This Waning Summer - Life's a Beach!

Images from our trip to Grand Cayman - 2011

My granddaughter starts first grade today and, even though it is still mercilessly hot outside, that tells me that summer is almost over.  It happens so quickly!   

During my recent visit to Scott's Antique Market in Atlanta, I noted the many beach-themed decorative items available for sale - everything from shells to shell-encrusted lamps.  I photographed some of these for this beach-themed blog.  

I have always associated a "beach-theme" with blues and shades of blue, although other colors certainly work as well.  Some of the designers seem to like "sand-like" coloring - the pale golds and taupe neutrals that remind you of long days playing and lounging on a lovely beach.  I like anything that reminds me of water and the serenity of a long stretch of water and sand.  

The great room above is from House Beautiful Magazine - link to my pinterest board link - the chairs are in from my beachy collection freshly upholstered in an Annie Sielke fabric!

Another great House Beautiful scene - link to my pinterest board - the chair is my Highland House brass linen chair1 

A color board depicting various blue and white pieces link to my pinterest board - shown is my Vicki's Bergere Chair and Ottoman in a blue stripe -  works well in a beachy theme!

Just putting this blog together put me into a beach state-of-mind.  What are your favorite beach scenes and decorative pieces?

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Scott's Antiques Market Weekend - Fabric Trends

Fabrics - Accent Pillows and Tablecloth at Scott's Antique Market

This is the second weekend of the month and, therefore, Scott's Antique Market weekend - link to website.  My friend, Bette, and and I have become Friday regulars at the market.  We love the energy and crowds - a very diverse mix!  There is real shopping going on and that is always nice to see and gives credence to the fact that the economy seems to be steadily (if slowly) recovering!

French Tea Towels Usable for Pillows and Other Projects

On this visit, I concentrated on checking out fabrics - both "vintage" and "new" to get a more fine-tuned sense of what is being shown and what is selling.  This research is always helpful to me since I have to make frequent decisions about buying and using new fabrics on my refurbished heirloom-quality upholstered pieces!  There are a number of vendors that sell bolts, some of them have a huge stock at the monthly sales.  Some of the fabrics are viewable by the various accent pillow makers/sellers - displaying wonderful fabrics on ready-to-use pillows.  And, of course, other fabrics are best seen on the many upholstered pieces for sale throughout the two huge buildings that house the market.

Stacks of Vintage Materials 

I would say the overall most popular, or at least the most ubiquitous fabric seen on upholstered pieces is linen - usually in a very neutral cream shade.  It gives the pieces a very fresh, clean look and is a very versatile fabric.  Good linens are also available for sale - the average price per yard seems to be in the $25+ range.

Examples of linen on upholstered pieces.  I love the settee on the left and like the idea of the numbers on the stools.  You could use a transfer medium to do something like this at home!

Burlap is actually often used, particularly on "French Country" style pieces.  I have not and will not use plain burlap since it is scratchy and does nothing for me.  I have seen and used a textured linen or linen-blend that has a bit of the burlap textured look but not the scratchiness.

We saw some interesting examples of cowhide including this "stained and patterned" cowhide used on pieces.  

Damask, whether a silk or silk-blend or good woven cotton, is one of my favorites for pieces that are going into a more formal setting and/or are used to add some gravitas to an otherwise extremely casual setting.   The tone-on-tone qualities make the pieces work well in so many settings and color-groupings.

Older pieces with tapestries are generally costly - particularly if the fabric is in really nice shape such as these.  

Bette said she had never met a toile she didn't like and I must agree.  They add such a humble yet elegant flair and can be used on just about every style of upholstered furniture. 

Most of the velvets that I saw seem to be original to the pieces and a few definitely need to be replaced.  

This little bench with cotton ticking is nice.  I am working on a set of chairs (chalk painted country French style chairs) and will be using a red and cream ticking on those. 

This is a nice crewel on this chair.  Unfortunately, the chair itself (or at least the seat cushion) needs some work.  I have a piece of vintage crewel at home that still needs a project that works.  This gives me inspiration. 

I thought this flame stitch, in more modern colors, looks great on this French style chair.  

I could have taken 100's of photos but thought I captured the variety pretty well with these.  Now to get back to working on some of my projects with new ideas in mind!

