{Home} Old Mother Hubbard went to the cupboard…

17 Thursday Nov 2011

Posted by Karen B. in Antiques, Collections & Accessories, Decorating

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There is something a little magical about a chippy, old cupboard that sparks the imagination as to what it might hold. Even if there’s not a biscuit for Mother Hubbard’s poor old dog.

Same goes for a glass front, antique/reclaimed wood/vintage/ reproduction cupboard, with smartly arranged items, that provides a room with additional eye candy that can peak curiosity.

via heirloom philosophy

via Martha Stewart

When it comes to my own home, I have a couple of antique “cupboards” in my dining room (I’m using the term loosely since I believe most would refer to my cupboards as a side board and china cupboard. I am always excited to see a great cupboard and find myself trying to figure out where I can put one just like it in one of my already amply furnished rooms. I usually walk away when it dawns on me that the only way there would be room for a new cupboard would be for me to do without some of the essential pieces of furniture, like sofa, bed, chest of drawers.

Sorry, unknown. I think it was a High Point photo

via the talented Miss Mustard Seed

via Stone Gable

via Brabourne Farm

One of my friends, Gretchen, has a large piece of furniture that almost takes up an entire wall of her dining room. It is a reproduction but truly mimics a great antique, and the best part…it houses nearly all of her various sets of dishes and serving pieces. {we share this addiction to dishes} I am smitten with this piece and would be thrilled to have it in my home, it just wouldn’t fit. C’est la vie!

The cupboard below reminds me of Gretchen’s cupboard in size…the finish on Gretchen’s is a more refined, furniture finish and each cupboard row has glass front doors.

via beach bungalow8 (Emerson House)

Since I’m a collector of all patterns of dishes I think there is some practicality to this type of cupboard…I could get to my various dish patterns, depending on the season. This cupboard (left) appears to be built into the wall. Very space saving.

I like the display in this cupboard, there’s order and artistic appeal.

via House Beautiful

Below, Joan of for the love of a house blog, placed this glass front cupboard in her reading room and filled it with treasures she’s collected through the years. An interesting display always entices me and I want to know the story behind the collection.

via for the love of a house

via House and Garden

via White Ironstone Cottage

This cupboard is on the end of a kitchen cabinet and makes perfect sense in light of it’s contents, the glass shelves and the glass back that allows the window to shine through the cupboard. Very clever, Martha!

via Martha Stewart

The cupboard in my kitchen does double duty as our pantry and holds a small display of silver and pewter items as well as a few favorite pieces of pottery.

Do you like cupboards? What do you use them for in your home.

I’m off to Austin tomorrow to join Kyle (Son #1) and Jamie (daughter-in-law) in celebrating Olivia’s (granddaughter) first birthday!

{Home, Party} Yes, sir! Military ~ Crests ♥

15 Tuesday Nov 2011

Posted by Karen B. in Antiques, Collections & Accessories, Family

≈ 2 Comments

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crests, military

I’ve always liked antique and/or vintage military memorabilia. Not guns and such, but metals and ribbons, antique engravings of soldiers, dress uniforms and nutcrackers.

My father was in the Marines and served in Korea. His uniform always seemed so beautifully detailed and I loved the shiny buttons on it as a child. While the moths ultimately got the better of his dress uniform, I still have the buttons.

Recently I discovered a blog site that inspired me to write about my interest. Hollister Hovey, which I found thanks to Jennings & Gates: Notes from a Virginia Country House (it was on their blog roll that led me to Hollister Hovey).

via Hollister Hovey

Growing up my family went to see most of the popular war-themed movies and Bridge Over the River Kwai, The Great Escape and Patton were favorites. I still love the theme music from Bridge Over the River Kwai!

photo Bettmann/Corbis Sir Alec Guinness; Bridge Over the River Kwai, 1957

George C. Scott; Patton

Disney’s Babes in Toyland was another favorite movie with soldiers, albeit “toy” soldiers. I was/am a huge Disney movie fan and as a young adult I worked at Disneyland, which only served to reinforce my fondness of their movies (and meeting my husband while working there certainly sealed the deal).

Later the Nutcracker ballet became a favorite story. As a family we read Nutcracker, E.T.A Hoffman’s 1816 story as translated by Ralph Manheim and illustrated by Maurice Sendak during the month of December. I collect nutcrackers.

photo Alliance HB Verlag/Johann Scheibner

I married a special services retired officer and his patriotism and respect for the uniform has perpetuated my fondness for the discipline and decorum associated with the military.

via New York Public Library

via Velvet & Linen, Highpoint

Having lived through the Viet Nam era of the draft and having 2 sons I can honestly say, I was happy they had the option of serving (they did not serve).

