prize

Cabin Fever Has Never Felt So Good

2012-01-28T16:27:00.000-08:00

There are those who feel a little glum after the holidays have passed, but I’m not that guy. In fact, I still take joy in the cold winter days ahead where outdoor chores are kept at bay and I can cozy into the digs of home with my family and friends.

Comfort food and comfortable surroundings is the key to setting just the right atmosphere and it’s the small touches that make those cold winter days even more bearable. Before the first foot of snow falls, I ready my home to ward off the potential effects of cabin fever.

WARM THOUGHTS
There is nothing better than a crackling fire, but I opted for gas logs a few years ago to make things a little easier and cleaner. However, I did find logs that were authentic and create an amber glow with warmth to boot. I also light lots of candles, but only burn one scent – my preference is Votivo’s Forgotten Sage which has the distinct smell of pine.

Vintage camp blankets fill a large basket and everyone grabs their favorite to snuggle up for family movie night. I’m still looking for a stylish version of the snuggie but haven’t had much luck there.

WINTER GAMES
Nothing says “bring it on” like a good game of cards or a board game that takes you late into the night. I recently came across some beautiful antique wooden checkerboards that are as pretty on the wall as they are in a high stake game of checkers. On a recent antique buying trip I found some vintage wooden lawn pins that we use in a version of indoor bowling.

We also take the games outdoors because that’s what makes the return indoors all the more fun. Though with it comes all the muck and mire and the abundance of coats, scarves and gloves that seem to multiply on their own. Invest in some rugs that can take the wear-and-tear of foot traffic. We use old colorful Persian rugs that have ample pattern and look better with age. We also have a large basket and a large scale coat rack right at the door to greet shoes and coats.

EATS & TREATS
I get a little fluffy in the wintertime and it’s not because of the goose-down coat that is hanging in my closet. Whether it’s an evening of entertaining friends or hanging out with the kids, food is usually in the spotlight.

Something that is fun is to get everyone involved by making individual specialty pizzas. We plan ahead by placing various toppings and sauces in vintage ironstone bowls that can be passed around the prep island. The crust is a blank canvas and everyone is an artist as they layer on color and texture.

So here is to greeting winter with a smile and warm heart. Wishing you a new year of good health, happy homes and great memories.

SurPrize & Delight.....

2012-01-10T06:31:00.000-08:00

It has been said many times that it’s “all about the hunt” and that’s exactly right. There is no place too far or too remote nor anything that is of any magnitude of trouble that would keep us from hunting down the good stuff.

I love the gasps and awes from those who visit our retail store and get to experience these things first hand – they are always surprised and delighted. However, we’ve come to realize the appreciation for such good things should be extended beyond a showroom and our website really hasn’t delivered over the past few years.

So, as we revamp our site to make it more shopper friendly we will begin a weekly blog post called “SurPrize” with a listing of new items to our shop. We hope you will find something to fall in love with along the way.

Now at Prize: Nathan Falter Pottery

2011-11-25T14:40:00.000-08:00

"My pots investigate the sculptural nature of objects and the desire for useful ware." - Nathan Falter

Nathan Falter's current work takes inspiration from the beginning of the industrial revolution--a time when things were mass produced but not fully mechanized. It was a moment when man was just beginning to master machine. His pieces embody the quirky nature of discovery and reflect a desire to revisit the past.

Falter prefers to work as immediately as possible in small groups, six to a dozen pieces at a time. Most pieces are wheel thrown, altered, and assembled. He uses a limited palette of very sensitive glazes and fires often in a small gas-fueled kiln. His work cycle is chaotic, but it allows for the whole making process to be seen as a moment, a moment where the piece reveals itself.

Raised in southern Missouri, Nathan Falter earned a B.F.A. in ceramics from Missouri State University in 1995, and an M.F.A. in ceramics and sculpture from the University of Delaware in 1998. In addition to creating pieces for exhibitions and commission work, he teaches as an adjunct professor at Missouri State University. In 1998, he co-founded a community clay center with his wife, Jennifer Falter.

Come visit Nathan and watch a live demonstration at Prize on Saturday, December 10.

Prize Goes To Washington DC

2011-11-14T13:27:00.001-08:00

In partnership with Peruvian Connection, Prize will make its east coast debut on Saturday, November 19. Best known for intrigue, power, scandal, our nation's capitol has it all. Located just steps from historic Ford's Theatre at 950 F Street NW, Peruvian Connection is located in the heart of the newly energized Penn Quarter.

With a backdrop of exposed brick and reclaimed wood the amazing selection of wearable art comes to life alongside hand selected antiques and objects de arte.

Come by, have a seat and take it all in...we hope to see you soon.

All Aboard -- Next Stop is Prize

2011-10-30T13:25:00.001-07:00

Head & Shoulders Above the Rest.....

2011-10-16T05:19:00.000-07:00

The shear thought of hanging a dead animal above the fireplace mantel has sent shivers through the spine of many a decorator, let alone tested the battle of wills between couples. It was deemed the tacky accoutrement of a man’s den and at some point banished to the garage and attic. Perhaps it was the constant stare of an inanimate object or the subtle reminder that the animal was plucked from its habitat in the wild. Whatever side of the fence you are on there is more to it than meets the proverbial eye.

Historically the hunt for animals was by necessity in order to generate food for the table. No part of the animal was left to waste as fat was used for heating oil and furs and hides were turned into garments and rugs. Over time, hunting became a sport and was controlled in the selective hunt of game animals. This should not be confused with poaching which is the illegal practice of trapping and harming animals. This story would end here it that were even the case.

In fact, works of taxidermy are actually quite useful as they are displayed in museums and educational institutions for purposes of teaching and instruction. However, they are showing up again with pride in beautiful homes, luxury hotels and highly rated restaurants as focal points to been seen and admired.

The practice of taxidermy is a skilled craft that requires the artistic talent of carpenters, woodworkers and tanners. While animals are preserved in their most natural state, some parts are fabricated. Eyes are often made from glass and some of the soft tissue from wax and epoxy. One of the most amazing places I’ve ever visited to study this art was the celebrated Deyrolle in Paris which housed a vast collection of animals, insects and natural curiosities. Cabinets held birds and butterflies and salons were lined with full body mounts of peacocks, zebras and even giraffe. A very sad thing happened in 2008 when a fire ripped through the establishment eliminating more than ninety percent of the collection.

Back stateside, if you ever find yourself in Washington DC you should make plans to visit the National Museum of Natural History at the Smithsonian Institute. It houses the third largest collection of birds In North America. Here in the US, it is common place to find the likes of mounted pheasants , red fox and deer. However, more exotic mounts are highly treasured like African game animals including impala, gazelle, water buffalo and kudu.n Zebra rugs are especially hard to come by and usually demand a high price tag.

Taking beauty to function, I recently had a female client who bought a half dozen small German roe buck antlers that she has mounted in her bathroom to hold her collection of jewelry – very creative.

For those looking for an alternative to real game animals, they are showing up in “herds.” I am pretty smitten with a recent discovery for my son’s room. I found a set of paper mache trophies of a zebra, tiger and gazelle that are made by artists in Haiti. They are hand constructed and made of all recycled parts which supports global sustainability efforts. Also, a recent search on Etsy.com listed over 200 trophy mounts with material options that ranged from carved basswood to felt and wool.

