The Art of Discovering Unique Objects

One of our main goals during our trip to High Point Market is keeping an eye out for unique objects and one of a kind artwork that will help give our clients space that extra layer of detail. From discarded industrial parts to outsider art, these accessories help to bring a rich history and give your home a "lived in" look that is impossible to achieve from a big box store.

Our new trove of vintage is making it's way back to Pittsburgh, but in the meantime we're looking back on some of our favorite finds from over the years.

This aluminum sculpture was found in an artist's studio after being traded for a painting. One panel shows the original artists signature. Crafted in the 1980s, the expert welding shows the artist's raw talent. Shop this item.

Large vintage passenger plane model sits regally atop a tall stand. Light and airy with a hollow metal frame that shows signs of wear along surface. Shop this item.

This playful oversized print of the three little pigs tie together the color scheme of this retro vignette.

A vintage 1960s architectural model was found in Atlanta, Georgia. The strong lines of the design provide a graphic accent with a great backstory. Shop this item.

A series of self portraits painted over a 20 year period create a bold backdrop with a soothing color palette in the bedroom of Weisshouse owner Stacy Weiss. See more of Stacy's layered looks on Pittsburgh Magazine.

This piece has stood the test of time, originally a childs toy from Sweden. Horse hide over wooden form. Reins leather. Platform is painted wood with metal wheels that roll well. Circa 1870. Shop this item.

Stay tuned for updates as we announce our new stock in from High Point!

Rose Hued Hits that Inspire

 Valentine's Day is just around the corner and we're getting into the spirit with classic frames and unique accents in rosy hues.  Transform your living room with a classic frame in a bold color or add a pop of color with a fantastic pillow.

If you're looking for the perfect piece of art for that special someone, why not try these framed vintage tattoo samples? A great piece of classic Americana in pen and watercolor. Available at Weisshouse.

The Halifax Chair is a great go-to if you're searching for the perfect contemporary accent chair. Bold upholstery lends itself well to this laid back industrial frame. 

A sleek tailored frame with a striking upholstery sure to brighten any space. The Atwood's solid wood base and blind tufted seat, back, and arms brings an air of sophistication to a space while remaining young and modern.

Pillows are a great way to transform a room without breaking the bank. Update your color scheme with these embroidered felt pillows.

The London chaise is a polished version of the quintessential English arm style chaise. A rich velvet in an eggplant shade will bring a bit of romance to your favorite reading nook.

Just Announced: The Pantone Color of the Year 2014 is Radiant Orchid

Described as modern and surprisingly versatile, Pantone has announced that THE hot color for the next year is Radiant Orchid. This color adds energy and youthfulness to any color palette - particularly, warm neutrals and grays. This year, you'll see Radiant Orchid on chairs, sofas, rugs, wall coverings, pillows and more. If you're loving this color and wish to add a little into your decor, stop by Weisshouse to find out how!

The 2013 Weiss Guide to Holiday Gift Giving

It's here! After much searching and careful consideration, we have chosen several of our most unique totally one-of-a-kind accessories that are just perfect for that really special person or people in your life. From an original 1950's "Portrait of a Lady" to an aluminum abstract sculpture, we have curated a very special collection for this holiday season. You can also pair one of these gifts with a personalized Weisshouse gift certificate for an unforgettable 2013 holiday season!

Reclaimed teak wood twice burned bowl from Indonesia. The government and small artist companies have been teaching craftspeople skills like reclaiming wood, wood turning and how to burn the teak to get this beautiful patina.

Portrait of a Lady painting on canvas (circa 1950).  Custom made painted wood frame with glass. France. Piece unsigned.

Antler, leather and metal vintage mirror. This mirror is a piece of art and it's in very good condition for vintage. The frame is metal and antler. It is definitely handmade and has an age appropriate patina. 

Wood and Bakelite vintage Tramp Art box. Between 1870-1930 a relatively little-known but widespread form of folk art blossomed in America and Northern Europe called Tramp Art. Made of wooden cigar boxes or produce crates, these chip-carved and layered pieces were fashioned into frames, jewelry boxes, and even furniture. The inside cloth has been replaced. There is a possibility that the inside cloth is original.

1950's vintage Balinese statue

Vintage aluminum abstract sculpture. Aluminum. Circa 1980s. It's signed on one of the panel’s of the piece. The back story: Found in an artist’s studio, the sculpture had been traded for a painting.

1870's vintage toy horse from Sweden. Horse hide over wooden form with leather reins. The platform is painted wood with metal wheels that roll well. Circa 1870. The Swedish child that owned this toy took good care of it. The all over condition of the toy is good.

Pretty Spring Pastels at Weisshouse

This spring IS all about color, but it's not just bold, saturated color that's getting every one's attention. Pastels are just as fun and offer a more relaxed, subtle approach for adding little pops of color into your home this spring. A few of our favorites include the following pastel colors: yellow, green (we are loving mint this season), purple and turquoise. Mixing pastels with neutrals like dune and gray offers a tranquil escape for the eye.

Check out a few of our favorite pastels (pictured) and stop by our showroom or visit our website for even more design inspiration. As always, one of our interior designers will be happy to show you how to "work" spring's hottest trends and put them all together perfectly!

Just Featured on Houzz: Stacy Weiss' Art Filled Loft

Stacy Weiss was just looking for a rental while trying to find something new to renovate when she stumbled upon an open space with tall ceilings and whitewashed bricks in the rapidly developing East End neighborhood of Pittsburgh. The new space allowed her to carry over everything from her previous home and arrange it all in a new, more loft-friendly way. With tall ceilings and vast, white-painted expanses, Stacy created an eclectic gallery filled with vintage and contemporary art. Her carefully chosen pieces of vintage and modern furniture play well with the art and the overall look is unique and reflective of Stacy's taste and personality that is also evident at Weisshouse. Read the complete feature compiled by Houzz contributor and photographer, Adrienne DeRosa here.