My first trip abroad was to London with my husband in 1985…who doesn’t love the military uniforms of that country? For a short time Kevin (son #2) collected British, metal, toy soldiers. I’ve seen collections of toy soldiers that are impressive and add to the decor of a room.

photo by Duncan Hannah

photo by Duncan Hanna

There have been some wonderful rooms designed by Charles Faudree with Napoleonic themes and I’ve always liked the Ralph Lauren rooms that reflect a bit of military with the accents or crests.

Elle Decor

via Southern Accents

via Hollister Hovey

There’s even a blog site where the author clearly has a passion for a famous military figure…

My Napoleon Obsession

What do you think? Do any of your share my interest in military memorabilia or crests? Does your family have a crest?

{Home} It’s a man’s world

13 Thursday Oct 2011

Posted by Karen B. in Antiques, Collections & Accessories, Decorating, Designer, Fall Entertaining and Decorations, Family

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Ralph Lauren, tailored

I am often drawn to what some would call masculine lines of design, cars are one example. As a teenager I was into cars, I assume it was my generation and growing up in Southern California. My high school parking lot was filled with cars such as the ’57 Chevy and Pontiac GTO. Nothing as cool as the cars above!

Ralph Lauren Brookfield collection

In fashion the “preppy” trend captured my comfort zone and I’ve dressed in fairly tailored clothing ever since. (Am I beginning to sound dull or overly masculine?) I am definitely girly in lots of ways, but where design is concerned I truly love fairly tailored lines. This hasn’t always been the case. There was a time in the 80’s when cabbage rose chintz and even pink walls were the look, but after raising 2 sons and living with a guy’s guy husband, I’ve made the transition.

Pamela Pierce

After I was married I noticed that I leaned towards a more “gentleman’s club” style decor. I like English country style and even though that style (at one time) included flowery chintz fabrics, it was the warm oak paneling and barley twist legs of a table that captured my attention. On my first trip to England we frequented pubs and cafes that were the very epitome of what I would call a masculine-looking design style.

via House to Home

via Elle Decor

via New Victorian Ruralist (Natasha Louise King)

A few years back I purchased an antique pair of antlers that, for me, add to the warm, English decor that I love. I’ve noticed an increased use of antlers in beautifully designed rooms, and while I know and understand the reason some people find it disgusting to display dead animal parts of any kind (for the record, I couldn’t hunt a furry creature if my survival depended on it), I must say I think it’s a nice accent!

via Traditional Home

via Elle Decor

via For the Love of a House

Ralph Lauren seems to capture the ideal “masculine” look with his rooms and lifestyle accessories. Maybe it’s a look that some would identify as an upper crust, blue-blood, tailored, thoroughbred, East coast vibe. In any event, I’m in Southern California and I’m on board with the look.

Ralph Lauren Brookfield collection

I’ve linked up with No Minimalist Here today, visit her site, it’s wonderful

What are your go-to styles for life? Is it a “man’s world” or are we just letting them think it is!

{Garden Home and Party} Fall installment #2

29 Thursday Sep 2011

Posted by Karen B. in Collections & Accessories, Designer, Fall Entertaining and Decorations, Food

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fall

By now, hopefully you’ve invited fall into your home and heart! You’ve gotten into the spirit of the season and maybe grudgingly admitted that the fresh, crisp air invigorates you.

via Ralph Lauren

Maybe you’ve started a good book and have plans for many cozy weekends relaxing in front of the fire with said book.

via Under Spanish Moss

Maybe you’ve decided to spend your fall season in Europe…me too! {I wish}.

Maybe a trip to Napa Valley, California is in the cards. What a beautiful time of the year to head up there. If you go, email me and I’ll send you some information on some of my favorite wineries and shopping.

Maybe you’re taking long walks down a country lane…boy, do I ever wish our “lane” looked like this!

Whatever fall has in store for you, I wish you all of the seasons best and I hope you are enjoying this time, a favorite of mine!

{Home and Party} Trays, a versatile obsession

22 Thursday Sep 2011

Posted by Karen B. in Antiques, Collections & Accessories, Decorating, Entertaining, Personal Information

≈ 7 Comments

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trays

There is something about trays that has always interested me. I have friends that love and collect chairs, perpetual calendars, bronze figures and oil paintings and while I love a great chair as much as the next avid collector, trays rate right up there with my other obsessions {any kind of pottery or china that strikes my fancy as well as boxes of all kinds}.