Even the Queen of England boasts a collection of mounted trophies in her countryside estates. Yes, a little something for everyone.

Note from the writer: No animals were harmed in the production of this article.

Prize Loves Imogene+Willie

2011-09-28T12:15:00.000-07:00

Imogene + Willie Story (Wide) from Ian Leach on Vimeo.

If I Only Had $5K This Would Be In My Kitchen

2011-09-15T11:24:00.001-07:00

"Sign" Me Up!

2011-09-11T12:59:00.000-07:00

2' x 3' Large Scale French Postcards -$150 each (four options available)

Recently, a customer took notice that artwork lining the walls of my shop were not exactly traditional paintings of scenic landscapes or moody subjects striking a pose. Instead, there seemed to be a theme of peculiar yet eye-pleasing subjects that ranged from old advertising shingles to transportation signs of previous decades.

It appears I have a thing for the unusual when it comes to collecting. I like the quirky and the often long forgotten relics of our past that once served a more utilitarian purpose. In their time, they would not have been considered art. But fast forward decades and centuries and they become a fun installation and witty way to complement your design style.

Antique Glass Sherwood Paint Sign From Australia - $695

Advertising
Advertising is an art form in of itself. From written copy to compelling imagery, it is a call for consumers to engage with and ultimately buy a product. Even long before Madison Avenue and the agencies that created snappy jingles and campaigns, there were forms of advertising that existed in the way of trade signs and door shingles that would announce the business and its proprietor. Often carved from wood and painted by hand, these signs weathered the elements and have beauty that goes with age. I’m always on the hunt for them and double-sided signs are a major trophy.

As advertising advanced over the years, so did typography – the arrangement of font type and point size by graphic designers, art directors and typesetters. One vivid example is the often seen “Keep Calm And Carry On” sign that was produced by the British government in 1939 as World War II began. It can now be purchased in a plethora of colors and would be a fun addition to the room of my 4-year-old daughter, who at times, can be a bit dramatic about life.

Vintage roller skating sign - $395; French Botanical - $495

Classroom nostalgia
Equally desirable to antique advertising are vintage teaching aids that were used in classrooms as early as the 1900’s. From anatomical charts to illustrations of the galaxy and its planets, they were rich in both color and graphic quality. And because their scale was often large, they are bold works of art for any room. I recently scored a pair of antique charts from Germany that depicts marine life and amphibious subjects like frogs. They are perfectly suited to the room of my son, “the little tadpole.”

NYC Subway Rolls - sold; Other rolls available

Transportation
Mass transit and easy access to travel in the 20th century created the need for signage and lots of it. Signs were often colorful with large font type in order to communicate direction to drivers and passengers. They would advise travelers where to go and keep order for the masses that were moving about.

One popular trend turning up recently in restaurants and homes are the use of long destination rolls as wall art. These graphic black-and-white signs would announce stops to passengers on subways and buses. They are a funky nod to the past and I have one at the end of a long hallway in my home. Now, if only to find one for the entry that cautions “Slow Down, Speed Zone Ahead.”

Not So Close To The Sea Shore....

2011-07-03T06:50:00.000-07:00

I am 1,324 miles from the Hamptons, a four-hour flight to Malibu and half a world away from the south of France. But these are the places that consume the mind of this landlocked Midwesterner who is longing for azure waters, soft white sand and bleached homes that have been perfectly kissed by the sun.

So as I find myself in the thick of summer, I want to translate my interiors to a coastal vibe that allows me to escape to a destination that is not so far away. Some designers swear off using beach or nautical themes in homes that, well, aren’t on the water. And while I tend to agree that authenticity should play a central role in design, a bit of the outdoors can certainly be fun to bring indoors for the season. Short of throwing sand on the floors, give it try.

BEACHCOMBER
I love the beauty of items that the ocean delivers from the deep. Placing sea fans, coral and driftwood in crusty antique garden urns and vintage silver loving cups makes for instant impact. I also arrange old sea glass balls that escaped from fishermen’s nets into old wood trencher bowls. I recently turned a pair of weathered wooden buoys into lamps. I find that using these simple installations can create visual interest without trying to pretend my home is 50 feet from the shore.

BIG SPLASH
I recently found a fantastic vintage locker shelf unit complete with baskets — it is fashionably filled with towels, books, art supplies and host sundries that need a place to call home. This is where form and function meet in earnest, and to a Type A personality like me, that’s pretty swell.

ROW YOUR BOAT
I have a large collection of boat oars and constantly find a new way to install and display these in the store. For this season, I have placed a dozen of them — paddle side up — in a large, white Nantucket basket. It’s as if they were just hanging out in the boathouse waiting for the rowing team. Another fun display is to suspend them from the ceiling or place them in pairs on a large wall for instant artwork. I have also used them over windows to hang sailcloth panels.

INDOOR HAMMOCK
On hot summer days I like to retreat inside to the comforts of cushy furniture with cool fabrics. One of my favorite spaces is our family room, which is filled with white slipcovered furniture and arranged on an over-scaled sisal rug. I will officially go on the record and say that not only is this a timeless look, it gets the wear-and-tear of my three active children, who are often in possession of chocolate chip cookies. The effect of washing them over time makes them all the more appealing. Toss some bold, striped accent pillows in place and grab a book — nothing is more refreshing than that after a day in the sun.

Happy 4th of July!

2011-07-02T12:36:00.000-07:00

Best wishes for a safe and happy Independence Day everyone!

This Land Was Made For You & Me

2011-05-15T06:36:00.000-07:00

Words: Steve Rogers
Photo: Roy Inman
Kansas City Star: 5/15/11

Baseball, apple pie and Route 66 — it doesn’t get much more American than that. Many songs have so aptly penned the beauty of our native land in words and verse. Our rich heritage, our treasured freedom, the vast topography from west to east and the melting pot that makes us one nation.

So it got me thinking about those things that are unique and influential within the American landscape. From the signs that beckoned travelers to the carnival games that lined the midway at the state fair. A handmade soap box derby car, ice cream from the local drug store soda fountain or weekend camping at the lake — these are the things that made my childhood, and bring a smile to my face as I associate them with the past.

There are many things that can fall into the classification of Americana, often with patriotism and nostalgia playing defining roles. The latter seems to be cropping up in recent finds I’ve made for the store in addition to design playing out in the homes of my clients. We all like to identify and connect to our past (think Facebook). Here are some elements of Americana that can play center stage right in your own home.

ROAD TRIP
Remember when “vacation” was an overnight at the Holiday Inn or sleeping bags in the Grand Canyon? I bet there are a few of you with a stash of ashtrays or hand towels monogrammed with the Ramada crest (you know who you are). Remember that flashing neon “vacancy” sign? Wouldn’t that look terrific over a fireplace mantle to perk the room up a bit?

SODA JERK
Although I’m not quite 40, I did make many trips to Palace Drug Store in my hometown for a cherry cola (three cherries, please). I can still picture the old apothecary bottles that lined the store shelves, holding the various compounds within reach of the drug store pharmacist. Today I use these bottles for an artful arrangement on bookshelves and in the bathroom for all the small catchalls.

