Unique Antiques is a totally creative and out of the box company.  They takes elements from old antiques and turn them into furnishings, lamps and other interesting items.

In today’s post we are going to focus on the tables from their collection.  They are uniquely fantastic and each one serves as a great conversation piece for your home!

The table below uses a antique cotton gin belt wheel table and pairs it with a pine top to make an extremely interesting end table!

Weathered Antique Cotton Gin Belt Wheel Table with Reclaimed Heart Pine Top

The next table is very interesting as well.  Have you ever thought of taking an antique metal fan and setting it inside a metal frame, topping it off with a piece of glass and adding a base?  So unique yet functional!

Rustic Metal Fan Blade Table with Glass Top

The last table showcases a great mix of materials.  Using a very old cast iron industrial wheel with a wooden wagon hub and topping it off with a piece of glass.  Each part of this table has a unique color and texture and it all comes together to create a visually intriguing, one of a kind table!

Old Cast Iron Industrial Wheel Table with Wooden Wagon Hub

Click here to tell us which piece from Unique Antiques is your favorite!

I had the privilege to take part in Kravet Blogfest 2012 where the Kravet family and their marketing team hosted a fabulous 3 day event for 150 bloggers from across the nation.

We were whisked from the International Contemporary Furniture Fair to the Kips Bay Show house, then on to a fabulous event at the Savant Experience Center (to be covered in a future post) and an after party at Savoir Beds.

Check Out What Goes in to Making these Extremely High Quality Beds!

The Savoir Beds showroom is located in SOHO and is new to our City but has become the talk of the town with those in the know.  Let’s share a few fun facts about Savoir:  Though in existence since 1905 when Savoir Beds was started by London’s Savoy Hotel, it is only recently that the brand has found itself outside of its hometown and making its mark with designers and loyal customers globally – especially New York.  Savoir Beds has created hand-made sleep solutions for numerous high profile clients, many of whom wish to remain ‘private’  but some of the well known celebrities include:  Madonna , Elton John , Kylie Minogue, Oprah Winfrey, Emma Thompson and Sir Terrence Conran.

Take a look at this Beautiful Four-Poster Savoy Bed with Canopy -- Simply Stunning!

In addition to The Savoy, many London hotels have opted to feature a significant proportion of Savoir Beds in their rooms including The Berkeley, The Capital, Claridge’s and Home House. In New York City, The Lowell sports Savoir Beds in the top suites.

Check out this Gorgeous Green Tufted Headboard by Savoir Beds!

As makers of bespoke mattresses, Savoir Beds have supplied many interesting projects including:

•       The late King Hussan of Morocco. Here’s a funny story!  The King normally took his own bed on his travels, but during one visit to London his staff discovered that the bed had been ruined, and he had to make do with the bed in Claridge’s, where he was staying. It was, of course, a Savoir Bed and he slept ‘as though on a cloud’ and promptly ordered 24 for his palace.

•       Winston Churchill so loved the bed that he wrote to the hotel management expressing his delight.

•       Savoir has made beds for three James Bond actors.  Can you guess who????

•       A 108” wide bed for a couple with 5 kids who like to join them in the night!  Personally this would be a sleepless night for me but to each his own!

Most importantly, a huge number of very discerning, but not necessarily wealthy, clients who value a really great night’s sleep. An investment that pays off every morning of your life.

This Headboards from Savoir Beds has a Striking Elegant Shape!

Have you heard about Savoir?  Please comment below.  We would love to hear your thoughts!

Click here to tell us how soundly you would sleep in one of these beds!

Benjamin Moore has released its chosen color for the year of 2013 — LEMON SORBET!  We love this color choice!  It is such a beautiful, cheery color that looks great in any space!  As we transition from Fall into Winter, colors generally get more moody, deeper and darker.  I am delighted to see a fresh, hopeful palette being touted by Benjamin Moore.

From a Feng Shui perspective, yellow is the color associated with your Chi/Energy and the center Gua for health and wellness.  I had painted my previous dining room in yellow and added deep dark crimsons and merlots with dark wood furniture.  It was a striking and happy space.  So, what can we do with Lemon Sorbet?  Take a look at the images we have collected and be inspired!