The two images below are from one of my favorite blog sites French Kissed. If you haven’t visited Jermaine at FK you should, all of her photography captures the essence of an inviting home and she always tells a wonderful story…Jermaine, thank you for always inspiring me!

via French Kissed

Things just showcase better on a tray…especially “smalls” as antique dealers call the little treasures that truly make a home.

I believe I initially became interested when I was given a footed silver tray by my mother in law. It was relatively old and I loved the details of the pattern as well as the fact that it was footed. I later watched antique stores for English oak trays but usually had to pass on purchasing them due to the price…this was several years ago and now I could kick myself that I didn’t splurge and pick one up because they have doubled in price.

via eBay

Silver trays, such as the sterling tray above can cost some serious coin, but there are some wonderful trays at consignment stores and antique stores that mimic this look and may only be silver plate and still offer character and a vehicle for showcasing accessories or serving from.

via adventures of tartanscot, SMW designs

via house beautiful

via better homes and garden

I’m always drawn to the wide variety of ways a tray can be used. From doubling as a hard surface on a large ottoman substituting as a coffee table, to a venue for featuring small antiques and decorative items on a shelf or buffet.

These antique money trays were featured on WUSLU, they sell a variety of unique items but when they’re gone, they’re gone.

via traditional home

I recently posted HERE about the tray I made with a basic glass insert (that my frame guy made for me) so that I could use some toile wallpaper that we covered with bead board…you’ll have to read the post. The good news is that this tray which I purchased from Home Goods can now be made to work for any season or color scheme I choose by simply cutting the fabric or paper to fit and refitting the tray with the glass. Fun, right?

via west elm

via pottery barn

Straw or woven trays look great on a table or standing up as a backdrop for a kitchen counter. There is something so timeless about a great straw basket tray.

via restoration hardware

via brabourne farm

mary eriksson

The above tray looks like it might be an old soda crate, the use of it on a desk as an organizational display is very creative.

unknown

Are those Hermes boxes stacked on the simple, black tray? Very nice! I could see Jo Malone boxes used this way too.

via old painted cottage

This vignette of old silver utensils and tray look very nice in front of the bead board back splash.

Do you have any trays you are especially fond of?

{Home} In-house vignettes

15 Thursday Sep 2011

Posted by Karen B. in Collections & Accessories, Decorating, Renovating

≈ 3 Comments

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vignettes

As I’ve said before, decorative accessories are a weakness of mine. I pare down in the spring and summer months and seem to want more on display in the fall and winter. In any event, I find the “icing” on a room to draw me in and I always enjoy re-doing a space where just the right vignette can give me a little lift with the change {it’s always the little things isn’t it?}.

Some of my favorite blog sites excel at excellent vignettes such as French Kissed, Vignette Design, and for the love of a house.

via French Kissed

via Vignette Designs

I have a couple of areas in my house that always stump me, vignette/accessories speaking. The end of the bar in our kitchen, the bay window in the kitchen and the shelf over the kitchen desk are 3 areas that I find need to be changed regularly. Sometimes I want a change due to the season, but I confess, restlessness with the way something looks is part of it too. The shelf over our sofa in our family room also came under some decor scrutiny this past weekend and it received a change as well. Hey, I was on a roll, what can I say?

The above was one of my past vignettes for the bar.

Over Labor Day weekend I decided to “start off fall cleaning”. I removed everything from the shelf over the sofa in the family room to give the existing Toby jugs a good cleaning and to dust the cob webs from the space. (I know, that’s a terrible admission, but its a fact, we get cob webs). Clearing the decks really can give you new perspective and open up the doors of creativity. Hubby and I both thought maybe it was time to store the Toby jugs and maybe re-purpose some of my nick-knacks, as hubby likes to call them.

This is the shelf above our family room sofa, up until the past weekend it had a collection of Royal Dalton Toby jugs and books. We were tired of that arrangement and re-purposed some of the “smalls” I had hanging around in storage areas of the house. When you have the ‘bug’ to change things it helps to have a stash of treasures you can draw from! {note to self: too bad the heater vent is white, need to think about painting that the wall color}

Here is the left side of the shelf above the sofa. The antique scale has visited several areas of my home, including the bar. I pray there’s no earthquakes to send it toppling down on our heads!

Here are the other spaces I re-arranged this past weekend.

Barley twist is a favorite of mine and this footed barley twist cake stand (or whatever it was originally intended for} seemed to elevate my wooden ivy planter to just the right level for a traditional English vignette.

Not sure this is making my heart sing, but I’ll keep working on this spot on the bar…certainly something will inspire me soon.

