The Family Room

Old photo depicting a party table in the 1940's down through the center of the stall area .

This is our family room, formerly part of the 

horse stable part of the barn.

Years ago I found this large hand-painted Austrian armoire (partially seen at left) at a local house sale. The doors on this piece lift off so I could turn them and flip them so the decorative sides are facing out.  The company that made it is still in business making furniture, Voglauer.

My mother is a decorative painter and she has been teaching and painting (in Pennsylvania) for over 40 years. The armoire is the perfect place to display my collection of tole and wooden painted pieces. Most of the grouping was 

painted by her, and others were found at 

various places through the years. 

I covet her painted pieces! I know each one represents many hours spent with brush in hand doing something she loves to do. I especially love the rosemaling pieces, which are more geometric and symmetrical in their designs, a decorative folk art with origins in Norway.

My mother painted the oval fruit box on the left.

The Dutch clogs are her work too, though they were done in the early years and she dislikes them now!

This is a small rosemaling covered trunk... from my mom. :)

The gold pitcher was painted by my dad! The little box is from...... you're not going to believe it, TJMaxx!

When you're raised in Pennsylvania,  you see a lot of this style of artwork. The Pennsylvania Dutch brought it (or something similar) to the area so decorative painted pieces are much a part of the state's history. They mix in well with the early primitive furnishings. Do you collect toleware?

Does anyone know what this slide top box 

was used for? It has six compartments inside. Another

Ebay find. The details remind me of a croquet set.

Please comment if you have an idea!

Antique spool chest from my parents.

Side view if spool chest.

Close-up of French Aubousson cartoon, a chair seat design.

 

We like to collect Scottish Highland painted scenes. 

One of my most favorite sets is this old set I found from 

a UK seller on Ebay. Their red velvet frames have long lost their color fabric's texture, but none of their charm. I thought the highland scenes were reverse painted on glass, but as it turns out, they are painted on porcelain.

Another objet d' art from my mom.

Sweet little painting with old tattered red velvet frame.

Love this lamp I found in Highpoint. The shade is a landscape painting.

Thanks for stopping by today. 

Feel free to make comments or ask questions. 

Always happy to share sources.

Take care!