My armoire was delivered a few days ago so I've been busy
unpacking more boxes and moving dishes from the dining room
that served as my temporary kitchen during the renovation.
If I widen the view, you can see the armoire sits in the corner of the kitchen between the
dining room and the French doors to the porch. This makes it convenient both to get dishes to
the dining room table and to put them away when they're unloaded from the dishwasher.
Let me show you some of the details on this beautiful piece.
All of the original hardware is in working condition.
The armoire, I believe, is French and is a "knockdown" or "breakdown"
armoire meaning it breaks down into pieces so it can easily be moved up
the tiny staircase to your pied-a-terre. The block of wood above the raised
panel slides back and forth and actually locks the top and side together.
I love the oyster color of the interior.
I'm looking for stemware racks that I can mount in this upper portion
of the armoire so I can really optimize the storage space in here.
I love the alligatored finish. And notice the mortise and tenon
joint and dovetails on the upper corner. You just don't see these
details on new pieces anymore.
I've put all my dishes and serving pieces in here and still have about
half of the space open so I'm trying to figure out what else would make
sense to store in the lower shelves. You'll notice in the upper photos I
put a few of my English fishing creels on one shelf that I can use for
some hidden storage. I like the texture and color they add to the piece.
I mentioned in an earlier post the piece came from European Country Antiques
right here in Cambridge. I was really impressed with the shop and the service
they provided so, next time, let's meet over there so I can show you around.
Beautiful - love the scale. Functional too, as you said it will make setting the table, etc to easy. Also loved how your tiles came out.
ReplyDeleteAgain, your choice is perfect. And I adore the the two over-sized baskets; they add to.the beauty of the armoire...
ReplyDeleteHi, loving this, and the baskets give such great texture and function. I was dying to see your Bow Bells brown and white plates in there, picking up the color of the floor. Will you add them or keep it mostly whites? The little blue platter is lovely. The paint and design of that piece are just beautiful -- so much story to tell with that.
ReplyDeleteI love them but almost never use them so I've been considering getting rid of them. It would be hard so they'll probably end up going in.
DeleteFabulous! That piece looks wonderful in your new kitchen, and is a wonderful specimen of its own accord! Beautiful details like this make living with antiques and the search for them all worth it!
ReplyDeletegorgeous. i'll be there tomorrow at noon.
ReplyDeletePerfect--the color black and having antique are perfect touches. I am so in love with your kitchen.
ReplyDeleteGorgeous Steve. Looks perfect in there.
ReplyDeleteS...love that piece! Many people would have used that corner for more built-ins. Your choice is perfect. It goes with and enhances the personality of your home. The fishing creels look fantastic as well....k
ReplyDeleteWhat a fantastic piece! I have a knockdown armoire I bought years ago. Love all of the recommendations for antique shops, nurseries, florists, etc. - I have got to make a trip up.
ReplyDeletePerfect use for a beautifully constructed piece - I almost feel you have given a home to something that will love you back Steve! So lovely, so practical.
ReplyDeleteOnly question: would it look silly centered on the wall? No-one puts Baby in a corner.
Tricia,
DeleteIt's actually pretty close to be centered, it's the perspective. I tried to line it up on the same plane as the refrigerator. I'm also planning to put drapes on the French door and once those are there, it will make a little bit more sense.
Wow, I mean, WOW!
ReplyDeleteGod I love that.
Perfect.
That is really stunning. I love all of the patina and you are so smart to use the baskets. They add texture but I bet they are great for storing a few less than pretty items.
ReplyDeleteI have an Art Deco knockdown armoire that my great-grandparents had made in Poland (they were French) and it is one of the few things not stolen during their trans-Atlantic move. Yours has far more charm though.
Love it! It is a fabulous piece.
ReplyDeleteYou've done it again! Perfect! I can't wait to see the drapes! Toile, maybe?
ReplyDeleteWhat they said :) Fabulous. Love it all!
