COTE DE TEXAS: A Glimpse Into The 18th Century

A Glimpse Into The 18th Century


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This exquisite pair of large, gilded French angels greet you at Liz Spradling Antiques at Bartlett Street – her new address.

Liz Spradling recently moved her beautiful collection of 18th century antiques from MAI to their new home at 2422 Bartlett Street.  If you have ever paid a visit to MAI, surely you noticed Spradling’s booth.   It was without a doubt one of the best there – overflowing with her handpicked antiques from Europe.     The move was prompted by Spradling’s desire to have her own space where she could spread out and properly display her wares.   The former factory on Bartlett proved to be the perfect spot.    The restored building has brick walls and high ceilings and a decidedly industrial feel.   Plus, she’s right next door to Found For The Home which is a great asset for them both.  Upstairs, a few of Houston’s finest interior designers have office space.  
Walking into the new shop, Liz’s merchandise shines.   The visual impact of the move is immediate:  everything just looks better in its new home.   In anticipation of her move, Liz went on a buying trip and her new purchases have since arrived and are now on display.   Not on display is a warehouse full of even more inventory – there is only so much space available  (I’m dying to see what is in storage!!)  Liz has a flawless eye.   There is something special, something unique to almost each piece she purchased.   Her knowledge of the 18th century is deep and she is willing to share it.   She graciously explains the appeal of her choices – pointing out details your own untrained eye has missed.
In all, it’s a joy to walk into a shop solely filled with such beautiful antiques.   Most pieces are from the 18th century, a few are from the 19th.    In a world today that is filled with tacky reproductions and cheap copies passed off as old, the beauty of seeing a true antique is thrilling.  And, when the owner is friendly and welcoming – it’s the proverbial cherry on top!


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A close up of the delicately carved face.  I loved the brooch in the folds of neckline.  Liz patiently explained to me the differences between French faces and German faces found in putti.  

Here are some of my favorite pieces that I saw on the day I visited a few weeks ago:
 
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Gorgeous French commode – I love the dark rich patina.
 
 
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An unusual Swedish piece on the left – great painted finish.    On the right were these cute, matching chests.
 
 
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  Simple, but simply beautiful.  
 
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The finish on this 18th century French Buffet deux corps is perfect for today’s trend.
 
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This was my favorite piece I think.  The lines, the hardware, the finish – fabulous!


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A close second!   Those apothecary jars are to die for!!!!!
 
 
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A wide shot of the back of the shop.  Behind the store – the glass looks into the back  of the former factory.  Very industrial chic.

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Notice the two arms crossing on this charming painted and gilded carving.    Cute bench too!
 
 
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A beautifully painted piece filled with French pots.  Notice how it’s painted with touches of blue in the carvings.

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Charming, charming – what a great piece for a dining room.   Liz also has a large selection of white ironstone for sale.  Such pretty pitchers. 
 
 
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  As Liz pointed out – notice how the two sides of this enfilade are not matching!!
 
 
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Gorgeous console for an entryway.


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Did you notice the dog in the mirror’s carving??  I didn’t at first – not until Liz pointed him out to me. 


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There are wonderful mirrors and trumeaus throughout the shop. 
 
 
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The cutest side table ever!   It just kills me how charming all these pieces are!!!  Those legs, that little drawer, the perfect painted finish.


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  Another table to drool over;  its carved legs are so wonderful – notice the brace.
 
 
 
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And another, great end table with a wonderful patina.
 
 
 
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Not everything is pricey – there are smalls to pick from.  

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There is a great collection of pillows made out of tapestries. 

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And finally, a brick wall of station clocks.   Real ones, for once.
If you are in the neighborhood, Kirby and SW Freeway – stop in.  It’s worth having Liz walk you around and give you a tutorial on all the wonderful furniture. 

The website is: www.lizspradling.com    
It was designed by Nancy Morgan who also designed my  blog:  http://www.morganwebdesign.com


Here are the deets:

LIZ SPRADLING ANTIQUES
2422 Bartlett St.   No. 7  Houston, TX  77098
713-526-1400
In between Kirby and Greenbriar, down the block from Goode Co. BBQ
Store Hours: Tuesday - Friday 10-5 pm
  Saturday 11-4 pm
 

49 comments :

  1. Such lovely things! I may have to make a trip down to Houston just to visit all of the places you've featured. I bet I'd spend hours here. Thanks!

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  2. What a treat to see such beautiful antiques--the real deal! Thanks for taking us along. I would, however, gladly buy reproductions of those white French confit pots if anyone made them. Where is Pottery Barn when you need them?

