Adding to the Coastal Allure With Chinese Antiques

“Chinese antiques are integral in many of my projects, whether residential or hospitality interiors. They add confidence, strength and color to both  traditional and contemporary interiors. For me, their age and their lines hold the intrigue of stories untold of places far and away from our shores.”

 Jan Lamont/Coastal Architects.

antiques by zaar customer since June 2008.

With offices in Nanaimo British Columbia and Kittery Point Maine, the name “Coastal Architects” is most appropriate for this husband and wife team of architect and interior designer, who “commute” between the two coasts and have ongoing projects in both.

Am thrilled that back in 2oo8, when working on a hotel project, that they let their fingers do the walking and found the Antiques by Zaar website, and within a rather tight time frame we shipped off a loveseat and pair of chests to Maine from our North Carolina warehouse.

The beautiful Stage Neck Inn in York Harbor Maine, one of their many east coast clients, recently had a redo of thier lobby lounge, and per Jan’s above statement, are you suprised that a smattering of Chinese antiques found their way into the comforting  area that overlooks the ocean?  I had occasion to swing by there a couple of weeks ago on a return trip from High Point NC to my home in Maine, and grabbed a few photos, to share with you here…

NOTE: A lovely fireplace is also situated in this room but didn’t photograph so as not to be intrusive the couple that were enjoying their newspapers by the roaring fire. 🙂

 

Antiques by Zaar: 10 Things to know…

1. In 2000 Antiques by Zaar’s business was established/premised on an “etail” only model, thus breaking new ground as THE FIRST online only  seller of Chinese Antiques …offering re conditioned Chinese antique pieces at a true “online” retail price.

...as shown on About Us/Our Story section of our site.

2. ZAAR represents the names of my children, Zachary, Arianna, and Avery…and I am Ruth, anchoring the name…husband’s contribution was that it was his idea 🙂 Click here to read the About Us on our website.

3. The Chinese logo associated with my business is my name, Ruth Olbrych….fashioned after a pendant I had made whilst living in Taiwan.

4. Since 2004 Antiques by Zaar has been showing at the High Point Furniture Market, opening doors to present, in person, product (and yours truly) to the Trade.

5. And in 2008 we further established in High Point by  moving our  Maine warehouse there.  As a member of the High Point Design Center  we are open the 2nd Wedensday of every month and otherwise by appointment.

6.  Antiques by Zaar has been doing an online newsletter since 2004, to a list of Past Customers and Prospects that now numbers over 5,000. Feel free to sign up by clicking here…and now THRILLED with onset of social media, giving so many additional  venues, like this blog, to put our online business out there….

7.  Close to 100 direct consumer (ie, not Designers) customers have made multiple purchases for their homes….some in one fell swoop and others over the course of the years ….Similarly repeat customers in my Design business continues to grow in relevance as comfort level in shopping online increases. Thank YOU ALL!!!!

Check out our Home Gallery here, with photos as shared by my customers….and that which will be added to greatly in next few weeks.

9. Antiques by Zaar is excited to branch off with the ZAAR Design Center, using the High Point base as a venue to offer an affordable presence to other businesses, like Antiques by Zaar, that understand the value of offering a year round presence,  to its customer base.

10. This Thanksgiving Antiques by Zaar marks 10 years since it’s first online sale and is THRILLED to be here, holding this lovely niche we created.

Credit for the 10 Things Theme goes to Olga Adler of Olga Adler Interiors who did a blog a ways back that was similar in nature to what I quipped here and I thought it so clever and have been meaning to mimmick that for my own business, with, of course, giving credit to Olga for the idea.

Note: Met Olga at Jane Pollak’s  Remarkable Women Event in NYC last Fall. Both women blog and both are worthy of following.

 

Bellascenda @ AbyZaar Warehouse/Showroom

Thrilled to introduce you here to Trudy Simmons and her company Bellascenda. Due to the major rennovation project underway at the Suites at Market Square,  Bellascenda, an exhibitor there, needed to find a place to store their showroom contents following October 09  High Point Furniture Market.

What a great place to stow your TV!

Pleased that Jeff Moore, my sales associate, suggested I offer Trudy some space in my warehouse for such, and thus, have given up a corner for her to not only store but display her product.

Further, Trudy and her company are members of the High Point Design Center, so, if you as a designer, would be planning to attend any of our First Wednesday Events, or are planning to come to the luncheon/presentation that Antiques by Zaar is hosting during the HPDC sponsored Unity in Design Event, you have the opportunity to see a lovely collection of Bellascenda’s merchandise.  A sales associate will also be available to answer any and all questions you may have on this product, which serves to “lift flat screen tvs out of beautiful furniture.”

A few things to know about Bellascenda.