Benjamin Moor Color of the Year 2013

I love the yellow walls paired with the silvery grey sofa.  The neutral accents and the tripod lamp are great additions.  I also like the pop of white in the long ledge.

Lemon Sorbet used in Living Room Setting

Grey and Lemon Sorbet seems to be a theme today!  Check out this elegant dining room.  I really like the way the ceiling grey comes down to the picture molding and gives the room a sense of height.  It also looks terrific with the silver silk drapery panels and the gold hardware.  My favorite part is the Red-Violet runner down the center of the table and the orchids that complement this.  It makes the room pop and adds a sense of warmth and whimsy.

Lemon Sorbet Dining Room

The room below just makes me smile!  I love the light, the mix of yellows, the fabulous pendant and the terrific club chair in the foreground.  What a happy space!

Lemon Sorbet Living Room

We hope that this will inspire you to think about using this Hue in your space!  It works across many styles and is easy to live with!  Give it a whirl!

Click here to tell us what you think of Lemon Sorbet!

If you could witness (or take part in) any event or place in history, what would it be? Why?

For me it would be living at Highclere Castle, the setting for Downton Abbey.  I am sure there are many others but right now I am completely and utterly in love with this period and this show!  Sunday night I sat down and watched the much anticipated return of the critically acclaimed hit series penned by Julian Fellowes.

Highclere Castle Exterior

I was late to the party and watched the first two seasons via Netflix.  I was so excited to see the first episode of Season Three in High Definition, and delighted that it was a two hour affair!  Woo hoo!

Highclere Castle Oak Staircase

Smiling from ear to ear I was certain that I must have lived in this time period.  Even before I studied Interior Design, castles, palaces and the like have always intrigued me.  I truly caught the bug while living abroad and visiting the castles of Europe and the UK.  I have yet to visit Highclere but it is on my short list.

Highclere Castle Saloon

Highclere is a stunning example of 19th Century English architecture.  Begun in 1838 by Sir Charles Barry and completed in 1878, it includes a  great oak staircase designed by Thomas Allom which fills the tall Italianate tower.  The interiors are spectacular and ring true of this opulent era of aristocracy.  I love the furnishings, wall coverings and sheer decadence of it all, not to mention the fashions which are spectacular!

Highclere Castle Drawing Room

So, that is my vote — what historical period or event stirs you?  Comment below!

Highclere Castle Music Room

Click here to tell us what you think of this beautiful castle!!

In my next home, I will have a banquette in my dining room or breakfast nook.  I love the look, the way they hug a wall and create more space and the functionality.

Today we are highlighting a few of my faves–some are sold at retail and are easy for you to snatch up while others are custom made and sold only through the Trade.  All offer  The first image is from Drexel Heritage.  Specifically created to be used at a round or oval table, it adds interest and panache.

Drexel Heritage Dalliance Pasqualina Banquette

This cozy and more traditional breakfast nook below by Andrea Schumacher (ADD SEO AND LINK BACK TO HER SITE HERE AND ON THE PHOTO)  is simply charming.  We are in love with the L-shaped banquette and how well it utilizes the corner and how the colorful throw pillows add life to this vignette.

Breakfast Nook Designed by Andrea Schumacher

This next nook by Susan Fredman (LINKS HERE PLEASE)  displays an L-shaped banquette with a beadboard detail which coordinates with the cabinetry.  The pillows add comfort and color and I love the reclaimed wood table.  The small space is totally optimized.  They never would have been able to fit chairs around this table, so a built-in banquette was the perfect choice!

Cozy Transitional Kitchen by Susan Fredman

Check out this gorgeous green velvet banquette from Horchow!  With elegant lines and beautiful details such as the welting on the back (piping) and nail head trim, this fablous piece will bring a touch of class to your kitchen or dining table!

Horchow Brumley Velvet Banquette

The next banquette we would like to feature is custom made.  This nook is designed by my friend, Tobi Fairley.  I love that she decided to draw your eye up to the coffered ceiling with a high back –adding drama and panache!

Classic Transitional Dining Room Designed by Tobi Fairley

The elegant, violet tufted wingback piece featured below is also from Horchow.  This detailed creation is stunning and will add a lot of character to your traditional space!  I love the dusty lilac color and the way it juxtaposes with the antique Louis Swedish style chairs.

