Nov 03, 2008 -
This ornate pair of cypress wood Chinese Window Panels ($3,750) originally had an architectural (yet decorative) purpose in 19th century China. But, their greek key pattern, which is very popular these days, certainly gives the screen a sort of à la mode flair. I'd love to see them used in a home's interior, rather than its structure, and I'm wondering what ideas you have for them.
- 6 Comments
Sep 28, 2008 -
This adorable Jeu de Quilles (Bowling) Set ($575), designed to look like toy soldiers, is from 1940s France. With only nine pins left, it's probably a bit difficult to play a genuine bowling game. So, I'd like you to think outside of the alley and tell me how you'd use the set in your home as décor or a furnishing.
- 7 Comments
Sep 14, 2008 -
This set of four, brass-studded, Leather Bound Trunks ($15,000) likely once served as travel storage for a sophisticated lady on a worldly voyage like Angelina Jolie in Changeling. But, as these How Would Yous tend to go, I'm not interested in offering up suitcases to you. I want to know how you'd use these elegant antique suitcases in your home as décor.
- 5 Comments
Sep 07, 2008 -
This Solid Aluminum Work Desk ($1,450) was used by the US military in the 1950s. But I doubt many of you are interested in furnishing military offices. An unusual furnishing, the surface facing the desk has a row of four hooks and 20 clips, and several small cubby holes to store odds and ends, which I would assume were used in some sort of ultra-efficient military organization system.
- 8 Comments
Aug 16, 2008 -
This Wrought Iron Gate ($650) from Italy in the 1900s has clearly seen better days, and might detract from your home's curb appeal if you set it in front of your lawn. But despite its wear and tear, its slightly bent out of shape fleur-de-lys spires, missing pieces, and rusted exterior give it a visually interesting and much-loved architectural quality. So, for this challenge, I'd like you to tell me how you'd use it in (or outside of) your home, other than as a gate.
- 12 Comments
Aug 11, 2008 -
Would you like a little horsing around with your gin and tonic? This Fredrick Weinberg Horse Shaped Drink Trolley ($950) will definitely add some eccentricity to your home bar.
For this challenge, I'd like you to tell me how you'd use this cart in your home.
- 5 Comments
Aug 03, 2008 -
These Giant Orgy Letters ($1,800), which are actually Goodyear Tire sign letters from the 1940s, might give your mother a heart attack if you displayed them as-is in (or outside) your home. But, let's not do that, okay? For this challenge, I'd like you to tell me how you'd use the (ahem) excessively indulgent letters as décor without inflicting cardiac arrest on your relatives and neighbors.
- 10 Comments
Jul 27, 2008 -
This Swedish Pier Mirror ($3,900) would bring a touch of shabby chic to any interior. Decorated with a frieze of molded swags of fruit and foliage, this mirror might look lovely in your entry in its current condition.
But let's not be boring, shall we?
- 5 Comments
Jul 20, 2008 -
This Silver Leaf Decorative Object (contact dealer for price) is eye-catching even in this photo, with its drab gray background. Made in the 1950s, it stands three feet tall and two feet wide, so it's bigger than you might expect.
So for this challenge, I'd like you to tell me how you'd use this unique sculptural object.
- 12 Comments
Jul 13, 2008 -
This folky, colorful game board — for God-knows-what game — was originally used in 19th century America and will cost you a whopping $2,250. If I wanted to play a board game, I'd go for a round of Scrabble, honestly. But obviously, the appeal of this piece for many is its antiquity.
- 7 Comments