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  3. Hope you have some new projects so you can shop here....certainly some very lovely pieces!

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  4. I think it would be beneficial if you link pictures nr.7 in your post from 10.january to me! You have written: "These chairs popped up in a foreign magazine – mixed with chandeliers and antique Swedish furniture". I say: This pictures are from Lene's diningroom in Norway. You have borrowed it from Lene's blogg; http://theessenceofthegoodlife.blogspot.com/
    Thank you and have a nice day!

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  5. The angels are beautiful and have me wondering about their long journey to where they are today...one of those if only they could tell their story items. Really lovely shop.

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  6. So many treasures in one place...
    I love the detailed carvings and the exquisite jars...

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  7. Thanks for this great post Joni. I'm getting ready to put the final touches on some painted pieces and I now have the perfect reference material! Spectacular shop!

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  8. This is an amazing space--the impact of the quality of light when added to the inventory is mind-bending. I love the patina on these pieces. GOOD LUCK LIZ!!

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  9. Gorgeous!
    I need to visit Texas. You have the best antique stores. Wow.

    xo
    Brooke

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  10. There is no substitute for real patina. We can try to copy it by painting and distressing our furniture but it's not quite the same. Thank you for the eye candy! The finishes on some of the dressers and tables are just gorgeous! Love it!

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  11. Wow!

    I saw each picture and I couldn't stop looking at them. After I finish this I will take look at it again. There's so many details and I want to learn them, see them and feel the beauty of this post.

    This is stunning!


    xo


    Luciane at HomeBunch.com


    PS: Post of the Day: SPA INSPIRED BATHROOMS

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  12. * There's nothing like "the REAL THING", and it couldn't be more true than here, Joni~~~ absolutely wonderful pieces!!! I WISH so much they could tell us the HISTORY behind how they GOT their breathtaking patinas... wouldn't THAT be something?!?!?!!?!?

    And you know me n' dogs... I WANT THAT MIRROR!!!

    Warmest,
    Linda in AZ *
    bellesmom1234@comcast.net

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  13. All so gorgeous it makes my heart skip a beat! I'm too scared to go in and check it out so I'll just drool over your pictures. ;)
    xo~
    T

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  14. Joni, you are such an educator (and MAN, I love the pieces you share--the furnishings, the details, the fact I COVET virtually everything I see in your posts), and I love you for that. I know many people fear using designers because they're unfamiliar with how much things cost, not understanding the fair value of antiques, a good eye, excellent fabrics. Have you ever thought of expanding your education role to give ballpark prices for the antiques and fabrications you share? Not to scare folks off, but to help them learn that spending 3k on a piece once in a lifetime is sooo much more economical than buying 5 $700 tables?? And in a selfish way, it would help me budget for my own renovations to know how to spec for various things you've made me covet!!

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  15. Hi Joni,

    Just so beautiful! The first one is my favorite . . .

    I agree with the comment above, and was going to suggest the same thing. While the dealer may not want you to post actual prices, it would be so helpful and educational to know a ballpark price. Again, not to scare people off, but to educate us on the price of investing.

    I'm on the hunt right now for a specific antique desk - - one that is quite old and will be an investment. Hubby and I were chatting last night about it . . . he found one he thought was perfect in PB, and I shared that it is a bit like buying a new car - value drops the minute you drive it off the lot. Where as a fine antique should hold its value and, with luck, increase in value.

    Thank you for sharing this wonderful shop!

    Jennifer

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  16. Joni...You find the most beautiful homes... antiques...style...design...and people to write about. Your blog is a highlight of any day for me!

    What pieces this shop has... thank you...as always a great post!

    Victoria

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  17. Joni, Every once in a while I find a shop like Liz's where you walk in and never want to walk out --just permanently move in as everything is your personal taste and it is fabulous. I'd like to know more about her business. Does she have pickers? Does she hand pick everything herself? How many trips to Europe a year? How many countries does she visit? Reminds me of Tara Shaw. These businesses remind me of the good life to do what you are passionate about but it is a lot of work. Thanks for introducing Liz to us all.

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  18. Seeing the address made me wish I was living in Houston again. Great Post+congrats to Liz. xx peggybraswelldesign.com

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  19. Love that dog mirror, really perfect!
    SAW IT RIGHT AWAY.....The EYE spied!
    I am always on the look for a dog themed or embelished home addition.
    Thanks for the pictorial tour, Joni!

    Nice, something to BARK about!

    L.

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  20. Joni,
    Does Liz have a web store?

