Historic Magrath Mansion Open House
There are so many events going on over the next few weeks that celebrate our country’s 150th birthday that it’s very hard to fit even a small number of them […]
Why the Huge Difference in Values between Two Teacups?
A reader recently contacted me with a photograph of a gorgeous tea cup that she owns. (Unfortunately I did not save her photo because I hadn’t planned on writing a […]
Arts and Crafts Furniture- A Great Compromise
There are many reasons for partners, married or not, to disagree, but what kind of furniture to have in one’s home doesn’t have to be one of them. Since I […]
To Restore or Renovate – That is the question
Why did you choose to live in your current home? What was there about the house that made you realize that this was the right place for you? Beyond its […]
Furniture Grime versus Patina
What exactly is patina? This is a question I get asked fairly often when I do talks about antiques. I have to answer honestly and tell the person that patina […]
5 Steps to Cleaning Grimy Antique Furniture
Years ago a client of mine purchased a dining room suite at an auction. It had seen better days to be sure and she was understandably concerned about the high […]
10 Things You Should Know about Selling your Antiques on Consignment
There comes a time in every one’s life that it is necessary to sell belongings – your own or someone else’s. Garage sales are one way but what if your […]
The Parlour
The Evolution of a Room Is the parlour just another Victorian room that is totally irrelevant to today’s homes? To understand how this room evolved into today’s living room and […]
Due Diligence worth Du-ing
Embarrassing, but it happened – I bought the vase you see above and listened to the dealer wax on about this well known Canadian female potter that created it. […]
In Flanders Field, the Poppies Grow…
One of the most emotional and poignant experiences of our trip to Belgium this June was a guided tour of the town of Ypres, Menin Gate, the Passchendaele Museum and […]
Antique Sale in the Highlands Oct. 27th
Our home, aka the “Bell Residence” in the Highlands of Edmonton, has been sold. Now comes the not-so-much-fun part – moving. I have been collecting antiques for many years. Although […]
1912 Heritage Home for Sale in the Highlands, Edmonton
The Bell Residence, as it is known in historic circles, is for sale. The 1912 house, located in the Highlands community (voted one of the top five communities to live […]
Art Nouveau Style Very Unique
Some styles of decor are so out there that they become associated with only a small segment of society and fizz out of favour quickly. Art Nouveau is such a […]
Beautiful Bruges in Belgium
Bruges (spelt many different ways) in Belgium is probably one of the most photogenic places you’ll ever go to on your travels. It used to be a well-kept secret- but […]
The Van Loon Museum a Must – See in Amsterdam
I love house museums. Where else can I indulge in my passion for antiques, art and period interior design all at once? House museums are like a snapshot in time […]
The Spirit of Amsterdam
There are things every city is known for, and after my recent return from Europe I thought I’d share those that stood out for me when I think of Amsterdam. […]
Bizarre Antique #2
In April I attended the Wild Rose Antique Show that is held annually at Northlands in the city. Given that I have been teaching a course on the history of […]
What’s in a Mark?
“A wine label is worth 100 years of experience.” Have you ever heard that saying before? This saying refers to the amount of information that can be gleaned from a […]