OLD HOLLYWOOD
“Wizard of Oz” is part of my earliest memories. I spent countless summer days tucked into a sumptuous velvet theater seat for an afternoon matinee. I recently hauled some away for a client’s home theater. Next up are classic movie posters to line the wall. Popcorn, anyone?

WOOD SHOP
Well, I can officially kick myself for never taking shop class. I am always on the hunt for great wood boxes, carvings and crude furniture that is best defined as outsider art. If you were an American boy growing up in the ’50s or ’60s, there is a good chance you made your share of it.

CARNIVAL
There is something magical about the transition of summer to autumn and the opportunity to visit the local fair. Funnel cakes, ring toss and balloon-dart throw are within reach of every fairgoer. As a test of my skills, I knocked down countless punk dolls and shot many crossbows only to haul away a new treasure. These relics are turning up as great touches in home décor and are especially fun in a kid’s room.

So whether you grew up rural or urban, humble or affluent, chances are you have experienced a little bit of Americana. Woody Guthrie put it best: “This land is your land, this land is my land, this land was made for you and me.”

Designer Playlist: Spring Edition

2011-03-27T05:25:00.000-07:00

I am fascinated by the precepts of design: what has influenced whom and how it developed a consumer trend for how we collect, decorate and live. Ralph Lauren in particular comes to mind. He has a take on the American lifestyle that is as romantic coastal life as it is up-town Manhattan penthouse. His images can evoke charm, sophistication, ruggedness all captured in an aesthetic you can take to the bank.

How about Rachel Ashwell? She is the one who brought us “Shabby Chic,” the trend in cottage living. Oh, and then there is Axel Vervoordt – we can thank him for his washed-out, colorless but pleasing interiors that are currently all the rage.

Each of these designers has created his or her own formidable “play list” that is their signature style and brand. So it had me thinking about the choices I’ve been making in the design and appointment of my own home. It’s also the driving influence for what I select for my shop. So here are a few songs from my own personal play list, several that are inspired by the warmer weather just around the corner.

“Walk This Way”: I live in world of hard-wood surfaces and nothing warms them up and creates a finishing touch quite like rugs. Cotton with color and pattern will soon stretch out for the season.

“Light at the End of This Tunnel”: I don’t skimp on lamps, sconces or chandeliers and candlelight is the ultimate. Outdoor lanterns flickering in the spring breeze, nothing beats that.

“Wide Open Spaces”: Spring is around the corner and yard work too. Home is where the heart is and I can say the same for the garden.

“White Noise”: Food just looks better when served on simple white dishware. English Ironstone, it’s a classic.

“You’re So Vain”: Mirrors reflect light and open up a room. Sure you can see yourself, too.

“I’ll Be There For You”: The open arms of a worn leather club chair – enough said.

“Table for 12”: I’ve never met a farm table I didn’t love. The bigger the better. Long benches comfortably accommodate the crowd.

“Hold Me, Hold Me”: Baskets, crates trunks and anything else that can catch the clutter of my life.

“Imagine”: This is my personal dedication to you…just think of all the possibilities!

Spring at Peruvian Connection + Prize....

2011-03-14T12:04:00.000-07:00

We have literally turned our store on its head as we have been busy resetting for our spring collection. Here are some behind the scenes "snaps" as we are putting things together.

I'm also off to Round Top, TX next week for my twice-annual pilgrimage and will continue to fill the shop with terrific, one-of-a-kind antiques and accessories. Come visit us soon:

Peruvian Connection + Prize
4725 Wyandotte
Kansas City, MO 64112
816.960.4959

Form Meets Function....

2011-01-30T05:48:00.000-08:00

Form meets function in my home-office solution, which features vintage organizers and bins and a large antique farm table with enough work surface to accommodate the entire family. (Photo: Roy Inman)

OK, call it a resolution. I’m just a tad overwhelmed by stuff, so the new year seems a fitting time for organization. There are stores dedicated to it, publications with a sole focus on it and people who make it their job to help us manage it better.

While the creative intersection of organization and design can seem challenging, it’s actually an opportunity to blend the two into a statement-making environment. When I buy antiques and vintage goods for my shop, it’s not always for the provenance or value of the items, but rather sometimes for the utilitarian purposes they can serve. I determine how to enlist these goods as foot soldiers in the war on clutter.

A SECOND CLOSET
Coats, shoes and book bags are always like stray animals around my house. There are lots of them, and they never seem to have a place to call their own. Because we are in an older home, closet space is minimal, so we’ve had to get creative without sacrificing on style. Our dilemma was solved when we recently located a sturdy, 19th-century English bamboo hall tree that was roomy enough to accommodate our family of five. It sits right off our entry-way as a reminder to put things in their place.

Another great solution is using old dressing-room lockers to stand in as extra capacity for bulky dry goods. These are common finds at antique markets or such sites as eBay and Etsy. With a little sanding and paint, they are fun yet practical closet-space extensions.

OFFICE WITHIN REACH
The sight of desk clutter just brings me to my knees. No matter how many desk and drawer organizers we used, things seemed to just continue piling up. It’s as if no one realized the desk had any drawers. So I purchased a large antique French farm table and made it the new location of our home office.

I used antique glassware, metal bins and wire baskets to organize the small objects. With all the necessary accoutrements within sight and reach, we had both plenty of workspace and a stylishly organized solution. We even applied magnetic and chalkboard paint to the facing wall to keep shopping lists and important dates handy. It’s also a place to hang special artwork.

KITCHEN DUTY
I’m starting to think our kitchen has more inventory than Williams-Sonoma as we find ourselves wading in gadgets and service pieces. It’s the one room that works overtime in our home, so things must have their place. I’m a big fan of open shelving, where things are both accessible and visible. It’s important to arrange them for function, but it also means they become display pieces, and it can be tricky to pull this off without looking cluttered.

We started by discarding unsightly plastic ware and purchased nice but inexpensive glasses, dishes and cutlery at chain retailers and at antique shops that would be within reach. They don’t always match, but that’s the charm of collecting and editing. Baskets, overhead pot racks and counter caddies are also great sentinels.

And don’t neglect the pantry or refrigerator, because there are organizing tools that help keep tabs on what you have so you don’t let things spoil or expire before you’ve had a chance to use them. I resolve to live a little better this year by keeping both things and perspective in their place.

I've Been Away....

2011-01-25T13:26:00.001-08:00

So you can see that I've been away for a bit...all intentional, really. So I wish I could tell you that I've just been reclining with a good read and surrounded by some wonderful artwork. Nope, I've been working on a new store concept, preparing to relaunch the Prize brand online and doing some serious antique buying.

Just wanted to check in and let you know that some good things are just worth the wait...

Home of the American painter John Dowd in Provincetown for Elle Decor. Carlos Mota stylist. Photo by William Waldron.

Video Tour of Peruvian Connection + Prize

2010-12-21T09:43:00.000-08:00

Religious Art & Antiques

2010-12-12T05:35:00.001-08:00

18th century nativity figures of Joseph, Mary and the infant Jesus.