Horchow Haute House Isabella Wing Banquette

The last banquette we are going to share with you is from Kravet.  While it is also tufted like the first, it has a more transitional style.  Kravet is one of our favorite To the Trade resources.  I have specified this banquette in a channel back with a skirt, giving it a completely different vibe (see second photo below).  We also have a lot of flexibility here, in that we can use any fabric we want on this piece, unlike the others referenced above!

Kravet Duet Banquette

Skirted Kravet Duet Banquette

I want you to be bold, take a chance and do something different.  Don’t be afraid to introduce a banquette to your kitchen or dining room ensemble!  It can really add the panache you are looking for!

Click here to tell us what you think of these beautiful banquettes!

One of my favorite period flicks is  LA Confidential with Kim Basinger.  This movie was inspired by Old Hollywood glam and is again in the forefront of Trends for 2013.

LA Confidential

The opulent interiors, the silk and jewels, the use of light–all fantastic and inspiring then and NOW!

LA Confidential Set

The movie is also engaging and very well-acted.  You can see it in the comfort of your own home or on your laptop or Ipad!

LA Confidential Glam Inspired Interior

Enjoy and comment below to let us know what you think and what inspired you!

Click here to tell us what inspires you about this glam inspired design!

The Greek Key and Fretwork Patterns are the back in a big way.  Trendspotters are seeing them in fashion and they are one of the newest trends in home design!  Although these patterns and motifs have been around for thousands of years, today we are seeing them reinterpreted in a more modern context for the way we live today.

Below is a beautiful chest of drawers from Worlds Away.  The applied molding in a Greek Key design is a sleek and subtle way to add this pattern to your design scheme!

Worlds Away Werstler Dark Oak 4 Drawer Dresser with Greek Key Design

Also by Worlds Away is this elegant silver leafed side table with a glass top insert and a Greek Key motif.

Worlds Away August S Silver Leafed Side Table

Add Fretwork to your space with this beautiful chest from Brownstone Furniture!  Made with German Silver, this piece would be a striking addition to your Foyer or Dining Room!

Brownstone Furniture Treviso Console

Let’s say you love your furniture and decor but you really like the idea of adding this pattern to your space and want a quick and easy way to add Fretwork Pattern .  Add a simple throw!

We Love this Greek Key Blanket! Image from Matthew Izzo

Introduce a really great rug!  A Design Concepts/Interiors custom design was fabricated by Kravet for our Clients in the Ritz Carlton, White Plains. The carpet  truly brought the space together, adding interest and focus.  What a great conversation piece!!

Space Designed by Design Concepts Interiors using a Fretwork Pattern Rug

What do you think of this new Trend?  Let us know your thoughts by leaving a comment below!

Click here to tell us what you think of using Greek Key or Fretwork Patterns in Your Home!

Our second installment of Trends for 2013 focuses on the news from Pantone.  The company has named Emerald Green the Color of 2013.

As some of you know, I have become something of a Trendspotter.  Having co-presented an event back in December entitled Trends 2013-A Conversation, our DCI team worked with Cliff Young and HudsonMOD Magazine to bring a great event to Designers and Clients.

We coined new terms:  Hides in Plain Side which focused on Animal prints and Guns and Roses which discussed the New Metallics on the market including Gunmetal and Rose Gold in addition to the influx of new metallic wall coverings.

Hides in Plain Sight:

“Hides in Plain Sight” – Specialty Steerhide Glam from Garrett Leather

Guns and Roses:

“Guns and Roses” – Concertex Enchanting Wallpaper

Please click on the link below to see more of what is new and hot for 2013 and let us know your thoughts by commenting below.  Cheers!

http://www.ivillage.com/home-decor-trends/7-b-510544

Are you green with envy yet at the awesome images here?  I absolutely love the emerald green walls juxtaposed by the sharp contrast of black and white!

Stunning Emerald Green Living Room

Dining Room with Emerald  Green Curtains

Emerald Green Living Room

Let us know your thoughts.  I hope we have inspired to you be done with the envy and go buy some paint!

Click here to tell us what trend you are in love with!

While I am more conservative by nature I love to see what is new and exciting–what is trending now!  Sometimes having an eclectic, out of the box piece can totally change your space.  The images below are daring and dramatic and of course, not for the traditionalist!

