Rearranged
The cluttered corner of the living room just wasn’t working, so this morning (we are both home again due to awful weather) we moved the old Coke crate to the entryway of the bedroom. This took care of two problems at once. The marquee letters we had hanging in the doorway were looking a little lonely as well. We were happily surprised by just how much tiny changes can help a space out!
The space isn't completely finished, but it does already look a lot less cluttered.
The Coke crate could still use a few odds and ends, but this is a great improvement. All in good time!
I am so glad my fiance is understanding with me when I want to move shelves three times before its right! And, thankful that he is willing to do all the work, even on his day off! 🙂
Vintage Cool
We have been searching for a solution to our overflowing silverware drawer lately. A jar or canister seemed like the perfect solution to hold some of the larger utensils. But, finding the perfect one was the difficult part. We tried to be open minded, but wanted to stick with something vintage and fun. Then, it hit me. We were at our favorite little retro shop in Moline, IL, Fred And Ethel’s. We saw the cutest little solution. A retro ice bucket! It is a little short and wide, but so adorable. So, we took it, and here it is in it’s new home!
The colors don't really match our black and white and red theme, but it was too funky to pass up!
Check out Fred And Ethel’s website here: http://www.fredandethels.com
Quirky
We had a busy night last night and didn’t finish ANY of the projects we had planned. So, in the meantime, I thought I would share with you some quirky little things that we are currently loving. Enjoy!
This pillow by Brandon Dunlap is just adorable! http://shanalogic.com/item.php?item_id=1931&manufacturer_id=156
We would love to keep our guests' drinks cold with these bone ice cubes. http://www.thinkgeek.com/homeoffice/kitchen/a34b/?cpg=froogle
Cocktail chemistry set. Guests will be amused! http://www.kaboodle.com/reviews/cocktail-chemistry-set
Vintage fancy framed mirrors. These look so pretty in every home. http://www.kaboodle.com/reviews/set-of-3-antiqued-vintage-style-mirrors
Frilly vintage frames. Especially in teal. http://www.kaboodle.com/reviews/bouquet-of-flowers-oval-picture-frame-aqua-by-growing-veip
Jewelry made from random items. This is made from two vintage bottle caps. http://www.kaboodle.com/reviews/etsy-47bonanza-vintage-soda-pop-bottle-cap-pendant-necklace
Antique bottles. Plain or fancy, they are so pretty. This one is an old ink well. http://www.kaboodle.com/reviews/cobalt-blue-ink-well-vintage-bottle
Well, there’s a mish-mash of all the random (and quirky) things that are on our minds lately. Hope you are inspired. Or, at least amused.
Etsy: A New Fav.
I had heard of Etsy before, but had never shopped thier site. Before Christmas my mom asked me if I had, and said that she was going to try it. When Christmas day rolled around, we were both delightfully surprised.
She had ordered me this adorable apron and potholder set from an Etsy seller named Annie’s Attic. The set was so cute, the seller had quick shipping, and it came all wrapped up in matching tissue and ribbon, with a hand written thank you on it. We were so impressed not only by the wonderful products, but also by the personable service. We just had to promote Etsy and this particular seller. No more poor service (thank you greatbookdeals at Amazon) and no more torn up packages and broken toys (another Christmas story), this was great on-line shopping.
Take a look at this oh-so-cute apron and potholder!
Thank you Annie’s Attic and Etsy! We will both be return customers!
Name That Chair
I know I have posted pictures of this chair before, but I am still wondering. I saw this lonely little chair on the side of the road just waiting for the garbage man about a month ago (yes, the side of the road). I went straight home and begged Tony to go nab it for me. I mean the poor thing is adorable and in desperate need of saving. So, being the amazing and understanding guy Tony is, he drove his truck over to the house where I spied the chair and scooped it up.
When we got it home, we realized there wasn’t a thing wrong with it. It wasn’t broken, stained, or even scratched. It looked as though some one had owned it since it’s original day and finally used it in a garage or shop, as it was a bit dirty. They must have thought it wasn’t new enough looking to clean up. Well, I have news for these people. This chair is amazing. I scrubbed it with my handy dandy Magic Eraser (amazing also by the way!). And, the thing was soon good as new.
We now have the perfect addition to our pocket office. But, we were still wondering what kind of chair this is exactly. It is unmarked, but looks mid-cenury to me. I am no expert, but was guessing 50’s or 60’s. If any of you out there have seen another one of these, or have any info, please let us know!