This is the lower bookshelf in the shelves above the kitchen desk. Being such an accessories nut I chose to restrict the cookbooks to the top shelf only…that way I can put some little nick-knacks on this shelf, like the antique pewter butter dish and my pewter topped dog-cookie canister…doggies are very appreciative.

Do you like to change things from time to time, maybe only for the season change, but it does make things interesting, don’t you think?

{Home}One man’s minimalism is another man’s scarcity

18 Monday Jul 2011

Posted by Karen B. in Antiques, Collections & Accessories, Decorating, Personal Information

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accessories

I stumbled upon this lovely website, Blue Pool Road, [HERE] of photographer and award-winning designer (former art director for Martha Stewart, New York), Peggy Wong. I began to wonder why some of us are minimalists of a sort who prefer clean lines and spare space and why some of us (moi) love to have stuff around us. Is it something we are born with? Kind of like my dish disease. I love a variety of dishes and could buy more if it weren’t for the fact that I simply have no additional room for them.

(Above images by William Waldron via Elle Decor)

The above may not even be considered truly minimalist, but compared to what I like…you be the judge.

Since I fall into the latter description it’s easy for me to show you the rooms I love, often filled to the rafters with wonderful accessories and furniture. Not clutter, just interesting, old items that give you a sense of history. I can appreciate clean lines intellectually, but I find I must have my favorite accessories around me for it to truly feel like HOME.

I’ve rarely met a basket I didn’t like.

The images above and just below are vignettes arranged by one of my favorite bloggers and stylists, Jermaine of French Kissed

If there is any place in my house where I appreciate a more minimalist approach it’s within my cupboards and drawers. I love it when a closet or drawer feels under-filled. You are able to find things much easier and for me that provides a satisfying contentment and that makes me very happy.

I love this room and it is pretty sparse, maybe I could be more of a minimalist than I originally thought!

Just don’t take away my decorative stuff. The plants, candles, books, antique odds and ends that I’ve scoured the dust filled antique store for, and find essential to my well-being. {Maybe not literally, but you know what I mean if you enjoy antique accessories as much as I do}.

So tell me, be honest, are you more a minimalist or a accessories fan?

{Home}Have a fun-filled 4th of July

01 Friday Jul 2011

Posted by Karen B. in Collections & Accessories, Decorating, Entertaining, Family, Holiday/Seasonal cooking, Outdoor living, Party Planning, Traditions

≈ 4 Comments

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4th of July

With the upcoming 3-day holiday {I hope you all have at least 3 days off} I wanted to wish all of you wheel barrel’s full of fun and good eats! Here are a few images to inspire you if you haven’t decorated for the holiday yet…or just feel like perusing some patriotic rooms.

Image via Content in a Cottage

I have always considered Independence Day the “kick-off” day of summer. I used to work at Disneyland and the 4^th was always crowded at the park and since Disneyland had a nightly fireworks display, that rivals most, the crowds were out in mass.

These cupcakes could be a box mix with a simple frosting, adding the berries make them look so festive and delicious!

Image via Martha Stewart

This is wallpaper but doesn’t it look cool?

photo by Christopher Baker

photo by Victoria Pearson

photo by Christopher Baker

photo by Tria Giovan

God bless America! We are truly fortunate to live in this country, despite it’s challenges.

Enjoy the holiday with your family and friends!

Pull up a chair, have a seat

06 Monday Jun 2011

Posted by Karen B. in Antiques, Collections & Accessories, Decorating

≈ 7 Comments

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chairs

Chairs are common in homes today but it was only during the Renaissance period (early 16^th century) that the chair became a standard item of furniture for anyone who could afford to buy it.

This cozy setting is inviting and as an professed anglophile, I love the union jack rug. The chairs look plush and comfortable!

This Chelsea wing chair from Williams-Sonoma Home is beautiful. I believe the nails are silver plated and the legs are black {sigh}…alas, with dogs and a cat I don’t think I could manage to keep it white for very long.

I love the two French chairs along with the wicker chest. Cote de Texas

My dear friend Carla loves ♥ chairs. She admits it’s a weakness, I wouldn’t agree with her and you wouldn’t either if you saw how her chairs contribute to the design and comfort of her lovely home. This one’s for you Carla…

A Country Farmhouse (image (left) Tracery Interiors (image right)

The above chairs are two ends of a spectrum, the sweet, simple wooden chair in the garden with a lilac infused back drop and the French side chair in the raise-paneled entry. I love them both.

Most of us have particular tastes and likes where chair design is concerned and today, because I’m sitting in a chair, at my desk, trying to come up with a blog post idea, I’m going to share some chairs I really like…

Image Dan Carithers via(Veranda or Traditional Home, sorry, can’t remember which)

What I think is wonderful about interior design today is the chairs in Dan Carither’s living room (above) can just as comfortably serve in the kitchen (below) designed by the Atlanta designer.