Kansas City Star, 12.12.10
Words by Steve Rogers
Photo by Roy Inman

So it began more than two millennia ago with the arrival of a man known to many as Jesus of Nazareth. Endeared as the Messiah and God’s chosen one to more than 2 billion Christians worldwide, his legacy is celebrated in pageantry, annual holidays and art.

Various forms of art ranging from sculpture to paintings to architecture and metalwork capture moments during his 33 years of life on Earth. From his birth in a stable to gatherings with disciples and even his violent death on a wooden cross, artists have captured the essence of Jesus in daily life.

Although religious art and antiques are not limited to Christianity, they are highly sought after for personal collections as well as displays in museums. Having toured many beautiful churches and cathedrals, I am always struck by the wonderful carvings and artwork that are on display and placed into service. Though the art itself is not the object of worship for Christians, is does create a mood of reverence for gathering worshippers, helping them to focus on the narrative of the message.

Although Protestant, I grew up with a strong heritage of Catholic observers on my mom’s side of the family. I attended many Masses and was intrigued with the beautiful icons and religious reliquaries in my grandparents’ church. At home they had wonderful statues of the Madonna, the Christ child and various saints. I still cherish a carved rosary they purchased for me on a trip to Ireland.

And though I’m no religious scholar or critic of art, I do have a great appreciation for the emotions artwork can deliver.

SANTOS
Santos, Spanish for “saints,” are figural carvings that depicted angels, saints and religious figures like Jesus. Often found in wooden form, these religious images were a product of the Catholic Church and were used to convert indigenous peoples to Catholicism. They were popular items used in both home altars and churches. Such high demand for them was placed on the Vatican by church parishes that unauthorized versions came into play. But they in no way diminish their value or collectability.

ROSARIES

Rosaries, Latin for “garlands of roses,” are prayer beads used to count the succession of prayers that make up the rosary. A traditional Catholic practice, the prayers are sequenced and followed by a meditation recalling the life of Jesus Christ. Rosary beads are specific in number but come in various materials ranging from wood to glass. A favorite in my personal collection is an oversized rosary made of hand-formed copper beads.

CRUCIFIX

The Crucifix is arguably the most universal symbol in all of Christianity. It is a four-point cross and represents the sacrificial hanging and death of Jesus Christ for which his body of believers are redeemed for eternal life. The Crucifix may appear with or without the representation of Jesus’ body — without symbolizes his resurrection over death, an important doctrine in Christianity. Crucifixes are often a central visual reference point in church buildings.

PAINTINGS

Paintings are the most common form of religious art today. From the ceiling of the Sistine Chapel, where Michelangelo depicted the hand of God bringing life to Adam, to Leonardo da Vinci’s “The Last Supper,” which portrays Jesus Christ in a final meal with his disciples before his death, canvases of art hang in galleries and museums in addition to personal collections all over the world.

Here is a trivial tidbit you can even take with you to your next holiday mixer. One of the 10 most expensive paintings ever sold on the market was Peter Paul Rubens’ religious work “Massacre of the Innocents.” It sold for $76 million at a Sotheby’s auction in 2002.

This brings us to the end of our history lesson and the year 2010. Here is to wishing you a Merry Christmas and Happy New Year.

Bring The Outdoor Into The Indoors This Holiday

2010-12-06T10:09:00.000-08:00

Had some fun with Loren Halifax on Kansas City's FOX 4 Morning Show. So get out there and haul in some evergreen and berries straight from nature! It's easy, cheap and looks great.

Tune In....

2010-12-05T10:31:00.000-08:00

Tomorrow morning I will be sharing decorating ideas for the holidays. If you are local, tune in at 8:20a to Kansas City's FOX 4 Morning Show. It will be a fun take on bringing the outdoors into the indoors for the season. Hope you will join me!

Humbled Beginnings

2010-11-14T03:56:00.000-08:00

Kansas City Star, 11.14.10

Words by Steve Rogers

Photo by Roy Inman

With the passing of one season into another, I become reflective and think about all the things that I have to be grateful for. My family and friends, solid health, a good job, a warm meal….you know the list and these things are certainly not trivial in the least.

It also gets me to thinking about the beginnings of our ancestors, their basic needs and how items were pressed into service for their function versus their form. When the first Thanksgiving table was set, I can only imagine that the items were simple, hand-crafted and created for utilitarian purpose and daily use.

As generations began to hand things down to the next an appreciation began to occur. It just so happens that some of my favorite items are the essence of humbled beginnings. Once a thing of basics, now items that are treasured.

FOLK ART
There is something so humbling and basic about folk art - art that is often created by indigenous cultures or laboring tradesman. The primary function often serves as utilitarian and decorative rather than purely aesthetic and in many ways the forms are simple and not overly-adorned. Today these items are best classified as old trade signs, tramp art, portraits and carved figures. Tramp art is especially beautiful as layers of wood are carved upon layers of wood creating very graphic and textural art. Often found as frames and boxes, sailors would return home from time at sea with these items as gifts for their loved ones.

MERCURY GLASS
Silvered glass, also known as mercury glass, was a trade of the Victorians in mid-1800’s in addition to production in Germany and the Czech Republic. Glass was blown by hand, silvered with a solution, heated and then closed. They are often found as bowls, goblets, vases and candlesticks and while highly decorative, it once was considered “poor man’s” silver for those classes that could not afford proper silver for the table. Today it is collected for its inherent artistic value rather than for utilitarian use.

LEDGERS
The early days of accounting and record keeping were done not on the latest software package, but in over-sized, leather bound books. Substantial in size, they could hold a year’s worth of accounts received and paid. While the binding and color of these books are beautiful on the outside, the penmanship on the inside of these century old record logs are beautiful to the eye. I often find volumes that are on hard times and will use the pages as a stunning backdrop for artwork or as lining for the back of a bookcase.

GRAIN SACKS
Gunny sacks are as humble as they come. Inexpensive and often made of linen, flax and burlap they were traditionally used for transporting grains and agricultural products to market. These bags often have various stripes, colors and writing to determine which family it belonged to. Beloved for their natural fibers they now serve as table covers, decorative pillows and window covers.

Whether glamorous or humble, in solitude or in the company of others, at home or on the road – here is to wishing you peace, health and love for a wonderful Thanksgiving.

Reach Steve Rogers, co-developer of Prize + Peruvian Connection on the Country Club Plaza, at steve@prizeantiques.com or www.prizeantiques.com

This Just In....

2010-11-10T04:58:00.001-08:00

With the opening of our new retail location on the Country Club Plaza, I've had a moment to find, reset and place some new goodies into inventory at the West Bottoms showroom.

Be Our Guest!

2010-11-08T11:56:00.001-08:00

You are invited to be our guest as we celebrate the the launch of an exciting collaboration with Peruvian Connection. Eat, drink and feast your eyes on an irresistible array of artisan-made apparel and extraordinary found objects.

Thursday, November 11th
5 to 8 pm
4725 Wyandotte

Kansas City Country Club Plaza
Country Club Plaza • 4725 Wyandotte • Kansas City, Missouri

*10% of the evening’s proceeds will be donated to the Women’s Employment Network

Peruvian Connection + Prize

2010-10-21T05:43:00.001-07:00

Peruvian Connection + Prize

Kansas City Country Club Plaza

4725 Wyandotte

Kansas City, MO

816-960-4959

I may have hinted earlier that a really amazing collaboration is taking place. Prize is partnering with Peruvian Connection for the holiday's with a new store on Kansas City's Country Club Plaza...opening November 1.

