May 20, 2010

Sideboard Stories

Dining rooms sets generally come with a hutch, a Sideboard or Credenza. It makes for an elegant set up when you choose the right kind of sideboard to complete your dining set. There is no harm in going in for a mix and match until you are able to get the wood tones and the style combination right. Here is a peek into possible options. I tried collating a set of pictures of sideboards and buffets (and one hutch) including - antique victorian, art deco, contemporary and a few modern pieces.

Lets begin with a very Victorian mahogany sideboard with a Bow Front. A craigslist find, with unique Burl finish, was very popular in the mid 1800's.
Another mahogany sideboard which stands on very ornate legs. Another one of my craigslist finds. The owner described it as Burl finish mahogany with ample space for storage- Separate space alloted for China and silverware. This is said to be from the late 1930's


Another one standing on ornate legs, made from Cherry wood. (Craigslist find :) )

A French sideboard , I am not sure of the wood though
source: laurelauction.com
Mission style, early American


A classy Anglo Indian style Buffet /sideboard
source: craigslist.org
I found a few similar ones with a mirror on the panel
source:  craigslist.org

source: thefurniture-com

Rustic country/distressed look
source:dibor.co.uk
A formal Transitional style

source: dhi.com
Let us see a few with ethnic touches - carvings, paintings etc.

source: dafanic.com
Art Deco style with dual wood tones and very ornate
Carved details with open shelves
source: sideboards.com
One with carving and glass doors
source: thefurniture-com
Let us break the monotony with this simple Cherry wood all American style buffet
source: craigslist
A good medley of country and early American
source: unknown

Getting back to an ornate sideboard with a marble top which is is sleek and looks more like a table
source: craigslist

If you prefer ethnic designs, here is an Antique Rajasthani sideboard
source: rajasthanifurniture(.)com
 Another Rajasthani, painted sideboard
source: rajasthanifurniture-com
A Sheesham wood, Jaali (grill) style 
source: jalifurniture-com-uk
Found this beautifully hand painted Red Chinese Sideboard

source:allbakersracks-com

A beautiful Chinese Style reproduction antique hand painted Sideboard with stunning authentic floral images
 source:muyi-uk-com

And now a series of contemporary styles for the modernists :-)

A beautiful Teak tone sideboard with a removable hutch. A typical Danish modern design. Dont you just love it?

source: craigslist
Teak, Danish modern,  two piece sideboard with a glass covered display case. So perfect for an apartment.


 source: circa60
Another Scandinavian design classic in Walnut.



source: via flickr
A very sleek set collated for the ultra modernists
source:modernnova.com
(frosted glass table obstructing the complete view)
source:designitalia-com
Contemporary buffet/sideboard with a frosted glass look (Most of the modern looking rooms are either in white or shades of grey!)
source: digsdigs-com 
another stunning model...with a frosted glass sliding door
 source:buffetcabinet-org

source:furnitureanddesign-com

And how could I resist presenting funky alternative!  using a chest of drawer as buffet

source: roomandboard-com


Metal cabinet (IKEA PS) used as a beautiful sideboard /buffet in this sleek dining room setting...loved it!!
source: flickr (pinklovesbrown)

how about a few Simple floating shelves ..wont work in traditional settings and homes with children though :)
source: younghouselove-com

Apothecary chest 
source: coylesauction-com

Conventional style Cane buffet
source: naturallycane-com

I could have added a lot more...but the post is too long already!!..

PS: all pictures found via various internet based sources and I do not own their copyrights

May 3, 2010

Artist Showcase- Nithya

I have been waiting to publish this post about a very talented Artist.

Nithya a.k.a Lakshmi Kalyani is an Artist with oodles of talent and abundance of inherent creativity. She has a Fine Arts Degree from Andhra University with a major in Painting. What could be better than to start the showcase with a very colourful depiction of Sree Ganesha

Gajanana - Acrylic on canvas

Her talent was recognized very early when she won laurels in various state and national level painting and art competitions while in school. A few of her achievements include, 3 gold medals in 3 consecutive years at National level painting competition and a 4th place at National level held by Vijay Information, Hyderabad. Constant encouragement from the family fueled her desire to do well as an artist, while still in middle school.

She says, “I am lucky to have been born in a very loving and encouraging family. Being surrounded by Art lovers and patrons who believe in me, has fueled a desire to do well in a less treaded career path.”

One look at her work will convince you of her passion and seriousness towards her career.


Title: A long way to go -Acrylic on Canvas

Nithya says- “I honed my skills in drawing sketches and in water color with the help of my Drawing Teacher.Regular participation in art competition fetched me few laurels. Moreover my painting on ‘World Peace’ got selected at district level Competition held by Lions Club.My painting was adjudged winner in the Amul Butter girl contest. I went on to represent the State of Andhra Pradesh, India, at the National level competition held at Anand, Gujarat in January 2000. These milestones and all the support from people in my life, encouraged me to pursue a career in the same field of interest.”
Title: Blossoming Childhood - Acrylic on Canvas


What drew my attention to her work was her choice of subjects showcasing burning social issues. Given that she is in her early twenties, I couldn’t help admiring her sensitivity towards these issues.
Title: Prized Catch - Priceless childhood! - Acrylic on Canvas


Nithya adds,” Through out the Bachelor’s course, my pet theme was always a social cause.My painting projects depicted children and their cause ie, Child education, Child Labour, Child Abuse and female foeticide/infanticide etc. My work has been received well and appreciated by all.”

Title: Burning Midnight Oil - Charcoal on Textured sheet


She is an expert in using vairous media and her quality of work reflects in even her pencil sketches.


Pencil on Chart 

Water colour on chart 

Title: Nestling Ideas take flight -Oil on canvas

She says, “The scene of neglected childhood on my way to college moved me a lot and that reflected on my canvas.Paint and Brush are my aides to express my feelings for these issues. “
Title: Street children -Charcoal on Chart


I loved every minute I spent chatting with her and getting to know this amazingly talented girl. I loved the way she ended her conversation with me “ Thus I stand an artist in making.” Her expertise includes Portraits and her ability to replicate a picture as is...I am awestruck!! She accepts orders for portraits. All you need to do is to send her a nice picture. :)

Charcoal and Water Colour on Textured paper



It is encouraging and heart warming to see the family she was born in and the family she has married into, to have immense faith in her. I wish her all the best with her career as a full time artist and wish her many more accomplishments in the field of Arts. I hope you liked her work and would surely mention it via your comments.

A call to all Art patrons - Nithya's work is for sale. She would be glad to work on any medium or theme. Do leave your comments and queries in the comments section. Nithya will respond to all of your questions.


Copyrights:All pictures and paintings are Nithya's original work. No form of misuse please!! Images are scanned copies of her work. Please respect an artist's creativity and right to appreciation. Image resolution has been kept low for copyright purposes. Please ask for higher resolution pictures, if interested.
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