Source: Houzz.com

Another Look at Local Artist, Virgil Cantini

Virgil Cantini (1919–2009) was an artist, sculptor and educator. He was a member of the faculty and Chairman of the Studio Arts Department of the University of Pittsburgh. He and his family were life long residents of Pittsburgh.

His figurative style was innovative and continues to inspire. In all of his drawings, prints and designs, one can readily see his draftsmanship and keen eye for the dynamism of the human body. Receiving national and local recognition for his work in steel and enamel, Cantini made large-scale public sculpture that can be enjoyed and seen all over the city of Pittsburgh where he used these materials in unique ways.

In the late sixties and early seventies, Mr.Cantini traveled to Ecuador to teach people art and design so they could make objects/crafts that could be sold in the United States. Below is a rug (and ink on paper drawings) designed by Cantini and available for sale at Weisshouse. Please visit our website at www.weisshouse.com for more information.

Another Peek at the Weisshouse Designers

Often times, I will ask the readers of our blog, our Facebook fans and our clients what they would like to read about. In addition to design tips and new arrivals and trends, they want to know more about our designers. In past blogs, we have featured Stan, Betsy and Ron. We thought it would be great to re-visit some of the highlights from each of those interviews below.

Stan Adamik:

L: Is there anything that you would like prospective clients to know in regard to working with an interior designer?

S: Yes, it really helps to work with clients who are open and willing to hear and see suggestions. At first, they may not have thought of such suggestions. However, more often than not, ultimately they end up loving the ideas. The reason people seek interior designers to help them is because they cannot do it themselves and we are, in fact, professionals who have an infinite knowledge of furnishings and are not only trained in the history of furniture, but are also in the know in terms of everything new that is available for interiors.

Betsy Daily:

“I would say my personal style really involves listening to the client(s)…I feel that everyone has their own personal style and tastes and sometimes clients just need a little reassurance and guidance.”  Betsy enjoys integrating items that clients have some attachment to in order to reflect their personality into a space.  Betsy reiterated that LISTENING is the best design advice that she can offer other designers.  “I can only help to create the space…the clients have to live there!”

Ron Reinheimer:

L: Is there anything else that you wish to add about this project or the design process in general?

R: The Zitelli's (clients) are always a pleasure to work with. They are open to suggestions which really helps to move the design process along smoothly. As far as working with a designer, I find that it really helps people avoid expensive mistakes and saves a lot of time. When working with a designer for the first time, it's great if you (client) have a direction that you wish to head in and have an idea of the overall "look" that you want to achieve. My advice is to invest in great rugs and pieces of art that can be used again and again no matter what style of furniture you purchase over the years. Sofas and chairs come and go, but, investment pieces such as handmade rugs and art are around forever.

View some selected projects that our team of designers have completed here: http://www.weisshouse.com/projects

A great photo of our design team that was featured as an ad in Whirl Magazine

Vintage Art: Something For Everyone

As interior designers, we often address the same concerns time and time again. Our clients have a difficult time selecting art for their homes. We love to help people choose the "right" art and it really helps to have a guide who has an eye for what will work well in any given space. However, a client's personal tastes, life experiences and reactions to the pieces must be considered. Just like selecting the right furniture for a client's home, scale is just as important as style. A large scale piece or painting can be used alone, above a fireplace or bed or above a dining table. In addition, a collection, when properly arranged is so interesting on a large wall. Check out a few of our favorite vintage pieces of art below and visit Weisshouse or www.weisshouse.com or our blogs from the past for even more tips on collecting and displaying art!

Thommy Conroy: Fabled & Hanging Art In Your Home

Some topics come up time and time again. The topic of selecting and once selected, how to hang or display art is often discussed among designers and art lovers and collectors. I thought it would be great to revisit this topic and also discuss a local artist who just had an opening, Thommy Conroy of Lawrenceville. According to his website, "Thommy Conroy lives and works in Lawrenceville. He helps people plan their parties and affairs, decorate homes and stores, and enjoy art and gardens. When he isn’t working with flowers, dressing windows, or planning galas, he makes paintings, silk screens, and practices calligraphy." In my opinion, Thommy's show last Friday at Mendelson Gallery(http://www.mendelsongallery.net/Site/Welcome.html) on Ellsworth Avenue in Shadyside was well worth a visit. The small gilded gnome sculptures were oddly welcoming and the vibrant paintings evoked a feeling of the past. I found myself getting lost in the dream-like gazes of the subjects. Any one of Thommy's paintings would be a welcome and conversation provoking piece in your home. For more on Thommy and his art, visit: http://thommyconroy.com/aboutthommyconroy.

Photos, interesting frames and works of art shouldn't be scattered throughout your home without any sense of ryme or reason. Creating a small "gallery" wall in your home is the most interesting way to hang random pieces. Break up large scale paintings or photos with smaller to medium scale items. It's also appealing when you hang various types of frames together. For instance, metal and wooden frames of any finish look interesting and create a more unique look when grouped together. For more advice on hanging Thommy's or any art and to read the blog in it's entirety, click on the following link: http://weisshouse1943.blogspot.com/2011/01/advice-for-hanging-art-and-photos-in.html. Visit our website http://www.weisshouse.com/products?cat=4 to view our collection of art (new & vintage).

Check out the photos below to view some of Thommy Conroy's work from his show at Mendelson Gallery: Fabled

Choosing the perfect art for your home

Art can be the big difference between a boring room or a vibrant one. Follow this link for some great tips on choosing art to suit your taste, and don't forget to check out Weisshouse's stock of artwork and other unique finds at http://uniquefinds.weisshouse.com/products/list