ReplyDeleteGosh It's gorgeous! I love the inside! Outside is great too but I really like the inside. You can get wine glass racks to mount on the underside of the shelves at Pier 1. They are about $12.
ReplyDeleteBeautiful!
ReplyDeletelooks great steve. and I really like the wicker texture inside. donna
ReplyDeleteWhat a magnificent piece. And it fits perfectly. Any idea of the age?
ReplyDeleteI don't know for sure but I would guess the second half of the 1800s
DeleteThe breakdown of the armoire is so neat, a great case of necessity being the mother of invention. The English creels seem to fit perfectly. I'm looking forward to the tour of European Country Antiques!
ReplyDeleteI've been waiting to see this added to the mix and it does not disappoint - just loving the way the kitchen is turning out. My only suggestion...Perhaps put the fishing baskets on the lowest shelf for balance? Their solid-ness looks a bit heavy in the middle and it might be easiest to get into them from the top if they are down lower. xoxo J
ReplyDeleteI agree with you, Jacqueline. I have another creel and I'm looking for more, or a larger basket I can put down there for linens.
DeleteBed, Bath & Beyond has some similar baskets with cloth liners that come in different sizes. BTW, BB&B coupons are good even if they are expired and you can use multiple coupons in one visit.
DeleteI like your kitties too.
Your photo of the joinery and the lovely alligatored finish made me swoon! Is it normal for a gal to get all giddy about dovetails?
ReplyDeleteCompletely normal, Connie!
DeleteWe used a similar one - but not in as good shape - for years as an entertainment center. I have visions of some pioneer lady saying to her husband, " Ok, George, I will go with you on a Conestoga wagon to California, but only if i can take my armoire." They have an incredible amount of space inside. Looks great in that corner. I like the way the modern refrigerator sort of echoes the size and shape. It's going to be a show kitchen!
ReplyDeleteYou're right, Webb, they do have a lot of space. I actually think this has more usable space than my old pantry
DeleteI'm not one to "swoon," but that handsome piece is definitely giving me the vapors.
ReplyDeleteLove the textural interest the baskets add, and adore that alligator finish! Don't you just love running your fingers across it?!! Your kitchen is amazing...honestly...
ReplyDeleteIts gorgeous Steve I love it.
ReplyDeleteAnnie
oh my goodness that piece is perfection Steve! Love the interior paint, the craftsmanship and how your dishes pop! Beautiful choice and LOVE your ginormous fridge!
ReplyDeleteWhat a handsome piece of furniture! Another "well done" for you!
ReplyDeletewhat a story that handsome piece could tell. suddenly finding myself covetous!
ReplyDeleteWow. I don't think we can be friends—I'm sooo jealous! We have a bookcase with glass doors and I've been tempted to paint the inside for years to brighten it up, but was too afraid to "ruin" it. This is so stunning, I think I may pull the trigger! Gorgeous. Just the right mix of old and new.
ReplyDeleteThat sounds like a great project! What color are you thinking?
DeleteI really really like your cabinet!
ReplyDeleteHah! I'm a creel creature myself...store bathroom tissue in one, the guest bath has toiletries...sometimes face cloths... The armoire is wonderful - curves in all the right places. franki
ReplyDeleteThat is a stunning piece. I love the inside detail as well as the color. The exterior paint is also quite beautiful. The fish creels are an inspirational idea, they look really god in there and have such possibilities for storage. Congratulations, wonderful find.
ReplyDeleteNow that's a gorgeous piece! I think European Country Antiques used to be in Norwell? They always had some beautiful pieces. I wonder if it's the same company...
ReplyDeleteLinda,
DeleteI didn't think so but you would probably be better informed than I. It's a good source you might want to check out sometime if you're in the area.
Your kitchen is just fabulous, everything is so beautiful! That armoire looks like it was custom made for that spot. I will me in Massachusetts in May, I would love to go antiquing with you at European Country Antiques, I will meet you there!
