Merriman Park: Chairs

Friday, September 23, 2011

Field Trip! The Minneapolis Institute of Arts

My partner did not arrive home from his trip to California until 2:00 AM this morning, poor thing, due to flight delays. Remember when air travel was a glam adventure? I tried really tried to stay up for him but the longer he was delayed the more Martinis I slammed back and so by the time he arrived I was a messy, well, --mess!

So it wasn't until the crack of noon that I got my sorry tush going this morning. I needed to step on it if I was going to make it to the Art Institute before closing time!

First things first: I made a pit-stop at the Minnesota College of Art & Design (MCAD) conveniently located right next door to the Museum. The trip brought me back to my old neighborhood stomping grounds --oh, how nice again to see the angsty, tortured, young art students sulking down the very Street Where I Lived! All thinking they're going to take the Art World by storm! Oh, tender Youth! Bless your hearts!

Bitter? Party of one...

I picked up some metallic gold pigment powder at their claustrophobic art supply store to sprinkle over the wet gilt paint that I plan on using on some of the moldings. Next, it was off to the the venerable, marbled halls of the Minneapolis Institute of Arts!

Whenever I visit the Art Institute, I always make a bee-line toward the Period Rooms. I never tire of examining their exquisite, antique furnishings, and the mastery of the workmanship of their paneled walls. So inspiring!

After a lovely afternoon admiring gorgeous things that I can't afford, I ducked into their Gift Shop to snatch up a few more postcards to be turned into artwork for the walls of Merriman Park.

These chairs match the table best. I think a pair of candle lamps are needed on the table. (Great, more electrical)!

Oh, yeah! I also have been playing with some furniture that I've been picking up here and there. What do you think?

I love this mirror! (left) It might not end up here, but I love it!

I am planning on furnishing the Entrance Hall rather sparsely --just four chairs in the corners, the few tables you see in the top photo and maybe a table in the center of the room.

This table positively screams for a floral arrangement!

I'm not sure this is the right table for the center of the hall, or not. My huz thinks it's 'too simple.' I know there are some interior designers out there following this blog, as well as some strong-opined miniaturists, so what do you think?

Here is another question: do you think all four chairs in this room should match, or not? Personally, I'm not a 'matchy-matchy' kind of guy, but I want the room to have a semblance to Period accuracy. Imagine, if you will, it's 1795-1820 in a house about eighty years older. Here are the chairs I have 'on hand.' Which one(s) do you like for this space? (Keep in mind I can and will be changing the upholstery).