Even if we never solve the mystery, we now have this truly cute chair all for our own!
My Favorite Place In The World
Nope, not Hawaii. That ranks very high on my list, but not my top. My favorite place in the world is my grandparents’ house. That’s it. Simple. Ever since I was little they have had the coziest house (even after moving). Not only are they interesting people and amazing story tellers, but they have such a great home that brings back memories of staying there as a kid. They have always been antique collectors, and this is probably why I have an antique obsession. Their basement is packed with antiques, and trinkets, odds and ends, and so many goodies to look at. Now that I am older and have a house of my own, they have been slowly passing along some of my favorite gems to me. We went to their house for Christmas this year, and I ended up coming home with a truck load of goodies. I hope to someday inherit some more of their great furniture, but I also love the littles they send home with me. Here are a few of my favorite finds from my recent trip to my favorite place in the world:
A close up of the doors and some things stashed inside already.
This is an old pin cushion made from a hoof that we used to play with as kids. I know, kinda creepy, but I think it is totally cool!
This is an old lamp that needs some cleaning. It hangs from the ceiling and you put oil in it. The oil drips down the clear threads that run from the top to the bottom. The oil then glows colors when the light bulb is on. I think it looks kind of like early fiber optics. Its very neat, but has been stored and needs TLC. A project! YAY!
This is a Christmas tree made out of my grandma's antique jewelry. What a cool idea! It is framed in a very old frame and there are Christmas lights behind the black velvet. It is really so cute that I might have to leave it our all year!
Trends? Psh.
It is the end of the year and every one starts rounding up the “best ofs” lists. I have been seeing a lot of lists of trend that people would either like to see more of or never see again. The lists made me ponder. I came to the conclusion that I do not care what is considered “trendy” or “in style”. I like what I like and could care less what others think. Actually, I think that I prefer things that were never in style (both clothing and home decor), because then it can never be considered out of style. Also, if I like something, it is because it speaks to me. It shouldn’t matter what list it is on. I change my mind all the time, but not based upon what other people believe is “cool”. I, personally, never fit into one category anyways, because I mix pieces from all different styles. There should be no rules when it comes to your own tastes and your own home. If you truly love it, go for it.
Whew. With that said, I will step off of my soap box and show you all a visual list of the things that I have loved this year. Not because they are trends or not, but because that was what was speaking to me this year. I hope some one can find this inspirational, but in no way am I saying go out there and copy every picture. (Would that make it a “trend”?) Here goes:
1. The first thing that I have loved this year is collections. They can be utilitarian or completely useless. To me, collections can be like art. Some people think that if objects don’t function, they just sit there taking up space, but I think they can be beautiful. Here is a group of cameras and a small group of stereos.
http://www.apartmenttherapy.com/la/look/look-framed-vintage-camera-collection-on-the-cheap-072111
Angela and Adam's Mood Change. http://www.apartmenttherapy.com/chicago/fall-colors-2008-midwest/midwest-25-angela-and-adams-mood-change-066295
Graham and David's Modern Escape. http://www.apartmenttherapy.com/la/2008-fall-colors-southwest/southwest-26-graham-davids-modern-escape-066631
3. This is a little strange for me, but this year I have love all clear, or acrylic, furniture. There are so many great pictures, but here is a gllimpse of one that I am wanting:
This one even contrasts well with the cabin decor. http://www.apartmenttherapy.com/la/look/look-modern-cabin-071787
4. No matter what anyone says, I love love love both empty frames and leaning frames. I lean frames as opposed to hanging them all the time. Against a wall, on a desk, on the floor… Just a couple examples:
Damien and Rachel's Chromatic Casa. http://www.apartmenttherapy.com/dc/fall-colors-2008-east/east-56-damien-rachels-chromatic-casa-066516?image_id=28726
6. I am loving repurposed decor and furniture. I have always been a fan of old, vintage, or antique items, but it more recently has occured to me how great it can be to repurpose some items into new things in the home. Some of my favrite ideas below:
Mail box used for laundry. Patrick's World of Wonder. http://gallery.apartmenttherapy.com/photo/121808patrick/001h
This is a vintage sign remade into a sliding door. I'm sorry, but I do not find where the image came from!
7. I am also a fan of decorating in black and white. Don’t get me wrong, I love punches of color, but black and white can make a huge statment and go with so many additional colors. Some great black and white pictures:
I'm not sure where this picture came from, but it is gorgeous!
Make Mine Eclectic 