Maitland-Smith

English Appointments

Are you addicted to Downton Abbey ?  In case you don't know Downton Abbey, it is the PBS series on Masterpiece -- the story of an English family led by the Earl of Grantham before, during and after the First World War.   

 What is it that brings us back with anticipation every Sunday night?  I can't wait to get immersed once again with the Crawley family at Downton.  Will Mary end up with Matthew?  Will Mr. Bates be cleared of his murder charge?  These questions bring us back in the fashion of a soap opera, but no soap operas were ever as grand as this series. 

Part of the the draw to the series must be the house, the fashion, the relationship between the aristocracy and their servants, as well as the history we see unfold.  Perhaps we fantasize about living at that time and in that way.

Beyond the interesting characters and their stories we notice the furnishings of this grand estate.  Though the period is the early 1900's, we see fine examples of 18th century English furniture of the highest quality and craftsmanship. 

Maitland-Smith has English roots going back over 30 years to a London antiques dealer who began the company primarily to reproduce 18th century dining chairs.  These classic designs of Chippendale and Hepplewhite continue to be produced by our artisans today.

This dining chair is one of the older ones in our line. Notice the handcarved details of the Chippendale-inspired side chair and the cabriole legs with ball and claw feet. It would certainly fit in at Downton. 

Inspiration for the drop-leaf end table is Hepplewhite. With hand-inlaid marquetry, it is also a beautiful example of fine English furniture. 

Few of us live as the Crawley's do, but we can furnish our homes with antique reproductions of exceptional English pieces. 

Elegant and distinctive pieces for your home today, with quality and style to last a lifetime.... Do you have a Maitland-Smith treasure?  www.maitland-smith.com

Hearts and Flowers

Valentine's Day is just around the corner, and the gifts most often given are heart-shaped boxes of chocolates and flowers.

Besides candy and flowers, Valentines cards are sent to express love to those near and dear.  Starting young, even in kindergarten, cards are exchanged that often say, "Be mine," and the little heart-shaped sugar candies often have that inscription as well.  February is the month of love and red is the color.

I suppose the heart is the symbol because love is of the heart.  Of course, we know that St. Valentine gets credit for Valentine's Day but the history of Valentine's Day is murky at best.  Suffice it to say, it is nice to have a day set apart to express love with gifts and cards.

An extra special gift for the lady that will last is a heart-shaped occasional table in a distressed walnut finish.  

Small, only 14" wide, it is the perfect side table tucked next to a comfy chair in a small space. It has a petrified stone top with brass gallery and feet. 

If flowers are needed to accompany this heart, take a look at the occasional chair that has been hand painted with flowers and birds on the outside, with a soft leather upholstery on the cushion and inside.  With rope carving and gilding, much attention has been given to detail.  A gift such as this is sure to result in lots of hugs and kisses.

Although it isn't obvious why this is the perfect Valentine's Day gift for the man, the barstool is heart shaped and upholstered in red leather.  Purchased alone, this might seem a rather odd gift.  But -- it can also be purchased as one of a set, which are the four card suits in the Friday night poker game -- much more masculine and quite comfortable, too. 

It doesn't really matter what gift is given for Valentine's Day, if it is given with love and from the heart, it is sure to be appreciated.  

Elegant and Distinctive pieces for your home today, with quality and style to last a lifetime.... Do you have a Maitland-Smith treasure?   www.maitland-smith.com

The Year of the Dragon

The Chinese are celebrating the year of the dragon in 2012, and this is very special, as dragons are associated with power and wisdom.  The dragon is also said to deliver good fortune.  Occuring every twelve years, those born in the year are said to excel and be powerful as well.  To the Chinese the dragon is a revered symbol, and for this reason, dragon figures are used extensively by the Chinese. 

In America, dragon figures are popular and are used to embellish,  among other things, architecture, family crests, and clothing, including t-shirts.

Additionally, for home decor, dragon prints are seen in fabrics, wall art, and decorative accessories.  I love this gorgeous dragon print Scalamandre fabric of coral on cream.  A hand printed slub duck of 100% cotton, it has 14 screens.  A handful of throw pillows in this fabric would make a powerful addition where color is needed to brighten up a a neutral area. 

Maitland-Smith celebrates the year as well with a few dragon pieces and more on the way for the Spring market.    This blue and white porcelain vase has the powerful dragon winding his way around.  The vase interior is crackled with Greek key pattern and brass trim. 

Next is a decorative dragon hand carved in marble with his teeth bared and his power evident. 

Who knows, adding dragons to your home decor may, perhaps, bring good fortune, power and wisdom to you during 2012, the Year of the Dragon.

Elegant and distinctive pieces for your home today, with quality and style to last a lifetime....Do you have a Maitland-Smith treasure?  www.maitland-smith.com/