Another sleek looking home for your TV

For the past 6 years Bellascenda has been making thier furniture in the United States, with the bulk of it produced by the Amish in Pennsylvania. And like my Chinese Antiques, their product is green.

During Market you can find Bellascenda at the new and improved Suites at Market Square. Between Markets you can find them at 400 Mandustry St, High Point NC (by appointment) and 24/7 you can find them online at www.bellascenda.com and also (Trade only) at TODL.

Save the Date: Bellascenda and Antiques by Zaar are offering lunch and presentation, Friday February 19,2010

Where: Antiques by Zaar Warehouse, 400 Mandustry St, High POint NC.

What: Lunch and presentation by Ruth Olbrych and Terri Maurer.

Bonus: Book Giveaway of Terri’s newest publication, InteriorDesign in Practise, co authored with Katie Weeks.

AND….she will be available to autograph copies that will be available to purchase.

Going to be a wonderful time…be sure to register by clicking here.

Both Trudy and I look forward to hosting this event and Terri is eager to present herself and her new publication!

Ruth

P.S. Curious how Trudy and I met?  That would be through a Linked In! She needed a room during Market and I had advertised that my sales associate had one available. She took the room, we connect each Market and, on we go….a passion for our respective businesses and drive to see them thrive furthers our connection.

www.antiquesbyzaar.com

ruth@antiquesbyzaar.com

 

Opportunity to Share My Story: High Point Market Authority Article & More

Ruth Olbrych, owner Antiques by Zaar

I was thrilled when asked if I would contribute as a guest columnist for the High Point Market Authority, and am including link HERE to the article that was published late last week.

Back in 2000 Antiques by Zaar served as a pioneer selling, solely on the internet, a line of Chinese Antique Furniture that my husband and I directly imported. I truly think that if we had really over thought the viability of selling something so personal (and “alive”) online that we would’ve never moved forward on it. I’m so glad we bit the bullet and simply plowed on forward.

I have and continue to find immense pleasure in the fact that I am able, through the transaction of selling/buying, broaden my world with the many fine people that find their way to my website and become part of my Antiques by Zaar family. It is our website that has served as the main portal to present and promote ourselves, and now, with the additional venues made available by way of “social networking”, I am given that many more opportunities to make myself known to that many more people. I am beyond excited. In fact I am jubilant.

Keeping it personal. The familiar logo is Ruth's name in Chinese.

I love to write. I love to connect. I love to share my story, my perspective, my self with anybody that cares to listen. I love to hear from people and learn their stories, their perspectives and their selves. I love to inspire, encourage and promote.

I love what I sell. And I love that what I sell is congruent with my approach to selling, in that it is personal, alive and real. And again, I love that I am able to spread the word and let the world know the viability of putting yourself out there, online, and bringing it to the “real” world, and making a life and a living in a way that offers latitude, freedom and pure joy.

Welcome to my world!

Ruth

www.antiquesbyzaar.com

 

Sun Shine in Maine !!

First Vistiors to the 15th Annual Garden Tour

Yesterday was the scheduled 15^th Annual Garden Tour for the Maine Music Society. Rain or shine this was the date. With a heavy rain filled month of rain you can imagine how fervent our prayers were to the patron Saint of sunshine. (Yes, one of our committee members Googled patron saints and voila there was Julie!)

 

 

 

Picturesque Floral Display in the Center of the Garden

 

And the sun would shine down on us on all fronts yesterday. Not only could it not have been a more beautiful day for the tour, which showcased a total of 7 gardens, but we would come out of it having raised monies, from tickets and raffle prizes equal to that of last year!

 

 

A Serene Setting in the Woods

 

Chinese Antique Red Lacquer Box donated for the Maine Music Society Garden Tour Raffle

Antiques by Zaar was only one in  a long list of local businesses that contributed raffle prizes to offer as part of the fundraising efforts.

 

 

 

 

Was thrilled that I was able to contribute this as well as assist in a small way with an event that brings so much joy to so many people, supporting a group I am proud to be part of, namely the Androscoggin Chorale of the Maine Music Society.

 

This is my 4^th year as a contributing alto in the chorale and I look forward to our next Season of making music and further fostering friendships along the way.

 

Yes, the sun is shining down on me!

(And again today as ALL of my children are home.)

Ruth Olbrych
www.antiquesbyzaar.com
ruth@antiquesbyzaar.com

 

It ALL Counts! Brimfield Antique Show

 The Brimfield Antique Show, in Brimfield MA is right around the corner; July 14-19 to be exact. It is renowned in its size and scope of offerings with folks traveling from across the nation to buy and sell. If you are into antiques/finds, this is “the” place for you!

 

Brimfield Antique Show, Brimfield Mass.

