Of Writing Tables and Fireplace Surrounds

Hey there traveling friends, I just wanted to share with you a couple of my FIRST acquisitions!

I haven't bought a lot of furniture or furnishings for this build yet, primarily because I want to build a lot of it myself. But I broke down yesterday and bought a couple of items at the Portland Miniature show because I could get them for quite a good price, and I was very happy with the detail and quality of both pieces.

I got several items at the show, but most were building supplies, and I am sure most of you have your own! So I won't bore you with those.  :0)

Here is the first item I thought worth sharing.  I am totally turned on by this writing table.  It is intricately detailed and incredibly lovely.

The carving is exquisitely intricate and fine.  Here is a shot of the end of the table, where you can appreciate the beautifully executed detail.

Finally, a top view, showing how beautifully painted the top of the table is.  I now discover it is upside down, but I am sure you will forgive me for that.

This table, at least at the moment, is destined for a spot under the stairs in the Entry.  Here it is in it's spot, without the staircase to block the view.  :0)) 

I also thought I would share the fireplace surround I purchased.   This was one of those things I wasn't sure I would buy for the price, but then found out it was discounted about 60%, and could not pass up then!  I am so glad I ended up purchasing it, because it is perfect for the Entry.  It was not what I had planned, but when a good thing happens, you don't turn your nose up!  

Here is the fireplace surround I found.  Not the best picture, but I wanted you to see it as I bought it. 

I hesitated to buy this because I was not sure it was going to fit in the Grand Parlor, where I planned to put it.  But then I got home...and tried it, as we all are prone to do, in the more complete Entry...and I fell in love with the way it looked there...

As you can see, it was perfect!  It fits the space, and it is very believable in this room.  It will blend well with the Art Nouveau feel I intended for the space, though played down a lot from my original plan.  That is probably a good thing!  I notice a tendency to "over decorate"...and I am learning that I am going to have to put a reign on all those ideas I have!

You will note that there are a couple of pennies under the front of the fireplace surround.   I have to do some "adjusting" because the ends of the piece are not quite square.  Who knows...that could become a feature!  We'll have to see which way the wind blows.

The pieces behind the fireplace for now are Foam Core board...just getting a feel for the flavor of the intended profile.  I decided to move the over mantel up further, because I think it is more proportional. None of this of course will be the final outcome.  But I had to share with you why I changed my plans!  Why, I do not know...because I hadn't shared them with you yet!  But be that as it may...

I am especially pleased with the detail, which it is hard to see in either photo above, so I have taken a shot or two to show that to you as well. 

I think that is the last of the Entry you will see for a bit.  Sorry!  I made the decision this morning that I needed to get the basics of both the Grand Parlor and the Kitchen Rooms in place so that I can attach everything together before moving on with the Entry.  There is intended a lot of molding and detail in the Entry that will not be able to be applied until I have the door and window trim in place.  I can't put the trim in place until the two rooms beside the Entry are complete enough to attach to it.  Soooo, the Entry goes on ice for a little while...  Never fear, we will be back! 

Hope you've enjoyed the peek at the kinds of furnishings I plan to use.  Now we are back to the basics as I move further on the Grand Parlor...  

Have a great Sunday!

Until next time!

Doug