The Forest Cabinet is from Boca do Lobo .  This piece is so unique!  Its wood frame is covered in stainless steel with black lacquered wood details over top, all sitting on a quirky mahogany base.  We love how the doors are angled to align with the center wood strip down the middle.

Boca Do Lobo Forest Cabinet

The Pantera Bench from DesignLush is sleek and elegant.  The color possibilities are endless with the opportunity to customize you very own auto painted fiberglass finish.

Pantera Bench from DesignLush

Now this is the way to take the ordinary out of bookcases!  This is another very cool piece from A2.  We are in love with the angles which provide interest and drama in what would otherwise be a standard offering.

A2 Angle Shelf

Last but not least, check out this dramatic faceted bar cabinet from Bonluxat.  We love the surprise inside–the cabinet is painted a bold red!

Bonluxat Joel Escalona Rocky Collection

Do you have any extraordinary out of the box pieces in your home?  Send them to me.  We would love to see what you have been up to!

Click here to tell us what you think of these funky designs!

From a Feng Shui perspective, we know that the Color Violet is associated with the Abundance or Prosperity corner of the Bagua which lives in the upper left corner.  Anyone who is looking to up their cash flow, increase their balance in the bank account or is looking for a raise, may consider setting the intention and employing this color in their space.

The bedroom below uses cool and warm violets to create a serene escape!  A tall velvet upholstered headboard really catches your eye and is the focal point in the space, while a purple velvet chair ties in the violet on the other side of the room.

This room uses violet in a very subtle and soothing way!

We pulled the next image from New York Spaces magazine, and while it’s not for everyone, it sure does make a statement!  Using plum, fuchsia and violet against a very neutral background was a great way to add emphasis and focus to each individual item in the space!

Check out this plum and fuchsia Room designed by Michael Barry

This eye catching design uses the complimentary color combination of yellow and violet.  The bold patterned floor to ceiling draperies really draw your eye up, accentuating the height of the space.

Using violet and yellow is a regal and makes a bold statement!

The bedroom below, designed by Christopher Coleman,  is filled with a variety of tints, shades and tones of Lavender!  Many different textures and patterns add great interest to the room, layering to the scene.  I especially love the way the light filtering through the sheer drapery shifts the color palette.  The paisley rug and the striped pattern on the chair take this monochromatic space to another level.  The room is very feminine and romantic yet the hard, modern lines of the chair, lamp and bedside table add an air of masculinity to the space.  This is a true testament to the fact that a couple can coexist in a lavender space with the right recipe.  Using the right ingredients:  color, texture pattern and line can make all the difference!

Lavender Luxury

Click here to tell us what you think of Lavender Rooms!

Today we are bringing to you Part 2 of our Design Dilemmas Series, Choose One Focal Point.

Choose One Focal Point

Many rooms are distracting because they don’t have a dominant feature–a Focal Point!  Your eye does not have resting point, a place to relax, enjoy the space and take it all in.

Let’s say you have a fireplace and you also want to have TV in the room.  The best way to avoid two conflicting focal points and create a great furniture plan is to combine the two as seen in the image below.  The television above the mantle allows is in a frame that can become a mirror, allowing you to hide the TV when not in use.  Recently, we installed a design just like this allowing our Client to easily disguise your TV as art by playing a DVD slide show your favorite art on a very slow loop.  You will have your guests baffled once they realize that the art in the room has changed!

Fireplace Focal Point Featured by this New York Interior Designer

Click here to tell us what your one great focal point is!

Furniture Selection

Purchasing furniture can be so overwhelming!  This is the number one that people hire an Interior Designer.  They do not want to make a mistake!!  We know that we cannot work with everyone but we are invested in your success.  So, we are offering this sage advice!  When you buy new furniture, DO NOT take the easy way out and buy a matching set.  This is at the top of list for What Not To Do!!  The furniture showrooms offer this because it is safe, sells well and does not involve as much thought for the customer or the vendor.  Trust me, a matching sofa/loveseat and chair will result in a very boring, cookie-cutter space, doing nothing to showcase your taste and your unique personality and style.

When you carefully select every piece that you put into your space, you add a bit of your own personality and character, further showcasing your unique flavor and style while building a more eclectic look that appears to be collected or curated over time (even though you may have purchased it all at once).  Why not try finding some great antiques or re-purposed furniture or objet d’art to introduce to your space?  Inject your individual style and the room will sing!  Check out this eclectic bedroom below.  It has definite character!

