The Long Hot Summer

Where did this summer go????  Most of you may still be enjoying the last days of summer as most schools don't start until after Labor Day.  But for us here in New Orleans, school has been back for 2 weeks now!  So my summer is long gone and I am already busy packing school lunches, drilling spelling words, studying for geography tests, and after school violin and cross county activities.

So while most of you are still enjoying those lazy days, I've been busy restoring, upholstering, searching for those one of a kind treasures and otherwise making my vision a reality.

I have so many stories to tell you!!!!!!  But with Tropical Storm Isaac making our hearts race with every updated weather report and potential evacuation plans underway, I only have time today to just give you a sneak peak at some of my recent creations that will be uploaded to 1stdibs next week.  Some of these have already sold over the weekend!  But don't despair, more to come soon!

18th c. Biedermeier Sofa (Sweden) completely restored.  Burled maple wood frame french hand polished and upholstered in a Belgian Linen in White.  Stunning!!

19th c. Empire Settee with carved Tassel Legs.  Painted in my signature Swedish finish with aged patina.  Upholstered in an organic cotton hand block print fabric in indigo.  Soft, plump, down cushion.  Take my breath away!!!!

19th c. Louis XVI Giltwood Chair upholstered in a Fuschia velvet with pink French gimp.  Delicious!

Pair of Original Signed Paintings by Karina Gentinetta

Signed pair of original acrylic on stretched canvas abstract paintings. Painted in hues of black and white with charcoal details. Framed in a natural pine wood. Add sophistication to any decor. Mixes great with both antiques, mid century modern, or modern decors.

Huge Exquisite Venini Murano Glass Chandelier (36" diameter)

Italy

1970s

A unique and magnificent murano glass chandelier attributed to Venini. Comprised of 298 individually hand blown murano glass crystals (216 round spheres surrounded by 82 triangular crystal prisms), this large mid century Italian chandelier is truly a show stopper and timeless classic. This chandelier is on display at the 1stdibs floor at the New York Design Center. 

Late 19th c. Gustavian Style Lyre Back Chair.  Painted in my signature swedish finish and upholstered in an organic hand block printed fabric in indigo.  Thin down cushion with ballerina ties on each leg.

Original Signed Abstract Painting by Karina Gentinetta (6 ft.)

New Orleans, USA

21st

Entitled "Annunciation." So bold and gorgeous. One of a kind signed original acrylic on stretched canvas abstract painting. Painted in hues of black and white with charcoal details and a touch of cobalt blue for a slash of dramatic color. Framed in a natural pine wood. Add sophistication to any decor. Mixes great with both antiques, mid century modern, or modern decors.

Italian Art Deco Sideboard, 1930s.  Totally restored with black lacquer and burled walnut details.  So very elegant!!!!

Stunning Mid-century Modern Gilded 24k Gold Tufted Bench

Elegant and very glamorous mid-century modern style iron bench gilded in 24k gold leaf. Newly upholstered in a thick antique gold silk and button tufted. Clean and elegant lines. Would look gorgeous at the foot of a bed, as a coffee table or an elegant seating option in a living room. 

Stunning Pair Barovier et Toso Murano Glass Leaf Sconces

Venice, Italy

1940's

Elegant and sleek murano glass sconces in clear crystal with 24k gold inclusions attributed to Barovier & Toso. Polished brass base. Absolutely beautiful in any decor.

More to come soon!  And as always, feel free to contact me for these or any other gorgeous things you may be searching for.

From New Orleans, with love

Hello, Goodbye!

Summer is nearly over and my children went back to school this week (first and second grades). Where did the summer go???? It seems just yesterday everyone was excited about school letting out, summer vacations, and lazy days by the swimming pool.

This summer was a busy one for me. In addition to spending the days with my 6 and 7 year olds, I worked hard at finding beautiful pieces and restoring them. I also parted with many pieces which found gorgeous homes not only in the U.S. but also abroad (to such places as Toronto and even Jakarta).

Say hello to a few of my most recent additions.

Louis XVI Painted Chaise in Belgian Linen (c. 1920)

Don't you just love this Louis XVI chaise? Original vintage frame painted in my signature swedish grey with blue accents and reupholstered in a belgian linen with a soft, plump down cushion. This piece is truly comfortable and would look gorgeous in any room, especially in a sitting area off the master bedroom.

Empire Style Rosewood Abbatant or Secretary (c. 1920s)

This early 1920s Lacquered Rosewood Empire style abattant/secretary with inlaid marquetry is to die for. The piece was converted into a dry bar with a mirrored interior and a gallery shelf on the bottom section for glasses and mixers.

Pair of Aubusson Style Handmade Tapestry Pillows

I simply adore the colors and modern print on these handmade aubusson style pillows. The asian dragon in tones of gold and the contrasting oranges and deep mauve make these pillows a beautiful addition to any modern sofa or chair.

19th Century Italian Handcarved Giltwood Lamp

This lamp was originally a candle holder. Beautiful carved details and original patina (left untouched the nicks and chips) and converted it to a lamp for practical use. A nice accent to any modern or traditional or even eclectic decor.

A Rare 19th c. Empire Settee or Sofa

c. 1860 (France) Very unique, this small sofa or settee is hand-carved with an interesting "lip back" that comes to a soft point in the back rest. Hand carved tassel legs in the front with acanthus leaves on the front arms. The chocolate velvet cut upholstery is like new (appears to be a recent addition) and finished with a soft, thick down cushion. The antique frame is painted in a swedish grey, with an aged finish that gives this piece an authentic patina. A spectacular piece.

And with each new addition, it seems I always say goodbye to many of my treasures. Gone, but certainly not forgotten are some of my most beloved pieces, all of which have found gorgeous homes in some of the most interesting places (and with some of the most interesting people, including some well known Hollywood celebrities).

Here are some of the pieces that have recently sold. You may remember them from prior postings.

Like my children when they go off to school every morning, I will miss each of these treasures but I am grateful that at least I was their keeper for a short time in their long history. Most importantly, I am glad I had the honor and pleasure of restoring them to their former glory and beyond.

For any of these pieces or to see more of my inventory, please visit my 1stdibs store at www.disegnoKarinaGentinetta.1stdibs.com or simply click here.

Hope you are having a wonderful end of summer days wherever this post finds you.