Peruvian Connection's stunning artisan-made apparel will mix with extraordinary found objects from Prize...we think you will be pleased. Here is a very quick peek at some of the merchandise that is rolling in....

Finds From Around The Globe - In Texas

2010-10-18T12:19:00.000-07:00

The Round Top Antiques Fair in Texas influences America’s tastemakers. These were some of Steve Rogers’ recent finds. He makes the trip each year. "

Kansas City Star Design Notebook: 10.17.10

Words by: Steve Rogers

Photo by: Roy Inman

There are things you must experience for yourself: an espresso at a Parisian cafe, strolling through the Victoria & Albert museum in London, college football between two big rivals, making waffles with your kids — and shopping at the famous Original Round Top Antiques Fair.

I’m like a giddy child on Christmas Eve while anticipating this shopping adventure in Round Top, Texas.

Weeks of orchestrated planning go into this trip: booking rooms and transportation, contacting dealers and ensuring that my bank account is ready for action. Just as Objet de Maison is the event in Europe for setting the latest trends in home fashion, you will spot the who’s who of American design in Texas. From Ralph Lauren’s and Tommy Hilfiger’s designers to Rachel Ashwell and Mark Sage (a force and influence behind the new look at Restoration Hardware), this town of 77 swells to thousands who converge to buy, trade, sell and define the next trends for American home fashion.

Designing is a combinations game and is really about the infusion of varying looks to create a style. Style comes from influences found across the globe, and personally, I like a little bit of everything. So when more than 5,000 antique dealers from all over the world descend, something good is sure to happen. It’s best described as hitting almost every continent in a 20-square-mile radius — without a passport.

Antiques week happens twice a year and is actually a two-week stretch of shows during the spring and fall. Some are in barn-like structures and air-conditioned tents and others are in open fields and rolling meadows. It may rain or it may be hot, but these are only minor concerns. If you were to classify shoppers on a sliding scale of casual to hard-core, I’d fall in the latter. I don’t meander from place to place but run with all the gumption I have. I’m up and at it by 6 a.m. and can be found shopping by flashlight at 8 p.m.

I travel light and always have a cup of coffee. My other trappings include a BlackBerry, handy to record notes such as where I’ve purchased and left items. I use its camera to snap and send photos to clients, and the BlackBerry is a place to keep measurements for special pieces I need to find. Many dealers will take checks and credit cards, but I find that cash can always sweeten the deal.

The fall show proved to be everything I anticipated. I found amazing artifacts and religious icons from a dealer in Madrid, wonderful French apothecary bottles from a dealer in Brussels, a 19th century pastry table and an early American trade sign with patina and paint that no one could ever reproduce. And I found it all in Texas.

French Country Reinvented

2010-10-07T05:32:00.000-07:00

This blog is a must visit....next time you are in France you should also pop by! The shopkeepers were featured in French Country Style at Home. This is truly where life meets lifestyle.

A tout à l'heure!

Just Some Stuff From Texas....

2010-09-29T16:35:00.000-07:00

A Dose Of Parisian Market In Texas....

2010-09-26T08:30:00.001-07:00

Okay, so here is what I have learned. You really no longer need a passport to shop for wonderful continental antiques and art...just go to Texas. And, not only for antiques but great inspiration too and you will meet some wonderful people along the way.

I set out at the break of dawn on Thursday and by Saturday I had filled a large truck to the brim...literally (pics of that soon). So here are some atmosphere shots for now:

More tomorrow as I begin unloading the truck! Come visit next weekend at Bottoms Up as we will be open from from 10-5 on Friday & Saturday. Also opening on the KC Country Club Plaza on November 1 and will be holding some amazing stuff back...there is plenty to go around! ;-)

Gone To Texas....

2010-09-22T07:43:00.000-07:00

Well, my bags are packed and I'm off for antique week in Texas. Check in for pics and postings!

Create Uncommon Beauty From Common Things

2010-09-20T04:39:00.000-07:00

The Victorians loved domes and used them as encasements to protect items that were cherished and of sentimental value.

[Photo: Roy Inman]

Sometimes it’s the common objects that turn my head. Not because they are common, but because of how they are presented. Think about the last time you were tooling around a gallery or museum. Lighting, placement, groupings and context are the essence of grabbing your attention.

On the other side are curators who have been deliberate about the artwork and objects they have selected for your viewing pleasure. This is not an uncommon approach in retail, either. Shop owners and merchants alike have narrowed in on a story they want to tell you — it’s called merchandising. Some do it well, some do it even better. The best merchandising practices are now carried into the home.

I am a fan of fewer and more meaningful things in my life. I like order, balance and cohesion. Here are some ways I accomplish the effect.

DOMES
Glass domes have been around for centuries. The Victorians loved them and used them as encasements to protect items that were cherished and of sentimental value. Everything from locks of hair to a child’s christening gown.

Today these antique domes are being repurposed with new content. They become fascinating with almost any arrangement: books, religious relics, medical implements or sea life.

STANDS
Another element that brings visual interest to collections is the use of stands. The key to execution is to do groupings; I prefer odd numbers. Stands can be repurposed from architectural elements like finials and decorative orbs from the tops of old iron fence posts.

I’ve even seen a set of vintage marble ink wells that were used as the base for antique gilded architectural fragments from Italy. These would have been tossed in yesterday’s garbage but now have become an instant collection of art. Fabricated bases also can be custom-built, and I recommend using a professional installer, as weight and scale are important to the overall support of the object.

FRAMES
Framing artwork is really meant to set off the art, but often the frames become the art, too. I never hesitate to buy an empty frame because I know it will soon serve its purpose. I love the idea of framing something completely ordinary with an over-the-top frame.

Let’s take my children’s artwork for example, which quickly piles up. I’ve taken an assortment of drawings, paintings and works in various mediums (like construction paper) and have created a wall of outsider art with multiple individual frames that are easy to swap out.

LIGHTING
Nothing creates focus like lighting, and there are many options when it comes to using illumination on art and objects. Gallery lighting and ceiling cans are particularly good, but there are other solutions to consider where the lighting becomes art itself.

I like to use antique apothecary lamps and vintage task lamps to call attention to an arrangement of objects. Using a low-watt bulb, such as 15 or 25, creates a glow and brings visual attention to an object.

Anticipation...It's The Best!

2010-09-10T16:47:00.000-07:00

Okay...go with with me here. Think about what makes you so excited that you lose sleep. Remember the night before Christmas? The morning before you pulled out of your driveway with your family for vacation? The first day before a new school year. Well, for me it's antique week in Texas! I'm headed there in just two short weeks and ready to make a haul for Prize! Last year was amazing and I can only expect that it will be another treasure hunt.

I have many favorite people and places and can't wait to meet up again. Those open fields, over-flowing tents and decked-out barns with their treasures-in-waiting.

There are the common things I'll be looking for (white ironstone among them), but it's the unknown that awaits...the great hunt.

I'll be posting pics as I go and the 20ft truck will return to Kansas City on September 29!

Getting To Know You....

