Tag Archives: Vintage

Eclectic Seating Area

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As you all may know – I’ve been fiending over the Mad Men series.. loving the mid-century designs.  I’m a 60’s child and growing up around some of those items I didn’t pay too much attention but I clearly remember seeing them.  Now that I’m much older I realize the beauty of those pieces.  Makes me want to re-design my home, and since I want to stay alive (the hubby would kill me – lol) .. I’ll just create a dream board.. (until I finally make up  my mind – that is).  I don’t have an full office so I decided to start with a seating area.  I imagine having this space with floor to ceiling windows and a great view.

OB-Chairish Project

Everything you see here is from a website called Chairish.  I love this site because it offers so many different items to choose from.  It’s truly their motto – “Where Design Lovers Buy & Sell”   I had so much fun putting this look together that I believe I’ll be doing more.  I love playing around with different looks, textures, styles and designs.  With the plethora of items Chairish offers, you could really go design-happy-crazy.  I even incorporated a couple of items sold through our Pieces of Time Shop.  To view more of their items, click here to their Mid-Century Modern Collection.  This collection features clean design, beautiful woods like teak, and graphic patterns all combine to make Mid-Century Modern pieces forever classics. With iconic makers such as Adrian Pearsall, Herman Miller and Milo Baughman, fans of this style can easily find vintage couches, used lounge chairs and pre-loved artwork to enhance their interiors.

Let’s look at the items I chose..   I chose this chair because I love the shape and two-tone fabric.  It looks so comfy, makes me want to plop down in them and cross a leg.

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Who doesn’t remember the tension rod lighting… Isn’t this a sweetie with bit of a bohemian flair.  This item is currently listed in Pieces of Time through Chairish.

 

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Next is the credenza.. The sleekness of this piece has a timeless style of appeal.  Perfect for a flat stand TV or

 

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Hang a vintage painting, like this hand painted bridge, over it. Also, sold by Pieces of Time through Chairish

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What home seating area  wouldn’t be complete without a bar area.  I truly like how this can double as space for your bar set and yet you can hide either books, papers (or the good stuff – lol), etc… in the other compartment

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And of course you have to have a complete bar set.. !

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A stylish space also has to have a stylish clock.. And these are making a great comeback (I clearly remember my parents had one of these in their bedroom.. ugggghhhh where is it!!???)

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A sleek coffee table with a few accessories

 

21e74e59-89a4-423b-81b4-12b104ee30a4    34d5c27f-867c-4441-b65f-af480d5a1c1eashtray   Even the ashtrays were stylish back then..I don’t smoke but I’d sure have one just for show.  And with all that light, I’d have to have a few plants and this planter is the perfect one

aff6ebd3-caa0-4c3d-9ffe-87e05ae2932b   I know I probably chose the another decorative piece for the credenza, but being a GoT’er (Game of Thrones) I wanted to throw in the dragons.. (love their fierceness)

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So with all these simple pieces – I created an eclectic seating area for myself.

OB-Chairish Project

I hope you enjoyed my imaginary design I created through Chairish.  Hop over to the site, create one and share it with me.. I’d love to see what you create.  Have fun, go forth and create.. Smooches!

 

Where “Satchmo” Lives

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I have to admit I’ve been in a slump these days – well not a real slump – but just pretty much taking my time, not being rushed or putting myself on time frames.  I’ve been watching The Ken Burns Jazz Series. It’s featured on Netflix and if you get the chance to watch it – I highly recommend it.  As I watched, I reflected back when I had the opportunity to tour the home of Louis Armstrong.  The excitement mixed with anticipation made me feel like “gitty-little” girl waiting to open a present.  I was just completely overwhelmed with joy as we rode to Corona,Queens, NY.  Louis Armstrong was my first introduction to Jazz and I love his music and here I am.. en route to his home.  We pulled up to the two story brick frame and I felt a tingling sensation all the while thinking – “WOW” – (hindsight is 20/20 – I wish I had started my blog back then.. I’d have pictures galore to show you..)  But since I didn’t,  I’m sharing some pictures I pulled from various websites to give you a glimpse of what I saw.

