Nurture Your Home - V and M: Vintage + Modern

Pair of Modern Travertine Bookends, $250, vandm.com. 

I should start this post with a disclaimer - when you visit V and M, make sure you've got some time to browse, because once you start scrolling through the thousands of vintage treasures they've got on their site, it will be hard to walk away.  The L.A. Times has called it "the best vintage shopping on the web," and in terms of finds for the home, I have to agree.  This site hosts hundreds of dealers from all over the world that carry everything from furniture to rugs, jewelry to lighting.  They also have an editorial section called DesigninTELL Magazine which has designer profiles (including a recent Q & A with Martyn Lawrence Bullard) as well as trend reporting and a tab containing the best values of the week.  Whether you are looking for a specific vintage lamp, or just need to browse some inspiring and unique images, the many galleries are a constant feast for the eyes. While you can easily find Louis XIV candlesticks for upwards of $30,000, I was happy to discover tons of hidden treasures that didn't scare me and my budget away - here are a few of my favorite finds, all under $600. 

I love vintage fashion illustrations and a Pair of Americana Costume Lithographs like these are hard to come by. $195 for the pair, vandm.com. 

This awesome credenza is a DIY project waiting to happen. With a little creativity and new finish or paint, this English Oak Art Deco Sideboard can easily become a unique and stylish addition to your home. $350, vandm.com. 

I've been looking for a great mirror for a vanity nook and this would be perfect. The best part is that the dealer is located here in L.A. so I can go see it in person. Since V and M hosts dealers from around the world, it is usually easy to find several in your area. Vintage Silver-leafed Hand Carved Mirror from the 1940's, $400, vandm.com. 

This Side Table is so unique - the Asian-inspired motif is still contemporary and it has been completely repainted and gold-leafed. $350, vandm.com.   

I think sconces are underrated and I'm in the process of looking for a great vintage pair.  I just love the art deco feel of these Porcelain Wall Sconces and the black lacquer makes them feel so sophisticated and chic. $395 for the pair, vandm.com. 

So many of the inspiring interior decorators working today share a common gift - the ability to see potential in objects and turn them into something great.  As soon as I saw the ram's head arms and delicate woodwork on this Vintage Chair and Ottoman, I started trying to find a place for it in our house.  I haven't succeeded yet, but I've already found several fabrics for the re upholstery job when I do. $450, vandm.com.   

Can we say conversation piece? After years of buying boring, run-of-the-mill lamps, I've realized what an incredible impact the right light can make in any room.  This Don Juan Spelter Lamp has a smaller footprint than traditional ones, but delivers big on character. $195, vandm.com. 

The texture of the wood used on this 1940's Italian Side Table is just gorgeous and it reminds me of something you would find in a European chateau. $550, vandm.com. 

There is just something about the uniqueness of this Italian Wall Fixture that I love. I can see this one-of-a-kind piece hanging in a hallway or maybe an entryway wall. $300, vandm.com.

When it comes to jewelry, my mantra tends to be "Go big or go home." This is a show-stopping 1970's Vintage Gold Fringe Necklace that you can have on-call 24/7 to add an instant wow factor. $155, vandm.com. 

Been on the lookout for a vintage Suzani for about a year and was excited to discover a number of them on V and M, at very reasonable prices, including this Vintage Baysun Suzani. $450, vandm.com.  

Sometimes it is easier to find luxury jewelry in online resale sites than at the luxury store itself.  Hermes here in L.A. regularly sells out of many of its popular accessories within a few days of delivery.  This Hermes Leather Cuff has just the right amount of masculinity with a feminine edge. Valentine's Day is just around the corner :) $450, vandm.com. 

Setting a visually interesting dining table is almost as important as what's for dinner. This pair of Ivar Alenius Bjork Art Deco Candlesticks (circa 1930's) are a guaranteed conversation piece and are versatile enough to go with whatever table theme strikes your fancy. $525, vandm.com.