ART SALE! And how to hang it!!

I always say if we didn't have guests over we would never get our artwork hung as sometimes banging that nail in the wall can be a little intimidating.  When I was single I would take the piece of art or architectural to my local hardware store and ask them what hook I should use .They would ask me what type of wall I had and I was clueless but by revealing the age of my home the proper hanger was purchased and they were never wrong!  Everything truly takes a village, right?? Nowadays, my husband "freelances" as I call it when I have been mentioning  (nagging) that I need the art hung and without even consulting me on placement , throws beautiful pieces up on the walls just because he likes to "get it done" without my careful (prolonged) input.  I'll walk into a room after coming back from errands and say, " wait! You didn't tell me you were hanging the art " and he'll say, "well, it's done".  My brother- in -law does the same thing...usually too high, right?   can't stand it!! Well, with a few pointers and a little planning we can get all your art off the floor tonight! A great piece of art can transform a room from so so to spectacular! First off let me say when framing art I have always indulged in good frames.  I like my customers to take the art home and hang it, not concern themselves with costly re-framing.  Always pick the frame for the piece not for the room.  If a frame is chosen to represent the work of art they will both together enhance the room like a piece of jewelry. I personally do not care for colored mats preferring whites, off whites and sometimes a light taupe.  I DO however swoon for an antique French blue mat and always preserve these. Tip - For prints the mat should be about 2 1/2-3 inches on each side but you should always take into consideration the print or drawing itself. The prominent piece in the picture above is the mirror and the 2 pair of abstracts have correctly been hung close to the chests. Tip - Avoid the common mistake of thinking nothing should be in front of the art. The art should not float well above the accessories and furniture in this case but rather create an intimate vignette as shown above. This was a challenge, above, to hang an uneven number of botanicals on a slanted wall. They correctly lined up the tops of the arts to follow the ceiling and then continued the line hanging the single drawing and then had that line up with the center of the starburst mirror over the bed. Tip - when hanging art of different sizes around the room, pictures should be lined up by their center lines, not the top. A series of prints can create a dramatic look and read as one artwork statement when framed in the same molding. Without furniture anchoring this series the height of the entire wall is most important. Tip - when a series is free hanging the measurement of the height of the wall is very important. Also the space between them should be identical and be about 2 - 2 1/2 inches. When the pieces used in a grouping vary in size the distance between them varies but should still have a consistent sense, like 3-4 inches between them on each side.  Leaning art, as on the mantle above, is a great look and also allows you to move pieces from one room to another. Tip - arranging art on the floor first is very helpful .  The large piece usually is in the center and then work up and out focusing on balance and symmetry with each piece. This modern series above, hung less than an inch apart, reads as one continuous artistic statement. You can create drama and interest by hanging the art unconventionally as the designer Katja Vanderloo did above by hanging the nude oil painting in front of the curtains on the window frame. This is a beautiful look with the diffused light coming through from behind the piece. Tip - A single piece of art or the main piece in a grouping should be hung at eye level. Art can successfully be hung on patterned wallpaper as long as the pattern is not of the same scale or there's a nice size mat around the art. A series of prints can make a big statement without your having to make a big investment. I had to use my favorite vignette again (don't know where I originally found it). The prints are hung higher than the mirror but do not confuse the importance.  