New York Interior Designer Features Bedroom by Own By Design

Also we would like to share with you an eclectic living room below designed by Nina Jizhar Interior Designers and Decorators.  We love the mix of traditional, transitional and contemporary pieces all in one room and how well those pieces play off each other and give this room personality!

Nina Jizhar Interior Designers and Decorators Living Room

Click here to tell us how you feel about an eclectic space!

I found this wonderful multi-functional table that I must share with you.  It is fabulous!

One of my go to showrooms at the D&D building, Niedermaier, has created an extremely innovative table design that duals as a cocktail as well as a dining table.  This is a great solution for those of you who are short on space in your home.  Check out the images below.  In the first image the table is shown in the cocktail table position.

Niedermaier Clip Table

In this second image, the table has been raised up and now can be used as a dining table!  Just pull up a few chairs and your dining table is set!  What an amazing idea!

Niedermaier Clip Table

Click here to tell us what you think of this awesome Clip Table by Niedermaier!

The New York Botanical Garden Orchid Dinner is an event held once a year that follows the Orchid Show opening which we have attended in the past.

The Orchid Show is a fabulous display of orchids according to a specific design theme.  Kravet put together a fabulous blog post reporting on the Orchid Dinner and Brunshwig and Fils participation in the event!  We would like to share excerpts from Kravet’s Inspired Talk Blog below:

“Brunschwig & Fils had the honor of participating in the New York Botanical Garden Orchid Dinner, an annual event which precedes the opening of the Orchid Show, which is the largest show of its kind in the country. For this year’s show, 25 top New York designers, including B&F’s own Stephen Elrod, created a dramatic table and centerpiece based on the theme “Exotic Inspirations.” ”

Stephen Elrod for Brunschwig Orchid Dinner Table Design

“…For the tablecloth, Elrod chose Clouds, an embroidery also from Le Jardin Chinois. Clouds is a figured stripe reminiscent of the ombred lishui wave band embroidery traditionally placed above the hem of a Qing dragon robe. The centerpiece, a tree blooming with white orchids and red lanterns, hung in dramatic fashion over the table, creating a striking scene. “

Click here to tell us what you think of this beautiful table display by Brunschwig and Fils!

What is new and exciting in the New York Design world?  I first spotted the work of this firm at ICFF 2012.  Egg Collective was among the many vendors featured at this year’s ICFF (The International Contemporary Furniture Fair)  and they are taking the design world by storm.  Based in Brooklyn, they offer contemporary designs in furniture, lighting and art.  We would like to share some of our favorites with you!

We are in love with the Henry Dining Table.  The base is angular and interesting, and the contrast in finishes between the tabletop and the base is intriguing and dramatic.

Egg Collective Henry Dining Table

The Hawley Side Table featured below is so versatile.  This is a great little table to put a drink on, or place a few of them  together a grouping and use them in lieu of a traditional cocktail table.  They are easy to move around if you need to reconfigure and come in a variety of finishes.

Egg Collective Hawley Side Table

The Egg Collective has branched into the lighting realm.  The Margot George Chandelier is made with solid satin brass and hand blown glass.  These angular glass shades are really interesting.  This geometric line and shape seems to be a signature of Egg Collective!

Egg Collective Margot George Chandelier

There are so many other fantastic creative designs.  Check out their website and be inspired!!

Click here to tell us what you think of Egg Collective!

The Green Room is always buzzing at any award ceremony but the Tonys is even more special because it happens right here in NYC!!

Fendi Casa did the honors of fully furnishing the green room at the 2013 Tony Awards at the Radio City Music Hall.  Their sleek design offered an elegant backdrop for the star-studded guests as they awaited their on-stage moment.  Check out some of the photos below!

Here is Alan Cumming and Scarlett Johansson catching up on the Fendi Casa tufted ottoman and sofa.

Alan Cumming and Scarlett Johansson

Jake Gyllenhaal and Matthew Broderick with a backdrop of black and stainless steel.  Very sleek and elegant.