2010-09-01T05:02:00.002-07:00

Thank you to Cisley Thummel and the good folks at 435 South Magazine for including me in your September issue! What didn't make it in this issue is the breaking news that Prize will be opening a holiday location and a whole new concept on the Kansas City Country Club Plaza. More on that later!

Words By: Cisley Thummel
Local interior design devotees who’ve decided there’s nothing new under the sun might want to take a second look, just over the Kansas City skyline and a bit to the west.

The creative stars have aligned, and finally they’re not just twinkling over L.A. or New York City. Beauty and sophistication are shining a bright, new light over our beloved not-so-cow town. Leading the way is Steve Rogers, owner of Prize Antiques, co-developer of the new monthly Bottoms Up Antiques event and procurer of darn good stuff for house and home.

Although he’d tell you he’s simply a shopkeeper, Rogers has been shaking up the Kansas City interior design scene for several years now. Sprint marketing guru by day, collector of vintage treasures by nights and weekends, Rogers’ polite Midwestern sensibility might lead him to downplay the fact that he’s beginning to draw attention from design lovers on both coasts. His signature style is impossible to miss yet delightfully difficult to pigeonhole; walk through his new 3,000-square-foot showroom in the West Bottoms and you’ll feel transported through time and place, transformed by seeing old things used in newly exquisite ways.

“I’ve always been moved by things that are old—especially handmade things that haven’t been retouched since they were created,” says Rogers, who revels most in objects that connect us to history and each other. “I love taking things that were created for one purpose long ago and using them for an entirely different one that fits our lifestyle today.”

Perpetually stocked with a juxtaposition of pieces mixing European with primitive and refined with industrial, Prize Antiques seems simultaneously to set and transcend trend.

Long before Restoration Hardware was mass-producing coffee tables from reclaimed wood, Rogers was fashioning lamps from vintage French bottles paired with concrete finials and creating framed art from collages of mid-19th century ledgers and bank notes. He imports antique lecterns with school-worn patina from Scandinavia to use as desks or display pieces, and he retrofits scrolling ironwork from European churches with wall mirrors. He upholsters furniture and creates table runners with the natural fibers from old Belgian grain sacks.

And although his style is green-friendly, the end products of Rogers’ work seem too aesthetically pleasing to be called recycling. His attitude about buying and selling his goods is too joyful to call it business.

It’s no wonder that Rogers sees himself as more of a “curator” than collector. Rogers seems to personify the word derived from the Latin “to care,” feeling a responsibility to select items that speak into the lives of his customers rather than just adorn their homes.

“In the end, it’s not just about the possessions,” he says. “It’s about how they help you live your life and share it with others.”

Steve Rogers, owner of Prize Antiques, in his own words:

About his background and inspirations: I grew up in the small town of Sallisaw, Okla., near Tulsa. We had a close family but my upbringing was hardly global. So when I travelled to Paris and London in my early 20s, I was moved by what I saw: objects that were old, unique and made by hand.

But sometimes what people don’t realize is that you don’t have to travel to Europe to find inspiration—it can be anywhere, in shops and even on blogs. My wife and I were just on a trip and stopped at a schoolyard in Bella Vista, Ark., to let our kids play. The architecture on the school building was amazing—what’s fun is finding that unexpected beauty.

His hard-to-describe style: I would say “eclectic,” but it’s a term that’s so overused that it’s lost some of its meaning. I’m not a purist because I love so many different periods—for instance I’ll mix mid-century with refined country. For me it’s about how everything lives together and how handmade objects tell their own stories. Right now I’ve got a strong Belgian influence, but my style is always growing and changing.

What people don’t understand about decorating: I think some people just use their homes to impress others without really giving any thought to what inspires them personally. Think about what moves you: is it a piece of art, a style of furniture, a certain period of time? Don’t just buy anything and then have it end up in next year’s garage sale.

Misconceptions about antiques: They’re not supposed to be stuffy or boring. Antiques really are there to give us a unique point of view. To borrow a phrase from Traditional Home magazine, you can have classic taste with modern living. Antiques aren’t just about your grandma’s Victorian sofa anymore.

Speaking of grandma’s Victorian sofa: I’m not a big believer in what I call “sacred furniture.” Sure, you can pick and choose a few pieces of furniture from a family collection, but be judicious and don’t take it unless you love it. You don’t want to get weighed down by someone else’s life.

Favorite objects right now: I’ve got this old stage light that was used in Hollywood productions. You couldn’t make a knock-off of it even if you wanted to . . . it’s got this great riveted brass and I shine it on artwork. My favorite things at Prize right now are Santos pieces. They’re 18th-century hand-carved Jesus figures made of polychrome wood, and they look great under glass domes. I think a lot of us connect to religious imagery.

Inside his own house: My kids are one, three, and five years old, so it’s not overly-styled. It’s a clean, neutral interior—and no, it’s not just beige—with white slipcovers, plus a lot of sisal and other natural fibers around. I’ve put in custom bookcases and chosen a few big, over-sized pieces instead of a lot of small things.

His customers: I think the folks who are ready for what I offer are the ones who’ve decided they want to curate their homes. You’ve got to really know yourself and what you want out of your lifestyle. In the midst of your busy life, it’s great to invest with purpose in your home. A good way to get there is to look around your house and ask yourself, “If I had to [decorate] over again, what would I really choose?”

What people say about Prize: Some of the adjectives people have used to describe the store are calming, curated and well edited. My favorite comment is “I could move in here.”

Motto: It’s the two-phrase criteria I use for everything I buy and sell: Pleasing to the eye. Joyful to the heart.

Steve Rogers on entertaining:

Think simple: There’s nothing worse than a stressed-out host or hostess who doesn’t get to enjoy their own gathering, so keep it simple. With three children five years old and younger, my wife and I have to do this! We put the kids to bed, invite a few neighbors over, and then do what’s easy: buy some nice cheeses and bread, throw a flank steak on the grill and mix a fallback signature cocktail.

Think fresh: Use whatever foods are in season and you’re sure to please. In the summer we grow a salsa garden with tomatoes, peppers, and cilantro always on hand to make fresh salsa, along with fresh mint for mojitos.

Get creative with décor: I love using old breadboards in place of serving dishes or even as chargers underneath dinner plates. Don’t be afraid to bring ‘inside’ furniture outside—I used a pole to hang an antique chandelier over our eating area.

Lowlight: Use only 25 watt light bulbs; candles or votives can you give all the ambiance you need.

Shop at Bottoms Up

The brainchild of Steve Rogers and Gwen McClure, the monthly Bottoms Up Antique Market offers antique and vintage finds from some of Kansas City’s best dealers.

What: Shop furniture, home décor, jewelry and more in more than 15,000 square feet of warehouse in Kansas City’s historic West Bottoms. Enjoy coffee and goodies from Natasha’s Mulberry & Mott.

When: The first Friday and Saturday of every month from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.

Where: 1200 West 12th Street in Kansas City. From downtown Kansas City, it’s just over the 12th Street Bridge.

Design Principles To Make Your Home Feel More Like Home

2010-08-23T05:14:00.000-07:00

Cohesion, order and balance are the three design principles I strive to live by. However, I have to say with three kids younger than 5 running through our home, this has not recently been the case. We’ve been pummeled by toys and lots of molded plastic and have neglected the aesthetic and harmony of our interior.

