In a recent post on Woodshop News’ Finishing blog, writer Greg Williams explains a scenario we suspect many antiques owners have encountered: You buy an antique that needs some work, get it refinished, and find that the new look is a bit “too perfect.”

The solution, suggests Williams, is a glazed finish. A glaze maintains that aged look and gives wood color you can control. Judging by the number of online how-tos on glazing that are available, this is a project you can probably easily do yourself. But, if you want to leave the art of glazing to a professional, contact one of our Atlanta area antiques refinishers listed here or give us a call at 888-805-8133.

After The Gables Antiques received a visit from former First Lady Laura Bush this summer, we thought we would update our readers on a related presidential update: the Oval Office, which was heavily influenced by Mrs. Bush’s design sensibilities, has been redecorated.

Obama Oval Office

The new look maintains a traditional All-American style with shades of blue and red, formal stripe patterns, and neutral upholstered furniture, but includes some modern updates, including: an understated cream-colored rug bearing the presidential seal rather than the iconic sunburst rug of the Bush era, new upholstery, throw pillows, table lamps, and wallpaper, as well as a fruit bowl on the new coffee table rather than a flower arrangement.

Left in place are a grandfather clock, portraits of former presidents, and, of course, the historic writing desk used by nearly every person to hold the office to date. Check out this fascinating article about the design of the Oval Office throughout history from the White House Museum.

Bush Oval Office

Last week we were off to New York for the International Gift Fair at Pier 94 to sell our new furniture line, Painted Edge, designed by us and made right here in Georgia. We had a GREAT response to our first showing  in NY and want to thank everyone who came by our booth. We got lots of comments on our color palette, and it was music to our ears. The Lido desk was hands-down the favorite piece along with our side tables, the Santa Barbara Oval Dining Table, Positano Console, and the Mendocino Coffee Table.

Two celebrity designers came by: Bunny Williams and Celerie Kemble, the New York interior design “it girl” and author of several books.  We were star-struck to say the least! We would like to say a big thank you to Sally Steponkus and her friends, who follow our blog and came by to meet us and see the line, and to New York designer Meg Braff who had her room photographed with a Painted Edge dining table. We are planning to go to the fair again–It was so exhilarating!

Give Painted Edge another look on our website.

Our booth at the New York International Gift Fair, where we made our first showing last week, displayed our Painted Edge furniture line.

Next Page »