The front hall at Fox Hall (c. 1803), features two handsome mahogany doors. Above the doors, two French porcelain urns are placed as decorative elements.
I imagine you must have some unique pieces of porcelain displayed or tucked away somewhere in your residence that you are not presently using? Or how about ones you can reconfigure in an exclusive and unexpected place? Let’s chat about how to present them in a uniquely, memorable way! Quiet and subtle, yet uncommon decorative details, bring a sense of individuality to your interiors, contributing to an inviting atmosphere. They also whisper your personality.
My house, Fox Hall (c. 1803), has lovely wood trim, moldings, and historic decorative embellishments, which is precisely why I have an attraction and great appreciation for historic houses. Nearly twenty years ago, my husband and I purchased two French 19th-century porcelain urns. Initially, I thought I would place them on the Philadelphia chest in the front hall. The radiant yellow was lively, and the cobalt blue hinted at the background color of our Chinese rug. Once they were sitting on the chest, I stepped back to admire them. Then, I looked up, and... aha! I quickly dashed to find the tall step ladder and toddled up with one urn grasped between both hands. Alleluia! Both of them JUST happened to fit, within a gnat's eyelash! There, in the middle of the two pediments above the living room doors, is where these urns have remained, ever since. This is what I mean: think outside of the box and look around your residence for a unique place to display your porcelain!
If you have some “amusing” pieces of porcelain, think of a new destination for them to rest as well. A pair of foo dogs became mine when I was a child living in Taipei, Taiwan. I begged my parents for a dog. So, they bought me a pair of dogs that just happened to be... ceramic. Yes, creative parents! They were my puppies for a while until I relentlessly convinced my parents to purchase “Miss Mischief,” a cute puppy from the neighbor’s litter next door. I shall always cherish my pair of foo dogs. They hopped up on top of the American highboy, and have remained there, snarling at guests entering the front door at Fox Hall. To make them less intimidating, I occasionally feed their ferocious mouths with a pink flower blossom or a sprig of holly at Christmas. Not many guests ever notice them, but they continue to bring such joy to me every time I see them perched smugly, up high, and oh so mighty!
Today, one of my foo dogs is perched on the edge of the highboy with a dab of poster board putty on his paws to hold him in place. He proudly snarls with a pink azalea blossom clenched within his fierce teeth.
A smart interior design practice that I have observed repeatedly in elegantly traditional houses, as well as in noble European residences, is the time-honored practice of featuring porcelain on top of significantly tall pieces of furniture. When a large piece of porcelain is placed atop substantial furniture, the porcelain contributes and enhances the overall composition. From a highboy, desk, chest, or bookcase, placing a porcelain piece on top adds a graceful focal point, while also gently grounding the large piece of furniture underneath it. I refer to this technique as the proverbial “cherry on top!” The “cherry” is a porcelain vase, urn, footbath, pitcher, or something similar. It can also be a complementary grouping of porcelain, such as plates interspersed with vessels.
Here, a collection of plates, along with a Spode pitcher that my darling mother-in-law gave me as a birthday gift from one of her brilliant forays to England, grace the top of an English chest of drawers.
Once you are aware of how simple the technique is to add a piece of porcelain on top of a substantial, flat-surfaced piece, you will then understand how it enriches the design aspect within the entire room. Granted, you need to keep the size of both the porcelain and the furniture in mind, along with the color scheme of the room when marrying them together. By observing this practice, when you travel or discover them within the pages of interior design books, you will see firsthand how enticing it is to implement this technique. I wrote about this in my first book, The Pretty and Proper Living Room. Though once you are aware of, and partake in this practice, large pieces of furniture without the porcelain punctuation may appear lacking, as if something is missing!
If you are inspired to adopt a pair of your own unique foo dogs, Scully & Scully offers a stunning selection of various styles and colors.
New Sponsors!
Speaking of porcelains, you won’t find any cuter renditions of porcelain inspired artwork, writing paper, pillows, towels and more, than by this talented mother-daughter duo creating lifestyle products. They offer all sorts of classic watercolor designs with a dash of whimsy, and are from charming Winter Park, Florida. Winter Park is the home of Rollins College, where two of my children attended! These adorable blue and white Canton vases on a pink background, have a charming tropical twist!
Pop the cork and let’s PARTY! With social distancing guidelines in place, we’ve found the perfect accessory for your next soirée. What better way to celebrate than with our eco- friendly sponsor, Boozie Bluebell! Serving wine, beer, and champagne from a darling custom portable bar cart at your next event, from Orlando to Palm Beach, Miami and everywhere in between!