So after a recent intervention, I emptied almost every room in our home to the shell in order to rethink and re-establish style for our family.

We had a lot of good things, but they weren’t necessarily in the optimal place, or they weren’t being placed into service correctly.

Before the redesign, we took an inventory of how we lived as a family, where we spent time and how we entertained in our space. Having a method to the madness has helped deliver my design principles.

An antique Italian chest and custom French bottle lamp mix among the casual elements of sisal, wicker and linen in Steve Rogers’ Overland Park home.
Photo Credit Roy Inman Kansas City Star

COHESION
Cohesion comes first in the pecking order. When we first moved into our home, we undertook serious remodeling to bring the house up-to-date. We replaced the kitchen, bathrooms and interior doors and refinished all the hardwoods.

I have to say, though, I got a little crazy with paint, and after all the good renovation work, there was just too much happening with wall color. My new rule, one color on the walls and one color on the trim, allows artwork and decor to take center stage and do the visual heavy-lifting.

This rule also applies to flooring because too many surface changes can break up the visual flow. We use lots of sisal and layer with interesting rugs, but the hardwoods anchor everything.

Lighting is also a design basic. I use dimmers and varying wattage bulbs to create lighting moods. My favorite is evening ambience; 25 watt bulbs in lamps bring calm to the kids and slow us down at the end of the day.

ORDER
When it comes to furniture, the design principle is different: I like to mix wood tones, finishes, textures and patterns to make a room come to life. I will never buy a furniture “set,” since there is little appeal in living in a furniture showroom.

This is where antiques and found objects play a vital role and create context for the room, helping to bring things into balance. I also caution on over-filling a room with furniture because it should always have a purpose (yes, even those family heirlooms).

We are a society of material possessions, and things can quickly overtake surfaces, shelves and walls. To combat the plethora of toys and books, I use large antique French market baskets to keep rooms picked up and looking pristine.

And while layering is interesting, I always resist the urge to over-layer a room and instead make large and impactful decor the focus. This design principle works well in both small and large interiors.

BALANCE
A good litmus test is to look at your interiors each season. How do they feel and function in the cold winter or hot, humid summer? I use natural fabrics and finishes that work in all seasons, and even take a nod from nature by using décor that connects the indoors with outdoors.

This also applies to seasonal decorating by using fresh greens and winter berries for holiday decorating or fresh cut tulips from the spring garden — easy and affordable. Balance means we are enjoying what we have, spending less time with clutter and distractions and more time with family and friends.

Sweet dreams....

2010-08-17T08:25:00.001-07:00

Create your own video slideshow at animoto.com.

Transformation

2010-08-16T17:14:00.001-07:00

I've been away for a bit....necessary so as to spend some time with three small children who are taking in the final days of summer before swimming pools close and text books open.

It's fun to watch my kid's - the wonderful transformation that is made as they discover, change and grow.

At 1, 3 and 6 they are in different places, doing different things.

They make me very happy and I love them...all 3.

Inspiration: Zacatecas, Mexico

2010-07-29T10:27:00.000-07:00

My friend, Annie Hurlbut, is the co-founder and creative force behind Peruvian Connection. Founded in 1976, the company's tag line is aptly penned as "artisian apparel for nomads and romantics."

While the flagship store is located in Washington DC, there are locations in Kansas City, Santa Fe and Manchester, Vermont. Pervuvian Connection is also in Henley-on-Thames in England.

All original and crafted by hand, I love the beautiful products they offer. I'm also inspired by the wonderful destinations they select as the backdrop for their collections. For Fall 2010, you are transported to Colonial Mexico. The architecture, antiques, clothing and over-all styling in this video are breathtaking. Have a look for yourself!

Designing...the combinations rule

2010-07-26T11:43:00.000-07:00

Image - unknown

Images - Ace Hotel, NYC

Image - Gramercy Park Hotel, NYC

Images - JCrew, NYC & Brian Berman

Images - Ralph Lauren, Hamptons

Loving This Chair....

2010-07-19T06:15:00.000-07:00

So this is a recent purchase from fellow antique dealers, Gwen McClure and Teri Elliot (French By Design). They snagged this on their travels to France and it caught my eye the moment it hit the showroom floor. Not only is it oversized and comfortable, the colors and textures are soothing to the eye. But don't look for this piece at Prize anytime soon as it has found a new home at the Rogers!

This script on the bottom of the chair - original and almost too sad you never see it.

Love the gray and white paint and simple ticking fabric.

Simple nail heads and a bit of understated detail to the frame.

These Would Go In My Country House.....Now To Find A Country House.

2010-07-14T11:37:00.001-07:00

Assortment of dry goods available at Prize - KC West Bottoms.

19th C. Stations Of The Cross Mirror

Pair of Club Chairs c. 1900 - SOLD

Mid 20th Century Florentine Chest & Italian Altar Stick

French Pine Lamp & Venus Garden Bust

Ironstone, Industrial Light, Glass Lab Dome & Scales from London (UK)

Vintage Photo Studio Lamp - SOLD

Summer Sound Track

2010-07-04T06:43:00.001-07:00

If pictures were songs, these would be a few that would be on my soundtrack of summer.

Vintage 48 Star Flag.

White English Urn c. 1880 (pair available).

Pair of Vintage Adirondack Chairs

Vintage galvanized metal swimming pool locker baskets.

Large 20 pound white coral chunk from Pacific Ocean.

Antique sea glass spheres in African tribal basket.

Vintage Belgian grain sacks.

Antique Bronze Letters from NYC building. c.1900

Sisters - Evie (5) & Claire (3)

Happy 4th of July!

Relics Of The Industrial Age Come Home To Roost

2010-06-27T19:42:00.000-07:00

Photo by Roy Inman, Styling by Steve Rogers

You can’t open a catalog today and not find some influence of the industrial age filling the pages. Last week alone, I received catalogs from a half dozen retailers that featured these items front and center. Consumers are snapping up these stylish objects for home décor and taking home a piece of the past.

The Industrial Revolution spanned the 18th and 19th centuries and was a turning point for how goods were made, marketed and consumed. Out of this evolved the machinery and innovation that spurred a major growth period for production of textiles, transportation and other materials used to produce durable goods.

I particularly enjoy and appreciate how these relics have been cleverly turned into home decor because they have history and provide such visual impact. Industrial interiors look especially chic when mixed with multiple styles of furniture and periods of design influence. Traditional, modern, rustic and country interiors are all good candidates for a little punch from hip factory castoffs. Many hotels and restaurants have also incorporated the look into their designs. You can make it work at home without feeling like you’re living in your dad’s workshop.

OBJECTS
Among my favorite industrial implements are antique wood foundry molds that were used for casting parts. Alone, they are sculptures and look great when mounted on an iron base. But they’re even better when grouped together as a collection. These molds range in size, and I’ve put the larger versions to use by lining the backs with mirrors for big impact.
Another favorite are bins that were designed to hold parts on assembly lines. Often made of metal or galvanized steel, these bins take on a great patina as they age. I use them at home to organize books, as storage for blankets and as a catchall for electronic cords and chargers.

