I'm sure many of you have beautiful, well-built furnishings that were expensive when purchased, but no longer fit in your new home or design scheme (I know I do). My clients are always asking me where they can take these former treasures. Luckily, a friend and client of mine, interior designer Dianne Josephs, saw a need for a place like this and recently opened a fabulous consignment store, Atelier Fifteen-O-Five.
Before the September grand opening, Dianne renovated 2,000 square feet of a warehouse and created charming vignettes of dining rooms, dens, and formal living rooms, in a chic, upscale fashion. Each little area is accessorized, giving wonderful examples of how these pieces can be arranged in a home. Love those alabaster lamps!
The store has a wide array of high-end furnishings in different styles. Dianne personally selects every item, searching for pieces that are of high quality and excellent condition and that also possess a certain uniqueness. She constantly receives new merchandise thanks to other local antique dealers, like Joyce Horn and Carl Moore, who refer their customers interested in consigning to Atelier Fifteen-O-Five. Dianne is able to obtain such quality pieces because many of the empty nester set, including herself, don't have room for their beautiful antique furniture and great vintage pieces after downsizing to a smaller home.
Dianne draws from over thirty years in the design business. She has such a talent and passion for what she does, and it certainly comes through in the way she thoughtfully displays and arranges the lovely pieces she offers.
This beautiful birdcage was one of Dianne's favorite things in the store (sadly, it just sold). Since I've been figuring out exactly what kind of boutique I want mine to be, I always love asking store owners what their ideal shop would have. Dianne said she'd love to serve and sell delicious nibbles and have flower arrangements from Johnathan Andrew Sage, a floral designer who she worked with years ago.
She has so many pretty items - it's hard to choose a favorite, but I do love this large, 18th century Italian buffet/etagere, circa 1770.
I'll take any chance I get to study finishes on older pieces. The distressed, antique paint treatment on this buffet would be so fun to replicate!
If you're thinking of reselling some furniture or accessories, remember to choose items that are close to flawless, with no rips, tears, stains or broken legs. Atelier Fifteen-O-Five doesn't only carry large furniture like tables, seating and chests; they also accept lighting, art, mirrors, statues, vases and other decor. I think her selection of light fixtures, chandeliers and lamps is especially wonderful!
The shop carries a fantastic assortment of architectural fragments and carved moldings as well. Dianne has always loved architecture and grew up in Lake Forest, Illinois, near incredible homes and estates designed by architect David Adler. Her design outlook was greatly influenced by her time working at The Merchandise Mart in Chicago in the 70s.
While in Chicago, Dianne got to explore the architecture of H.H. Richardson, Mies Van de Rohe, and
Louis Sullivan and visit all the great buildings in the area. "Just taking in the exterior and interior of Marshall Fields was a tremendous experience!" She's been so fortunate to meet interior design legends like Vesta V'Soske, Countess Lee Gozzi of Fortuny, Ed Wormley, and Angelo Donghia. I'm sure these opportunities gave her the wonderful eye she has for diverse and varied styles!
If anyone wishes to consign pieces, just contact Dianne (dianne@atelier1505.com or 713-864-2112). Be sure to include photos and any background information you have such as dimensions, manufacturer, designer and approximate age. And definitely check out the website or shop to see all the fabulous pieces Atelier Fifteen-O-Five currently has in their collection.
Thanks, Dianne, for sharing more about the consignment process and your shop with me. You're such a sweet and interesting woman with exquisite taste. 'Til next week! xo Leslie
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