Monday, December 6, 2010


Sugar Plums

This year, on my white tree, I went with a whimsical color palette of jewel tones.  The colors are vibrant and untraditional.  My mom and I combined our resources to create a center piece of candlesticks and a tree of mixed ornaments.  Growing up, my dad’s mom always displayed a white tree in addition to a family tree.  I always enjoyed the idea of a stylized tree, in addition to the tree with all one’s family keepsakes and ornaments.  Thought I’d give you a peak…

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Friday, November 26, 2010


Madison Square Park Exhibit

I surely won’t be back in NYC to see this exhibit to appreciate it while its in the Park, but  Jim Campbell’s Scattered Light  seems so interesting.  The piece is designed to somehow create the illusion of human images through lights. 

We’ve talked about Madison Square Park before, it houses the Shake Shack, is blocks from a great shopping district on 5th Avenue, and is a hop from both ABC Home, Fishs Eddy, and Union Square.  Great location.  I love the architecture of the buildings surrounding the Park, which include, of course, the Flat Iron Building.  If you are in NYC in the next month or so, take a peak at the exhibit for me! It will be on display through February 28, 2011.
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Tuesday, November 23, 2010


Etsy Favorites

I often find myself swallowed whole searching on Etsy for fun ideas, vintage pieces, or new handmade home accessories.  My “Favorite Items” page tells on my mood…the trends or looks that I’m most fascinated with at the moment.  Here are some of my favorites, today
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Vintage Christmas Candy Tin with Poinsetta – Callooh Callay
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Vintage Ceramic Floral Vase – Modish Vintage
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1940’s Tulip and Rose Bloom Art – Olive Vintage
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Vintage R.S. Germany Art Deco Lustre Ware - 5 gardenias
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Vintage Yellow Ceramic Bowl – Modish Vintage
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Vintage White Iron Cast Pagoda – High Street Market

Monday, November 22, 2010


Wendy Haworth

I enjoyed the Tastemaker’s Tag Sales on One Kings Lane this weekend featuring Wendy Haworth.  I’ve never come across this designer who is evidently an able interior designer and photographer, with a major in textiles from the Michigan State University.   On her website, she expresses her aim to design interiors that are “collected not decorated.”  My thoughts exactly!  Her are some piqs from her interiors.  Notice the Eastern influence, mixture of soft hues, and confident use of wallpaper.

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Friday, November 19, 2010


Success.

Our day at the antique fair was successful.  We were able to find the perfect dining room table for under $300.00; we were looking for a painted piece with a good bit of wear. The tresle table comfortably seats six.   I came home with some vintage Christmas ornaments highlighted with pink, silver, and aqua.  I also snatched the sugar bowl below, which is donned with both a bird and squirrels (look at the handles).  The piece is worn silver plated, from the company WR Quadruple New York.  I’m having difficulty tracking down information about this company.  I find it to be a sweet addition to a coffee server, a spot to set a spoon for each guest.

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Thursday, November 18, 2010


Sarah’s Work

I couldn’t leave you without a glimpse of Sarah’s Richardson’s portfolio.  Her work is marked by fabric, texture, clean lines, and a feminine touch.  Her Season 2 Mid Century Home is my favorite (surprising, I know).  I appreciate her attention to upholstery and flooring.  Each room seems to include a crisp element—metal table, sleek cabinet, marble flooring etc,—perfect juxtapositions for the feminine elements! 

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A Day amidst Antiques…

I’m genuinely excited about my day off tomorrow.  My girlfriend (and sister-in-law) are going to Mt. Dora’s for Renninger’s Antique Extravaganza (This is where I found my knobs for my gray dresser [See May 19th]!).  I only hope the Extravaganza will stack up to my expectations! I’ve jotted down some notes in preparation of our day tomorrow from Sarah Richardson of HGTV Canada’s “Sarah’s House.”  As you may be aware, Sarah Richardson hosts a show where she purchases property and renovates, remodels, and redecorates.  The show allows you to tag-along with her at the upholstery shop, junk shop, IKEA, and antique fairs.   She is constantly talking about where to splurge, and then, where to pinch a penny.  In a recent re-run of Season 3 she visited an antique fair where she iterated the following tips regarding your next trip to an antique fair:

  1. Three things to bring: notepad, measuring tape, and camera.
  2. If you are looking for a particular item for a particular spot, measure before you go!  Establish the minimum and maximum measurements for the spot.  You’ll end up buying the piece that you love and works where desired.
  3. (My Favorite Tip) Walk to the end of the fair when you arrive and work forward.  People get bogged down upon entry and tend to linger in the first dealers’ stalls.

I’m hopeful tomorrow will be relaxing and equipped with a kitchen table and chairs (our hunt item) in our trunks by our drive home!

Wednesday, November 17, 2010


Doyle & Doyle

Do you like vintage jewelry?  I love vintage jewelry—pave detailing and intricate settings.  I came across Doyle & Doyle, and although quite pricey, they house some inspiring vintage pieces.  Here were some of my favorites…

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Tuesday, November 16, 2010


San Francisco: Turn of the Century

Neat. Video.

Monday, November 15, 2010


Eddie Ross

I had heard about gold-speckled pumpkins from one of my sisters; but, what I didn’t know was that the pumpkins were part of Eddie Ross’ recent spread in Woman’s Day.  Do you remember the gracious table settings I loved by him (check out posts from July 17th and October 15th)? 

I love these centerpieces; the gold cornhusks may be my favorite, but the wreath is a close second.  One has to love fall—so much creativity and warmth!  There is a fun “behind the scenes” post on Eddie’s blog…check it out.  So magazines aren’t perfect,  just the camera’s angle!

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P.S. I’ve been gone awhile…swallowed by work and the season…I’m back ‘til things get crazy!