Adding Age

I adore antiques. I love the weight and quality of English silver, the rich patina of French case goods, and the craftsmanship of Japanese folk art (my beckoning cats), to mention a few. I admire the unique and original designs that make many antiques one of a kind. I'm drawn to items that have survived the years, to still be appreciated today. And I'm fascinated by the history we can only imagine--of all the previous owners who've used, handled and cared for these items. They're ready-made heirlooms, and I get to be their caretaker for a short time. But mostly, I love the hunt and the serendipitous discoveries. So, many of my furnishings and accessories are vintage and antique. But I also wanted to integrate some pieces with age into the structure of the house. The first antique you'll come upon is the French front door. It has a decorative iron grate, an opening glass window and a complicated handle mechanism--with no actual indoor ...