Antiques by Zaar did do a stint showing at Brimfield, with our last show being in the Fall of 2004, and as recently as this past January, a customer came my way directly because of my time at Brimfield. Yes, a friend of hers had purchased something from me at the show, shared with her my business card (more than 2 years ago) and this winter she called and placed an order herself, after quietly following my website all these years.

 

I can’t help but be delighted when a customer relates to me how they not only came upon my website/collection, but what further incited them to take the plunge and purchase from me. For, at times it is with genuine surprise that something we did, or put out there, literally years ago, still has impact with our prospects. Not only magazines, but events, such as our time at Brimfield, what is 5 years ago now, have great “shelf life”, as is evident by this chronicled scenario.

 

Brimfield, Mass. customer shares photo of their Antiques by Zaar purchase in thier

 

Aside from this obvious benefit to our business I will always remember with fondness the opportunity to share with my kids the time that Antiques by Zaar was on the road, doing antique shows. They would help load/off load the truck, keep good company on the long drives and be good sports about working the shows in all kinds of weather.

 

All good and yes, it does ALL count!

Ruth Olbrych
www.antiquesbyzaar.com
ruth@antiquesbyzaar.com

 

Gaita Interiors, Chinese Screens, & Antiques by Zaar

Although I just did a blog on the usage of Chinese screens I wanted to share with you the blog that Gaita Interiors just put out with a similar bend, titled Chinoisiere Screen: A Timeless Interior Design Classic.

Gaitia Interiors Logo

 

Meg Braff Interiors June House Beautiful

Her blog was not only informative but a pictorial delight, including, among other photographic references, this image as created by Meg Braff Interiors and showcased in issue of House Beautiful.

 

After showcasing the multitude of venues screens are used she offers resources for those that want to create the look themselves and DYI, followed by sharing with you sources for buying the “real deal”, and that’s where we come in.

 

Chinese Antique Four Panel Screen

So glad we found each other on Twitter and are able to serve each other as resource. Thank you Leona for the added exposure for our business and hope I can do the same for you.

 

Ruth
www.antiquesbyzaar.com

 

Buying Chinese Antique Desks on Line

It is not uncommon for me to hear from prospective customers a sense of insecurity as they ponder an on line purchase of a large item, like, let’s say, a desk. Such was the case for Liz, in New York City, as she was scouring the internet for pieces to accent her apartment. Our conversations online and eventually on the phone started back in January 2003 and the base of a relationship was formed.

 

Chinese Antique Desk and Chair in New York City

The photo above showcases the desk that Liz was pondering, and did indeed purchase. Allow me to share with you the email I received after delivery of the desk, which you can also see in the Home Gallery section of our website.

 

 

“The desk arrived, right on schedule. I’ve been trying to compose a note that would express my appreciation for your service and how pleased I am with this piece of furniture without sounding “over the top” but I guess I’m just going to have to gush a little bit. First, the desk is beautiful. Frankly, the picture on your web site did not do the finish justice. I’m still amazed that I bought something this beautiful over the internet with no hassle and no problem. You made the entire process not only painless but fun. Thank you again for everything and I look forward to finding enough room to fit in another piece. Best to your family, (human and canine)” 02/06/03

 

 

Chinese Antique Red Lacquer Desk from Antiques by Zaar

Yes, I was able to garner Liz’s confidence enough for her to not only purchase the 3 piece traveler’s desk, but over the course of the years to purchase a total of 17 pieces from Antiques by Zaar; some of which she placed in her NYC apartment and some which she has placed in her vacation home in Cape Porpoise Maine, the latter which I enjoyed seeing first hand when visiting her last summer. During my visit I grabbed some photos which you can see in our Galleria of Collectors on our website. I think you’ll agree that the Asian infusion works very well in the relaxed setting of a vacation home.

 

 

Chinese Antique Traveling Desk of Elmwood

Our pieces are indeed one of a kind and although Liz’s desk as such has not been available again to us, we do have in stock a lovely natural wood toned Elmwood traveler’s desk. Our signature rubbed wax finish has been applied to this desk which hails from the Shanxi province of China. The inverted bat hardware (Fu, which means “Good Luck”) on the drawers adds further character to this simply stated and functional piece.

 

 

And if you like bamboo we can offer you the below desk, which is en route from China along with a container of other pieces, which you can view by visiting this Link. For our complete collection of desks you can visit our DESK section on our site.

 

Chinese Antique Red Lacquer Bamboo Desk

Should be no surprise that I would have a Chinese desk (or two) in my own home and leave you with this photo of our reading room, with desk in place.