FURNITURE
Industrial furniture is actually quite functional, built with durability in mind and with good looks to boot. Many industrial pieces were designed with a mix of metal and hard woods so they could take a beating. They were often set on casters so they could be easily moved across warehouse floors.

They are all the rage as coffee tables but shouldn’t be overlooked for other home uses. I recently installed a set of factory pallets into a platform-style bed and paired a collection of iron swivel stools with a primitive farm table for a client in a Crossroads loft. The items would look equally at home in the Kansas City suburbs.

LIGHTING
Factory lighting might just be the hottest design implement today. A recent search on 1stdibs.com turned up more than 200 one-of-a-kind industrial lights, many available in multiples, that make great lighting over an island or kitchen table. Holophane and wire-cage fixtures are handsome when using ferrowatt reproduction bulbs, which add moodiness to a room’s atmosphere and make both dinner and the diner look great when cast from overhead. Gooseneck lamps, trouble lights and vintage schoolhouse fixtures also are nods to the industrial interior.

For a dose of influence and to fully immerse yourself in industrial interiors, check out Ace Hotel next time you are in New York City ( www.acehotel.com/newyork).

Kansas City Star contributing writer: Steve Rogers, Prize Antiques

Read more: http://www.kansascity.com/2010/06/26/2041619/home-decorators-latch-on-to-relics.html#ixzz0s703FOkM

All Aboard!

2010-06-18T05:13:00.000-07:00

Enameled antique subway sign from London c.1900 (available at Prize)

Our girl's have been talking about their week long visit in June to their grandparent's in Oklahoma (like, since March). The train heads south tomorrow....all aboard!

Grab your bags - its on!

2010-06-11T05:05:00.000-07:00

I love campaigns - especially those that grab your emotions and excite you. I don't think Southwest Airlines could have said it any better..."Grab your bags - its on!" Happy weekend.

The Great Outdoors!

2010-06-08T18:16:00.000-07:00

So with the days getting a bit warmer and the sun out a little longer, I’ve started the process of laying out plans for my garden and outdoor entertaining space. Just as I pay attention to how I style the inside of my home, it’s just as important that the outside have the same level of care and appeal to my family. Working for my dad’s landscaping business when I was growing up gave me ingrained love for a manicured lawn. Then as I traveled to Europe over the years, I’ve developed a fondness for how people live in their outdoor spaces. These are my perennial favorites, pun intended.

CONTAINER GARDENS
I should point out I don’t have an expansive plot of land to plant and harvest. Since space is a premium, I’ve had to get creative on how to grow a practical, yet beautiful garden. I’m also keen on the idea of including my kids in gardening because they love the moments of seeing the flowers first bloom and picking fresh tomatoes off the vine. Even at their young ages, they have their own plots to manage and water.Container gardening is also a technique I love because it doesn’t demand much space. I use them for flowers, vine plants and for herbs, such as mint, that have intrusive root systems. In larger containers I like to mix annuals and vegetable plants since the textures make an interesting presentation, besides being practical.I also use urns and old terra cotta planters to create varying heights and visual interest. I even use them for seasonal planting like tulips in the spring, mums in the fall and fill them with evergreen branches and winter berries during the cold months. I’m especially happy when they are overflowing with a mix of vines, vivid flowers and sprigs of fern during the summertime. You will always find a pair of old cast iron urns flanking the entry to our home because they seem to say ‘welcome, we’re so glad you’re here!’

WIRE ETAGERES
Another element that I always use in my garden is a multi-tiered, antique English wire plant stand. These date back to the mid-1800s and have truly stood the test of time. As they rust and peel, they look even better. There are some great reproductions available on the market today that almost look like the real deal. These are great because they’re portable and hold a number of pots and have a trellis backing that allow for flowering vines to crawl and bloom. I use mine to hold herbs and little starting pots. These are also great because they keep little critters from getting to the harvest before you do

STATUARY
There are a lot of really bad, tacky garden ornaments that should never be parked in the yard. They should only be used to create visual impact, and used sparingly to prevent becoming an ornamental cement garden. I tend to opt for weathered finials, zinc-coated architectural fragments and antique Italian puttos or cherubs. They look best as they begin to age and distress and even better when they have moss and lichens. There are even techniques to expedite the aging process by applying dairy products, like buttermilk, right to the statuary.

FURNITURE
Summertime on my block brings out the masses. Our backyard becomes a hub of activity and impromptu gatherings where more furniture is needed than a few tables and chairs. I like to use small vintage benches and old French café chairs to accommodate guests. These store nicely and can take the outdoor elements. Just as you would opt for the most comfortable furniture inside, don’t sell yourself short outdoors. Toss in some cushions and pillows. And on cool evenings, a cotton throw can do the trick.

Happy summer time!

Scored - Weekend Treasures!

2010-05-23T05:01:00.000-07:00

19th Century English Chest of Drawers (c. 1870)

19th Century Double Retablo of Remedy and Purity (c. 1800)

19th Century Chinese Import Bowl (c. 1800)

Continental Handcarved Pine Capital c. 1900

Continental Apothecary Jar w/ Handpainted Reverse Glass c. 1880

Heavy Cast Iron Mortar Vase c. 1890

Have A Seat!

2010-05-14T06:00:00.001-07:00

Eye Candy.....

2010-05-11T06:07:00.000-07:00

Good Design - Get Out There And Find It!

2010-05-10T12:48:00.001-07:00

So by now you've probably heard of Keith Johnson, the front man on the Sundance Channel's "Man Shops Globe." Or you've seen some of his selections at your local Anthropologie store. He unearths the kind of global finds that make your knees buckle and heart swoon. Johnson leads us from market stalls throughout Europe to a colorful bazaar in Tunisia, where there is something old and amazing waiting for discovery.

I know about this all too well as I've been scouring the globe for antiques and objets d'arte for the past 15 years. There is so much inspiration from a found object with a storied history that makes it all the more appealing.

Let's face it: old things are cool and have become the hip implements you see in design catalogs today. There is a reason that such relics and artifacts are showing up in the latest store catalogs - because they are far more interesting than the hand-rubbed reproductions they are trying to get you to buy. My case in point, just notice how the props are never for sale.

Now don't get me wrong. Not all things new or reproduced are disinteresting or repugnant. It's just that sometimes they lack luster and patina that only comes with age. Sure, there is a market for everything and everyone, but I encourage my clients to build a collection that evolves over time and doesn't end up in next year's neighborhood yard sale. Mix up and layer one-of-a-kind antiques and vintage goods that lend the necessary kind of visual appeal to mellow the new tinge of home goods. Here's how to get started:

-Take an inventory of everything you love and want to keep in your home. If it doesn't pass the test, it's time for the spring yard sale, Ebay or Goodwill.
-Thumb through your favorite magazines, blogs and travel photos. Keep tear sheets of things that inspire you.
-Build a story board and make a list of all the things you need to accomplish your look.
-Finally, and this is the best part – get out there and start hunting.

Work with your unique collections just as a curator would when pulling together an exhibit. Stage it, edit and re-edit and let something go when you find something better. Think of it this way, your home tells a story and the best stories have a solid narrative and unique subjects. What does your home say?