Historic Hardware and pieces for an old home

Last week I spent some time doing a staging consult in an old Colonial home. On my staging consults, I walk through the home with the homeowner (and sometimes the Realtor) and give my advice and suggestions on changes they could make to prepare their home for sale. In older homes, there are unique challenges since buyers are very discerning and still expect an "updated home" even if the house was built over 100 years ago. (And one of the great pleasures of living in my area of Westchester, NY is that there are houses peppered throughout the county that were built during pre-revolutionary times- George Washington and many of his peers have stayed in these historic homes!) In fact, here is a photo of the Davenport House in Yorktown Heights and its historical marker:

The Davenport House, Yorktown Heights, NY

One of the challenges in working in these homes is updating the details and maintaining the historic integrity. (just an FYI, if you were doing a true construction on a historic home, their are professionals who are equipped to handle these restorations. I am talking about handling minor tweaks such as hardware!) One of the resources I rely on for detail pieces such as door hinges, door knobs, push & kick plates and especially floor registers is House of Antique Hardware. They have such great pieces, many can be used in new construction as well as historic homes! You can even shop by the style of the home (Colonial, Victorian, Arts & Crafts)....it is a "must shop" on my resource list!

Colonial Door Knocker

If you are interested in finding out more about the services offered at Homestyling101, please visit www.Homestyling101.com or call (914) 420-6506.

Amazing Antique Spot: The Yellow Monkey

Sorry if this is a repeat post for some of you but my email subscribers were never sent this and I am trying to work the problem out with a re-post! 

Do you ever stumble upon something and then say to yourself...."Have I been living under a rock? How did I not know about this???" That is what happened to me last week. I was visiting a client's house in beautiful South Salem and on my way back to my office, I drove by a quaint little area in Cross River. There I found my latest obsession and go-to place: The Yellow Monkey.

Some of you local readers may have heard of this amazing gem of a boutique and you're thinking "hello...where have you been?" I was so excited about their eclectic mix of antiques and reproductions, I walked through the store three times with my jaw on the floor.

The Yellow Monkey has such an amazing collection of stunning antiques, garden pieces, reproductions, upholstered pieces and an amazing art gallery as well. On my third trip around I stumbled upon the glorious workroom filled with fabric books that could keep me occupied for days!

They also have an amazing selection of linens and throws that are absolutely luxurious!

Anyway, if you are in the area, check it out....if you aren't....visit their website...www.yellowmonkey,com Let me know what you are looking for. They like us designers over at the Yellow Monkey and will give us some discounts so let me know if you are ready to shop....I am itching to go back!

Check out their adorable mascot on the gorgeous couch!

You can also follow them on Facebook here!