This mirror is THE most important piece in the vignette. I LOVE the modern benches contrasting with the very old pieces, too. Tip - in a hallway hang art only on one side as it is unpleasant to try and view both sides and also closes in the space. And now the fun part....A summer ART SALE!!!  Shown  below are beautiful pieces of art ALL MEDIUM SIZED I have available, offered to you with a never before discount of 30% and more. Please email me with questions. Sizes etc. 1.  Vintage  abstract oil painting, signed from France Originally $495.00  on sale for $350.00 2.  Vintage oil on panel from France originally $395.00 on sale for $275.00 3.  A vintage pen and ink still life originally $425.00 on sale for $285.00 4.  A vintage print of  antique urns originally $245.00 ea. on sale for $95.00 each.  I have several of these depicting different urns. 5.  A gorgeous 19th century oil on panel with the moon reflecting on the water originally $625.00 on sale for $438.00 6.  Vintage ink drawing from France orig $575.00 on sale for $395.00 7.  Modern acrylic impressionist landscape orig. $375.00 on sale for $262.00 8.  Vintage black ink village orig. $275.00 on sale for $175.00 9.  Lovely watercolor with sailboat....REALLY beautiful and peaceful scene from France orig. $395.00 on sale for $315.00. 10.  19th Century oil on panel beautiful landscape newly framed in faux bamboo orig. 235.00 on sale for $160.00 11.  Detailed vintage watercolor harbor scene orig. $545.00 on sale for $ 380.00 12. Impressionist landscape by Rhode Island artist Alberto Pasquale orig. $675.00 on sale for $465.00 13.  Beautiful vintage impressionist watercolor from the north of France, newly framed in burnished silver orig. 495.00 on sale for $325.00 14.  19th century classical oil painting of sailboats in the harbor. France orig. $575.00 on sale for $402.00 15.   19th century gilt framed watercolor from France of a French farm with haystacks. Orig. $245.00 on sale for $171.00 16.   Vintage oil on panel of haystacks, France, orig. $395.00 on sale for $275.00 17.   Vintage pen and ink wash impressionist still life orig. $275.00 on sale for $192.00 18.  Vintage watercolor still life signed by French artist J. Moser orig. $595.00 on sale for $415.00 19.  Vintage oil on panel European village from France orig. $545.00 on sale for $380.00 20.  An original French business document, hand written and hand stamped orig. $145.00 ea. on sale for $101.00 21.   Another  19th century hand written business document from France orig. $145.00 ea, this one is on sale for $65.00 22.  19th century oil on panel in antique walnut Frame orig. $475.00 on sale for $332.00 PLEASE PLEASE PLEASE make inquiries by the number before each piece's description. And don't forget many of these pieces would look great on that difficult narrow wall, on an easel stand, on your book shelves or under a lamp and even in the powder room where attention is sometimes focused on a small wall and a nice piece of art will make a pleasant impact. There is some really nice art here and I would be happy to answer any questions or send details. We are closed Sundays and Mondays in July and August. Happy Summer Days!! Warmest regards, Bonny    Bonny Neiman Antiques & Artisan  p.973-714-4541 www.bonnyneiman.com    Trouvaille 12 Beechwood Road  Summit, NJ Summer Hours: Tuesday-Saturday 10-5:30