What are your favorite current or vintage fabrics and where are you finding them?

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Looking for that Perfect Rug - A Struggle

Chair I plan to use in my new basement (unless it sells and/or doesn't work with final rug selection)

We are getting close to finishing our basement renovation and I will unveil the end results soon.  Like any project, both the timeline and price-point have been challenging.

Love Seat I plan to use in basement - matches color of the walls

I am currently looking for a rug for the "media area" of the basement.  I need at least an 8 X 10 size - perhaps a little bigger.  It goes without saying that I want a great deal!

 It's been quite a while since I've shopped for rugs so this is almost a new experience for me.  The colors I am looking to put together are a pale gold taupe  (color of wall and loveseat I plan to use - see photo), a lighter cream pair of chairs and a seafoam blue (one of my own Wydeven Designs chairs unless it sells before I have a chance to move it it) - see photo above of this beauty!  I would really like to bring this color into my new space and this chair would work well!

My biggest frustration is the availability of very few in-store options for rugs compared to the vast array available through websites like Overstock.com Link, Rugs Direct, Rug Exchange and others.
The on-line prices look good and there are LOTS of choices in all colors and sizes.  Some sites such as Overstock.com offer really low shipping ($2.95) and do allow you to return the rug if it doesn't work - of course, not for $2.95.  Overstock also provides customer comments which, when present, are very helpful.

My problem is the issue of color. The wall color is set because we were matching with other spaces already redone.  One of the customer comments made by many on-line buyers addresses the accuracy of the colors seen on their screen and the actual rug once they receive it.  Quite a few say that the colors are quite off.  This would not be a huge problem if you like what you get and it doesn't clash with other color requirements.  But this is what worries me!  I am afraid to buy an on-line rug I fall in love with only to find it just doesn't match well enough with my colors.  Even if it can be returned, it will be expensive and a hassle!

So, I am dragging my husband to the various stores in the area to look at "store-in person" options.  You would think that in a metropolitan area such as Atlanta, there would be a lot of options but you would be wrong.  Here is where I've been:

Pottery Barn Outlet (Dawsonville, GA) 

Ballards Back Room (Roswell, GA)

HomeGoods (Norcross, Dunwoody and Alpharetta)

West Elm (Atlantic Station)

Restoration Hardware (Dawsonville, GA)

I have found the best prices at HomeGoods and even recognize some of the patterns from my internet search - e.g. $199-299 for 8X10 wool rugs!   The selection, however, is very limited.  Pottery Barn had a few possibilities but would not allow returns.  I am still looking!

If anyone has any suggestions or ideas on this one, I would love to hear it!  I would also love to hear of experiences with on-line rug purchases!

Another Completed ASCP Project - Vintage Balloon Chair

Annie Sloan Chalk Paint Color Chart

I have completed over 30 Annie Sloan Chalk Paint (ASCP) projects - one table and the rest are chairs and other upholstered seating pieces.  I have seven colors in my repertoire;

Old White

Old Ochre

Duck Egg Blue

Napoleon Blue (sample size only)

Chateau Grey

Paris Grey

Coco

Graphite 

I just finished a vintage balloon-back chair with wood detailing that includes tapered legs.

Here is the before chair.  I bought it at an estate sale for $50.  The construction qualities and styling were there but the wooden finish was very tired looking and stained.

Before refinishing the woodwork, I have been using Goof Off link to website, a product that does a good job of removing waxes, stains, spots and nicotine residue.  I guarantee you that if your chair is over 40 years old, it has been in some smoking environment somewhere and it is amazing the amount of stain you will find.  I used a whole clean t-shirt on this chair and it ended up being totally brown when done - only a little of that was actual dirt and most of it was nicotine.  I have used Goof Off for over ten years and believe there has been a product reformulation which I have previously mentioned - see prior blog.  I would no longer recommend using it on wood surfaces that you are not redoing.  In this case, however, it works well to thoroughly remove all dirt and residue before refinishing the woodwork.

I chose to use my newest color, coco, which is a taupe-brown color.  I wanted to use it and see how it worked and thought it would nicely complement the cream textured linen I had chosen to cover the chair.  In one of my earlier lessons learned, I started out applying the paint by tipping the chair over and doing it from underneath before straightening it out.  This technique results in much better overall coverage.

