Bob Loeser is the Director of Sales at Marisa Perry.  You may know him as the elegant man who can get you any diamond you’re looking for, but what you may not know is his love for antiques and art.  Some of our customers have gotten wind of his impeccable taste, and have brought pieces in for his input before they buy.  He is our favorite resource for all things antique, and he also makes a mean martini!

I decided to sit down with him and pick his brain about antiques and decorating for creating your romantic, antique style home.

How long have you been collecting?

30 years.  I collect art, antiques, and interesting objects.  Some are not so valuable, but I collect them just because they’re cool.  I also have a decent collection of ancient Roman and Greek artifacts.

How do you feel about mixing antique with modern?

I love it.  I think that it’s much more interesting today to do that because it shows you have flexibility of taste.

If you were going to suggest a staple for antique beginners what would it be?

I would say buy yourself a little end table, or a side chair, and come to a realization of what styles you like.  Work your way up!  The nice thing about a small piece like that is that it doesn’t necessarily dictate what the rest of your style will be.

What antique shops in New York do you recommend?

Guild antiques on 83^rd and Lexington has a lot of 18^th century English styles.

Newel has a beautiful selection of high end antiques (lighting, furniture, etc.)  Full array of 17^th to 20^th century, from Louis 14 to Art Deco.  425 East 53^rd Street.  A wonderful place for inspiration.

 French Louis XVI style (19th Cent) cream painted open arm chair with carved gilt trim with a beige upholstered oval back and seat

What advice do you have for shopping at auctions?

My advice is to watch them and visit them frequently.  You never know what will turn up!  Also, never go in with one thing in mind!  You may be surprised at what you find.  Doyle New York is my favorite for the basic collector because they are a local house and deal with local estates.  You can find some of the finest 18^th century furniture up to modern reproductions at reasonable prices.

What is your favorite piece from own collection?

My favorite piece of furniture is probably the early 18^th century French Bombe I have in the living room.  Bow front with cabriole legs.  Louis the 15^th.  Covered with inlaid wood with a very decorative pattern and gilded mounts.  Marble top.

Favorite Art: a Carracci portrait with a side view of a nude male, 16^th century Italian Renaissance.

Paintings by Carraci

Let’s say you find a piece you love, but it has some wear and tear.  How do you fix up a not perfect piece?

The easiest thing to do to improve the look of a piece is Olde English scratch cover, or you can buy furniture touch up pens which will help get rid of the scratches.

If you really want to improve the finish, Minwax Finishing Wax.  That’s a high quality wax that leaves a high quality finish,  You must thoroughly clean with a damp cloth with a mild dishwashing detergent like Ivory.  Do not saturate it.

What happens if the fabric on a chair or sofa has some spots?

I used some spray on oxyclean which doesn’t hurt the fabric.  Try an invisible spot first to make sure it doesn’t hurt the fabric.  Use sparingly and rinse with warm water.  But there are some stains that you just can’t get out.

Thank you Bob!

Until Next Time….