MURANO

Had a fun weekend hopping from one antique flea market to another.  Scored an exquisite Regency style sideboard and some vintage decorative beauties. One of the decorative objects was a beautiful vase.  The gentleman that sold it to me told me it was Murano. Hmmm... Murano...really? I was skeptical, based on the price I had paid for it, but excited at the same time.  After I left the flea market, I immediately went to my car to do some research.  Had I really bought a vintage Murano vase?  

Circa 1920 Regency Style Sideboard

This is a Murano Red Tulip Vase I found on 1stdibs with similar qualities

Although beautiful, my flea market find does not compare

The history of Murano glass is interesting in the fact that it is the longest lasting center for glass making in history.  It spans from the 9th century to today, and is full of beautiful and innovative artwork, success, failure and thankfully, a remarkable resiliency in the face of adversity.  Because Murano does have such a long history, one can easily see the reflection of important events, including the Renaissance and Napoleon's conquest of Europe, and how they affected a small island of glassmakers in the Adriatic Sea.  Murano is a small island North West of the city of Venice, Italy - not much larger than a few square miles.

It is believed the origins of Murano dates back to 9th century Rome, with significant Asian and Muslim influences, as Venice was a major trading port. Multihued perle (beads) were used in trading with Asian, African and Muslim neighbors.

Murano's glassmakers led Europe for centuries, developing or refining many technologies including crystalline glass, enamelled glass (smalto), glass with threads of gold (aventurine), multicolored glass (millefiori), milk glass (lattimo), and imitation gemstones made of glass.  Today, the artisans of Murano are still employing these centuries-old techniques, crafting everything from contemporary art glass to glass figurines to Murano glass chandeliers and wine stoppers, as well as tourist souvenirs.

I may or may not have found a vintage Murano vase, but I would love to own a vintage Murano chandelier...on the lookout!

THE POWER OF THE FLOWER

One of the best ways to instantly transform a space and essentially make it come to life is to add fresh flowers.  The power of the flower is boundless. Flowers add dimension, character and natural beauty in your home.  Fresh flowers exude organic energy infusing delicate fragrances throughout the room. Where there are flowers; is a happy place!

Have a fantastic weekend!

MODERN MEETS TRADITIONAL

When the best of two worlds collide, a masterful mix emerges.  Modern and traditional.  They may sound like strange bedfellows, but when blending these two styles, it can be sophisticated chic.  Putting a modern twist on traditional architecture and design often means adding unexpected elements, creating an enticing juxtaposition. 

How to mix Old and New. 

First of all you need to figure out if you want your space to be primarily modern or primarily traditional. 

Figure out which style you would prefer to be in a dominating position.  You may choose it to be a modern space with antique accents, or a traditional space with contemporary accents.  Letting one style dominate is crucial, because you don't want to create a space where everything is fighting for equal attention.  Basically you are furnishing in one style, while choosing the other for accent.

HELLO OCTOBER

There's something magical about the crisp autumn air and the gentle flutter of falling leaves in the fall.  At day's end, a quiet solitude can be found when the last glimmer of sunlight sets into the horizon.  The days are shorter and we tend to welcome our need to hurry indoors to find comfort, warmth and serenity.  For me autumn brings a sense of order, discipline and structure contrary to the lazy, laid back ways of summer.  October is the month I add simple touches to my home to make it feel cozy, warm and comfortable.  And the best part is that it doesn't really take much effort at all.  Who doesn't love a room that exudes warmth and comfort and basically forces you to snuggle under a blanket with a book?  Adding soft throws or swapping out your pillow covers in moody, earthy hues lends a cozy, primitive vibe to a space.  Add in seasonal flowers and rustic accessories and you're ready to embrace the chill.