Pastorale Antiques

This is the place across the street from The Shop in Lewes called "Pastorale Antiques". In this place there are 2 other antique stores but they are all under the same name. It's in this place I met a incredibly talented lady who inspired me to loving antique mirrors. Her name is Helen Van Dkye and she is now moving her studio to Brighton. I will have a separate posting on her. Pastorale Antiques is located at 15 Malling Street Lewes. 011 44 1 273 473 259 pastorale@btinternet.com. I really love the charming pair of chairs don't you?

The Shop Lewes II...I'm an idiot.

This is a picture of the owner Liz

This Chemistry set bowls are beautiful and thin and in a strange way looks modern.

I really wanted this vintage fabric that was framed but I opted for yards of fabric for my upholstery project.

So I made a huge mistake in naming the owners of the store in Lewes. I got the names all flipped around so here is the owners name (confirmed by them) Liz and husband Kevin. Liz seems to know all the prices and she is very helpful. So here are some pictures of more goodies at her store. Also her number I put down was also incorrect. (I guess I put the UK version of a 800 number and that would not go through.) International number: 00.44.1.273.486.769.

Biggest Secret Resource...shhhhh

I love the metal and glass case. The little campaign bed is to die for! I wish I had a place to put this.... I wish!

This antler chandelier is real and heavy. Perfect for that rustic look!

She has the best lamps!

So a lot of my friends and fellow blogger has asked me where I've gotten certain things in my home. I am now revealing my biggest resource that probably other designer in NY will give me the stink eye for. But I've decided to share with my new blogger friends, and since I think this place is quite inspirational and just a treasure to me. The place is, Berkshire Home & Antiques in Great Barrington , Massachusetts. From the outside it's quite unpretentious and Vivianne and her cat leaves you alone while you sift through her HUGE showroom full of French, Belgium and Asian Antique.I can literally spend hours there. Vivian is a Jack of all trades ( or is it Jackie for women?), she can reupholster, repair,antique and find almost anything. To quote Tom Gunn on Project Runway, she can "Make it Happen!". Anyways... she will be honest with you and NEVER push you into anything. I love that about her! She has most amazing taste and quite modest about it to. Trust me it's painful sometimes walking into some of the "INTERIOR DE-SIGN_OR" places in NYC where if your not carrying a $10,000 Birkin handbag, they won't even look at you. Who wants to dress-up for shopping anyways? So here are some pics from her shop and have fun looking at them. I did!
Photos by Me : )

The Shop Lewes

Store front, Uhh no sign. That really makes it so stealth it is like treasure hunting!

This is one of my favorite shops located in Lewes, East Sussex, England. I know most of you guy won't get a chance to go to Lewes but they have a few nice Antique stores. Liz and her husband started this store about 4 years ago and they have impeccable taste in French farm house style accessories. These photos are taken by my husband during the holidays and I am just getting to them. If you want to go visit them this is their info. The Shop, 12a Malling Street, Lewes, England, BN7 2RD 44 (0)1.273.486.822. Unfortunately they don't have a website, but this makes them even more special and not so common. A real treasure!

Korean Antiques

There is a rustic nature to some of the Korean antiques that appeals to me. Unlike all Asian antique were there is a tendency to look too ornate, some Korean furnishing seems not so. Especially the ones used in the country by farmers. So I am on a hunt to find a less ornate piece and recently my friend Eunyoung, a designer, turned me on to this site called Jangan Antique. I was born and raised in Korea till I was 17 and I grew up with seeing a lot of this type of antique. Not knowing the value of these antiques in our home, I use to play on it and hide in some of these cabinet. Break a few as well...sorry mom. The cabinet made of dark and light striped wood is made of Persimmon and Paulownia tree. I've read that the persimmon tree is highly valued in Japan and the oldest is 600 years old and lives in Japan. It's a hardwood, which is a good deterrent against termites. I think Korean antiques are often over looked and Americans and European don't see much of a difference. I certainly notice a line strength and humility in their design. Just like the people it represents. I wish someday to own more of these beautiful pieces.