I’ve tried to steer away from posting entire layouts from current publications, but this particular spread in the June issue of House Beautiful could not be ignored. I don’t know why I’m drawn to spaces so much more neutral than my own. This room, and most of the apartment seem perfect to me. The balance of the color, the mix of styles, the confident hand all creating a lovely but not contrived home.
I had been in Pear Tree Interiors just the day before with a client. We were looking for tables and lamps, but I needed to say “hello” to this lovely George III mahogany piece. 
I’d love to have a chest-on-chest in my oh-so-neglected bedroom and this one would be a top candidate if it were not for the aforementioned tuition and braces and sports fees.
On my way up the street (past George’s shop) to drop into Charlecote, I passed one of Mr. Blandings’s friends. “Can’t stop, on my way to see a chest-on-chest.” “What are you doing to your chest?” he replied, brow furrowed.
Charlecote is right on the corner of this charming block. The pieces are exquisite, but the prices are well outside my reach. I go in to visit with the owner and train my eye a bit, which he knows and doesn’t discourage. I was happy to hear that the near-pair of 18th century George I chests, above, had actually been placed. I hope they enjoy their new New York home; I will surely miss stopping in to see them.
Charlecote does have a couple of other fine examples to feed my fantasy. But I have to move on, there is one more that I remember from researching my last Spaces article.
Webster House is in the Crossroads district and is housed in a restored school house. It contains a charming restaurant as well, so it’s great fun to shop and eat. There are several rooms of antiques and decorative gifts, and this stately chest stands serenely in the corner. Also mahogany and George III, she was a lovely way to wrap up the outing.
If you are not “in town” there are a handful of great pieces on 1st dibs. The 18th century mahogany piece above is from England. I think the reflecting flame veneers are particularly appealing. The honey color allows a piece of this size and heft to not appear so heavy.
Oh, my. 18th century. English. Japanned. A piece like this could send a girl out the door and on a plane. If you hear Mrs. Blandings is on her way to L.A. to solve some bedroom problems by upgrading her chest, you’ll understand.
Mrs. B — great post. A surrogate visit to all my favorite places!
Martha
Great post — thanks for giving me a surrogate visit of all of my favorite places.
Martha
I’m in love with the last one too. These really rank up there with the secretary as a perfect investment. Great research Patricia.
Love every one of them. Great post!!! BTW, how’s Rosie?
Haha! You are too funny.:)
These are great, and I agree that article in HB caught my attention too, but mostly because of the secret room above the Living Room. I do like a chest on chest also, and thank you for drawing the one in the bedroom picture to my attention!
Wow – that Geo III piece is truly amazing. I’m a sucker for pretty storage…
Gotta have one. Chest-on-chest, highboy, something in the room. Something has been driving me crazy and now you’ve laid your finger on it.
Well, that and a secret room…
Courtney – I agree, the secretary is a dream piece as well. I need a “better” piece for my living room as well – then I could move the pine piece to the kitchen. And on and on.
E&E – I know the feeling. I had the same epiphany when I saw the layout. My imaginary bedroom is finally falling into place.