I finished one coat and was not too excited about the washed out look - the second coat didn't add much intensity.  I decided I needed to use only the dark wax (not dark over light as some techniques suggest) to get as dark of a finish as possible.

Ahhh - much better.  I like the results and played with some other fabrics but ultimately stayed with the original cream linen selection.

And here is the finished chair - expertly upholstered by Lee's Upholstery of Norcross, GA!

So that's another project done.  I have two more waiting in the wings.  What do you think of the coco color?

I pay a great deal of attention to what others are doing with ASCP and have a pinterrest board set up just for the purpose - check it outlink

I am linked to the following parties:  Thrifty Decor Chick and Restore Interiors and Savvy Southern Style and Faded Charm Cottage

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Estate Sale Shopping in Horseshoe Bend - an Atlanta Community

Lake and Pavilion in Horseshoe Bend Neighborhood - Roswell, Georgia

This weekend, I spent time (and some money) at sales in the Horseshoe Bend neighborhood in Roswell, Georgia.  Actually, Horseshoe Bend included a number of separate neighborhoods and some eclectic mixes in homes.  Amongst the most elegant are those in the actual Horseshoe Bend Country Club Subdivision link to their website which includes a private golf course.

This lovely neighborhood is located along the Chattahoochee River not far from my own riverfront subdivision of Neely Farm.

Named after the magnificent horseshoe formed by the Chattahoochee River as it sweeps southwest along the rolling land, Horseshoe Bend was the original setting for the Atlanta Steeplechase - a springtime tradition.

 There were two great sales going on in the neighborhood and the overall prices were pretty good - not usually the case with sales run by estate sale companies.

Sale in Horseshoe Bend - Lovely Home

I put in a bid on these chairs - they were asking $135 each (for pair) and I bid 50%.   

The sale featured a lot of "Americana" type furniture and accents.  They were in good shape and well priced.  This is just my style so I didn't see that much to think about.

The next sale was on Steeplechase Drive.  This was a newer house with more classic furniture.  The Vintage Girls were running the show - they usually have 2-3 sales every weekend and tend to  have a well staged sale as well as good prices.  This sale was no exception.  Unlike many companies, however, they are sticklers for the prices:  full price on day one, 25% off on day two and 50% off on day three.

I saw a set of Lee's Industries (excellent American furniture manufacturer) on day one for $110 per chair and ottoman - a pretty good price.  I am a stubborn (and cheap) person and they would not take a cent less so I left a bid for $170 for the four pieces.  I got the call this morning that the bid was accepted and just picked them up to be dropped off at Lee's Upholsterers in Norcross, GA.  I do still have to select my fabric(s)!

But I'm getting ahead of myself.  I liked quite a few things at this sale and could have bought more.

Lots of great mirrors - my friend bought the last one.  You can see my "broken foot shoe" in the first one - I am probably overdoing my running around!  I would have bought the venetian style mirror ($80) but it had some minor damage on the bottom.  These are hard to find and pricey!

These are some of the high-end items at the sale including the great breakfront. 

My favorite purchase ($15) - a sweet small chair that I plan to refinish and use as an accent piece! 

One of two sets of Lee's Industries chairs and ottomans that I bought - these will be nice redone!

I bought a wingback settee and matching ottoman at another sale (Brooke Farm Subdivision in Dunwoody) so this was a good weekend!  I could have bought more - it's a little dangerous when I find TOO many good deals!  I linked this blog to the following Southern Hospitality - highlighting my little chair purchase

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Pinterest Dreaming - My Lovely Pieces in Great Settings

I am constantly adding to my pinterest boards and finding that the application is a great way to store and organize images and ideas from a variety of internet sources.  One of my favorite musings is to find well designed and interesting decor spaces and visualize my own collection of refurbished upholstered pieces in them.  You might even call this a "HIGH" and "LOW" rendition - adding my items would be, I am sure, a LOT more reasonable than the pieces shown by the various designers.

All rooms are images located on my pinterest boards source.  My pieces are either from my website link to website or eBay listings.  Since the computer I need to maintain my website is still out-of-service, my website listings are not 100% up-to-date.