ReplyDeleteLet me know when you'll be in town, Nathan.
DeleteLiterally breathtaking! Did I miss where you found it?
ReplyDeleteDenise
Such a charming piece and an amazing find! I see the kitties love it too. Nice edges for face-rubbing. Do you have it centred on the wall? I think that would look best.
ReplyDeleteXo Terri
The Dovetailing, the skeleton key, the finish... its all so gorgeous! I adore your style.
ReplyDeleteSome curvy armoires ooze a confident sexiness that doesn't shout, "Hey, look at me." But yet, you can't take your eyes off them. You got one of those. April at Birdsong Cottage, Hartford, Wis
ReplyDeleteI love every amazing detail of your kitchen. I like how the kitties are reclaiming the kitchen too :) Ronda
ReplyDeleteI know you had mentioned painting the French doors Chelsea Gray to match the cabinets, but would a strong color compete with your handsome armoire? I lean toward white, all the trim - windows and doors - the same. Maybe you'll be able to tell better when the doors are primed.
ReplyDeleteI've been thinking the same thing. Without the armoire, the door would have looked great dark but now the armoire is there, I don't think dark will work.
DeleteAbsolutely gorgeous armoire. I would like the french doors dark too.
ReplyDeleteI love this!! Such a great piece and even better in your space. So what time should I be there?
ReplyDeleteWOW!! I love the armoire! It's the perfect touch - and I love the new kitchen. love, love, love. you did a great job and it upsets me that you almost cried over the grout. the white grout looks wonderful. you made the right decision. I think the dark grout is a bit trendy.
ReplyDeleteLooks beautiful - can't wait to see how you style it!!!
Joni
Now that was a perfect piece for your kitchen...Love it with the white china..
ReplyDeleteLoving everything you've done in this kitchen. What time is dinner? :)
ReplyDeleteBeautiful, thank you for the details, and the kitties! My armmoire has been used as an actual closet, stereo cabinet and, now, as a wine set up. Just one shelf is used for wine racks and wine glasses hung from the top of that shelf. There is enough room in front of the bottle racks for uncorking and display. Keeps the imbibers out of the cooks way but in the area.
ReplyDeleteStunning piece, Steve! I love everything about this armoire: proportions, color, simple cornice, etc. I might be wrong but I think it's Napoleon III.
ReplyDeleteBeautiful armoire!!! Love the photo with the cats in it. I'm sure they're happy the reno is almost complete. You too!
ReplyDeleteClaudia
Gah......I could not love something more. You are going to style that bitch up real nice:)
ReplyDeleteIt is absolutely perfect for the space -- and how cool to have it between the dishwasher and dining room! I love how some of the wood shows through under the black paint and the interior color is just perfect with your dishes and the natural fiber of your baskets. LOVE it!
ReplyDeleteAwww... So good to see the kitties wandering around! I missed seeing your handsome boys.
ReplyDeleteIt's all stunning, Steve and the armoire is the perfect touch. Happy weekend!
ReplyDeleteI only just discovered your blog a while ago and I am loving every thoughtful detail of your kitchen including this armoire! Going thru renos myself I can not believe how well you are doing and admire your resolve and patience along with the end product.
ReplyDeleteLove it. And your gorgeous kitchen. You've done an awesome job!
ReplyDeleteSteve,
ReplyDeleteI am so very impressed with your kitchen and think it is absolutely perfect. I would not change a thing! Glad to see your kitties are also moving back in, along with your dishes. You must be a man of infinite patience to last for seven months during the renovation. I would have shed more than a few tears. Congratulations on a job well done!!
that is absolutely divine and im so glad you put a piece of furniture in your already custom kitchen. i love this! i would love to have one to hold dishes and linens one day. a girl can dream.
ReplyDeletethis is beyond charming-and you sound quite charming too-It WILL get done and then you might find that you are just a tad BORED?
ReplyDelete