John Rattray of Craighall Interiors shares his advice on how to incorporate antique charm for contemporary living. See his advice in action with modern-day treasure hunters, The Parson’s Nose Antiques owners Brad Stanwick and Matt Anstett’s, gorgeous 1912 California bungalow, “Thistledown,” in Pleasant Ridge.
Q: How do you balance a contemporary design when incorporating antique pieces?
Rattray: “This particular home has a very traditional design filled with antiques, but if you have a contemporary space and you want to add antique elements, I recommend blending special pieces like art, a few accessories—like antique pottery or ginger jars—something that will stand out and add to the design. I love antiques and thankfully what was common 100 years ago is in vogue today. So even if a space is very clean and contemporary, I may sprinkle in 500-year-old Bodhisattva statues, antique Chinese vases, or a 100-year-old painting. The base of the design can be very modern, clean, and new, but if the space is void of anything with patina or a sense of being handmade, it’s lacking the character and life that antiques bring into a space.”
Available at MDC: Kravet/Lee Jofa/Brunschwig & Fils chair fabric.
Q: What are two recommendations when it comes to selecting antique pieces?
Rattray: “My first recommendation would be to buy what you’re drawn to. This space is very masculine, so we have antlers on the wall and horn cups on a pewter tray. Alternatively, you may want something that feels lighter and fresher like Italian pottery or blue and white porcelain. If it speaks to your personality, it’s right for you.
Secondly, shop with someone knowledgeable about antiques. Be it an interior designer or a friend in the know, you want to choose antiques that are the best representation of what you’re looking for. Be sure that your antiques are genuine and in good condition. Don’t settle for the first piece you see. Perhaps you see a vase you like and it’s an unusually low price. There’s likely a reason. It may have shattered in the past and has been glued back together. Shop at reputable dealers. You may need to do a little research.”
Available at MDC: The Parson’s Nose antique horn cups, artwork, chest of drawers, mounted antlers, chair, pewter samovar, and tray. Visit their boutique in suite 104-B.
Q: Are there certain spaces that would be inadvisable to use antiques, say for practical reasons?
Rattray: “Thistledown is styled after a traditional English country home. We toured everything from incredible countryside estates in England to the “country” homes of the Fords and the Wilsons of Meadow Brook Hall. This kitchen shares elements in all those kitchens except for the island. An antique pine table wasn’t ideal for a kitchen island because we needed extra storage, a sink, and it needed to fit the layout. The solution was to fabricate an island that looks like a pine table—complete with four legs—and top it with a marble countertop that would be authentic to the period when this home was built.”
Available at MDC: Kravet/Lee Jofa/Brunschwig & Fils drapery fabric, City Lights Detroit island pendants, Beaver Tile wall tile.
Q: Do you have a favorite source for antiques?
Rattray: “I love The Parson’s Nose! Brad has a background in visual arts and art history, so he’s an endless font of knowledge. There’s a trust level there that everything they offer is excellent quality and authentically English. And then there’s his eye. He has the ability to identify the sorts of things that I’m drawn to and that I’m able to place in my client’s homes. If I need a great piece of original art or if I want a phenomenal chest of drawers that have a gorgeous patina, Brad can find it. It’s important to develop a relationship with whomever your antique source is. If they know your aesthetic, they’ll keep you in mind when they’re on buying trips. But you have to act fast with The Parson’s Nose. They have a passionate following and their pieces are snapped up quickly!”
Available at MDC: Beaver Tile wall tile, City Lights Detroit island pendants, The Parson’s Nose antique and new Sussex trugs, antique egg rack and copper cookware.
Q: Are there particular materials that work best with antiques?
Rattray: “I love using velvet in antiques. I used it here in the drapery and chairs. Damask and linen fabrics are also appropriate choices. You want to be true to the time period and the piece. For example, the fabric we saw on the back of the dining room chairs is a cut-velvet flame stitch pattern and is modeled after something that may have been used on chairs 200 years ago.”
Available at MDC: Kravet/Lee Jofa/Brunschwig & Fils drapery fabric, Tennant & Associates chair trim.
Q: Did you convert any antique pieces so that they serve a new function?
Rattray: “Yes! Brad and I were standing in an alley in England, and there was a four-foot table that was 30-inches wide, and I needed two 30-inch wide by 24-inch-deep consoles—or vanities. So, we measured the table, determined that it was indeed big enough, and converted this 300-year-old table into two stunning vanities. This table was 30-inches tall, and vanities are 36 inches, so we built up the feet to seamlessly fit the piece. And because the console doesn’t have storage, we found this antique box from the 1700s to hold their essentials.”
Available at MDC: The Parson’s Nose antique vanity and box, Designer Furniture Services mirror fabrication.
Q: One could be forgiven for thinking this garden is located in the Cotswolds of England, rather than a suburb of Detroit. Are there certain finishes or materials that work best when trying to achieve an Old-World aesthetic in the garden?
Rattray: “Absolutely, crushed granite for one. We used it throughout the paths around the house. I would say stone in general as well. We have cut stones on the house and stone urns would also fit nicely here. Teak is another material that I would suggest. The teak Chippendale dining set has an English fretwork back detail that I just love and has a quintessentially Old-World feel.”
Q: What are some great antique pieces that could be incorporated into outdoor designs?
Rattray: “Terracotta planters and pots, antique garden sculptures, and birdbaths are great additions. I counted, and there are nine birdbaths in this back garden. Look for some beautiful antique stemware and fine linen to elevate your outdoor tabletop as well. Antique pewter chargers are nice but only use them for display as they are not food safe. If you like the look of antique pewter, always purchase something new if you plan to use it for dining.
Available at MDC: The Parson’s Nose linen napkins and glass stemware.
ATTENTION ANTIQUE LOVERS!
Are you interested in learning more about antiques or do you have a question you’d like to ask John? Sign up for his complimentary Launch! Tour: “Designing with Antiques” Friday, June 26, 10 - 11 a.m. here at Michigan Design Center. Click here for more information and to register. Don’t delay, registration is limited!