This is Louis Armstrong’s humble abode;

The living room was so finely decorated with embossed wallpaper and trinkets purchased from all over the world where he traveled (I love the artwork!!)

The kitchen equally beautiful, was state of the art for that time period.  I fell in love with the blue enamel kitchen

Take a look at this stunning bathroom.  The ceiling and walls were all mirrored and graced with solid brass fixtures and marble tiles.  This bath was befitting for the king of jazz and one of Louis’s favorite rooms.

The office is where Louis comes alive.  As you enter you’ll hear a recording of his voice in the air.. having conversations.  It was almost as if he was there.  The door you see here leads to the balcony where Louis would go out and serenade the neighborhood… (could you  imagine how awesome that must have been!!) 

The master bedroom, simply exquisite and tastefully decorated with embossed wallpaper and matching blinds

The master bedroom closet was very spacious and uniquely designed.

And this is the adjoining master bath

The garage was converted into a museum and gift shop where you’ll find all his clippings, albums, writings, and Louis’s collectibles.

The King’s prized trumpet rests in it’s case.

Now they offer summer jazz concerts inside his Japenese inspired garden

I never had the opportunity to see him play live in concert, but after taking this tour, I felt that I had connected with the man who revolutionized the beautiful music of “Jazz”.  Leaving the home with eyes moist of joy, my soul had been satisfied.

I hope you enjoyed the quick tour of the lovely home Lucille created for her and Louis.  With the joys, laughter and wonderful music, this is the place where they lived until death did they part.

If you ever have the chance to visit New York, by all means, head over to Corona and take the tour because there’s so much more to see.   You can read more about the house on the museum’s website here and booking a tour here.  Louis Armstrong may be gone, but he’ll never be forgotten.  His legacy of wonderful music was an inspiration to many and will always live.

“He inspired thousands of trumpets, inspired countless vocations, enchanted millions of friends, who quite simply, listend.  For me, he’s the epitome of the kind of American who goes beyond the rules, a truly good and original man”  – Duke Ellington

Pattern Cut

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I really appreciate you following along with me on this slow process.  After cleaning the excess cotton attached to the fabric, it was time to lay the fabric and cut the pattern.  That was easy enough for me.. (given I still have a problem cutting a straight line).   I had plans to start the year totally organized making plans, setting goals.. but the truth is.. I can’t devote every Friday to this project, so I pushed it back to every other.  But.. good news is ..  she assured me we should be finished with the chair in about 3 more classes..( I was like WOW!!)..

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You’re getting a glimpse of the fabric.. (I hope you like it… )

I left there with a bit  more enthusiasm and with another baby step toward an accomplishment.  Linda is an excellent teacher… her patience and understanding is really terrific.  She even handed me my first upholstery book, the staple gun she started with, staples, and guide sheet..

I’ve got studying to do.. and this is about to get real interesting (to me)… For now… Tah-tah!

Lovely Lavender

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Although it’s not Pantone’s color of the year, I’ll say that Lavender remains one of those soothing colors that makes any year a good color for me.  With hues that reminds me of the aromatic scent of wisteria, it simply entices the eyes and create a relaxing effect.  Through its gentleness – it packs a powerful statement in a room.  The softness makes it versatile and blends with almost any color.  When my mom asked me to help her decorate her living room, that was the color that immediately came to mind.  It simply reminds me of her personality.  My mom is a gentle woman who doesn’t speak in high tones but her volume speaks through her softness.  This post showcases her lovely, lavender living room, designed on a dime…featuring vintage re-styled furniture.  Welcome to Mommy’s house…

The furniture pieces are vintage french provincial items that have been loving restored.   All of which came from yard sales, thrift stores and roadside finds. The pair of chairs were purchased from a moving sale for $40.00.  I had them re-upholstered with this lovely lavender damask fabric.

The upholsterer did an absolutely a fantastic job making them new again.  Completely tufted and well cushioned, these chairs are so comfortable.

Her sofa, purchased at the same moving sale for $50.00, was upholstered in an ultra-suede deep plum. This sofa was a true bargain (the cushion is 100% goose down feather stuffed)  and completely comfortable.