Lots of new site updates!

I am SO glad summer is finally here...everyone in my house got a late start but we are finally seizing the sunlight! The store is full of inspiration to add the unique touch to your "relaxed" homes...I have a quote on my website top left that notes what too many of us fall into...."playing it safe decorating" . Sometimes we make the mistake of wanting our homes to look like so many rooms we have seen before and instead of relying on what responds to us REALLY we buy what we have seen over and over.  We end up with rooms that lack spirit and personality. The best way to add the warm personal touch to interiors is to acquire one of a kind antiques.....there are lots of both beautiful and fun choices available that reflect your interests.  Just buy what you really like!! (we can help put it all together....) (the early 19th century desk above also makes a beautiful end table) This is one long antique sailfish ...(although we had a shark attack at the store and now he is 3 inches shorter.)..I bought this from the famous restaurant on Sunrise Highway in East Hampton with the hand written or should I say scribbled sign "CLAM PIES" out front.  If you go to the Hamptons this curious sign (that wasn't for sale, by the way) is one of the few icons that never received a glitz makeover out east. Well the restaurant is now closed and I landed this whopper. He is currently on sale for $625.00 and I must say his blue is brilliant and goes great with tangerine orange! Can't imagine having to wear a bathing suit without lycra, can you?? In stock right now are 5 framed antique wool swimsuits $725.00 each. The one above is a rare green color. Pictured is a 19th century 6 drawer cabinet from a New England general store...totally restored, it would anchor a wall mounted television and provide great storage. Resting on the cabinet is a vintage oak framed chalkboard, with the shelf to hold the chalk from a school in Brooklyn.  The white distressed shelf , top right above, would be great in a mud room or any area hooks are necessary.  We have a similar piece in the bunk room at the beach. The vintage chart map behind right is of the east coast noting all the major vacation points....funny thing is I found this American map in FRANCE! Also available are Nantucket maps and a vintage Hamptons map noting all shore points in a beautiful green/blue. Iron cafe table from France and always lots of baskets. The one above is a grape gathering basket from the champagne region of France.  Adds texture with a history and also a great use for beach towels or toys and sports equipment .... Lots of original art with lake and seascape themes available. A linen vintage flag with hand sewn stars, above. Please email me with any questions....check out the new additions to the website ...items can be shipped out immediately to you.  Right now I wish I was shipped somewhere as I sit in traffic on the Long Island Expressway...have a wonderful week! We are closed Sundays and Mondays in July and August. Happy Summer Days!! Warmest regards, Bonny    Bonny Neiman Antiques & Artisan  p.973-714-4541 www.bonnyneiman.com    Trouvaille 12 Beechwood Road  Summit, NJ Summer Hours: Tuesday-Saturday 10-5:30

A giveaway AND new site updates!!

The store really looks its best right now and I noticed we have on display the visible answer to your common question...."Can you mix gold and silver in the same room?" Many of the vignettes are perfect examples of how beautiful they compliment each other. Silver leaf Louis Philippe mirrors are extremely popular right now and anchor this beautiful vignette.  With the addition of white, both gold and silver pieces blend harmoniously.  Notice the giltwood mirror underneath the Swedish table .... I love antique alabaster stone fruit....the lone apple is marble... The alabaster torchieres are from France and add a warm glow... I don't know which is more beautiful....the mercury glass ripple mirror or the plaster profiles.  Notice the reflection of the orb chandelier... The green mohair chairs anchor a painted French commode and peaking out from the right side is a personal favorite.  An old work table...this piece would also make a great games table. More gold and silver with the silver leaf framed abstract portrait and the impressive gold leaf 19th century mirror. Lots of fresh white pieces with the gold and silver vases... The books under the letter "N" are cast stone...LOVE THEM!  they would even look great outdoors. This period Art Deco multisectioned beveled edge mirror rests on the marble top Decoene Art Deco console table with mirrored back. Gold and silver look wonderful with the addition of black and warm walnut.  This water gilded vintage mirror is getting a lot of comments with its varied edge and graceful teardrop shape. The vintage lamp has a black marble base. Just in are these wonderful giltwood sconces artisan made from some antique Italian elements. Love this table and the vintage sculptural candlesticks on the left... Gold and silver displayed in front of a few of several antique Roman General portraits, available. AND FOR THE GIVEAWAY!.....just click here and sign up to receive my updates in blog form and you will be entered into the giveaway of these great silver metal star coasters, above. Leave a comment for a double entry for the giveaway.  No need to be first I will do a random drawing on Tuesday and notify the winner. I would also like to share with you I have been mentioned in Elle Decor magazine!!  The source page, LOL!!.  A chandelier I sold is in the lead picture on a feature on page 132 in the July issue.  Thank you to Trent for being so gracious and making sure I get a mention. Well I am off to yet another wonderful family celebration!  My terrific brother-in- law has reached a biggy...Happy Birthday Ricky!  xoxoxo  I hope you are all making plans to have some down time, too.  Please check my website for info on most of the items featured and email me with any questions.. Happy Summer Days!! Warmest regards, Bonny    Bonny Neiman Antiques & Artisan  p.973-714-4541 www.bonnyneiman.com    Trouvaille 12 Beechwood Road  Summit, NJ Monday-Saturday 10-5:30