Antiques for your Bathroom?

Antiques for your bathroom?  Yes indeed!  Antiques can give charm and warmth like nothing else can.  The possibilities are endless....antique vanities, washstands, tables etc. Antiques are used by designers and decorators with great abundance in the 21st. Century Bathroom.  And what's more, the costs are way less than something custom built and with double the style.

See the following photos to see how some designers have transformed an otherwise austere environment into something warm and charming.

Furniture and Lifestyles of the era of the 'Titanic'

The sinking of the legendary 'Titanic' is probably one of the most iconic tragedies of the 20th and 21st Centuries particularly with the marking of it's 100th year anniversary. All of us know the heart wrenching story of the sinking of the most glamorous ship in the world, with it's staggering loss of life.  But how many of us know what actually living in that period was all about?  What were the fashions, styles, attitudes known as the 'Edwardian Period' of the 20th Century? A time when fun, and frivolity flourished.

The

In the Western world, the Edwardian period was both one of great social change and of a solidifying the power and luxury of the ruling elite. With their elegant and perceptive turns of phrase, the French characterized the years between 1880 and 1914 as 'La Belle Epoque' (the beautiful era) and 'Fin de siècle' (a period of degeneration, but at the same time a period of hope for a new beginning). Certainly no other time has witnessed such decadence and pessimism, and optimism and hope.

Nevertheless, the appeal of the Edwardian era is expected: wealth was abundant and income almost tax-free; society was no longer a small, exclusive circle confined to those of aristocratic birth; the arts (theater, opera, ballet, painting, literature, music, etc) produced genius and modern movements; travel was cheap and easy, since one needed no passport or visa until the Russian or Ottoman borders; and the technological advances were thrilling and amazing. A heavy emphasis was placed on sport and fitness during this era as evident in the photo of the women's hockey team below.  Electric lights, horseless carriage, telephone, and cinema were invented during this time period.

Women Hockey Players C.1910.

The Edwardian Era in its strictest form, lasted from 1901 to 1910, during which Edward VII (1841-1910) reigned as King of the United Kingdom of Great Britain and Ireland and of the British Dominions and Emperor of India. However, in its broader interpretation, the spirit of the Edwardians—-which was indelibly inspired by Edward VII during his tenure as Prince of Wales—-stretched from 1880 until the outbreak of the Great War in 1914.

King Edward VII

Edward VII ruled England at this time. He was the eldest son of Queen Victoria and Prince Albert, and known to his family as ‘Bertie’. As Prince of Wales he did not meet his parent’s expectations of duty and during his mother’s long reign devoted himself to being self-indulgent. He was likeable, sociable and outgoing but became known as a playboy interested in horse racing, shooting, eating, drinking and other men’s wives.

Styles and Fashion

The style and fashions of this time were a blend of many styles.  Furniture and fashion was a departure from the heavy sombre look of the Victorian Era.  Due probably to the lifestyle of King Edward VII whose frivolous lifestyle set the trends and tone for the style of the time. Fashion in the period between 1900–1909 in European and European-influenced countries continued the long elegant lines of the 1890s. Tall, stiff collars characterize the period, as do women's broad hats and full "Gibson Girl" hairstyles. A new, columnar silhouette introduced by the couturiers of Paris late in the decade signaled the approaching abandonment of the corset as an indispensable garment of fashionable women.

Fashionable Edwardian period French woman taking an afternoon stroll in the Bois de Boulogne Parc in Paris. C.1910.

The notorious first class passenger

The woman in the photograph to the left is the notorious first class passenger and famous actress of the time,'Dorothy Gibson'. Actresses in the early 20th Century were never admired like they are in our society today.  In fact, Edwardian actresses were considered women of low morals as they usually had many lovers. The famous Dorothy Gibson, is seen photographed here in the same nightclothes that she wore when she disembarked from the sinking Titanic.  She made a short 10 minute film in 1912 starring herself.

Edwardian Furniture

Edwardian furniture was light, airy and often whimsical. Identifying Edwardian furniture is more about fixing a time when a piece was made, rather than its characteristics. Edwardian furniture comes in many guises, borrowed from times past and ideas new to furniture design.  The art nouveau influence is evident in the design of Edwardian furniture. Edwardian furniture was also influenced by Neoclassical and Art Deco designs. The Edwardian period is also one of revivalism, what may be termed in contemporary times as eclectic. An Edwardian desk, for example, may have slender legs with squared feet, but its drawers will have inlaid veneers and intricate hardware. The overall shape of the desk will be linear, square. But the aesthetic of the desk will be light, delicate.

