Showing posts with label Antiques. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Antiques. Show all posts

Monday, March 29, 2010

Warrenton Warriors

We went, we saw, we CONQUERED! (and yes, I'm still in gestation mode)
To be honest, my expectations for the excursion were low for a few reasons:
a) We only planned to shop for 2-3 hours (you could easily commit 2-3 DAYS to covering this, and the surrounding antiques festivals)
b) We had Mini-Me in tow. (need I explain?)
c) We had Me (waddling, water-retaining, dilated, Me)

On top of all that, the last couple of times we've been to Warrenton, it seems we see the same 'ol stuff, over and over. It's one of those places where the wind blows in a trend, and EVERYONE seems to hop on it. Since we're attempting to outfit Mary's semi-formal living room in a way that appears it's been culled over the course of years, not weeks, we certainly don't want a lot of look-a likes.

Having prefaced with all that, I'm thrilled to report it was one of the most successful trips we've ever had! You know how shopping karma often works: when you're looking for something in particular (for us, a coffee table, as well as unique accessories), you never find it, but when you have no shopping goals, you find everything you love.

Perhaps we had beginner's luck, as it was Mary's first trip to the antiques festival, but we found an awesome coffee table for her at the very first booth we stalked. Can you say, Done and DONE!?! After that, everything else was just icing on the proverbial cake!

There were also several new vendors carrying a unique selection of wares. Most said they were based out of Atlanta, so thank you, Peachtree natives, for sharing the shopping love!

Quite a bit of Swedish, Belgian/Industrial-Chic was on display... Giant angel wings as statement art? Yes, please!
Half-way reasonably priced Mora clocks and tons upon tons of demijohns. (I especially loved the giant bottles converted to lamps)
If only I had a great bar or table to surround with these fab industrial stools.
One of the new vendors whose booth I could've done a lot of damage in, had I a way to get anything back to Brazil. Check out that terribly impractical gorgeous, white settee! Or that jade green little bureau! Mix those in with some non-trad pieces, and you've got one hell of an interesting space!

There's Mrs. Mary, the Lady who's mission we accomplished (oh, and a linen and nailhead chair-and-a-half my Mom was drooling over!)
Well, what d'ya know - we even ran into my cousin, Lindsey and GF's! Linds is in the first trimester of her first pregnancy, so we had to take a requisite Belly Shot.
And then a fam pic: Mini-Me, Preggo Pumpkin, Linds, and Mom
And, at last, the pièce de résistance: the coffee table. Kind of a strange pic, as they were still unloading the booth, and had random things stacked, but that's it in all it's industrial, zinc-topped glory! It's the perfect foil to Mary's french-ish settee, and works amazingly with the cowhide! Can ya picture it? Then, hold that thought and stay tuned, because this room is shaping up nicely!

Friday, March 26, 2010

It's ON!

With a forecast like this, I simply CANNOT resist making the roadtrip to Warrenton!
Promise of pics, and a full recap on Monday. See ya then!

Thursday, October 1, 2009

Round Top Recap

There was no way I was leaving Texas without a quick pit-stop at my favorite antiques festival. Last Wednesday saw the beginning of "preview week" - now known to we, mere mortals, as the "just-try-to-beat-the-designers/dealers-to-the-good-stuff" week.
We went to a few different areas/booths than we usually hit, and I can't even tell you how much the "new" Restoration look was raging. All Belgian-look, crazy-industrial, I-want-one-of-each, please kind of stuff!
One of the first places we hit was a booth owned by Houston-based design duo and publishers, Dot Dimiero and Dana Aichler (Design District). Everything was uh-ma-zing! HUGE mirrors with killer patina, zinc tables, unbelievable lights hardware and furniture, and interesting collections of sea life poised under glass cloches.
Funny thing was, each time I went to check a price, there either wasn't a tag at all, or it was marked "Sold." I eavesdropped on the booth manager's convo to hear him say a Japanese designer had come in the day before, and bought up about 75% of his stock - he was just getting around to "tagging and consolidating" all the purchases. Seventy-five percent?! How DARE she snatch up all those goodies! Doesn't she know it's all about "spreading the wealth" these days? ;)

Nearby booths, filled with similar yummies. Can your eye stop on just one thing? Mine couldn't, but I did love those giant spools, all thrown together. And that ginormous Palladian mirror in the background would certainly see some love from me - if I had an equally grandiose space!
This sculpture made of grapevine doesn't read well on film, but it's so very unique - would add tons of texture to an otherwise "flat" room. My mom and sister snagged similar versions at the Spring festival last year. Maybe one day I'll "borrow" one!
Some of the (few) smaller decorative items - I was photographing primarily to have the metal stands copied!
My friend, Carrie, spied these canvas cloths stamped with french iconography (I couldn't resist the crown, below). We both plan to turn them into pillows. A bunch of ladies were in the process of culling together their choices to request a "bulk discount." It was fun to see the feeding frenzy brewing over these things - crazy!
Another grapevine (or some sort of vine) item - this time a clever chandy - me likey - but me likey the loveseat it sat on even more!
Are ya'll ready for the holidays, yet? Check out these oh-so-Martha displays
Despite the blistering heat (so much for Fall in South Texas!), we did manage a couple of successful snags: First, a man leaving the area drove by us, and offered us two of these tray-style baskets - for Free!
I've been wanting one for awhile, so I was happy to jump on the offer. We told him he'd done his Good Deed for the Day! (Yes, I still need some styling help with mine!)