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  21. Joni! I adore this shop. What faboulous pieces, and that dog mirror! When I saw that little face roll up on the screen it was love. Everything in that shop is top drawer. Thanks for sharing this. I'm going back now to scroll through the pictures again.

    XO,

    Sheila

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  22. Joni everything in her shop is amazing...the angela are so equisite and are my favorites!

    Do come and join in my giveaway from Blydesign!!

    Xoxo
    Karena

    Art by Karena

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  23. I just discovered your blog a few days ago. All the expense and effort to create the internet are now worth it! Thank you for infusing these days of winter with divine inspiration! I might just have to travel to Texas to explore some of your secret design wonders. Liz's shop looks absolutely divine. There really is nothing like the real thing.

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  24. I am so glad Linda's shop is in Houston because otherwise I would be broke! Love those angels, I collect them so I would have to have those and that console is to die for! Fabulous looking shop, thank you for taking us window shopping with you. Or did you purchase a little something?

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  25. That was all gorgeous pieces of past.
    That was all a treasure.
    Tacoma Homes

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  26. I had the phone number wrong at first - here is the correct number: 713-526-1400


    sorry about that!!!!

    glad you all like the store - its so fabulous!

    Joni

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  27. Looks like a beautiful store...completely with you on your favorite piece, it is stunning and could go in so many places. I wish her much luck in her beautiful new store!
    www.theenchantedhome.blogspot.com

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  28. wow.... what a treasure trove! the angels in the first photo makes me weak in the knees!

    joan

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  29. Thank you for this much needed shopping trip!
    We have cabin fever here in Georgia after being "iced in" for days. Divine divine! I would love to see the rest of what is hanging above the unmatched enfilade.

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  30. the merchandise here rivals nyc and palm beach.

    stunning.
    you need to become a buyer miss joni!!!

    xxx

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  31. Oh my! I could look at these tables, cupboards, and dressers all day. Just gorgeous and in such lovely hues, too. Bess

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  32. Girl! I HAVE NOT BEEN TO "SEE" YOU IN SO LONG!!!! And boy am I glad I came over - those angels, oh my goodness, they took my breath away. They are so gorgeous I don't know what to do with myself!
    Wonderful. Wonderful!!!!!

    Angela,
    ParisienneFarmgirl.com

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  33. I absolutely love each and every thing!!!

    Karen T.

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  34. I would have to take it all home. Just gorgeous pieces.
    Thank you for sharing, Joni.
    Teresa
    xoxo

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  35. I will never in my lifetime be able to afford true, antique and BEAUTIFUL pieces like these but sure appreciate them! AND, you for sharing all this! It is like going on a shopping trip with you, love it! I spotted the dog on the mirror right away and loved it! Thanks again for all your beautiful posts! XO, Pinky

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  36. Joni: Thanks so much for sharing Liz's beautiful shop. I am traveling to Houston in a couple of weeks for a design job and I know I must go to Liz Spradling Antiques......can't wait to go.

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  37. I love all of the chalky paint finishes! Also, those tapestry pillows are just yummy.
    I could spend the whole day in there.
    Rhonda

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  38. Hi sweetie!
    Thanks for droppin' by the Yaya! All beautiful pieces, but I must say I LOVE those clocks!!! Have a great weekend and stay warm....xo

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  39. Absolutely gorgeous! I would love to have lived in the 18th century (except no antibiotics! That would be a drag! ha ha!)
    Would love to have you stop by!
    CC
    http://currentlychic.com

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  40. Beautiful, beautiful beautiful - that's all I can say! Want everything I see!!!


    Janice
    Pemaquid

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  41. There is hope for every house!
    Great renovation story!
    And lovely examples from the store front!
    PS: Have a look at my post on China and silverware....
    YOU MIGHT LIKE IT!
    xoxo Victoria

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  42. So many oohs and ahhs...I'll take the 18th Century French Buffet...the mirror below it and the two lamps next to it! Wow I could not walk out of there without anything...well at least not in my head! What a lovely place to get to visit!

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  43. Hi Joni, Once again, what a beautiful post! Liz and I have just completed the Liz Spradling Antiques website and I wanted to give everyone the address:
    http://lizspradling.com/

    We are still making refinements but I encouraged Liz to go ahead and launch as I thought your readers may want to have the first look.

    Thanks! Nancy Morgan

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  44. Impressive that the project was completed so quickly, but the attention to scale was ignored. The size of the lamps and sconces (too huge or too small)amongst the furniture is painful.

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  45. O.K., after having moved here last year, it's time for me to get out of the nest! This store looks amazing. Thank you for inspiring me to discover Houston more than I have.

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