This style of this Georgian Sideboard dating 1780 was copied extensively during the Edwardian Era.

The photo of this period Georgian Sideboard was a style that was revived during the Edwardian Period.  Many subtle changed were made, for example an Edwardian Sideboard of the early 20th Century may have had more detail and slender curves to the feet and legs.

The photo below is an example of the fantastic dreamlike quality of architectural Art Nouveau.  Buildings in Spain and Paris still have fine examples of this wonderful artistic movement.  The Art Nouveau movement technically started in 1880 and was a complete departure, a rejection of the heavy sombre mood of the Victorian Era.  Wonderous etheral creations were popping up in progressive centres like Paris and Madrid with wonderful furniture and building still in existence today.  Below is a photograph of a staircase from this period.



Shown below is a photograph of an Art Nouveau Server we bought in Paris.  The server was purchased along with an entire dining room suite produced in Paris and dated ( with a makers mark ) of 1915.  Sadly Art Nouveau in Vancouver is not as appreciated as it is in the U.S. or the rest of the world.  We sold the complete suite to a client ( sight unseen except for a vast collection of emailed photos ) to a collector who stated " I had been searching for a suite of this caliber for over a year now... i am thrilled to have finally found one "

Rooms aboard the Titanic were a mix of both Art Nouveau and the more forward look of the classic Edwardian style of the day.  As 1910 was already the technical end of the Edwardian Period, the styles abounded right into the 1920's.

This first class stateroom aboard the Titanic was typical of the Edwardian Era.  Note the use of the decorative swags and medallions on the walls over the door to the room. A French Empire style chair, paired with a typical English Edwardian table is also illustrated to the right of this photograph.

This Edwardian Sideboard at The Antique Warehouse is full of elegant Edwardian details characteristic of the time.  Note some of the exact details of this sideboard are repeated above the door of the above photo of the 1st class stateroom aboard the Titanic.  The quality of this sideboard would have insured it's place aboard the luxurious Titanic.

click on the photo for more information

While the even Even though the Edwardian Era was an exciting age of new discoveries, emancipation of women and a fun loving society it was also marred by the oppression of the working classes, the Titanic disaster, the advent of the first WW (which started in 1914) the murders of the Russian Tsar and his family etc.  However, many historians mark the end of the Edwardian Period with the sinking of the great Titanic. It was actually the stock market crash of 1929 sealed the fate of the gilded age of the elegant Edwardian Era.

Mark LaFleur

Off Gassing and Out Gassing of New Furniture.

Outgassing and off-gassing of furniture

Outgassing (sometimes called offgassing, particularly when in reference to indoor air quality) is the release of a gas that was dissolved, trapped, frozen, absorbed or adsorbed in some material. It can include sublimation and evaporation which are phase transitions of a substance into a gas, as well as desorption, seepage from cracks or internal volumes and gaseous products of slow chemical reactions. Boiling is generally thought of as a separate phenomenon from outgassing because it consists of a phase transition of a liquid into a vapor made of the same substance.

The reports that you’ve been reading about off-gassing of new furniture are correct. In many cases, the offending products are indeed made in China and swathed in formaldehyde, although this isn’t always the case. China often takes the blame because so much is made there and quality control is often lacking, but when it comes down to it, the manufacture of off-gassing furniture knows no geographic boundaries. And formaldehyde is a common culprit because it’s used to cure particleboard, pressed-wood and plywood, all manufactured composite woods. In reality, a stinky smorgasbord of chemicals can off-gas, not just formaldehyde, so while it’s good to be aware of the “F” word, don’t restrict yourself to it.

Outgassing can be significant if it collects in a closed environment where air is stagnant or recirculated. This is, for example, the origin of new car smell. Even a nearly odourless material such as wood may build up a strong smell if kept in a closed box for months. There is some concern that softeners and solvents that are released from many industrial products, especially plastics, may be harmful to human health. Some types of RTV sealants outgas the poison cyanide for weeks after application. These outgassing poisons are of great concern in the design of submarines and space stations.