Jake Gyllenhaal and Matthew Broderick

Below Matthew Morrison is deep in conversation with Barrett Foa, perched on the nail head trimmed arm of the Fendi Casa printed leather sofa.  It has the appearance of snake skin.  I love the deep eggplant hue of the carpet as well.

Matthew Morrison and Barrett Foa

While Kinky Boots ran away with the Tonys, Fendi Casa kept all of the stars happy and toned down the anxiety of waiting in a cool, elegant space with soothing colors and fabrics.  Love it!

Click here to tell us your favorite celebrity that was caught lounging in the Fendi Casa Green Room!

Zimmer Rohde, one of my fave vendors with an  upscale and innovative showroom at the D&D Building, has just launched a new website for their custom upholstery line, the Caperton Collection.  We have selected a few items that we just had to share with you!!

Below is the Drum Table with Greek Key Nail heads.  We are so in love with this!  It is a fully upholstered drink table that sits on concealed casters so it is easily movable and has an inset antique mirror glass top where you can set down a cocktail.

Caperton Collection Drum Table with Greek Key Nails

I am always looking for a great recliner for my clients that is inconspicuous.  Enter the really cool Belmont Reclining Lounge Chair.  It has clean lines and is not your Dad’s recliner.

Caperton Collection Belmont Reclining Lounge Chair

The Canton Dining Side Chair is sleek and elegant.  We love the tufted detail and also the handle on the back of the chair.  Makes it really easy to pull the chair out!

Caperton Collection Canton Dining Side Chair

Let us know if any of these items interest you.  We would be happy to help you get them into your home~!!

Click here to tell us what you think of Caperton Collection!

We are in love with a new website!  Bespoke Global, a haute interior design website was launched by two entrepreneurial women who had the vision to seek out in designing home furnishings that will take your breathe away. We have selected a few images below to whet your appetite!

Bespoke Global- Oyster Reef

The fixture above is both unique, netural and functional.  The console below is exotic and contemporary!

Bespoke Global- Seamus Fairtlough

Inspired by the architecture of a spiral stair, the Marc Fish table is guaranteed to take your breathe away!  I love the wood veneers and sculptural quality of the piece.  It is more a functional work of art.

Bespoke Global- Marc Fish

Why not hop over to their website now and see what other goodies they have to offer at Bespoke Global.

Let us know what you purchase!  We may post your finds here!

Click here to tell us what you think about this unique furniture and lighting!

Every Summer in August, the Design and Retail community gather at Javits for the New York International Gift Fair.  There are many vendors here whom I love to do business with.  Over the years, I have found some up and coming resources at this show.  Oomph is one of them.  This is one of my faves as the offer so much variety and customization!  We are in love with the many options as far as color, shape and size in their side tables, cocktail tables, console tables, and more!

Colorful Tables from Oomph

The ornamental detail and the recessed edge make these tables unique while the colors create a great accent.

Many Colors Offered at Oomph

I love the shapes they offer.  Sometimes you need a small table that is also skinny!  The textures, finishes and scale make any of these an easy pick.

Fun Shaped Drink Tables

This cocktail table is even more inviting in the bright blue hue.  It is calling me to the beach.  I may suggest adding a piece of glass although their finishes are very durable.  This way you never need coasters.

Beautiful Aqua Cocktail Table at Oomph

Ready to add some Oomph to your space?  Call us for more details.

Click here to tell us what you think about these fun tables!

I love Transitional Design.  It transcends style and periods and allows me to design eclectic interiors that are truly timeless. Right now I am loving the new product line from  Lions Eye Group.

This bar cabinet is a mix of sleek black wood and artisan finishes.  I love the play of texture, the jewel-like handle and the slim tapered legs.

Sleek Bar Cabinet

The curvilinear lines on the base of this lamp add interest and style while the silk shade speaks of elegance.

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I am totally in love with this table.  The live edge wood top has so much character and the pierced honeycomb pattern of the base is both eclectic and unexpected.  A great combination of materials.

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This floor lamp does double duty with it’s petite surface to set down a cocktail and the sled base which can easily slide under a sofa or chair to focus the light for reading.

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I love the drop leaf drawer front and the unexpected citron green interior of this chest.  The casters on the front legs make it mobile!

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Do you have any transitional pieces to share?  Comment below and send pix!

Click here to tell us what you think about these old but new furniture pieces!