My second treasure was this pair of 1940's Aladdin lamps for Avery's room. They are milkglass, but I'm thrilled to see they've actually got a blush hue to them. They're in great condition, and I can't wait to get them matched up with the perfect shades.
Funny, I actually bought TWO sets of lamps for Avery's room - we were on our way out, and I spied a pair of pink, frosted-glass lamps - they lady offered the pair for $20, so I couldn't pass them up. Then, we literally turned the corner and spied these, which are perfect, and more of what I envisioned for her nightstand. A little price haggling with the dealer, and they were carefully packed for their voyage to Brazil. When you find something that's Just Right, you just gotta go for it!!

So glad to be back - missed ya'll!!!

Thursday, June 18, 2009

Getting Back from the Getaway

I'm still recovering from all the hustle required to get away for a few days' vacay. You know that feeling, right? Of returning to your "normal" routine, and feeling a little out-of-sorts - at least until regular toddler sleep schedules resume, and all the laundry is done? That's me today.

So, please bear with me a few more days....When I return, I truly DO hope to have some serious "after" shots of Aunt's bathroom.

Oh! Have to tell you...stopped by HomeGoods in San Antonio on my way home yesterday and about HYPERVENTILATED over all the cute stuff they have in stock! I bought a lamp for said Aunt's bathroom - great price, too, so I was charmed. But, my mood turned sour when I saw my Z Gallerie foo dogs there - For $30 each (yep, that's 1/2 of what I paid) So, if you like them - run Forrest Run to your nearest Homegoods store!

Anyway...had an amazing time with family and friends relaxing at the Guadalupe River - here's a visual recap...

My baby girl finally got a taste of River life, and really showed no fear. I grew up swimmin' this area, so I was very tickled to see her do the same!
First, testing out her river shoes at the low-water crossing (with the help of Mr. Scott)
Then, we took to the tubes (no, I don't color-coordinate my daughter's life vest to my get-up - total co-in-ki-dink!)

My friend, Carrie and I were able to sneak in a quick girls' shopping trip
We hit a darling children's store to scope out the goods - since Carrie & Scott are expecting their third kiddo - good excuse, huh?! There wasn't anything we couldn't live without...
But, Avery can't say the same...

It was quite a different story for me when we hit the Antique Co-op. I was itching for these blanc de chine figures... Six hundred smackaroos for the pair - Why do I have to have such good taste? ;)
This pair of cockatoos were more in my price range - and I rarely see a parrot I don't like - but, then there's the issue of shipping them back to Brazil...Oh, and my already-overspent budget!
So....I had to settle for the scene of days well-spent...
...Which is really much more soul-pleasing in the first place. See ya'll soon!

Friday, May 29, 2009

An Industrial Chic Lament

I know, I know...everybody and their pooch has blogged about the "it" style of Industrial Chic. I hate to beat a dead design horse, but all the cool images of rustic, metal and a bit rough-around-the-edges furniture has put me in a wistful mood...

A few months back, Ben's family was sorting through the estate of his recently-deceased grandparents. Besides the obvious sadness that comes along with such a task, there's also a lot of sentimental AND logistical debate - Should we keep this? Does anyone have a particular fondness for this? Do we have room for this? Are we being cruel to the memory of our loved ones if we part with this? It was grueling work - physically and mentally - to sort through a lifetime.
One of the things Ben really hoped to keep was a pair of his Grandfather's work stools. They were worn, and dusty, and had been a part of his Grandfather's tool, tinkering, and repair area. They were fantastic. Alas, Ben's uncle also desired the stools - and rather than split them up, Ben relinquished his bid on them. So long awesome stools. At least they remained in the family...
Needless to say, whenever I show Ben pics of killer "industrial chic" stools, he laments his decision...but that's him - selfless - just like his Grandfather.... As for me, I can do without amazing old stools so long as I get to keep my great guy (but that won't keep me from oohing and aahing whenever I see them!) Here's some cool IC looks for ya!

My fave is the rustic+glam combo


Whenever there's vintage, french cafe chairs in play, I sit up and take notice!PB has bought the license for the original, Trolix design ... at $225 a pop, I think I'll stick to vintage originals...

This guy's the Real Deal, from Marsh Garden Decor
Also, if you're in the market for some SERIOUSLY authentic Industrial goodies, be sure to check out Get Back Inc.

I think I could work here...
via apartment therapy
You don't have to forgo casual-beachy for this look...
via Country Living
RH goes industrial chic: The Refined Version
I'm eyeballin' this bookshelf big time - really wanting something for our book storage that doesn't feel hulking, but also isn't too dainty - THIS would work in a heartbeat!
via latrunkshow

Thursday, March 19, 2009

Trendspotting: Samovars

I love samovars - you know, a large (typically) silver urn with a spigot? Traditionally, they are used to boil water for tea making. I think they are beautiful...

I found one a few years ago - a steal at an antique co-op. So, how tickled have I been to see them popping up as a new "It" kitchen accessory?!
House Beautiful
Crazy, crazy about this HB kitchen mix of natural elements and glamorous marble - really turns the silver samovar into an eye-catching piece of kitchen jewelry!

You may not be able to tell in this pic of a Kelly McGuill Home design, but this kitchen has two!
kitchen by Tim Clarke
I doubt they'll go the way of Kitchenaid mixers or Dualit toasters in terms of iconic kitchen gadgets, but what's wrong with a little shimma' near your stove?