Thrifting: My Latest Finds and What I’ve Learned

As many of you know, I like to go hunting  for vintage or upcyle type pieces quite frequently. After cleaning out our basement storage rooms at the completion of the renovation, I vowed I wouldn’t bring home any more fix-me-up pieces until I had dealt with the ones I already had stockpiled. I’m like the addict who starts to make excuses or hide things so her dirty little secret isn’t found out!

Instead of quitting cold turkey, I decided instead that nothing would come home with me if I didn’t have a plan for it within the next few months. That criteria has paid off and my “collection” has been able to stay within the manageable and “safe” range. (Okay that still sounds a little crazy coming from someone who helps people de-clutter and organize their homes for a living!)

Since the basement purge, I have found a few treasures in my shopping adventures I just couldn’t leave behind. I started collecting milk glass (authentic and reproduction) a while ago and love how it all looks together. Pieces I picked up have ranged anywhere from $.25 to $4. Eventually I’d like to display them on an open shelf in our kitchen.
 
Thrifty Find- Milk Glass

 

Milk Glass Display on Open Shelves

[Read more...]

Workspaces That Inspire {Nostalgic Summer}

I was looking for the perfect gift to give to one of my girlfriends back at Christmas and I remembered these cute vintage necklaces made by Renee of Nostalgic Summer. Some of you may recall the Etsy Feature and giveaway I hosted back in November. While gathering info for that particular post, Renee made a real impression on me and I knew she was someone I wanted to keep in touch with. What stood out to me was her kindness, the care and detail she puts into her craft, her love of integrating old and new, and the story she has for each of her unique jewelry pieces.

While I was on summer break, I started thinking about new topics to write about for the blog. I began making a list of all the things that inspire me and I remembered some photos I kept of Renee’s workspace for creating her jewelry. One that stood out in particular to me was her inspiration board. My intention was to eventually share this photo along with other interesting boards I’ve gathered over the months. Instead, the thought went a bit further and led to the idea of starting a new series: Workspaces That Inspire. I think it’s only fitting that Renee’s space is the first I’m sharing with you.

Renee's Inspiring Workspace

[Read more...]

Vintage Chicks Sale

How was your weekend? It has been raining here for days and I could really use some sunshine! To start with, I’m trying to finish up an outdoor paint project for the final installment of the Outdoor Extravaganza. Second of all, my plants are water-logged. Frankly, my body and mind operate so much better when they’ve received a good dose of Vitamin D! How about you?

Not all was lost. On Friday, one of my friends and I attended The Vintage Chicks sale. It was my first time going, and although it was difficult to navigate because of the crazy number of people, I was glad I did.

The Vintage Chicks Sale- Chalkboard Sign

 

I’m not one to decorate my whole home with vintage pieces, but I love adding something here and there to bring character to a room. I was immediately drawn to these antique prints, but at over $300 a piece, I had to pass.

 

The Vintage Chicks Sale- Vintage Floral Prints

[Read more...]

Flower Nostalgia + A New Collection

One of the best parts of gardening is being able to cut flowers to bring inside. Growing up, my grandma had the most beautiful peonies and I remember the large green glass vase she’d put them in to grace her dining table. Perhaps it’s those nostalgic feelings that draw me to peonies so much, but who can resist that sweet aroma and lovely gigantic blooms.

 {via Simply Seductive}

Last summer, I was at a garden center and I came across a few different varieties of peonies. My grandma always had fuchsia and the classic pale pink, but I was intrigued by the red and white options before my eyes, and thought they’d fit the design of my garden a little better. I decided to purchase a couple and see how they’d do.

red peony Better Homes and Gardens{via Better Homes and Gardens}

After planting the peonies in one of my flower beds, I noticed the stem and leaves were growing over the summer, but there weren’t any buds and they didn’t bloom. Disappointing! When my mom was visiting last summer, she said they probably wouldn’t bloom in the first year, but I would probably see something the next year. [Read more...]

Rooms I Adore {The Lettered Cottage}

It’s probably no surprise, but when it comes to home magazines and blogs, I’m a total junkie. I love finding new project ideas, seeing materials used in clever ways, and keeping up with the latest decorating trends, as well as new takes on the classics. Above all else, I get really excited when I come across a room that I can’t take my eyes off.

At first I don’t always know why a particular room grabs my attention. Of course I am drawn to particular colors and classic styling, but it goes deeper than that. It’s a feeling or energy the room exudes and it makes me want to spend time there. I imagine in detail how I’d live in that space- sharing a glass of cab sav with a friend, reading a juicy book, playing scrabble with my family, whipping up a batch of lemon poppyseed muffins or watching the latest episode of Vampire Diaries (when my teenage side comes out). It feels comfortable, but at the same time it’s unlike anywhere I’ve ever been before.

Over the years, I’ve collected a folder of rooms I adore. Some of these are a source of inspiration for projects in my own home and others have influenced designs I’ve created for others. The collection I’ve put together is a constant reminder that good design goes beyond the physical aspects. Because of this, I’ve decided to start a new series on the blog showcasing the rooms that speak to me. My hope is that they inspire you as well…

 

 

The first room I’ve chosen to share in the series is a reading room designed by Layla and Kevin Palmer of The Lettered Cottage. When I came across this room last spring, I was impressed by the clever use of a tiny space that measured only 6′ x 6′.

[Read more...]