Kitchen designed by Dan Carithers.

The chairs above could just as easily be comfortable in a living room or library as the dining room they adorn— Pamela Pierce designed room.

This is Randy Boyd’s fabulous dining room…love the toile chairs and nail head studs. More about Randy Boyd can be found HERE.

This is the Plantation Wing chair from Crate & Barrel…I could see this anywhere in the house, including a covered patio.

This is another Pamela Pierce design. Isn’t it pretty? It’s covered in linen, very comfortable and so suitable for French influenced design.

Love these wicker chairs which are sold at Pottery Barn or Cost Plus World Market. I would use them indoors or out.

Antique chairs via Veranda (a Saladino feature). They are probably not extremely comfortable but would add interest to an entry or flanking a dining room piece.

Light industrial with an appealing design going for it. Interested in buying? visit HERE

There is nothing quite like the French cafe chair. (Image via Brabourne Farm)

Food just tastes better served in a setting such as this.

Lastly…there’s the rocking chair. Whether indoors or outdoors, a rock is always soothing.

Do you have a favorite chair at home? Are you addicted to chairs?

I have a crush on Williams Sonoma

03 Friday Jun 2011

Posted by Karen B. in Collections & Accessories, Entertaining, Personal Information

≈ 6 Comments

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Kitchen essentials

Can you have a crush on someone you’ve never met?

Chuck, as he’s called by his friends, started Williams-Sonoma in 1956 selling professional and restaurant quality kitchenwares for home use.

Since my post about kitchens was just day before yesterday, I thought I’d fill the kitchen with dream accessories while that part of the home is fresh on your mind. This post is for you my dear friend, Linda… a faithful reader of my ramblings and always comments

When I think of kitchens I think of food, and when I think of food I think of cooking…with All-Clad pans. It took me many years and many lousy pans to figure out that where pans are concerned you pretty much get what you pay for. All-Clad isn’t inexpensive but they are the last pans you’ll ever buy

Specifically with Williams-Sonoma accessories and gadgets that make your job of cooking easier, your kitchen look good, and are just so slick you are certain you “need” one of the _____________[fill in the blank].

I happened to pick this (grill pan) up during one of Williams-Sonoma’s All-Clad sales—I highly recommend it, it cooks meats almost better than the outdoor grill!

Charles E. Williams visited France in 1953 and fell in love with French kitchenware, especially copper cookware. Upon his return to America he settled in Sonoma, California and began importing French cookware.

This is my all time favorite knife…Wusthof Santoku knife and sharpener. It never looses its edge, in fact you have to be careful that you don’t slice your finger off!

Once he opened his store he made customer service a priority and along with a talent for savvy marketing, Williams-Sonoma became a destination. His first catalog was published sometime after he relocated his store to San Francisco in 1971…and the rest, as they say, is history.

I don’t personally own this set but I’ve always thought these would be a handy tool for prep work.

Since my kitchen is on the small side, especially where storing too many kitchen gadgets I try to stick to the necessities. Sometimes that presents a challenge when the new Williams-Sonoma catalog comes with it’s excellent images of hard to resist goodies.

These are my favorite towels…they have lasted for years before needing replacement.

These glasses have such an European flair…I love the look of them and the next time I have to replace glassware I’m hoping the Siena glasses are still available.

Son #1 and his lovely wife and my darling granddaughter bought this tablecloth for me for Mother’s Day…can’t wait to dine alfresco and use it on our patio table.

Aren’t these great…they are new to Williams-Sonoma and I know they would look so nice on the patio table this summer.

This is another new item at WS…It looks a little old to me and I think it would look great with fresh lemons and limes, what do you think?

Williams-Sonoma now carries a great selection of herbs and spices. I’ve heard that the Pure Maple Flakes are amazingly tasty.

I’ve heard from enthusiasts that a mandoline is essential, I don’t have one but I do like what it can do.

I know this probably seems like a “gadget” you can live without, and I’m certain you can but I must say, it’s one of my favorite things in the kitchen. If you like grilled sandwiches you will love a panini. I think you can prepare sandwiches that are a complete meal with this thing.

I’m going to finish with dessert—the Emile-Henry pie plate is one best pie plates ever. I’m hungry for cherry pie a’ la mode!

I promise I’m not a Williams-Sonoma spokesperson, although I’d certainly be open to an offer! I just happen to like the quality and variety they offer the home cook. Do you have a particular gadget that you can’t live without?