Maitland-Smith

Coffee Table or Cocktail Table?

Growing up in the south, I heard them called "coffee tables."   Here at Maitland-Smith they are called "cocktail tables."   No matter what name we use, we mean the same item of furniture -- that must-have piece placed in front of the sofa. 

Somehow a cocktail table anchors the room, providing at least one surface for books, magazines or candles in a decorative arrangement, while being functional at the same time --  living up to its name for holding a coffee cup or drink. 

It is important to find just the right one based on the style and decor in the room and the needs of the family. 

 Seen here is a handsome rectangular tray table with a gold tooled inlaid leather top with stitched leather on iron legs and brass accents.    Flowers, magazines and two decorative rhytons add the final touches that make this room come alive.

  This one is square and hand carved with a dark antique lido finish and marquetry planked top. 

 Square or round tables work well with a sectional sofa.  The shape and size of the perfect table for the room is determined by the space surrounding it.

If additional storage is needed, a trunk makes a wonderful cocktail table.  This one has a leopard motif with leather and brass accents. 

These present a variety of styles and materials used in creating the perfect cocktail table.  So, if you are a coffee drinker and perhaps enjoy that evening cocktail, a table such as one of these placed in front of your sofa, stands ready to hold your beverage while adding beauty and style to the room. 

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

Something Fishy

The Gershwin song from Porgy and Bess starts, "Summertime and the living is easy...Fish are jumping and the cotton is high..." 

There is something about summer that draws us to water and,  of course, the water is home to all kinds of interesting creatures, including fish. 

Some of us like to wile away the hours sitting in a boat on a calm lake with a pole in hand, while others wade thigh deep into the churning surf, dodging the waves.   Two opposite methods, but with the same goal - to catch a fish.  Some of us prefer to catch our fish via the purchase of a gorgeous home decor accessory.   (Great segue, don't you think?)

Here, a school of cast brass fish with colorful, iridescent paua shell inlay are swimming through the sea bottom kelp.  The shells beautifully catch and reflect the incoming light from a nearby window. 

 

 

Seen here is a new piece introduced in April - a sounding swordfish rising from the waves which rest on an optical quality glass base with brass accents.  Some fishermen prefer to cast from a boat, far from shore, where they might actually see this sight.  This would be the perfect gift for a deep sea fisherman.   

 

Last is a functional piece, a cast brass tray with loads of detail.  The finish is polished brass with bamboo motif handles and the fish are inlaid with paua shell and died green penshell. 

A fun way to bring summer into your home all year long is with a fish motif decorative accessory.  Check our website to find more water creature inspired items:  whimsical turtles, crabs and other fish accessories. 

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