Erin Lane Blog

Few things are as classic as leather library chairs. We purchased these chairs from a historic estate in Alamo, CA. This pair of Edwardian tufted leather library chairs feature a deep button down back and seat and padded arms. Sits on a mahogany frame with square legs and stretchers. Covered in a fashionably worn green leather with decorative brass nail head trim. Good vintage condition with no rips or tears in original leather, only lovely vintage wear spots and minor scratches on frames. Price is $895 for the pair. A little snifter of Grand Mariner, a good book, and these chairs seem like a perfect evening activity to us. To purchase these chairs please call 510-986-1559 or click on the link below. Cheers! http://erinlaneestate.com/product/edwardian-tufted-library-chairs-a-pair/ Dimensions: 26"w x 26"d x 40"h

Over the last several years we have seen a real explosion in the Shabby Chic & French Farmhouse look. Rachel Ashwell is synonymous with the term Shabby Chic and opened her first shop in Santa Monica back in the eighties and really gets Shabby Chic right. Annie Sloan has introduced her line of fabulous chalk paints and its popularity is staggering. There is a lot of people doing it right and a lot of people doing it not so right.

The beauty of creating an authentic, French Country look is sourcing vintage items have aged beautifully and have a patina only time can provide. Here are some designers & home owners doing French right.

 

via: somuchbetterwithage.com

via:homebunch.com

via: french-grey.com

There is a common thread throughout good French design. Starting with a neutral color palette, textures galore, industrial objects, curiosities, & architectural pieces.

I devised a list of some of our favorite, unique French & Italian pieces:

French Provincial Armchair

Italian Earthenware Pottery Vases 

Louis XVI Trumeau Mirror

French Wrought Iron Garden Gates

French Grape Harvest Basket Hotte

French Chalkware Garden Statue Sheperd

19th Century French Farmhouse Benches

19th Century Italian Carved Cerused Wood Armoire

Set of 6 French Louis XV Carved Dining Chairs

French Louis XV Style Dining Table

Lastly, don't forget to add your fresh rosemary and lavender bushes & Hungarian grain sacks.

Image via: ciao:newportbeach

Slow, long days, trips to the beach, family vacations, watermelon, and barbecues are all the things we love about summer. I put together a few of our favorite decorating essentials that convey those summer breezes all year long and pieces that can stand up to sand, water, and lounging.

 

Here are the 5 easy ways to achieve this look:

1. A Neutral Sofa: Anything linen, natural fibers, in a white, cream, gray or striped palate is perfect.

2. Texture, texture, texture. This is achieved by adding in blankets, baskets, window coverings, rugs, and pillows.

3. Pillows for pops of color and contrast.

4. Anchor your space with a neutral seagrass or jute rug. Perfect for all those sandy, wet feet coming in and out.

5. Collected objects: Display your favorite seashells, coral, or fishing weights grouped together in an oversized basket or under a glass cloche.

Linen Sofa // French Wine Grape Harvest Hotte // French Pine Coffee Table // Plantation Java Chair

 

One of the most rewarding parts of what we do is having the opportunity to visit a client's home and see an item in its new space. We are so lucky to have such wonderful customers who share a passion for design as well as the unique & unconventional. These customers purchased our exotic Narra wood pedestals and the three-piece hardwood desk and we think they look lovely.

I had the pleasure of delivering an item to a loyal customer this week and was so thrilled to see her space and the way she had curated her pieces from our store. She had this to say about her experience with us: "Erin Lane Estate is like Aladdin's Cave of vintage furniture. Everything is lovely, unexpected and delightful. Erin and Carlos not only choose great eclectic pieces, but also put them together in unexpected and fun ways. I love everything I have found in their treasure trove, and am only sorry that my house doesn't have another ten empty rooms!". From the moment I walked into Mireille's home I felt inspired by the view of San Francisco, the jazz playing in the background, the collection of books and reading nooks, and the way her home completely reflected Mireille and her family.  She's confident in her decor choices and doesn't mind taking risks in her space and it shows. Its completely her own touch and I love to see that.Here are a few photos of her space. Does your home reflect your experiences?This embroidered wing back chair was one of her first finds at our store and she paired it with a brass planter topped with a glass round. Genius! It's a favorite reading spot in her home. She purchased this Polychrome sideboard from us and it fits in her dining room perfect. Thank you Mireille for sharing your lovely home with us.