Chinese Antique Black Lacquer Desk and Chair

Ruth Olbrych
www.antiquesbyzaar.com

 

Using Chinese Antique Window Screens and Doors

Almost 10 years ago to the date, we made the bold move to the United States after living in Asia for just shy of a decade. We had enjoyed our time and the people in Asia and wanted to keep that sentiment strong, surrounding ourselves with memorabilia in our new home in rural Maine.

 

View of my office with my Chinese Antiques

 

The chairs and screens shown here are part of a “housewarming” gift from my husband, to further add that flavor of Asia to our home. The gift that keeps on giving though, is the business we established, importing and selling Chinese Antiques. Buying an antique can be very “personal” and I am happy to be able to add to that my own special touch as I try and make buying an antique from Antiques by Zaar the next best thing to going to China yourself.

 

Although I’m decidedly keeping this set of folding screens, over the years we have been able to locate and sell similar sets to our customers. Commonly used as room dividers, or as backdrops, they have also been used otherwise.

 

Chinese Antique Screens used as Decorative Wall in the dining room

 

 Chantal Lawrence, of Total Design Source in Old Saybrooke CT, found us online in 2001 and has been an Antiques by Zaar customer/friend since then. She backed a set of screens/doors with mirrors and mounted them on a wall to serve as backdrop in the dining room of her Asian infused home. Unquestionably, a wonderful and innovative way to use these carved screens. You can find TDS in our Designer Directory.

 

The carved screens were generally made of Elmwood and often carved on one side, leaving the back side flat, to facilitate the attachment of semi-transparent protective paper or cloth, for they were used as we would use glass in a window.

 

Chinese Antique Window Screen as Decorative Wall Art

The screen shown here is in an Antiques by Zaar customer’s home in Guilford CT. This particular screen is made of pine and is intricately carved. It was a  perfect fit in the space he had between two rooms in his new house. The accenting of the stone statue on a simple Chinese bench, placed in front of the screen completes this lovely setting.

 

Some screens tell a story, such as this set of seven panels which hail from the Fujin province of China and date to circa 1890.

 

 

Set of 7 Fujin Chinese Antique Panels

Chinese Antique Window Screen

Others are more basic, showing the status of the previous owner as being much “less than” that of the owner of the decorated set shown above. These screens not only serve well on any wall, but would also fill in well hanging loosely inside of a window frame.

 

No matter the stature of the previous owners there is beauty to be found in the either the simplicity or the complexity of carving on what we know as traditional Chinese carved window and door panels. You can visit our offerings on our website and also see more of how our customers are placing Chinese antiques in their homes, in our Home Gallery.

Ruth Olbrych
www.antiquesbyzaar.com

 

American Cancer Society/Discovery Shop & Antiques by Zaar

Cancer touches the lives of so many people. I am not exempt from this with my younger sister battling with this for the past several years. As it is we live quite a distance from each other but I try to make several trips/year to visit as a show of support and can only hope that it helps her to know that I am in her corner.

 

Ruth and Linda visiting

 

 

The American Cancer Society has far reaching effects because of the magnitude of this disease. The success of their fundraising efforts is further enhanced by how the organization is run and also the caliber of volunteers they are able to call upon to organize the wide variety of events hosted.

 

 I would like to take the opportunity here and now to sing the praises of the group that solicits for donations from the High Point Market exhibitors for the Discovery Shop at Smith Mountain Lake, (near Roanoke) VA.

 

Pair of Red and Black Chests Donated by Antiques by Zaar

For the past 3 Markets I have had the absolute pleasure of meeting and talking to the dedicated teams that are working on behalf of this Discovery Shop; an outlet which is unique in nature of the 80 plus such stores nationwide, in that it specializes in selling only high end new/nearly new furniture. The success of the quality and quantity of items donated attests to the commitment, professionalism and warm and personable nature of the personnel that are soliciting vendors during the High Point Furniture Market.

 

Chinese Antique Green Stool

I look forward to the absolute honor of continuing on as a contributor to the Discovery Shop at Smith Mountain Lake, VA and should you be in the furniture industry, would invite you to join me in doing the same.

 

Chinese Antique Blue Stool

Dee Kropf has been coordinating these efforts from High Point for the past 7 Markets and I had the pleasure of meeting her this past Spring.  Feel free to contact her at dee@deearn.com for information regarding donating items or shopping the store. I hear it’s a beautiful area to visit, and in particular this time of year. I plan on doing so on one of my runs from Maine to High Point in the not too distant future.

 

Hope you enjoyed the photo’s and if you have a chance check out the American Cancer Society/Discovery Store.

 

Chinese Design Dining Room Table

Antiques by Zaar is pleased to be adding this Elmwood Dining Room table and 8 chairs as a contribution to the Discovery Shop at Smith Mountain Lake.

 

Ruth Olbrych

HTTP://www.antiquesbyzaar.com

Ruth@antiquesbyzaar.com