Presented by eBay
Monday, May 21, 2012

CULTURE

Blogger Babble: Style Court

 

Contrary to many of the popular design blogs out there, Style Court takes the high road in its aesthetic approach, with an emphasis on classicism rather than here-one-minute, gone-the-next trends. Surprisingly, the column, authored by an Atlanta-based history buff named Courtney Barnes, began more or less as a fluke: “I started a blog simply for fun in May 2006,” she says. “Back then the blogosphere was far less populated. My thought was to talk about history in an approachable way.”

Barnes’ penchant for old world elegance and her easy-going tone quickly proved a compelling formula, with the blog landing on Time Magazine’s Style & Design 100 List within a year of its launch. Recently, we took time out with Barnes to dig a little deeper into her passion for things from the past, and ended up challenging her to train her eye on eBay in search of classic-but-unexpected, one-of-a-kind gifts.

 

The Inside Source: Are there certain eras that you’re particularly inspired by?

Courtney Barnes: I really like the 60’s—and the 18th century. I like hippie chic florals and paisleys in wild colors from the Haight Ashbury days—that embellished, bohemian vibe. But I’m also drawn to really classic furniture like Chippendale or Queen Anne chairs and desks that will be around forever. I like the mix of English countryside with injections of the hippie thing—it’s a nice contrast.

 

TIS: Where do you go for design inspiration?

CB: Books, galleries and museums. Inspiration can come from anywhere.

 

TIS: What are some of your favorite design blogs?

CB: There are so many good ones nowadays. I like The Peak of Chic, which is also out of Atlanta. Mrs. Blandings is so smart and her posts are always really well researched. I also respond really well to the style and writing on A Bloomsbury Life. There are also several great new blogs, like Treasure Hunt, by art history professors and people who work at museums.

 

TIS: How do you describe your style?

CB: I hope timeless. I think that’s why I’m drawn to vintage pieces—they never really go out of style.

 

TIS: Any tips on incorporating vintage into your home?

CB: Try to avoid overdoing it with one look. If the whole room is done in Hollywood Regency it feels too trendy. Use different elements in moderation.

 

TIS: Are you a collector?

CB: I collect elephants, mostly in wood or brass though I have them in pretty much every form. Old design books are another big one. I also have a thing for decorative boxes—they’re very hard for me to resist.

 

TIS: What are some of your favorite vintage finds ever?

CB: Vogue’s Book of Etiquette is one—I thought it would be a funny conversaion piece and yet it has so much great content about the home and most of it is still so relevant. I also have a crystal Buddha I love that I got at an antiques store.

Barnes’ recommended reading list:

Roll over items for details
Parish-Hadley: Sixty Years of American Design
Parish-Hadley: Sixty Years of American Design
(buy it now price, $300)
The Great Lady Decorators
(buy it now price, $38.61)
Horst: Interiors
Vogue’s Book of Houses, Garden, People (buy it now price, $394.95)
(buy it now price, $250)
Vogue’s Book of Houses, Garden, People
(buy it now price, $394.95)
Vogue’s Book of Etiquette
Here, Barnes reveals her top gift picks—things, she says, that “hopefully your friends will want to keep forever.”
(buy it now price, $29.99)
Blogger Babble: Style Court

Here, Barnes reveals her top gift picks—things, she says, that “hopefully your friends will want to keep forever.”

Jacqueline Kennedy Onassis One Special Summer
“A first edition of the 1970’s One Special Summer would be cool for the right person—maybe a friend who is letting you stay at her beach house.”
(buy it now price, $89.99)
Natural African Turquoise Beads
“For a crafting/jewelry-making friend I’d go for natural African turquoise jasper beads.”
(buy it now price, $9.98)
Vintage Minuet Sterling Silver Cup
“When they pop up at an attainable price, I like giving antique or vintage silver baby cups (or pewter), assuming the parents are open to vintage things. For a girl at least, it's something you can use forever—as a teen or adult they’re great to hold short flowers, jewelry, safety pins, change etc.”
(buy it now price, $49)
Lot of 2 Vintage Trinket Boxes
Boxes I just love because they are mobile, practical and add so much visual interest to a side table or desk.
(sold for $3.95)
Blogger Babble: Style Court

 

 

Tags:
Share

Other Blogger Babbles

View All

Related Posts

Comments

Add a Comment

  • Terms:
    By contacting The Inside Source and/or submitting any comments or content, you accept the Inside Source Privacy Policy and agree to be legally bound by the Terms of Service. Need to hyperlink both the privacy policy and terms of service.
    Please see our Comment Policy

  • Please provide all fields including a valid email address.

Close

Insider Weekly

Â