Fine French Antiques in Peoria, IL

I always love it when our customers take the time to photograph their purchases to show us how they're using them. And I especially love it when they include pictures of their sweet furbabies!

About a year ago, Isabelle J., who is herself from France but now resides in Peoria, Illinois, bought a set of six antique Louis XVI dining chairs to match her existing antique French dining table. Doesn't this set look beautiful?

You can tell Isabelle has taken great care to build her French antique interior decor by selectively adding pieces over the years. Note the beautiful antique server, at top-left in the photo, and the brass candelabra. Stunning! You can also see Isabelle's adorable pooch, the aptly named "Angel" (who speaks fluent French, by the way!).

Here's another view of the solid walnut chairs paired with Isabelle's gorgeous trestle table.

In the background, you'll see an antique buffet. I love the way Isabelle showcases her collection of light-colored china on the shelves. The contrast between the warm wood tone and the creamy china really draws the eye to the plates. And that Art Deco sculpture is sensational. Although Isabelle didn't purchase that sculpture from us, we do carry similar ones.

As we corresponded, Isabelle wanted to make the point that these chairs are very comfortable. She said, "We have found the chairs beautiful and comfortable, and this is very important for American people, who think the French stay too long at the table." I can only smile at that! Stay too long, lingering over dinner with friends? Impossible!

Just look at the gorgeous patina on that table top! I can practically feel the table's history. And the chair set works so well with the antique trestle table. Note how great the Art Deco clock looks on the wall. Although from a slightly different period (probably the 1930s, while the chairs and table date to 1920 or earlier), the antique regulator clock looks right at home in this setting. It just goes to show how easy it is to blend eras as long as you take care to match color or some other element within the overall design. It's worth noting the tapestry hanging on the wall at left is a reproduction similar to those we carry. That particular tapestry is based on an 18th century inlaid panel on a cabinet that belonged to George IV and hung in his Carlton Palace. The original panel now resides in Buckingham Palace.

Lastly, here is chère Angel:

On that adorable note, we'll bid you adieu!

I thank Isabelle for sending us such wonderful photos and allowing us to showcase her beautiful home on this blog. Please send me your decorating photos so I can share them, as well! I love seeing the many ways people live with antique furnishings.

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