HEALTH EFFECTS

Eye, nose, and throat irritation; headaches, loss of coordination, nausea; damage to liver, kidney, and central nervous system. Some organics can cause cancer in animals; some are suspected or known to cause cancer in humans. Key signs or symptoms associated with exposure to VOCs include conjunctival irritation, nose and throat discomfort, headache, allergic skin reaction, dyspnea, declines in serum cholinesterase levels, nausea, emesis, epistaxis, fatigue, dizziness. The ability of organic chemicals to cause health effects varies greatly from those that are highly toxic, to those with no known health effect. As with other pollutants, the extent and nature of the health effect will depend on many factors including level of exposure and length of time exposed. Eye and respiratory tract irritation, headaches, dizziness, visual disorders, and memory impairment are among the immediate symptoms that some people have experienced soon after exposure to some organics. At present, not much is known about what health effects occur from the levels of organics usually found in homes. Many organic compounds are known to cause cancer in animals; some are suspected of causing, or are known to cause, cancer in humans.

Ways to prevent toxic outgassing in your home:

•  Avoid furniture made from formaldehyde-treated composite woods and opt for “real” (preferably sustainable) wood furniture. In this day and age, this may prove to be difficult, so always consider going the vintage/secondhand route.


• Consider buying a floor model, if possible. This way, the furnishing has had an ample amount of time to off-gas before it enters your home. Plus, you’ll probably save a few bucks.


• Some furniture manufacturers/retailers give you the option of letting your purchase off-gas in their warehouse for a few days before you receive it. The extra wait may not be fun but if you’ve suffered adverse reactions from new furniture before, it’s well worth it. Just ask if this is possible.


• Although the looks and dimensions of a piece of furniture are paramount when making a purchase, it does help to see where exactly it was manufactured. China should set off alarms although, again, furniture made anywhere can be treated with chemicals.


• Ensure that any paints, stains and finishes used on the furniture are low- or no-VOC.


• If shopping for upholstered furniture, make sure it's not treated with toxic flame retardants (PDBEs) or are marketed as being “stain-resistant.”

An Introduction to Volatile Organic Compounds (VOCs)

Volatile organic compounds (VOCs) are emitted as gases from certain solids or liquids. VOCs include a variety of chemicals, some of which may have short- and long-term adverse health effects. Concentrations of many VOCs are consistently higher indoors (up to ten times higher) than outdoors. VOCs are emitted by a wide array of products numbering in the thousands. Examples include: paints and lacquers, paint strippers, cleaning supplies, pesticides, building materials and furnishings, office equipment such as copiers and printers, correction fluids and carbonless copy paper, graphics and craft materials including glues and adhesives, permanent markers, and photographic solutions.

Organic chemicals are widely used as ingredients in household products. Paints, varnishes, and wax all contain organic solvents, as do many cleaning, disinfecting, cosmetic, degreasing, and hobby products. Fuels are made up of organic chemicals. All of these products can release organic compounds while you are using them, and, to some degree, when they are stored.

EPA's Office of Research and Development's "Total Exposure Assessment Methodology (TEAM) Study" (Volumes I through IV, completed in 1985) found levels of about a dozen common organic pollutants to be 2 to 5 times higher inside homes than outside, regardless of whether the homes were located in rural or highly industrial areas. TEAM studies indicated that while people are using products containing organic chemicals, they can expose themselves and others to very high pollutant levels, and elevated concentrations can persist in the air long after the activity is completed.

Sources

Household products including: paints, paint strippers, and other solvents; wood preservatives; aerosol sprays; cleansers and disinfectants; moth repellents and air fresheners; stored fuels and automotive products; hobby supplies; dry-cleaned clothing.

Basic Information on Pollutants and Sources of Indoor Air Pollution

Asbestos
Biological Pollutants
Carbon Monoxide (CO)
Formaldehyde/Pressed Wood Products
Lead (Pb)
Nitrogen Dioxide (NO2)
Pesticides
Radon (Rn)
Respirable Particles
Secondhand Smoke/ Environmental Tobacco Smoke
Stoves, Heaters, Fireplaces, and Chimneys
Volatile Organic Compounds (VOCs)
Read "Care for Your Air: A Guide to Indoor Air Quality"

Levels in Homes

Studies have found that levels of several organics average 2 to 5 times higher indoors than outdoors. During and for several hours immediately after certain activities, such as paint stripping, levels may be 1,000 times background outdoor levels.