With catching fabric on sale, buying the furniture and paying the upholsterer, her set was under $500.00.  The frame for this artwork was a flea market find for $25.00.  The lithograph by artist Ellen Powell-Tiberino, was professionally matted.

The ottoman – another yard sale find for $5.00 – reupholstered using leftover fabric from another job was an added bonus with the complete set.

Her coffee table – found as is – on the street…(it was great night of bulk day hunting treasures) $0.00

It was a miracle finding all these pieces (made of fruitwood) in such great shape but at different times.  You know my motto – Patience is a virtue..  eventually it’ll turn up..

The space is accented with vintage crystal candy dishes, thrifted candle holders and other thrifty finds to create the finished look.

Visiting mom is always a joy, and her living room gives everyone a welcome feeling.  Her heart is just as sweet as the candy she keeps the candy dishes  🙂 .   Since I welcomed you into her home, I’d like to introduce you to my Mom… (picture taken 2 years ago when we celebrated her 75th birthday and I love this picture- she was so surprised)

By looking at her, do you think her living room reflects her style….   🙂

 

 

 

 

Chair Me Up!

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Well I’ve had a good long weekend and it’s back to the ole drawing board.. as the DD commercial says.. it’s time to make the doughnuts” as I drag myself out of bed.   I always reflect back to when I first saw this piece of art that reminded me sooooo much of myself on Monday mornings.  It’s called Blue Monday by Annie Lee.  You can see more of her artwork here.

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I hope I’m not the only one who has this feeling on Monday (Tuesday, Wednesday,Thursday & Friday) mornings.. chuckles..I’m just kidding …   Ok, ok… moving along… It’s been a while since I’ve posted something for my Monday Makeover and I’m excited to show you this one.  Over the years, I’ve met quite a few chairs that I hold dear to me and this is one..well… was one that I’ve waited quite a while to do anything with.  When I first saw Clarissa.. (that’s the name I gave her… means gentle) – I know – call me crazy.. but I’ve come quite attached to some of the objects around the house and I figure since they’re in the family then why not name some of them.. chuckles..  My husband just shook his head when I said meet Clarissa..( in other words.. I’ve gone coo-coo for coco puffs..) LOL!!  Well if an artist can give his paintings names.. then how come I can’t give my furniture names.. right??  Ok.. now.. when I first saw Clarissa, she was a poor lost soul – very gentle and delicate.  She had been left unattended and stripped of her cloth baring her insides waiting to be covered up.  I could tell she was once a beautiful creature, gracing a lavish home (at least that’s what I imagine).  Her curves were none like I’ve ever seen in my travels and I really wanted her.  She belonged to a dear elderly antique dealer/friend name Joyce,  who kept her for a very long time waiting to get her repaired.  Joyce had so many beautiful chairs and she kept saying she’ll have it done eventually.  Well sad story is that Joyce never did have her done and unfortunately she’s ill and would not ever see her again.  I held onto this chair since her illness tucked away in my storage.  I finally decided to take her out and bring her back to life ..   Here she is ..

Just a s shell of her was all that was left.. I can’t imagine how someone could mistreat such a beautiful object.

Judging by her stuffing – of cotton and horse hair – she was made in the early 1900’s – so this chair has been around roughly 100+ years.

But I guess considering her age, it’s a blessing she’s still standing.. (God knows I probably won’t be standing at 100 years – chuckles).  I pulled her out of storage and made up my mind to finally get her done.  It is her time to shine again and grace the home of a loving owner – ME!   And here she is.. Meet the NEW Clarissa

I tried to save the bird fabric on the back but it was too damaged and dry rot.

I even searched for a fabric with a bird backdrop but couldn’t find anything pleasing to my satisfaction.   I just decided to go with a patterned back and a solid ultra-suede (although it was velvet on her before)

All in all – I’m very pleased with her new look

If chairs really had souls – I think she’d be smiling at her new look and pleased to feel back at home

Welcome Home Clarissa!!

Glad to have you join us!  I’m sure if Joyce could see her she would love her.  I hope you all are pleased with Clarissa’s new look as much as I am.. and if so.. holla at your girl!   Happy Monday and enjoy the rest of your week..  Smooches