I wish I had two of these!  A lovely French style chair upholstered in a black and white toile and custom finished with Annie Sloan Chalk Paint in graphite 

This wingback is SOOO comfortable and cushy!  The fabric is a linen-blend and the woodwork is custom refinished in Annie Sloan Chalk Paint - Old White.

I am running a weekend special in this chair.  I do love it so but it seems to scare people because of its bright (textured linen) hue.  How great it would look in this space!

I think these cool, long-legged squared wingback chairs would be a wonderful addition (or substitute) for the chairs in the photo.

This chair would work well in any room, obviously, even in this lovely bathroom. 

Yes the colors are a little different (and softer) but this set of vintage linen chairs (Sherrill - great brand) would work very well in this setting.

I will continue to muse away ... love these images.

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In Honor of the Olympics - English Decorating Styles

Elements of English Decorating Style

I would like to honor the great London Olympics by taking a look at English Decorating Style(s).   I googled that phrase which resulted in a LOT of articles and images.  The most common description of the English style is English Country but an overall description was offered in this article with a strong emphasis on the use of wood-tones, particularly mahogany, in the upholstered and case-good pieces in the decor:

The opulence and character of the traditional English style are made for those who love classicism.  The basic and essential idea of the English style is achieving classic elegance.  

Mahogany is one of the crucial features of English style decor.  All the furniture should be made of mahogany.  This fine and elegant wood is a symbol of the distinction of this style. Chester sofas and armchairs are essential elements.  They have curved arms and a very low back.  They are wide leather armchairs adorned with decorative studs.  source

English Style - Classic Styled Furniture in Wood Tones - Oriental Rug source 

I even found a "recipe-like" set of instructions on a popular website - eHow Read More

1.  Select furniture that represents many styles and eras, from Chippendale to Queen Anne and Sheraton to Victorian. Traditional should dominate. Oriental influences may exert themselves strongly, either in the style - as with turned-bamboo wood spindles - or with lacquered Oriental finishes. Also consider painted landscapes, a Queen Anne table or a Chippendale highboy.

2.  Use primarily wood furniture in the living room - a traditional-style secretary, sideboard, lowboy, bookcase and sofa table. Oak, pine, mahogany and walnut are all popular choices.

3.  Choose soft and cushy sofas, love seats and chairs so that you sink down into the seating - down cushions are ideal. Pillows, rolled arms and slipcovers fit right in, as does floral upholstery in subdued colors.

English Style - Soft and Cushy Chairs source 

English Style - Traditional Shapes and Woodtones source

Traditional Chesterfield Sofa - VERY English!  source

4.  Consider a butler's table or a tea table with pull-out trays for your coffee table. For a more casual look, an old trunk or Chinese chest (carved or lacquered) with a glass top also fits the bill.

5.  Pick end tables from a simple Sheraton, curvaceous Queen Anne or block-front Chippendale style. The tables can be mismatched. A drop-leaf table can be pushed against the wall as a console or look great in a bay window.

6.  Cover windows with floor-length drapes that are loaded with gathers and match some of the upholstery in the room.

English Style - More Casual - source

7.  Anchor the room scheme with a graceful faded and worn Oriental or Aubusson area rug.

8.  Choose knickknacks from Asia, Africa or other parts of the former British Empire. Achieve a look that is pleasantly cluttered. Traditional English collectibles include old china (Oriental-influenced Blue Willow designs are typical), lead crystal, silver and an abundance of framed pictures.

9.  Embellish the mantel with candlesticks, china figurines (possibly Staffordshire dogs), a picture or framed mirror, dried or fresh flowers, and a clock.

English Style - Mantle with Mirror and Clock - source

10.  Light the room with traditional china or metal base lamps

English Style Sofa and Traditional Wallpaper - source

 There is a lot more I could say about English Style Decorating, particularly English Country Style which seems to be its most common, popular example, but these images and ideas are a good start.  I did note in reviewing articles and photos that more and more painted furniture is being added - replacing some of the heavy-looking wooden pieces.  There is also a movement toward more whimsy in the decor and a less serious approach.  I know much of my decorating sense derives from the classic and elegant styles I see here!

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