Steps to Reduce Exposure

Increase ventilation when using products that emit VOCs. Meet or exceed any label precautions. Do not store opened containers of unused paints and similar materials within the school. Formaldehyde, one of the best known VOCs, is one of the few indoor air pollutants that can be readily measured. Identify, and if possible, remove the source. If not possible to remove, reduce exposure by using a sealant on all exposed surfaces of paneling and other furnishings. Use integrated pest management techniques to reduce the need for pesticides.

Use household products according to manufacturer's directions.

Make sure you provide plenty of fresh air when using these products.

Throw away unused or little-used containers safely; buy in quantities that you will use soon.

Keep out of reach of children and pets.

Never mix household care products unless directed on the label.

Follow label instructions carefully.

Potentially hazardous products often have warnings aimed at reducing exposure of the user. For example, if a label says to use the product in a well-ventilated area, go outdoors or in areas equipped with an exhaust fan to use it. Otherwise, open up windows to provide the maximum amount of outdoor air possible.

Throw away partially full containers of old or unneeded chemicals safely.

Because gases can leak even from closed containers, this single step could help lower concentrations of organic chemicals in your home. (Be sure that materials you decide to keep are stored not only in a well-ventilated area but are also safely out of reach of children.) Do not simply toss these unwanted products in the garbage can. Find out if your local government or any organization in your community sponsors special days for the collection of toxic household wastes. If such days are available, use them to dispose of the unwanted containers safely. If no such collection days are available, think about organizing one.

Buy limited quantities

If you use products only occasionally or seasonally, such as paints, paint strippers, and kerosene for space heaters or gasoline for lawn mowers, buy only as much as you will use right away.

Keep exposure to emissions from products containing methylene chloride to a minimum. Consumer products that contain methylene chloride include paint strippers, adhesive removers, and aerosol spray paints. Methylene chloride is known to cause cancer in animals. Also, methylene chloride is converted to carbon monoxide in the body and can cause symptoms associated with exposure to carbon monoxide. Carefully read the labels containing health hazard information and cautions on the proper use of these products. Use products that contain methylene chloride outdoors when possible; use indoors only if the area is well ventilated.

Keep exposure to benzene to a minimum

Benzene is a known human carcinogen. The main indoor sources of this chemical are environmental tobacco smoke, stored fuels and paint supplies, and automobile emissions in attached garages. Actions that will reduce benzene exposure include eliminating smoking within the home, providing for maximum ventilation during painting, and discarding paint supplies and special fuels that will not be used immediately.

Keep exposure to perchloroethylene emissions from newly dry-cleaned materials to a minimum

Perchloroethylene is the chemical most widely used in dry cleaning. In laboratory studies, it has been shown to cause cancer in animals. Recent studies indicate that people breathe low levels of this chemical both in homes where dry-cleaned goods are stored and as they wear dry-cleaned clothing. Dry cleaners recapture the perchloroethylene during the dry-cleaning process so they can save money by re-using it, and they remove more of the chemical during the pressing and finishing processes. Some dry cleaners, however, do not remove as much perchloroethylene as possible all of the time. Taking steps to minimize your exposure to this chemical is prudent. If dry-cleaned goods have a strong chemical odor when you pick them up, do not accept them until they have been properly dried. If goods with a chemical odor are returned to you on subsequent visits, try a different dry cleaner.

Standards or Guidelines

No standards have been set for VOCs in non industrial settings. OSHA regulates formaldehyde, a specific VOC, as a carcinogen. OSHA has adopted a Permissible Exposure Level (PEL) of .75 ppm, and an action level of 0.5 ppm. HUD has established a level of .4 ppm for mobile homes. Based upon current information, it is advisable to mitigate formaldehyde that is present at levels higher than 0.1 ppm. Levels in Homes

Studies have found that levels of several organics average 2 to 5 times higher indoors than outdoors. During and for several hours immediately after certain activities, such as paint stripping, levels may be 1,000 times background outdoor levels.

Click here to read a story from an individual who bought a cabinet from Crate and Barrel

Ever been to a Raclette Dinner?

On our last trip to Paris ( In February ),  two of my Parisian friends ( they did not know each other ) hosted a 'Raclette' dinner for Larry and me.

They asked in advance if I liked 'Raclette' and I had to admit, I didn't know what they meant.  I knew that Raclette was a type of cheese, but a 'Dinner' of Raclette was a bit confusing.  They explained it was bit like a fondue but not exactly.

