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By Mary Beth Schwartz
Historians search for them. Archeologists search for them. Architects search for them. But here in Bucks County, Sally and Rick Fehrs of Artefact Architectural Antiques find them: artifacts.
Years ago obtaining architectural pieces meant visits to salvage yards. At Artefact Architectural Antiques, located at The Village Barn, owners Sally and Rick Fehrs have transformed a 18th-century stone and wood framed barn, a former country inn and stagecoach stop, into a design showroom for architectural antiques. (Technically speaking, an architectural antique is something that is 100 years or older.) In business for 26 years, the Fehrs have amazing resources for their inventory, including auctions, demolition, and other dealers. “We find that as properties are renovated or changed, these pieces find their way to us,” says Sally Fehrs.
When visiting the Furlong business, treasure seekers will find fireplace mantels, stained and beveled glass windows, doors and entryways, newel posts, columns, interior and exterior lighting, old ceiling tiles, decorative objects, beautiful mirrors, furniture, and garden appointments. In the formal gardens created on English and French design, there are antique and reproduction garden pieces in bronze, iron, marble, stone, terracotta, and wood. “We carry one of the largest selections of antique fireplace mantels on the East Coast. Our collection of mantels range from the late 18th century to the early 20th century, and are available in wood, marble, slate, and stone,” Fehrs says.
According to Sally Fehrs, Artefact Architectural Antiques recently was recognized by Philadelphia magazine as the Best Architectural Salvage Store in the 2013 Best of Philly edition. “We ship to clients all over the country. We have clients from New York City to Baltimore. Of course we also cover the Philadelphia region. We also are on eBay,” Fehrs says.
In addition to being owners of Artefact Architectural Antiques, Sally and Rick also are architects. They met while attending Virginia Tech. Sally also is a design consultant. She has owned her own architectural consulting firm for 25 years, specializing in restoration and renovation work.
“We staged the design studio and garden area with antiques and pieces so that clients can visualize how to transfer the items into their own home. When they want to go beyond that, I come to the home for a design consult. I photograph the space. Sometimes I sketch the space. I then make recommendations and a time frame to work off of. I love use architectural antiques. These unique pieces from the past tell a story. We find the pieces and try to create an atmosphere that tells a story in the home. My job as a designer is to do the best representation of both,” Fehrs says.
According to Fehrs, today’s design combines modern and contemporary pieces with antiques. “A knock-out piece can be used in a modern or contemporary setting. It can raise the bar on the entire project. Typically using something that is handcrafted, often one of a kind, eclectic, it adds that element of detail and interest to the setting. It does not have to be time specific, match the time period of the home. For instance, a mirror with incredible molding from the Victorian era with the right finish can give a real wow factor for a space in a traditional Bucks County home. I also like to update antique furniture with fabrics,” Fehrs says.
Fehrs has used her design expertise for several homes in Bucks County. For a Dutch Colonial in Washington Crossing, Fehrs breathed new life into the home, while still honoring architectural value. “The house has been on the property for over 250 years. We made architectural changes on the interior and exterior. We added a level of craftsmanship with a new kitchen, updated bathroom, and stair detailing.” For a Country Manor home with Georgian detail in New Hope, Fehrs renovated a kitchen, complete with a work center, sideboard cabinet, clean lines, and great use of materials, such as marble and granite. One of Fehr’s favorite projects was a whole house design of a French Country home in Buckingham. “We created a great room and took two matching beveled windows from the Victorian time period. I created custom cabinetry for these two windows to fit within. One ended up being an exterior window and one a window at a higher height that brought light into a master bedroom. They were flanking either side of a beautiful stone mantle. I designed a beam truss system that complemented the entire great room.”
“With a couple of hours, it is amazing how you can transform a space. New colors, new materials--it can really make a difference. I have worked on kitchens, baths, one-time consults on master bedrooms, and entire homes,” Fehrs says.
Artefact Architectural Antiques is located at 790 Edison-Furlong Road, Furlong, PA 18925. Visit them on Facebook or at www.artefactantiques.com. Their phone number is 215-794-8790. Before planning your visit, consider some of these top tips on finding architectural pieces from Better Homes and Gardens. One, bring measurements to make sure the antiques will function in your home. For instance, salvaged doors often need to be reframed in order for them to work. Two, antique columns may not be suitable for holding up walls--consider how to use them decoratively. Three, small aged pieces often can be used as for accenting. The peeling patina can be contained with a sealant. Four, with the upcoming holiday season, keep in mind that architectural antiques are great for gift giving. Five, search for special hardware to showcase in the home. Last but not least, if you find something you love, but do not have a use for it, think creatively. For example, an old window sash hung in a kitchen pass-through can be a quirky room divider.
Mary Beth Schwartz is a freelance editor who frequently contributes to regional publications.