7 Home Accessories That Will Always Be In Style

Note the bergere to the right in Bunny Mellon's foyer

I spent a favorite day last fall drinking up with deep swallows the wonderful display of tastemaker Bunny Mellon's exquisite things at the auction of her estate at Sotheby's. Apart from posting a few Instagrams, I didn't have time to give full justice to her glorious taste in a blog post. You know how busy I have been.

But EUREKA! When one of my better rugs returned from the restorer I saw that it had similar motifs along the borders as a much photographed rug from Bunny's collection. Gloating at what must be proof that I have good taste too (pride is such a shameful thing) prompted me to dig into my home accessories to see what else Bunny and I shared.

Bunny Mellon's rug on top, mine on the bottom. Sorry, I do know I need a fresh pedicure.

Voila! We both have a cabbage tureen. No matter that hers is Faience from the 18th century and was estimated at $3,000-5,000 and mine came from HomeGoods---I never claimed to have her financial resources--I love my trompe l'oeil tureen and she must have loved her's too.

Cabbage tureen from the estate of Bunny Mellon on left, and my cabbage tureen used as a vase for my Easter centerpiece

I mean she collected tons of the stuff.

Trompe L'oeil porcelain from the Estate of Bunny Mellon

Then I took a look at my front foyer and gazed upon the lone walking stick once owned by Larry's grandfather and recalled how much I want to collect more of them. Naturally Bunny has a charming group.

Charming collection of walking sticks from the Estate of Bunny Mellon, and my single walking stick looking for friends to join it.

I have since decided that I am now qualified to proclaim 7 home accessories that some may deem too "granny", but I consider "granny-chic" and always in style. Heck if Bunny and I like them, it must surely be so. (Like I said, pride is a very, very shameful thing....)

Here is my list of home accessories that will never go out of style:

We will start with the aforementioned.

1. and 2. are trompe l'oeil porcelain and walking sticks of course.

3. Baskets and more baskets. Look how fetching Bunny's are.

Some of the many baskets in the estate of Bunny Mellon

4. Chess sets, all sorts. I am completely enamored by Bunny's sea life set.

Sealife Chess set from the Estate of Bunny Mellon

5. Needlepoint pillows with witticisms. I mean heck-pillows with sayings go at least back to Elsie de Wolfe who had them scattered all over her beloved Villa Trianon.

Needlepoint pillow from the estate of Bunny Mellon

6. Anything to do with monkeys, known in the decorative arts world as singeries, as I explained in this Design Dictionary.

Painting by Madeline Hewes and Singerie Sconce from the Estate of Bunny Mellon

7. The loop chair. Bunny's are George III, natch, but this form also was made famous by designer Frances Elkins and is still being manufactured today.

George III chairs from the Estate of Bunny Mellon

Reproduction loop chairs spotted by me at the Spring 2014 High Point Market

For kicks I am throwing in this collage of some of my favorite images from her estate. I was especially charmed by her choice of art.

Property from the estate of Bunny Mellon. I especially like the art from the estate shown in the center.

Now if I only liked to garden...

Bunny put in the Rose Garden at the White House, but I don't like to get my hands dirty. Guess we are not alike in every way (wink).

Photo credits: Bunny Mellon in the Garden via Marvin Gardens Bergere photo, walking sticks close up, walking sticks in foyer, chess set in rooms, baskets in room, monkey painting, wall of porcelain all via Sotheby's. All other photos by Lynn Byrne.

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My dear readers,

I am one of 5 finalists for Best Writing on a Design Blog for the Design Bloggers Hall of Fame. I am very honored. This award is chosen half by a jury and half by a popular vote. I work diligently on my blog and I would be thrilled to receive this recognition for my hard work.

Here is the voting link: http://design-bloggers-conference.com/hall-of-fame-awards/

Please vote for me. You should be able to vote once per device. Voting is open until February 6. And do leave a comment if the link fails, so I can try to correct it.

Big hugs and thanks, Lynn