Anyway, our friend Simon did this dinner in our honor ( I just love Simon and Julie ) and invited 12 of his closest friends.  ( Simon has a lot of friends! )

Simon, Larry and Jeff

We arrived to the usual melee of adults and children to Simons' great apartment in the 16th.  (Simon is our Antique Dealer friend whose wife and family come from a long line of respected Antique Dealers)  I love Simon's taste as he knows exactly how to effortlessly mix Antiques, vintage and modern with no design training at all.

Just before the Platter

While everybody chatted and sipped on Champagne the dinner was being set.

Julie (Simon's wife....well actually they aren't officially married although they have two children) was busy setting the table with this funny looking cooking device that looked like an oversized round grill. The only difference being this grill had two levels, and in the middle were tiny handles of small frying pans sticking out the entire circumference.

Attentive Larry listening to Raclette instructions.

All of a sudden Simon announced 'Dinner est pret' and everyone took their places.  I was seated next to Karin...a woman I had met several times but never had an opportunity to chat with at any length.  She always fascinated me being tall, pretty and mysterious. (Many French woman love to portray an air of mystery without being pretentious or rude)

Laetitia, Karin, and Julie

Then a platter of sliced 'Raclette Cheese' appeared with a platter of sliced prosciutto, hams, and a variety of vegetables and bread.  Sorry I forgot the main ingredient 'boiled fingerling potatoes'   That's when all the fun started.  People helping themselves to cheese, placing it in the small pans, and then inserting them in the machine in order to melt the cheese until it bubbled.  Some people put things into the cheese, like bread or potatoes, but the idea is and was to melt the cheese then pour it over things on your plate.  The top 'griddle' of the Raclette machine is used for browning.  So for example, if you'd like your potatoes slightly browned, then you'd place them on top of the Raclette cooker.  The result was a delicious dinner full of relaxed fun and socializing. ( I have subsequently had a Raclette dinner I prepared in Vancouver and it went over with great success )

If you'd like to prepare your own Raclette Dinner hunt around for a Raclette cooker.  They are available in Canada, and in Vancouver.  Benton Brothers up in Kerrisdale sell both Raclette and the Machine.

For information on how to prepare a Raclette Dinner see click on the link provided.

Happy 'Raclette'

Mark LaFleur

www.antiquewarehouse.net

'French Kids Eat Everything' by Karen Le Billon

I happened to catch an interesting interview on Global T.V. this morning about a Vancouver woman named 'Karen Le Billon' who'd relocated to France with her husband and kids.  Karen and her small family spent a year there in a small village where her husband grew up in the northern part of Western France.

She noticed quickly the difference the way French parents were rearing their children from the way North American families do.  What surprised her the most was the way French children ate.  French children were not picky, fussy or difficult eaters.  In fact, French children began eating the way adults do, from the very young time they began to consume solid foods.

She commented that even at school, the cafeteria was not called ' cafeteria' but school 'restaurant.'  The children were fed with chef inspired and cooked meals that would be comparable to any 4 star restaurant here in Vancouver. Every meal was different and none were repeated.  The children were never allowed to snack between meals.

My own close friend Jean Francois and his wife Helene who live in Paris have two little boys, Louis and Constant.  Louis is now 3 and the way that little boy has been eating surprised even me from the time I could remember him beginning to walk.

During our evening visits to Jeff and Helenes, little 2 yr old Louis would come to the coffee table and join us eating hors d ouvres like Oysters on the Half Shell, bulots ( tiny snail like crustaceans ), pate de fois gras, Mussels, etc.  Never grabby or rude, Louis always asks his father for permission before taking anything!!

His proud father would remark  "my son is a gourmand from a very young age"

An uncharacteristically bearded Jean Francois and son Louis (refusing to pose for a photo)

I would always comment that's only to be expected seeing that he's named after the Kings of France. Jean Francois always beams at that comment! (To be honest, I always feel like were dining like King's of France when I'm at Jean and Helenes.)

In any event, Ms. Le Billon has written a book 'French Kids Eat Everything' and while I have not read it, I think it's worth a read.  Particularly for those who have children that are difficult and picky eaters.  ( hmmm.....that would include just about everybody I know with kids here in Vancouver )

Note* (Ms. Le Billon commented that French children are taught table and how to be quiet and polite during dinner.)

Please click on the link below to see where to buy the book.

Enjoy!