’t even know you (or your clients) needed. Antiquing takes quite a bit of perseverance which is part of why it can be so satisfying when you finally find the perfect thing. Yesterday was one of those days where we only found one of the many things on our list, but in the process we came across some lovely pieces that might find a home anyway–or serve as inspiration for later. These little French slipper chairs upholstered in simple blue and white ticking caught our attention.One of the things we actually were looking for was a screen for a brownstone’s ground floor entry. This one, below, is painted canvas on wood from the 1940’s. It’s not in perfect condition but with a few minor touch-ups it’s just the perfect, charming thing to greet you when you first walk in. A very talented artist painted this screen, we think! It’s reminiscent of some of our favorite Zuber wallpapers. A pair of French bergere chairs that we seriously considered (Suzanne only sits in serious considerations!) but ended up deciding the wood wasn’t in good enough condition. Lovely shape, though. View from the back…An elegant mid-century modern wood mirror caught our attention- as a possible contender in an eclectic loft apartment we are currently designing. Pieces like these are often one of a kind, and can end up defining the feeling of the space.
A handsome mahogany campaign dresser- -lovely proportions.A pair of English stools with very pretty legs were a great find. These just need to be recovered in something fabulous and they will transform a space.This sweet collection of miniature sailboat sketches framed were so charming. Perfect for a summer house powder room.One of a pair of English bamboo chairs with caned seats in very good condition. We’re on the hunt for some great vintage pieces for a sun room. These are difficult to find in such perfect condition with the caned seats in tact.We’ll be doing  a lot more antiquing in the coming weeks, so we’ll be sharing the great pieces we discover with you. Send us your finds, too!